AIMS International announced the election of Rob Gavel to its board of directors, effective April 1, 2025. Gavel, president of LJM & Associates and owner of GCS Safety, brings 17 years of industry experience to the board. He succeeds departing member Dr. Kathryn Woodcock of Toronto Metropolitan University, who served on the board since April 2019. AIMS and the board thank Dr. Woodcock for her years of dedication and service.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to take this opportunity to welcome Rob Gavel to the AIMS Board,” said Board President Pat Hoffman. “Rob has devoted countless hours teaching at AIMS seminars and representing us at AIMS-On-The-Road events. His background as a Maryland state ride inspector and current role as owner of LJM ride inspection services position him to share knowledge and talent that will certainly benefit the board and the amusement industry.”
“I’m thrilled to join the AIMS Board of Directors,” said Gavel. “Sharing best practices, industry collaboration, and ongoing education are pillars of amusement safety education, and I am proud to support the industry in this new role.”
Gavel began his career as a ride inspector with the state of Maryland, eventually becoming the supervisor of its Amusement Ride Safety Unit. He later served as program manager for the Maryland State Safety Unit, overseeing inspections not only of amusement attractions but also elevators, boilers, pressure vessels and railroads.
In 2018, Gavel transitioned from state service to work full-time as the principal of GCS Safety, a third-party consulting firm. He also worked with LJM & Associates, Inc. as a contract consultant, conducting inspections and facility audits. In January 2023, he purchased LJM & Associates, Inc. and assumed the role of president.
“Rob’s commitment to advancing safety practices in the industry makes him a great addition as we strive to enhance our safety education offering worldwide,” said Amy Lowenstein, executive director of AIMS International.
In addition to his professional work, Gavel volunteers as an instructor for both AIMS and the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials. He holds AIMS Level II Ride Inspector certification, as well as NAARSO Level III Inspections and Level II Operations certifications.
Remaining actively involved in the industry, Gavel plays a key role in professional development, both as a leader and educator in the fields of ride inspection and maintenance. He is also a voting member of several ASTM F-24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices.
Gavel was elected to the board by AIMS membership during the annual meeting in January.
LAS VEGAS — Betson Enterprises is proud to announce that President Bob Geschine and former Chairman and CEO Peter Betti have been inducted into the 2025 AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame. The prestigious ceremony took place during the opening night of the Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, celebrating a lifetime of achievement and contributions to the industry.
The AAMA Amusement Industry Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly shaped the direction and growth of the amusement sector. Both Geschine and Betti exemplify this distinction through decades of leadership, innovation, and service.
Bob Geschine has served as President of Betson Enterprises for over two decades, leading the company through an era of dynamic expansion, and industry transformation. Under his guidance, Betson has become one of the most respected names in amusement distribution, known for its customer-first philosophy and forward-thinking approach.
Peter Betti, who served as Chairman and CEO until his retirement, laid the foundation for Betson’s success. A true pioneer, Betti’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped establish the company as a dominant force in the amusement and vending industries. His legacy continues to influence the direction of Betson and the broader industry today.
“We are incredibly proud to see Bob and Peter recognized for their lifelong contributions,” said Jonathan Betti, Senior VP of Sales and Business Development. “Their passion, dedication, and leadership have left a lasting imprint on the amusement industry and inspired generations of professionals.”
The AAMA Hall of Fame induction is one of the highest honors in the amusement world, recognizing those whose influence has moved the industry forward in meaningful and lasting ways. Betson Enterprises congratulates Bob Geschine and Peter Betti on this well-deserved achievement.
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees and award winners for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the amusement industry.
CALVERTON, N.Y. — Water you waiting for? The summer season is just around the corner at Splish Splash Water Park, as it gears up to open on Saturday, May 24 with its all-new water playground. To celebrate its 35th season and new water play area, the park hosted its first ever naming contest earlier this month for fans to cast their vote. Visitors who entered Splish Splash’s Vote for the Splashiest Water Playground Name Sweepstakes chose between three underwater themed selections to name the new water playground – Anchor Bay, Soakin’ Shores, and Stingray Bay.
With thousands of votes casted, the splashy winning name was Stingray Bay, where it’s all fun and no sting, all summer season long.
Families will be hooked this season at New York’s Largest Water Park when the new splash-tastic water playground debuts. The new kid-friendly zone will offer families more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground will be decked out with three-pint sized water slides, six interactive spray features, five water play features, a dump bucket and fun for all to soak and spray.
To kick off the celebration of Stingray Bay, for a limited time guests can register for a free Pre-School Season Pass online now. This FREE Season Pass is all-new for the 2025 season and will only be available to be claimed for a limited time. Families with guests ages five and under can register online now for the pass and will get access to the park throughout the summer season. Passes are valid for guests three to five years old and must be processed with a 2025 Season Pass (any level) or Any Day admission ticket.
“Thank you for diving into the excitement and sharing your creativity in our naming contest! Your ideas help us shape something truly special, and we couldn’t do it without you, said General Manager Mike Bengtson. “Creating unforgettable family moments begins with catering to our youngest guests. By adding a vibrant waterplay area, Stingray Bay, as well as a Preschool-focused Season Pass this season, we are making waves for parents and children alike to splash, laugh, and grow together.”
Splish Splash is still hiring and accepting applications in all departments for those ages 14 and up. Those who apply today can work as a lifeguard at the park’s all-new Stingray Bay or make one of the park’s famous Ben’s Soft Pretzels. Positions are also available in Park Services, Admissions, Retail, Security, Guest Services and more. The park offers competitive wages starting at up to $20 per hour, scholarships and advancement opportunities, incentive programs, monthly special events, discounts on food and retail, free admission to Splish Splash and 14 other amusement parks in the United States and much more.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. CARLSBAD, Calif. — Merlin Entertainments, a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, is excited to reveal a new indoor roller coaster that’s truly out of this world coming to LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California Resorts!
This first-of-its-kind new ride will launch at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort in 2026. Merlin is making the biggest ever single in-park investment in the Resorts’ histories, spending approximately $90 mil on these two new attractions, promising an experience that combines the creative world of LEGO® building with an exhilarating ride and storyline that only LEGOLAND Parks can deliver for families with children ages 2 to 12.
“As we prepare to unveil this exciting new attraction designed, co-created and imagined by the amazing creative team at the LEGO® Group and the unmatched talent of our Merlin Magic Makers, we hope the mystery and anticipation adds to awesome thrills to come,” said CEO of Merlin Entertainments Fiona Eastwood. “These new coasters are unparalleled for LEGOLAND Resorts, promising to elevate two of our premier LEGOLAND Resorts to new heights, utilizing the latest technology and embracing the LEGO DNA, as only we can do.”
“While the details remain under wraps, one thing is clear,” said LEGOLAND Florida Resort President Franceen Gonzales. “This new ride will take our guests on an unprecedented adventure, setting a new standard for fun and imagination. While you wait, we’re opening our new SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium on May 23, 2025. These exciting attractions will give families a whole new reason to visit again and again.”
“This isn’t just a ride, it’ll be an exploration unlike any other,” said LEGOLAND California Resort President Kurt Stocks. “As the first rollercoaster to be built in 20 years at LEGOLAND California, we’re sparing no expense to deliver the most innovative, interactive and captivating experience possible.”
CARY, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 industry awards during the annual Beers and Cheers event, held at AEI on March 19th.
These prestigious awards recognize outstanding contributions to the amusement industry, with winners selected by fellow AAMA members.
This year’s honorees are:
- Allied Member of the Year: Bruno’s Arcade
- Supplier of the Year: Embed
- Distributor of the Year: AVS Distributing
- Manufacturer of the Year: Apple Industries
Additionally, the 2025 Family Entertainment Center (FEC) of the Year award was presented to Alley Cats Burleson. Unlike other categories, the FEC of the Year is determined through a rigorous selection process, including a self-application window, a thorough review of visual and written submissions, secret shopper reports, and extensive discussions by the selection committee.
“AAMA is honored to celebrate these exceptional companies and individuals who continue to drive innovation and excellence in our industry,” said AAMA Executive Vice President, Pete Gustafson. “Their dedication and contributions help shape the future of amusement and entertainment.”
For more information about AAMA and its awards program, please visit coin-op.org.
BREMEN, Germany — Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, is celebrating the opening of Toxicator at Alton Towers Resort in the UK. Standing at 78 feet high, with a 16-foot elevated platform, the new ride is the highest Top Spin ride of its kind, and the company worked in partnership with Merlin Magic Making and Alton Towers Resort to create the unique experience.
The attraction is the next chapter in the story of Forbidden Valley, with Toxicator representing new technology by the Phalanx – the secret (and fictional) organization that controls the Nemesis beast. During the experience, riders are flipped upside down and suspended face-first above a bubbling pool of “toxic alien acid”, with water fountains erupting around the attraction.
The Top Spin Suspended from HUSS
The Top Spin is one of Huss Park Attractions’ most successful products and is found in parks worldwide. The Top Spin Suspended model features 38 seats arranged in a back-to- back (B2B) layout where each row faces the opposite direction. This cutting-edge suspended seating design provides an exhilarating floorless gondola experience, enhancing the sensation of freedom.
Riders on Toxicator can enjoy stunning views on both sides of the suspended gondola. They can also ride comfortably and safely, thanks to upgraded seats and shoulder restraints, and there is no need for a crotch or lap belt, allowing for optimized operation.
Guests can walk through a tunnel beneath the attraction, getting close to the action and the overhead splash hazard. This installation features a brand-new multifunctional water
fountain system on both sides (right over the entrance and exit to the tunnel), capable of spraying up to 8 meters high, synchronized to the ride controls.
Toxicator includes new show ride cycles with synchronized motion, lights and water games to custom soundtracks. The water feature is ready for summer and winter operation, with dryers already installed on-site, and the whole attraction and fountain system can be illuminated for the park’s award-winning Alton After Dark events.
Located in Forbidden Valley, Toxicator is flanked by the Nemesis Reborn coaster, which opened last year after an 18-month transformation to replace its 250-tonne, 716-metre-long track.
BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — After a short break from production, the world of film at Movie Park Germany is waking up from its winter sleep! Germany’s largest movie and amusement park starts the new season on April 4 and has a colorful mix of entertainment and events on the schedule. “Once again this year, our aim is to create a day just like in the movies for the whole family,” says Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus. “Entertainment and events play a leading role in this.”
Guests can experience new action right at the start of the season when the new Movie Park Germany Stunt Team moves into Studio 6. In addition to a revised storyline, some new car and bike stunts will provide entertainment. The team has plenty of stunt experience and has already performed shows at theme parks such as Parque Warner in Spain and Mirabilandia in Italy.
Cinematic magic returns to Studio 7 this summer. This year, award-winning illusionist Christian Farla will be performing his newly designed show “Magic Impossible” with spectacular new large-scale illusions. Among the new highlights are “The Showgirl Box”, direct from Las Vegas, “The Scorpion” and the world’s largest illusion act, the “Drill of Death”. The magic show can be experienced between July 7 and August 31, 2025.
In the fall, the Halloween Horror Festival once again casts its dark shadows and over 280 monsters will be unleashed on all brave horror fans between September 27 and November 9. After the spookiest time of the year, Germany’s largest movie and amusement park brings the year to a festive close: From the end of November, Christmas wishes will come true at Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas on over 20 event days and Hollywood in Germany will sparkle like in a US Christmas movie with over 800,000 lights. Shows and entertainment will once again be the focus in the third year of the event.
An extraordinary achievement: 50 years of adventures, emotions and innovation that have made Gardaland Resort an icon of entertainment in Italy and in Europe. Since 1975, it has welcomed millions of visitors, becoming a place where every generation, young and old, has been able to create unforgettable memories.
Today, it continues to be the protagonist of international entertainment, winning the hearts of those in search of magic and excitement.
The 50th anniversary season will offer extraordinary experiences and not-to-be-missed innovations, with immersive adventures in the two re-themed areas and spectacular live shows.
- Animal Treasure Island, the new IP attraction created by Merlin Entertainments, will transport adventurers in an underground dark ride of 6,000 square metres, with twenty original scenarios and new specially created characters. Every aspect of the experience has been designed by Merlin Magic Making’s creative team, to establish an emotional connection with visitors thanks to characters that took more than a year to develop. While maintaining animal traits, these characters embody easily recognisable values and behaviours, eliciting empathy. The first character to debut, Captain Nine Lives, is a charismatic and determined young adventurer, ready to infect visitors with her courage and insatiable thirst for exploration. The project, designed for international expansion, goes beyond the attraction itself: Animal Treasure Island will be a real island of adventure, where emotions and stories come to life thanks to an engaging design and a setting with attention to detail, inviting visitors to explore and let themselves be carried away. Over 250 loudspeakers with 360-degree binaural audio will deliver unprecedented sound immersion, while custom hardware and an original soundtrack (with tracks dedicated to each scene) will accompany the experience.
- The second unmissable 2025 adventure is Dragon Empire, a completely re-themed area that will take visitors on a journey through the millenial traditions of the Eastern world, with vibrant colours, captivating music and celebrations ready to enliven the whole day.
- At the entrance, a majestic gateway dominated by shades of blue and red and embellished with red lanterns, decorative fans and ropes in five colours, welcomes guests and immerses them in a festive atmosphere, “as if New Year began each and every day“.
- In the heart of the remodelled area, attractions – which hold further surprises for visitors – will be flanked by spectacular
shows andmusic, turning every visit into a memorable experience. - Among other new arrivals, an innovative show will debut at Gardaland Theatre, where technology and creativity come together to create a unique experience. Thanks to the use of extraordinary special effects and incredible performances, the show will overcome every language barrier, involving the audience in an adventure that is accessible to all. Inspired by highly topical themes, it will spark interest and food for thought for all ages.
During this special year, Gardaland further strengthens its commitment to putting visitors at the forefront, recognising their pivotal role in the 50 years of success that have helped shape the history of the Park.
To celebrate this occasion, tailor-made initiatives to directly engage guests will be offered throughout the season. The first will be free entry on your birthday, a gift that will make your day even more special, with an adventure made up of attractions, shows and the company of your loved ones.
FRISCO, Texas — If kids in North Texas have any “spare” time this summer, they can head over to Strikz Entertainment every day for two games of free bowling.
Strikz Entertainment, North Texas’ premier entertainment venue, is participating in Kids Bowl Free, a program that allows free bowling all summer long to kids ages 14 and under.
Once signed up, each child can redeem two games of bowling each day from March 24 to Sept. 12.
“Kids Bowl Free is a great opportunity for kids to get out of the house during the summer and have some fun bowling,” said Neil Farren, founder and owner of Strikz Entertainment. “Many kids have grown up bowling at Strikz and we’re excited to continue that tradition.”
Strikz also offers a Family Pass, valid all summer long for parents and older siblings who want to join in on the fun for one low price: $44.95 for two people, or $59.95 for four people. The registered child is not included in the Family Pass group. Registered kids and family members are also encouraged to purchase a Shoe Pass for $19.99 per person, which allows the pass holder to free shoe rentals while redeeming their Kids Bowl Free bowling time.
Kids Bowl Free will only be available on classic lanes when lanes are available. The offer can not be redeemed in the Rose Room.
Strikz is home to 32 bowling lanes including a private, boutique bowling room, as well as billiard tables, foosball tables, laser tag, arcade games for all ages, virtual reality rides, axe throwing, and the full-service Strikz Bar & Grill, and offers a variety of weekly specials, seasonal promotions and events.
JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure Resort is excited to announce that Coral, the giraffe calf born on December 15th, has been successfully reunited with her family at Wild Safari! After spending some time in a giraffe barn for care and recovery, Coral is now back with her parents, Conan and Mariah, and the rest of the herd. Coral is thriving, and her brother, Pringles, is especially overjoyed to have her back in the fold!
Though Coral faced some early challenges, including difficulty standing, she has shown incredible strength and determination, thanks to the diligent care of the Wild Safari team. At just over three months old, she is growing rapidly and adapting well to her herd’s dynamic.
The park is also announcing the birth of another giraffe calf. The yet to be named baby boy is doing well, after being safely delivered over the weekend.
Guests will be able to see Coral and the rest of the giraffes when they visit for Opening Day on March 29th.
