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SeaWorld Orlando celebrates World Oceans Day and the one-year anniversary of SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center with a free gift for park guests while supplies
By News Release | June 7, 2024
SeaWorld Orlando is excited to celebrate World Oceans Day and the one-year anniversary of the SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center, one of the largest public-facing facilities dedicated to coral conservation in the United States. To honor this special occasion, SeaWorld is offering a free reusable, wheat-based utensil set to the first 1,000 guests who visit The Shoppes at Waterfront on June 8, starting at park open, while supplies last.
This initiative aligns with SeaWorld’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. The reusable utensil set is the latest effort in combating single-use plastic pollution, joining SeaWorld’s history of pioneering environmental practices. SeaWorld was one of the first theme parks in the U.S. to eliminate single-use plastic bags and straws to help keep oceans free of plastic, and in 2023, the parks launched biodegradable cutlery across its locations nationwide.
The SeaWorld Coral Rescue Center has welcomed a record number of visitors since its opening on June 9, 2023, providing them with a unique opportunity to observe and interact with coral biologists as they perform daily husbandry for “at risk” Florida corals. The center allows guests to view living corals up close, learn about conservation efforts, and understand the steps everyone can take to improve ocean health. Housing hundreds of living coral colonies and 15 different species, many of which are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the center is a testament to SeaWorld’s dedication to coral conservation.
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TORONTO, Canada — UNIS Technology Ltd. is excited to announce the appointment of Logan Schneider as the North America Sales Manager. With a proven track record of success in driving sales growth and building high-performance teams, Logan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our dynamic sales division.
In his new role, Logan will be responsible for leading the North America sales team, developing, and implementing strategic sales initiatives, and driving revenue growth across the region. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing UNIS Technology Ltd.’s mission to deliver innovative amusement game solutions and exceptional value to our customers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Logan Schneider to our team,” said Steven Tan, GM of UNIS Technology (Canada) Ltd. “Logan’s extensive experience and proven leadership in sales will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in North America. His strategic vision and customer-centric approach align perfectly with our company’s goals and values.”
Thanks to its strong partnership with SEGA Amusements International, Sacoa Cashless System, the leading supplier of cashless solutions for the entertainment, amusement, and leisure industries, is proud to announce its second FunBox installation inside of Gravity Max Stratford in London, UK, after an equally successful 2023 installation in Liverpool.
With more than 70,000 square feet of entertainment spread across 3 levels, Gravity Max offers a wide variety of entertainment for all ages and preferences. Inside of Gravity Max is FunBox, an arcade with all of Sacoa’s latest in entertainment technology; customers can purchase and recharge PlayCards at Sacoa’s IAAPA award-winning K4 Kiosk, play at games with the Spark Reader, and redeem tickets through self-service redemption prize machines, also powered by the Spark Reader. These technologies have allowed for incredibly low labor-related costs and the maximization of profits.
Kamil Strulak, FunBox’s Operations Manager, had this to say about working with Sacoa: “This partnership has been an overwhelming success and crucial for our brand’s growth. Sacoa’s support throughout the project was invaluable and unmatched, clearly demonstrating they were the cashless technology supplier we needed. Sacoa has proved themselves once before in Liverpool, and they have proved themselves again here.”
Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, added: “Sacoa’s latest technologies have been a great help in the operation of FunBox, giving the guests the autonomy to enjoy the entertainment on offer at their leisure. We are very pleased to have been selected again by FunBox for this new venture.”
A Quiet Place comes to life as an all-new Halloween Horror Nights Haunted House
By News Release | June 7, 2024
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. and ORLANDO — Guests will need to silence their screams when they enter the post-apocalyptic world of Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster movies,A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, in an all-new chilling haunted house at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The terror of the excruciating silence is set to begin Friday, August 30 at Universal Orlando Resort, and Thursday, September 5 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Directed by John Krasinski and critically acclaimed for its suspenseful yet mostly silent storytelling, A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II follow the Abbott family as they try to survive the aftermath of sightless creatures with a sharp sense of hearing that draws them to prey on anything that makes the slightest noise.
Mirroring the silence in the films, the haunted houses will embrace unique sound design, special effects and the adept performances of the scareactors to convey the ominous sense of dread depicted in the films. Consequential to the storyline, Halloween Horror Nights will incorporate the use of American Sign Language (ASL) for the first time ever within the “A Quiet Place” haunted houses to capture the authenticity of the films.
Fans will relive the tension that will come to life in the iconic scenes from the first two films, including traveling through the farmhouse that serves as the Abbott family’s shelter and stepping into the root cellar where Evelyn Abbott escapes to give birth as one of the creatures closes in. The snarls of the larger-than-life predators will follow guests at every spine-chilling turn, and guests must remember: if they hear you, they will hunt you.
Horror fans and movie buffs can now plan their visit to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood as all tickets are available for purchase. Beginning Thursday, September 5 and running select nights through Sunday, November 3, guests will encounter eight all-new haunted houses, an onslaught of sinister scare zones and the iconic Terror Tram.
A variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options are available for purchase to the Universal Studios Hollywood event, 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.
Stay and scream with a Halloween Horror Nights Vacation Package at Universal Studios Hollywood. Sample package includes one daytime General Admission ticket, one General Admission Halloween Horror Nights event ticket and accommodation at a Universal Partner Hotel. Universal Studios Hollywood Vacation Packages are sold by Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations, CST 2137135-50.
At Universal Orlando, a chilling new collection of horrifying experiences await guests, including 10 all-new movie-quality haunted houses, five scare zones filled with hundreds of menacing creatures, plus an energetic live show. Select tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando are available for purchase, including single-night tickets, Express Passes, the R.I.P Tour, which provides front of the line access 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. Guests can also stay, scream and save up to $200 (based on a seven-night stay) with a special vacation package that includes one-night admission to the event, admission to all three Universal Orlando theme parks and accommodations at a Universal hotel near the haunts with exclusive benefits, including access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entrance for faster entry into the event, Early Park Admission to the theme parks during the day, and more.
Tickets for Universal Orlando’s Premium Scream Night on Thursday, August 29, are now available. This unprecedented, one-night event will give a limited number of fans the opportunity to experience this year’s haunts before the event officially opens on Friday, August 30, including access to all 10 haunted houses, five scare zones and live entertainment. Premium Scream Night guests will also enjoy shorter wait times and staggered entry by group to the haunted houses, select all-you-care-to-enjoy food and non-alcoholic beverages, a souvenir credential, access to select attractions at Universal Studios Florida and free self-parking after 5 p.m. Only a limited number of tickets are available.
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 mug inspired by the all-original “A Quiet Place” haunted house.
For those eager to dive more into the scares in store for Halloween Horror Nights, check out the Discover Universal Blog, which today also reveals more about the slate of six original haunted houses at Universal Orlando Resort’s event. New updates will be posted regularly for the events at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
LAS VEGAS — AREA15, the pulse-pounding hub of experiential art and entertainment located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, announces it will host “House of Teletubbies: Tubbyland Rave” inside The Portal on Friday, June 21 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nostalgic fans of the 1990s/early 2000s TV show and party-goers alike can step into the surreal and vibrant world of “Teletubbies,” where Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po will take them on a whimsical journey filled with hypnotic beats and dazzling visuals. This ticketed event is exclusively for guests aged 18 and older, offering a whimsical blast from the past combined with an electrifying nightlife experience.
The Tubbyland Rave promises sentimental fun, transforming the 360-degree, projection-mapped Portal into a colorful wonderland complete with immersive light shows, pulsating music and interactive elements that will keep attendees dancing all night long. Whether reliving childhood memories or diving into the show’s quirky allure for the first time, this rave is set to be an unforgettable night out in Las Vegas.
“AREA15 is at the forefront of revolutionizing the rave experience by introducing themed events that blend nostalgia, creativity and immersive entertainment,” said Noah Kessler, head of entertainment, AREA15. “Our themed raves, such as the ‘House of Teletubbies: Tubbyland Rave,’ offer a distinctive and engaging way for guests to connect with beloved characters and stories while enjoying a high-energy nightlife atmosphere.” In addition to the rave, AREA15 is hosting several complimentary, all-ages activities for “Teletubbies” fans throughout the day. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can stop by Kappa Toys inside AREA15 for free merchandise, giveaways and more. During the same hours, the Sanctuary will also feature a special meet-and-greet with the “Teletubbies,” complete with photo opportunities and giveaways. The Wall will also host a complimentary activation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring giveaways and special food and beverage offerings for purchase.
The AIMS International Safety Award is presented annually to the individual or organization that demonstrates leadership, innovation, and foresight in improving safety in the amusement industry.
Nominations for the AlMS International Safety Award can be submitted via email to [email protected]. Please include the name and contact information of the nominee, in addition to a short description of why the nominee deserves to be recognized.
The award will be presented during the Golden Ticket Awards in September 2024.
The nomination deadline is June 30, 2024
To nominate, please email [email protected].
TAMPA, Fla. — Visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this summer are in for a refreshing treat with the return of FREE beer. For a limited time, the Tampa theme park will offer one complimentary beer per day to all guests and two complimentary beers per day to Pass Members. Guests will be able to enjoy the free ice-cold beer daily at Orang Café located in the Jungala area of the park, with a variety of rotating options to choose from. From classic domestic brews to artisanal craft beers, guests can enjoy a refreshing drink while experiencing the thrill of award-winning roller coasters and up-close encounters with animals and all the NEW things happening this summer.
This summer, there are lots of NEW ways to enjoy all that Busch Gardens Tampa has to offer, including:
Get Ready to Rise – All-New Phoenix Rising Coming This Summer
There’s nothing more exhilarating than a ride on the wings of the phoenix. This summer experience a fiery blaze of immersive, family-friendly excitement as you soar above the Serengeti Plain and drop into fun-filled twists and turns on the NEW Phoenix Rising. Inspired by legend, this suspended roller coaster in vibrant Pantopia is packed with surprises and speeds up to 44 miles per hour. But with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect adventure for families to embark on together.
Beat The Heat with Rhythm of Nature, an All-New Ice Show in the Moroccan Palace Theater
This summer, guests will have the opportunity to experience the all-new Rhythm of Nature ice show at the Moroccan Palace Theater. Audiences will embark on a spellbinding ice adventure following the journey of Dakari, a brave young hero, as they journey into a magical dream realm to uncover the wonders of the animal kingdom and embrace their destiny. This ice spectacle will dazzle guests with the beauty, danger, and wisdom of nature.
Experience a Different Park After Dark at Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights
Guests can extend their day into a fun-filled night with special seasonal entertainment at Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights. Gwazi Plaza comes alive with nightly performances of the all-new Gwazi Rocks, featuring vibrant dance and percussion beats. At the Stanleyville Theater, guests can enjoy the acrobatic feats of Cirque Electric, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and gymnastic performances. Plus, guests can sing along to tunes from their favorite artists during a performance of Icons at the Dragon Fire Grill, featuring mesmerizing dance and vocals inspired by musical legends.
For the perfect ending to the evening, guests can enjoy a dazzling firework show every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular Presented by Bad Boy Mowers illuminates the skies over Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Special performances will be available for the Fourth of July.
Celebrate The Nostalgia of Summer with Festive Culinary Delights at Red, White & Brews
This summer, guests can enjoy a selection of all-new culinary creations inspired by the nostalgia of summer. From grilled fare to deep-fried delights, guests can enjoy an assortment of all-new culinary creations available throughout the park including Hushpuppy Dogs, Chicken and Waffles, a Fried Oreo Cupcake, and more! For more information, and to view the festival menu, guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
Limited-Time Sale Provides Ultimate Summer Savings
Through June 9, guests can buy a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card for only $99 and get Adventure Island FREE. This limited-time deal provides the best savings of the summer!For guests looking for the ultimate gateway to adventure, a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions, and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits including free parking, in-park discounts, monthly rewards, and payments starting as low as $15 per month.
SEGA Amusements International, in collaboration with Funbox Entertainment, installs Sacoa Cashless Systems in Gravity Max in Stratford!
By News Release | June 6, 2024
SEGA Amusements International, in collaboration with Funbox Entertainment, is thrilled to announce one of their biggest installations in Europe of the Sacoa Cashless system at Gravity Max Stratford. After the huge success of this system at Gravity Max Liverpool, it has now been installed into Stratford’s new main feature family entertainment centre.
Located at the core of Stratford, in Westfield Shopping Centre, spanning over 70,000 sqft and three floors, Gravity Max Stratford has it all! From E-karting, Interactive mini golf, Augmented Reality Darts, an extensive arcade and so much more. This state-of-the-art family entertainment centre has something for everyone. The impressive arcade area presents a vast range of the latest and greatest games currently on the market and at the heart of them all is the world leading Sacoa Cashless system. With over 2200 installations in +70 countries worldwide, this system offers the best customisable applications to manage and control all aspects of an entertainment facility. In turn this system ensures players have the best arcade experience possible and can enjoy the expansive list of arcade titles for hours on end.
Furthermore, as a result of the Sacoa system, the arcade is 100% unattended, visitors can acquire and recharge their cards with credit at any one of the IAAPA Award Winning Sacoa K4 Kiosks scattered around the arcade. For redemption, players can redeem their e-tickets at one of the strategically located self-dispensing redemption prize machines around the arcade. All this allows for a seamless experience for players and operators. Gravity Max Stratford truly is the ultimate destination for entertainment!
There are numerous benefits for operators with the Sacoa Cashless Systems, these include flexible pricing, live income data reporting, visitor analytics, no more coin jams, the elimination of cash theft, reduced staff overheads and so much more! All of these benefits have resulted in operators reporting an uplift of up to 20% more income, since adopting the cashless system in their locations.
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The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation will be celebrating the 8th Annual Epilepsy Awareness Day at Elitch Gardens this Saturday. Event participants can take advantage of highly discounted admission tickets in addition to special event branded T-Shirts (while supplies last), an Ice Cream Social Meet & Greet in the afternoon, early admission into the park for the Purple Duck Chase and more… all while celebrating everyday heroes, raising epilepsy awareness and supporting the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation!
Festivities will kick off with the Purple Duck Chase, where purple rubber ducks will race down the Lazy River and cash prizes will be awarded to the sponsors of the first three ducks to cross the finish line. Anyone from anywhere can donate and participate in the Purple Duck Chase.
Don’t miss this chance to wear purple and enjoy a day at Elitch Gardens while also supporting a meaningful cause in the community.
CARLSTADT, N.J. — Betson Enterprises, the industry’s leading distributor of location-based amusement products, announces a comprehensive expansion of its customer experience offerings. These enhancements aim to provide unparalleled customer support, ensure equipment runs smoothly, and keep profits coming in for customers.
“In today’s fast-paced amusement industry, providing immediate, expert technical support isn’t just a service—it’s a commitment to our customers’ success and satisfaction. Our expanded technical support offerings represent our dedication to ensuring that every game runs as smoothly as the experiences they’re designed to create,” said Cliff Bradberry, Director of Technical Services, Betson Enterprises.
At the heart of Betson’s enhanced customer experience initiative is the team of highly experienced and knowledgeable technicians. With years of hands-on experience troubleshooting various games, these experts are available to support customers. Understanding the urgency of technical difficulties, Betson has streamlined the process to connect customers with the technical support team.