ORLANDO, Fla. and UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — If there’s something strange. If there’s something weird… An ancient artifact unleashes an evil force that threatens to destroy the world in all-new haunted houses, inspired by Sony Pictures’ latest film, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” debuting at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, August 30 and at Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, September 5.
The all-new “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” haunted houses at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort bring the latest installment of the global Ghostbusters franchise to life as well as iconic ghosts, creatures and characters from the beloved classic series in authentic haunted houses that capture the horror and humor for which the films are known. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” will transport fans of the film franchise to New York City where the Spengler family teams up with the original Ghostbusters who are now at the helm of a top-secret research lab for their ghost-busting enterprise. With the daunting discovery of an old relic that has set free the vengeful spirit of Garraka, who threatens to freeze everyone to death, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their city and save the world from a second Ice Age.
As guests venture through the haunted houses, they will find themselves in the sinister world of the supernatural, from Ray’s Occult Books shop to the Ghostbuster’s new high-tech lab and containment facility to the dank New York City sewer system. Fans will embark on this petrifying journey alongside the Ghostbusters, encountering iconic ghosts who slime and nefarious villains who are out for revenge – all while trying to escape an army of ghastly creatures bent on cracking bones and turning their veins into rivers of ice. As they navigate their way through freezing and frightening conditions, the Ghostbusters will need their wit and humor to defend the city they love from a terror too chilling to believe.
Select tickets and special vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on-sale now, including single-night tickets, Express Passes, the R.I.P Tour, which provides Priority V.I.P. entry to the haunted houses, and the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour that offers a glimpse into how the scares are brought to life via a daytime, lights-on journey through select haunted house. 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 offers and entitlements can be found at www.universalorlando.com/halloween.
A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options for Universal Studios Hollywood are 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 Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass, which enable guests to experience the scares again and again.
For fans interested in digging deeper into the terror at Halloween Horror Nights, check out the Discover Universal Blog, which unearths more details about the two original haunted houses – “Monstruos 2: The Nightmare of Latin America” and “Dead Exposure: Death Valley” – at Universal Studios Hollywood. New updates will be posted regularly for the events at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Fans can get their Halloween Horror Nights gear now with an all-new merchandise collection available for purchase at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as online at http://shop.universalorlando.com. New items include a t-shirt and hat for the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” haunted house.
Since updating its Family Coaster in 2022 Zamperla has had a lot of demand for this model, which is the perfect “first coaster ride”. This year two versions of its smallest model, the Family Coaster 92, opened at La Récré des 3 Curés and Bellewaerde Park in Belgium.
“We were thrilled to open two of these fantastic Family Coasters with our key partners in Europe,” said Charles De Bruyne, Sales Manager Europe. “Parks throughout the continent have consistently catered to families and we are proud that they return time and again to our Family Coaster,” he noted.
The La Récré des 3 Curés Family Coaster 92 was a small part of a beautifully- themed area that told the story of dinosaur’s to the park’s smallest guests. They not only installed the coaster, but also several detailed dinosaurs that watch over the ride.
“We are extremely pleased with the new Jeepodino, the Zamperla Family Coaster installed in our themed area ‘La Vallé des Dino’,” said Emmanuel Bonnefoy, owner of La Récré des 3 Curés.
“Our guests love it! The ride is smooth, comfortable, and operates perfectly even in the rain, which is a great plus for us. We admire the quality of the construction, particularly the thick rails that give it a big coaster vibe.”
At Bellewaerde Park their Family Coaster “Brazilian Buggies” has a paint scheme using the colors of the flag and the contours of a classic VW Beetle. The coaster was one of several 2024 attractions the park installed to target a broad appeal audience.
“We have installed many of our Family Coasters over the years, but our team is thrilled that the newest version of this evergreen coaster remains popular with parks of all sizes,” said Adam Sandy, Zamperla’s Roller Coaster Sales & Marketing Director. “With individual lap bars, an anti-slip booster wheel lift and magnetic brakes we updated a classic coaster with modern-day comfort,” he shared.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is proud to announce LEGOLAND Japan Resort as the first Certified Autism Center (CAC) in the country, pioneering the accessibility and inclusion movement in the Japanese theme parks and resorts industry. This achievement underscores the resort’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families. The CAC designation is awarded by IBCCES to inclusive organizations whose guest-facing workforce has completed specialized autism and sensory awareness training and certification and has committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible experience for all guests regardless of abilities.
Located in Nagoya, LEGOLAND Japan Resort is a theme park providing a full day of fun and excitement for children aged two through 12 and their families. The family can enjoy a variety of 24 thrilling rides, LEGO models to play and build with, and interactive, adventurous attractions themed on the LEGO brick world.
The resort’s divisional director, Yoshi Honda shares, “During the IBCCES certification process, I realized there was so much I did not know about the autism spectrum. I am glad that all of the LEGOLAND Japan employees also had the opportunity to learn about it as well.”
To achieve the designation, IBCCES experts conducted an onsite review to provide recommendations and best practices to welcome autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families to the resort. The review also resulted in the creation of sensory guides, which help guests understand the different sensory inputs of common guest areas and different attractions and activities in the resort, providing them with the information they need to make informed choices about their visit. The training provided by IBCCES focusing on autism and sensory awareness aims to equip the resort staff with the understanding of what autism is and how to communicate with autistic individuals to enhance their guest experience during their stay. They have also committed to ongoing learning opportunities to stay certified.
To further show their commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive guest experience, LEGOLAND Japan Resort provides various services for guests with disabilities, ensuring they can enjoy the park in the same way as other guests. These services include allowing one accompanying person to enter the park free of charge to take care of a disabled person, providing the “Assisted Access Pass” for guests who may have difficulty queuing for attractions for an extended period, offering wheelchair rental services, and allowing guests who become overstimulated or need a break area to rest in a room at First Aid or Guest Services. The resort is committed to continually improving its environment to ensure the best experience for all guests, and guests are encouraged to check the website for the latest details on services for guests with disabilities.
“We are proud to collaborate with LEGOLAND Japan Resort to not only raise awareness but also to provide accessible and inclusive options in the country,” shares Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “The team’s dedication to the training is truly commendable, and we hope this initiative inspires other theme parks and resorts to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in their agenda.”
NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, the world leader in live moments, today announced a long-term, exclusive partnership with CAMP, The Family Experience Company, the destination for young families that inspires and engages kids and grown-ups through its unique combination of play, product and performance. RWS Global, an icon in the creation of and full-scale operation of live entertainment, events, sports, exhibits, brand hospitality and attractions, will bring decades of experience to CAMP’s intellectual property (IP) driven show model.
RWS Global will power CAMP’s expansion as their exclusive partner for touring current shows such as BBC’s Bluey x CAMP, Disney’s Encanto x CAMP, and Universal’s Trolls x CAMP as well as new IP show development as CAMP reaches more families across the country. RWS Global will collaborate with CAMP to continue delivering immersive experiences through their full-scale show operation and retail services capabilities including leading the development of bespoke, CAMP merchandise products.
“We are so excited to partner with the CAMP team, who shares our passion for creating unforgettable family experiences,” said Ryan Stana, Founder, Chairman and CEO of RWS Global. “When we combine our unparalleled expertise in live event planning, casting and attractions with CAMP’s brand equity and engaged audience, we believe there is an opportunity for significant growth across the family entertainment sector.”
CAMP currently operates seven locations with rotating experiences in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. CAMP will soon open two new locations with immersive shows behind its signature Magic Door; in Philadelphia at King of Prussia Mall and at The Galleria in Houston, both of which will be powered by RWS Global.
“Through this strategic partnership, we’re unlocking the potential for exponential growth by leveraging RWS Global’s production services, empowering us to amplify our focus on delivering what defines CAMP’s brand magic.”” said Jenica Myszkowski, CAMP’s CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with RWS Global to truly transform the theatrical side of our business and prepare CAMP for scale.”
The RWS Global collaboration follows CAMP’s recently announced strategic partnership with real estate investment trust Simon and is another major milestone in CAMP’s history. “These two partnerships are transformational for CAMP as the company plans to significantly expand its store base across the country in the next few years,” said David Abrams, Managing Partner of Velocity Capital Management, speaking on behalf of the investor group. “I am thrilled that RWS Global will be part of the CAMP family and will become an invaluable partner undoubtedly enabling CAMP to continue innovating for its Intellectual Property partners and expand its leadership position in live experiential retail.” Ryan Stana, founder, chairman, and CEO of RWS Global will also serve on the CAMP advisory board and provide valuable guidance bringing experiences and shows to life. United by a common vision for enriching experiences and a shared commitment to ‘retailtainment’, the collaboration between RWS Global and CAMP promises to ignite joy and create unforgettable memories for families everywhere.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Palace Entertainment, a leading leisure park operator with more than 20 major entertainment venues across the United States and Australia, has announced the appointment of John Reilly as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Reilly will retain his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and member of the Executive Committee of the Parques Reunidos Group, the parent company of Palace Entertainment, continuing to oversee operations throughout Europe.
“We are delighted to have John step into this new role. With over three decades of experience in the theme park industry and an in-depth knowledge of our U.S. and Australia-based parks, John will be pivotal in enhancing the memorable experiences we offer to our guests,” said Pascal Ferracci, CEO of Parques Reunidos. “Since joining us in 2019 as COO for the US business, John has successfully led our U.S. and Australia properties, establishing a core leadership team at our new park support center. His contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of our operations in these regions. We are thrilled to see him take on this new challenge.”
In addition to Reilly’s appointment, Palace Entertainment has promoted two other key executives within the organization, both reporting directly to Reilly.
Anil Rao has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Development and Park Support. Rao, who joined Palace Entertainment as Vice President of Food and Beverage in 2021, has transformed the food and beverage offerings across all parks, enhancing unique dining experiences and boosting revenues annually. In his new role, Rao will continue to oversee food and beverage while also leading retail, people and organization, capital projects and information technology transformations across the parks and support center.
Mark Pauls has been elevated to Vice President of Operations, responsible for overseeing operations and maintenance of all parks in the United States, Hawaii and Australia. With over 45 years of theme park experience, Pauls joined Palace Entertainment in 2020, serving as General Manager of Kennywood Park and Sandcastle Water Park and Group Theme Park Manager. He has led multi-million-dollar transformation projects, significantly improving guest experiences and operational efficiencies.
“With these internal promotions, we have strengthened our leadership team, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences across our theme parks, water parks, educational venues and more into the next phase of growth,” added Pascal Ferracci.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — LEGOLAND Florida Resort proudly celebrates the Florida Panthers’ historic Stanley Cup victory over the Edmonton Oilers (4-3) by constructing an entire replica of the team from LEGO bricks and placed into the Park’s Miniland U.S.A. This special tribute is a heartfelt invitation for the victorious team and all of Winter Haven to honor the team’s win.
Four LEGOLAND Master Model Builders captured the excitement and energy of the championship-winning moment using more than 4,000 LEGO pieces. The builders created 29 hockey players, 20 Florida Panther fans, 18 dance team members and six actual panthers (some even wearing jerseys) gathered on a lawn in Miniland. A few players are holding signs that read, “I’m going to LEGOLAND Florida Resort!” While various fans are armed with rats in their little LEGO hands ready to throw onto the rink. This LEGO brick replica took more than 20 hours to build.
You can find this creative exhibit on display near the Miami section of Miniland. Fans and visitors are encouraged to share their photos and experiences on social media and tag @LEGOLANDFlorida.
LAS VEGAS — Electric Playhouse, Las Vegas’ new 10,000-square-foot social gaming destination, is now open inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip. Brilliantly merging the digital and physical worlds into one through dozens of motion-activated games and experiences, Electric Playhouse fosters human connection and gets visitors of all ages and interests moving.
Bringing people together through shared experiences, Electric Playhouse lures visitors off the couch and into a vibrant world where their bodies become the controllers, encouraging active play and healthy movement. Without the need for headsets or gadgets, the walls and floors inside Electric Playhouse spring to life and respond to players’ actions.
Upon arrival, guests step into a dynamic environment filled with seven different areas of physically and mentally stimulating games for solo players, pairs, groups of up to 40 and everything in between. Kiosks in each game area also allow guests to easily explore and select from a multitude of games.
Utilizing proprietary body-mapping technology and motion sensors combined with its own, original collection of games, Electric Playhouse offers an incomparably engaging and sociable gaming experience. The venue is equipped with a network of sensors that generate a real-time point cloud, enabling precise tracking of individuals and large groups throughout the facility. This volumetric data is used to create a digital twin of each guest, similar to a player inside a video game. As guests move, the walls, floors and tables react to their actions in a variety of ways, enhanced by 360-degree projection mapping that fully immerses guests in interactive games and dining experiences.
Electric Playhouse features a full collection of interactive experiences, including its most popular games such as Guacamole — a fast-paced adventure that keeps guests on their toes as they dash and dive to claim the colored tile before anyone else. Perfect for friends, family or even team building, Guacamole promises not only a blast of fun but also a healthy dose of physical activity. Players are challenged to use their speed, agility and quick thinking to win, and they might just break a sweat along the way. Additionally, Electric Playhouse offers Light Hockey. As players step on a giant, virtual air hockey table, the game intensifies as new pucks appear to ramp up the excitement. Perfect for those who love a dynamic mix of strategy and quick reflexes, Light Hockey takes the classic game to an entirely new level. Every visit to Electric Playhouse promises a new adventure with its ever-changing list of games – ensuring guests can look forward to a new experience with each return visit.
Along with its collection of exhilarating games, Electric Playhouse also features a picturesque outdoor patio, which boasts dazzling views above the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard. Later this year, the destination will also launch a full-service bar to serve guests 21 and over, making it the go-to destination for those seeking a unique and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Also coming later this summer, Electric Playhouse will introduce its upscale themed dining experiences designed to delight culinary enthusiasts and discerning guests alike. These rotating fine dining events will feature curated menus, drink pairings, guest celebrity chefs and more, all set within a multisensory environment of motion-activated projection, light and sound.
“With our doors officially open, we’re bringing a new level of excitement and engagement to the Las Vegas Strip through active play and healthy movement,” said Brandon Garrett, chief executive officer and co-founder, Electric Playhouse. “Visitors of all ages can now discover the magic of motion-activated games and experiences while creating unforgettable memories.”
The Las Vegas location marks Electric Playhouse’s second venue, following its wildly successful original location launched in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2021.
Electric Playhouse is located on the terrace level next to Sushi Roku at The Forum Shops, 3500 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visitors should check online for availability as hours may vary due to demand and private events.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company and largest operator of water parks in North America, unveils Fright Fest Extreme – presented by SNICKERS, featuring an expansive lineup of terrifying horror franchises ahead of the brand’s highly anticipated annual event. Beginning September 7, thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the pulse-pounding excitement and terror that only Fright Fest can deliver with Six Flags’ largest investment and expansion yet.
This year, Fright Fest returns with a vengeance and goes EXTREME. Visitors to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles will step into a world where nightmarish creatures inspired by legendary horror brands come to life with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures’ SAW franchise, Netflix’s Stranger Things and Army of the Dead, Warner Bros. Discovery’s The Conjuring, Annabelle and The Nun, and Legendary Entertainment’s Trick ‘r Treat. Guests at Six Flags Great Adventure will also be treated to a new experience from Netflix and Legendary Entertainment’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) while visitors to Six Flags Mexico will have access to a special exclusive maze based on Dceased, the bestselling comic series from DC Comics.
“For over 30 years, Fright Fest has been haunting the thrills-and-chills season like no other, and this year we are turning things upside down with a huge array of amazing horror franchises,” said Edithann Ramey, “Chief Fright Officer” of Six Flags. “We take pride in offering the best experiences and are committed to innovating our parks each and every year to provide the most frightful memories for our guests. Our themed-haunted experiences, scare zones and harrowing creatures lurking around every corner are sure to deliver extreme frights and unexpected surprises.”
RWS Global, the world’s largest full-service provider of live moments, including visitor attractions and experiences, will once again work exclusively with Six Flags and their studio partners on all creative and production aspects of these authentic adaptations.
“We are excited to elevate and expand our relationship with Six Flags for another season of Fright Fest. As their exclusive partner for spine-chilling moments, RWS Global will leverage our unique expertise in delivering premium, best-in-class spooky Halloween experiences for guests at Six Flags parks across the country,” said Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO, RWS Global.
Details of this year’s new attractions include:
- The SAW Franchise – Celebrate the20th anniversary of SAW with an all-new experience honoring the franchise’s legacy of terror by plunging guests into the depths of Jigsaw’s twisted mind. Guests will endure torturous trials and come face to face with some of John Kramer’s most diabolical contraptions before time runs out.
- The Conjuring Universe – Strap in for a tour of the Warrens’ most hair-raising and gruesome cases including those that inspired The Conjuring, Annabelle and The Nun. In each realm, encounters with cursed artifacts make you the target of the conjuring.
- Stranger Things – Guests will be able to step into the popular Netflix series through this new immersive maze…stay tuned for more details.
- Army of the Dead – The City of Las Vegas is under lockdown following a recent viral outbreakand survivors must look for an escape while battling the undead.
- Trick ‘r Treat – Enter a dark and twisted candy trail nightmare on a jack-o-lantern-lit path of supernatural encounters which tap into your deepest fears. With Sam, the infamous Spirit of Halloween, as your guide, learn the rules of the spooky holiday before entering a world where tricks dominate treats.
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre(2022)– Guests are “cast” as visitors to Harlow on the heels of the influencers set on revitalizing the town – but their arrival leads to a stunning and deadly secret being revealed.
- DCeased – Based on the #1 best selling comic series, fans enter through the Hall of Justice to find that the DC Universe has succumbed to Darkseid’s Anti-Life Equation! See the Justice League like never before, as they fight to save the Earth or end it themselves. Will you be one of the few to survive these new scares of the DC Universe?
A mix of the above mazes will also be available at additional Six Flags parks, building upon the legacy of the event’s renowned reputation as the ultimate Halloween destination across the United States and Mexico. Stay tuned for more details.
With a commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction, Six Flags continues to create memorable experiences that will keep guests coming back for more epic adventures. This year’s Fright Fest comes at an exciting time as the company has recently added dozens of new rides, attractions, and guest experiences at several parks across the nation, including the new DC Heroes and Villains Fest in Los Angeles, featuring live action shows and exclusive DC character meet and greets running weekends through August 4, and the new Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa in New Jersey, a world-class resort experience right in the middle of one of the largest guided safaris in the country.
GURNEE, Ill. — Zamperla is proud to announce the grand opening of a new attraction at Six Flags Great America: Sky Striker, a Discovery Giga 40.
As riders are launched skyward, they will feel a surge of excitement from soaring high into the sky. The pendulum’s back-and-forth motion creates a sense of vertigo, while reaching incredible heights induces an unparalleled freefall sensation.
The rapid swinging of the pendulum heightens the heart-pounding experience, and the simultaneous spinning provides an adrenaline rush.
At the pendulum’s highest points, riders will experience a stomach-drop sensation and a feeling of suspension in the air, combining to deliver an intense thrill and a breathless ride with every rapid change in motion and height.
The dynamic return drop generates a variety of sensations on riders depending on their specific position in the counterclockwise rotation, creating a different ride experience each time.
Giga Discovery 40 towers at a record-breaking 52.5 meters (172 feet) above the ground. Surging at speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour, this motorized swing with a rotating swivel joint propels its 40 riders back and forth, offering a breathtaking view of the world below.
The ride features an octagonal rotating center with eight arms. Each arm hosts a group of seats, with five seats in each group, resulting in an impressive total capacity of 40 riders. Each passenger enjoys an individual seat, secured by an over-the- shoulder restraint.
First debuting in 2018 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Discovery Giga 40 has redefined the thrill experience, elevating riders higher and faster than ever before.
Ramon Rosario, Zamperla’s Director of Sales, commented on the opening: “This is a further demonstration of the long-standing collaboration between the Six Flags group and Zamperla. This is an exceptional and spectacular ride, capable of attracting the attention of park visitors from afar. We are excited to see the reactions of thrill seekers.”
Zamperla invites thrill-seekers and amusement park enthusiasts to visit Six Flags Great America and experience the unparalleled excitement of the Sky Striker.
Sacoa, the global leader in cashless system solutions, is excited to announce its participation in the International Bowl Expo 2024. The event will be held in Aurora, CO, on July 1st and 2nd. Attendees can visit Sacoa at booth #432 to discover the latest innovations in their product lineup.
As trailblazers in the cashless systems sector, Sacoa continually enhances user experiences and operational efficiencies. This year’s Expo will provide a firsthand look at groundbreaking technologies such as the K4 Kiosk, Spark Reader with QRPlay, Zodiac, and more.
Sebastian Mochkovsky eagerly anticipates welcoming visitors for live demonstrations, expert consultations, and an exclusive preview of upcoming advancements in the entertainment, amusements, and leisure industries.
