May 2024

By | April 24, 2024

The MAY 2024 issue includes:

  • Silver Dollar City preserves original soul on new Fire In The Hole
  • Morgan’s Wonderland debuts the park’s biggest expansion to date
  • Sally Dark Rides brings SpongeBob to Las Vegas at Circus Circus
  • Vekoma supplying Oz-themed rides to Warner Bros. Movie World
  • Six Flags Over Texas celebrates milestone ride aboard Shock Wave
  • Adventureland opens with new rides, phase one of renovations
  • Legoland Florida guests build, race Lego Ferraris in new experience
  • Sunkid provides new Shipwreck Cove tower ride to Belmont Park
  • Amusement Expo expands showfloor, welcomes record numbers
  • EVA entertains wide array with first-branded North American arena
  • 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo draws record crowds
  • Despite inclement weather, Miami-Dade County Fair performs well
  • Strong work ethic keeps Burback’s midway lights shining bright
  • Mega Mayhem ProSlide water coaster opens at Rapids Waterpark
  • After 70 years, Kay Park Recreation looks back and towards future
  • IAAPA Foundation refines focus on scholarships and furthering industry workforce development
  • Golden Ticket Awards host hotel reservations, award nominations open
  • Women of Influence: Dollywood’s Dolly Parton
  • SkyRide renaissance: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s attraction reopens
  • Texas’ Swannee River Railroad Company rolling out the trains
  • Party Center Software provides solutions for FECs and their guests
  • Pennsylvania amusement ride safety advisory board holds meeting
  • Sharing knowledge was the foundation of AIMS from its beginnings
  • Hersheypark opening day debuts new Comet trains from PTC
  • Wonderland’s 2024 season underway, officials confront challenges
  • Amusement Today‘s 2024 What’s New Guide … and much more!

Breaking records: Sacoa wows global audience with simultaneous exhibition at five trade shows last week

By | May 16, 2024

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.”

Raging Waters Los Angeles hosts SwimBrayv’s Dashing Duck Drawing fundraiser to support newly launched water safety program

By | May 16, 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.

WaveGarden’s artificial waves are now breaking at Sydney’s Olympic Park

By | May 16, 2024

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 2nd 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.

In new one-of-a-kind act, majestic butterflies and marvelous blooms bring even more color to Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge

By | May 15, 2024

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.

Idlewild kicks off season of family fun May 18 with thrilling events and park enhancements

By | May 15, 2024

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 4th 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.

Alpine Express ‘Enzian’ and ‘Tirol Log Flume’ return, while the ‘Yomi Adventure Trail’ awaits explorers

By | May 15, 2024

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.

AI supports the monitoring of amusement park rides

By | May 15, 2024

ESSEN — DMT GmbH & Co. KG, a TÜV NORD GROUP company, is launching the world’s first AI-supported real-time monitoring system for amusement rides just in time for the new amusement park season. DMT RideGuard offers additional safety as well as high efficiency through optimised maintenance processes. The system is already in operation at Movie Park Germany.

As the world’s first fully automated real-time monitoring system, DMT RideGuard complements the standards for monitoring amusement park rides. The system enables seamless monitoring of vibrations, shocks and movements for the very first time,. This provides additional safety and makes maintenance more efficient. Using state-of-the-art IoT sensor technology and AI algorithms, the system continuously records all relevant data and streams it to a cloud-based application in real time. As a result, park operators receive a comprehensive status overview of their attractions and are provided with support in identifying and rectify potential risks at an early stage.

‘Thanks to DMT RideGuard, amusement park operators can now monitor their attractions in real time for the very first time,’ says Konrad Widera, Product Manager DMT RideGuard. ‘Our system enables targeted planning of maintenance intervals and reduces possible downtimes, resulting in an increased availability of attractions. The existing high safety standards are not only fulfilled, but even improved. For visitors, this can create additional trust. ’

The Movie Park Germany film and leisure park in Bottrop-Kirchhellen is already successfully using DMT RideGuard. After a test phase on two rides from August 2023, the operator has decided in favour of the system and intends to continue using DMT RideGuard in the future.

‘DMT RideGuard enables constant monitoring of our attractions in a way that has never been possible before. This feature of non-stop monitoring is a great advantage. The system reports automatically and informs us of any deviations. This is a great support for us in our day-to-day operations,’ explains Carsten Prang, Technical Manager at Movie Park Germany.

The safety of amusement park visitors already has top priority. Therefore, strict controls are conducted by the responsible inspection bodies. Visual inspections on a daily basis and regular check and maintenance procedures involving comprehensive checklists by the operators ensure that the high safety standards are met. These inspections can now be further enhanced with the DMT RideGuard. DMT RideGuard monitors constantly, directly and reliably. The system automatically reports abnormalities and anomalies using a combination of alarm and notification functions via e- mail or SMS, according on the operator’s requirements.

Splish Splash kicks off the season May 25 with more time to splash & new additions

By | May 15, 2024

CALVERTON, N.Y. — Opening Day is just ten days away at New York’s Largest Water Park. With more days and extended hours to splash, Splish Splash officially opens for an eventful and appetizing 2024 season on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. New for the 2024 season, guests will be delighted with two all-new food locations, Ben’s Soft Pretzels and Locos Tacos, an updated retail store, The Big Kahuna Bazaar and an all-new event, Winter Wonderland.

“We are excited to make a splash this season with delicious new dining options and a fun new retail experience for our guests,” said Splish Splash General Manager Mike Bengtson. “With the addition of days and extended hours to our operating calendar and enhanced special events lineup, we cannot wait to welcome our guests back for the 2024 season.”

Splish Splash will open for its 34th season with a special giveaway to the first 250 guests in attendance each day of Opening Weekend. The beloved Nature Nick Animal Show will return with a thrilling animal show featuring wildlife from all corners of the world. The show will run all Opening Weekend long from May 25 – 27 and will return in June during Kids Fest. The educational show includes owls, hawks, foxes, toucans, snakes and more. During Opening Weekend, guests can see the show multiple times a day on the stage next to the entrance of Giant Twister.

All-new for 2024, foodies will have new options to select from. The park will have a dedicated stand for Ben’s Soft Pretzels, which will offer delicious, hot, and fresh pretzels in original and cinnamon sugar. The park’s Boardwalk will also have a new food and beverage location, Locos Tacos. The stand will serve a taco trio, walking tacos, carne asada fries, Tractor beverages and frozen drinks. When guests decide to take a break from sliding down Alien Invasion and splashing in the wavepool, they can visit the newly expanded retail store next to the Kahuna Bay WavepoolThe Big Kahuna Bazaar will have everything visitors need for a day in the sun including sunscreen, towels, souvenirs, and flip flops.

Guests are invited all season long to enjoy a variety of special events including the new Winter Wonderland. The family-friendly event will be held July 15-21 and will include festive limited-time food offerings, holiday music, meet and greets with holiday characters, giveaways and more for kids of all ages. In addition to Winter WonderlandKids Fest will be held Saturdays and Sundays in June, which will be jam-packed with fun activities, live performers, and giveaways. The popular Concert Series will also return this season with a variety of live music including country, top 40, pop, reggae and more every Saturday in July across from the Kahuna Bay Wavepool.

Several other themed weekends will also return to Splish Splash for the 2024 season. The park’s annual Father’s Day Flop contest will take place on June 15, Teacher Appreciation Week will be hosted in June, followed by Shark in the Park in July and Hero Appreciation Week in August.

Those interested in attending Opening Weekend can save $35 on Single Day Tickets now through June 2.  Thrill seekers that want to enjoy Splish Splash all summer long, can purchase a 2024 Season Pass for just three payments of $34 each. This season, Passholders get more perks than ever with things like free friend tickets, discounts on food and retail, free parking and more with select passes.

RWS Global acquires Great Big Events, producers of the world’s greatest sporting moments, continuing to raise the bar in global event production

By | May 14, 2024

NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global, the world leader in live moments, today announced the acquisition of Great Big Events (GBE), a leading sports event production company known for its work on the world’s biggest sporting events. Past credits include over 100 World Championships, World Cups, Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and multi-sport Games. As a result of this transaction, the company is launching RWS Global Sports, a new division of RWS Global that will provide an unrivaled, comprehensive range of offerings, including venue design, entertainment, sports production, merchandise and more. The new RWS Global Sports division will serve as a one-of-a-kind solution for clients, offering best-in-class, end-to-end live experiential offerings for audiences worldwide.

Kim Henshaw

“This exciting acquisition redefines the possibilities for integrated, live sports and entertainment experiences on a global scale and propels us into a new realm of innovation and creativity,” said Ryan Stana, Chairman and CEO of RWS Global. “Fusing together our teams, resources and talent strengthens our position as leaders in the live experiential sector and allows us to deliver unprecedented live sports and entertainment experiences for our clients and their audiences across the globe.”

GBE co-founder Kim Henshaw will join and lead the RWS Global Sports division, bringing extensive industry expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable as RWS Global continues to expand its presence in the live entertainment and sporting events market. This acquisition represents an incredible opportunity for growth and innovation. 

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with RWS Global and excited about the endless possibilities ahead,” said Kim Henshaw EVP, RWS Global Sports. “With our combined expertise, we will develop unparalleled live sports experiences and set a new standard for the industry. Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to showcase the innovative and groundbreaking work we will achieve together with RWS Global.” 

Ryan Stana

This acquisition follows the previously announced strategic investment from RWS Global’s first institutional investor, Bluestone Equity Partners, a private equity firm with diverse sports and entertainment assets. The investment will support the new RWS Global Sports division in delivering revolutionary viewer experiences across major upcoming international events over the next three years with ambitious plans for further global expansion.

“We have long believed in the significant growth opportunity for RWS Global across new sectors. This announcement is a natural evolution for the RWS Global portfolio, further cementing its position as the leader in global live entertainment,” added Bobby Sharma, Founder & Managing Partner, Bluestone Equity. 

Additionally, the deal sees RWS Global strategically expanding its digital capabilities with the acquisition of GBE’s suite of fan engagement apps, including Ultimate Fan App and Anywhere Live, along with the integrated software system, PV4. This portfolio of interactive event apps and software further enables RWS Global to deliver connected, dynamic experiences across major global sporting events. 

RWS Global is establishing an office in Sydney, its fourth global hub, complementing existing locations in New York, London and Cincinnati. The RWS Global team now comprises more than 300 full-time employees and engages over 8,000 seasonal talents annually. For more information about RWS Global and their services, please visit their website at www.rwsglobal.com.

Splashway Waterpark & Campgrounds crowned America’s number one outdoor waterpark by USA Today

By | May 14, 2024

SHERIDAN, Texas — In the heart of Texas, where laughter echoes under wide-open skies, a family oasis known as Splashway Waterpark & Campgrounds has just been named the Number ONE Outdoor Waterpark in America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This accolade recognizes the thrilling slides and sparkling pools but is also a testament to a family’s vision of creating the ultimate haven for family fun and making lasting memories.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are highly respected accolades in the hospitality industry, determined by public vote. Each year, these awards recognize excellence across a variety of categories, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions, highlighting those who achieve outstanding standards in service and guest experiences.

Nestled midway between Houston, San Antonio, and Austin in the quaint town of Sheridan, Splashway has long been a retreat for families looking to splash, play, and stay. At the helm are Carl and Laura Blahuta, a husband and wife team who have poured their hearts into every corner of the park. “It’s about more than just fun; it’s about family,” says Carl, the energetic owner and general manager. “Our mission has always been to provide a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment where families can come together and create those joyous memories that last a lifetime.”

The park’s journey to the top is a story of relentless dedication to service and innovation. “We are family, serving family,” remarks Laura Blahuta, co-owner and administration director, echoing the park’s guiding motto. This philosophy has shaped every decision at Splashway, from the design of adrenaline-pumping rides for thrill-seekers to tranquil spots for those seeking relaxation.

USA Today’s recognition comes as a result of Splashway’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Visitors to Splashway can expect a variety of attractions that cater to all ages and thrill levels. Whether it’s conquering their tallest water slides or floating lazily along the lazy river, there is something for everyone. “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter, that’s how we know we’re succeeding,” Laura adds.

The future looks bright for Splashway as it plans to expand its offerings. “This accolade is both an honor and a motivator. We are excited to push the boundaries of what a waterpark experience can be,” says Carl, with a visionary mindset. Plans to introduce even more award-winning, innovative water rides and expand the camping facilities are already in the works, promising to bolster its reputation as the premier family destination.

In recognition of this national recognition, Splashway Waterpark invites everyone to a series of celebratory events and special promotions throughout the season. The first event is Sunday, May 19th, where our guests can purchase a regular-price ticket and get their second ticket for just one dollar. More details will be available on our website and social media channels, where families are encouraged to join in the festivities.

For anyone seeking the thrill of adventure or the comfort of a peaceful retreat, Splashway is ready to welcome you to what is now officially the best outdoor waterpark in the nation. Come and see for yourself why families return year after year, making Splashway a part of their traditions and their stories.