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A local man has submitted a bid to Aspro Parks, the owners of Oakwood Amusement Park who recently announced that the park would permanently close in 2025, to purchase, invest in and operate the park. https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/113336/plan-to-rescue-oakwood-revealed-as-local-man-makes-bid-to-save-park/ A Pembrokeshire resident has launched a bold rescue plan to bring Oakwood Theme Park back to life — just two months after its shock closure was announced. Oakwood, Wales’ largest theme park, closed its doors suddenly on March 4 after four decades of family fun. The site, owned by Spanish firm Aspro Parks, had faced a sharp decline in visitor numbers and growing financial challenges in recent years. But now, a new proposal has been submitted by a local group known as Richens Leisure Projects (RLP), which aims to restore Oakwood to its former glory and turn it into a flagship attraction once again. The man behind the bid, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the project is deeply personal. “I grew up in west Wales,” he told The Herald. “I remember every queue, every hill climb, every first drop. Oakwood wasn’t just a theme park — it was a rite of passage for so many children in Wales. You didn’t just go there. You remembered it.” RLP says its proposal includes a phased investment plan, promising to repair and update aging infrastructure, reintroduce popular rides, and generate over 100 seasonal jobs in the local economy. “This isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about rebuilding pride. It’s about giving today’s kids the same memories we had, but doing it with proper community backing and long-term thinking,” the group said. Since its closure, Oakwood has been stripped of several well-known attractions, and the future of the site remains unclear. However, the new bid aims to change that, and discussions with Aspro Parks have been initiated. “We’re not here to pressure anyone,” RLP said. “We’re trying to do things properly and respectfully. But if the park’s future is undecided, we’re ready to step in. What we’ve put forward isn’t just an idea — it’s a fully costed, deliverable plan that can begin immediately if given the green light.” Asked about funding, the group said it would not disclose specific backers at this stage due to the uncertain ownership position. However, it claims the business case is robust and based on professional financial modeling. The campaign has already attracted support from local residents, many of whom were shocked by the park’s closure. A petition launched just days after the announcement gathered thousands of signatures. RLP added: “We’ve kept this quiet until now, out of respect for the owners and the park’s legacy. But the time has come to show people that there is a serious option on the table. This doesn’t have to be the end for Oakwood — it can be the start of something new.” The Herald contacted Aspro Parks for comment but had received no response at the time of going to press. Background Oakwood Theme Park first opened in 1987 as a small family attraction before expanding dramatically during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was home to popular rides including Megafobia, Hydro, and Speed, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year at its peak. In recent years, however, the park faced growing criticism over ageing infrastructure, rising prices, and the closure of key attractions. In March this year, its owners confirmed that keeping the park open was no longer viable. Whether the new rescue plan will be accepted remains to be seen — but for many in Pembrokeshire, it offers a glimmer of hope that the thrills and laughter of Oakwood might one day return.

Paultons Park has announced significant expansion plans in the form of Valgard, a new viking-themed land which will be host to new attractions and experiences added to the park between 2026 and 2027. Cobra, the park's Gerstlauer bobsled coaster will be renamed Raven and will interact with the new Drakon Euro-Fighter coaster. The park is already teasing its 2027 addition to this new land but has yet to reveal details as to what this experience will be. https://paultonspark.co.uk/valgard-realm-of-the-vikings Valgard Realm of the Vikings What's New at Paultons Park in 2026 In 2026, the Viking realm of Valgard will rise at Paultons Park. Face the wrath of Drakon, (Paultons’ most thrilling coaster yet and the first ever inverting coaster at the Park) as it intertwines with Raven - another legendary coaster reborn. Swing into battle on the UK’s first epic ‘Vild Swing’ ride, explore a Viking-themed playground, and feast like true warriors in a brand-new Nordic themed dining hall. A Vision of Valgard Explore the artists impression of the new realm awakening in 2026 at Paultons Park and prepare to map out your visit! Explore a brave new world with answers to your most asked questions! Where is Valgard, Realm of the Vikings located in Paultons Park? The new area at Paultons Park will be opening adjacent to Lost Kingdom. What does the Drakon thrill coaster ride involve? Drakon is a custom Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter roller coaster with a vertical lift hill that plunges into a beyond vertical drop, with an inversion coaster track that intertwines at top speeds with a legendary existing coaster at the Park. Are there any other new rides or attractions in Valgard, Realm of the Vikings? Yes, as well as Drakon – our legendary Gerstlauer Bobsled will be reborn as Raven. ‘Vild Swing’ a 12m high Art Wild Swing is a first of its kind in the UK. There will also be a Viking themed playground and dining hall. What age is Valgard, Realm of the Vikings appropriate for? Parents, older children and teens will love this new line up of rides, but they are not for the feint hearted. So be prepared to be brave. Height and age advice will be available soon. Will Valgard, Realm of the Vikings be included in the entry ticket? Yes, the new area and rides will be included in all Paultons Park tickets after they open in 2026. What other plans are there for Paultons Park in the future? In March 2025, Paultons Park submitted a planning application to construct a holiday village, which will see the creation of a resort offering by installing 85-95 units of lodge-style accommodation, adjacent to Valgard Realm of the Vikings, with its own Parking and entrance to the Park. What’s new for 2027 at Paultons Park? Let us know what you think! Tag @paultonspark on social media.

After seven years of ownership under Parques Reunidos, Belantis amusement park has been sold to Compagnie des Alpes for €22 million. https://www.intergameonline.com/coin-op/news/german-amusement-park-belantis-sold-to-compagnie-des-alpes Compagnie des Alpes, the operator of mountain resorts and leisure destinations, has completed the purchase of one of the largest amusement parks in Leipzig, Germany. It has bought the Belantis amusement park from the Parques Reunidos group for €22 million. Originally opened in 2003, the park features 27 attractions across nine themed areas, along with three shops and six F&B outlets. In the 2024 financial year it recorded a turnover of approximately €22m. The purchase includes a total land area of over 800,000sq.m, with an additional 410,000sq.m available for future development. 2024 saw Belantis welcome around 300,000 visitors, but Compagnie des Alpes believes that it has the potential to welcome almost 900,000 visitors a year. The purchase price has raised questions locally, given the relatively low cost and the recent investment of €60m by its previous owners. With the acquisition, the company now has leisure parks in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Dominique Thillaud, CEO of Compagnie des Alpes, said: “The acquisition of Belantis is a great opportunity for Compagnie des Alpes. This site has real assets which, combined with the group's expertise in terms of operational excellence, marketing and customer satisfaction, give us great confidence in the park's future potential for development and performance.”

Universal Studios Japan has announced that Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan will expand by 40% with the addition Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast. This new attraction will be similarly to the version found at Universal Studios Florida. https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/news/2025/0425_2/index.html Since its opening in April 2017, a spectacular themed MINION PARK at Universal Studios Japan has been immensely popular. In Summer 2025, MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with an all-new area, based on Illumination’s Minions Film Franchise. At today's “MINION PARK” 8th anniversary fan event, the Park announced a series of surprises, including news of the area’s expansion, Grand Opening time and an overview of the Park's first-ever moving walkway* interactive blaster attraction, “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast”. Approximately 300 enthusiastic fans of Illumination’s Minions gathered for the event and were Super Excited about the prospect of a new and unprecedented Minions experience. Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” film franchises are immensely popular around the world, becoming the first animated film series to gross over 5 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Since its opening in April 2017, the “MINION PARK” area at Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve as one of the world's largest themed areas based on the world-famous “Minions” characters, with the introduction of “Freeze Ray Sliders” ride and a variety of seasonal programs, welcoming many guests from Japan and abroad. With this area expansion, Universal Studios Japan hopes that families and people of all ages will be able to experience the greatly enhanced “MINION PARK”. Please stay tuned for more information on the new area. *Ride attraction with moving walkway on which guests progress while standing. “Go For It!” Experience an Unprecedented Enhancement of Mayhem! MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with new area! MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with new area. In addition to the existing popular attractions in “MINION PARK” such as “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” and “Freeze Ray Sliders”, the new “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast” will debut as an attraction guests of all ages can enjoy. In addition, there will be a number of new entertainment elements including snack stands and stores offering unique food and merchandise developed with mayhem in mind, only available in the new area that will make you want to “Go For It!” when you see it. “Go For It!” Blast your way to supervillain stardom! NEW ATTRACTION “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast” The first moving walkway interactive blaster attraction in the Park's history debuts at Universal Studios Japan's MINION PARK, offering an exciting evolution of the popular Orlando attraction – now featuring new, exclusive content and enhanced gameplay features. Join illumination’s Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their supervillain group. Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this exhilarating, interactive attraction that requires no restraint. Simply stand on a moving walkway and blast your way through the competition as you cause maximum destruction and collect valuable loot. Whoever scores the most points will be on their way to supervillain stardom! It’s all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studio’s Japan. Attraction Information [Experience time] Approximately 7 minutes *People under 122cm must be accompanied by an adult. Children cannot be held in their arms. *Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted. However, electric wheelchairs are not permitted. “Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal” holders Advance experience We are planning “Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal” holders have a special opportunity that to enjoy the new area before grand open. Details, including the content of the experience, will be announced at a later date. https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/attractions/illuminations-villain-con-minion-blast Blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. Join Illumination's Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their super villain group. Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this fun, interactive attraction. It's all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan. Summer 2025—Minion Park gets even more mayhem! The famous Villain-Con trade show is taking place right here in Universal Studios Japan. And headlining the event is the Vicious Six, the world's most formidable team of super villains. Compete in an interactive blaster game to become the newest member of the Vicious 6 by causing maximum destruction and collecting loot. Whoever scores the most points will be their newest member. Happy blasting and may the worst villain win! You're going to be provided with an interactive E-Liminator X blaster. As you stand on the moving walkway, you're going to blast your way through 7 different scenes. Along the way you'll be able to switch between elemental blasts and more powerful launchers. Target power-ups to unlock new modes on your blaster so you can blast fire, electricity, and maybe even a few surprises! You can download the Villain-Con app to enjoy enhanced gameplay at Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and throughout Minion Park. This means you can actually sync your mobile phone with your blaster so you can choose your own villain avatar, track your score, upgrade your blaster, and more.

Westchester County has issued an emergency order selecting Zamperla to inspect, repair, maintain and operate Playland Amusement Park's attractions for the 2025 season, pushing for a reopening after Standard Amusements sought to exit their 30-year operating agreement three years in. https://westchester.news12.com/emergency-order-issued-to-expedite-playland-amusement-parks-2025-opening An emergency order has been issued to expedite the opening of Playland Amusement Park’s 2025 season. Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor issued the order, saying, “The Emergency order will allow the County to hire a company to inspect specific rides, secure all necessary supplies and parts to operate the rides, repair and thereafter maintain the rides. Standard's abrupt departure leaves the County with little time to properly carry out all of this work. Standard left little or no spare parts in inventory, in some cases did not properly winterize rides and a number of rides were left dis-assembled.” The Parks Department determined that competitive bidding could not be pursued due to the urgent nature of the situation. It has selected Zamperla, Inc. to do the needed emergency work to open up the park.

Universal Orlando Resort has shared new details regarding Summer entertainment offerings, experiences, anniversary celebrations and more! https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/guides-and-tips/everything-to-experience-at-universal-orlando-resort-this-summer/ There are lots of reasons to love summer. Pool and beach days, more excuses to eat ice cream, the money I’ll save on self-tanner… I could go on. But, as an Orlando local, I think the biggest reason to get excited for the summer is the fact that this year, Universal Orlando Resort is pulling out all the stops for an entire season of fun! I’m talking entertainment and attractions that will make your whole day and night a blast, celebrations of your favorite summer blockbusters, and more exclusive merchandise, food, and drinks than you can shake a (popsicle) stick at. And I’ve compiled all of them below in a handy-dandy guide! Read on for everything to experience at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. All-Day (and Night) Summer Fun Universal Mega Movie Parade – April 12–November 13 Watching a T. rex prowl the streets of Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida never gets old. And that’s why I’m so excited to watch Universal Mega Movie Parade this summer! Get ready to show your true colors to the Trolls, laugh at the Mini-Pufts plaguing the Ghostbusters, and insist to Mayor Vaughn that you and Chief Brody really do need a bigger boat. Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular – Select Dates April 14–August 24 Da-dum. DA-DUM. DA-DUM. Those suspenseful notes can only mean one thing… it’s time for Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular! This nighttime show will cap off your day in Universal Studios Florida on a perfect note — literally. Embark on a journey through your favorite movie moments as the soundtracks of “Harry Potter,” “Jurassic World,” “Jaws,” and more sync with dancing fountains and pyrotechnics. Hogwarts Always – Select Dates April 14–August 24 The Hogwarts Always nighttime projection show is the perfect way to end a summer day in Universal Islands of Adventure. The show takes you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. Enjoy unforgettable music and relive incredible moments of wizardry — receiving a Hogwarts acceptance letter, attending a Quidditch match, a House Cup celebration — all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle. Celebrate Your Favorite Summer Blockbusters Jurassic World: Rebirth – In theaters July 2, 2025 It’s not every summer that a new “Jurassic World” movie comes out! To celebrate, Universal has loads of special offerings for you to sink your teeth into. In Jurassic Park in Islands of Adventure, you’ll find themed photo ops as well as exclusive food and beverage items at The Burger Digs. Starting May 23, you can also pick up some exclusive “Jurassic World: Rebirth” merchandise in Jurassic Outfitters and Dinostore. PRO TIP: Got some extreme dino fans in your family? Book a Jurassic World Kids’ Suite at Loews Royal Pacific Resort to take your summer vacation to prehistoric new heights! How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) – In theaters June 13, 2025 Over in Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent, you can gear up to be a dragon-rider. Near Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House, you’ll find a themed shopping experience in celebration of the upcoming live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon.” If you’ve ever wanted a miniature version of Toothless to carry around on your shoulder, good news: It’s time for your (and my) dream to come true! Wicked Rejoicify! We’re only a few months away from the release of “Wicked: For Good” — why not pass the time in Wicked: The Experience in Universal Studios Florida? This magically immersive experience features enchanting film costume replicas, Elphaba and Glinda-themed photo ops, bewitching merch, and — from June 23–August 10 — the thrillifying opportunity to take a photo with Elphaba and Glinda. M3GAN 2.0 – In theaters June 27, 2025 You’ve seen her kill it on the big screen, and from June 10–30, you might just see her in Universal Studios Florida. I’m not at liberty to share any more details. No, she isn’t standing over my shoulder while I type this. Jaws (50th Anniversary) For the last half-century, “Jaws” has made children all over the world think twice before going in the pool. Or maybe that was just my experience. In Universal Studios Florida, you can celebrate 50 years of “swimmin’ with bow-legged women” in the San Francisco area of the theme park, which will be transformed to feel like the Amity of old. Snag limited-time food and beverage offerings along with a ton of exclusive merchandise, including the bucket hat and popcorn bucket that I am absolutely obsessed with. Back to the Future (40th Anniversary) Time flies when you’re in a flying time machine! And believe it or not, it’s already been 40 years since “Back to the Future” premiered. We’re marking the occasion with tons of exclusive merchandise, including apparel, a snazzy license plate, and even a (non-flying) hoverboard (pouch). Biff, eat your heart out! 15 Years of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Over the past 15 years, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando Resort has taken theme park immersion and thrills to the next level — and it all started in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade on June 18, 2010. Whether you want to join Harry and fly above the castle grounds in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, fly deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, or grab your Second Generation Interactive Wand to cast some spells around Hogsmeade, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this anniversary. Plus, beginning in mid-June, you can take home a commemorative glass plaque commemorating 15 years of Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort! Extra Perks for Passholders Universal Orlando Passholders know that Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be in the summer! And that’s why we’re celebrating our Passholders with plenty of exclusive perks this season, including: An exclusive viewing area for the Mega Movie Parade Exclusive seating areas in select dining locations Exclusive menu items Exclusive merchandise commemorating the 35th anniversary of Universal Studios Florida 3-Park Passholder Early Park Admission at Universal Volcano Bay Fun All Summer Long Whew! If you made it this far, it’s safe to say that you take summer fun very seriously. Believe it or not, there’s even more excitement coming to Universal Orlando Resort in the coming months! At Universal CityWalk, enjoy classic blockbusters as part of our Summer Movie Series, including: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”: May 17 and 21 “The Mummy”: May 31 and June 4 “The Fast and the Furious”: June 7 and June 11 “Kung Fu Panda”: June 28 and July 2 “Trolls”: July 12 and 16 “Shrek”: July 26 and 30 If you’re more of an audiophile than a cinephile, we’ve got you covered there too. The Summer Music Series will run on Saturdays from June 21 through August 9! On the Fourth of July, sparks fill fly with characters and a DJ in the Music Plaza and a pyrotechnic show from the roof of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, as well as music and entertainment throughout CityWalk. I feel like I’m forgetting something… oh, yeah. A brand-new theme park! Like I said: we’re pulling out all the stops. Now close this blog post, pack your suitcase or grab your Annual Pass, and get ready for summer! What are you most excited to experience in Universal Orlando Resort this summer? Comment below and let us know!

Royal Caribbean Group has released details of their new Ultimate Destination lineup including Perfect Day Mexico and their upcoming Royal Beach Clubs. These destinations join Perfect Day CocoCay as private offerings for Royal Caribbean's growing fleet of ships to visit worldwide. https://www.royalcaribbeangrouppresscenter.com/news/royal-caribbean-gives-thrilling-first-look-at-perfect-day-mexico-plus-three-more-destination-experiences-to-come Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) – The world’s boldest vacations are on the horizon as Royal Caribbean is raising the bar with its newly revealed Ultimate Destination lineup – with headliner Perfect Day Mexico* set to break records with never-before-seen features. From all-new thrills and unrivaled ways to chill at the next Perfect Day to unmatched beach getaways across the first Royal Beach Clubs, the vacation brand’s growing portfolio of exclusive destinations will deliver more ways for vacationers to experience the best of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships alongside shoreside adventures in Mexico, The Bahamas and the South Pacific. “We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. Now, we’re bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.” Spanning more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Perfect Day Mexico will raise the bar on vacations with record-breaking experiences, industry firsts and twists on Royal Caribbean favorites when it all comes to life in fall 2027. There's something for adventurers of all ages across seven neighborhoods. Highlights include: Loco Waterpark – Thrill-seekers can conquer more than 30 adrenaline-pumping waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslide tower – and waterslides – across North and South America. The more than 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak features two dueling slides, taking riders through more than two minutes of pure thrill and the longest coaster waterslide in the world. Vacationers can scale new heights across the tower’s 10 slides, and they can even do so together on the tallest family raft slide, designed for four to six riders at once. There are more thrills across the waterpark with hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world’s first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico’s iconic sombrero. Plus, adventure pools, a wave pool and slides designed for younger kids ensure there’s something for everyone. Splash Cove – The central neighborhood for guests of all ages to go all-in will introduce the longest lazy river in the world – with a crazy side. Along the hour-long float are multiple entry and exit points and plenty of ways to stay hydrated with float-up bars and a cupholder in every tube. And for those who dare, an optional crazy section of the river features unexpected twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the center of it all is a seemingly never-ending 100,000 square foot pool – just one of Perfect Day Mexico’s more than 10 expansive pools that together span the size of four football fields. The little ones have their own adventures at Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay with waterslides sized just for them. The first-ever Splashaway Cabanas right nearby make it the perfect home base for families. El Hideaway – At this adults-only neighborhood, day pass holders 18 years and older can party all day long with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. Those looking to celebrate big can max out the party vibes at the new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. For unmatched chill, El Hideaway sets the scene with live music, toes-in-the-sand bars and cabanas. Costa Beach Club – Guests looking to upgrade their beach day to the next level of exclusivity can enjoy the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and premium dining of Costa Beach Club. And for the ultimate retreat, adventurers can spend the day in a private cabana with a personal cabana attendant, thoughtful amenities and a dedicated pool. Chill Beach North and South – Vacationers looking to kick back can enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico along nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches at Chill Beach, spanning north and south from the pier. Guests can enjoy complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels at all beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico. Fiesta Plaza – Where all the festivities begin: a vibrant arrival area transports vacationers straight to the heart of Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world’s largest sombrero sits atop the Tipsy Sombrero bar, welcoming guests with margaritas, cervezas and more. Fueling the thrill and chill all day long are 12 regionally inspired dining options, from sit-down spots to grab-and-go eateries, with nearly all food spots complimentary to guests. Plus, there are endless reasons to toast “¡Salud!” at 24 bars, including six swim-up bars. Mariachi performances, art installations, and local artisans for souvenir shopping further bring the Mexican culture to life. Upon opening in fall 2027, Perfect Day Mexico will welcome Western Caribbean itineraries sailing from Galveston, New Orleans and all Florida homeports. Itineraries featuring Perfect Day Mexico will become available to book this fall. "We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings at sea and on land, our ambition is to offer our guests a diverse range of experiences that grow with them, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.” To bring Perfect Day Mexico to life, Royal Caribbean is continuing its longstanding partnership with the local government and community to develop a modern, sustainable destination that will bring vacationers from around the world to Mexico. The port will remain open during all phases of the project and beyond, with a new welcome center being built by Royal Caribbean to acquaint guests of all visiting cruise lines with landmark attractions in the Mahahual area and provide transportation throughout the region. The development of the Perfect Day Mexico site, and local community infrastructure projects, is in line with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future commitment to deliver the best vacation experiences in a responsible manner by sustaining the planet, energizing communities and accelerating innovation. “At Royal Caribbean, our ambition is bigger than ever, and so is our lineup of amazing experiences we are designing, all centered on our guests,” said Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean. “Vacationers trust us to help them make every moment a memory, which is why we are changing the game with unforgettable experiences at Perfect Day Mexico and beyond.” Royal Caribbean delivers the best vacations to more than 7 million people annually and visits 300+ destinations on 28 ships, with four more on order. Over the next three years, the vacation brand will also expand its destination lineup to six locales with the addition of four exclusive destination experiences that redefine what a vacation can look like. Alongside the original game-changer Perfect Day at CocoCay and the next bold adventure, Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Clubs will deliver the ultimate beach day. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island – Set to debut in December 2025, the first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas will combine the stunning beaches of Nassau’s Paradise Island with Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences. With the purchase of an all-inclusive day pass, vacationers can enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from The Floating Flamingo – the world’s largest swim-up bar – to three island-style eateries for local fare, Bahamian art installations, and live music. Vacationers can join the official waitlist to be the first to know when bookings become available in just a few short weeks. Royal Beach Club Cozumel – Featuring stunning beaches, pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking and more, the beach club will complement all the island has to offer when it opens in 2026. The spirit of Mexico will be at the heart of the experience across local touches and a variety of ways to dine and drink, a street market, and hands-on experiences like tequila tastings and cooking classes. Adding to the range of experiences for any vibe and mood are Royal Caribbean’s exclusive beach destinations in Labadee, Haiti, and, in early 2027, Lelepa in the South Pacific for more ways to bask in paradise. Lelepa – Royal Caribbean is bringing a bold beach experience to the shores of Lelepa, a Vanuatuan island in the South Pacific Archipelago east of Australia. The first exclusive island cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere will offer a locally inspired experience for guests in Australia and beyond, complete with serene beaches, nature trails, water activities and delicious dining. In August 2025, vacationers on the new Icon of vacations, Star of the Seas, will experience the best of Royal Caribbean from beginning to end with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay alongside the world’s best family vacation. By 2027, 90% of the brand’s Caribbean vacationers will experience a Perfect Day across Perfect Day at CocoCay and Perfect Day Mexico. What’s more, vacationers sailing from U.S. Gulf ports are in for the ultimate vacation days starting in 2027 with Royal Caribbean itineraries that visit both Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico. More information about Royal Caribbean’s leading vacations and growing lineup of destinations can be found at www.royalcaribbean.com/. Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.

Isla Magica has announced that they are adding a new attraction called "Wooden Coaster" to the park's lineup, in addition to two new swimming pools. The expansion will cost €2.7 million and is planned to open in 2026. Sevilla's Isla Magica theme park will get a 25-metre-high rollercoaster over its lake plus two new swimming pools. The ride will reach a top speed of 68 km/h and building licences have been granted for the expansion. The rollercoaster will cost €2.7 million and will be called Wooden Coaster. It will join the park’s other coaster ride- Jaguar. The new ride will occupy an area of around 6,000 m2 and is expected to open in 2026. It will be a three-dimensional wooden structure supporting a track of steel rails with bends, ascents and descents coming in at 595 metres in length. Each train carriage will have capacity for up to 16 people with a journey time of 93 seconds. The park capacity will rise by 500 to 15,500 people but car park spaces will be cut by 213 to accommodate the new features. The Aqua Magica section of the park will be expanded by 5,665 m2 currently used for car parking. The two swimming pools will be developed into two aquatic areas with attractions, rest areas and auxiliary buildings. Surrounding the water attractions will be 600 sunbeds distributed in different locations separated by flowerbeds with vegetation and artificial grass. The cost of this extension will be €1 million.

Kennywood Park has sent us a press release confirming the return of The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster, opening to the general public on May 24th, 2025. It’s kick-off time at Kennywood Park for The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster. The highly anticipated, triple record-setting coaster will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the park’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza, and special guests joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including current players and alumni, to mark the official Grand Opening. Standing a staggering 220 feet above the park, Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster, will return with its famed nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States including the highest in North America, this Memorial Day Weekend. To mark the grand return, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will get exclusive first ride time on the coaster on Friday, May 23. Those interested in tackling record setting thrills early can save $40 on a Gold Season Pass now during the final days of the park’s Spring Pass Sale. “Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.” Featuring 4,000 feet of track, the Steel Curtain originally opened to riders in 2019. In 2024, the coaster began a yearlong modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Through the project, the park worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, and third-party engineers to add three new columns and additional braces throughout the ride. This modification decreased the structural movement of the ride, ultimately allowing the coaster to make more cycles throughout its lifespan. In addition to the grand return of The Steel Curtain, Kennywood’s longest season ever continues with the beginning of Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival on Friday, May 23. Offering mouth-watering foods from around the world, this year’s event features two new countries, Cuba and Spain. Visitors’ taste buds will be thrilled as they make their way around the Kennywood Lagoon to eight tasting locations offering unique menu options at each booth. The festivities continue throughout the weekend as the popular Nerveless Nocks return to Kennywood for the second year in a row. The Original Dare Devil Circus will take place at various times throughout the day at the Garden Stage from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, June 29. Guests will be on the edge of their seats watching one of the most legendary stunt families in circus history perform breathtaking acrobatics and motorcycle stunts. Kennywood will be open every day beginning Friday, May 23 through Monday, August 18. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 29, plus Monday, May 26. Then, in July the park celebrates America with July 4 and 5 fireworks shows above the Lagoon and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through July 19, during the new All-American Summer. Kennywood will close out the 2025 season with Fall Fantasy Parades, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

Hersheypark has announced that it will open Twizzlers Twisted Gravity on May 24th, 2025! https://stories.hersheypa.com/twizzlers-twisted-gravity-to-open-may-24-at-hersheypark/ Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, today announced that Twizzlers Twisted Gravity attraction will open to the public on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The high-thrill pendulum attraction manufactured by S&S Worldwide will be the tallest Screamin’ Swing in the world when it opens. Daily summer operations at Hersheypark begin Thursday, May 22, 2025, with the 11-acre The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park opening Saturday, May 24, 2025. Hersheypark summer tickets include three experiences in one with 70 rides, featuring the most coasters in the Northeast, a full water park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) and an 11-acre Zoo. Unique Ride Experience The one-minute and 10-second experience on Twizzlers Twisted Gravity begins as riders of Hershey’s height category (48-54”) and above sit in one of four branded zones across two gondolas featuring the Twizzlers Strawberry, Cherry, Hershey’s Chocolate and Black Licorice-flavored designs. Riders will ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark. Be the First to Ride The 2025 Hersheypark Season Pass program features four tiers with unlimited visits and sweet perks to fit every family’s lifestyle. 2025 King Size and Giant Size Season Pass Holders will be one of the first to ride Twizzlers Twisted Gravity, plus enjoy other popular benefits like unlimited visits, free tickets, a free souvenir cup, one-hour early access during the summer season and more. Please note that Giant SIze Season Passes are sold out. The First To Ride Event will occur on Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is required, with details shared in an email to eligible Season Pass Holders. The Summer of Twizzlers To celebrate the newest candy to join the iconic Hersheypark skyline, guests can enjoy several Twizzlers-themed offerings throughout the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania this summer. Meet and snap a photo with Twizz Character at the all-new Twizzlers Terrace area overlooking The Hollow with Twizzlers Twisted Gravity in the background Enjoy food and beverage offerings like a Twisted Strawberry King Size Shake topped with a mousse pop made with Twizzlers twists and a Twisted Strawberry Sundae at Simply Chocolate dessert shop, Twisted French Fry Flight at Tower Fries stand, Twizzlers-inspired burger at East Coast Burger Works stand and Twizzlers-inspired coaster dog at Berks hot dog stand Twist up the summer wardrobe with colorful red and blue apparel and Twizzlers Twisted Gravity accessories at Hersheypark Supply Co. Hersheypark is also the only place where guests can measure as a Twizzlers height category and ride in a Twizzlers-themed train on Candymonium hypercoaster. Plan a Summer Visit Great ticket deals are available online. Guests interested in visiting Hersheypark multiple times this summer can purchase a Summer Fun Card for just $99 per person through May 31, 2025. The Summer Fun Card includes unlimited visits from the date of purchase through Sept. 7, 2025, for epic splashes, thrills and family fun. Families interested in extending their stay in The Sweetest Place On Earth can save on a summer getaway at The Official Resorts of Hersheypark with packages at The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground. Guests can book the biggest resort package of the summer at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge with the Ultimate Summer Fun Package. This package is available on select Hersheypark operating dates and includes deluxe accommodations, the Hersheypark Summer Fun Card for unlimited Park visits all summer, breakfast each day of the stay and a Hersheypark All-Day Drink plan. Free Resort Benefits include extra morning and evening hours at Hersheypark, front gate shuttle service to an exclusive resort drop-off location, outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, daily summer resort recreation and activities, and more.

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced a new event, Universal Mega Movie Summer, featuring enhanced attraction experiences, character meet and greets, themed food & merchandise and more! This event starts on June 13th, 2025 and runs daily through August 10th, 2025! https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/universal-studios-hollywood-introduces-universal-mega-movie-summer-featuring-exciting-new-entertainment-dining-and-merchandise-to-deliver-the-best-summer-day-in-l-a-beginning/ This summer, Universal Studios Hollywood will become movie buff central when iconic movies leap from the silver screen to the theme park as part of Universal Mega Movie Summer, an all-new seasonal event designed to offer guests the best summer day in L.A. Debuting Friday, June 13 and continuing daily through Sunday, August 10, 2025, Universal Mega Movie Summer will create experiences for guests that redefine how they can “beat the heat,” “hang with friends” and “party in the park.” With the addition of ingenious menu items, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash and complemented by all-new collections of exclusive merchandise, including apparel and toys, Universal Mega Movie Summer will delight guests and fans with an array of exclusive in-world, themed offerings. Highlights follow: Jurassic World—The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash, inspired by Universal Pictures’ highly-anticipated movie Jurassic World Rebirth opening in theaters on July 2, roars to life within the theme park’s popular dinosaur-laden thrill ride. The iconic 84-foot water drop at the ride’s finale will reverberate with the menacing roar of a Mosasaurus. Four new Spitter dinosaurs will join the melee and water geysers will erupt to shower guests. An all-new adorable dinosaur from Jurassic World Rebirth will join Blue the Velociraptor, Juliet the Triceratops and Baby Tango. These highly realistic, lifelike dinosaurs will engage with guests alongside the debut of an all-new adventure character, also inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth. A larger-than-life photo op of a Spinosaurus dinosaur will welcome guests to step into a thrilling scene from the film for a memorable photo for instant social postings, and an inspiring scavenger hunt game featuring Compy will entertain visitors while keeping them on their toes. Jurassic Cafe will serve up a sampling of new prehistoric delicacies, plus Isla Nubar will feature new cocktails, The Jurassic Water Rebirth and Spicy Jurassic Pearadise. To mark the 50th Golden Anniversary of Jaws the movie, Universal Studios Hollywood is reintroducing its iconic hanging shark, a larger-than-life dimensional sculpture photo op, and paying homage to this Academy Award-winning blockbuster with the debut of meet and greet characters, Captain Quint and Chief Brody. On the Studio Tour, Jaws will be featuredon the iconic Hollywood Sign replica, situated along the backlot hillside, and the infamous Jaws Lake attraction as it celebrates July 4th all summer long. Hollywood & Dine, located just inside the theme park’s main entry, will transform into Amity Island Cafe, serving up a menu fit for a great white. Menu and beverage highlights will include Lobster Roll, Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, Fish and Chicken Basket, Shark Bait Burger, Shark Fin Funnel Cake, Amity Island Parfait and Amity Beach Lifesaver Donut, as well as The Shark Bite cocktail and Amity Open Water, a non-alcoholic beverage. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the landmark film Back to the Future, the iconic Time Machine from the film will be staged on the theme park’s Upper Lot, adjacent to Mel’s Diner. Characters Doc Brown, Marty McFly and Einstein the dog will all be on hand and paw to greet guests and pose for timeless photo ops. With its decades-old throwback sensibilities, Mel’s Diner idyllically captures the essence of Back to the Future, serving up such menu options as the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Time Machine Pastrami Melt, Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie, Outatime Cookie, Time Traveler’s Milk Shake, Flux Capacitor Mocktail and Wake Up Juice Cocktail. Guests and fans of Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Wicked will have a chance to rejoicify with popular characters, Elphaba and Glinda, when they step out in style to greet guests at the theme park’s existing vibrant Wicked themed photo op, located adjacent to the main entrance. A sculpted dimensional photo op of Toothless from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks’ live action movie How to Train Your Dragon opening in theatres on June 13, will take center stage within Universal Plaza. This lifelike, 730-pound, larger-than-life sculpted dimensional dragon will tower at nearly 6’ in height, measuring 24’ in length and 8’ in width. Surprised guests posing next to Toothless will no doubt be able to imagine themselves soaring with their favorite dragon within the Isle of Berk. A dedicated food cart within Universal Plaza will serve scrumptious treats that only a dragon could devour, such as Toothless and Light Fury cookies and a Toothless popcorn bucket. As construction continues on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster opening in 2026, the theme park will offer guests an exciting sneak peek at one of the ride vehicles for this all-new adventure. The Dodge Charger ride vehicle, designed to look like Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, will park within Universal Plaza for guests to enjoy as the theme park races towards the roller coaster’s grand opening next year. Universal CityWalk Hollywood is also toasting Universal Mega Movie Summer with a variety of entertainment and limited-time offerings. These include: Voodoo Doughnut, featuring the cleverly named Doughnut Go In the Water inspired by Jaws, plusLittle Stepper and Big Stepper treats inspired by Jurassic World Rebirth. The Universal Studio Store and Cartooniversal will sell a variety of themed merchandise aligned with Universal Mega Movie Summer’s engaging entertainment. Five Towers Stage will shake, rattle and roll with DJs and stage performances. Visit Universal CityWalk for more information and a schedule of events. Universal Cinema, an AMC® Theatre, is the ideal location to catch the latest blockbusters, including How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World Rebirth, with an opportunity to see original movie costumes on display in the theatre lobby. Moviegoers will also have a chance to watch the original Back to the Future movie on the big screen with multiple screenings taking place on July 3. Universal Cinema is the only theatrical venue in the world to feature both a six-story 70MM IMAX® with 4K laser projection and the new PRIME at AMC® theater, featuring 4K laser projection, superior acoustics and heated, plush, recliner seats with built-in subwoofer technology. Visit Universal Cinema for up-to-date screenings and times. Universal Mega Movie Summer complements the slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” highly immersive land that features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “Jurassic World— The Ride”; Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”; Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™”; “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D” and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” as well as the theme park’s signature, behind- the-scenes Studio Tour attraction. For more information about Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X and like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook.

DreamWorks Water Park has begun to tease that a new splash pad playground themed to Gabby's Dollhouse will be joining their lineup of attractions. https://www.americandream.com/venue/dreamworks-water-park

There are new rumblings that a buyer from Florida might be lining up to take another stab at reopening Ghost Town in the Sky as a new attraction... https://www.facebook.com/NationalAmusementParkHistoricalAssociation/posts/1111008691062973?ref=embed_post Ghost Town Village in Maggie Valley may soon see a revival, as a potential buyer from Florida has expressed interest in purchasing the long-closed amusement park. Owner Jill McClure, who inherited the property, hopes to sell it for entertainment purposes rather than housing. The buyer envisions a venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals, aiming to keep the park family-friendly. McClure had a professional appraisal valuing the 285-acre property at $6.4 million1. If the deal doesn’t materialize, she plans to put it on the market. Locals are optimistic about the revival, believing it could boost tourism and revenue for the town. Movement on the sale could happen within months. The potential buyer first became interested in the property after delivering hurricane relief supplies to the area. McClure has full discretion over the sale following legal maneuvering after the passing of previous co-owner Frankie Wood. While some residents prefer Maggie Valley to remain a quiet town, others see the revival as an opportunity to restore its tourism-driven economy. The amusement park, originally opened in 1961, was once a major attraction featuring Wild West shows and celebrity performances.

Universal Horror Unleashed has released a new teaser for their "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" haunted house...

Local media has shared a construction update on the indoor coaster coming to LEGOLAND California... https://youtu.be/1Raqvb6MWDw?si=-322cEdwfE7nLqnq