Amusement Today

Amusement Today THE Attractions Industry News Leader Since '97 ~ Presenter of the Prestigious Annual Golden Ticket Awards! Parks, Entertainment Centers, Fairs, Tech, MORE!
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AMUSEMENT TODAY, the monthly trade newspaper -- combined with AmusementToday.com, the publication's Facebook/Twitter presence and Extra! Extra!, a daily email newsletter -- provides the latest in news, photos, useful information and advertising affecting owners, managers and suppliers in the amusement industry. For questions and information regarding social media, contact Dean Lamanna, Social Media Editor and National Reporter, at [email protected]

EXTRA! EXTRA! The SEPTEMBER 2026 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com...
08/25/2026

EXTRA! EXTRA! The SEPTEMBER 2026 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/mu85h4bu)!

IN THIS ISSUE:
- New rides and games keep Arnolds Park Amusement Park a summertime classic
- - MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress launches again in California
- Kong x Godzilla deliver an immersive rampage to Lotte World (Sally Dark Rides)
- Tilt of Thunder brings spectacular thrills to VinWonders Nha Trang (Vekoma)
- Cincinnati’s carousel: Kings Island’s Grand Carousel turns 100
- Freizeitpark Plohn's new innovative Dønnervind pushes boundaries
- Bakunawa will rise from sea into Six Flags Great Adventure in 2027 (MACK Rides)
- Epic Universe finally gets evening-ending, climactic fireworks flair
- RWS, Rolling Stone deliver new rock show to Holland America Line
- CJ Barrymore’s installs new SBF-Visa coaster from Rides-4-U
- Seabreeze launches water park expansion with Reef Runners
- IAAPA Expo Europe set to be a hit with record-breaking numbers
- Amarillo's Wonderland Amusement Park celebrates 75 years
- Centennial celebration, golf highlight PAPA summer meeting
- Amusement industry remembers legend, pioneer Richard "Dick" Knoebel (Knoebels)
- Disney legend Joe Rohde pens book on creativity: Floating Mountains
- Giant new Europa-Park food facility benefits employees, guests
- Women of Influence: Kelsi Goss of Life Floor
- Coordinated multi-aquarium rescue effort saves 30 beluga whales
- Nashville Zoo among first of nation's attractions to combat new threat
- Disney's solar compactors build their safety case inside the hopper
- SeaWorld Rescue marks 43,000th save with orphaned sea lion pup
- Ohio State Fair shatters three long-standing records this year (Talley Amusements)
- Eden Corn Festival succeeds in harvesting crowds despite rain
- California State Fair enjoys final summer run, moves to fall in 2027
- $300 million project announced by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The SEPTEMBER 2026 issue of Amusement Today is available for FREE via Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/mu85h4bu) and/or downloadable PDF (tinyurl.com/3t835h5w)!

Amusement Today was on hand at the media preview of Nightflight Expedition at Dollywood.Following a presentation in the...
08/14/2026

Amusement Today was on hand at the media preview of Nightflight Expedition at Dollywood.

Following a presentation in the theater -- which Dolly unfortunately couldn't attend in person -- attendees were treated to a great lunch.

Then it was on to the ride. I loved how the park didn't allow any type of cameras or filming onboard, because there are fun surprises to be had, and I recommend that when certain footage gets out ...don't watch! It is way better to be surprised.

The ride is a true signature piece for the park. Such a variety of experiences in one attraction, it's really something. I love it.

Attending the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards in Austin, Texas, September 11–12?It’s always a great opportunity to connect wit...
08/14/2026

Attending the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards in Austin, Texas, September 11–12?
It’s always a great opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from across the amusement industry while celebrating the Best of the Best.
If you’re planning to join us, visit GoldenTicketAwards.com to learn more and register. The event FREE and is limited to Amusement Industry Professionals!

Hope to see you in Texas!

EXTRA! EXTRA! The AUGUST 2026 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/55...
07/29/2026

EXTRA! EXTRA! The AUGUST 2026 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/55aevcjz)!

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Tormenta Rampaging Run takes Six Flags Over Texas by the horns
- Built with children at the forefront, Universal Kids Resort debuts
- Disney parks ignite new magic, fresh moments in classic attractions
- Level99 debuts at Florida’s Disney Springs
- Holiday World announces Cannonball!, making a splash in 2027
- Six Flags Great Adventure unveils picturesque Shoreline Pier area
- Knoebels Amusement Resort celebrates 100 years of operation
- Karls Erlebnis-Dorf debuts new Oberhausen entertainment location
- Intercard continues its international expansion with France’s Speedpark
- Eye Dropper tower opens with a force at Las Vegas’s Area15
- Nerf, Peppa Pig, Transformers and more coming to Smoky Mountains
- Valleyfair opens water park addition to celebrate 50th season
- Yas Waterworld recognized for having most waterslides
Building new rides and attractions is a family tradition for ADM
- Chance celebrates 65 years of attractions, innovations
- Focus on the Horizon: Cassady Watson of Busch Gardens
- Industry legend Richard “Dick” Knoebel passes away at 87
- Golden Ticket event is perfect time to show support to amusement community
- Venu+ DualPod lockers aim to provide safe, efficient fun for guests
- ProFun Academy, Ellis and Associates announce strategic training partnership
- Annual WLSL event succeeds in building skills to prevent drowning
- Ten-Day Red River Valley Fair held in by 110-degree heat index
- Expertise of industry veterans key to B&K Carnival Company launch
- Weather, local support yield fantastic San Bernardino County Fair
- Giant Ferris wheels help punctuate the America 250 celebration
Keeping it simple spells success for Iowa’s Scott Amusements
- Thrill Ride shares the story of Hersheypark and its local community ... and much more!

The AUGUST 2026 issue of Amusement Today is available for FREE via Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/55aevcjz) and/or downloadable PDF (tinyurl.com/7wwcx84z)!

LEGACY OF A LEGEND: For nearly four decades, Richard "Dick" Knoebel led his family's amusement park into a new era, grow...
07/17/2026

LEGACY OF A LEGEND: For nearly four decades, Richard "Dick" Knoebel led his family's amusement park into a new era, growing Knoebels Amusement Resort into the largest free-admission park in the U.S. A third-generation steward of the resort his grandparents founded in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1926, he is responsible for landmark additions such as the Phoenix and Flying Turns roller coasters. Today, he serves as chairman of the board and president emeritus as Knoebels mark its 100th anniversary.

Amusement Today conducted an interview with Dick Knoebel in the days leading up to the park's 100th anniversary and his LEGACY SHARING story was shared with our July 2026 issue. The Amusement Today staff — many of whom counted Dick Knoebel as a true friend — mourn the loss of such a great man, industry legend, and member of our own extended family.

We encourage all to take the time to read, celebrate, and enjoy the story of one of the amusement industry's absolute finest individuals: tinyurl.com/5ajx6u2c

INDUSTRY LEGEND PASSES: Knoebels Amusement Resort announced with deep sadness the passing of Richard “Dick” Knoebel, Pre...
07/16/2026

INDUSTRY LEGEND PASSES: Knoebels Amusement Resort announced with deep sadness the passing of Richard “Dick” Knoebel, President Emeritus and longtime leader of the family-owned amusement resort. He was 87.

Dick Knoebel served as president of Knoebels from 1988 until transitioning into the role of President Emeritus in 2025, guiding the park through nearly four decades of immense growth while steadfastly preserving the values, traditions, and sense of community that define Knoebels. With an engineer's mind and a Marine's determination, he believed there was always a way forward. He simply refused to accept "it can't be done" as an answer.

Born into the Knoebel family business, Dick was passionate about the amusement park from childhood and dedicated his life to its stewardship. Under his leadership, Knoebels earned national and international recognition while remaining true to its hometown roots, free-admission, and commitment to providing a destination for all ages to make lifetime memories.

More at our weblink: tinyurl.com/53y2a3p8

Amusement Today was in attendance at Bolder for an IAAPA meetup. AT was acknowledged for introducing IAAPA to the family...
07/15/2026

Amusement Today was in attendance at Bolder for an IAAPA meetup. AT was acknowledged for introducing IAAPA to the family entertainment center. Paul, the owner explained the origins of the unique facility as well as engaged attendees in a brainstorming activity. The networking was fun.

07/09/2026

IT'S TIME! IT'S TIME! ... IT'S TORMENTA TIME IN TEXAS: The wait is finally over as Six Flags Over Texas unleashed Tormenta: Rampaging Run. Breaking six world records, Tormenta: Rampaging Run is the tallest, fastest, longest and first-ever giga (any coaster 300-399 feet tall) dive coaster in the world. Themed after the exhilarating power and strength of the legendary bull, the park's newest signature attraction towers over a new Spanish village called Rancho de la Tormenta, located in the park's Spain area. Daring villagers are carried 309 feet above the ground, giving them a breathtaking and panoramic view of Arlington, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Six Flags Over Texas far below. Just before the terrifying 285-foot first drop, the train pauses over the edge for three seconds, giving riders a new sense of fear as they stare straight down at the world below. After what feels like an eternity, Tormenta begins its Rampaging Run, speeding through a tall and twisted layout. Amusement Today's Tim Baldwin & Sammy Piccola enjoyed some of the first rides on the monstrous coaster!

07/01/2026

A GREAT ADVENTURE AT THE SHORELINE: Six Flags Great Adventure officially celebrated the grand opening of Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk today with a ceremonial bottle breaking featuring New Jersey Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, local officials, community leaders and park representatives.

Inspired by the longstanding maritime tradition of christening a new vessel before its maiden voyage, park leaders and dignitaries shattered a commemorative bottle to officially welcome guests into the resort’s newest themed destination.

The opening marks the completion of a major transformation that reimagines one of the park’s most recognizable areas into a vibrant destination inspired by the energy, nostalgia and unmistakable charm of New Jersey’s iconic seaside boardwalks.

“Shoreline Pier represents so much more than new rides,” said Mike Fehnel, Park President of Six Flags Great Adventure. “We’ve created an experience that celebrates the sights, sounds and flavors of the Jersey Shore while giving families even more reasons to spend an entire day making memories together. Combined with experiences like Boardwalk Nights and the continued rise of Project Purple, this is one of the most exciting times in our park’s history.”

07/01/2026

HOLIDAY WORLD IS MAKING A SPLASH: Holiday World’s new Cannonball! water roller coaster will be the largest single-attraction investment in park history. The $22 million ride will take Guests 90 feet in the air, then speed through more than 1,000 feet of coaster track before landing in the water for a huge splash. Announced just days before America’s 250th anniversary, Cannonball! is themed to a Fourth of July community center pool party with a longstanding cannonball dive competition.

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