CALVERTON, N.Y. — From soak to spray there’s water every which way beginning next summer at Splish Splash Water Park, as the park debuts an all-new water playground. Set to open for visitors in summer 2025, the new kids’ zone will welcome the tiniest of tots as the water park celebrates its 35^th summer season.

Opening in 2025 at New York’s Largest Water Park, the new kid-friendly zone will offer families more than 15 fun and silly ways to stay cool during their visit to Splish Splash. The all-new water playground will be decked out with three-pint sized water slides, six interactive spray features, five water play features, a dump bucket and fun for all to soak and spray.

“At Splish Splash, we want to make sure we are offering a variety of attractions fit for guests of all ages,” said General Manager Mike Bengtson. “This all-new water playground will offer our smallest guests pint-sized thrills during their visit with more than 15 exciting features. We can’t wait to welcome families back to the park for a splash-tastic summer.”

In addition to the new water playground, Splish Splash has a little something for everyone including more than 30 thrilling attractions like the new light and sound experience, Hyperlight, the iconic Ailen Invasion water slide and the beloved Bootlegger’s Run water coaster. Plus, next summer visitors can once again expect to enjoy a full lineup of events including Father’s Day Flop, Shark in the Park, Hero Appreciation week, Touch-a-Truck Day and more.

To celebrate the park’s 35^th season and new water playground, Splish Splash is kicking off its Black Friday Sale early. Right now, visitors can save up to $50 on Season Passes and enjoy unique perks with select passes like free parking, discounts on food, retail, H2Go and more. Those interested can also take advantage of the park’s low payment plan with monthly payments as low as $14.

The NOVEMBER IAAPA EXPO 2024 issue includes:

• New land,Tír Na nÓg, dazzles at Emerald Park
• Gillian’s Wonderland Pier shuttered, but memories it created will remain forever
• Lost Island adding Rocky Mountain Construction coaster for 2025
• Pirate ship will soon sit atop arcade roof at Playland Castaway Cove
• Hersheypark, S&S Worldwide partner for “twisted” swing into 2025
• Cedar Point, Vekoma to unleash America’s first tilt coaster in 2025
• Huangshi Dinosaur Dream Factory opens Zamperla vertical-lift coaster
• Disney Adventure, Maurer announce longest roller coaster at sea
• Universal Epic Universe sets opening date, begins ticket sales
• Story Land celebrates 70 years of family-driven smiles and fun
• Six Flags Qiddiya City rises, moving rapidly closer to completion
• Circuit of the Americas expands offerings with miniature golf
• Embed, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza reshaping business of fun in Kentucky
• Tulsa State Fair lives up to slogan, experiences “11 Days of Awesome”
• Pittsburgh event features first-ever Ferris wheel on a bridge
• 2024 North Carolina State Fair has an 11-day run filled with success
• Texas adds a new Great Wolf Lodge Resort in the Houston area
• WhiteWater West’s new Moosehorn Falls debuts at Canada’s Wonderland
• Parks survive back-to-back hurricanes, but lives changed forever
• Hotel planned as part of official resorts of Hersheypark expansion
• Rides 4 U, Fun Spot America celebrate and extend partnership
• NRCMA Museum Progress Report
• Focus On The Horizon: Sammie Schaefer of the Museum of Illusions
• Gateway introduces Galaxy 8 update, new e-commerce platform
• Precision Chains assists with chain operation, replacement needs
• Coat Your Pool provides longevity, aesthetics to splash, wave pools
• The development of ASTM Standards for the water park industry
• AIMS International announces Jim Pattison Jr. to deliver keynote
• Extreme Engineering provides comfort, safety with FLX Shade … and so much more!

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — “Episode 5 of ABC-TV’s hit series “The Golden Bachelorette” featured an extended bowling date at a Lucky Strike Lanes in Los Angeles. In this shot Joan Vassos, the Golden Bachelorette, has a heart-to-heart talk with one of her suitors. To the right of her, red as one of the Bachelorette’s signature roses, is an Intercard iTeller. It can’t offer Joan everlasting love but Intercard’s cashless technology can make it easy for her and her suitors to play a few arcade games in between takes.

The telegenic Intercard iTeller has previously appeared in an episode of “Law and Order: SVU” and a music video by Imagine Dragons.”

ORLANDO — Universal Orlando Resort is saluting the service of active duty and retired military members with a selection of exclusive offers to experience the nonstop thrills and unparalleled excitement of the award-winning theme park destination. Military personnel and their families can purchase the exclusive 2025 Military Freedom Pass, which gives them access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay every day from November 14, 2024 through December 19, 2025 with limited blockout dates. Plus, this group also receives special vacation packages and discounts at Universal Orlando hotels.

2025 MILITARY FREEDOM PASS
Military members and their families can enjoy more than a year of theme park thrills with the 2-Park 2025 Military Freedom Pass. Available for $210, Freedom Pass ticketholders will receive park-to-park access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, where they can experience some of the most innovative theme park experiences ever created – including the all-new DreamWorks Land, a colorful new area featuring attractions, character meet and greets, interactive play areas and a live show inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters from Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.

The 3-Park 2025 Military Freedom Pass is also available for an additional $35 and includes admission to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park, a tropical oasis where guests can enjoy a variety of relaxing and thrilling experiences, including taking in the views of a 200-foor volcano while relaxing on the sands of Waturi Beach, conquering a 125-foot drop on the Ko’okiri Body plunge and more.

The 2025 Military Freedom Pass is now available for purchase at participating sales outlets on Military Base installations throughout the United States (valid identification required). Pass blockout dates include December 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025, and April 14, 2025 – April 20, 2025. This offer cannot be purchased at the Universal Orlando Front Gate. For more information about this offer, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Military.

MILITARY VACATION PACKAGES
Military members and their families can take their Universal Orlando vacation to the next level and stay near the thrills with two vacation package options: the Military Create Your Own Vacation Package and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Military Vacation Package. Both packages come complete with the Military Freedom Pass, allowing guests to visit all year long (limited blockout dates apply).

The customizable Military Create Your Own Vacation Package includes:

• Hotel Accommodations at one of the 11 magnificent Universal Orlando hotels, including the brand-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (opening May 22, 2025), Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25, 2025). 
• Military Freedom Pass to visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and/or Universal Volcano Bay on the same day
• Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay up to one hour before they open to the general public

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Military Vacation Package includes:

• Hotel Accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s 11 magnificent hotels or other participating hotels
• Military Freedom Pass to visit Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure on the same day
• Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to one hour before it opens to the general public
• Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Flight in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley featuring four flavors of the guest’s choosing
• Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios Florida (one per person)
• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in Universal Islands of Adventure (one per person)
• Special gifts, including one Honeydukes Cooler Tote and one Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America, the family-owned and operated theme park company that provides safe, clean, fun across its three parks, has launched its annual Black Friday Sale with HUGE savings on 2025 Fun Spot Season Passes and 2025 Fun Spot Ultimate Season Passes.

Fun Spot’s Black Friday sale kicks off today. Now through Sunday, December 1, Fun Spot’s 2025 Season Passes are just $99.95 each, a savings of $30, and the 2025 Ultimate Season Pass is only $239.95 each, a savings of $50. Fun Spot America Annual Passes offer incredible value and include exclusive discounts and deals all year long for pass holders. Fun Spot Annual Passes are valid at all three Fun Spot America parks: Orlando, Fla., Kissimmee, Fla., and Atlanta, Georgia.

“Black Friday is our biggest promotion of the year, and we are excited to bring our guests the best deal ever on 2025 Season Passes,” said John Arie Jr., owner and CEO, Fun Spot America. “This sale is the perfect opportunity for families and thrill-seekers to lock in a year of fun at a fantastic price. Our season passes do not have blackout dates and include exclusive events for pass holders, discounts on in-park food, merchandise, and more. A Fun Spot Season Pass means HUGE fun for everyone in the family.”

Fun Spot America’s 2024 Black Friday Sale at a glance:

• 2025 Season Pass for $99.95 each
• 2025 Ultimate Season Pass for $239.95 each
• Flexible payment plans that begin as low as $14.99 a month

The Fun Spot Black Friday Sale is live now. Season passes can be purchased in person at any of Fun Spot America’s parks or online. For complete information about the exclusive benefits and perks of a Fun Spot Annual Passes, and to purchase online, visit  fun-spot.com/black-friday

VANCOUVER, Canada — With more products to debut than ever before, next week’s IAAPA Expo 2024 should prove to be a busy week for WhiteWater, the world’s largest water park manufacturer. Not only will the company be debuting new products, but they will also be unveiling new attraction categories. It’s time to rethink the modern water park beyond anchor attractions and capacity absorption. Today’s guests and park operators have different expectations for how they want to spend their time and money.

To that end, WhiteWater’s team of designers, architects, and engineers work hard to stay ahead of the trends, or to create them, as the case may be. By leveraging WhiteWater’s complete range of water park attractions, and some less expected ones, they are redefining what a water park looks like for future generations. Stop by booth 2254 to see how they are fusing together slides, rides, and play into never-before-seen attractions that increase capacity, extend seasons, and maximize space.

“It takes the range of talents within WhiteWater working tirelessly to produce the quality and quantity of products we are delivering to the market at IAAPA Expo. They deserve recognition for these exciting and creative new firsts. My thanks go out to the unsung heroes at all of our offices,” commented Onno Meeter, WhiteWater’s President of Water Parks.

To see this strategy in action, ask the team about WhiteWater’s three shortlisted Brass Ring Award products—each one completely unique to the last. To find future award-winning attractions, check out our famous New Products Book in booth and get an exclusive sneak peek. After all, we can’t do it without you, the future is ours to create.

To book a meeting with any member of the WhiteWater team, please visit whitewaterwest.com/en/iaapa-expo-2024/ or feel free to stop by the WhiteWater “intersection” at booths 2254, 2252, 2654, and 2652.

ARLINGTON, Texas — In a recent news release, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), the largest amusement park operator in North America, announced a more than $1 billion investment its theme parks over the next two years. Six Flags Over Texas will receive an array of theme park enhancements in 2025 and Hurricane Harbor Arlington will debut the largest investment in park history with the introduction of a massive interactive kids area, Splash Island. In a groundbreaking announcement, Six Flags also revealed that a record-breaking dive roller coaster will launch at the Arlington theme park in 2026. 

“Six Flags is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and will be implementing a wide array of enhancements throughout the property. Our park’s multi-year expansion plans will bring major investments including cutting-edge thrill rides, revitalized family experiences, elevated dining and expanded events,” said Richard Douaihy, the park’s president. 

“In addition to all of the enhancements at Six Flags Over Texas in 2025, we’re thrilled to debut Splash Island at Hurricane Harbor, the largest investment in our 42-year history. And in 2026, we’ll unleash an all-new, record-breaking dive coaster sure to delight our ultimate thrill seekers,” Douaihy said.  

To make way for this historic addition, the park has retired the La Vibora and El Diablo coasters, with construction beginning soon. This exciting new roller coaster underscores Six Flags’ commitment to continually elevating the park experience and making lasting memories for all. 

Welcoming a New Generation of Coasters 
La Vibora, a steel bobsled-style roller coaster, opened in 1986. El Diablo, known as a giga loop coaster, operated since 2019. The rides’ retirement enables the park to make way for a new generation of thrill machines in the Spain section of the park. To usher in this new beginning, a jaw-dropping, record-breaking dive coaster is set to debut in 2026. 

‘We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences. We look forward to sharing more details this summer,” Douaihy added. 

ORLANDO — Guests can enjoy a dazzling global celebration like no other during Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, returning to Universal Studios Florida starting February 1 through March 30, 2025. The fan-favorite event offers fun for the entire family and features a nightly spectacular parade with colorful floats, hundreds of street performers and tons of beads; mouth-watering cuisine inspired by New Orleans favorites and international flavors; and – on select nights – live performances by some of the most popular names in music.

All the excitement of Universal Mardi Gras is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida or a valid Universal Orlando Annual or Seasonal Pass (blockout dates apply). Guests can take their Mardi Gras party to the next level with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience – which includes an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the festivities with a reserved coveted spot aboard a Mardi Gras float to toss colorful, sparkling beads during the event’s parade. In addition, guests will enjoy a three-course meal on the day of their visit that includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage. Guests can choose from one of eight participating restaurants within Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida – The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Lombard’s Seafood Grille, and new this year – Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required), Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only), Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom (dinner only), or Pat O’Brien’s (dinner only).

ORLANDO — Fun Spot America Theme Parks proudly announces the addition of five new rides to be shared in its three parks in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Atlanta. The new attractions will bring a mix of fresh thrills and family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages.

“We’re always looking for ways to keep our parks fresh and exciting for our guests,” said John Arie, Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America. “Adding these rides is a great way for us to continue to offer new, unique and memorable experiences. This is a HUGE investment for Fun Spot America and we’re excited to add something special to each of our parks. Guests will soon experience two new rides in Orlando, two in Kissimmee and one at our park in Atlanta.”

The rides, manufactured by SBF-Visa Group, have been relocated to Fun Spot from The Funplex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The new experiences include:

• The silly and colorful Tea Cups at Fun Spot Orlando, replacing the park’s existing version while still offering the classic family ride experience.
• The MACH FUN tower ride which takes guests for a side-by-side flight through the air. They will climb and dive all while controlling the height and roll of their plane as they flip 360 degrees. Reaching an altitude of 50 feet, the MACH FUN is the tallest interactive 360° Flying Jet Ride in North America.
• Adding to the fun at Fun Spot Kissimmee, the Swing Around will be located in the Kids Spot section of the park. Developed especially for Fun Spot’s youngest guests, Swing Around is a classic swing attraction.
• Kissimmee guests will set sail on the massive 60-foot-tall Up and Overboard, an SBF-Visa Group Inverted Pendulum ride. Featuring twin gondolas guests will experience the feeling of complete weightlessness as they swing through the air. Evening rides will be memorable, too, as the Up and Overboard brightens the sky with its vivid colors and dancing lights.  
• At Fun Spot America Atlanta, the thrilling golf-themed Hook & Slice will spin guests clockwise and then surprise with a counterclockwise revolution. The experience will wow guests as they wind, whirl, and catch air on this family-friendly thrill ride.

“The introduction of these new rides is just the latest example of Fun Spot’s ongoing commitment to bring added value and excitement to guests of all ages at all of our parks,” Arie continued. “Each ride has been chosen to complement the character of the park it is headed to, and will bring fresh energy to the overall guest experience. While we are adding to the fun, we are not increasing our season pass prices or our single Day Pass cost. A visit to one of our parks means a day of safe, clean fun along with great value and experiences.”

GOSHEN, N.Y. — LEGOLAND New York Resort is excited to announce the launch of LEGO DUPLO PEPPA PIG Playground, coming in 2025 to the theme park in Goshen just 65 miles from New York City. As North America’s first ever collaboration between LEGO DUPLO and PEPPA PIG in a real-world play experience, this immersive space will bring the world of the beloved preschool series to life. Building on the recent work between LEGO DUPLO and leading toy and game company Hasbro, this unique play space unites two iconic brands in an engaging, interactive environment.

“Our goal is to inspire imaginative play and foster a love for learning in a setting that is both fun and enriching,” says Divisional Director of LEGOLAND New York Resort Stephanie Johnson. “Bringing this Playground to the Resort is a significant milestone for us, greatly enhancing our offerings for our youngest visitors. This thoughtfully designed space will provide an engaging environment where children can experience the joy of LEGO building while playing and exploring alongside their favorite characters from the PEPPA PIG universe.”

“For 20 years, PEPPA PIG has told stories that reflect the real lives and firsts of preschoolers worldwide,” said Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro, “We’ve enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Merlin, bringing top-tier experiences to PEPPA PIG’s fans. Merlin shares our vision of creating play spaces designed just for little ones, empowering children to embrace every new adventure and leap confidently into all of life’s muddy puddles.”

Spanning just over 13,000 square feet, the Playground will feel like stepping into a giant LEGO DUPLO toy box, featuring several of the most well-known and iconic elements from the PEPPA PIG universe. Fans of the PEPPA PIG

animated series can explore Peppa’s house, hop into Daddy Pig’s red car, set sail on Grandpa Pig’s boat, and have loads of fun in Peppa’s Treehouse, just to name a few of the exciting activities.

Key Attractions Include:

• Peppa & George’s Puppet Show — As the main attraction, this interactive theater will feature live puppet shows starring Peppa and other beloved characters. The show is set against a dynamic digital backdrop that changes throughout the performance. After the show, families can take a photo alongside Peppa and George.
• Daddy Pig’s Red Car — Beep Beep! Join Daddy Pig and hop into the driver’s seat of Peppa’s family car, honk the horn and snap a photo with the family home in the background.
• Peppa’s Tree House — Visit the tree house in the middle of the play area and swing to the sky, crawl through tunnels, or enjoy the exciting slide. The Tree House will feature wheelchair accessible ramps to ensure everyone can join in on the fun.
• Peppa’s House — Strike a pose in front of Peppa’s iconic house and capture the perfect family photo to remember the adventure!
• Grandpa Pig’s Boat — Join Grandpa Pig on his boat and get a photo as you sail through the imaginary world of PEPPA PIG. Don’t worry, you won’t get wet or fall in the water!
• Picnic Cake Brick Build — Take a break for a picnic at the DUPLO brick build table, where guests can unleash their creativity and design a colorful cake to add to the growing display.