VANCOUVER, Canada — WhiteWater is pleased to announce our definitive success in defending four of our new products in the patent infringement case brought on by ProSlide Technology.
Onno Meeter, President of WhiteWater’s water park business unit, stated, “The verdict underscores WhiteWater’s leadership in the area of innovation by confirming that AquaSphere, Orbiter, and Tailspin are unique WhiteWater products.”
On December 1, 2020, ProSlide Technology, Ltd. launched a suit in Canada against WhiteWater, alleging infringement of six patents covering the above water slide products and five industrial designs covering Parallel Pursuit. During the course of the case, allegations concerning the five industrial designs and one patent were dismissed, confirming the validity of WhiteWater’s portfolio.
On August 30, 2024, the Honourable Justice Michael Manson, one of Canada’s foremost intellectual property judges, ruled that there was no infringement of any of the claims relating to the products. More strikingly, Justice Manson also ruled that every patent claim asserted by ProSlide and inventor Rick Hunter was deemed invalid. Additionally, ProSlide was ordered to pay WhiteWater’s litigation costs.
In a parallel case concerning eight patents in the United States, allegations concerning five patents were dismissed, one was ruled not to be infringing, and two remain before the court.
WhiteWater’s CEO Geoff Chutter commented, “Integrity is priceless, and after years of litigation, this judgment reaffirms that ours is intact. Our focus will continue to put our clients needs first as we develop new products”
AMSTERDAM — Zamperla is pleased to announce our participation in IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, which will be held in Amsterdam from 24 September to 26 September.
We will be located at booth 10132, where our sales team and ingeneers will be available to engage with attendees and provide insights into our latest offerings.
At this year’s expo, Zamperla will be highlighting our Integrated Rides concept. This approach represents a significant development in attraction design to deliver fun and immersive experiences. Integrated Rides combines multiple attractions within a compact footprint, allowing for a higher capacity of visitors and increasing the energy and vibrancy of the area.
In addition, our booth will feature a focus on two major coaster projects set to open in 2026 in Asia and in Europe. These projects reflect our commitment to advancing the field of roller coasters with cutting-edge technology and design.
We invite visitors to join us in Amsterdam to learn more about our latest developments and how they can enhance the future of entertainment.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is proud to announce that it has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission at this year’s Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Twice a year, the Commission reviews accreditation applications from the best zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in the world. At this year’s Annual Conference, 33 facilities were granted accreditation.
“The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has been accredited by AZA since the mid 1970’s and was the 13th zoo in the country to receive accreditation. The tradition of excellence in animal care and health, in educational programs, conservation efforts, and guest services is long standing expectation here. That doesn’t mean we don’t work every day to become even better and to continue to raise the bar of zoo excellence,” says Rick Schuiteman, Executive Zoo Director.
AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.
A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-evolving standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
“Congratulations to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo for meeting our rigorous standards and achieving Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer at AZA. “Earning accreditation is a mark of excellence and a testament to Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care and
conservation. Your dedication not only enhances the lives of the animals you care for but also sets a precedent for excellence in the zoological community.” As a result of this year’s accreditation decisions, there are now 252 AZA-accredited facilities throughout the United States and 12 other countries.
PHILADELPHIA — Beat The Bomb, the World’s Craziest Team Game, will open its doors on Friday, Oct. 11, at 1218 Chestnut Street in Center City, Philadelphia. The unit will be the company’s fourth U.S. location, joining Brooklyn (NYC), Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The 10,000 square feet “eatertainment” venue is being built by ARCO/Murray in The Bailey Building, owned by Thylan Associates. This expansion follows a recent $15M Series B investment by Otium Capital and Conversion Venture Capital, which will support additional Beat The Bomb openings in Charlotte, Houston and Denver in the next 6 months.
“Beat The Bomb is about having an absolute blast with your team—win or lose!” said CEO and Founder Alex Patterson. “Step aside darts, ping-pong, shuffleboard, mini-golf, and even escape rooms! We are the world’s first immersive social video game, using cutting-edge technology and incredible special effects to bring people together in real life. Philadelphia has been on our radar for a few years now, and we are excited to offer Philadelphians the next wave of socializing with their friends, family and coworkers.”
Since launching as a bootstrapped start-up in Brooklyn in 2017, Beat The Bomb has hosted over 750,000 customers, earned 30,000 five-star Google Reviews and been featured on NBC’s “Today Show,” “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “The Daily Show.” Beat The Bomb also welcomed celebrities such as Usher, Venus Williams and Tony Hawk to take on the missions before being paint bombed with their families. “We have come a long way but are still just getting started,” says CEO Alex Patterson. “Our goal is to open 50 locations in the U.S. by 2030 and then expand the concept internationally.”
At Beat The Bomb, teams of four to six players suit up in hazmat gear and take on one of three 60-minute “Bomb Mission” experiences—Paint, Foam, or Slime. Each mission offers a distinct set of team
challenges and special effects endings. During the hour, teams must advance through five high-tech video game rooms—featuring lasers, projection-wall mapping, RFID readers, touch screens and motion sensors—with game titles like “Hack Attack,” “Crypto Laser,” “Echo Chamber,” and “Floor Grid.” The goal is to earn time on the team’s “Bomb Clock,” which will be helpful in disarming a giant bomb in the final glass-walled “Bomb Room.”
Losing means getting blasted with paint, foam, or slime, while victory hinges on teamwork, communication, and collaboration. Winning unlocks rewards, commemorative keepsakes, and access to exclusive tournaments. Beat The Bomb’s Loyalty Program makes every visit more rewarding, with players earning points by both playing and winning, redeemable for game discounts, exclusive merchandise, and food and drinks. With new gaming experiences added to the gaming system annually, every visit guarantees a fresh and unforgettable way to “Have a Blast!”
Beat The Bomb Philadelphia will be the first location to launch with the “Slime Bomb Mission,” featuring all-new games developed by the Beat The Bomb Game Studio and upgraded Slime-Blast technology that drenches teams in an epic shower of gooey slime. “Get ready, Philadelphia! We have created the SLIMIEST experience the world has ever seen—guaranteed!” says Patterson.
The Bomb Bar—a full-service bar with a food menu—overlooks a 1,500 square-foot beer garden where customers can enjoy colorful slushies, themed cocktails, local craft beers and delicious bites, like chicken wings, fried chicken sandwiches and pizzas. Surrounding the dining area are five semi-private “Arcade Game Bays” where guests can eat, drink, and play a 90-minute competitive socializing experience.
Groups split into smaller teams of two to four and take on a gauntlet of mini-games—ranging from timed challenges to competitive battles—to determine the ultimate winner.
Beat The Bomb Philadelphia also offers a 300 square-foot private events space, perfect for corporate outings, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions, along with customizable catering and bar service packages. Beat The Bomb hosts hundreds of corporate events annually, with past clients including corporations, such as Home Depot, Delta, Google, Amazon and PWC; universities, like New York University and Georgetown and even professional sports teams, such as the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Commanders. Beat The Bomb also welcomes tens of thousands of students annually from middle schools, high schools, and nonprofit afterschool programs. Through a STEM school partner program and ticket donation initiative, the goal is to inspire the next generation of creative technologists and teach kids that any challenge no matter how big can be “beaten” by using teamwork.
ST. LOUIS — Intercard is known for great customer service because the company gets out of the office and visits with its customers to listen to their needs. In August 2020 CEO Scott Sherrod went out on the road to see how customers were doing as the industry reopened after the initial COVID-19 shutdown. This informal research road trip has since become an annual event dubbed “Scott’s Summer Tour.”
The 2024 tour took place in August and a lot of peanuts and crackerjack were consumed. Scott treated customers to major league baseball games in Chicago, Denver, New York and St. Louis and had dinner meetings with partners in Austin and Dallas.
ORLANDO — SeaWorld Orlando, the Coaster Capital of Orlando renowned for its impressive selection of thrilling and unique rides, unveiled plans for its latest groundbreaking attraction planned to open in Spring 2025: the World’s first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theater. This new experience invites families to soar over icy landscapes, dive beneath frozen waters and come face-to-face with some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. From majestic beluga whales to awe-inspiring orcas and walruses, this adventure puts riders right in the middle of the action. It’s also all indoors, so rain or shine, this attraction guarantees a cool, thrilling escape for the entire family all year round.
Building on the family-friendly thrills of the park’s newest attraction, Penguin Trek, this new ride accommodates guests with a minimum height requirement of just 39 inches, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the adventure together. Riders will embark on this 4:30 minute journey within one of two of the attraction’s immersive multi-level theaters, each accommodating 30 guests. They will experience the Arctic as if they were truly there, witnessing jaw-dropping visuals both in the air and underwater, including the stunning Aurora Borealis and remote, untouched areas of the Arctic.
Only at SeaWorld Orlando will riders have the rare opportunity to experience a seamless journey from underwater views of the Arctic’s marine life to the outer atmosphere, providing a satellite perspective of this incredible and expansive region. This attraction emphasizes SeaWorld Orlando’s commitment to blending education with entertainment, offering guests a comprehensive view of the Arctic’s vast and varied ecosystem.
Thanks to custom filming equipment specifically created for this project, the award-winning production team was able to film in some of the most remote parts of the Arctic, capturing its diverse environment in stunning detail. From lush, green landscapes that challenge the typical perceptions of the Arctic to the snow-capped vistas and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, guests will be transported to locations that are otherwise inaccessible to most.
“We are thrilled to introduce this first-of-its-kind attraction to SeaWorld Orlando,” said Jon Peterson, President of SeaWorld Orlando. “This indoor immersive flying theater experience reinforces our commitment to education, animal care and research. As guests disembark from the attraction, they’ll find themselves in the awe-inspiring wonder of one of the world’s most remote places, face-to-face with some of those very animals found within the Arctic such as beluga whales, walruses and more. By bringing the wonders of the Arctic to life, we are offering guests an unparalleled and immersive experience that will create lasting memories for people of all ages.”
With the launch of this Arctic-themed flying theater, SeaWorld Orlando continues to innovate and expand its lineup of world-class attractions, solidifying its status as a premier destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. SeaWorld 2025 Annual Pass Members will have the exclusive opportunity to be among the first to ride this groundbreaking attraction before it opens to the general public. Passes are on sale now, so guests will want to grab their passes for the chance to be part of this exhilarating adventure.
LAS VEGAS — Superplastic – the globally renowned character factory making content, experiences and products for those who get it – is about to unleash its most audacious venture yet: the Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research (D.I.P.R.). The brick-and-mortar destination is set to make its grand debut this fall inside AREA15, Las Vegas’ pulse-pounding experiential entertainment district. Promising a residency like none other, Dopeameme will offer a 40-minute-long, story-driven experience that will push the boundaries of what immersive entertainment can be.
Spawning from the creative minds behind Superplastic’s top synthetic superstars, Janky and Guggimon, Dopeameme is a testament to the brand’s innovation and imagination. Known for high-profile collaborations with industry giants such as Mercedes-Benz, Gucci, Fortnite, Tommy Hilfiger, The Weeknd, Post Malone and more, Superplastic’s first-ever, brick-and-mortar interactive attraction will redefine what visitors expect from immersive entertainment experiences. Dopeameme will be more than just a visual spectacle—it will provide a robust journey involving active physical participation from its guests, fully engaging them in the quest for pleasure.
Set within a dynamic physical location, Dopeameme will lead visitors-turned-test subjects through a series of immersive rooms, each designed to trigger an actual dopamine rush. Throughout the adventure, guests will encounter interactive delights for all the senses as well as candid photo opportunities that capture their most euphoric moments and exultant dance moves.
By the end of their visit, each guest will receive a personalized digital profile, including multiple photos, their recommended Dopeameme “prescription” that can be purchased at the retail store and other details from their visit they can share on social media.
Packed with Superplastic merch, the onsite retail store will be open to Dopeameme ticket holders and AREA15 visitors alike. Including unique Dopeameme-branded and Las Vegas-themed apparel and impulse buys, the shop will allow visitors to take a piece of the pleasure home and keep the good times rolling.
“D.I.P.R. marks a major leap in Superplastic’s mission to expand our digital dreams and IP character universe into an unforgettable, IRL experience for fans,” said Superplastic CEO Jennifer van Dijk. “AREA15’s pioneering success as a hub for next-gen entertainment provides us with a prime location, where we’re inviting visitors to actively participate in a story-driven adventure that’s as interactive as it is captivating. This is the next evolution of Superplastic’s legacy, converging in an unparalleled Las Vegas experience.”
Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in FEC technologies, is proud to announce KwikPay, a payment solution especially designed for operators with small or route-based operations. This incredible technology will be on display at the upcoming IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, from September 24 to 26, and the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, from November 19 to 22.
KwikPay is designed to enhance the customer experience by simplifying the payment process for arcade games, amusement rides, vending machines, and all coin-operated machines.
With KwikPay, customers can quickly pay by scanning a QR code on the machine with their mobile devices, eliminating the need for coins, tokens, or physical bank cards. This convenient solution empowers operators with increased control and revenue-generating possibilities by offering functionalities like discounted games, loyalty programs with rewards, and more, thereby fostering customer engagement and repeat visits.
Additionally, the elimination of cash transactions significantly reduces the need for maintenance and the risk of theft, allowing for decreased operating costs and peace of mind for business owners.
“KwikPay is an exciting new development for us at Sacoa,” said Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa. “With our long history of innovation and a deep understanding of the amusement industry, we’re confident that KwikPay will provide new partners with a powerful tool to enhance their operations and offer their customers a seamless, modern payment experience.”
Attendees of the IAAPA Expo Europe are encouraged to visit Sacoa Cashless System at booth #8362 to see KwikPay in action. Our team will be there to provide live demonstrations, answer questions, and discuss how this new solution will benefit operators and improve the overall customer experience.
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Longneck Manor, home to one-of-a-kind, personal encounters with giraffes and rhinos, is proud to announce it has been awarded accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). This prestigious honor has been granted to less than 10% of facilities with animals in North America. Earning AZA accreditation is a testament to the professionalism, commitment, and focus of the entire staff at Longneck Manor.
Longneck Manor, in collaborative partnership with SSA Group, has focused on earning AZA accreditation since its opening in 2021. Every aspect of Longneck Manor’s operation was studied and assessed, including the care and well-being of its animals, educational programs, conservation efforts, and guest service programs. Earning this important accreditation demonstrates that Longneck Manor is committed to providing the highest standards of care for its animals, staff, and guests.
“We are proud and honored to be recognized by the AZA for our unwavering commitment to animal care, conservation, and the guest experience,” said Rick Barongi, founder and executive director, Longneck Manor. “As an animal care professional for more than 50 years, I understand and appreciate the significance of this milestone. It is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, and the impactful way we touch the heart and mind of every guest that visits us.”
“SSA Group has been an active member and supporter of the AZA for many years,” said Sean McNicholas, president and CEO of SSA Group. “Part of SSA’s mission is to partner with companies so that we can help enhance our positive impact on global conservation. Our partnership with Longneck Manor is a special one. We are proud to work alongside Rick, Heather Crocker [director], and the entire team as they inspire and educate their guests.”
“Becoming an AZA-accredited facility celebrates Rick’s leadership and Longneck Manor’s passionate team,” he added. “All of us at SSA believe in Longneck Manor’s commitment to conservation and we’re excited about our shared future together.”
There are currently 251 AZA-accredited facilities and 15 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. The announcement of Longneck Manor’s accreditation was made on Sunday, September 15, during the AZA Annual Conference in Calgary, Canada. Longneck Manor’s accreditation will remain active for the next five years.
BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — Until now, Movie Park Germany has been silent as the grave about its newly planned horror house for the upcoming Halloween Horror Festival. Now Germany’s largest movie and amusement park is revealing its best-kept secret. The new horror attraction for 2024 will be based on Paramount Pictures’ record-breaking movie franchise “A Quiet Place”.
The new IP attraction will focus on an intense experience. Guests will have to immerse themselves in well-known key scenes from the box office success – and find their way to freedom between vicious creatures, ominous settings and quiet passages. The new maze therefore fits in perfectly with this year’s park motto “Stay Quiet, Stay Alive”.
The new horror attraction will officially open on 3 October. The conception plan is already very telling: The novelty is not only based on one of the most famous horror movie licenses of recent years – but will also become Europe’s largest indoor horror house to date, with an area of over 1400 m² / 15070 ft².
A Quiet Place – A horror blockbuster comes to life at Movie Park
“The demand for an IP horror house has been very strong among our guests,” says Halloween Project Manager Manuel Prossotowicz. “Thanks to the cooperation with Paramount Global, we can not only fulfill this wish, but also bring a well-known franchise to the park that will further immerse guests in the world of the horror genre.”
In a total of eight detailed scenes, horror and movie fans can prove their courage in a post-apocalyptic setting. The horror attraction includes the first two movies of the franchise and will bring the supermarket scene, the forest and the silo to life, among others.
Movie Park’s long-standing partners IMAmotion and IMAscore will be responsible for the realization of the project, playing a major role behind the scenes and on the Halloween set. The team will pay special attention to an authentic implementation of the design language and the sets of the movie.
While horror houses often feature narrow and winding corridors, more spacious areas will now contribute to the unique atmosphere in this new experience. “This is a challenge that had to be carefully considered right from the initial concept phase. We intend to catch visitors’ attention and gaze in the best possible way – even distracting them if necessary – to create a thrilling overall experience,” explains Managing Director Xaver Willebrand.
Furthermore, the technical aspects, sound design and content implementation of the new horror house are part of a detailed concept. For example, the integration of special speakers and authentic sound effects from the movie will enhance the new attraction.
The most recent film in the franchise, “A Quiet Place: Day One”, opened to nearly $100 million worldwide and set the franchise record for the biggest opening at the global box office. To date, “A Quiet Place: Day One” has grossed over $261 million worldwide.
