WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort has officially welcomed its first finned residents, marking a monumental milestone in the journey to opening day on June 6, 2025. What was once a construction site filled with hard hats and steel beams is now transforming into something truly extraordinary.

From sleek blacktip reef sharks to playful clownfish, mesmerizing cownose stingrays, and even majestic unicorn tangs, SEA LIFE Florida is starting to come alive. The immersive exhibits are now home to vibrant reef fish and curious invertebrates.

“This moment marks the shift from construction site to conservation site,” said Curator at SEA LIFE Florida, Sarah McMahon. “From building walls to building connections between people and the ocean. Every fish, ray, and shark that arrives is a chance to spark curiosity and inspire care for our planet.”

Guests will soon dive into more than 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rockpools, and 10 underwater-themed galleries—all designed with accessibility and inclusivity at heart.

The aquarium will be fully ADA accessible, and SEA LIFE Florida aspires to earn a designation as a Certified Autism Center, a Resort wide initiative.

SEA LIFE Florida is introducing the world’s first “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience in the main ocean exhibit where guests will not only be able to explore as they walk through a 30-foot long underwater tunnel, but they’ll be able to see animals interacting with coral carousels and deep-sea roller coasters—making this an unforgettable adventure for both the guests and the animals.

This living world is still growing, with more species arriving each week until the grand opening this summer. Annual Passholders will be the first to sea it all with exclusive early access on May 23, ahead of the official grand opening.

Plus, guests will have the chance to dive in all summer long with the Summer Resort Play Pass—a limited-time offer that gives guests unlimited admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort and SEA LIFE Florida through September 12. Pay for a day, play all season!

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — It’s kick-off time at Kennywood Park for The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster. The highly anticipated, triple record-setting coaster will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the park’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza, and special guests joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including current players and alumni, to mark the official Grand Opening. 

Standing a staggering 220 feet above the park, Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster, will return with its famed nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States including the highest in North America, this Memorial Day Weekend. To mark the grand return, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will get exclusive first ride time on the coaster on Friday, May 23. Those interested in tackling record setting thrills early can save $40 on a Gold Season Pass now during the final days of the park’s Spring Pass Sale. 

“Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.”

Featuring 4,000 feet of track, the Steel Curtain originally opened to riders in 2019. In 2024, the coaster began a yearlong modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Through the project, the park worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, and third-party engineers to add three new columns and additional braces throughout the ride. This modification decreased the structural movement of the ride, ultimately allowing the coaster to make more cycles throughout its lifespan.

In addition to the grand return of The Steel Curtain, Kennywood’s longest season ever continues with the beginning of Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival on Friday, May 23. Offering mouth-watering foods from around the world, this year’s event features two new countries, Cuba and Spain. Visitors’ taste buds will be thrilled as they make their way around the Kennywood Lagoon to eight tasting locations offering unique menu options at each booth.

The festivities continue throughout the weekend as the popular Nerveless Nocks return to Kennywood for the second year in a row. The Original Dare Devil Circus will take place at various times throughout the day at the Garden Stage from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, June 29. Guests will be on the edge of their seats watching one of the most legendary stunt families in circus history perform breathtaking acrobatics and motorcycle stunts.

Kennywood will be open every day beginning Friday, May 23 through Monday, August 18. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 29, plus Monday, May 26. Then, in July the park celebrates America with July 4 and 5 fireworks shows above the Lagoon and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through July 19, during the new All-American Summer. Kennywood will close out the 2025 season with Fall Fantasy Parades, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

Since its inception SBI Americas LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of SBI Sweden, has emerged as a leader in innovative and reliable kiddie rides in America. An Orlando warehouse was recently opened to better serve U.S. customers, and many new notable customers have been secured including Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and Knoebels Amusement Resort just to mention a few.

“I am very proud of the progress we have made the past year, and I see unlimited potential in the U.S. Our miniature vehicles ranging from cars of different kinds to trucks, tractors, boats, and construction-themed machinery equipment for children are poised for strong growth over the next several years. To that end, I am very excited about bringing Peter Barto and PB Amusement onboard to represent us in the Americas. Peter is a highly respected leader in the U.S. Amusement and Attractions industry. His life-long dedication to and passion for the industry are impressive and I am proud to have him on our team.” Says Morgan Cederblom, CEO, SBI Americas.

“I take great pride in the success I have had establishing meaningful relationships and gaining the trust of amusement and attractions operators around the globe. I am excited to be representing SBI in the Americas and sharing their high-quality, battery-powered mini vehicles and kiddie rides with PB Amusement’s customers.” Says Peter Barto, CEO of PB Amusement, LLC. 

IAAPA supports the Alliance for International Exchange in its campaign urging members of Congress to protect funding for international exchange programs.

On Friday, May 2, the Trump Administration released its FY26 “skinny” budget—a preliminary outline of the president’s priorities for the next fiscal year. The proposal includes a drastic 93% cut to the U.S. State Department’s international exchange programs.

If enacted by Congress, this would effectively dismantle the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), placing exchange programs, the U.S. organizations that run them, and more than 8,000 exchange professionals across the country in jeopardy.

International exchange programs are a smart, strategic investment in America’s future—supporting local economies, strengthening communities, and advancing U.S. foreign policy goals. These programs help make America safer, more connected, more globally competitive, and they deserve continued federal funding.

If the BridgeUSA J-1 Program is important to your organization, now is the time to act. Urge Congress to protect funding for international exchange programs.

ORLANDO — The Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk just got more awesome with the debut of two all-new dedicated areas featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This expansion doubles the size of the current Universal Studios Store and invites guests to shop the latest merchandise themed to these exciting experiences and other beloved NBCUniversal brands within a reimagined retail space offering everything from apparel to souvenirs to treats and more.

See below for an overview of what guests can experience in the new, immersive areas designed to celebrate The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD:

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER
The expanded retail location offers merchandise from 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 Place Cachée in the Ministry of Magic, officially opening on May 22 at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. For the first time outside of the Universal Orlando theme parks, fans can indulge in a selection of Butterbeer treats served from an all-new Butterbeer counter, including the cold and frozen beverage varieties – along with a selection of other specialty items from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
The newly added SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section in the Universal Studios Store has an all-new dedicated entrance inspired by the colorful landscapes and beloved characters from Nintendo’s video games. Inside the store, guests will shop an assortment of merchandise featuring some of their favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is one of the five incredible worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025.

WAVRE, Belgium — Now open at The Land of Legends in Antalya, Türkiye, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, marks another successful collaboration between Alterface, a global leader in interactive experiences and immersive entertainment, and Sally Dark Rides, renowned creators of engaging dark ride attractions.

• The ride, having proven a hit at its initial launch in Las Vegas’ Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, made its international premiere at The Land of Legends’ newly opened Nickelodeon Land on March 1, 2025.
• The opening marks a significant milestone as the first SpongeBob SquarePants dark ride outside of the United States, allowing fans from Türkiye and beyond to immerse themselves in the vibrant, fun and chaotic world of Bikini Bottom.

A gem for all ages
Built around a beloved IP, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride is a joyful adventure that promises an unforgettable family experience. The ride’s humor and character-driven storytelling, paired with intuitive and entertaining gameplay, make it a true gem for guests of all ages, immersing them in the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom and allowing them to become active participants in the SpongeBob story.

The attraction, designed and manufactured by Sally Dark Rides, invites guests to step into Mr. Krabs’ zany carnival, where SpongeBob, Patrick, and the rest of the gang are using a shipment of Krabby Patty ingredients for midway games while attempting to keep Plankton at bay. Leveraging its proven expertise in interactive systems, Alterface provided the cutting-edge shooting system and responsive show control, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for riders.

This integration of storytelling and interactive gameplay was a core objective for the ride, with Alterface’s technology playing a crucial role in achieving this balance. Instead of a traditional shooting gun, riders are equipped with a wand-like Zapper. This deliberate choice offers an intuitive interface, allowing riders to fully engage in the fun and contribute directly to the unfolding story powered by Alterface’s technology.

Building on experience
Alterface has a strong track record of blending popular intellectual property with sophisticated interactive tech to create truly immersive rides, as seen in its work with Sally Dark Rides on the successful Justice League series of attractions. SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride builds on this tradition, offering a deep and captivating experience that goes beyond traditional dark rides by actively involving guests in the narrative through responsive gameplay.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with Sally Dark Rides,” said Stéphane Battaille, CEO of Alterface. “Our collaboration on SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride exemplifies our shared commitment to creating immersive and memorable attractions.”

Ride mechanics and features
The ride utilizes ETF’s IDR trackless Mystic Mover system, guiding guests through six interactive scenes filled with 2D media and physical targets. Alterface’s technology places riders in the center of the story by triggering and modifying sound, animatronics, media, and special effects in real time – based on each vehicle’s precise position in a scene.

“The interactive elements are perfectly aligned, creating an energetic and dynamic experience. Our system allows players to become the central protagonists, as the story is directly driven by their actions,” said Battaille. “Additionally, Sally Dark Rides did an incredible job bringing the unmistakable humor of the SpongeBob series to life through a storyline and gameplay that are easy to understand, fast-paced, and packed with fun.”

Throughout the ride, at each of the brightly themed game stations, high-resolution laser projectors bring the midway action to life. Alterface’s technology allows players to activate targets on a variety of surfaces, including a giant LED screen in the final scene that stretches nearly from floor to ceiling. Physical Easter eggs are also scattered throughout the ride, offering bonus points to guests who spot and activate them. This combination of interactive challenges and diverse media formats (including five animatronic figures) along with Alterface’s versatile technology, creates a fully immersive environment. At the very end of the ride, a “Hall of Fame” feature showcases player scores, adding a competitive edge and encouraging repeat visits.

A successful partnership
SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride has been captivating guests at The Land of Legends with its immersive storytelling, advanced technology and interactive gaming since its opening.
“As a huge SpongeBob fan, I absolutely love this attraction!” said Battaille. “It feels like stepping into Bikini Bottom and being part of an episode from the series. We are excited to continue this successful partnership with Sally Dark Rides and we hope that it will lead to many more SpongeBob rides worldwide.”

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES — RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, and OneTeam Partners, the commercial partner to numerous Players Associations and thousands of elite athletes, today announced a strategic partnership to reimagine the fan experience at sports venues across North America. The organizations will seek to collaborate with teams and venues to create immersive, branded experiences before and after games, during breaks in action and throughout the year when venues would otherwise sit idle.

RWS Global will utilize their unmatched expertise in creating one-of-a-kind, immersive fan experiences to transform stadiums and arenas into bespoke, seasonal worlds that celebrate the unique identity of each team and its fanbase. From hair-raising Halloween haunts to enchanting winter wonderlands, RWS Global will design, build and operate live entertainment activations that captivate and inspire. OneTeam will work alongside RWS Global to engage its market-leading network of partners to secure IP rights and sponsorships that add value and dimension to every experience. 

“As a provider of premium entertainment around the world, we are thrilled to be teaming up with OneTeam Partners to bring our creative and technical expertise in building best-in-class experiences to teams and stadiums around the U.S.,” said Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO at RWS Global. “This partnership expands what’s possible in and around sports venues, transforming downtime into unforgettable fan moments. It’s an exciting next chapter in our growth across the sports entertainment space.”  

“As OneTeam Partners enters the world of live entertainment, there’s no better collaborator than RWS Global,” said Sean Sansiveri, CEO, OneTeam. “Their industry-leading creativity and immersive design, combined with our unparalleled connection to the athlete community, unlocks bold new ways to engage fans through authentic athlete connections and deliver greater value for players, teams, leagues, and venues.”  Together, RWS Global and OneTeam will develop world-leading experiences that energize teams and leagues on a global level, turn stadiums and arenas into must-visit destinations and generate fresh new revenue opportunities throughout the year.

ORLANDO — SeaWorld celebrates 10 years of Baby Shark with today’s debut of “Happy, Happy SeaWorld!” – a vibrant new animated music video that spotlights marine life and SeaWorld’s dedication to ocean conservation. The video will stream on YouTube as part of a nationwide collaboration between SeaWorld and Pinkfong, the creators behind the global Baby Shark phenomenon, bringing the enchanting world of marine animals into the homes of children while fostering an understanding of animal care.

In this feel-good adventure, Pinkfong and Baby Shark take on the role of veterinarians, caring for adorable baby animals at SeaWorld parks. From playful otters and waddling penguins to rescued baby turtles and gentle belugas, the animation brings SeaWorld’s animal conservation and rescue mission to life through heartwarming, educational storytelling.

“We’re excited to bring this message of care, compassion and conservation to life in a fun and memorable way,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Entertainment. “This video is not only fun for families, it also reflects the real work happening every day at SeaWorld to protect marine life.”

The song is now available on YouTube and will be available on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music starting May 16, making it the perfect singalong soundtrack for kids everywhere.

Travis Lane joins Chance Rides as Project Management Director, bringing deep experience from Spirit AeroSystems. He’ll lead the company’s PM team and report to President & CEO Aaron Landrum.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — It’s a girl! Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa and George are celebrating the gender reveal of baby number three – marking the occasion with a picture-perfect moment surrounded by a beautiful display of pink balloons. Beginning this summer, fans are invited to meet the newest little piggy in person at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth and PEPPA PIG World of Play, plus PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida and PEPPA PIG World of Play locations in Michigan and Chicago. Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based entertainment, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, are bringing this exciting development in the beloved children’s series to life with an all-new interactive character experience.

The news comes just in time for Mother’s Day, celebrating moms (and mums) everywhere, including one of the most beloved mothers in children’s television, Mummy Pig. To support growing families, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida will introduce designated “parent-to-be” parking spots starting in June, making visits easier and more accessible for expectant families.

PEPPA PIG Theme Parks are immersive destinations designed especially for kids six and under. Families can step into the playful world of PEPPA PIG and spend the entire day exploring gentle rides, themed play areas, live shows and character meet-and-greets. Each Park is a Certified Autism Center, offering inclusive and accessible experiences for all guests. PEPPA PIG World of Play features themed play zones, hands-on activities and character interactions, perfect for a few hours of indoor fun.

Merlin Entertainments continues to expand the PEPPA PIG brand worldwide, bringing unforgettable experiences to life for the youngest of theme park-goers. The newest PEPPA PIG experience opened in April inside LEGOLAND New York Resort. The LEGO® DUPLO® PEPPA PIG Playground merges the popular world of PEPPA PIG with the LEGO DUPLO universe in a play area spanning more than 13,000 square feet. Fans can also find PEPPA PIG branded experiences at PEPPA PIG Lands in Gardaland and Heide Park, PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Gunzberg, Germany and PEPPA PIG World of Play in Shanghai and Leidschendam.