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Industry News

4/30/2025 0 Comments

Universal Fan Fest Nights - Star Trek Cast Members Visit "Star Trek: Red Alert" Experience

Check out photos and video from Universal Fan Fest Nights opening night, including the Star Trek cast (LeVar Burton, Wil Wheaton, Michelle Hurd, Mica Burton, and Jerry O’Connell) visiting the “Star Trek: Red Alert” experience. They explored the actual set of the Bridge from the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D as featured in “Star Trek: Picard” – which can only be experienced at Universal Studios Hollywood’s new seasonal event, Universal Fan Fest Nights, running select nights through May 18. They attended the red carpet opening night on Friday, April 25.​
This highly anticipated, separately ticketed event cleverly transports fans and guests into immersive in-world experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime based on such favorites as Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen, along with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.

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4/30/2025 0 Comments

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.​
PLAINVIEW, TEXAS – 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, accelerating riders from 0 to 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds. When it was retired in late 2024, it was still the tallest and second fastest roller coaster on Earth.
  • Nighthawk: Built by Vekoma in 2000, Stealth at then Paramount’s Great America was the world’s first flying roller coaster. In 2004, it was moved to Carowinds and renamed Nighthawk, where it continued to take would-be superheroes through 2,766 feet of track at speeds up to 51 mph.
  • La Vibora: Originally opened in 1984 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, La Vibora was one of a handful of “trackless” coasters ever built. It moved to Six Flags Over Texas in 1986 and was the last Intamin-designed “Swiss Bob” coaster in operation.
  • Time Warp: Featuring a unique spiral lift and tight, snappy turns along its 1,283 feet of track, Time Warp at Canada’s Wonderland was one of a handful of Zamperla-built “Volare” coasters to be installed around the world.
“Without the tireless work of the museum’s volunteers, who have been working to preserve these attractions for over six months, there is a good chance they would be lost forever,” said Jeff Novotny, President of the NRCMA. “By directly involving park and ride fans, we can now all work together to preserve the historic legacies that each of these vehicles represent.”
 
Fans of these attractions can go to www.rollercoastermuseum.org/2025fundraiser to contribute towards the shipping costs to their favorite rides. For donations of $100 and above, the museum will enshrine the donor’s name / company name into the exhibit of their choice.
 
Additionally, the public can get up close and personal with these and many other historic coaster artifacts this summer at “Back to the Museum,” a preview event for roller coaster enthusiasts and park fans. Registration for the event is now available at: www.aceonline.org/events
  
About the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives:
The NRCMA is an unaffiliated, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and
preservation of historic roller coaster and amusement park artifacts. Its goal is to document, archive and preserve the rich history of the attractions industry for generations to come. Visit: www.rollercoastermuseum.org to learn more.

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4/29/2025 0 Comments

Universal Orlando Resort Offers Additional Guests The Opportunity to Preview Epic Universe

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT OFFERS ADDITIONAL GUESTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PREVIEW ITS ALL-NEW THEME PARK, UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE, BEFORE ITS OFFICIAL OPENING ON MAY 22
After First Only Being Available to Select Audiences, Epic Universe Preview Tickets Are Now On Sale for the General Public for Visits through May 19
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Orlando, Fla. (April 29, 2025) – Universal Orlando Resort is entering its next phase of guest previews for its all-new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, as it continues to prepare for the official opening on May 22. Starting today, the general public can purchase tickets to visit Epic Universe and preview the groundbreaking experience through May 19. Please note that during the preview period, availability of experiences within Epic Universe may vary as Universal puts the final touches on the park in preparation for its grand opening on May 22.
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This next phase of preview will be the last chance guests have to experience the highly anticipated theme park before it officially opens to the public. Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and presents a level of theme park immersion, innovation and storytelling that is unmatched. Guests will enjoy an exciting collection of jaw-dropping rides and attractions, exhilarating entertainment, delectable dining, themed shopping and so much more across five imaginative worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

For more information about Universal Epic Universe and to purchase an Epic Universe Preview Ticket, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/epicuniverse.
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About Universal Orlando Resort  
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to three, soon-to-be four, exhilarating theme parks that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and – opening on May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eleven hotels that offer something for every style and budget: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (opening May 22, 2025), Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.

Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

About Universal Epic Universe – Opening on May 22, 2025
Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in beloved cross-generational stories that empower them to be the epic heroes of their adventures. Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current offerings, Epic Universe will feature breathtaking, multi-sensory environments, impeccable design and innovative technology throughout – creating an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment. Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more. Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, - including sister properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the majestic Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – which is located at the theme park. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.

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4/29/2025 0 Comments

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Launches Nearly $40 Million Park Transformation Under New Leadership

New Park President, Jeff Davis, unveils sweeping additions and upgrades—including new Wild Oasis at Jungala, new animals and animal habitats, new and improved food experiences, and Adventure Island expansion
TAMPA, Fla. (April 29, 2025) – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is entering an exciting new chapter with a bold almost $40 million investment and a new park president at the helm. Under the leadership of Jeff Davis, the park is unveiling sweeping additions and upgrades—including the debut of Wild Oasis at Jungala in May, new animal encounters, elevated dining, enhanced guest experiences, and a major transformation of Adventure Island. These improvements aim to make Busch Gardens the best it’s ever been and solidify the park as Florida’s ultimate family adventure destination.

“The extensive nearly $40 million in investments will further solidify the park’s status as a premier destination, ensuring guests of all ages will make unforgettable memories to last a lifetime,” said Jeff Davis, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “The additions and improvements will be made across our infrastructure, operations, staff recruiting, equipment, as well as adding to our aesthetics with more beautiful gardens and plant life. New animal arrivals are also in the plans, such as the reimaged Meerkat habitat, set to open this summer to inspire awe and wonder for all who visit. This is an exciting time for the park and these investments will make it better than ever before.”

While these recent investments are significant, ongoing enhancements are nothing new for the park. For the past four years, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has consistently introduced innovative new attractions, inviting guests to experience epic adventures. From Iron Gwazi in 2022 to Serengeti Flyer in 2023, Phoenix Rising in 2024 and now Wild Oasis coming in May 2025, each multimillion-dollar addition has strengthened the park’s positioning as a desirable destination. With its record-breaking coasters and thrilling experiences, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is often celebrated as the home of “Florida’s Best Thrill Rides.”
 
Investments to Make Busch Gardens Tampa Bay the Best Ever
 
  • Explore Wild Oasis: A New World of Kid-Friendly Adventure: Inspired by lush rainforests and teeming with animal encounters, thrilling rides and interactive play zones, Wild Oasis promises unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Within Wild Oasis guests will embark on an incredible adventure. From encountering fascinating new animals to soaring down the all-new Tree Top Drop, families can explore interactive climbing structures, cool off at an immersive splash pad, and take on a thrilling self-guided scavenger hunt. Designed to ignite curiosity and excitement, Wild Oasis promises an action-packed experience for explorers of all ages.
 
  • New Animal Experiences & Habitat Enhancements: Busch Gardens is an AZA accredited zoo providing world-class care to over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species – and the animal population at the park is growing! From new animal births to new animal species coming to the park – including capybaras, giant anteaters, squirrel monkeys and meerkats arriving this spring, there’s more to explore than ever. Plus, guests will see many recent investments to the animal habitats throughout the park, such as the new climbing structure for the new troop of chimpanzees, accessibility features to accommodate the geriatric, all-female Asian Elephant herd and a beautiful new Giraffe Barn.
 
  • Bold New Culinary Experiences Led by Executive Chef Lavon Smith: New Executive Chef, Lavon Smith, brings an exciting new culinary vision to the park with newly opened full-service venues like Treetop Kitchen, offering guests a vibrant culinary adventure inspired by global cuisine spanning the regions of Africa and South America. Plus, don’t miss the Food & Wine Festival and Concert Series. This year’s festival features bold new flavors from the Caribbean and India, alongside returning favorites from South America and Europe. There’s also an electrifying lineup of new and fan-favorite headlining artists, and—for the first time—concerts on Fridays. Festival access and concerts are FREE with park admission.
 
  • Year-Round Entertainment, New Shows, and Summer Nights Spectacular: Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay returns on select dates from May 23–August 10, lighting up the park with extended hours and unforgettable thrills. This year’s event features an all-new nighttime spectacular, high-energy live shows and exciting ways to enjoy fan-favorite entertainment like Rhythm of Nature—the only year-round ice-skating show at a theme park in North America. From riding world-class coasters under the stars to indulging in limited-time summer eats and treats, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate summer.
 
  • Big Splash at Adventure Island — New Rides, New Energy: Adventure Island, Tamps Bay’s #1 water park, continues to expand its thrills with exciting attractions designed for guests of all ages. As part of the recent investments, families can embark on an aquatic adventure at the brand-new interactive splash and play area Castaway Falls – a multi-level play area featuring exciting water elements and cascading slides. Additionally, the summer will bring new thrills, and interactive events guests won’t want to miss. More exciting announcements to come later this spring!
 
Annual Pass Members Get Early Access and Exclusive Perks!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass Members will be the first to explore Wild Oasis before it opens to the public in Spring 2025. Annual passes for 2025 are on sale now starting as low as $15.75 per month with no down payment. Membership includes unlimited admission, access to vibrant seasonal events and exclusive Pass Member benefits like FREE guest tickets, FREE parking and special savings on merchandise as well as food and beverage. Guests can learn more about Wild Oasis and the unbeatable benefits of being an Annual Pass Member by visiting BuschGardensTampa.com. To be the first to know about park updates, guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.
 
About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.

About Adventure Island
Located right across the street from Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, Adventure Island® is Tampa Bay’s premier water park, featuring a combination of exhilarating water slides and tropical, tranquil surroundings. At Tampa’s Island Paradise, thrilling slides await, such as Rapids Racer, Wahoo Remix, Solar Vortex®, Vanish Point™, Caribbean Corkscrew® and Colossal Curl™, waterfalls, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, a children’s splash and play zone, Shaka-Laka Shores, and other family attractions including the all-new Castaway Falls. Guests can dig their toes into the sand or relax in lounge chairs or a private cabana. For more information, visit AdventureIsland.com for more information.

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4/28/2025 0 Comments

Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles' Multimillion-Dollar Transformation and 30th Anniversary - Season opens May 24

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles to Celebrate 30th Anniversary
 with All-New Look and Feel Following Multimillion-Dollar Transformation
 
Los Angeles’ Favorite Water Park Splashes into the 2025 Season on May 24
LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 – The first of Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor parks, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles opened June 16, 1995, meaning it will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer. The milestone occasion has been commemorated with a multimillion-dollar makeover that includes numerous enhancements for both guests and park associates. On Saturday, May 24, the 25-acre water park adjacent to Six Flags Magic Mountain will open for the season with giveaways, live entertainment and other surprise and delight moments.
The park-wide improvements include:

  • A creative narrative that reimagines the water park as a tropical island village and is woven throughout the experience including now bringing the park’s iconic volcano to life with periodic rumbling effects and bursts of mist
  • Restoration of all slides including vibrant new exterior colors, canopies and resurfacing for smoother and faster rides
  • Repainting of key areas including focal areas such as other attractions, food and beverage and merchandise locations
  • Extensive new landscaping that amplifies the park beautification and offers added shade
  • Increased number of cabanas and the return of food and beverage services
  • Upgraded food options and new frozen cocktail selections
  • State-of-the-art conveyor belt to now carry tubes to the top of Tornado
  • Refreshed restrooms and changing areas
  • New sound system, signage and employee uniforms that augment the themed environment
“Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles has been a beloved So Cal summertime destination for aquatic thrills and splashy family fun for three decades and with this anniversary we wanted to show appreciation to our fans with a completely revitalized guest experience,” said Jeff Harris, Vice President and General Manager of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Magic Mountain. “We are counting down the days until we open the gates and share what we’ve been working on since last year. From a new theme and backstory to slides that have been refinished to shine brighter and provide a better ride to new and enhanced cabanas, landscaping, food and beverage and more, a day spent at Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles will be the ultimate day in the sun.”
 
Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles will open to the public Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m. and run through Labor Day. Single day tickets start at $49 when purchased online or make the biggest splash with a Gold Pass and enjoy unlimited visits to Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles AND Magic Mountain; complimentary parking; food, merchandise and bring-a-friend discounts and more.  Gold Pass Memberships start at just $6.99 per month after initial payment. 
 
To learn more about the park transformation, visit the park’s blog HERE.
 
For additional information or to buy tickets, visit sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla.
 
Images and park access may be requested by emailing [email protected].

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ABOUT SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR LOS ANGELES
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Southern California’s most thrilling water park located next door to Six Flags Magic Mountain, features more than 1.5 million gallons of water across 25 acres including three dozen slides and attractions in a tropically themed paradise. Enjoy two of the tallest fully enclosed speed slides on the West Coast, a relaxing 1,300-foot river cruise, a wave pool, an interactive lagoon and two children’s splash and play areas. The park operates seasonally May – September. Visit sixflags.com/hurricaneharborla for more details. 
 
Follow us on Instagram @sixflagsmagicmountain #hurricaneharbor
Follow us on X and TikTok @sfmagicmountain #hurricaneharbor
Like us on Facebook @sixflagshurricaneharborla

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