News
Herschend Completes Acquisition of Palace Entertainment's U.S. Attractions
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (“Herschend”), the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, has officially completed its acquisition of Palace Entertainment’s 24 U.S. attractions, solidifying plans first shared in March. As of today, Herschend operates 49 properties, with 22,000 hosts serving nearly 20 million guests annually. This milestone moment also coincides with Herschend’s 75th anniversary—two defining moments that underscore Herschend’s commitment to innovation and
Ralph S. Alberts Co Affiliates Acquire Holland Fiberglass and Restoration LLC., Along with STM Indus
The Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc. is proud to announce the acquisition of Holland Fiberglass and Restoration LLC., along with STM Industries, a Florida based leader in fiberglass fabrication, repair, restoration, and a provider of commercial grade STM fiberglass umbrellas and tables through related company affiliates. Founded in 2002, Holland Fiberglass specializes in fabricating custom theming components for the amusement industry and beyond while also servicing Florida based amusement parks with onsite
Summertime Starts this Friday at Quassy’s Splash Away Bay
Waterpark Opens Memorial Day Weekend! Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark kicks off the summer with the opening of Splash Away Bay waterpark this Friday, May 23, launching a new season of family fun just ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Guests can enjoy Splash Away Bay from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. The waterpark will then operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily throughout Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday. “Opening Splash Away Bay is always a highlight of the year,” said Eric Anderson,
Story Land Theme Park Kicks Off Most Eventful Season Ever on May 24
There is Even More Magic in Store This Season at The Place Where Fantasy Lives, as the Park Adds New Events, Opens New Moo Lagoon Water Play Area, & Expands Accessibility Programs The countdown is on. Story Land, New Hampshire’s Best Theme Park for Kids, will officially kick off its 2025 season on Saturday, May 24 at 9:30 a.m. The beloved New Hampshire theme park is gearing up to welcome families back with giveaways and all the park’s iconic rides, attractions, and timeless fairy tale fun. This year,
RWS GLOBAL ANNOUNCES PLANS TO OPEN MIDDLE EAST HEADQUARTERS
World’s Top Producer of Live Entertainment, Destination Design and Sport Presentation, including the Saudi Games and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Expands Operations in High-Growth Market RWS Global, the world’s leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, today announced its plans to open a headquarters in Riyadh, expanding the company’s significant footprint in the Middle East. This expansion shows RWS Global’s commitment to the region’s continued investment in innovation across entertainment,
IAAPA Names Michael Shelton Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President
IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Shelton to the role of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, effective June 30, 2025.This leadership transition reflects IAAPA’s ongoing commitment to developing its people and evolving its structure to meet the needs of a dynamic, global industry. In his new role, Shelton will continue to report to Jakob Wahl, IAAPA President and CEO, and will oversee Regional Vice Presidents, the
White Mountains Attractions Reopen with New Rides, Rail Journeys, and Animal Encounters
The White Mountains Attractions are gearing up for another vibrant season, following strong visitation in summer of 2024 that significantly contributed to the region's economy, generating an estimated $656.2 million and supporting nearly 25,000 jobs. Memorial Day weekend marks the highly anticipated opening of these beloved attractions, setting the stage for another memorable season. “We are excited to welcome new visitors and past guests back for a summer filled with both cherished traditions and new
FOUR HISTORIC ROLLER COASTER CARS SAVED AND PRESERVED
Worldwide effort from park fans hits fundraising goal in just two weeks The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA), the world’s largest collection of historic amusement ride vehicles and memorabilia, has successfully raised the funds to save and preserve four historic coaster cars from across North America, all thanks to ride enthusiasts from around the world. The vehicles that fans helped the museum rescue from the scrapyard are: Kingda Ka: Retired from Six Flags Great Adventure as the
RWS Global Expands Leadership Team with Addition of Hans Vollrath as Executive Vice President of Land Production and Ashley Hong as Vice President of Licensing
RWS Global, the world leader in live moments across entertainment and sports, has announced two strategic leadership appointments as part of its continued global expansion. Hans Vollrath joins as Executive Vice President of Land Production, while Ashley Hong steps into the newly created role of Vice President of Licensing. These additions emphasize the company’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences and setting the standard in live entertainment globally. Hans Vollrath, Executive Vice
Innovation on the Slide: How Slick City and VLocker Are Redefining the Entertainment Experience
In the dynamic world of family entertainment, standing still is not an option. For Bron Launsby, co-founder of Slick City, innovation is not just a strategy—it’s the lifeblood of the business. What started as a singular attraction inside a trampoline park has now evolved into a groundbreaking indoor slide park concept that’s taking the U.S. by storm—and it’s powered by more than gravity. Behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is also happening, thanks to a smart locker solution provided by VLocker, a
Six Flags Great Escape Opens May 17 for the 2025 Season
Storytown Restoration Headlines Slate of Park Upgrades Including New Summer Celebration QUEENSBURY, NY. –– May 12, 2025 –– Six Flags Great Escape will open its gates for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 17. This year, the park will debut a renewed focus on cherished park traditions with immersive updates and an exciting event series. The theme park will operate weekends and select dates beginning May 17, with daily operations beginning June 19. This season, the park proudly unveils the restored Storytown
Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark Supports National Water Safety Month
As Summer Nears, Quassy Emphasizes Lifeguard Certification and Guest Safety As Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark gears up to welcome guests to Splash Away Bay and the scenic shores of Lake Quassapaug, the park proudly reaffirms its commitment to guest safety through its continued support of National Water Safety Month this May and throughout the summer season. In anticipation of another busy summer, Quassy has once again ensured that every lifeguard on duty is fully certified through a rigorous training
SBI Americas Partners with PB Amusement to Expand U.S. Presence
SBI Americas announced today it is partnering with PB Amusement LLC to accelerate its U.S. expansion. 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
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation CEO Caroline Schumacher Appointed CEO of Give Kids The World Village
Two Florida-based nonprofit organizations with a shared philanthropic heritage today announced a leadership transition rooted in a legacy of service. Caroline Schumacher, President & CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), will step into the role of President & CEO at Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) this June, returning to an organization where she spent nearly two decades. The transition represents a meaningful continuation of leadership grounded in the vision and values championed by
AIMS INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS INTO ASIA-PACIFIC WITH FIRST-EVER ASIA PACIFIC SAFETY SEMINAR
The Inaugural AIMS Asia Pacific Safety Seminar Brought Amusement Safety Education to a New Audience AIMS International, the world leader in amusement safety education is pleased to announce its expansion into the Asia-Pacific market with the first-ever AIMS Asia Pacific Safety Seminar. This highly anticipated event was held at the Pan Pacific Singapore from April 21 to 25 and featured world-class speakers, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore, and top industry professionals. AIMS
ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM ROLLS OUT FAN-BASED FUNDRAISER TO RESCUE HISTORIC COASTER ICONS
Vehicles range from former record-breakers to the last-of-their-kind 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,
