PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Opening Day at Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s Thrill and Entertainment Destination, is just nine days away, as the park’s 127th season begins on 412 Day, Saturday, April 12. This year begins with a ribbon cutting and unveiling of the all-new Kennywood Junction themed area and new Eggcellent Celebration event. Modeled after a small steel town neighborhood, Kennywood Junction features five newly themed rides, a celebration room, new retail store and will serve as the center piece for the Eggcellent Celebration.
Hoppin’ new festive fun all begins on Opening Day as the Eggcellent Celebration springs into bloom weekends April 12 through April 27, to mark the official start of spring, the Easter season and celebrate spring break. Plus, the park has added two additional bonus operating days, Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21. Details include:
- Festive Fun in the NEW Kennywood Junction – The newly themed area will be home to the Eggcellent Celebration. In addition to experiencing its five rides, including the Olde Kennywood Railroad, Kenny’s Cargo Drop, Parker’s Cloud Cruisers, Fire Bustin’ Brigade and Coal Haulin’ Convoy, guests can enjoy larger-than-life Easter inspired decorations and photo opportunities;
- Meet and Greets with Tuft the Kennywood Easter Bunny – The park’s newest character Tuft will delight visitors during the event for meet and greets and photos in an all-new celebration space featuring a winding bunny trail, rolling hills, blooming flowers and more;
- Brunch with Tuft – Guests can add a special Brunch with Tuft and his friends to their visit, offering exclusive early park access, additional photo opportunities and an all-you-can-eat buffet; and
- Thrilling Rides & Attractions – The park will be in full bloom with everyone’s favorite attractions ready for riders. Get ready for rides on the USA Today 10Best nominated Phantom’s Revenge, historic Jack Rabbit, iconic Kangaroo and more.
The Eggcellent Celebration is just the beginning of a full season jam packed with the park’s best event lineup ever. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival makes a grand return with two all-new countries, Cuba and Spain, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 23 through June 29 plus, Monday, May 26. Then in July, Kennywood lights up the sky with fireworks on July 4 and 5 and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through 19, plus more for the new All-American Summer festival. Fall Fantasy Parades get a Mardi Gras twist daily August 2 through August 17 with parade floats, live music and other entertainment on the midways, plus specialty food and drinks for a decked-out French Quarter block party. The longest Phantom Fall Fest in park history begins on September 12, with the debut of an all-new haunted house. Kennywood closes out the longest season ever with Rudolph and friends during Holiday Lights November 14 through January 4.
“2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in Kennywood history,” said General Manager Ricky Spicuzza. “With the debut of brand-new events like the Eggcellent Celebration and All-American Summer, plus the long-awaited return of the Steel Curtain, there’s more to see, do and experience than ever before. This will be our longest season yet, and we can’t wait to welcome guests for a year packed with unforgettable thrills, family fun and new traditions.”
In addition to a full season packed with events and new reasons to visit, the park’s record setting Steel Curtain Roller Coaster makes its grand return in 2025.
Betson Enterprises is excited to announce the appointment of Stuart Wood as the new Director of Export Consultant for the Middle East, UK, and EU regions. Stuart brings over 28 years of experience in the Family Entertainment sector, most recently serving as Vice President of Arcades at HB Leisure. Prior to that, he held the position of International Sales Manager at Bandai Namco, following his early career as a sales executive at Crown Direct. Stuart’s industry experience and passion make him a strong addition to the Betson team.
“In this new role, Stuart will be responsible for driving international sales of the Raw Thrills product line through established and emerging distribution channels. He will also play a key role in growing Betson’s global footprint and strengthening relationships with key partners across the region,” stated Betson’s President Bob Geschine.
“I am thrilled to be working with Betson at such an exciting time,” said Stuart. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and network to help expand the company’s international presence and contribute to Raw Thrills’ ongoing success in global markets.”
Stuart’s responsibilities will include supporting the sales efforts of Raw Thrills’ full product line in relevant international territories, as well as identifying ancillary growth opportunities in the arcade and family entertainment market sector.
In today’s fast-paced world, a smooth guest experience is essential. Perth’s Crown Casino now uses VLocker’s cashless locker system. This helps them give their guests the best experience possible. In June 2022 Crown Casino Perth approached VLocker seeking a modern locker solution for their basement casino entry areas due to performance issues with their existing supplier.
Why VLocker? A Seamless Transition to Modern Convenience
The casino began looking for a new locker system in June 2022. They aimed to solve problems with traditional storage methods. Within a month of deciding to entrust VLocker with their modern Lockers, the sleek, aesthetically pleasing lockers were installed. They fit seamlessly with the venue’s world-class design. The change was a success. Andrew Della Vedova, Loyalty Operations Manager at Crown Perth who joined the team around the same time, saw how quickly the system was accepted and its benefits to both business and end-user, streamlining operations and improved guest satisfaction.
VLocker was chosen for its:
- Unmatched Reliability – Reduces access issues for smooth guest experiences.
- Sophisticated Management Software – Integrates with venue operations for better control.
- Elegant & Modern Design – Matches the high-end feel of Crown Perth.
- Unparalleled Security – Giving guests peace of mind while enjoying the casino and world class facilities.
Guests can enjoy a premium experience without worrying about their belongings.
Cutting-Edge Features for an Effortless Experience
This locker system is fully cashless. It supports various digital payment methods, including Apple Pay and Android Pay. Access is easy with secure PIN codes, so there’s no need for keys or physical tickets. Designed for guests, the lockers are user-friendly and require little instruction.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
VLocker’s system has greatly improved operational efficiency. The casino reports fewer guest complaints, showing the system’s reliability and ease of use. Routine maintenance takes no more than two minutes. The self-sufficient model reduces the need for outside support and licensing fees, saving money.
Andrew noted, “Guests have mentioned the simplicity of use. With less maintenance than the old system, staff can focus on other important duties.”
Elevating the Guest Experience
For many guests, the cashless locker system has been transformative. Imagine a visitor arriving at the casino, weighed down by bags after a long flight. They approach the sleek lockers, tap their phone to pay, and receive a secure PIN. The soft click of the locker door unlocking brings relief—they can now explore the casino hands-free, fully immersed in the experience.
The PIN-based access is especially handy in a lively casino. One guest, after an entertaining night, forgot their locker number. A quick code input revealed the exact location, saving time and frustration. This convenience sets VLocker apart.
Andrew added, “We needed a locker system that matched our world-class facilities and was easy for guests to use.”
Reliable Support and Maintenance
Despite being low-maintenance, the system includes a 24-hour hotline for support. In rare cases of technical problems, such as internet outages, you can use manual override options to keep the service running. External maintenance was needed just a few times this past year. This shows the system is reliable.
“When we needed maintenance, they were very responsive,” Andrew said.
Unforeseen Advantages and Guest Usage Trends
An unexpected benefit of the cashless system is a drop in lost items and forgotten cash. The casino has three banks of lockers that provide ample space for guest demand. Some users store their belongings for over 24 hours, but the slight over-capacity allows for smooth operation with less frequent maintenance.
A Model for the Future
Mr. Della Vedova is very satisfied with VLocker’s system. He values its efficiency, minimal staff involvement, and ease of use. He recommends this model to other businesses looking for a modern, hassle-free locker solution.
A Convenient Solution for Travelers
VLocker’s lockers help more than just casino-goers. They also support airport guests, layover passengers, and hotel visitors who need safe luggage storage. A traveler worried about their luggage while waiting for a late flight felt relieved. They used a secure, easy storage option that allowed them to enjoy the casino without stress.
Looking Ahead
With the system’s success, Perth’s Crown Casino has set a new standard for guest convenience and operational efficiency. VLocker’s cashless locker system shows how new technology can boost customer experience. Industry leaders are using it to drive positive change.
LEAWOOD, Kan. — AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced that moviegoers seeking a frozen treat can now enjoy Dippin’ Dots, America’s original and number one beadedice cream brand, during their movie at AMC theatres across the country.
This announcement and rollout follow a highly successful test of Dippin’ Dots products in select AMC markets over the last year. The national expansion to AMC concession stands will bring Dippin’ Dots to millions of moviegoers across U.S. AMC locations by April 2.
As part of the national launch, AMC guests can now enjoy popular Dippin’ Dots flavors – Cookies ‘n Cream with OREO® and ICEE® Cherry ‘n Blue Raspberry. Limited-time flavors will also rotate throughout the year, offering guests fresh and exciting options at AMC locations in the coming weeks and months. The first limited-time flavor, Hawaiian Crumble, arrives at AMC locations this May.
“Keeping our menu fresh and exciting is an important aspect of giving our guests the best moviegoing experience,” said Nels Storm, Vice President of Food & Beverage Product Strategy. “Cold treats were an untapped opportunity at our concession stands, and the popularity and convenience of Dippin’ Dots made them a perfect fit for how we were trying to elevate the concession experience. Our test markets loved the Dippin’ Dots options, and we’re excited to offer something new and cold for moviegoers to enjoy.”
“Partnering with AMC Theatres is a natural fit,” said Dan Fachner, Chief Executive Officer at J&J Snack Foods Corp. “We know that moviegoers are looking for fresh and exciting new options to their concession stands. We’re proud to bring the joy and excitement of Dippin’ Dots to the big screen, giving moviegoers a new way to enjoy their theatre experience.”
Dippin’ Dots has become a beloved icon at theme parks, stadiums and fairs worldwide, offering a fun and unforgettable experience for all ages. Acquired by J&J Snack Foods in 2022, Dippin’ Dots continues to expand its reach and bring joy to new generations.
GENEVA, Switzerland — MSC Cruises has officially sailed into the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS books, with crew onboard its latest flagship, MSC World America, setting a new record for assembling the longest line of LEGO ships.
The record attempt took place during MSC World America’s journey from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France – where she had been under construction for the last three years – to Miami, Florida, where the flagship will be based.
The milestone comes ahead of the ship officially being named in a ceremony at the line’s new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on April 9, before entering service for her inaugural season in the Caribbean on April 12.
Alongside MSC World America Captain, Master Dino Sagani, more than 1,000 crew members meticulously constructed and lined up the LEGO ships, forming a striking 291-foot-long display that stretched along the ship’s World Galleria on Deck 6 from aft to forward.
Each LEGO® ship took an average of five minutes to construct, adding up to approximately 7,000 minutes, or 116 hours, of effort from MSC Cruises’ dedicated crew.
While building the ships took time, assembling the entire record-breaking line was a feat of teamwork, completed in just under two hours and was overseen by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator to make sure the record was attempted according to the record guidelines.
This achievement comes in line with MSC Cruises’ entertainment partnership with both LEGO and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.
Last year, the cruise line proudly announced plans to roll out its GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS entertainment program across its entire fleet.
Guests have had the chance to break official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles, whether being the fastest to pull about 328 feet of rope or the quickest to complete 20 chair rotations in under 21 seconds, ever since MSC Cruises introduced the entertainment program in 2023.
The popular program has seen MSC Cruises’ guests and crew achieve an impressive 40 records so far. The program will be available on 16 ships by May, and fleetwide by the end of the year.
The new record will now join the impressive 13,000 longest line records in GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS’ database andwill also be featured in the Guinness World Records 2026 book, ensuring this remarkable achievement is celebrated.
As a recognition of their efforts, each MSC Cruises crew member who took part in the record-breaking attempt received an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS certificate and one the LEGO®ships involved as a keepsake.
As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises is known for its award-winning family offerings and has a long-established partnership with LEGO. The cruise line offers a wide variety of LEGO programs across its fleet.
In an elevated partnership with the LEGO Group, MSC World America will offer the first LEGO themed parade at sea, LEGO Family Game Show, and LEGO Family Zone builder area for fans of all ages.
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Slick City Action Park, the world’s first indoor slide park featuring proprietary dry-slide technology, has disrupted the active Family Entertainment Center (FEC) space. The company has achieved rapid growth in 2024, becoming the fastest-growing business in the active FEC industry, with the highest Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $4.96 million AUV and 41.04% average EBITDA margin across all open locations during the full fiscal year 2024. A key factor propelling the brand’s success is its unique all-ages appeal, with 26% of guests aged 18 and older and 36% being high school students or older. Slick City’s rapid expansion is evident: from zero to 41 franchises awarded, from three open corporate stores to 12, from a handful of employees to over 50, and from several hundred thousand square feet of signed leases to over a million.
Slick City began its franchising efforts at the start of 2024 with an aggressive target of 30 franchises sold in the firstyear. The company’s team of industry veterans exceeded that goal by awarding 41 territories in under 12 months. This rapid expansion included signing over 1 million square feet of real estate across 28 corporate and franchise leases, and the opening of the first 12 corporate and franchise parks. In the next 120 days alone, Slick City is on track to open 10 more parks, including its first franchise locations in Brownsburg, IN; North Columbus, OH; Frisco, TX; West Plano, TX; South Tulsa, OK; Scottsdale, AZ; Woodbridge, VA; South Oklahoma City, OK; South Chicago, IL; and Riverview, AZ. Slick City aims to open an additional 10 parks in the second half of the year.
Beyond the expansion of signed and opened parks, Slick City’s 2024 performance included significant financial gains. The AUV increased substantially from $4.19 million in 2023 to $4.96 million in 2024, with new open park data contributing to this growth. The brand also maintained exceptionally high profit margins, with an average EBITDA of 41.04% (more details are available in the 2025 FDD).
Slick City sets itself apart in the family entertainment sector through its patented and proprietary slide technology, designed to appeal to all ages. Since opening its first location in Denver, CO in early 2022, Slick City has introduced a first-of-its-kind entertainment experience, featuring thrilling attractions across its first 12 open corporate and franchise locations. This March, Slick City celebrated its first franchise opening in Maple Grove, MN, in the Minneapolis metro area and anticipates opening in Brownsburg, IN, in the Indianapolis metro area, in the coming weeks.
“This past year’s success is a testament to the incredible team behind Slick City. There’s simply nothing else like it on the market and the enthusiasm we’ve seen from our discovery day conversations and franchisees speaks volumes,” said Bron Launsby, CEO and Founder of Slick City. “As we look at 2025, it’s our franchisees’ time to shine and we’re thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to all age groups nationwide.”
Launsby is an accomplished entrepreneur in the family entertainment space, a board member of the International Adventure and Trampoline Parks Association and a former Family Entertainment Center multi-unit franchisee himself. He built Slick City with the perspective of a franchisee top of mind.
At the heart of Slick City’s appeal lies its cutting-edge attraction research and development, spearheaded by co-founder Gary Schmit, who also established Slick Slide. This revolutionary attraction company, a vertically-integrated affiliate of Slick City Franchise Group, acts as the dedicated manufacturing and R&D arm of the business. Slick Slide delivers a complete “park in a box” to franchise and corporate locations by producing and installing every attraction in every park. Slick Slide pioneered the exhilarating attractions that define the parks, delivering unmatched sensations of speed and elevation, similar to a waterslide – but without the water – and unlike anything else on the market. With 20 unique slide designs and a robust pipeline of new slides and attractions, coupled with modular construction that allows for easy cost-effective retrofits of future slide designs into existing locations, the brand continues to push boundaries with proprietary, pioneering innovations. Slick Slide has been aggressive in defending its intellectual property against use by would-be competitors, with 55 patents filed or granted globally, and counting. Slick Slide has already utilized the patents to win favorable settlements, ensuring the unique experience within every Slick City Action Park remains exclusive.
Slick City and Slick Slide’s combined management teams currently consist of over 50 team members. In anticipation of continued rapid growth, the company plans to expand its corporate team (known as the City Support Team) to over 100 members by the end of the year. This strategic expansion has included the recent hiring of several key individuals: Chief Development Officer Matt Lambeth, Franchise Project Manager Tamra Peters, Franchising Manager Megan Anderson, District Manager Jorge Pina and Designer Michelle Liechty.
WHAT:
- Viva La Fiesta is the biggest party of the season celebrating the cultural richness and spirited traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Each morning of Viva La Fiesta starts with a high-energy Looney Tunes dance party where guests can sing and dance in a festive celebration fit for the whole family.
- Traditional music is felt through the Mexico-themed area of the park with Mariachi Bohemio, Forth Worth’s finest mariachi, Ballet Folklórico and the tunes of one of the hottest local djs, Chicana DJ Virah.
- For one weekend only, April 12-13, Viva La Fiesta presents special appearances by:
- Rumbamena’s international dance company performing salsa and samba choreography
- Manteca Blue & The Latin Corner playing electrifying Latin-jazz fusion rhythms
- La Cantina dining location now features an all-new menu that includes shredded beef and crispy chicken tortas, Spanish rice, pinto beans and tricolor tortilla chips with roasted salsa.
- More authentic flavors like roasted elotes, crispy tostones with creamy salsa and specialty churros will be available for a limited time.
- Guests will quench their thirst with handcrafted cocktails and mocktails made with the tropical flavors of mango, coconut and pineapple.
WHEN:
- Saturdays and Sundays, April 5 through May 4
WHERE:
- Six Flags Over Texas – 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX
Viva La Fiesta at Six Flags Over Texas is ideal for making memories with friends and family in a vibrant atmosphere filled with captivating sights, lively sounds and mouthwatering flavors while experiencing your favorite rides and attractions.
MONTREAL, Canada — Vortex Aquatic Structures International (Vortex), a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic solutions, is proud to announce the launch of VECTORY, a groundbreaking Splashpad collection designed to ignite movement, creativity, and engagement through dynamic play. This strategic move underscores Vortex’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and its leadership in the aquatic structures industry.
A Bold New Way to Play!
As families and communities grow, so do their recreational needs. VECTORY was created to offer an inclusive, intergenerational play experience that brings people of all ages together. Whether it’s toddlers experiencing water play for the first time, children running through thrilling sprays, or parents and grandparents joining in the fun, VECTORY fosters movement, laughter, and lifelong memories.
“VECTORY was inspired by the way play brings people together.” says Richard Martin, VP Product Development at Vortex. “We saw an opportunity to elevate the game experience for the whole family and engage teenagers, drawing them away from screens and into the excitement of the splash pad. To bring this vision to life, we collaborated with an occupational therapist to test VECTORY with children, parents, and grandparents. Watching them interact and have a blast together was truly incredible.”
Meet the New Products
The VECTORY collection introduces nine brand-new products, many of which bring first-of-their-kind innovations to the industry. Among them, Reflex and Apex feature three DualSpray interactive nozzles, letting players activate sprays on their opponents and engage in exciting water battles. Tactik stands out as the first-ever pulse water cannon, allowing users to precisely control water jet intensity through the revolutionary PulseSpray technology. Dynamik N°1 & N°2 cater to younger players with an easy-turn 360° TwistFlow mechanism, allowing little ones to guide water onto cascading buckets or spinning wheels for an engaging, hands-on experience.
All products are engineered for smart water management, ensuring maximum fun with minimal water usage. With low water flow rate designs, each feature optimizes water efficiency without compromising on excitement, making it the ideal solution for municipalities and designers looking to create sustainable and engaging public play spaces.
Whether designing a new Splashpad or upgrading an existing one, VECTORY is built for adaptability. Featuring the Anchoring System Safeswap, the collection allows for easy layout reconfiguration, ensuring long-term flexibility without major renovations.
30 Years of International Success
For nearly three decades, Vortex has been shaping the way kids and families play in urban environments, water parks, and resorts worldwide. With iconic solutions such as Splashpad, Elevations , waterslides, Dream Tunnel and the new CoolHub, Vortex has created more than 10,000 custom installations spanning 50 countries and five continents. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the company has regional offices in the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands,and an extensive distribution network supporting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.
Innovating Sustainable Aquatic Spaces
As a leader in the aquatic play industry, Vortex sets high standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. Vortex has always been committed to sustainability and innovation in water management, continuously striving to innovate for future ge nerations. From day one, the company’s dedication to sustainability has grown, allowing it to responsibly manage water resources. By combining advanced water controller technology with tailored water management solutions that comply with local environmental regulations, Vortex provides solutions that best meet customers’ ecological objectives. Responding to the challenges of climate change, Vortex introduced CoolHub, an urban oasis designed to provide refreshing spaces for all citizens. This initiative aligns with many cities’ objectives to mitigate urban heat, promote sustainability and enhance the well-being of their population. CoolHub creates an inviting public environment that fosters healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — ASTM International’s amusement rides and devices committee (F24) invites all interested parties to join in developing a proposed standard covering dry slide systems. The committee is particularly interested in participation from designers and operators of both older and new slide systems.
ASTM member William Bussone says that, while dry slides are an extremely old ride type, in the last decade many new types of slides have been introduced. These include large indoor dry snow tubing slides and drop or jump slides that land in an airbag or a similar impact attenuation device.
“Dry slides have become adventure attractions, whereas traditionally they were more of a typical carnival-style ride, such as burlap sack fun slides,” says Bussone, managing engineer, CBE Consultants. “Different jurisdictions currently have a mishmash of internal rules about how to handle slides, so the regulatory landscape is confused and confusing.”
According to Bussone, developing the proposed guide (WK93943) is an attempt to collect most slide types under a guide that provides consistent direction for how to approach design, manufacture, and operation of a slide as an amusement ride.
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Fort Wayne Zoo is excited to introduce a new African lion in our care, Kiume (Pronounced as Cue-MAY). Thirteen-year-old Kiume is welcomed from John Ball Zoo as a companion for Ina, the female lioness in our care.
“We have been working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan to find the perfect match for Ina and we are overjoyed to have Kiume here,” said Michelle Smurl, Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation Education. “Though guests are just now beginning to see glimpses of him, Ina and Kiume have been going through carefully planned and phased introductions for the past several months. Throughout this complex process, our Animal Care Team have been elated to see how well these two have bonded.”
Ina and Kiume both lost their longstanding mates in 2024. Because these big cats are social, naturally living in groups called prides, it was important work to find a suitable match for each lion and we feel privileged to bring these two aging lions together.
“Kiume has quickly become a beloved member of our Zoo family and I know the community is going to love him as much as we do,” states Rick Schuiteman, Zoo Director. “We are currently giving Kiume time and space to explore his new habitat. In order to set these two lions up for success, it takes a lot of time and patience, and I am proud of our Animal Care Team for their continued dedication.”
As Kiume continues to acclimate to his new habitat, he may still have access to his behind-the-scenes spaces to help mitigate any stress, promote natural exploratory behaviors, and maintain a high level of animal wellbeing. As a result, we ask our members and guests to please be patient as he becomes comfortable with the habitat space. Kiume becomes the Zoo’s newest ambassador representing wild African lions. Lion populations have experienced rapid decline over the last two decades, with only about 23,000 lions remaining in the wild today. The Fort Wayne Zoo partners with Lion Guardians, a conservation organization based in Kenya, dedicated to finding and enacting long-term solutions for people and lions to coexist.
