CARLSBAD, Calif — Talented Master Model Builders at LEGOLAND^® California Resort have taken brick building to the next level today unveiling a giant LEGO^® heart, symbolizing the love of play, to kickstart LEGO^® Festival – the biggest family celebration of play ever.

The San Diego-themed ‘I Heart Play’ model took 650 hours to create using more than 120,000 bricks and perfectly captures the energy of San Diego. It stars a southern California surfer girl riding a wave on the iconic shores of San Diego—all celebrating the laid back vibes of America’s finest city. The colorful model welcomes guests as they enter the Resort and is one of seven created for LEGOLAND Resorts worldwide to mark the first-ever LEGO Festival experience.

The Hearts have been built to celebrate the love of play, after recent research found that 76% of parents¹ believe that kids now have less time and space to play than ever before. LEGO Festival has been created to encourage families to play together on an epic scale, inspiring creativity, confidence and learning in the lead up to World Play Day on June 11.

PJ Catalano, Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND California Resort, said: “For us, every LEGO brick holds potential. This heart is a giant reminder that play isn’t just fun; it’s where you learn to create, to problem-solve, to bring your wildest ideas to life, one brick at a time.”

From building, dancing and rocking, families who visit LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND California Resort can enjoy five different play-zones including the Music Zone, Dance Zone, Creative Zone,Chill Out Zone andGaming Zone to take their playtime to the next level.

• Gaming Zone:For the first time, LEGO® Fortnite® fans can unleash their inner model builder and create their own extraordinary builds to expand the Lost Isles while also meeting the one and only Adventure Peely–the iconic LEGO Fortnite character.
• Music Zone: Rock out to the ultimate LEGO Battle of the Bands show. This rocking zone will feature an opportunity to get access all areas and meet the band.
• Dance Zone: Groove to sweet tunes and show off your best moves as you build the beat at DJ GoodVibes Dance Party.
• Creative Zone: Join renowned LEGO Master Model Builder, Alec, virtually, as he leads creative LEGO building adventures including the chance to build your own LEGO Minifigure head cookie.
• Chill Out Zone:Kick back and relax in a secret LEGO garden full of vibrant flower walls! Families can chill out together while building LEGO flowers. Plus, the littlest guests can build along with Hopsy, the friendliest red little bunny during the LEGO® DUPLO® show – perfect for preschoolers. 

On entrance, guests will be able to snap a selfie with the iconic ‘I heart Play’ display to kick off their day before grabbing their Festival lanyard and heading off to enjoy a play-filled adventure.

The iconic Hearts will be on display at six other locations around the world all featuring distinct themes that reflect each location: LEGOLAND Billund, LEGOLAND New York, LEGOLAND Deutschland, LEGOLAND Korea, LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Windsor. The set of seven bespoke LEGO hearts were designed and built by a global team of model makers who took a staggering 4,500 hours to build and used an astonishing 900,000 bricks to bring the love of play to life.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Talented Master Model Builders at LEGOLAND Florida Resort have taken brick building to the next level today unveiling a giant LEGO heart, symbolizing the love of play, to kickstart LEGO Festival – the biggest family celebration of play ever.

The Florida-themed ‘I Heart Play’ model took 650 hours to create using more than 120,000 bricks and brings nature and science to life. It features an out-of-this-world LEGO astronaut, vibrant flamingos, swaying palm trees, and a stunning sunset scene— all celebrating the spirit of the Sunshine State. Standing over 6-feet tall, the colorful model welcomes guests as they enter the Resort and is one of seven created for LEGOLAND Resorts worldwide to mark the first-ever LEGO Festival experience.

The Hearts have been built to celebrate the love of play, after recent research found that 76% of parents¹ believe that kids now have less time and space to play than ever before. LEGO Festival has been created to encourage families to play together on an epic scale, inspiring creativity, confidence and learning in the lead up to World Play Day on June 11.

David Hilliard, Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND Florida Resort, said: “Behind every LEGO model, there’s a story and this one tells the world that play is powerful. We hope this giant LEGO brick-built heart reminds kids that creativity may start small, just like a single brick, but it can grow into something big and incredible!”

From building, dancing and rocking, families who visit LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND Florida Resort can enjoy five different play- zones including the Music Zone, Dance Zone, Creative Zone, Chill Out Zone and Gaming Zone to take their playtime to the next level.

• Gaming Zone: For the first time, LEGO® Fortnite® fans can unleash their inner model builder and create their own extraordinary builds to expand the Lost Isles while also meeting the one and only Adventure Peely–the iconic LEGO Fortnite character.
• Music Zone: Rock out to the ultimate LEGO Battle of the Bands show. This rocking zone will feature an opportunity to get access all areas and meet the band.
• Dance Zone: Groove to sweet tunes and show off your best moves as you build the beat at DJ GoodVibes Dance Party.
• Creative Zone: Join renowned LEGO Master Model Builder, Alec, virtually, as he leads creative LEGO building adventures including the chance to build your own LEGO Minifigure head cookie.
• Chill Out Zone: Kick back and relax in a secret LEGO garden full of vibrant flower walls! Families can chill out together while building LEGO flowers. Plus, the littlest guests can build along with Hopsy, the friendliest red little bunny during the LEGO® DUPLO® show – perfect for preschoolers.

On entrance, guests will be able to snap a selfie with the iconic ‘I heart Play’ display to kick off their day before grabbing their Festival lanyard and heading off to enjoy a play-filled adventure.

The iconic Hearts will be on display at six other locations around the world all featuring distinct themes that reflect each location: LEGOLAND Billund, LEGOLAND California, LEGOLAND Deutschland, LEGOLAND Korea, LEGOLAND New York and LEGOLAND Windsor.

The set of seven bespoke LEGO hearts were designed and built by a global team of model makers who took a staggering 4,500 hours to build and used an astonishing 900,000 bricks to bring the love of play to life.

ST. LOUIS — Intercard, the world leader in cashless technology, will exhibit at this year’s 7^th annual SEA Expo. The company will feature the latest version of its award-winning iQ reader at the show, which runs from May 20-22, 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center in Riyadh. Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of international sales, will be at the show in stand #3B291 in Hall 3.

Intercard received a Best New Product Award at IAAPA Expo 2024 for the innovative iQ system, which was recognized in the category of Technology Applied to Amusements – Product or Service used by Facilities. The judges praised the iQ system as a “QR code reader for games allowing easy way to play. Can sell online or at kiosk on-site. Easy way to get to the fun.”

“The increasing acceptance of the QR code world-wide prompted us to create our iQ readers and kiosks that read QR codes,” says Sherrod, “setting the new standard for unattended amusement center payment technology.”

 The iQ reader can scan customer presented QR codes for payment and redemption point collection. This will enable customers to use mobile devices or printed receipts instead of play cards to active games, reducing costs for route operators and owners of unattended arcades.

“Intercard has been leading the way with cashless technology in Saudi Arabia since Adventure Land opened in Jeddah in the 1990’s,” says Alberto Borrero. “Adventure Land featured our first cashless system, and Intercard’s continued innovations and renowned customer service have made its technology the most used in the market.”

GENEVA, Switzerland — This summer, MSC Cruises is redefining family fun at sea with an enhanced entertainment lineup designed to create unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. From high-energy game shows and interactive experiences to dazzling parades and dynamic parties, the updated program offers something for everyone, from the youngest cruisers to teens and their parents.

Beginning June 2025, families onboard MSC Cruises can enjoy brand-new, immersive activities tailored to spark excitement and engagement.

Matteo Mancini, MSC Cruises’ Family Entertainment Development Director said: “With MSC Cruises being a family-owned company, we know what it takes to keep the whole family happy on vacation with our multiple-award-winning ‘Doremiland’ kids and family program, tailored entertainment activities and facilities, original game shows, amusement, cinema and waterparks for the youngest of guests through to teens. This summer, we are taking it to the next level, combining technology with engaging activities to create truly memorable experiences. Guests can look forward to more interactive game shows, more sports, more parties, and a fresh take on teen entertainment. No matter where our guests sail, endless fun awaits.”

Brand-new activities this summer include:
LEGO® Family Game Show: Following its successful launch on the line’s latest flagship, MSC World America, MSC Cruises will introduce the LEGO® Family Game Show across the fleet from June 2025. This interactive experience will allow parents and children to compete together in a timed creative challenge using LEGO® bricks. The official LEGO® Experience onboard mascot, LEGO® Sailor Walkabout, will judge the fun-filled competition.

LEGO® Family Parade: Featuring seven official LEGO® mascots, the lively parade will bring energy and excitement to guests as it weaves through key locations onboard, inviting passengers to join the celebration. Guests can experience this colorful experience on select ships, including MSC World America, MSC World Europa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape, and MSC Meraviglia. 

MSC ORIGINALS: For families who love music and dance, MSC Cruises will introduce a brand new “DOREMIX Family Disco” across the fleet starting in June 2025. Featuring an exclusive MSC Cruises soundtrack, also available on all digital platforms, this family-friendly dance party will be led by beloved mascot Doremi, who will serve as both DJ and dance judge for competitions in all age categories.

Additionally, two original MSC Cruises game shows, BOXES and MSC BOOM, will make their debut. BOXES will see contestants face unexpected challenges, revealed only when they open the selected box. MSC BOOM, will combine technology and fun, allowing participants to compete for exciting prizes.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS®: Due to popular demand from guests, MSC Cruises is expanding its Guinness World Records®activities for both adults and children, with the show being available across 16 ships this summer. These exclusive events give guests the opportunity to make official record-breaking attempts, creating unforgettable moments on board. Additionally, weekly technology-based tournaments, including the PS5 F1® Sim Racing Tournament, will challenge gamers to put their skills to the test in high-adrenaline virtual races. 

Enhanced experiences for teens & parents:
Teens Club Updates: Starting June 2025, teenagers up to 17 years old will find new, unmissable experiences across the fleet, including more sports and exclusive Teens-Club editions of the Silent Disco, Golden Party and Quiz O’clock, making the Teens Club the place to be for wholesome fun.

Golden Party & quizzes for parents: In response to growing demand, MSC Cruises is introducing the Golden Party, a brand-new exclusive event for parents to unwind and enjoy themselves. The new event joins MSC Cruises’ lineup of renowned parties, including the White Party, Glow Party, and Sunshine Party, which have become major highlights of the cruise experience. Meanwhile, trivia enthusiasts can test their knowledge with 75 original Trivia Quizzes available on all ships, during the regular daytime Quiz O’Clock, a casual and interactive daytime event featuring refreshments and social engagement in a relaxed atmosphere.

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles and memorabilia, is launching a fan-based capital campaign to save and preserve four historic coaster cars from across North America.

The vehicles the museum hopes to preserve are:

• Kingda Ka: Designed by Intamin, Kingda Ka debuted at Six Flags Great Adventure as the tallest, fastest coaster in the world, accelerating riders from 0 to 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds. When it was retired in late 2024, it was still the tallest and second fastest roller coaster on Earth.
• Nighthawk: Built by Vekoma in 2000, Stealth at then Paramount’s Great America was the world’s first flying roller coaster. In 2004, it was moved to Carowinds and renamed Nighthawk, where it continued to take would-be superheroes through 2,766 feet of track at speeds up to 51 mph.
• La Vibora: Originally opened in 1984 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, La Vibora was one of a handful of “trackless” coasters ever built. It moved to Six Flags Over Texas in 1986 and was the last Intamin-designed “Swiss Bob” coaster in operation.
• Time Warp: Featuring a unique spiral lift and tight, snappy turns along its 1,283 feet of track, Time Warp at Canada’s Wonderland was one of a handful of Zamperla-built “Volare” coasters to be installed around the world.

“Without the tireless work of the museum’s volunteers, who have been working to preserve these attractions for over six months, there is a good chance they would be lost forever,” said Jeff Novotny, President of the NRCMA. “By directly involving park and ride fans, we can now all work together to preserve the historic legacies that each of these vehicles represent.”

Fans of these attractions can go to www.rollercoastermuseum.org/2025fundraiser to contribute towards the shipping costs to their favorite rides. For donations of $100 and above, the museum will enshrine the donor’s name / company name into the exhibit of their choice.

NORTH OF COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The Silverwood team is hard at work ensuring the park is in tip-top shape for its guests. The shelves are being stocked, the coasters are being inspected, the grass is being cut, and the flowers are looking their very best for opening day on May 3rd.

The story of how it all began is as unique as the park itself. It all started with a man’s passion for collecting antique cars and planes on his remote property in Northern Idaho. Owner and Founder, Gary Norton, wasn’t sure if anyone would come to his new creation. But since Silverwood’s opening in 1988, people worldwide have flooded through its gates.

Over 37 years later, Silverwood has gone from a small museum in 1988 to the largest theme park in the Northwest today. In honor of this celebration, adult guests can get into the park for only $37, and youth and seniors can get in for just $19.88 this Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd & 4th!

Silverwood is excited for what’s new in 2025, including the seismic upgrade and reintroduction of Tremors roller coaster with steel 208 ReTrak from Hayden, Idaho’s Rocky Mountain Construction, a second train, and new Millennium Flyer trains from Great Coasters International (ride opening date to be determined sometime this spring). Silverwood’s entertainment has also received a makeover, bringing an all new show to the Theater of Illusion with Nick Norton’s Phantasm: Under the Big Top, an elevated and exciting train “robbery” (with all proceeds going to Canopy Village) on the Silverwood Central Railway, new mini-shows from Marvin & Friends in the High Moon Saloon and new mobile shows popping up throughout the park from the Engineers! New food venues for 2025 include Cosmos Cantina in the Theater of Illusion serving up dry ice cocktails and mocktails for the whole family and Sweet and Salty in Boulder Beach, a place for crispy, golden fries, cinnamon-kissed churro sticks and a side of soft-serve to dip them in (available when Boulder Beach opens May 24th). If guests want more information, they can check out the park’s new podcast, The Silverwood Show Podcast, at www.silverwoodthemepark.com/podcast. 

Silverwood is the Northwest’s Largest Theme Park, located in the beautiful panhandle of north Idaho. This year, Silverwood is celebrating its 37th anniversary. During the last 3 decades, Silverwood has spent countless hours ensuring that families from all around have a beautiful and memorable place to come and have fun! Every detail of the park has been essential in creating the ultimate guest experience. It all started with a train, and now there are over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions! You can experience world-class coasters, hair-raising attractions, kiddie adventures, a 1915 steam engine train, live award-winning entertainment, restaurants, and more! After May 24th, you can cool off at Boulder Beach Water Park with two massive wave pools, thrilling water slides, children’s water features, VIP cabanas, and an endless lazy river. Two parks, one price! Have your family or company outing at Silverwood and save big when you book your group of 15 or more through September. 

WHAT: Six Flags America will honor the bravery and selflessness of active and retired military personnel, and veterans during Military Appreciation Days with free tickets for entry on May 23 to 26. All active and retired military personnel and veterans can also obtain up to six specially discounted admission tickets to enjoy a fun-filled day in the park.

WHO:

• Active U.S. Military
• Retired U.S. Military
• Veterans
• Reserves
• National Guard

WHEN: Tickets are on sale beginning April 28. Ticket dates May 23 to 26

WHERE: Six Flags America
13710 Central Avenue
Upper Marlboro, MD 20721

HOW: To qualify for this special event, active military, veterans, first responders must register with ID.me. After selecting the product(s), they will receive a prompt to login.

All offers must be redeemed online. During Pass and One-Day ticket sales, product offers will periodically change. Military, veteran and first responder discounts cannot be combined with other offers.

FARMLAND, Ind. — North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the leading provider of carnival entertainment in North America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Sawyer as its new Director of Business Development.

A seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience in fairs, festivals, live events, professional sports, and advertising, Sawyer brings a powerful blend of strategic vision, industry insight, and business acumen to NAME’s leadership team. His track record of success spans marquee events such as the Arkansas State Fair, Alameda County Fair, Greater Gulf State Fair, and Country Thunder USA, as well as iconic venues including Mud Island Amphitheater and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.

Prior to joining NAME, Sawyer served as Senior Director of Accounts and Business Development at Agency GWL, a full-service firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Under his leadership, the agency delivered some of the largest fairs in the Arkansas State Fair’s 84-year history and managed a portfolio of more than 50 clients across nine states. His creative campaigns and strategic direction helped generate over $7.5 million in new business.

In addition to his agency work, Sawyer is the founder of ProFusion Marketing, a nationally recognized sponsorship consulting firm that has raised over $18 million for fairs and festivals since its inception in 2002. His efforts have earned him accolades such as Top Consulting Firm of the Year from Arkansas Money and Politics.

Sawyer also spent seven years as Assistant General Manager of the Arkansas State Fair, where he oversaw marketing, sponsorships, and event operations. Earlier in his career, he held sales and community relations roles with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League and played two years of professional hockey.

He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in Marketing and was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dan to the NAME family,” said NAME President & CEO Danny Huston. “His ability to connect people, brands, and experiences in meaningful ways will help us deepen our relationships with partners and bring new opportunities to the communities we serve.”

The MAY 2025 issue includes:

• Amusement Today‘s 2025 “What’s New” Guide!
• Chickasaw Nation opens unique Okana Resort in Oklahoma City
• Knott’s Berry Farm reimagines arcade, adds new midway games
• Six Flags Over Georgia debuts Intamin’s first Ultra Surf coaster
• SeaWorld San Antonio reimagines children’s area with Rescue Jr.
• BoldMove’s Rogue Rides provides new trackless vehicle option
• Dollywood celebrates 40th season with new restaurant, parking lot
• Zamperla supplies Morgan’s Wonderland’s accessible Happy Swing
• Legoland announces new indoor coasters for Florida, California
• Texas Pinball Festival 2025 scores high with global attendance
• AAMA’s FEC of the Year Alley Cats pilots Embed’s Ecosystem
• Slick City slides into its first location in the Dallas-FortWorth area
• Do The Beach is the next generation of adventure park ownership
• TouchTunes revamps music app, promotes more social activity
• Miami-Dade County Fair goes well, nearly a half million visitors
• Showmen’s Museum preserves the history of fascinating industry
• Bavarian Inn Lodge unveils impressive Bavarian Blast Waterpark
• Both Walt Disney World Resort water parks to open in 2025
• Spekboom Lodge is latest revenue stream at San Antonio Zoo
• Life Floor offers safety aspect of heat dissipation for hot surfaces
• VLocker recycles used lockers for missions, shelters to aid homeless
• After turning for 125 years, things continue to look up at Eli Bridge
• Focus On The Horizon: Matt Robbins of Martin & Vleminckx
• Six Flags Great America enhances original B&M inverted coaster
• Pennsylvania ride safety advisory board holds quarterly meeting
• Call for AIMS International Safety Seminar ambassadors
• Six Flags adds FLX Shade
• StarGuard Elite holds successful conference aboard cruise ship … and much more!

Sacoa Cashless System, the world leader in cashless management solutions for the entertainment industry, is proud to announce an ambitious world tour during May 2025, with simultaneous participation in five major international trade shows. This bold initiative underscores Sacoa’s ongoing commitment to innovation and global engagement.

Key stops on Sacoa’s global tour include:

• XV Encuentro ACOLAP & IX LAAE 2025
  May 8–10 – Ágora Convention Center, Bogotá, Colombia
• 2025 RSA Convention and Tradeshow
  May 11–15 – South Point Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada | Booth #509
• SINDEPAT Summit 2025
  May 14–16 – Campos do Jordão Convention Center, Brazil
• AAPA Summit 2025
  May 20 – Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
• SEA Expo 2025
  May 20–22 – Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, Saudi Arabia | Booth #3C 310

Throughout the tour, Sacoa will be showcasing its latest product lineup, including the cutting-edge K4 and K5 self-service kiosks, the innovative Redemption Kiosk, and its ever-evolving online solution – all designed to maximize operational efficiency and profitability for entertainment venues.

In the words of Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International “We are thrilled to be running this powerful global initiative, with multiple teams of Sacoa experts simultaneously attending trade shows on different continents. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to bring our cutting-edge technology to operators and entrepreneurs around the world, helping them increase the efficiency and profitability of their sites and projects. This tour represents both our growth and our unwavering commitment to advancing the entertainment industry worldwide.”