DUBAU, U.A.E. — Embed, the world’s FEC tech partner of choice for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries gears up to showcase its business solutions at IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 24 to 26 September 2024.

After decades of being a family-owned company with deep roots in the family entertainment business, Embed sets its sights on driving the transformation of Europe FECs to cashless/contactless to enable, empower, and ease the business of fun in the region. Market research sets the Europe family entertainment market share at US$1.82 billion, with a projected CAGR of 7.4% by the end of 2031. 

“Some of the key trends we see in the market are increasing demand for interactive and personalised experiences through mobile apps and digital platforms, a drive for the adoption of eco-friendly practices, and effective digital marketing as a vital growth driver to boost guest numbers,” shares Sara Paz, CMO and Growth Officer at Embed. “These dynamics are shaping the European region and are the reasons why we’ll be demonstrating the power of our Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions at the show.”

Proving that words are only as powerful as the follow-through actions behind them, Embed recently announced a new Sales Account Manager who will be dedicated to the European market and serving the needs of existing Embed customers and prospects alike.

This commitment to customer-centricity is why Embed is constantly developing solutions powered by the world’s best tech players like Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services – to transform the business of fun.

“Since its launch in 2019, our award-winning Mobile Wallet is still the only Apple and Google-certified FEC solution. This virtual game card is a response to the growing demand from consumers for more personalised and contactless (mobile payments) means of transacting with businesses,” explains Paz. “Embed’s Mobile Wallet 2022-2023 metric results are crystal clear: 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 even arrive at the FEC! This isn’t a game changer, it’s a life changer!”

Likewise, as operators seek higher profitability from reloads and return visits, and more business visibility, Embed’s STATS business intelligence dashboard (powered by Amazon Web Services) enables them to use their games and guest data to design (future-forecasting) better experiences, value, and promotional offers and communicate these more effectively through digital marketing.  “This way, guests can play more with every visit and enjoy the best value while operators can take a step back and enjoy transformational business growth with real-time visibility to their FEC data like game performance, revenue prediction based on retro data, inventory, and even manpower allocation.

As a result, Embed is attracting the biggest FECs in the market. The Veltmeijer Group, who has been with Embed for over 11 years to date,  has over 49 sites inclusive of Gamestate, Gamecity, and GameTown locations on the Embed system, composed of kiosks, game card readers, game cards, POS, and prize redemption. 

Embed drives strategic growth for customers like the Veltmeijer Group – enabling its expansion to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic with the partnership. With its tech innovation and partnership, Embed is also the trusted tech partner of choice of other leading Europe FECs: Elite Experience in Austria, Planet Arcade in Germany, Sir Winston in The Netherlands, and Loft Berlin each have an Embed cashless solution comprised of card readers and KIOSK+. 

Even with the best of FEC tech, Embed layers more value for its customers: “We know it’s not enough to offer the best cashless business solution and then watch operators get straddled with third-party costs that absorb their revenue, so we need to layer value in all areas of their revenue ecosystem” explains Paz. 

Seeing the uptick in cashless payments in different regions, including Europe, Embed is layering more value to the transformational growth its solutions drive, raising awareness of losing revenue from paying published rates instead of effective rates to payment processing providers.

“We are offering FREE rate analysis/consultations at the show to help operators cut their losses and see the savings they can get from simply switching to another payment gateway provider. This is the Embed difference: This means thinking twice about their current providers and challenging operators to seek reliability even when their internet connectivity is down and they need to continue their business operations with manual transaction processing, strong security, pricing transparency, better rates, and pricing know-how.”

To accelerate the region’s cashless transformation, Embed is also bringing the best of FEC tech to expand its footprint in Europe – such as smartTOUCH+, KIOSK+, and a full range of game cards and Wearables – and to contribute to Europe market’s rapid growth with its distributors like Bandai Namco UK, FARO Games, and BALO Turkey.

LEGOLAND Florida guests will have a chance to be a part of history by signing a steel beam to be placed inside the new SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium and support marine life through a donation to SEA LIFE TRUST. From Sept. 21 – 25, “Sealed with Steel” will take place in front of the Aquarium’s construction site inside the entrance of the Park. Weighing approximately 900 pounds and stretching 20 feet long, the steel beam will be the final piece of construction to be placed inside the Aquarium opening in early 2025. This five-day activation offers a unique opportunity for guests to literally leave their mark while supporting a legacy of sustainability and marine life protection. To support ocean protection and restoration, those unable to attend the “Sealed with Steel” event can still contribute by donating via the attached provided QR code.

To further support SEA LIFE TRUST and in a continued commitment to protecting local marine life, several Model Citizens (employees) from LEGOLAND Florida Resort are participating in Global 24-Hour SEA LIFE TRUST Beach Clean at Lake Shipp (in Winter Haven) on Sept. 18.

The SEA LIFE TRUST owns and operates marine wildlife sanctuaries (including the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland), runs inspiring conservation campaigns and funds projects and education programs that champion the need to protect our oceans. Through its global BREED, RESCUE, PROTECT program and dedicated Conservation, Welfare and Engagement team, SEA LIFE’s team of expert marine biologists pioneer global breeding projects which may one day provide a lifeline to the ocean’s endangered species, as well as nursing sick creatures back to health and returning them to the wild. If they can’t survive in the wild, they are given a safe home for life.

BRISTOL, Conn. — There’s more horror around every corner as Phantom Fall Fest takes screams to the extreme at Lake Compounce. America’s First Amusement Park will feature more fog, more effects and more screams this fall as the park doubles its scare actor team and introduces two all-new haunts including its longest and most interactive haunted house in Phantom Fall Fest history.

Three years into the park’s new Halloween event Lake Compounce plans to up the scares even more as it introduces two brand new haunts and adds even more actors into each of its houses. The fear kicks into gear every night at 6 p.m. beginning Saturday September 21 as four sinister haunted houses creep out of the shadows for 16 nights of terror. Details include:

• Bloodcraft (NEW) – A new terror has been summoned from the darkness as evil has corrupted all it has touched and nowhere is safe in the newest, largest and most interactive haunt ever introduced during Phantom Fall Fest.
• Malignant: Overgrown Evil (NEW) – The roots of evil have spread and taken over an abandoned garden to cultivate a new nest of horror. The evil has called forth dire creatures to its new home, and summoned others from the earth below. Guests must navigate the vines and fog to escape the terror the grows around them.
• mAlice in Wonderland 3D – Fears are taken to the extreme in this three-dimensional rabbit hole where the evil inhabitants of this twisted Wonderland await to shock, awe and challenge every step through the twisted labyrinth of Wonderland.
• MediEvil – The only way out is to face judgement from the Inquisitor through soul-wrenching torture throughout this medieval chamber of chaos, filled with never-ending punishment and no way to escape the dark fate that lies ahead.

“Phantom Fall Fest is turning the thrills up this season, guests are encouraged to prepare for a Halloween event like they’ve never seen featuring more actors and our longest, most interactive haunt in fall fest history,” said Lake Compounce General Manager Doug Hemphill. “This season, is sure to be what nightmares are made of.”

Phantom Fall Fest also features more than 20 rides and attractions including the re-tracked Wildcat Roller Coaster, day and nighttime rides on Boulder Dash, kiddie land rides during the day and more. Park guests can also curb their fall cravings with fearful bites like blood bags, zombie funnel cakes, savory turkey legs and more.

The days are for play every Saturday and Sunday for those looking for family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free daytime entertainment for guests of all ages including trick or treating, dance parties, pumpkin decorating and more. Phantom Fall Fest will run select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 21 through October 27.

Tickets for Phantom Fall Fest are on sale now for over 60% off when purchased online and include access to all four haunted houses, daytime and nighttime events and rides and attractions. Visitors can purchase 2025 Gold Season Passes now for $70 off or just six payments of $17 and get FREE access to Phantom Fall Fest. Plus, select passes offer unique perks like free parking, free soda, free friend tickets, park discounts and more.  

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America Theme Parks, Central Florida’s favorite destination for safe, clean, fun is the spot for families this Halloween season. Today, the park announced the debut of its all-new family-friendly event, FUNOWEEN.

Starting Monday, September 30, guests will immediately be surrounded by the sights, sounds and tastes of Fun Spot’s exclusive FUNOWEEN celebration. Décor featuring hundreds of pumpkins, gourds and more will be joined by the spooky sounds of eerie music throughout the frightfully fun park. Stationed around the park, guests can pose for “boo-tiful selfies” and peculiar pics at themed Foto Spots, each featuring a unique, monster-inspired motif.

FUNOWEEN is for families and every Saturday in October, the tall and the small are invited to come dressed in their Halloween best to experience the park’s delightfully devilish fun. A Trick or Treat Trail will be from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. for children 12 and under. Then as the sun sets, Fun Spot’s first-ever FUNOWEEN Dance Party will begin. From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. a monster-iffic emcee and dastardly deejay will fill the air with everyone’s favorite songs of the season. Along with the dance party, the park will host a different weekly themed family activity. With Ghoulish Game Night, Ambrose’s Scavenger Hunt, Monster ‘Ganza Costume Contest and Silly Spooky Pumpkin Decorating, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate FUNOWEEN at Fun Spot each weekend.  

 “We are excited to announce our annual Halloween celebration is bigger than ever,” shared John Arie Jr., owner and CEO, Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “With friendly spirits, scary rides, tasty treats, and monster-sized memories, our new FUNOWEEN event solidifies Fun Spot America as the place for HUGE Halloween fun!” 

Food is an important part of Halloween and FUNOWEEN’s savory bites will treat everyone’s taste buds.  The all-new creative and cool Fright Bites Menu features: 

• Ghostly Gator Bites Basket including Sidewinder Snake Fries with white queso and bacon topped with chives and (friendly) ghost pepper sauce. (Also available with chicken.)
• Sidewinder Snake Fries with white queso and bacon
• Monster Gourmet Caramel or Chocolate-Dipped Apples
• Green Slime ICEE – served in a souvenir, refillable yard-long sipper
• Pumpkin Head Punch – a blend of non-alcoholic fruit juices served in a bright orange souvenir cup with a pumpkin-shaped lid and straw
• Long Skulland Iced Tea – a pirate’s favorite containing spirits mixed together with blood orange, and sweet and sour mix and served in a light-up souvenir skull-shaped mug

FUNOWEEN activities are included with admission. Young guests may bring their favorite treat-collecting bag or purchase a reusable FUNOWEENtote at the park. A limited-edition collection of FUNOWEEN-themed merchandise complete with wearable fun will help get everyone fully in the Halloween spirit.

Fun Spot’s parks are open daily. Throughout FUNOWEEN Saturdays, the Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida parks are open from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. The Atlanta, Georgia park is open from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. every Saturday in October. Buy Fun Passes and Season Passes directly at Fun-Spot.com for the lowest prices.

Mark your calendar – on Halloween, Thursday, October 31, Fun Spot will hold Trick-or-Treating for children 12 and under from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The 2024 Golden Ticket Awards recognized 30 winners live from Kennywood

ARLINGTON, Texas — Publications are routinely about deadlines and reporting on stories accurately. Rare in the field are opportunities for surprises.

The staff of Amusement Today and friends within the amusement industry collaborated to honor the publication’s founder and publisher, Gary Slade, with a secret acknowledgement during the recent Golden Ticket Awards. The final awards of the evening acknowledge industry Legends, typically awarded by Slade. Before he had the opportunity to take the stage, a team member introduced the first one, which caught Slade off-guard. Once revealed, Slade stepped on stage to a standing ovation.

Starting as a ride operator on the Shock Wave roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas as a teenager, Slade became a fan of the industry at a young age. As he learned more about theme parks, their operations and what was happening in the industry, he became more knowledgeable and more involved. In time, he had established relationships within the region with members of the amusement industry.

Associated with two fan publications, Slade shifted to founding Amusement Today in 1997 to report on the business side of the industry. Over the past quarter century, it has become the leading industry publication, with a broad coverage of amusement parks, family entertainment centers, water parks, fairs, safety and more.

His efforts don’t stop at reporting news. Slade has had a keen interest in the history of the amusement industry. His volunteerism and dedication to theNational Roller Coaster Museumare unmatched.

Throughout his career, he has been honored as a Hall of Fame recipient of the World Waterpark Association and New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, as well as having served on safety committees. For his commitment to safety, he has received an AIMS Lifetime Contribution Award.

“They got me,” Slade said, following the ceremony. “I had no idea. I have loved this industry my whole life, so receiving this surprise in front of hundreds of industry friends is something I will take to heart for a very long time.”

The Golden Ticket Awards were established by Amusement Today in 1998 to shine a spotlight on the amusement park industry and attractions by recognizing the “Best of the Best.” Today, they are among the most recognized awards among theme parks, amusement parks, family entertainment centers and water parks. In 2024, Amusement Today presented awards in 22 categories, as well as special recognition with Publisher’s Picks awards and Legend designations.

On September 7, more than 300 industry professionals gathered at host park Kennywood to enjoy the awards ceremony, network with social activities and behind-the-scenes tours and discuss current trends. A press release on the awards can be found at www.GoldenTicketAwards.com or the issue can be downloaded at www.amusementtoday.com

Not one, not two, but three! That’s how many awards Sacoa Cashless System’s K4 Kiosk has now won after being presented with the Breakthrough Product of the Year Award at the IATP 2024 Conference & Trade Show.

Sacoa’s K4 Kiosk has become known in the industry for its attractive appearance, unmatched performance, and natural ability to interact with customers, all while providing operators with incredible benefits.

This amazing self-service kiosk has had a very positive impact on FECs and amusement parks, providing several advantages such as reduced lines, increased sales, reduced labor related costs, decreased theft, and more.

In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will expand the Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk to include two new dedicated areas featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
The expanded retail location will offer merchandise inspired by all three lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando – including Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Ministry of Magic, opening in 2025 at Universal Epic Universe. Guests will also be able to enjoy their favorite Butterbeer treats – including the Cold, Frozen, Hot and Vegan beverage varieties – and other specialty items from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at a new dedicated counter in the Universal Studios Store next year.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
The newly added SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section in the Universal Studios Store will come with an all-new dedicated entrance inspired by the colorful landscapes and beloved characters from the Nintendo video games. Inside the store, guests will shop an assortment of merchandise featuring favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is one of the five incredibly immersive worlds coming to the Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Dutch Wonderland, the World’s Best Family Park, turns to Happy Hauntings for 15 days of interactive family-friendly thrills this fall. Beginning Saturday, September 14 – two weeks earlier than ever before – families are invited to enjoy 10 all-new ways to Halloween as the Kingdom for Kids continues its muti-year expansion of the beloved Halloween event.

For the first time ever, Daniel Tiger and all five of his neighborhood friends from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be at the park for meet and greets throughout Happy Hauntings. Meet and greets will take place in the park’s Celebration Theater. The characters will rotate on a bi-weekly basis until the final weekend, October 26 and 27, which will feature meet and greets with Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, O the Owl and Prince Wednesday.

 The kingdom gates will open for a little bit of spooky and a whole lot of silly every Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. September 14 through October 27, plus Monday, October 14 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. All-new interactive activities include:

• NEW Pop-Up Play Interactive Theater – This all-new interactive theater experience invites guests to become part of the fairytale as they join a fearless hero as he explores what is and isn’t scary;
• NEW Mayhem’s Amazing Hay Maze – There’s an unexpected surprise around every corner of this hay maze as the royal court and the whole family makes their way from start to finish;
• Treasure Trolls – In its second season EVER, the park’s famous dive show takes to the Aqua Stadium every single night during Happy Hauntings featuring nighttime lighting and fog;
• Trick-or-Treasure Trail – Dutch Wonderland’s iconic trick-or-treat trail is back, featuring the park’s royal cast of characters along the cackling creek;
• Duke’s Halloween Bubble Bash – Back by popular demand, the whole family is invited to dance the night away with Duke the Dragon and finish out the evening with a costume parade;
• Not-So-Spooky Story Time – Characters from the Dutch Royal Court will read a variety of fairy tale favorites at 1:30 and 3 p.m. in the park’s Story Time Corner;
• Dine with Duke – Everyone’s invited to Dine with Duke and Friends during character dining offered for $9.99 for kids and $14.99 for adults; and
• Halloween Scavenger Hunt – Kids can use their park map to lead them in the adventure of discovering some fun spooky characters throughout the park for a special Happy Hauntings souvenir.

“Each year we look for a new way to continue to grow and expand our seasonal event offerings and this season is no different,” said Megan Hartman General Manager. “The addition ofDaniel Tiger’s Neighborhood characters to our family-friendly Halloween event offers our visitors more reasons to visit us throughout the season for a chance to meet with Daniel and his neighborhood friends.”

 Ahead of the 2024 Halloween season, Dutch Wonderland is currently offering Happy Hauntings tickets for as low as $29.99 for a limited time, and up to $60 off 2025 Season Passes. Select 2025 Season Passes include access to Happy Hauntings and Dutch Winter Wonderland, plus exclusive discounts and perks like free friend tickets, discounts and food and retail and so much more. 

WAVRE, Belgium — Alterface technologies have united the iconic Cinnamoroll character with adoring fans at the Discovery Theater in Sanrio Puroland theme park in Tokyo. Cinnamoroll is famous for endearing and inspirational quotes, many of which carry deep meanings about the importance of friendship, kindness and never giving up on your dreams. In a first for Asia, a pair of synchronized theaters offer interactive game play and special effects for guests as they embark on Cinnamoroll’s Little Big Adventure, a 5-minute romp through the sky chasing rainbows and overcoming obstacles together.

“This is Puroland park’s first new attraction in more than a decade,” says Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface. “It is a delightful story-based ride with audience engagement at key moments that asks and answers several questions: Why is a rainbow so beautiful? What is it made of? The adventure creates a strong emotional connection between the guests, the lovable game characters and this sense of wonder.”

The gameplay in Cinnamoroll’s Little Big Adventure strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and interactive engagement. While there is a competitive element that encourages guests to use their Magic Star Wands to overcome obstacles, the focus remains on the narrative journey rather than pure shooting mechanics. This approach ensures that the emphasis stays on the emotional connection and the unfolding adventure, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the story while still enjoying moments of friendly competition.

Each of the two theatres boasts 35 motion-based seats, including two spaces designated for wheelchairs and a front-of-house bench for small children. Interactive opportunities and special effects create an exciting experiential environment as guests team up with Cinnamoroll and his companions in their quest for rainbows. As the ride progresses, guests become essential helpers with their Magic Star Wands, targeting a series of obstacles. Scores for effectiveness with the devices are kept at each seat, and the most accurate helpers are rewarded with their faces projected on the theatre screen at the end of the experience.

This dual theatre approach offers many advantages, from providing unique, interactive guest experiences and a huge capacity of 600+ person per hour throughput within a compact location, from maximizing staff utilization and ensuring a good return on investment. “Believe in yourself and anything is possible, Cinnamoroll has told his fans,” says Battaille. “At Alterface we believe in making any interactive experience possible. Every IP character deserves to be brought to life for their fans. Our team and our patented technologies has made that happen for Sanrio and Cinnamoroll through this unique dual screen approach to entertaining and engaging guests. We can’t wait for our next challenge.”

SPOKANE, Wash. — Flight 509, an aviation-themed multi- attraction family entertainment center, opened its doors earlier this year within the Spokane Valley section of the city. The 22,000 square foot ground-up development offers the most complete set of attractions within the region, including a fully-themed two-level laser tag arena, centrally-mounted ropes course towering over the venue, multi-lane ninja warrior course, and a foam ball-filled three-level Ballistics play unit, complete with dumping buckets, air cannons, and geysers.

Flight 509 also offers four lanes of mini bowling, a four-pod Omni VR Arena, and an eight-unit bumper kart attraction. A 60-game amusement arcade rounds out the entertainment portfolio. Flight 509’s second development phase will begin next year with the addition of a 20,000 square foot indoor karting facility, providing Spokane Valley with a premium two-level racing experience not currently available within the region.

Developers Tim and Tammy Homer selected industry consultant Amusement Entertainment Management to spearhead the project’s development, including the formulation of the business case, investment strategy, and coordination plan. The three-year undertaking included the ground-up construction of the facility, which  has been designed to  support  family, adult, and corporate users with generous private event, conference, and lounge areas.

The Venue’s unique Hangar Café delivers a full complement of fast casual offerings to meet every guest’s expectations, and the Brand’s optional membership program allows guests to maximize both their experience and ‘flight miles’ with every visit.