CARLSBAD, Calif. — Ready, set, search! In celebration of its 25th birthday, LEGOLAND California Resort hides 25 golden LEGO bricks in San Diego giving families a chance to attend the grand launch of North America’s first LEGO World Parade! The Parade Prize Packs are hidden in San Diego, with clues shared on the Carlsbad theme park’s Instagram @LEGOLANDCalifornia throughout the morning.

Each prize pack contains a golden LEGO brick and a family four-pack of tickets to the grand launch of North America’s first-ever LEGO World Parade set to debut on May 24. Families can search for the Parade prize packs on May 17 and the winners of the treasure hunt will have the opportunity to be among the first to experience the Parade.

The LEGO World Parade promises to be an unforgettable experience for LEGO fans of all ages. It will feature a dazzling array of LEGO themed floats including a LEGO City Firetruck, a swashbuckling pirate ship, and floats inspired by LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO Friends, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure, and LEGO DUPLO. This is a unique opportunity to see favorite LEGO worlds come to life in a vibrant, dynamic parade like no other.

The Parade will also feature an exciting cast of costume characters, each bringing their unique LEGO charm to their floats. Joining them will be more than 50 entertainers, dancing and marching along the parade route through the west side of the Park. The Parade will be the perfect finale to a day spent riding, climbing, splashing, and building throughout the theme park’s 60+ rides, shows, and attractions.

In celebration of the launch, the Carlsbad theme park is offering an incredible offer: $29 Kids Tickets. Families can take advantage of a limited time $29 Kids Tickets offer to experience the magic of the LEGO World Parade.

ST. LOUIS —  Intercard has installed its cashless technology in the 86 game arcade at Iron Tee Golf, a mammoth new golf entertainment venue scheduled to open in May 2024. The venue is located near the popular 75 acre indoor/outdoor TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf, Iowa, and is operated by the same company.

Iron Tee Golf boasts a high-tech three-tier, 58 bay driving range with top-of-the-line equipment and real-time ball tracking technology, making it easy for customers to perfect their swing and track their progress. The venue also offers indoor mini golf, a huge arcade and a full-service kitchen and bar including takeout.

TBK Bank Sports Complex also has a large arcade powered by Intercard cashless technology.

Intercard’s Austin Muich did the installation on-site in April 2024.

MAITLAND, Fla. — Ellis & Associates, Inc. (E&A), the world leader in aquatic safety since 1983, is expanding the fulltime team to better meet the needs of a growing client base around the world, and the introduction of new products and services, by welcoming 24-year aquatic industry veteran Sarhece Serna. Joining E&A as a Client Manager, Sarhece transitions from a lengthy career at Schlitterbahn where she once was a 16-year-old lifeguard before becoming an International Lifeguard Training Program Instructor. Sarhece has impacted thousands of lifeguards not only at Schlitterbahn, but also by dedicating her time and expertise serving on faculty of the International Aquatic Safety School (IASS), the world’s largest water safety professional development conference for lifeguard instructors.

“Sarhece’s high-impact experience in aquatics, risk management and leadership at Schlitterbahn make her a fantastic addition to our team,” said E&A COO Richard “RAC” Carroll. “Early leaders in our industry, including Vera Solis, have made a huge impact on Sarhece, instilling in her a passion for safety and a dedication to teaching our rigorous standards to new generations of lifeguards. This combined skill set gives Sarhece a wealth of experience from which to draw as she serves the needs our growing E&A family of clients.”

“I am honored to join the Ellis and Associates team,” said Client Manager Sarhece Serna. “The company begun by Jeff Ellis more than forty years ago is truly the gold standard in aquatic safety. The people I have met through my association with E&A are my family. I even met my husband, Steve, at the water park.”

BRANSON, Mo. — Silver Dollar City is taking summer back to a simpler time with old-fashioned fun in every fold of the 1880s theme park during the Ozark Mountain Summer Celebration every day from June 8 to August 4.

Visiting performers, legendary folklore, thrilling attractions and nostalgic food take guests on a journey back to when porch sitting, chats over checkers and cold lemonade brought families closer together. From a stroll beneath the colorful Canopy Sky, to trail stops with an eight-foot-tall Tomato Can, there are unforgettable memories to make in each nook and cranny of the mining town’s sprawling streets.

“Let’s take back our summers, like we had as kids,” says Kelly Eutsler, visuals manager.. “Summer in the Ozarks is a time for adventure and time with family. We want our visitors to experience that nostalgia and visit The City to reset and refresh together the old-fashioned way.”

This summer’s entertainment lineup has acts for guests of all ages to enjoy. Get ready for a memorable evening of high-energy music and worship as the Grammy award-winning Christian rock band Newsboys takes the stage at Echo Hollow® Amphitheatre on June 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Family entertainment during the dog days of summer includes the return of The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. These high-flying pups will raise the “woof” and wow the crowd with cool canine tricks. Get your toes tappin’ to the jazzy sounds of the Rivertown Ramblers who offer up delightful sounds of Dixieland.

The City’s carefree fun goes well into the moonlight July 13 through August 4 with rides into the night, starlit family-friendly dance parties and a fireworks finale every evening during Summer Nights.

Guests will have plenty of food options, too, with The City’s “Summer Tasting Passport” featuring new flavors like grilled pineapple skewers with piña colada dipping sauce, strawberry crunch funnel cakes, chicken cobb shaker salad and more!

The entertainment, festival fare and Ozark Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for 40 rides and attractions, including the all-new Fire In The Hole—the largest indoor coaster in The Heartland! The City is also home to record-breaking rides like Outlaw Run, Time Traveler and Mystic River Falls featuring the tallest drop on a raft ride in the Western Hemisphere.

Don’t forget, as summer heats up, Silver Dollar City houses nature’s best air conditioner—Marvel Cave! This national landmark is a cool and comfortable 60-65 degrees year-round and features the breathtakingly beautiful Cathedral Room—the largest cave entrance room in the United States! Tours of the awe-inspiring cavern are free with admission to the park.

Sacoa, the leading global provider of cashless solutions for FECs, wrapped up an extraordinary week participating in five esteemed trade shows across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The company’s dedicated teams presented state-of-the-art innovations at the 2024 editions of Roller Skating, SEA Expo, FIJMA, Sindepat Summit, and Asia Amusement & Attractions Expo, reaffirming its status as an industry trailblazer.

Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, expressed his satisfaction with the enthusiastic response: “[…w]e are delighted with our outstanding performance at these events. The positive reception from attendees validates that our innovations are reshaping industry standards.”

Looking forward, Mochkovsky announced Sacoa’s participation in the upcoming IAAPA Expo Asia 2024, scheduled for May 28-30 in Bangkok, Thailand. He extended an invitation to attendees to explore booth #756 and discover how Sacoa can elevate FEC profits to unprecedented levels. “Join us as we continue to drive innovation in entertainment technology,” Pol remarked. “We eagerly anticipate meeting you at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024.”

SAN DIMAS, Calif. — Raging Waters Los Angeles, California’s Largest Water Park, is hosting SwimBrayv’s Dashing Duck Drawing Fundraiser to help teach over 8,000 children and parents water safety throughout the 2024 summer season. Starting Saturday, May 25, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will make California’s Largest Water Park its lily pad throughout Memorial Day Weekend, welcoming visitors and encouraging guests to participate in the Dashing Duck Drawing fundraiser on Monday, May 27 at the park’s Enchanted Tropical River, a quarter mile-long, 18-foot-wide, and three-foot-deep tropical lazy river.

Access to water safety education can be limited, which is why Raging Waters Los Angeles has committed to several water safety programs throughout the summer to support providing water safety education to the community. Through the park’s partnership with SwimBrayv, the park is able to help with the organization’s mission to make water safety planning and education accessible to all through direct access to thousands of local children and their parents to teach them valuable life-saving water techniques.

The Dashing Duck Drawing Fundraiser presented by SwimBrayv begins on May 15, 2024, by inviting the public to make a duck donation that will enter them into the competition on the Monday, May 27 Duck Drawing. Ducks will be dropped at random where several mermaids will swim through an “enchanted tropical river” randomly selecting a winning duck. Guests that participate will have a chance to receive a gift basket valued between $250 and $500. Starting May 15, guests will be ableto make a duck donation via Raging Waters or SwimBrayv’s website. Each duck donation will directly contribute to making water safety education more accessible so that more families and children can experience water fun, like Raging Waters, SAFELY. Raging Waters will also be donating 1,000 tickets to SwimBrayv to raffle off at their upcoming water safety events throughout the summer season.

“Swim Brayv has been able to edu-tain thousands on proactive water and swim safety education,” says Candace Thome, chief executive officer of the SwimBrayv Foundation. “We are excited to partner with Raging Waters Los Angeles to continue helping thousands of people this summer through our collective water safety education efforts. But we need your help! By entering the 2024 Dashing Duck Drawing, you are supporting our cause and, as a community, we can save lives, together.”

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck will be on display at Raging Waters LA Friday, May 24-27 and stands at over six stories high. Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with a ten-foot-high Baby Duck that will be on display as well. Raging Waters is also inviting Jeep owners to come to the water park on Friday, May 24 from 3 – 6 p.m. to preview the World’s Largest Rubber Duck.

Rated one of the top ten water parks in the nation for the summer 2024 season by Newsweek (source: https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-outdoor-water-park), Raging Waters Los Angeles will open for the season on Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. With over 50 rides, slides and attractions from the high thrills of Aqua Rocket to the big drop from Bombs Away, this 60-acre Southern California water park is a timeless summer tradition. The whole family is invited to enjoy a wide variety of tube and body slides ranging from mild to wild, a 30,000-square-foot water playground, a one-million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river.

SAN SEBASTIAN — Good news for Sydney surfers who were used to driving 45 minutes a day to the nearest ocean in search of quality waves, while being exposed to common hazards such as strong currents, overcrowding and even sharks. The URBNSURF group, following the success of their first surf park located next to Melbourne Airport with Wavegarden Basque technology, has invested €46 million to develop a second project in Sydney. The new facility, now open to the public, features a 46-module Wavegarden Cove as well as two restaurants, a surf academy, leisure pool, skate park, surf store, and wellness center. Australia is now the first country in the world to have two surf parks open to the public.

“The fact that our customers like URBNSURF are opening their 2^nd facility and are satisfied with our technology is the best endorsement for our business can have,” said Josema Odriozola, CEO and founder of Wavegarden. “It enables us to keep growing and continue adding value to communities and bringing surfing closer to everyone.”

The versatility of Spanish technology allows the creation of surf and beach destinations aimed at all customer profile types, from beginners to experts. With a menu of more than 20 different waves, it will service the needs of more than 5 million inhabitants of the metropolis. In addition, its capacity to host the highest number of surfers, along with the highest quantity of waves per hour, makes it the most competitive option from a commercial and sustainability perspective, consolidating Wavegarden as a world market leader in this emerging sector.

Located at Sydney’s Olympic Park, the facility covers 3.6 hectares and is designed to receive 1,000 visitors per day, 7 days a week. It will also serve as a high-performance center for professional surfers aiming to perfect their technique.

“This is a great moment for the URBNSURF team,” said Damon Tudor, CEO of URBNSURF. “Just like in Melbourne, URBNSURF Sydney offers perfect surfing conditions for everyone, and we are proud to celebrate this achievement and start building our community here.”

Noteworthy, the financing of this surf park there has been a public-private partnership as it was considered strategic for the region, in which the New South Wales (NSW) Office of Sport contributed €620,000 for the development of the high-performance surf center, where many Australian professional surfers will be able to train and, ultimately, improve their World Surf League ranking.

Wavegarden is the only company in the world that currently has 8 open surf parks operating successfully, generating a return on investment of over 20%, and receiving an average of 200,000 visitors per year. The ninth surf park set to use Wavegarden´s technology will open this fall in Edinburgh, Scotland, with others opening in 2025 in Virginia Beach, USA, as well as in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — A realm of wonder and excitement awaits guests as Dolly Parton’s Stampede unveils its newest addition to the popular dinner show. Combining the show’s equestrian stars, breathtaking aerial acrobatics, a new take on a classic Dolly song and talented performers, this never-before-seen segment promises to elevate the already legendary entertainment experience to even greater heights.

Guests are in for an unforgettable visual journey with special effects, brilliant costuming and immersive lighting that bring majestic butterflies and stunning flowers to life. The segment kicks off with the show’s equine stars enteringthe arena adorned with whimsical butterfly wings in a spectacular choreographed formation. After fluttering around the Stampede arena in majestic fashion, the horses are joined by a grand display of blooming flower petals that unfold center stage; flowers descend from the “sky” high above the arena floor, while a kaleidoscope of larger-than-life, colorful, captivating butterflies create an unexpected visual experience as they glow and flutter around the arena. The action takes to the sky with a majestic butterfly aerial act, where performers soar high above the arena floor.

“While growing up in the Smoky Mountains, I was always fascinated by butterflies,” said Dolly. “I used to get in trouble with my mom, ’cause they’d have to come find me, and I’d be chasing a butterfly from one place to another. I was fascinated with them, flying high in the sky. Butterflies are such gentle, beautiful and free-spirited creatures, and I’ve always related to them with my own personality and how I live my life. They’ve become my little symbol, and I like to include them wherever I can. That’s why this new part of the Stampede show is so special to me. It’s bringing a piece of my childhood to life, and celebrating something so beautiful that has inspired me to follow my dreams from a young age.”

Guests are in for a treat with the latest show addition, plus the Stampede show offers thrills and fun with the spectacle of 32 awe-inspiring horses led by cast members through a series of extraordinary equestrian feats.

This brand-new experience is made even more memorable for guests as they are treated to Stampede’s delicious four-course family feast. This bountiful array includes creamy vegetable soup, a homemade buttery biscuit, a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked pulled pork, buttery corn on the cob, herb-roasted potatoes, Stampede’s own specialty dessert and unlimited beverages including Coca-Cola® products, tea and coffee. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available upon request.

Recognized as “The Smokies Most Fun Place to Eat,” Dolly Parton’s Stampede offers a dynamic blend of thrilling entertainment and delectable cuisine. It’s not just a dinner show; it’s an unforgettable experience that elevates any outing or special occasion, creating memories for its guests that will be treasured for a lifetime.

LIGONIER, Pa. — Idlewild and SoakZone, the Best Kids Park in the World, opens its gates for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 18. Story Book Forest upgrades, thrilling special events, new and improved dining options, an expanded operating calendar plus several parkwide enhancements will provide a full summer of new adventures and enjoyment for all ages.

“This will be Idlewild’s most exciting and unforgettable season yet with the improvements and returning scenes to Story Book Forest, new additions to our beloved special events and multiple park upgrades that will enhance the guest experience,” said General Manager Tim Heger. “We take great pride in being Pittsburgh’s Best Amusement Park for Kids and Families and strive to elevate the fun and playfulness every year with even more reasons to visit.”

Guests are in store for an enhanced Idlewild experience this season with upgrades throughout the entire park, including:

• Story Book Forest will delight guests with beloved returning scenes like Rub-a-Dub-Dub Three Men in a Tub and Jack and the Beanstalk, as well as several other improvements along the whimsical walk;
• More paved pathways will create better accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, improving the overall guest experience;
• The Carousel now includes 27 newly restored horses that are ready to take riders on the timeless classic; 
• Skooters will operate with 12 new bumper cars that will more than double the ride’s capacity; and
• SoakZone Gift Shop will give shoppers an enhanced experience after undergoing a transformation this off-season.

In addition to the parkwide improvements, Idlewild unveiled new and improved dining options for families to refuel and recharge during their visit. The park’s culinary offerings will cater to a variety of tastes from beloved returning specialties like the Cyclone Cone and fresh-squeezed lemonade to delicious summertime favorites such as BBQ Pit’s all-new BBQ rib sandwich, Snack Shack’s new grilled chicken sandwich and much more. Plus, new self-serve soda machines will now complement eateries in Olde Idlewild and SoakZone for quick and convenient refills.  

SoakZone Water Park will open for the season on Saturday, May 25 for the unofficial start to summer. Plus, an exciting event lineup is set with new concepts all season for the entire family to experience together, including:

·       Kids Fest – Saturdays & Sundays in June – kicks off summer with four themed weekends full of kid-friendly fun including Duke’s Birthday Celebration, new character meet and greets with Marvel’sSpider-man, engaging entertainment, foam parties and more; 

·       Celebrate America over Independence Day Weekend will feature special entertainment and fireworks on the 4^th of July;

·       Neighbor Days returns in July honoring the legacy of everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers, featuring character meet and greets, special entertainment, themed scavenger hunts, and fun dance parties;

·       HALLOWBOO! will be back and starting earlier than ever before on September 14, with its signature silly, spooky fun this fall.

The best way to enjoy Idlewild & SoakZone’s unique collection of attractions and events all season long is with a Season Pass. Passholder Perk Weekends offer early access to attractions, bonus activities plus in-park discounts. Season Passes start at just $89.99 or guests can enjoy all-year admission to Idlewild, Kennywood and Sandcastle with a Platinum Pass for one price.

With the Alpine Express ‘Enzian’ and the ‘Tirol Log Flume’, two traditional classics return to the Austrian themed area with a brand new splendour. The charming family rollercoaster and the refreshing log boat ride wind through the impressive ‘Magical Valley of Diamonds’ and bring fun for all ages. The ‘Yomi Adventure Trail’ is completely new, an adventurous high-altitude trail with suspension bridges, plenty of climbing elements and two slides that take guests up the rocks that reach up to twelve metres in height to the ‘Gemstone Grotto’. ‘Alpenexpress Coastiality’ also has a new VR adventure waiting for you.

In the heart of the Austrian themed area is the new ‘Magical Valley of Diamonds’, which will captivate little adventurers and big explorers alike as the Alpine mountains and raging rivers make their way past waterfalls that cascade into the depths and past majestic rock formations.

A returning classic: The Alpine Express ‘Enzian’
With the completely renovated Alpine Express ‘Enzian’, guests can fly through the picturesque Austrian mountains as the family friendly rollercoaster rushes past rock formations and thundering waterfalls at up to 45 km/h, through the ‘Magical Valley of Diamonds’. The newly-returned classic continues to impress with its timeless charm and two laps of riding joy. A double delight that visitors are sure to remember! The crowd favourite also promises an exciting introduction to the world of rollercoasters for the youngest visitors (from four years old). Awaken the thrills and curiosity for more adventures with every steep climb and every rapid descent. With a lift for wheelchair users, the attraction also now features barrier-free accessibility.

In the new virtual reality adventure ‘Fina & the Yomis – Magical World of Diamonds VR’, visitors experience a virtual carriage ride on the ‘Alpenexpress Coastiality’! What begins as a quiet journey, however, quickly develops into an exciting swoop through a magical landscape of caves that are reminiscent of the former ‘Yomi’s Magical World of Diamonds’. There are also six additional VR adventures to choose from.

Refreshing ride in a tree trunk: The ‘Tirol Log Flume’
First opened in 1978, the ‘Tirol Log Flume’ continues to delight all future visitors, as passengers sail over mountains and valleys in a hollowed-out tree trunk. The journey begins with climbing a steep rock, which not only gets the heart racing but also offers a fantastic view. Things go rapidly downhill into the ‘Magical Valley of Diamonds’, where there’s also a Yomi or two to spot. The small, green mythical creatures were thought up by MACK Magic and have been hidden throughout the Austrian theme area and in the Enchanted Forest Cinema

Awaken the spirit of discovery: The ‘Yomi Adventure Trail’
The ‘Yomi Adventure Trail’ is completely new for 2024. The adventurous circular route is filled with suspension bridges, climbing elements and slides that take courageous explorers through the ‘Magical Valley of Diamonds’ across rocks up to twelve metres high. In addition to a magnificent all-round view, there are also one or two optional challenges waiting for adventurers of all ages.

Memorabilia and souvenirs: The ‘Gemstone Grotto’
In the newly-designed, mysterious ‘Gemstone Grotto (only available in German)’, there are also plenty of surprised all about the Yomi Village. Visitors explore the home of the mythical creatures, who use their magical nature powers for lots of practical jokes. The shop offers a large selection of jewellery, as well as sparkling gemstones and crystals.

In the corresponding picture book adventure ‘Fina & the Yomis – The Secret of the magical gems’ a dangerous witch roams through the mountains and puts the Yomi village in danger! Can Fina help the Yomis save their homeland? Available from spring in the Europa-Park Resort, in the online shop and in stores everywhere.