The JULY 2024 issue includes:

• Kings Island expands Planet Snoopy
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure set to make a splash
• Register today for 2024 Golden Ticket Awards ceremony, events
• Kennywood has left no stone unturned for its 125th birthday
• Nemesis Reborn: all-new makeover of Alton Towers’ B&M classic
• Linnanmäki adds thrilling new Intamin Gyro Swing
• Indiana Beach preserves famous Schwarzkopf triple-looping legend
• Adventureland Resort’s 50th year sees exciting updates, activities
• LA County Fair experiences a significant bump in attendance
• Hurricane Harbor Maryland adds WhiteWater West water coaster
• Hattiesburg Zoo opens first water park in Mississippi Pine Belt area
• Wonderland Park family freshens atmosphere with new paintings
• Six Flags Management holds 2024 Alumni Reunion
• Women of Influence: Toni Caracciolo of Falcon’s Beyond
• Audio Innovators helps ensure the industry gets the message
• Franceen Gonzales appointed president of Legoland Florida
• SkyRide renaissance: Cedar Point gives new look to Von Roll ride
• Vigilance, focus key in avoiding slow days becoming deadly days
• Precision Chains focuses on amusement industry and expansion
• DMT creates new ride safety device to monitor rides in real time
• Kinder joins AIMS International as seminar manager … and much more!

DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the ultimate cloud-based, cashless solutions provider for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries showcased its Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions and other breakthrough innovations at the International Bowl Expo 2024 from July 1-2, emphasising on the importance of tech reliability.

“We’re excited to see customers and prospects at the International Bowl Expo this year!” says Renee Welsh, CEO of Embed. “Tech reliability is something we take great pride in – partnering with the biggest players in the industry like Apple and Google for our Mobile Wallet virtual game card, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for our SaaS solutions hosted on AWS data centres. This is what we want to champion at the show, focusing on how digital payments play a crucial role in ensuring operators check all the boxes to optimise their revenue and profit, such as the best payment processing rates, optimal operations, and elevated guest experience.”

Embed’s Mobile Wallet 2022-2023 metric results from its customers show a whopping 5x increase in average reload value ($50.57) compared to cash ($9.90) and credit card ($31.95), with 60% of reloads happening before guests arrive at the FEC. “This is why we’re offering the Mobile Wallet to FECs FREE for 1 year to achieve the transformational growth they’re missing. Don’t miss this offer at Bowl!” shares Sara Paz, CMO and Growth Officer.

Jeremy Dickamore, Embed’s Payment Gateway Guru, will be at the show for FREE consultations on how operators assess their losses to card processing fees and merchant fees and see the potential savings they can achieve simply by changing their payment provider. “We helped a customer save more than $25K annually – that’s 250K+ in 10 years that the FEC can use to expand the business. All they have to do is think twice,” explains Dickamore.

Further driving revenue growth with the Mobile Wallet, Embed GoTrain – the Success Squad’s training arm – conducts a gamified, in-venue training of FEC operators and staff on how to drive greater Mobile Wallet registrations and sign-ups. Both a multi-location FEC like Big Al’s and a single-location Yakima Family Fun Center experienced the Mobile Wallet difference shortly after their GoTrain sessions.

Big Al’s saw a 16x increase in Mobile Wallet registrations over 3 months after the GoTrain session, with a 9x increase in average reload value. Meanwhile, Yakima Family Fun Center saw the following results: a 5.4x increase in Mobile wallet guest registrations after their GoTrain session, which resulted to a 5x increase in average reload value – from $10 to $50!

Embed will also feature its new 40 Made-to-Order Designer Game Cards, now live on its eSHOP: “We handled the design work for members of the Embed family! Our customers now have all-new 40 dynamic card designs to choose from, helping them boost guest spend and loyalty,” says Megan Lim, Transformation Growth Director.

On June 27, New York’s Largest Water Park, Splish Splash will host the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of the Autism Society of America. The park will open at 8 a.m. and offer members and their families two hours of time within the park before guests arrive for the day to enjoy several rides and attractions line and stress free.

A day at Splish Splash means a lot to the families in attendance including Cameron, Cai, Cayden, and their mom Kristen. Kristen explains that this is her sons’ favorite event of the year as they love water rides and the judgement free zone. Each year, the family looks forward to their visit to Splish Splash and the park’s well-trained staff who are IBCCES certified.

The Autism Society of America was founded in 1965. The organization has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — July 4th is going to be HUGE at Atlanta’s favorite hometown theme park, Fun Spot America Atlanta. With 27 rides, including the award-winning Arie Force One roller coaster, Fun Spot is the perfect place for families to spend time together and make new memories. Thursday, July 4, the park will host a HUGE Independence Day fireworks display that only Fun Spot can provide. 

“With so much to do, our guests can plan for a full day and evening of great fun!” said John Arie Jr., owner and CEO, Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “We are excited to welcome families for a safe, clean, fun-filled day and celebrate July 4th with us. This year’s celebration will be bigger and better than ever before.”

“All three of our Fun Spot theme parks offer free admission, and each has more reasons than ever to spend a day – or two – with us,” Arie continued. “Here in Atlanta, ArieForce One continues to thrill coaster fans of all ages, along with our complete collection of rides. Not to be forgotten, The Samson remains Georgia’s only multi-level go-kart track with fast fun for everyone. Our Ferris Wheel, batting cages and theme park ride favorites always provide a great day and will be the perfect lead-in before the evening’s amazing fireworks.”

Admission to Fun Spot America Atlanta is free. The July 4th fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Fun Spot America Atlanta opens daily at 10 a.m.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Legoland Florida Resort’s annual 4th of July party, Red, White & BOOM! returns for one night only on Tuesday, July 4th. Families can indulge in limited time only treats, fun activities, special entertainment, and extended Park hours for a special fireworks show. The Park’s signature fireworks display, “Touch the Sky,” offers a unique viewing experience with special glasses that allow guests to watch fireworks explode into 3D LEGO bricks above Lake Eloise.

Starry Activities
Immerse yourself in the celebratory spirit with a giant LEGO American brick flag build activity. Join us as we construct this iconic flag, brick by brick, guided by our Master Model Builders from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Booming Entertainment
Get the party started with a rockin’ DJ dance party. This is where your patriotic groove will kick in and you can dance the night away before the fireworks show. This is a party that will have everybody on their feet from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Stars, Stripes & Snacks
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the limited time only and drool-worthy Red, White & Blueberry Sundae featuring two scoops of decadent blueberry cheesecake ice cream, with blueberry sauce, a delicate sugar cookie, and a cloud of whipped cream, topped with playful star-spangled sprinkles and served in a souvenir cup.

Going Out with a BANG!
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Get pumped up to celebrate the 4th of July with the Park’s Fireworks Pre-show Party, which includes fun games and activities from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Then head over to Lake Eloise for a bricktastic firework show at 9:00 p.m.

ALTOONA, Iowa — Adventureland in Altoona has been named one of the best theme parks in United States. The Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills has taken the fifth spot in this year’s Theme Park Index by the vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo.

The Theme Park Index ranks the nation’s top amusement parks based on their attractions and affordability. Adventureland Resort stood out among its competitors, offering a unique blend of excitement and value that has made it a success.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the top theme parks in the country,” Adventureland General Manager Mike Lusky said. “Our team works tirelessly to create a fun-filled experience for our guests every day, and this is a testament to their dedication and passion.”

Located just east of Des Moines, Adventureland Resort is home to a theme park, water park, hotel, campground, and restaurant. The theme park boasts world-class attractions, including many first-of-their-kind. Top attractions include steel roller coasters like Monster and Dragon Slayer, wooden coasters like Tornado and Outlaw, and the newly reimagined Underground, the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster.

Adventure Bay water park is included with admission to the theme park, offering two parks for the price of one. The water park is home to more than 20 water slides, Iowa’s longest lazy river, and the largest wave pool in the state. The park’s commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment at an affordable price has made it a favorite destination for visitors since the park opened 50 years ago.

The HomeToGo report highlights Adventureland’s perfect balance of affordability and adventure, making it an ideal choice for families planning their next vacation.

The Altoona theme park is continuing its most eventful season ever as it celebrates 50 years of fun-filled days. The park will kick off its Festival of Decades celebration in July with concerts, light shows, exclusive new foods, and more. The fan-favorite Oktoberfest event returns for its 10^th season on Saturday, September 14, and Iowa’s largest Halloween event Phantom Fall Fest kicks off on September 21.

ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando, celebrated as the Coaster Capital of Orlando, is excited to announce the grand opening of its highly anticipated new attraction, Penguin Trek, on July 7, 2024. A family launch coaster like no other, Penguin Trek is located within the all-new Antarctica Realm. This immersive area promises an adventure of a lifetime, combining thrilling rides, delectable dining and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Penguin Trek redefines the family coaster experience with its innovative design and exhilarating adventure. An experience for the whole family, the ride accommodates everyone from the young adventurer at 42-inches to the tall thrill-seeker up to 77-inches. Guests will beat the summer heat while waiting in the air-conditioned queue lines. Riders will board unique snowmobile-styled ride cars, embarking on a thrilling expedition through the vast and icy wilderness of Antarctica. With two powerful launches and speeds reaching up to 43 mph, the 3,020-foot track winds through both indoor and outdoor environments, presenting a series of twists, turns, and breathtaking moments. But the true highlight awaits at the end of the journey: upon disembarking the ride, guests will find themselves immersed in the chilly confines of the extraordinary and unique penguin habitat. This finale not only thrills but also educates, underscoring SeaWorld’s commitment to animal care and conservation.

“We are incredibly excited to unveil our newest addition to SeaWorld Orlando’s outstanding coaster lineup,” said Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando. “Penguin Trek offers a unique blend of thrills and education, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of Antarctica while highlighting our dedication to wildlife preservation and family-friendly fun. We’re looking forward to welcoming families and thrill seekers alike to experience the fun of this incredible coaster.”

Starting July 2, SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members will have exclusive access to Penguin Trek with special ride times. This benefit allows them to be among the first to experience the ride, adding another fantastic perk to their membership. Those who purchase a pass today will receive the same benefits, allowing them to take advantage of this early access.

The new Antarctica Realm, home to the new Penguin Trek, is a must-visit destination within SeaWorld Orlando, offering a cool and captivating experience for guests of all ages. Guests can cool off at South Pole Sips, the latest addition to SeaWorld Orlando’s vibrant bar scene, offering ice-cold draft beer, canned selections and tantalizing frozen cocktails. The beloved Expedition Café has also reopened within the Antarctica Realm, boasting a new diverse menu that caters to every palate, from healthy grab-and-go options to delectable dishes inspired by Italian and Asian cuisines. Plus, guests can cool off and enjoy up-close encounters with penguins in the expansive penguin habitat, making Antarctica a must-visit destination for guests of all ages.

SeaWorld Orlando’s commitment to providing diverse thrills for all family members is evident in Penguin Trek’s unique indoor/outdoor coaster experience. This latest addition to the coaster family promises to be another crowning jewel in a park already celebrated for its coaster excellence. Joining the ranks of award-winning rides such as Mako, voted the #1 Best Roller Coaster by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice poll for five consecutive years, and Ice Breaker, which secured the #1 New Attraction spot in the same poll, Penguin Trek is poised to continue SeaWorld Orlando’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of coaster innovation for the whole family.

ORLANDO — The railroad yard at Strates Shows Winter Quarters in Taft, Florida is busy with activity as crews prepare the famous James E. Strates “Fair Train” for a journey up the Eastern Seaboard to Hamburg, New York (Buffalo). Rail cars that have been dormant for the past several seasons are being mechanically overhauled and restored, including the application of a retro-inspired paint scheme and lettering.

This will be the first time since the Fall of 2019, and the subsequent 2020 pandemic related shutdown of the fair industry, that Strates Shows will utilize the train. The James E. Strates Shows is regarded as the operator of the last remaining “show train” in the world.

The reactivation of the Strates Shows rail program will coincide with a celebration to commemorate its partnership with the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York (Buffalo). 2024 marks the 100^th year relationship between the Erie County Agricultural Society and the James E. Strates Shows that began in 1924. The exclusive partnership is a historical milestone in the modern amusement industry and is considered the longest continuous run of any carnival midway in the United States. The 2024 Erie County Fair opens on Wednesday, August 7^th through Sunday, August 18^th.

“We have worked extremely hard with all of our railroad partners to make this summer’s run

possible,” said Director of Operations, Jimmy Strates. “Our carnival train is a beloved aspect of

Americana that deserves to be celebrated. We are immensely proud of our railroad heritage as part of our overall outdoor amusement business operations.”

Strates Shows, founded in 1923, began using railroads to transport its midway attractions up and down the Eastern Seaboard in 1934. It was common for dedicated Strates trains to be more than 50 cars in length carrying everything from rides, tents, and games, to attractions, generators and employees. In December 1953, James Strates purchased a tract of land, south of downtown Orlando for its “Winter Quarters” base of operation and constructed a mile-long spur to

accommodate the “Fair Train.” The train was the primary method of transporting the carnival through the end of the 2019 season. Following the 2020 pandemic related pause of the fair and large event industries, Strates Shows increased its use of “over-the-road” trucks to move its modern carnival.

“We have found ways to modify our business model to including over-the-road trucks, just like we were back in the early 1930s,” Strates spokesperson Marty Biniasz says. “But the train is invaluable to Strates Shows heritage and brand. It means so much to our fair partners and to the generations of fairgoers who have waited by the train tracks to see the carnival come to town.”

Strates Shows flat cars that will make the journey to New York State are being painted orange to reflect color schemes used during the 1960s & 1970s. Retired show painter Jack McKissock, who has been painting unique murals and ride panels for Strates Shows for nearly 40 years, is hand lettering each car and adding his own artistic touches. One of Strates’ oldest rail cars, a circus-style Warren Car Company flat car used as the “ramp car,” has been freshly outfitted in blue paint with bright yellow ramps.

Since 1982, and the end of rail operations by Royal American Shows, Strates Shows has been the last remaining railroad traveling carnival. In 2017, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus announced it closure, ending its circus train tradition, making Strates Shows officially the last show train on American rails. Railroad and carnival historians are hard pressed to find another “show train” operating anywhere in the world.

Strates Shows has worked closely with its mainline railroad partner, CSX Transportation to enable the historic show train movement to occur. The “Fair Train” will move in general freight during its trip up the Eastern Seaboard from Strates Shows Winter Quarters in Central Florida to

Western New York State. Details about the train’s arrival into Hamburg, New York will be released at a later date. To commemorate the “Fair Train,” Strates Shows has partnered with Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc. to release models depicting trains from two different eras. The models will be announced for pre-order reservations in Atlas’ O scale catalogs, beginning with the first of the announcements during Summer 2024.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Uzbekistan’s Tourism and Entertainment Group (TEG) has retained the globally acclaimed destinations design firm Legacy Entertainment to design TEG’s upcoming integrated resort in Uzbekistan’s capital city of Tashkent. The new project is destined to become Central Asia’s largest integrated resort. Projected to cost over $250,000,000 to construct, the 28-hectare (69 acre) resort will feature signature Hotel, Retail, and Water Park amenities, and is currently planned to open its first phase in 2027.

The Grand Serai, a theme inspired by the caravanserais located along The Silk Road, will be a celebration of Uzbekistan’s rich culture. Throughout their visit, guests will experience imaginative reinterpretations of the country’s architecture, food, music, fashion, and much more. At the heart of the resort will be a 20-hectare Water Park featuring over 20 uniquely-designed rides and shows designed to evoke both the local stories and fables of Uzbekistan, as well as the breadth of the country’s natural splendor. The waterpark project is promising to offer a record-breaking component to its visitors from around the globe.

Regarding this historic project, executives from TEG said, “The architectural design of the park will be meticulously crafted to reflect Uzbekistan’s history and traditions, ensuring that every aspect of The Grand Serai resonates with the country’s cultural identity. Visitors can expect a journey through time, as they traverse the park, encountering modern thrills intertwined with echoes of the past.”

Following an international search, TEG, part of Uzbekistan’s AKFA Group, selected the Hollywood, California-based Legacy Entertainment to lead the design effort. The firm, responsible for many of the world’s top Theme Parks and Resorts, assembled a special team for the Uzbekistan resort, with its members having pedigrees from Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios and Cirque du Soleil. Working in tandem with Legacy, these themed destination design experts will bring Hollywood magic to Uzbekistan.

“Our team thrives on creative challenges,” says Marcus King, Chief Projects Officer of Legacy Entertainment, as well as one of the firm’s owners. “The depth and diversity of Uzbekistan’s culture, both ancient and modern, is providing us with some of the most exciting inspiration our team has ever had to work from. As of this moment, no one has interpreted Uzbekistan’s culture through a theatrical or cinematic lens – so everything  is on the table for our very experienced team to work with.”

While additional details about the resort will be forthcoming, TEG did reveal the themes of two signature zones: “The Silk Road Shops” will be the property’s flagship retail and dining experience, highlighting the country’s importance as the central point between Asia and Europe along the Silk Road; while the Water Park will sport the original brand of “Azure.” inspired by the specific shade of blue found on the country’s flag.

Betson Enterprises returns to the International Bowl Expo this year being hosted at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, CO. From July 1^st to 2^nd, attendees can visit Betson at booths #126 & #129 to experience a dynamic lineup featuring the latest innovations from Raw Thrills and more.

Headlining this year’s showcase is the debut of NBA Superstars by Raw Thrills and Play Mechanix, marking the NBA’s thrilling comeback to arcades after a three-decade hiatus. In partnership with the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, Raw Thrills and Play Mechanix introduce NBA SUPERSTARS – a high-flying, backboard-shattering three-versus-three basketball blockbuster! The competitive, explosive gameplay is enhanced by the ability to create online player accounts to track game results and statistics. A fully-animated LED stadium scoreboard crowns the epic NBA Superstars cabinet, which dazzles with a breathtaking 75-inch screen, camera flash-simulating marquee lights, team color-coordinated RGB LEDs and four player positions.

The latest card collecting games will also be in booth #129 – Marvel Contest of Champions, players select their favorite Marvel superheroes and villains from a cast of over one hundred, each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles, to engage in fast-paced three-on-three battles on dynamic stages. Minecraft Dungeons Arcade (2-Player) Series 3 introduces an all-new card category to the game and an all-new way to play and collect – Hero Cards! The 20 ultra-rare, ultra-exclusive Hero Cards bring the total number of collectible cards in Minecraft Dungeons Arcade to 118.

The line-up will also include current Raw Thrills favorites and top earners such as Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR, T-Rex Safari VR, King Kong of Skull Island II VR, Halo: Fireteam Raven 4-Player, Fast & Furious Arcade 43” and more.

Visitors to Betson booth #126 can also try out the Skittles Remix Digital Kiosk – this innovative candy vending kiosk is designed to make your customer’s candy cravings a delightful and interactive experience. Elevate your candy-selling game and create a memorable experience for your customers by remixing your candy options with Skittles like never before.

Betson’s sales and finance representatives will be onsite to discuss leasing and financing options tailored to bowling and entertainment venues.