LAS VEGAS — Electric Playhouse, Las Vegas’ new 10,000-square-foot social gaming destination, announces it will open inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday, June 22. 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 promises to lure 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 will spring to life and respond to players’ actions.

Upon arrival, guests will 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 will 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.

When it opens to the public, Electric Playhouse will feature its 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 will offer 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 will also feature 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.

“In a world where passively sitting in front of screens with video games, smartphones, VR and TV is all too common, Electric Playhouse provides an active, social and energetic entertainment alternative,” said Brandon Garrett, chief executive officer and co-founder, Electric Playhouse. “Our goal is to re-energize the way people of all ages interact with technology by inviting them into an experiential world where they can connect, play and create lasting memories together.”

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 will be 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.

In a significant development for the amusement industry, Sacoa Cashless Systems proudly announces the grand opening of the Carousel Arcade, a vibrant new family entertainment center (FEC) on Mackinac Island. This event marks another successful chapter in the longstanding partnership between Sacoa and Family Entertainment Group (FEG).

The Carousel Arcade, an exciting new destination for families and tourists, now features Sacoa’s cashless system technology, transforming their experience into a seamless, efficient, and more engaging activity. As visitors enter the arcade, they are greeted by the K4 Kiosk, a beautifully placed POS branded with their own imagery. This installation is a testament to Sacoa’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the entertainment sector.

This Kiosk K4 system enhances the arcade’s atmosphere and drives revenue by making promotions more visible and engaging to the customers. The intuitive interface and eye-catching display encourage guests to explore various offers, increasing spending and improving the overall profitability of the venue.

“Sacoa’s technology is specifically designed to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions, making each visit fun but incredibly convenient,” explains Martina Mochkovsky, Global Marketing Manager at Sacoa. “Our cashless systems ensure that visitors spend less time worrying about tokens and more time enjoying the games and attractions available.”

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Family Entertainment Group and are deeply grateful for their trust in our cashless solutions,” said Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa Cashless. “This installation represents not just a business achievement but a collaborative effort to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the FEC world.”

Sacoa celebrates this new installation and reaffirms its dedication to providing the best in entertainment technology. The success of the Carousel Arcade on Mackinac Island underscores the company’s role as a leader in the industry, committed to enhancing the customers’ experiences worldwide.

LOS ANGELES — Care Bears, one of Cloudco Entertainment’s most beloved properties, has retained Bay Laurel Advisors to help strategize Care Bears expansion into the world of Location Based Entertainment and secure licensing opportunities for high-quality guest experiences within theme parks, family entertainment centers, themed-dining, themed-retail, hospitality, and other location based entertainment venues.

The Care Bears, with over 40 years of heartwarming adventures, were recently honored as “The #3 Hottest Brand” in the global character licensing business by License Global Magazine. These remarkable milestones, coupled with the thriving success of its YouTube Channel, which has amassed over 185 million views, and a TikTok presence boasting over 400 thousand followers and 9.3 million likes, underscore the enduring appeal of the Care Bears brand. It continues to captivate existing fans while strongly resonating with the next generation thanks in part to the success of the new animated TV program Care Bears: Unlock the Magic, which debuted in 2019. New episodes and mini-movies are currently streaming on Max.

Bay Laurel Advisors is led by its founder and President, George Wade, an executive with decades of location based entertainment experience collaborating with major entertainment brands to create appealing entertainment based experiences. Joining George on the Care Bears account is Joe Lawson, who worked with George Wade during his days leading entertainment content and brand partnerships for Rovio Entertainment. In addition to working on Angry Birds, Joe also led numerous licensing, publishing, location based entertainment and brand partnership deals during tenures at Netflix, DreamWorks Animation. and 20th Century Fox.

Care Bears is building off a successful 2023, which saw three licensed destinations open across Asia. A pop-up experience in Hong Kong’s Langham Place Mall welcomed 2,000 visitors per day, with the store averaging even higher numbers on the weekend. The location also quickly surpassed its revenue goal. Meanwhile, cafe activations in Seoul (South Korea) and Bangkok (Thailand) continue to thrive in the region. Seoul’s Care Bears themed Baskin and Robbins store, has become the number one performing location across 1800 stores across South Korea. Care Bears will also have their first dedicated retail experience opening in London this summer. In the US, the Care Bears just completed a very successful Care Bears art gallery exhibition at the Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles, where they attracted five times the number of daily visitors compared to previous exhibitions. Guests came to experience and purchase unique Care Bears-inspired art developed by over 75 artists.

Cloudco Entertainment’s Head of Global Licensing Robbie Prinzo said: “We’re beyond excited to bring the heartwarming world of Care Bears to life in immersive experiences and destinations for fans of all ages and are delighted to be working with Bay Laurel Advisors who bring a great amount of experience and expertise to the Location Based Entertainment market.”

Bay Laurel Advisors’ President, George Wade added: “With captivating, candy-colored visuals, multi-generational appeal and storylines centered around celebration, sharing and treating others with respect, Care Bears is the perfect brand for location based entertainment. We can’t wait to build deep emotional connections with fans of all ages for this nostalgic, huggable, unforgettable brand and are excited to assist Cloudco in the Care Bears’ mission of spreading cheer and kindness.”

GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. — Gateway Ticketing Systems, the world leader in ticketing, admission control, and revenue-generating solutions within the attractions industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Colliniates as Manager of Customer Service, effective Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Matt will take on a vital role in the company by overseeing the customer service team. Gateway counts customer care as one of its company’s foundational core values. Matt’s leadership of more than 20 world-class service team members is a testament to his leadership capabilities.

Matt’s journey with Gateway began in 2015 as a Customer Service Representative. His unwavering commitment to delivering world-class support for new and existing customers worldwide quickly set him apart. Since December 2019, Matt has been a Technical Account Manager. He has continued to build relationships and inject new strategic processes with some of our most significant partnerships. Under Matt’s guidance, these partnerships and his team have made significant strides in the last four years, a testament to his industry knowledge and management of customer relationships.

With a career spanning nine years at Gateway, Matt has honed his skills and expertise. He spent five years providing front-line support to various Gateway customers across multiple divisions of the ticketing industry. This experience and his five-year tenure as a Technical Account Manager have equipped him with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs. Matt’s ability to effectively manage teams, projects, releases, and relationships is a testament to his industry knowledge and experience.

“Gateway has always taken pride in rewarding and promoting its employees. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Colliniates to his newest role as Manager of Customer Service,” said Chase Mory, Director of Operations. “Matt’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit for this role. We have proven that he has the skill set to excel as our new Manager of Customer Service, and we look forward to seeing his positive impact on our team and our valued customers.”

Matt is eager to develop and expand future relationships with all Gateway Ticketing Systems customers. “Gateway has been my favorite place to work,” says Matt Colliniates. “I enjoy collaborating with the various internal teams as much as I enjoy collaborating with the many customers I’ve had the pleasure of working with during my nine years at Gateway. I’m excited to start my new role and the next chapter here.” 

SAN SEBASTIAN — DSRT Surf, a surf resort anchored by a five-and-a-half-acre Wavegarden Cove surf park, situated in the iconic Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, CA, celebrated a significant milestone as the construction phase has commenced, with the public opening anticipated in early summer of 2026.

A first-of-its-kind destination under development by Desert Wave Ventures, DSRT SURF is a carefully crafted and curated surf resort experience in Palm Desert. The project will feature for-sale villas, an upscale hotel, and a broad offering of resort amenities like gourmet food, pickleball, swimming pool, skate park, and other activities.

The centerpiece of DSRT Surf will be a 52-module Wavegarden Cove that delivers consistent world- class waves. The surfing lagoon boasts the highest capacity of surfers, accommodating at least 88 surfers in the water simultaneously enjoying perfect waves for beginners to experts. The wave menu comprises over 20 different wave types, and private sessions can be customized with any variety of waves on demand.

Part of DSRT Surf’s success comes from the ‘Turf for Surf’ project, through which water consumption is less than the equivalent of golf course terrain.

“We would like to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of everyone in reaching this important milestone,” said Fernando Odriozola, Chief Commercial Officer at Wavegarden. “Palm Desert is such an iconic area, and we can’t wait to start building the first Wavegarden Cove in California. Exchanging ‘Turf for Surf’ will create an amazing oasis in the desert that will become a true asset for many people to enjoy.”

“Today marks an exciting moment for the Southern California surfing community and for the city of Palm Desert,” said John Luff, Managing Member of Beach Street Development and Operations. “DSRT Surf is introducing the largest Wavegarden Cove in the United States. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony culminates years of development and starts the next chapter in bringing this unique and iconic vision to life, expanding the Southern California surfing landscape.”

Wavegarden is very excited to provide waves of all levels to the American market and spread the joy and benefits of surfing.

We are the only company in the world that currently has 8 surf parks operating successfully, with each one receiving an average of 200,000 visitors per year. The ninth surf park set to use Wavegarden´s technology will open this fall in Edinburgh, Scotland, followed by Virginia Beach, in the USA, and then Sao Paulo, Brazil.

GLEN, N.H. — It’s splashdown time for Story Land’s Moo Lagoon water playground, opening on Friday, June 14 to coincide with the fairy tale theme park’s 70^th Celebration Season.  The all-new farm-themed water play area is New Hampshire’s Best New Way to Stay Cool, offering everything from silly sprayers and water slides to sunglasses-wearing cow cut-outs to keep guests merry and ‘moo-ving’ while they beat the heat.

Opening ceremonies will begin with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting attended by favorite Story Land characters. Plus, the first 500 Moo Lagoon guests will receive a free commemorative towel.

“The upcoming opening of our all-new landmark attraction, Moo Lagoon, is the perfect way to toast to Story Land’s momentous 70^th Celebration Season,” said Chris Kearsing, General Manager. “Bring your bathing suits and be prepared to create new family memories as Story Land’s Moo Lagoon takes chilling out to a whole new level.”

The all-new farm-themed water play area features:

• A zero-depth water entry perfect for little swimmers;
• More than 50 interactive spray elements like squirting flowers, a tractor that spouts water and a dump bucket that periodically tips over in a surge of water; 
• Five pint-sized water slides for the younger set along with three 28-foot-tall body water slides, Cob Cruiser, Silk Slider and the center speed slide, Husk Runner, which offer thrills for taller fun-seekers; and
• Unique decorative elements like frogs, pigs and cows throughout the farm-themed playground.

Other new amenities sharing the farm modifications include The Stock Yard, a retail stand with swim essentials that looks like a barn lean-to; a 2,500-square-foot barn-style Bath House featuring changing rooms, showers, restrooms and one of two new handicapped-accessible adult changing stations for park guests headed to and from the water play area; and Barn Yard Pizza, a thematic remodel of the park’s previous pizza eatery complete with a cow pizza delivery driver on a tractor.

The project has been in the works for two years, marking the largest single attraction investment in the park’s history and promising hours of extra fun for families with kids from tots to tweens.

For a limited time, Story Land is offering a 4-Pack Ticket Bundle with savings of $140 or more with the purchase of four or more tickets. Tickets are valid for any one operating day now through August 4. Complete information about that promotion, other single day tickets, season passes and the 70^th Celebration Season is available at StoryLandNH.com.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — FACE Amusement Group, a premier provider of family entertainment experiences, is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The revamped site aims to offer an improved user experience, featuring streamlined navigation and a host of new features to better serve our guests and partners.

“Our new website is designed to streamline your search for fun experiences. With simplified ticket purchases, you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time in lines. Plus, we’re excited to offer our playcard specials online: spend $25 and get an extra $5, spend $50 and get an extra $15, and our best deal, spend $100 and get an extra $45. Redeeming your tickets in-store is effortless, ensuring you know exactly where to go when you’re in town,” states Andrew Bledsoe, Marketing Manager, FACE Amusement Group.

“We’ve teamed up with FACE Amusement on a handful of projects now. It’s always rewarding to work together because of their commitment to creating memorable and engaging experiences. The vision and enthusiasm shared between our companies make every creative project a collaborative and inspiring journey,” states Adam Bennett, VP, Creative Services, Lion Gate Media

All new web design, improved performance and speed to help you find what you want quicker. Added security features for checkout, added Apple Pay and Google Pay options, and have simplified the design for viewing on Tablets and phones. We also have integrated our FACE Rewards program right into the website, so if you register your playcard, you can get points to use towards other great FACE experiences. 

Highlights of the New Website:

1. Modern Design and Enhanced Usability: The new website features a contemporary design with intuitive navigation, making it easier for visitors to explore our diverse range of entertainment offerings. The user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience across all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
2. Comprehensive Content: Visitors can now access detailed information about our attractions, including photo and video galleries and customer testimonials. The site also includes a link to all of our stores to assist you when you visit any of our FACE Amusement locations.
3. Improved Functionality: Enhanced features of the redesigned site include an advanced search function, simplified ticket purchasing process, and easy-to-use contact forms. These improvements are designed to provide a more efficient and enjoyable online experience for our guests.
4. Enhanced Rewards: We also have integrated our FACE Rewards program right into the website, so if you register your playcard, you can get points to use towards other great FACE experiences. 
5. Accessibility: We are committed to making our website accessible to everyone. The redesigned site adheres to the latest web accessibility standards, ensuring that all visitors, including those with disabilities, can easily navigate and interact with our content.

Invitation to Explore: We invite everyone to explore the new website at www.faceamusement.com and experience the improvements firsthand. Whether you’re planning a visit to one of our attractions or just looking to learn more about our offerings, we believe you will find our new online presence to be informative, engaging, and easy to use.

Summer birthdays mean HUGE fun for Fun Spot America Theme Parks. In honor of the company’s 26^th year providing safe, clean, fun to families and guests of all ages, Fun Spot’s annual birthday sale has returned. This Saturday, June 8, Fun Spot will hold its best sale of the year with Single Day Passes for just $26 + tax each. This is a savings of up to 60% off the regular gate price, and passes are valid at Fun Spot America Atlanta and Fun Spot’s Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida locations.   

“We are excited to continue our birthday tradition of providing incredible savings to our guests who love to visit our parks in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Atlanta,” said John Arie Jr., CEO, Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “Our hope is our guests will share our celebration and purchase Single Day Passes for their friends and family. Fun Spot passes are the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, and ‘just because.’ The gift of Fun Spot is HUGE!”

The Fun Spot 12-Hour Birthday Sale will start online at 12 a.m. Saturday, June 8, and end at 12 p.m. EST.  Single Day Passes for all three Fun Spot parks will be just $26 each plus tax, and guests may purchase up to 10 tickets per transaction. All Single Day Passes sold during the sale will be valid through June 8, 2025 with no blackout dates. In addition, Fun Spot is adding icing to this Birthday (Cake) Sale – purchasers will receive a bonus of two (2) free tickets with every purchase of ten (10) Single Day Passes.

“There are more reasons than ever to spend a summer day with Fun Spot,” Arie continued. “With the opening of our award-winning ArieForce One coaster at our park in Atlanta last year, this summer is the perfect time to return to our Fayetteville park, or plan a road trip to Florida. In Orlando, we have added new Bumper Kars and a delicious Cinnabon location, and for our coaster fans, the Freedom Flyer roller coaster has gotten a brand-new train.”

The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo 2024 was an exciting week for RES RIDES connecting with new clients and industry friends. RES exhibited to a busy crowd in Riyadh for their 3rd year, deepening connections across the Middle East. With many projects backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) more and more projects are popping up across the region.

Deborah Eicher, RES RIDES Sales and Marketing Director said ‘It is exciting to see the commitment in the region to offer world class amusement parks. No doubt the region will attract visitors from all parts of the world.’

Those looking for a fabulously fun day out this summer holiday can visit RHS Gardens to join The Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep, in collaboration with the multi-Academy-Award-winning Aardman studio.

Running between 20 July and 1 September, on selected dates at all five iconic RHS gardens families can join Shaun on his quest to learn how to grow the best fruit and veg at Mossy Bottom Farm from friendly RHS experts, with plenty of tomfoolery and fun for all to enjoy.

Throughout the summer holidays, families will be able to participate in a host of interactive activities across the gardens, including a Haybale Maze, O’Lamb’pics games, interactive trails, claystation drop-in sessions, and even get to meet the iconic sheep in the fleece. Little ones can learn with Shaun about how to grow their own fresh ingredients and get their hands dirty with planting and gardening activities.

Along with plenty of Mossy Bottom antics, each garden will also feature sculptures from renowned global art producers Wild in Art. Young and young at heart can track down three super-sized Shaun the Sheep artworks at each garden.

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, said: “We are delighted to partner with Aardman for The Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep this summer across all five of our beautiful RHS gardens and are looking forward to what is set to be a fantastic and enriching programme of activities. We are excited to welcome families to join the fun, celebrate the iconic character, explore the beautiful gardens and hope to grow their love for the outdoors with some of Shaun’s signature mischief along the way.”

Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Attractions & Live Experiences at Aardman, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the RHS again this summer on a Shaun the Sheep partnership to align with our new brand initiative, One Farm, which aims to encourage families to enjoy nature responsibly and learn how to grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables alongside our woolly friend, Shaun at all five beautiful RHS gardens. The event programme offers a variety of different ways for RHS visitors to engage with Shaun and explore the gardens and we look forward to him bringing his harvesting expertise back to Mossy Bottom Farm!”

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art, said: “Wild in Art passionately champions the importance of art and being creative for everyone and our art trails and creative installations enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by making it part of everyday life. I’m delighted that this new collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society and Aardman will, through the much-loved Shaun the Sheep sculpture, enable visitors to RHS gardens to discover inspiring art while experiencing the benefits of being outdoors, connecting with nature and exploring incredible gardens.”