LAS VEGAS — AREA15, the pulse-pounding hub of experiential art and entertainment located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, invites guests to enter a realm of enchantment with “Will Bradshaw’s Wonderground – The Underground Magic Show.” With magic, mystery and theater colliding in an unforgettable spectacle, each “Wonderground” performance is a one-of-a-kind experience, including a fresh lineup of world-class performers every month.
On Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m., “Wonderground” will feature a stellar cast of magicians and entertainers guaranteed to leave audiences spellbound. Taking place inside The Wall, the intimate space will provide guests with the distinctive opportunity to experience a plethora of magic tricks and variety acts up close and personal.
Headlining the event is magician and three-time Guinness World Records holder Jeff McBride. Joining him is ringmaster Will Bradshaw, a regular performer at the Magic Castle, Masters of Illusion and Las Vegas Magic Stars.
Also gracing the stage is Xavier Mortimer, the most viewed magician in the world with more than 30 million followers on social media and multiple residencies in Las Vegas. Audiences will also be dazzled by distinctive performer Confetti Eddie, a connoisseur of confetti magic. Alan Sands, a world-renowned magician and hypnotist, will also bring his renowned act to the stage. Lastly, the evening will also feature illusionist Caleb Alexander and high-energy performer Nabil Murday.
Immediately following the July “Wonderground,” guests 21 or older can stay for a complimentary showing of “Hypnotism After Dark,” an exclusive fusion of master hypnotists Alan Sands and Misty Night. Taking volunteers on a “Vacation of the Mind,” this fast-paced stage hypnotism show promises to entertain and amuse.
“This isn’t just another magic show—it’s an electrifying fusion of spectacle and surprise that transforms every month with a fresh roster of world-class magicians and entertainers,” said Jennifer Falcione, associate director of programming, AREA15. “‘Wonderground’ captures the essence of AREA15: bold, imaginative and unforgettable. We can’t wait for our guests to dive into this ever-evolving wonderland of magic and mystery.”
The Wonderground residency at AREA15 continues with upcoming dates on Thursday, Aug. 29; Thursday, Sept. 26; and Thursday, Oct 24. With fresh talent every month, each “Wonderground” event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an opportunity for audience members to discover new performers.
General admission begins at $45 and VIP seating, including access to front row seats and early entry to a private show at 5:30 p.m., is $60. Guests must be 18 or older to watch “Wonderground” and 21 or older to watch “Hypnotism After Dark.”
Liseberg’s Board of Directors has July 17 made the formal decision to rebuild Liseberg’s indoor water park, Oceana. The water park, which suffered extensive damage in a fire in February this year, has been cleared over the last few months, and reconstruction will start in the fall.
In recent months, Liseberg has completed extensive investigations as basis for a formal decision on Oceana’s future.
“We believe we now have sufficient data to be able to make a formal decision on the rebuild. Based on the various scenarios we have developed, there is really no alternative to completing the project. This applies both to Liseberg, and Gothenburg as a tourism destination,” says Andreas Andersen, CEO and President of Liseberg.
The investigations have determined that it is more economical to complete Oceana than to demolish and restart with an alternative project. A complete overhaul would entail write-downs of large values, and is also not justifiable from a sustainability perspective.
The starting point is that Oceana will be rebuilt according to the same main principles as in the original project, but some changes will be made.
Several investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing. The results of these are expected to be presented in the spring of 2025.
Until the cause of the fire has been definitively determined and clarity has been reached on the conditions for compensation, the project needs to be bridge-financed by Liseberg. This will initially be handled through re-prioritisation of Liseberg’s investments and cash-flow. Further bridge-financing from Liseberg’s owner, the city of Gothenburg, can become necessary.
“We have good hopes of covering the costs of rebuilding Oceana, but the process is complex and long, perhaps several years. A lengthy process can jeopardize the future of the project, and in all likelihood increase the cost of the same significantly. Furthermore, the large residual values in the project must be protected,” says Andreas Andersen.
With the formal decision behind us, important steps forward are now being taken in the rebuild of Oceana and the water park is tentatively expected to be completed in 2026.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort has launched an incredible ticket deal exclusive for Florida residents that provides access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for an unlimited number of days now through December 18, 2024. Available now for just $199 plus tax, the “Florida Unlimited Days Ticket” gives Florida residents the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of thrills and excitement across both theme parks again and again and again.
With more than 60 immersive experiences across its theme parks, this new ticket offer gives guests the utmost convenience and plenty of time to enjoy all that the destination has to offer with the ease of visiting however often they’d like through December 18. Guests can visit any and every day to experience some of the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, including the destination’s newest additions like DreamWorks Land – a vibrant themed environment inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda; CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular – an awe-inspiring lagoon show set to the sentimental soundtracks of blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions; Hogwarts Always – an incredible new projection show that takes guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade; and Universal Mega Movie Parade – Universal’s largest daytime parade ever that celebrates iconic movies like E.T., Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Sing, Minions, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls.
Florida residents can also use their “Florida Unlimited Days Ticket” to enjoy the fan-favorite seasonal events and offerings that are included in park admission, like Universal’s destination-wide Holidays celebration, which kicks off on November 22 and features Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular and more.
Plus, Florida residents looking to stay near the thrills can take advantage of special offers at Universal Orlando hotels, including saving up to 40% on rooms at select Universal Orlando hotels on select dates. Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to plan a vacation and comes with exclusive theme park benefits, including early park admission.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dippin’ Dots, the iconic pioneer of beaded ice cream that has been exciting fans for over 30 years, is gearing up for its sweetest National Ice Cream Day celebration yet. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 21, because Dippin’ Dots is spreading the ice cream love with free mini cups at 120 hotspots nationwide. Additionally, Dippin’ Dots is hosting an ice cream extravaganza in partnership with the Museum of Ice Cream in New York City.
On July 20 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hudson Yards in NYC near the Vessel, guests can indulge in complimentary Cotton Candy and Rainbow Ice Dippin’ Dots while supplies last, make a splash in Museum of Ice Cream’s outdoor sprinkle pool, which is the largest in the world, snag exclusive swag, play games, win giveaways, and much more.
“We can’t wait to treat our loyal Dippin’ Dots fans all across the country to our biggest National Ice Cream Day celebration ever,” said Kimmra Hingher, vice president of marketing at J&J Snack Food Corp., the parent company of Dippin’ Dots. “We’ve made sure there’s something sweet for everyone to enjoy and to re-live those childhood memories this weekend. Don’t forget to share your photos enjoying free Dippin’ Dots as we celebrate nationwide!”
Here’s what Dippin’ Dots has in store for National Ice Cream Day weekend:
- Free Dippin’ Dots Nationwide: Dippin’ Dots lovers can enjoy a complimentary mini cup on Sunday, July 21, at 120 participating store and shopping center locations nationwide during specified hours.
- Giant Sprinkle Pool Party in NYC: Join us at Hudson Yards on July 20 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for free Dippin’ Dots (while supplies last,) the world’s largest outdoor sprinkle pool, exclusive ticket discounts, and a chance to win a year’s supply of Dippin’ Dots and unlimited access to Museum of Ice Cream locations worldwide. The activation is free; no tickets are required. Event address: Public Square & Gardens at Hudson Yards (11th Avenue and Hudson Boulevard East).
- Special Online Discount: On July 21, enjoy 25% off all online orders using promo code nicd2024 at checkout.
Dippin’ Dots captivates ice cream enthusiasts with its iconic charm—a nostalgic reminder of childhood summers. For over three decades, as the pioneer in cryogenic ice cream technology, Dippin’ Dots leads in ice cream innovation, reinventing the frozen treat with unique textures and vibrant flavors. Whether reliving cherished memories or discovering the joy for the first time, Dippin’ Dots offers the best way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.
ST. LOUIS — Intercard has installed its cashless technology at two outstanding family play venues, the 280-acre Playland amusement park in Rye, New York and the 8,000 square foot indoor Jungle Jam in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While the two centers differ dramatically in size and scope, both operators found Intercard’s versatile cashless system ideal for their arcades.
Playland, a popular family destination since 1928, was the first planned amusement park in the country. A National Historic Landmark, Playland is revered for its art deco architecture and vintage rides like the Gondola Wheel and Grand Carousel. Game lovers can indulge themselves with classic Midway games including Water Race and Fish-a-Frog and check out 40 of the latest modern games in the newly expanded Big Arcade.
Jungle Jam features trampolines, obstacles, mazes, slides, crawl tunnels, bridges, climbing partitions and the only ball blaster arena in Albuquerque. They recently chose Intercard cashless technology for their 30 game redemption arcade. The new system replaces an older one that had been embedded by another manufacturer.
Intercard’s Mack Inabinette did both installations in June 2024.
MONROE, N.C. — Looking for miniature golf with an eerie twist, a laser maze, bowling or just a bit of fun? Monster Mini Golf, the franchised, affordable, multi-tier, indoor family entertainment center that brings black lights and international theme-park quality animated figures to miniature golf and other activities, will open its latest location at Sunset Plaza, at 114 East Sunset Drive in Monroe, North Carolina at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, announced Christopher King, CEO at Monster Entertainment, the franchisor for Monster Mini Golf locations across the nation, and the owner of the new location.
The first 100 guests to arrive at the grand opening will receive a free game of mini golf and a $7 arcade game card, and the weekend will conclude by raffling two birthday parties at the site, approximately a $300 value.
“We are so excited to introduce Monster Mini Golf, which has entertained families and companies in two other locations in the greater Charlotte area, to Monroe,” said King. “And I am personally thrilled to bring affordable family experiences to this growing community and to locate on the south side of Charlotte.”
The 11,500-square-foot family entertainment center will feature Monster’s signature 18-hole miniature golf course, featuring eerie black lighting and animated figures, a four-lane bowling alley, Laser Maze, an arcade with a prize center, live entertainment from a D.J., alcohol-free snack bar and haunted house-themed party rooms that can host private events for families and companies. Families can split up and enjoy what interests them, or visit all the experiences together, encouraging multiple visits. In addition, each location is home to art with local references — in Monroe, look for images of native son Randy Travis, and of James Monroe (for whom the city is named) playing a set of Ludwig Drums (based and manufactured in the city).
The location is King’s third owned franchise, and the 31st location for Monster Mini Golf, which is undertaking a rapid expansion to bring its “Philosophy of Fun” to families, corporations and more throughout the U.S. and Canada. Its audience? Anyone who wants to have fun, whether it’s a family outing, a birthday party for kids of any age, a corporate meeting, team building exercises or a very different kind of summer camp.
“Everyone loves the great international theme parks — but they have a price tag to match,” King said. “Monster Mini Golf provides a variety of experiences that can begin for as little as $13 for a single round of golf for an adult, allowing multiple visits throughout the year. We also offer a variety of packages that will allow our guests to combine different experiences or even buy monthly passes for individuals or families.”
For Charlotte resident King, Monster Mini Golf is a case of liking the business so much he bought the company. The long-time business consultant joined Monster Mini Golf as COO for its founders Christina and Patrick Vitagliano in 2015, and with his wife opened two units in Charlotte and Gastonia starting in 2021. Last year, he and fellow franchisees Nick Mastrandrea, Holly Hernandez and Alex Gonzalez acquired the company from the Vitaglianos when they retired. The new ownership team now plans to expand the 31-unit chain around the U.S. and Canada by adding new franchisees and markets, even as they continue to operate and expand their own personal holdings.
The new location is the right place at the right time, King continued, as Monroe, known for its aerospace industry, mirrors the growth of the Charlotte metropolitan area. Monroe’s downtown is in the midst of a revitalization and retailers are expanding across the nearby U.S. 74 corridor. In fact, Monster Mini Golf also benefits its retail neighbors, noted Will Whitley, Founding Partner of New South Properties and managing partner of the Sunset Plaza ownership group.
“Monster Mini Golf will activate this property like never before,” Whitley said. “MMG will be our second anchor tenant and will take it to another level, providing a whole new level of activity and new customers to our center. The area neighborhoods and schools will benefit greatly from this new amenity and activity for families. Welcome, Chris King and his team at Monster Mini Golf!”
Monster Mini Golf Monroe will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
“Monster Mini Golf has become a community staple wherever we’ve opened, as well as a source of some 20 to 25 local jobs,” King said, adding that a hiring fair will be announced soon. “We can’t wait to get the haunted party started!”
BOCHOLT — Wibit Sports, the world market leader in floating water parks, announces further changes to its management team. Tarak Charfi will join on August 1st as Managing Director. Ralf Schwung, member of the management team since January, will assume responsibility for the firm’s financial management. Romann Rademacher, co-founder of Wibit Sports, will gradually withdraw from operational management in the coming months, thereby successfully completing the company’s succession strategy.
Ralf Schwung comments on the new addition: “Together with our shareholder Argos Wityu, we have invested time and care to find the person who fits Wibit perfectly both professionally and personally. We are very pleased that we were able to win Tarak over and look forward to working with him.” Ralf Schwung will take over the financial management of the company as part of the management team.
Tarak Charfi holds a degree in business administration and has two decades of experience in national and international settings. He joins Wibit Sports from noise protection manufacturer Cellofoam, where he served as Vice President of Sales. Tarak Charfi brings extensive expertise in sales management and business development.
At the beginning of the year, Wibit Sports announced that co-founder Robert Cirjak would be stepping down from operational management and joining the advisory board. This was the starting point of the succession strategy for the company, which was established in 1996 by friends Robert Cirjak and Romann Rademacher. Both founders were keen to ensure an orderly succession.
As the next step, Romann Rademacher will also withdraw from operational management in the coming months and join the advisory board. He will initially carefully oversee the transition. The exact timing of his departure from the management team will be handled flexibly and as needed and will be communicated in due course.
Romann Rademacher explains: “I am very pleased that we have managed to ensure an orderly succession plan for Wibit. Without the pressure to hurry a decision, we were able to thoughtfully find the right people. I will accompany the transition phase without any rush and look forward to being able to devote myself to other topics after 28 years with Wibit. I will remain loyal to Wibit on the advisory board and look forward to seeing how the fantastic team will continue to develop the company.”
Over the past three decades, Wibit Sports has established the floating water park industry and is the world market leader with approximately 50 percent market share. Customized Wibit SportsParks and pool combinations have been sold to more than 100 countries and can be found on beaches, lakes, hotels, resorts, and swimming pools.
Frank Hermann, Managing Partner of shareholder Argos Wityu, explains: “Wibit aims to enter additional markets in the coming years, further develop growth markets, and strategically advance
its product development. The company also wants to continue along the chosen path for implementing ESG criteria. We are convinced that Ralf Schwung and Tarak Charfi are exactly the right people to drive the development forward and maintain and expand Wibit’s position as the global market leader.”
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Palace Entertainment, a leading leisure park operator with more than 20 major entertainment venues across the United States and Australia today announced the appointment of Ricky Spicuzza to General Manager of Kennywood Park and Sandcastle Water Park. As a native of Pittsburgh, he brings more than 20 years of dedicated amusement and water park experience to the role. Ricky’s first order of business has been extending park operating hours, offering 20 days of 10 p.m. closes in July.
Spicuzza began his career at Kennywood in 2002 as a food and beverage team member in the park’s iconic Pagoda. Over the past 22 seasons with Palace Entertainment, he has worked in several leadership positions at each of the company’s Pittsburgh-based parks. In 2010, Spicuzza joined the team at Idlewild & SoakZone where he served as the aquatics manager for three years before being promoted to director of operations in 2013. In 2016, Spicuzza was named assistant general manager of Idlewild and in 2021, he was named the assistant general manager of Sandcastle Water Park. During his time at Sandcastle, he oversaw one of the water park’s largest capital investment projects ever, as it underwent a massive transformation completely redesigning the front gate, several food and beverage locations, retail stores and more.
Most recently, Spicuzza served as the assistant general manager at Kennywood Park. Since 2023, he has been instrumental in overseeing the operations, retail, maintenance, security and food and beverage departments. This season, Spicuzza led several park-wide upgrades as Kennywood continued its multi-year transformation project, including, the opening of the new Potato Smash bumper cars, the all-new Carousel Burger Company, the introduction of the new Jeeter’s Pub and much more.
“After more than 22 seasons with Palace Entertainment, we are thrilled to name Ricky Spicuzza as general manager of Kennywood Park and Sandcastle Water Park,” said Vice President of Operations, Mark Pauls. “I believe Ricky is the perfect person to lead each of these beloved Pittsburgh institutions as we continue to invest in these properties with new capital projects, robust event lineups and more.”
Based in Pittsburgh, Palace Entertainment continues to grow and shape its leadership team with industry veterans joining the Pennsylvania-based organization from across the country. Since 2023, the company has elevated several internal executives while also recruiting top-tier talent from the amusement industry.
WISCONSIN DELLS — A beloved family attraction is making a triumphant comeback after five seasons to Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Complete with a new look and modern enhancements, OctoExplorer has undergone a multi-year transformation project to bring the iconic bright yellow submarine attraction. Originally opened in 1994, OctoExplorer has been a family favorite at America’s Largest Waterpark for decades and is now open at the park for pint-sized guests to enjoy.
To bring back the under-the-sea theme attraction, Noah’s Ark worked directly with Fix Your Park, a company based in Seguin, Texas. The first order of business was to refresh the paint, adding more vibrant colors to the four slides and the center submarine structure. The park has also integrated new technology throughout the attraction to enhance the adventure. Inside the submarine, guests will now find a television and surround sound system, creating an immersive environment that transports guests deep underwater.
“Noah’s Ark offers a variety of attractions for our visitors of all ages, the return of OctoExplorer to our lineup offers even more variety for our smallest guests,” Noah’s Ark General Manager Christopher Mortensen said. “This attraction holds a special place in the hearts of many, and we are proud to honor its history while bringing it into the future with innovative updates.”
In addition to the technological upgrades, the OctoExplorer features four smaller water slides for the kiddos and a periscope, providing endless fun and exploration. These new elements, combined with the classic charm of the attraction, make for an unforgettable experience.
OctoExplorer is one of more than 50 attractions at Noah’s Ark, which was named the Best Outdoor Waterpark by Newsweek for 2024. Nominees were handpicked by experts across various industries, and voted on by its readers, the Newsweek award recognizes Noah’s Ark as the premier destination for water park thrills.
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO, Fla. — This fall, Halloween Horror Nights guests will travel deeper into the paranormal dimension of tortured souls and demonic entities when they enter “Insidious: The Further,” an all-new haunted house inspired by the successful Insidious film franchise. The terrifying journey through the darkness is set to begin Friday, August 30 at Universal Orlando Resort and Thursday, September 5 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Produced by Blumhouse Productions in association with Sony Pictures, Insidious tells the disturbing story of the Lamberts, a family haunted by evil supernatural forces after their son slips into an inexplicable comatose state after becoming possessed by a demonic entity. In the all-new Halloween Horror Nights haunted house, guests will follow in the footsteps of the Lamberts, encountering familiar settings and scares as they are transported directly into “The Further” – the ethereal place where ghosts and demons lurk. And just like in the films, guests will quickly learn that the paranormal creatures are here to stay…
Guests’ journey into “Insidious: The Further” begins as they step through the iconic red door, where many of the tormented spirits and demons from the franchise await – determined to ensnare humans and steal their souls. Fans will come face-to-face with The Red-Faced Demon, who will attempt to lure them into his lair; the grim KeyFace, hoping to lock his victims in this dark dimension; the ghastly and dangerous Bride in Black; and the vengeful spirit of the Man Who Can’t Breathe. As guests make their way through the haunted house, they’ll go from red door to red door – traveling deeper into a dark and timeless astral world where they must evade this collection of sinister creatures at every spine-chilling turn, or their souls will be trapped here…forever.
All event tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are now available for purchase.
At Universal Orlando Resort, the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes are now on sale, allowing guests to enjoy more horror with access to the event on multiple nights. Fans can also get an early start by adding the Scream Early ticket to their Halloween Horror Nights ticket, which gives them access to Universal Studios Florida between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to face the thrills of the theme park before braving the chills of Halloween Horror Nights. Single-night tickets and event upgrades like Express Pass, R.I.P. Tour and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour are also available. Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on single-night tickets on August 30 and 31, and select nights in September. Tickets for Universal Orlando’s first-ever Premium Scream Night on Thursday, August 29 – an unprecedented, limited-capacity event that gives fans access to everything they love about Halloween Horror Nights before the event officially opens – are also now available. More information about all Universal Orlando’s current Halloween Horror Nights vacation packages, offers and entitlements can be found at www.universalorlando.com/halloween.
A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are also now available, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the Early Access Ticket,which provides access to select haunted houses beginning at 5:30 p.m. (subject to change), in advance of the scheduled 7:00 p.m. event opening time, the premium R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear and Ultimate Fear, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here to purchase tickets and for Terms and Conditions.
Fans can get a jump-start on their Halloween Horror Nights gear with an all-new merchandise collection available for purchase now at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as online at http://shop.universalorlando.com. New items include a t-shirt and candle inspired by the all-original “Insidious: The Further” haunted house.
