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 DECEMBER 2025 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/...
11/26/2025

EXTRA! EXTRA! The DECEMBER 2025 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/26r7nwvv)!

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Planners expecting strong turnout IAFE-The Network Convention
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Amusement Today‘s Annual Holiday Cooking Guide
- SeaWorld San Antonio to debut B&M’s Barracuda Strike in 2026
- Vekoma family coaster to debut at Kentucky Kingdom in 2026
- Six Flags parks shine with holiday sparkle, bright lights, cheer
- North American parks transform into winter wonderlands
- State Fair of Texas attendance falls 15% during event’s 24-day run
- Attendance slips slightly at N.C. State Fair despite great weather
- Minnesota State Fair has good weather, nearly two million attendees
- 2025 coast-to-coast Midway Roundup
- Water World Parc opens Europe’s first Double TornadoWave 60 (ProSlide)
- WWA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inducted during annual expo
- SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica celebrate with Sea of Trees, Illuminate
- Several carnival operators take delivery of new rides, attractions
- Women of Influence: Tess Kerksen, Wisconsin State Fair
- ROLLER iQ unveiled — AI assistant designed for attractions industry
- Ellis and Associates International Aquatic Safety School returns with 2025 events
- Some great reasons to attend the AIMS International Safety Seminar
- PACE Seminar trained almost 70 at Sesame Place, in classrooms
- Larson, others fabricating new attractions for Peachtree Rides, Inc.

The DECEMBER 2025 issue of Amusement Today is available for FREE via Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/26r7nwvv) and/or downloadable PDF (tinyurl.com/yyytdhep)!

EXTRA EXTRA! HERSCHEND TO ACQUIRE SILVERWOOD: Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest family-hel...
11/12/2025

EXTRA EXTRA! HERSCHEND TO ACQUIRE SILVERWOOD: Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, and Silverwood, Inc., owner of Silverwood Theme Park, have signed an exclusive term sheet for Herschend to acquire Silverwood. “Silverwood has been our family’s life’s work for more than three decades,” said Paul Norton, Silverwood’s Chief Operating Officer. “When the time came to pass the torch, Herschend was the only choice. They share our values, our long-term approach, and our belief that parks like this are built by people with heart.” . READ MORE: tinyurl.com/3nbxzdj7

EXTRA! EXTRA! The NOVEMBER II 2025 — IAAPA Expo issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Editi...
11/11/2025

EXTRA! EXTRA! The NOVEMBER II 2025 — IAAPA Expo issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/3uu3knkr)!

IN THIS ISSUE:
- New Legoland Shanghai brings the iconic family brand to China
- After years-in-development, COTALAND rises preparing for 2026
- Nickelodeon Land proves a great success for Mirabilandia Italy
- DOF Robotics supplies Immersive Tunnel to Canada’s Funhaven
- Kings Island sets the stage to resurrect, honor classic dark ride (Sally Dark Rides)
- Months into operation, Epic Universe’s spectacle continues to evolve
- Lagoon announces S&S Worldwide, Inc. Screamin’ Swing: Nutcracker
- 2025 addition a hit for Cliff's, already looking ahead to next year
- Adventure park brand Do The Beach launches its first location (Galaxy Multi Rides)
- Niagara Takes Flight gives wings over wonder, soars above the Falls
- Attendance down, but nearly 900,000 visit Washington State Fair
- SBF-VISA Group on a roll with coaster projects (Rides-4-U)
- Big E Jamboree, others contribute toward OABA fundraising season
- Roaring Springs Water Park continues with multi-year expansion
- Polin Waterparks adds new thrills to Princess Andriana
- World Waterpark Association Trade Show takes place in Florida
- Amusement Today chats with Bron Launsby, CEO of Slick City
- Coaster thrills, engineering launch Premier Rides 30th anniversary
- Building bigger dreams, 3dx Scenic expands into new era, location
- Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum preserves iconic history
- Themed Entertainment Association Global Experience Index highlights stabilization of industry
- Gilroy Gardens celebrated a quarter century throughout 2025
- Knoebels announces Brian Knoebel as its next park president
- Legacy Sharing: Keith James, RWS Global
- National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives Progess Report: Historic Canobie Corkscrew track rises at West Texas facility
- Six Flags St. Louis wraps first phase of PTC carousel refurbishment
- International Ride Training LLC becomes an IACET accredited provider
- Upcoming 2026 industry safety seminars offer wealth of information
- Steve Blumto deliver keynote address at 2026 AIMS International Safety Seminar
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s X2 receiving some TLC, trains being refurbished

The NOVEMBER II 2025 issue of Amusement Today is available for FREE via Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/3uu3knkr) and/or downloadable PDF (tinyurl.com/4yb6kh5f)!

10/29/2025

ARE YOU READY FOR RAIL RYDER?: Good ideas sometimes get even better with a little innovation. S&S Worldwide, Inc. serves as the caretaker for the parts and services of numerous Arrow Dynamics rides. Prior to the pandemic, the ride manufacturer looked at the possibility of reaching into the past to recreate some of Arrow’s legacy rides. While only a couple were ever created, the Steeplechase rides were beloved. One still exists at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

However, in almost half a century, codes and standards have changed. While there was some interest in the concept, S&S soon realized one of the biggest stumbling blocks to this ride reaching its potential was owed to capacity … or lack thereof.

“This is the next generation of the Arrow Steeplechase,” said Jason Mons, CEO, S&S. “We temporarily shelved it, and then in 2023, we had an ‘aha’ moment where we knew we could make modifications and turn it into a multi-rider experience. The plate between the [upper and lower] rails does a lot of things. In addition to spanning longer distances, it creates a unique aesthetic. It also allows for a lot of theming options; it could be painted different colors or a vinyl application, or [we could add] lights. The train itself doesn’t touch the ‘ribbon’ plate.”

Read more: tinyurl.com/5yxc25nj

EXTRA! EXTRA! The NOVEMBER I 2025 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.co...
10/28/2025

EXTRA! EXTRA! The NOVEMBER I 2025 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/nhj97adm)!

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Carowinds expands Camp Snoopy with coaster, interactive water ride
- IAAPA Expo in Orlando to showcase and influence
- Six Flags Over Texas to debut world’s largest B&M dive coaster
- Dollywood's groundbreaking announcement: NightFlight Expedition (MACK Rides)
- At 100 years old, Lake Winnie still family-owned, built on legacy
- ZIERER provides first Drifter attraction at Finland's Särkänniemi
- Galacticoaster readies for liftoff at Merlin Entertainments's LEGOLAND Florida Resort
- Intamin's Time Rider offers new, rare type of fun at Gyeonju World
- Huck Finn's Playland holds special place in heart of new owner
- S&S Worldwide, Inc. has created family-friendly Rail Ryder attraction
- Inspired by own history, Pacific Park debuts entertaining, scary Funhouse
- Gamegrounds evolves midway games into an immersive arcade
- Rain dampens attendance, creates challenges at Kansas State Fair
- The Big E welcomed more than 1.5 million guests during 17-day run
- Virginia Beach welcomes first Wavegarden Surf Park in the U.S.
- Museum of Illusions experiences 10 years of very real growth
- IAAPA Expo Europe demonstrates world-wide attractions vitality
- Go-kart supplier J&J Amusements marks its 50th anniversary
- Smile tech is the key to unlocking memorable fun at Epic Universe
- Ride Entertainment promotes Amanda Mercado as new CEO
- Dutch Wonderland Inn — rethemed hotel — opening March 2026
- Focus On The Horizon: Dollywood's Wes Ramey
- Industry celebrates, networks during Golden Tickets at Carowinds
- Industry professionals raise $5,000 for National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives
- Fan effort to preserve piece of ‘Kingda Ka’ crosses the finish line
- Embed’s ever-evolving tech edge powers the next frontier for FECs
- Pennsylvania amusement ride safety advisory board holds regular meeting
- Vlocker secures guest belongings and operator peace of mind ... and much more!

The NOVEMBER I 2025 issue of Amusement Today is available for FREE via Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/nhj97adm) and/or downloadable PDF (tinyurl.com/38rxymaa)!

Amusement Today expresses graditude to S&S Worldwide, Inc. for including us in an evening of "friends and family" that w...
10/10/2025

Amusement Today expresses graditude to S&S Worldwide, Inc. for including us in an evening of "friends and family" that was held to raise support for the community and Logan Food Bank.

The centerpiece for the event was Rail Ryder, S&S' new single-rail roller coaster. The manufacturer is known for high-thrill rides such as the award-winning Steel Curtain, the zero-to-78 mph-in-two seconds Maxx Force, numerous 4-D Free Spins and the uber-cool Axis genre opening overseas in 2026. Rail Ryder is different, it is aimed at the family market.

The new line came about as an evolution of the Steeplechase, a rare style of coaster from the Arrow catalog almost half a century ago. Modern codes and capacity concerns led S&S to go further, making use of an entire train. The ribbon style of track has a unique, sleek look while at the same time helps make the family-friendly ride more affordable and approachable for the FEC market as well.

The success was demonstrated from families lining up to do it again and again, with many kids not being able to get enough, logging more than 20 rides.

EXTRA! EXTRA! The OCTOBER 2025 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/4...
09/30/2025

EXTRA! EXTRA! The OCTOBER 2025 issue of Amusement Today is now available for FREE via our Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/46a83862)!

IN THIS ISSUE:
- World Waterpark Association Trade Show readies for attendees in Orlando
- Soaky Mountain Waterpark debuts first-of-its-kind WhiteWater waterslide (WhiteWater West)
- Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. provides Yeti Trek family coaster to Canada’s Santa’s Village
- Rocky Mountain Construction’s Fire Runner blazes into Lost Island Themepark
- Farewell Reunion Weekend draws 500 from four park iterations (Six Flags America)
- Story Land capitalizes on Happy Hauntings with bigger version
- The Conjuring: Beyond Fear scares up chills at four Six Flags parks
- Spooky events, Halloween fun extend thrill season for the industry
- Indiana State Fair’s warmer weather helps attendance increase
- Erie County Fair attendance ‘on par’ despite some weather woes
- Zoombezi Bay debuts multiple unique waterslides, attractions
- Seabreeze Amusement Park announces new water attraction for summer 2026
- Carnival Cruise Line opens exclusive attraction-filled destination
- Knott's Soak City Water Park celebrates its 25th anniversary
- Aquatic Development Group partners with Citywave to bring more surf waters inland
- Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc. celebrates 30 years of success in 2025
- Island H2O Water Park combines foam, live music for under the stars events
- Gulf Parks assembling strong team to manage Blue Bayou (Dixie Landin' Theme Park) in 2026
- New, distinctive resort hotels anchor the orbit of Epic Universe (Universal Orlando Resort)
- Efteling Theme Park Resort opens second on-site accommodation: The Grand Hotel
- Women of Influence: Mobaro’s Marah Rodriguez
- Safe Slide Restoration restores every slide at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor - Los Angeles
- accesso Technology Group plc expands collaboration with PayPal, broadens options … and much more!

The OCTOBER 2025 issue of Amusement Today is available for FREE via Digital Edition (tinyurl.com/46a83862) and/or downloadable PDF (tinyurl.com/2h9hd6wf)!

Congratulations to Six Flags Over Texas on their 2026 announcement. The record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run will be a...
09/25/2025

Congratulations to Six Flags Over Texas on their 2026 announcement. The record-breaking Tormenta Rampaging Run will be a game-changer for the park, but it comes with a reimagined Spanish area of the park with new wnhancements, specifically the park's newest restaurant, Cocina Abuela, which will be able to serve the most guests of any restaurant in the park. It will feature Spanish and Latin cuisine.

The park is undergoing many upgrades and improvements as it approaches its 65th anniversary in 2026.

09/25/2025

COASTERS ARE BIGGER IN TEXAS: Six Flags Over Texas is taking history by the horns with the unveiling of Tormenta Rampaging Run—a record-breaking, adrenaline-pumping roller coaster that will redefine the thrill-seeker experience while changing the city’s skyline in 2026. As the tallest, fastest, longest and first-ever giga (300+-foot-tall) dive coaster in the world, this one-of-a-kind thrill ride will trample six monumental world records.

Themed after one of Spain’s longest traditions, the running of the bulls, the historic new attraction will tower over a brand-new Spanish village called Rancho de la Tormenta and new restaurant Cocina Abuela, all fittingly located in the park’s Spain area.

Tormenta Rampaging Run will elevate riders to a height of 309 feet and, just like waiting for the release of the bulls, the train will release plunging riders into a record-breaking 95-degree, beyond vertical drop complete with sharp turns followed by other exhilarating drops that replicate the thrill of the running of the bulls. Read more: tinyurl.com/2u42tczh

09/17/2025

DOLLYWOOD, MACK RIDES ANNOUNCE NIGHTFLIGHT EXPEDITION: This one-of-a-kind attraction follows a fun storyline with a truly unique ride system (by MACK Rides) ... it's set to debut at Dollywood in the Spring of 2026!

Expanding on Dollywood's Wildwood Grove, NightFlight Expedition is a groundbreaking hybrid coaster and whitewate river ride with Cora and Jasper Oakley leading you on an extraordinary journey to discover the mystery of the legendary Secret Lake. Embarking on a daring journey aboard remarkable vehicles, adventurers will experience four thrilling experiences in a first-of-its-kind attraction as they fly through the Smokies, conquer raging rapids, climb mountain peaks and glide across a shimmering lake. Follow the roots and light the way!

Halloween is a huge time for the amusement industry. It is well underway.Six Flags Over Texas invited the media out for ...
09/12/2025

Halloween is a huge time for the amusement industry. It is well underway.

Six Flags Over Texas invited the media out for a preview. The park is opening this weekend. Visitors will find five scare zones, six haunted houses., five shows and 200 actors to put the tingles in guests' spines.

Fright Fest begins this weekend, along with Oktoberfest and Tricks and Treats for famiilies during the daytime.

EXTRA EXTRA: The 2025 Golden Ticket Awards honor 27 winners, presented live from Carowinds! Read all the details from th...
09/08/2025

EXTRA EXTRA: The 2025 Golden Ticket Awards honor 27 winners, presented live from Carowinds! Read all the details from the event and the array of awards (as well as runners up and Honorable Mentions) in the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards issue of Amusement Today, NOW AVAILABLE for free with our Digital Edition: tinyurl.com/rux2uxbj

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