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ETF recently announced an expansion to its portfolio with the 2.0 addition of its ride system. Called the Dynamic Mover, the company has promised not just an evolution of its current offering, but a “revolution” of what it has on offer


A new indoor theme park is nearing completion in the Netherlands, with Bommelwereld set to open to the public in 2025


More than 360,000 people had their say in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with a record public vote seeing Thorpe Park crowned Theme Park of the Year, while Hyperia was named the Best New Attraction for 2024


This year’s UK Theme Park Awards will be hosted at Thorpe Park, with presenter George Akid also set to return to his role as host for the event’s awards ceremony


Alterface’s Moviemax has made its debut in Saint-Tropez’s Azur Park, with the attraction’s first season hailed as an “unqualified success”


Planet Attractions and Park World have announced the renewal of an agreement that will see both publications work in partnership for a second year on the annual Park World Excellence Awards


Two major theme park developments are set to open to the public this December, with Pico Play working on both the upcoming Wizard of Oz-themed land at Warner Bros Movie World and the first-of-its-kind Jungle Rush rollercoaster at Dreamworld


The world’s tallest pendulum ride has been announced for Hersheypark, with the record-breaking Twizzlers Twisted Gravity set to open in 2025


The Peppa Pig Theme Park making its way to Texas has been delayed until 2025


Disney has made a public u-turn following backlash after its legal team said that a grieving husband could not file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company because of the terms and conditions agreed to when he signed up for a free trial of Disney+


The UK’s oldest rollercoaster is currently undergoing repairs after some of the slats on the historic coaster were torn up during operation


Europa-Park’s mascots Ed and Edda are at the heart of a major campaign that will see the launch of a new videogame, motion picture and family attraction, with all three products set to launch in the summer of 2025


Six Flags has announced that it will debut seven new rollercoasters in 2025, with the company also planning an expansion of its seasonal events in the coming year


Disney is attempting to stop a man suing the company for the death of his wife at Disney World because of the terms and conditions he agreed to when signing up for a trial of the Disney+ streaming service in 2019


A trio of suppliers have joined forces on Enchanted Greenhouse - an interactive dark ride attraction coming to the under-development Six Flags Qiddiya City


D23 has revealed much of Disney’s US$60bn spending plans for its parks, with attractions and lands themed around a large number of iconic IPs in the company portfolio


Disney’s chief financial officer has said that the company feels ‘very, very good’ about its planned US$60bn investment into its parks following weaker-than-expected third-quarter results for the Experiences division


The trial of Dolores Umbridge will be the story for the centrepiece attraction of Epic Universe’s Wizarding World, with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry utilising ‘first-of-its-kind’ ride technology


Workers at Disneyland Paris have been given a share of the theme park and resort’s €175m (US$189m, £147m) profits, with the reward coming following a series of strikes at the attraction last year


Deadpool and Wolverine have made their mark on Disney’s parks, with a joint appearance seeing Deadpool enter the Disney Parks Universe by mocking the controversial history of its Splash Mountain ride


The merc with a mouth has made his way to Disney’s parks, with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool coming to both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris for a set of special appearances


Comcast’s Brian Roberts has blamed ‘difficult comparisons’ for a decline in Universal’s theme park revenue, with the latest financial results showing a 10.6% decline for the operator during the quarter


An upcoming theme park development in Poland is looking to provide competition to the likes of Energylandia, with the expansive Hossoland set to become one of the country’s largest attractions when it opens to the public next year


A new theme park has opened to the public in Jining China, with Glorious Orient the fourth such branded attraction to open from operator Fantawild


Brian Robinson, chief creative officer at Universal Creative, has shared his insight on the creative story behind the Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk


Liseberg has announced the formal decision to rebuild its indoor water park Oceana after much of the attraction was destroyed following a fire earlier this year


Phoenix Rising has its opening date, with visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay soon to ‘ride on the wings of the legendary phoenix’ starting July 21st


Boasting 99% positive feedback from its users, the Knoebels Amusement Resort app has expanded its offering, working with Attractions.io to add native purchasing to the popular platform


A summer of fun is the focus for a new campaign from Merlin which for the first time is bringing all of its UK attractions under one identity for a new brand campaign


A collection of 38 UK theme parks will battle it out in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach among the heavyweights set to go head-to-head for the title of the UK’s best theme park


French historic attraction operator Puy du Fou has announced plans to open its first UK theme park in Oxfordshire


SeaWorld Orlando’s snowmobile-themed Penguin Trek has opened to the public, with visitors able to meet real-life penguins alongside the family launch coaster experience


Leading Canadian theme park Playland is set to debut its latest addition - the country’s fastest launch coaster with the CA$17m ThunderVolt


The merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair is complete, with the newly-branded Six Flags Entertainment Corporation now holding the title of North America’s largest theme park operator


The company that owns the land designated for the proposed London Resort is now up for sale, with the failed project potentially reaching the end of the road following this latest blow


Drayton Manor and Wolverhampton Wanderers have formed a strike partnership that will see the theme park act as the Premier League football club’s first ‘Official Family Partner’


Something strange is making its way to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, with Sony’s Ghostbusters set to make an appearance with an all-new haunted house


SeaWorld Orlando’s snowmobile-themed Penguin Trek has its opening date, with visitors able to meet real-life penguins alongside the family launch coaster experience


Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion will reopen in August following renovations that will see significant parts of the attraction enhanced and expanded


Six Flags has taken its first step into the luxury hotel market, with the operator opening a new safari-themed hotel at its Great Adventure park in New Jersey


Universal’s Epic Universe has revealed details of Dark Universe, the last of five immersive themed lands set to make up the long-awaited theme park


As the cost of living increases, parents are putting themselves into debt in order to facilitate a trip to a Disney park for their children


Universal’s new DreamWorks Land is now open for business alongside a range of new exciting new experiences at the operator’s Orlando parks


Intamin has enhanced its Hot Racer coaster model, with the new version now on show at Walibi Rhone-Alpes following the debut of Mahuka


Gardaland's new drop and twist tower attraction - Wolf Legend - has opened to the public as part of a €14m investment into the Merlin-operated theme park in 2024


The record-breaking Hyperia has finally reopened at UK theme park Thorpe Park, with operator Merlin limiting ticket sales on the day to offer visitors the best possible experience with the exciting new addition


A new theme park in Florida is on the cards after the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board voted in favour of an expansion of Disney World’s expansion, with Disney set to spend as much as US$17bn over the next decade on the plans


The Kursaal - home to the world’s first purpose-built amusement park - has been named in the Victorian Society’s annual list of endangered buildings in England and Wales


Planet Attractions will partner with this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, joining the expert judging panel and acting as media partner once again for the 2024 edition of the prestigious awards


Europa-Park’s Journey to Rulantica is entering its final week of operations, with the theatre attraction set to make way for a new show ride - the Gameplay Theater


Leading themed entertainment design firm Falcon’s Creative Group has been announced as the master planner for the upcoming Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia


Following a star-studded VIP launch, Hyperia at Thorpe Park is now open to the public with the ride breaking a number of records including the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster


In the last thirty years, there has been a slow but steady increase in the number of vertical dark rides all over the world. So why should you go vertical at your attraction? Erik Huijing tells all...


Lake Compounce has completed the second phase of the re-tracking of its popular wooden coaster Boulder Dash, with the ride now featuring more than 1,000ft of new track as well as a new train car


Attractions management platform Connect&GO has further expanded its presence in France, after announcing a new partnership that will see French theme park and zoo Le Pal utilise its Konnect platform


French theme park and zoo Le Pal is celebrating the launch of Fjord Explorer - its brand new Water Coaster ride from Mack Rides and BoldMove


Nominations are now open ahead of this year’s highly-anticipated UK Theme Park Awards


The longest multi-launch coaster in Europe has opened to the public with Europa-Park’s Voltron Nevera acting as the anchor attraction for the park’s new Croatian-themed area


A new attraction has arrived at Germany’s Heide Park, with Dämonen Gruft frighting and delighting visitors since its launch in March. Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille spoke to Planet Attractions about what went into the horror-filled ride’s creation


As Efteling makes moves towards carbon neutrality, the theme park operator has announced that its popular coal-powered trains are set to make the switch to electric energy


Changes set to be made to Disney’s Disability Access Service will punish those with disabilities rather than prevent use by able-bodied ‘disability fakers’, a group has said


A major addition is soon set to open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with the park revealing the track for the upcoming Phoenix Rising B&M coaster is now ‘100% complete’


Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris is no more after the company announced it was rebranding the park Disney Adventure World, also announcing new attraction and experiences alongside a ‘fresh creative vision’


The record-breaking Bermuda Storm is one of the most impressive attractions in the world and it took a host of creative minds and companies from every corner of the globe to bring it all together. Here’s the story behind its creation


Cedar Fair is making use of Attractions.io’s MapLayr, utilising the interactive and layered mapping technology to add 'flair and functionality' as it reimagines the mobile experience across all 13 of its US theme parks


Disney’s dispute with Florida governor Ron DeSantis seems to be over with the entertainment giant agreeing to end litigation involving the special tourism district that oversees governance of the Disney World resort


Saudi Arabia’s mega-investment into its tourism and attractions industry continues with the kingdom announcing plans to open a world-first Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya City


The longest multi-launch coaster in Europe will open to the public next month with Europa-Park announcing an opening date for the Mack-designed Voltron Nevera


Mattel has announced plans to build a second US theme park, with Kansas set to feature attractions inspired by Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends and more


A new waterpark, themed lands and a Smurfs dark rides are all in the works for Holiday Park in Germany, with its owner Plopsa announcing a five-year, €80m investment in the regional attraction


Legoland Windsor’s Minifigure Speedway has been given the green light to open later this month


Disney CEO Bob Iger has said the company has the ability to build seven full themed lands around the world, including expanding the size of Disneyland by up to 50%


From Circuit Breaker at Cotaland to Flight of the Wicked Witch at Warner Bros Movie World, Vekoma’s 2024 has been hailed as ‘unprecedented’ with the rollercoaster manufacturer set for a number of major project launches across the world in the coming year


Universal Orlando is launching its new DreamWorks Land this summer with attractions including a Trolls coaster, Shrek’s Swamp and an interactive Kung Fu Panda experience. Here’s everything that will feature...


Fans of My Neighbor Totoro will finally get the chance to ride the iconic Catbus for real starting next month when a fleet of special vehicles make their debut at Japan’s Ghibli Park


Belgium’s Bellewaerde Park is investing €21m in a new themed land for 2024. Erik Huijing visited Mundo Amazonia ahead of its opening next month to get a behind the scenes look at the upcoming addition to the park


Two Vekoma coasters coming to Warner Bros Movie World’s upcoming Wizard of Oz themed land have been named after new details about the new land were unveiled by the park


Legoland’s upcoming Minifigure Speedway is taking shape ahead of its opening later this year, with the record-breaking ‘Roxie’ now in place as the ride’s centrepiece


Two people are in critical condition following an incident in which a tree fell onto PortAventura’s Tomahawk coaster


Plans for Universal’s UK theme park project are looking ‘positive’, according to Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin, who told Planet Attractions that the plans would bring ‘enormous prosperity’ to the region should it come to fruition


Liseberg’s under construction Oceana waterpark has been almost totally destroyed following a major fire that has seen 22 people seek medical care, while one man remains missing


Disney’s parks and experiences division has reported a 7% increase in revenue up to US$9.1bn despite rising operational costs and lower guest attendance at the Disney World resort in Florida


Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount are in preliminary talks to merge the two companies. Here’s what such a deal could mean for the attractions industry


Disney has branded a decision by a judge to dismiss its lawsuit against Ron DeSantis as ‘dangerous’, with the company planning to appeal the decision as its ongoing dispute with the Florida governor continues


With records for the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster all set to be broken by a single ride, it should give you an idea of the kind of thrills in-store for thrillseekers this year as we list 26 of the biggest coaster launches coming in 2024


SeaWorld Entertainment is soon to be no more, with the company set to change its name to United Parks and Resorts to ‘better reflect’ its collection of parks and experiences in the US and abroad


The game changing Epic Universe has been dubbed Universal’s ‘most ambitious theme park yet’, with the operator offering a first official look at its fourth Orlando gate


The Caribbean island of St Vincent is eyeing cruise visitors for a major new theme park based on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise


Merlin, Lego and Hasbro are teaming up to create new Duplo theme visitor experiences based on the Peppa Pig IP


Semnox Solutions has been named a technology partner at Palooza Park in Marrakech. The collaboration marks the attractions technology provider’s first project in Morocco


A cultural attraction dedicated to China’s Great Wall will become a national museum when it reopens in 2025 following an extensive renovation


The English town of Bedford could be a surprising contender for Universal’s next theme park and resort development, with the operator confirming plans are ‘at the early stages’ for what would be a landmark attraction destination for the UK


Alterface is eyeing malls and FECs in China for its Action League Interactive Thrill Ride, after the company announced its first such attraction in the country is set to open at Suzhou Paradise Forest World in May next year


A major new addition is coming to Japan’s Yomiuriland, with the operator announcing plans to develop a nature-based Pokémon theme park at its home in Tokyo


Universal has announced the launch of two hotels to open in 2025, with Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna forming the first part of the operator’s upcoming Epic Universe development


Universal has unveiled the name of its upcoming children’s theme park and resort destination, with Universal Kids Resort set to open in Frisco in 2026


Storyland Studios is behind the development of Libertyland USA - a world class theme park and resort development coming to South Dakota in 2026


Scruffy Dog and Sela have teamed up to produce Wonder Garden - an immersive experience offering ‘limitless creativity’ during Riyadh Season


Disney’s first fully-themed Frozen land is now open at Hong Kong Disneyland, with World of Frozen the latest offering in major expansion of the company’s park portfolio


This year's IAAPA Expo brought huge news from across the industry, with Falcon’s Flight - the record-breaking coaster by Intamin coming to Six Flags Qiddiya - among the headliners


September saw the debut of a brand-new addition to Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park - a hybrid rollercoaster and dark ride experience known as Primordial. Planet Attractions speaks to Ernest Yale and Nol Van Genuchten about the experience and how its team brought the first-of-its-kind attraction to life


A coaster themed after gravy and Thanksgiving dinner is among the offerings this IAAPA season, with Vekoma highlighting a host of major projects set to open in 2024 at this year’s Expo


Six Flags and Cedar Fair are merging in an US$8bn deal that will create a new theme park powerhouse in the North American market


A panel of legends representing the elite of the attractions industry will share strategies utilised by Universal Beijing Resort to successfully open despite facing major challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic


Attractions.io has partnered with Alton Towers to introduce an industry-first in-app dynamic lighting map to be utilised at the operator’s popular Scarefest and Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular events


Bing and Flop will continue to appear at Gulliver’s theme parks until at least 2025, with the operator announcing an extension to its popular partnership with series producer Acamar films


A redeveloped shopping venue will soon become home to Immersive Fort Tokyo - an all new immersive theme park experience which its developers say will be the first of its kind


Vekoma has a number of high-profile projects and products in development, with the company highlighting a number of major projects set to open in 2024 and beyond


Intamin, Simworx and Vekoma are among the winners in this year’s Park World Excellence Awards, with 2023’s recipients named at a glamorous show in Vienna, Austria


One of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions is up for sale, with Robin Hill now on the market following a ‘prolonged period of financial turbulence’


Triotech has announced the launch of its latest project - a ‘next generation interactive dark coaster at Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park


Chessington World of Adventures is your 2023 UK Theme Park of the Year, with Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and Blackpool Pleasure Beach also picking up big wins in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards


RWS Global will in attendance at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe to discuss major projects including the opening of the Hasbro City FEC, as well as several cruise line and resort partnerships


Experiential design firm FORREC will showcase several of its latest projects, including the upcoming American Heartland Theme Park resort in Oklahoma, US


Visitors to this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe will be able to walk away with a number of unique items and VIP experiences thanks to a charity auction to be held at the event in Vienna


A new Nerf-themed attraction is coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with the major new addition to the area set to open in 2024


A world-first SpongeBob interactive dark ride is coming to Las Vegas’s Circus Circus, with Sally Dark Rides behind the US$6m development


Six Flags has teamed up with Google Cloud to transform its digital offering and enhance the guest experience


The Disney World resort has hosted its largest-ever wish-granting event with more than 50 children invited to the resort for its Once Upon A Wish Party


Attractions across Florida have made preparations and many have closed following the arrival of Hurricane Idalia and predicted storm surges


An extreme heat policy introduced to all SeaWorld operations in the US could see other operators follow suit following a tough weather-related summer for theme parks


Peter van der Schans has now been at the helm of IAAPA’s EMEA operations for more than a year. He shares with Planet Attractions how that year has gone and the progress being made in the global attractions markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa


A new Intamin-designed rollercoaster, combining water elements with a thrill ride experience, will open at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2024


Republican governor Ron DeSantis has called for Disney CEO Bob Iger to drop the company’s federal lawsuit against the state of Florida


Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Silver Dollar City’s new Fire in the Hole indoor coaster is set to be the largest such attraction in the region when it opens in spring 2024


A new immersive land, dedicated to Illumination’s Minions and Despicable Me franchises, has opened at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, US


CGI studio Red Raion announces the launch of new CGI title ‘Van Helsing - Rise from the Dark’ in 5D, VR and Dome formats


Disney’s parks and experiences division has reported US$8.3bn in revenue for Q3 2023, despite rising operational costs and lower guest attendance at the Disney World resort in Florida


SeaWorld Entertainment has seen a decline in both visitor attendance and revenue in the first half of 2023


Chessington World of Adventures has been announced as the host for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with George Akid set to return to his role as presenter during the awards ceremony at the popular attraction


The upcoming Mattel Adventure Park is set to open in 2024 with several attractions dedicated to several IPs including Barbie and Hot Wheels


Scruffy Dog Creative Group has been contracted to lead development design and handle design delivery at the upcoming Six Flags theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


French theme park and animal attraction Le Pal is celebrating its 50th year in 2023. Its CEO, Arnaud Bennet speaks to Planet Attractions on half-a-century of one of the country’s most popular offerings


Work is set to start on Bali’s highly-anticipated Paramount theme park, with the major development representing the largest of its kind for the Indonesian tourist destination


Cedar Point has announced a sequel to Top Thrill Dragster, with Zamperla behind the reimagined Top Thrill 2, which will break the record for the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster when it opens in 2024


A number of wildlife organisations have called on the UK’s Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove to revoke the controversial London Resort’s status as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project


Universal’s theme parks have set revenue and profitability records with the division continuing to perform for the operator’s parent company Comcast


You can now vote on the Britain’s best theme parks for 2023 following the opening of the public vote for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards


Japan’s Ghibli Park has confirmed the opening dates for Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches with the areas set to open in late 2023 and early 2024


A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma


Universal has revealed a first look at its upcoming Stranger Things experience ahead of its Halloween Horror Nights event


Dronisos has broken the record for the largest drone show ever performed in Europe, with the company behind Disneyland Paris’s Bastille Day nighttime spectacle


Bob Iger has had his Disney contract extended by two years as the company continues to search for a successor following his surprise return as CEO last year


Disney is seeking 100 applicants from black and underrepresented communities across the US for the 2024 edition of its Dreamers Academy scheme


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging points at five UK attractions this summer


Tokyo’s Hanayashiki theme park is set to introduce an array of new additions, with the 170-year-old theme park about to launch a number of new attractions and a new themed zone later this month


Molly Murphy has been named the new president of Universal Creative, with the former Gensler principal set to lead the design and creation of Universal theme park experiences across the world


Marvel’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ has been brought to life with a limited time run of the musical seen in Hawkeye now on show at Disney California Adventure Park


A virtual Disney theme park in the Metaverse remains a long-term possibility following a partnership between Disney and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset


The finalists in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards have been announced, with Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Blackpool Pleasure Beach among the major contenders in the running for this year’s top prize


Disney has revealed a first look at San Fransokyo Square, a new Big Hero 6-themed land opening at the Disneyland Resort in California in August


All of Us Are Dead will be the first Korean horror series to make its way to a Universal park, after being announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore


One person has died and nine have been left seriously injured after a rollercoaster car derailed at Sweden’s Gröna Land amusement park


Europa-Park has reopened following a major fire at the park earlier this week


Planet Attractions will partner with this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, joining the expert judging panel and acting as media partner for the awards


After Disney announced that its CFO Christine McCarthy is taking a family medical leave of absence from the company, it has been suggested that Bob Iger could stay on as CEO beyond his planned departure from the company in 2024


The Last of Us is the first major new IP to be announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios


Saudi Arabia is set to invest a further US$800bn on top of the US$1tn investment it has already made in tourism, with even more new projects set to come up in the kingdom over the course of the next decade


Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mark Wahlberg, Jaime Camil and Abraham Ancer are the figureheads for a star-studded promotional campaign for the upcoming Vidanta World theme park, which is set to open in its first phase later this year


A new themed land has arrived at Kings Island, with Adventure Port taking visitors on a journey in search of an ancient lost city’s forbidden temple


World of Frozen is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland. Here’s how it’s looking at the moment


Six Flags will become the first theme park operator to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the cashless and cashierless shopping experience coming first to Six Flags Great Adventure in June


Donald Finley, owner of the Bayville Adventure Park on Long Island, New York, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining US$3m in Covid relief funding to buy himself a house


How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers...


SeaWorld and Miral are celebrating the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - the first SeaWorld-branded attraction to open in more than thirty years and the first to open outside the US


Merlin’s Scott O’Neil and Sony’s Jeffrey Godsick have hinted at the use of further Sony IPs in Merlin attractions following the launch of World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK


Disney has announced that its Star Wars Galactic Starcruise experience will cease operations permanently in September 2023 after only 18 months


Disney has scrapped plans for a US$1bn corporate campus in Lake Nono, Florida, as the company’s public feud with Florida governor Ron DeSantis continues


Universal Orlando has revealed details and renderings of its upcoming Minion Land, with the hotly-anticipated attraction set to open to the public this summer


Global attractions association IAAPA has launched its 2022-2026 Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook report, with the research forecasting a 7% increase in attendance at North American theme parks


Universal Studios Japan has announced the closure of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: The Ride, with the attraction to cease operations permanently in early 2024


Disney Imagineering has shared a sneak peek at its first-ever Frozen rollercoaster, which is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland


Le Pal has welcomed a brand new dark ride experience, with BoldMove Nation and Triotech joining forces to bring Champi’Folies to life at the French theme park and animal attraction


Ahead of the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld CEO Marc Swanson has said the company would look at domestic licensing or joint venture projects should the ‘right opportunity’ present itself


Andreas Andersen speaks to Planet Attractions about what's coming for Liseberg following the launch of Luna Park, the opening of the Grand Curiosa Hotel and the soon-to-open Oceana waterpark


The board appointed by Florida governor Ron DeSantis has filed a lawsuit against Disney just days after the entertainment giant sued the board for stripping it of its self-governed status


Europe’s answer to the Velocicoaster has its opening date, with the highly-anticipated Batman-themed Gotham City Escape set to launch on May 13


Disney has sued Florida governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, claiming the state’s retaliation for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues violates its constitutional rights


Disney’s leadership structure continues to change, with Bob Iger naming company veteran Asad Ayaz as the company’s first-ever chief brand officer


Will AI take over the planet or could it just maybe develop your next new dark ride attraction? Tom Anstey asked an AI a few simple questions to see how it would do in developing such a ride concept


The highly-anticipated Tron/Lightcycle Run rollercoaster will open today (April 4) at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The ride was originally scheduled to open in 2021 but experienced several setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic


Bob Iger has slammed Florida governor Ron DeSantis for for being ‘anti-business’ and ‘anti-Florida’ following moves to try and strip Disney of its self-governing power


Arie Force One has been cleared for take off at Fun Spot America Atlanta, with the RMC steel coaster hybrid marking a major addition to the Georgia theme park


The highly-anticipated Katmandu Park Punta Cana has opened in the Dominican Republic. Developed by Falcon’s Beyond, the park features cutting-edge rides and attractions themed around the company’s ‘The Hidden Realms of Katmandu’ IP


Disney has managed to strip power from the newly-appointed board governing its Florida parks by invoking the name of King Charles III in an ongoing dispute with governor Ron DeSantis


A cargo port controversially seized from a US company last week by the Mexican government has been earmarked for an XCaret style water and theme park, as well as a docking point for cruise ships


Immersive attractions developer Miral has confirmed that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open in May


Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Mission Ferrari opened to the public to much fanfare in January. Holovis’s James Lodder shares a decade-long journey to realise this incredible immersive rollercoaster experience


Staffordshire-based theme park Alton Towers has unveiled details of its upcoming Curse at Alton Manor dark ride ahead of its opening on March 18


Universal’s Parks & Resorts division will now be called Universal Destinations & Experiences following a rebranding


Bruce Vaughn is set to return to Disney Imagineering as chief creative officer, co-leading the division alongside Imagineering president Barbara Bouza


Fun Spot America Atlanta’s hotly-anticipated RMC-manufactured ArieForce One is set to open later this month, with the major attraction representing the park’s largest-ever investment


Universal wants to enhance its interactive experiences on offer, with the operator filing two new patents for character and wand technologies at its parks


Florida’s Republican governor has declared an end to Disney’s ‘corporate kingdom’ with new legislation seeing the state gaining effective control of the company’s Florida operations


Rumours that a Peaky Blinders theme park is in the works are not to be believed but officials have said there are potential plans for a permanent attraction based on the popular IP


Fancy a job as a rollercoaster test rider? Well good news - Blackpool Pleasure Beach is on the hunt...


Cedar Fair has broken revenue and earnings records, with the operator bouncing back from the effects of the global pandemic


SeaWorld is expanding its network of rescue centres with the launch of Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue - the first such SeaWorld site to open outside of the US


Disney is set to axe 7,000 people as part of a US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following its Q1 results. The operator’s parks however continue to thrive with the Parks, Experiences and Products division performing strongly


Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the featured addition to Disneyland as the park celebrates 100 years of Disney with a host of new attractions and experiences


The former Pleasure Island could find new life as a tourist destination after plans were submitted to turn the former theme park into a £65.9m holiday site


Hersheypark has revealed the official video for the highly anticipated Wildcat’s Revenge, showing for the first time the full track layout of the upcoming hybrid coaster in first person


SeaWorld has announced a shakeup of its leadership structure, making eight new appointments as the company seeks to accelerate growth


Norway’s TusenFryd will soon launch Europe’s first ever suspended triple launch coaster, with the NOK100m Storm - The Dragon Legend being described as the ‘most important single investment’ in the park’s 34-year history


A new report exploring the market dynamics of the global amusement and theme park industries estimates the sector to grow to $85bn in the next five years


Universal parent company Comcast revealed a nearly 50% increase in revenue driven by theme park attendance in its annual financial report


Universal Studios Hollywood is levelling up the experience at the upcoming Super Nintendo World with its all-new Power-Up Band. Here’s what the technology does


Chessington World of Adventures has unveiled what will become the world’s first Jumanji-themed coaster when it opens later this year


A family-friendly Universal theme park is coming to Texas while a permanent Horror Nights experience is making its way to Las Vegas


Nike chair and Disney director Mark Parker is set to succeed Susan Arnold as Disney’s new chairman


Disney is introducing a number of consumer-friendly changes to its US parks, including an increase on the number of days its lowest-priced ticket will be available and increased access for annual passholders


It’s a new year with old records just waiting to be broken by some incredible new projects. Here are twelve blockbuster rollercoaster openings for the coming year


A new version of Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant will come complete with Disney branding and the ability to work alongside the operator’s MagicBand+ technology


Py Gerbeau is leaving the London Resort project with those in charge saying the development will be significantly scaled back to accommodate a number of environmental concerns


The Italian theme park will open a new themed maze attraction inspired by the multi-billion-dollar movie franchise


The opening marks the North American debut of the attraction, which first opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021


The highly-anticipated Pipeline surf coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this spring. SeaWorld’s vice president of rides and engineering, Jonathan Smith, spoke to Planet Attractions about the project


Disney Parks has teamed up with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to introduce a supply chain accelerator programme focused on transforming the businesses of diverse entrepreneurs


PortAventura has announced plans for a new Uncharted dark ride coaster with Sally Dark Rides and Intamin behind the €25m attraction


Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez worked with a team of Disney executives including former CEO Michael Eisner on a plan to turn the world-famous football club into a theme park


Merlin executive Fiona Eastwood has been promoted to oversee the operator’s global portfolio of theme parks and midway attractions


The world-first theme park will feature several key attractions inspired by iconic Mattel brands including Barbie, Thomas & Friends and Hot Wheels


More than 36,000 people travelled to Orlando in November for the annual spectacular known as IAAPA Expo. Planet Attractions was in attendance


The attractions industry and wider attractions community has paid tribute to the legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death last week aged 71


In a shocking move, Disney has reappointed Bob Iger as CEO, effective immediately, as Bob Chapek is ousted after less than three years in the role


Ride manufacturer Zamperla is behind the CA$9m development of what will be Canada’s fastest launch coaster when it opens in 2024


Following a special panel session featuring some of the UK’s top theme park content creators, Planet Attractions joined Jack Silkstone, Sean and Jo Dyer, and Kieran Adams as they explored this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in London


Ahead of a special industry panel looking at iconic attractions, experts from WhiteWater have named their personal picks, explaining why they think their choice is an iconic attraction


Ohio’s Kings Island theme park will introduce Adventure Port, its newest themed area, in 2023. The themed land will feature several attractions and enhanced theming on a classic rollercoaster


Creative firm Zeitgeist Design and Production is behind three of this year’s haunted houses at Hersheypark’s Halloween spectacular Dark Nights


A world-first theme and waterpark utilising Sony IPs has opened its doors in Pattaya, Thailand


The world’s tallest freestanding drop tower will be dismantled in Orlando following the death of a 14-year-old boy on the ride


A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation and evolution of Disney’s Epcot at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida


Simworx has partnered with Katapult to develop a new dark ride offering an adrenaline-fuelled car chase. Simworx CEO Terry Monkton and lead creative Matt Clarkson spoke with Planet Attractions about the exciting new project


As Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Ian, here’s how the state’s theme parks are handling the situation


With sizeable business growth and the need for new team members, HB Leisure has embarked on a recruitment drive, with the company aiming to expand its workforce in multiple locations worldwide


More than 200,000 people have voted in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards 2022 with Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, Drayton Manor and more coming out with some of the top accolades


OCT Group has debuted a first-of-its-kind attraction at its new Fabland Valley Resort in China. Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten speak to Planet Attractions about the exciting new multi-path dark ride, how it came to be and what it could mean for future attractions


The attractions community has been sharing stories of the profound impact Queen Elizabeth II had on some of Britain’s most beloved institutions, paying tribute to the monarch following her death, aged 96


Riders will face stormy weather and supernatural mysteries on this Intamin launch coaster


The multi-million-euros project will enable PortAventura to get one-third of its annual energy from clean electricity, and should be ready to power the park by the end of the year


Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set, Wake the Tiger is a new attraction that just opened its doors in Bristol, UK. We spoke to co-founder Graham MacVoy about the new attraction, dubbed the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’


More than 30 people have been injured after two rollercoaster trains crashed into each other at Legoland Germany


SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal have all experienced strong second quarters with the operators also revealing some hints as to what’s coming for each in the near future


Planet Attractions is set to be joined by some of the UK’s top content creators this September for a special panel session to be held at IAAPA Expo Europe in London


Michael Myers, Dracula and now The Weeknd will be offering the scares at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, with the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter set to debut an all-new horror experience


Disneyland’s Finding Nemo attraction has undergone a complete renovation, with the new attraction reopening to the public after a year-long closure


Disney is about to launch its upgraded MagicBand+, with the wearable technology offering a host of new features for visitors


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with Coca-Cola to offer exclusive experiences to guests who recycle their used plastic bottles at Merlin attractions


Six Flags is offering improved access for its guests with physical disabilities with a specialised restraint harness that allows them to experience rides they would otherwise be unable to

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ETF Ride Systems presents Dynamic Mover technology


ETF recently announced an expansion to its portfolio with the 2.0 addition of its ride system. Called the Dynamic Mover, the company has promised not just an evolution of its current offering, but a “revolution” of what it has on offer

Jora Vision, Vekoma, Zamperla and more unite for Bommelwereld indoor theme park project


A new indoor theme park is nearing completion in the Netherlands, with Bommelwereld set to open to the public in 2025

UK Theme Park Awards highlight best in class for Britain’s top attractions


More than 360,000 people had their say in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with a record public vote seeing Thorpe Park crowned Theme Park of the Year, while Hyperia was named the Best New Attraction for 2024

UK Theme Park Awards head to Thorpe Park for 2024 edition


This year’s UK Theme Park Awards will be hosted at Thorpe Park, with presenter George Akid also set to return to his role as host for the event’s awards ceremony

Alterface’s first Moviemax attraction makes debut in Saint-Tropez


Alterface’s Moviemax has made its debut in Saint-Tropez’s Azur Park, with the attraction’s first season hailed as an “unqualified success”

Planet Attractions teams up with Park World for Park World Excellence Awards 2024


Planet Attractions and Park World have announced the renewal of an agreement that will see both publications work in partnership for a second year on the annual Park World Excellence Awards

Duo of major theme park projects from Pico Play coming to Australia in December


Two major theme park developments are set to open to the public this December, with Pico Play working on both the upcoming Wizard of Oz-themed land at Warner Bros Movie World and the first-of-its-kind Jungle Rush rollercoaster at Dreamworld

Record-breaking Twizzler-branded attraction announced for Hersheypark


The world’s tallest pendulum ride has been announced for Hersheypark, with the record-breaking Twizzlers Twisted Gravity set to open in 2025

Peppa Pig theme park in Texas delayed until 2025


The Peppa Pig Theme Park making its way to Texas has been delayed until 2025

Disney waives right to arbitration after telling man he couldn’t sue for his wife’s death because of a Disney+ subscription


Disney has made a public u-turn following backlash after its legal team said that a grieving husband could not file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company because of the terms and conditions agreed to when he signed up for a free trial of Disney+

Britain’s oldest rollercoaster closes following damage to track


The UK’s oldest rollercoaster is currently undergoing repairs after some of the slats on the historic coaster were torn up during operation

New videogame for Europa-Park mascots to launch alongside motion picture and family attraction in 2025


Europa-Park’s mascots Ed and Edda are at the heart of a major campaign that will see the launch of a new videogame, motion picture and family attraction, with all three products set to launch in the summer of 2025

Six Flags to debut seven new rollercoasters in 2025


Six Flags has announced that it will debut seven new rollercoasters in 2025, with the company also planning an expansion of its seasonal events in the coming year

Disney World says Disney+ terms prevent lawsuit over allergy death


Disney is attempting to stop a man suing the company for the death of his wife at Disney World because of the terms and conditions he agreed to when signing up for a trial of the Disney+ streaming service in 2019

Alterface, ETF and Jora Vision unveil new dark ride attraction coming to Six Flags Qiddiya City


A trio of suppliers have joined forces on Enchanted Greenhouse - an interactive dark ride attraction coming to the under-development Six Flags Qiddiya City

Villains, Monsters Inc and Downey Jr’s Tony Stark among the headliners as Disney announces plethora of lands and attractions coming to parks worldwide


D23 has revealed much of Disney’s US$60bn spending plans for its parks, with attractions and lands themed around a large number of iconic IPs in the company portfolio

Disney feels ‘very, very good’ about US$60bn parks investment despite weaker-than-expected Q3 results


Disney’s chief financial officer has said that the company feels ‘very, very good’ about its planned US$60bn investment into its parks following weaker-than-expected third-quarter results for the Experiences division

‘Battle at the Ministry’ to feature as Universal unveils new details about Harry Potter attraction coming to Epic Universe


The trial of Dolores Umbridge will be the story for the centrepiece attraction of Epic Universe’s Wizarding World, with Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry utilising ‘first-of-its-kind’ ride technology

Disney theme park workers get share of €175m profit


Workers at Disneyland Paris have been given a share of the theme park and resort’s €175m (US$189m, £147m) profits, with the reward coming following a series of strikes at the attraction last year

Deadpool mocks Splash Mountain’s controversial past on Disney park debut


Deadpool and Wolverine have made their mark on Disney’s parks, with a joint appearance seeing Deadpool enter the Disney Parks Universe by mocking the controversial history of its Splash Mountain ride

Deadpool becomes first Rated-R character to ever appear at a Disney Park


The merc with a mouth has made his way to Disney’s parks, with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool coming to both Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris for a set of special appearances

‘Difficult comparisons’ as Universal theme park revenue drops by a tenth in Q2


Comcast’s Brian Roberts has blamed ‘difficult comparisons’ for a decline in Universal’s theme park revenue, with the latest financial results showing a 10.6% decline for the operator during the quarter

Major new theme park to open on Polish coast in 2025


An upcoming theme park development in Poland is looking to provide competition to the likes of Energylandia, with the expansive Hossoland set to become one of the country’s largest attractions when it opens to the public next year

Fantawild’s Glorious Orient theme park opens in China


A new theme park has opened to the public in Jining China, with Glorious Orient the fourth such branded attraction to open from operator Fantawild

WATCH: Universal Creative shares story behind Epic Universe Preview Center


Brian Robinson, chief creative officer at Universal Creative, has shared his insight on the creative story behind the Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk

Liseberg to reconstruct Oceana following devastating fire


Liseberg has announced the formal decision to rebuild its indoor water park Oceana after much of the attraction was destroyed following a fire earlier this year

Phoenix Rising set to soar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay


Phoenix Rising has its opening date, with visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay soon to ‘ride on the wings of the legendary phoenix’ starting July 21st

Knoebels and Attractions.io expand partnership with native purchasing addition


Boasting 99% positive feedback from its users, the Knoebels Amusement Resort app has expanded its offering, working with Attractions.io to add native purchasing to the popular platform

Merlin launches campaign to unite British brands under one identity


A summer of fun is the focus for a new campaign from Merlin which for the first time is bringing all of its UK attractions under one identity for a new brand campaign

Theme park heavyweights set to clash as UK Theme Park Award nominees announced for 2024


A collection of 38 UK theme parks will battle it out in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Blackpool Pleasure Beach among the heavyweights set to go head-to-head for the title of the UK’s best theme park

Puy du Fou reveals plans to expand into UK with £300m theme park in Oxfordshire


French historic attraction operator Puy du Fou has announced plans to open its first UK theme park in Oxfordshire

SeaWorld Orlando’s Penguin Trek now open


SeaWorld Orlando’s snowmobile-themed Penguin Trek has opened to the public, with visitors able to meet real-life penguins alongside the family launch coaster experience

Playland’s ThunderVolt opens in Vancouver


Leading Canadian theme park Playland is set to debut its latest addition - the country’s fastest launch coaster with the CA$17m ThunderVolt

Six Flags and Cedar Fair finalise merger to become largest theme park operator in North America


The merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair is complete, with the newly-branded Six Flags Entertainment Corporation now holding the title of North America’s largest theme park operator

Final blow for UK’s ‘Disneyland’ as London Resort land put up for sale


The company that owns the land designated for the proposed London Resort is now up for sale, with the failed project potentially reaching the end of the road following this latest blow

Wolverhampton Wanderers names Drayton Manor as its first Official Family Partner


Drayton Manor and Wolverhampton Wanderers have formed a strike partnership that will see the theme park act as the Premier League football club’s first ‘Official Family Partner’

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire announced for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights


Something strange is making its way to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, with Sony’s Ghostbusters set to make an appearance with an all-new haunted house

SeaWorld Orlando’s Penguin Trek gets July opening date


SeaWorld Orlando’s snowmobile-themed Penguin Trek has its opening date, with visitors able to meet real-life penguins alongside the family launch coaster experience

Haunted Mansion to reopen at Disneyland in August following renovations


Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion will reopen in August following renovations that will see significant parts of the attraction enhanced and expanded

Six Flags launches luxury New Jersey safari hotel


Six Flags has taken its first step into the luxury hotel market, with the operator opening a new safari-themed hotel at its Great Adventure park in New Jersey

Universal’s Epic Universe unveils Dark Universe land ahead of 2025 opening


Universal’s Epic Universe has revealed details of Dark Universe, the last of five immersive themed lands set to make up the long-awaited theme park

A trip to Disney World puts average family US$2,000 in debt, says study


As the cost of living increases, parents are putting themselves into debt in order to facilitate a trip to a Disney park for their children

DreamWorks Land now open at Universal Orlando as resort debuts collection of new experiences across its Florida parks


Universal’s new DreamWorks Land is now open for business alongside a range of new exciting new experiences at the operator’s Orlando parks

Intamin’s single rail ‘Muhaka’ Hot Racer opens at Walibi Rhone-Alpes


Intamin has enhanced its Hot Racer coaster model, with the new version now on show at Walibi Rhone-Alpes following the debut of Mahuka

Merlin’s Gardaland opens Wolf Legend drop tower ride


Gardaland's new drop and twist tower attraction - Wolf Legend - has opened to the public as part of a €14m investment into the Merlin-operated theme park in 2024

Hyperia reopens as tickets sell out at Thorpe Park


The record-breaking Hyperia has finally reopened at UK theme park Thorpe Park, with operator Merlin limiting ticket sales on the day to offer visitors the best possible experience with the exciting new addition

Disney could spend as much as US$17bn on Florida parks as company commits to US$8bn spend over next decade


A new theme park in Florida is on the cards after the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board voted in favour of an expansion of Disney World’s expansion, with Disney set to spend as much as US$17bn over the next decade on the plans

World’s first purpose built amusement park under threat as Victorian Society reveals list of endangered buildings


The Kursaal - home to the world’s first purpose-built amusement park - has been named in the Victorian Society’s annual list of endangered buildings in England and Wales

Planet Attractions teams up with UK Theme Park Awards for 2024 edition


Planet Attractions will partner with this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, joining the expert judging panel and acting as media partner once again for the 2024 edition of the prestigious awards

Europa-Park’s Journey to Rulantica set to make way for Mack Gameplay Theater


Europa-Park’s Journey to Rulantica is entering its final week of operations, with the theatre attraction set to make way for a new show ride - the Gameplay Theater

Falcon’s Creative Group to master plan world-first Dragon Ball theme park


Leading themed entertainment design firm Falcon’s Creative Group has been announced as the master planner for the upcoming Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia

Hyperia: UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster now open at Thorpe Park


Following a star-studded VIP launch, Hyperia at Thorpe Park is now open to the public with the ride breaking a number of records including the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster

Vertical dark rides: Five reasons to go vertical now


In the last thirty years, there has been a slow but steady increase in the number of vertical dark rides all over the world. So why should you go vertical at your attraction? Erik Huijing tells all...

Lake Compounce’s Boulder Dash completes second phase of re-tracking


Lake Compounce has completed the second phase of the re-tracking of its popular wooden coaster Boulder Dash, with the ride now featuring more than 1,000ft of new track as well as a new train car

Connect&GO expands presence in France with Le Pal partnership


Attractions management platform Connect&GO has further expanded its presence in France, after announcing a new partnership that will see French theme park and zoo Le Pal utilise its Konnect platform

Le Pal’s €11m Fjord Explorer opens to the public alongside new themed neighbourhood


French theme park and zoo Le Pal is celebrating the launch of Fjord Explorer - its brand new Water Coaster ride from Mack Rides and BoldMove

Nominations open for UK Theme Park Awards 2024


Nominations are now open ahead of this year’s highly-anticipated UK Theme Park Awards

Europa-Park’s record-breaking Voltron Nevera opens to the public


The longest multi-launch coaster in Europe has opened to the public with Europa-Park’s Voltron Nevera acting as the anchor attraction for the park’s new Croatian-themed area

Alone in the Dark: Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille on Heide Park’s terrifying new Dämonen Gruft dark ride attraction


A new attraction has arrived at Germany’s Heide Park, with Dämonen Gruft frighting and delighting visitors since its launch in March. Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille spoke to Planet Attractions about what went into the horror-filled ride’s creation

Efteling’s steam trains going green with switch to electric energy


As Efteling makes moves towards carbon neutrality, the theme park operator has announced that its popular coal-powered trains are set to make the switch to electric energy

Disney rule change punishes people with disabilities for actions of able-bodied ‘disability fakers’, says group


Changes set to be made to Disney’s Disability Access Service will punish those with disabilities rather than prevent use by able-bodied ‘disability fakers’, a group has said

Phoenix Rising ‘100 percent complete’ reveals Busch Gardens


A major addition is soon set to open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with the park revealing the track for the upcoming Phoenix Rising B&M coaster is now ‘100% complete’

Disneyland Paris renames park ahead of €2bn expansion


Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris is no more after the company announced it was rebranding the park Disney Adventure World, also announcing new attraction and experiences alongside a ‘fresh creative vision’

Storm surge: How Chimelong Spaceship’s award-winning and record-breaking Bermuda Storm was brought to life


The record-breaking Bermuda Storm is one of the most impressive attractions in the world and it took a host of creative minds and companies from every corner of the globe to bring it all together. Here’s the story behind its creation

Attractions.io’s MapLayr utilised for reimagined Cedar Fair guest experience app


Cedar Fair is making use of Attractions.io’s MapLayr, utilising the interactive and layered mapping technology to add 'flair and functionality' as it reimagines the mobile experience across all 13 of its US theme parks

Disney agrees settlement with DeSantis backed board over Florida governance dispute


Disney’s dispute with Florida governor Ron DeSantis seems to be over with the entertainment giant agreeing to end litigation involving the special tourism district that oversees governance of the Disney World resort

Saudi Arabia lands latest major IP with announcement of world-first Dragon Ball theme park


Saudi Arabia’s mega-investment into its tourism and attractions industry continues with the kingdom announcing plans to open a world-first Dragon Ball theme park in Qiddiya City

Europa-Park’s record-breaking Voltron Nevera gets April opening date


The longest multi-launch coaster in Europe will open to the public next month with Europa-Park announcing an opening date for the Mack-designed Voltron Nevera

Mattel to open second theme park in Kansas in 2026


Mattel has announced plans to build a second US theme park, with Kansas set to feature attractions inspired by Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends and more

Germany’s Holiday Park lays out €80m master plan featuring Smurfs, new waterpark and more


A new waterpark, themed lands and a Smurfs dark rides are all in the works for Holiday Park in Germany, with its owner Plopsa announcing a five-year, €80m investment in the regional attraction

Legoland Windsor’s Minifigure Speedway gets opening date


Legoland Windsor’s Minifigure Speedway has been given the green light to open later this month

‘We could build seven full lands worldwide’ says Disney CEO Bob Iger


Disney CEO Bob Iger has said the company has the ability to build seven full themed lands around the world, including expanding the size of Disneyland by up to 50%

‘Unprecedented’ year for Vekoma as ‘incredible number of projects’ set for launch in 2024


From Circuit Breaker at Cotaland to Flight of the Wicked Witch at Warner Bros Movie World, Vekoma’s 2024 has been hailed as ‘unprecedented’ with the rollercoaster manufacturer set for a number of major project launches across the world in the coming year

Everything set to feature inside Universal Orlando’s all-new DreamWorks Land opening this summer


Universal Orlando is launching its new DreamWorks Land this summer with attractions including a Trolls coaster, Shrek’s Swamp and an interactive Kung Fu Panda experience. Here’s everything that will feature...

Ghibli Park’s real-life ‘Catbus’ vehicles to debut in March


Fans of My Neighbor Totoro will finally get the chance to ride the iconic Catbus for real starting next month when a fleet of special vehicles make their debut at Japan’s Ghibli Park

Mundo Amazonia: Exploring Bellewaerde Park’s new themed area for 2024


Belgium’s Bellewaerde Park is investing €21m in a new themed land for 2024. Erik Huijing visited Mundo Amazonia ahead of its opening next month to get a behind the scenes look at the upcoming addition to the park

Vekoma coasters coming to Warner Bros Movie World’s Wizard of Oz land named as new details revealed


Two Vekoma coasters coming to Warner Bros Movie World’s upcoming Wizard of Oz themed land have been named after new details about the new land were unveiled by the park

Legoland Windsor unveils world’s tallest Lego figure as upcoming coaster takes shape


Legoland’s upcoming Minifigure Speedway is taking shape ahead of its opening later this year, with the record-breaking ‘Roxie’ now in place as the ride’s centrepiece

Two in critical condition after tree falls on to PortAventura rollercoaster


Two people are in critical condition following an incident in which a tree fell onto PortAventura’s Tomahawk coaster

Exclusive: Universal’s proposed UK theme park would bring ‘enormous prosperity’ to region, says MP


Plans for Universal’s UK theme park project are looking ‘positive’, according to Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin, who told Planet Attractions that the plans would bring ‘enormous prosperity’ to the region should it come to fruition

One missing as Liseberg’s under construction Oceana waterpark destroyed by fire


Liseberg’s under construction Oceana waterpark has been almost totally destroyed following a major fire that has seen 22 people seek medical care, while one man remains missing

Disney parks revenue increases despite weaker domestic performance


Disney’s parks and experiences division has reported a 7% increase in revenue up to US$9.1bn despite rising operational costs and lower guest attendance at the Disney World resort in Florida

Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery continue to discuss a potential US$38bn merger - here’s what it could mean for the attractions industry


Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount are in preliminary talks to merge the two companies. Here’s what such a deal could mean for the attractions industry

Disney to appeal after DeSantis lawsuit alleging political retaliation dismissed by judge


Disney has branded a decision by a judge to dismiss its lawsuit against Ron DeSantis as ‘dangerous’, with the company planning to appeal the decision as its ongoing dispute with the Florida governor continues

Twenty-six of the biggest rollercoaster launches coming in 2024


With records for the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster all set to be broken by a single ride, it should give you an idea of the kind of thrills in-store for thrillseekers this year as we list 26 of the biggest coaster launches coming in 2024

SeaWorld Entertainment rebranded United Parks and Resorts


SeaWorld Entertainment is soon to be no more, with the company set to change its name to United Parks and Resorts to ‘better reflect’ its collection of parks and experiences in the US and abroad

‘Most ambitious theme park yet’: Harry Potter, Mario and more set to feature as Universal shares official first look at upcoming Epic Universe resort


The game changing Epic Universe has been dubbed Universal’s ‘most ambitious theme park yet’, with the operator offering a first official look at its fourth Orlando gate

Pirates of the Caribbean theme park planned for St Vincent


The Caribbean island of St Vincent is eyeing cruise visitors for a major new theme park based on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise

Merlin, Lego and Hasbro team up to create Peppa Pig experiences


Merlin, Lego and Hasbro are teaming up to create new Duplo theme visitor experiences based on the Peppa Pig IP

Semnox Solutions announces tech partnership with Morocco’s Palooza Park


Semnox Solutions has been named a technology partner at Palooza Park in Marrakech. The collaboration marks the attractions technology provider’s first project in Morocco

China’s Great Wall Museum set to reopen in 2025 following major renovation


A cultural attraction dedicated to China’s Great Wall will become a national museum when it reopens in 2025 following an extensive renovation

Universal Studios Bedford in the works as operator explores feasibility of UK theme park


The English town of Bedford could be a surprising contender for Universal’s next theme park and resort development, with the operator confirming plans are ‘at the early stages’ for what would be a landmark attraction destination for the UK

‘Ambitious plans’ in store for China as Alterface announces country’s first Action League Interactive Thrill Ride for Suzhou


Alterface is eyeing malls and FECs in China for its Action League Interactive Thrill Ride, after the company announced its first such attraction in the country is set to open at Suzhou Paradise Forest World in May next year

Pokémon theme park announced for Tokyo’s Yomiuriland


A major new addition is coming to Japan’s Yomiuriland, with the operator announcing plans to develop a nature-based Pokémon theme park at its home in Tokyo

Universal’s Epic Universe begins to form as Stella Nova and Terra Luna hotels announced for 2025


Universal has announced the launch of two hotels to open in 2025, with Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna forming the first part of the operator’s upcoming Epic Universe development

Universal Kids Resort: Universal names family theme park and resort destination coming to Frisco in 2026


Universal has unveiled the name of its upcoming children’s theme park and resort destination, with Universal Kids Resort set to open in Frisco in 2026

World-class theme park and resort development coming to Mount Rushmore area


Storyland Studios is behind the development of Libertyland USA - a world class theme park and resort development coming to South Dakota in 2026

Scruffy Dog and Sela unveil immersive Wonder Garden experience park


Scruffy Dog and Sela have teamed up to produce Wonder Garden - an immersive experience offering ‘limitless creativity’ during Riyadh Season

World of Frozen arrives at Hong Kong Disneyland


Disney’s first fully-themed Frozen land is now open at Hong Kong Disneyland, with World of Frozen the latest offering in major expansion of the company’s park portfolio

‘Evolution of the century’: Intamin reveals new details on world’s tallest, fastest, and longest rollercoaster


This year's IAAPA Expo brought huge news from across the industry, with Falcon’s Flight - the record-breaking coaster by Intamin coming to Six Flags Qiddiya - among the headliners

Next generation: How Triotech innovated a first of its kind attraction with Lagoon Park’s Primordial


September saw the debut of a brand-new addition to Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park - a hybrid rollercoaster and dark ride experience known as Primordial. Planet Attractions speaks to Ernest Yale and Nol Van Genuchten about the experience and how its team brought the first-of-its-kind attraction to life

IAAPA Expo 2023: Vekoma to showcase Gravy and Flash themed coasters among 2024 highlights


A coaster themed after gravy and Thanksgiving dinner is among the offerings this IAAPA season, with Vekoma highlighting a host of major projects set to open in 2024 at this year’s Expo

Theme park giants join forces as Cedar Fair and Six Flags announce US$8bn merger


Six Flags and Cedar Fair are merging in an US$8bn deal that will create a new theme park powerhouse in the North American market

IAAPA Expo 2023: Industry legends to share insights as panel explores launch of Universal Beijing during global pandemic


A panel of legends representing the elite of the attractions industry will share strategies utilised by Universal Beijing Resort to successfully open despite facing major challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic

Attractions.io launches industry-first in-app map with dynamic lighting at Alton Towers


Attractions.io has partnered with Alton Towers to introduce an industry-first in-app dynamic lighting map to be utilised at the operator’s popular Scarefest and Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular events

Bing and Flop set to extend stay at Gulliver’s theme parks following extension of Acmar Films partnership


Bing and Flop will continue to appear at Gulliver’s theme parks until at least 2025, with the operator announcing an extension to its popular partnership with series producer Acamar films

Immersive indoor theme park experience set to open in Tokyo in 2024


A redeveloped shopping venue will soon become home to Immersive Fort Tokyo - an all new immersive theme park experience which its developers say will be the first of its kind

Vekoma highlights high profile launches, with major attractions to open in 2024


Vekoma has a number of high-profile projects and products in development, with the company highlighting a number of major projects set to open in 2024 and beyond

Suppliers and attractions celebrated as Park World Excellence Award winners revealed


Intamin, Simworx and Vekoma are among the winners in this year’s Park World Excellence Awards, with 2023’s recipients named at a glamorous show in Vienna, Austria

Isle of Wight’s Robin Hill up for sale following ‘financial turbulence’


One of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions is up for sale, with Robin Hill now on the market following a ‘prolonged period of financial turbulence’

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Triotech celebrates launch of ‘next generation’ Primordial interactive dark coaster for US’s Lagoon Park


Triotech has announced the launch of its latest project - a ‘next generation interactive dark coaster at Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park

Chesington named UK’s best theme park as UK Theme Park Award winners revealed


Chessington World of Adventures is your 2023 UK Theme Park of the Year, with Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and Blackpool Pleasure Beach also picking up big wins in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: RWS Global to showcase major cruise line collaborations, resort partnerships and Hasbro City opening


RWS Global will in attendance at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe to discuss major projects including the opening of the Hasbro City FEC, as well as several cruise line and resort partnerships

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: American Heartland and Mandai Bird Paradise among projects to be showcased by FORREC


Experiential design firm FORREC will showcase several of its latest projects, including the upcoming American Heartland Theme Park resort in Oklahoma, US

Big prizes up for grabs in Vienna as charity auction announced for IAAPA Expo Europe


Visitors to this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe will be able to walk away with a number of unique items and VIP experiences thanks to a charity auction to be held at the event in Vienna

Nerf Action Xperience to open in Tennessee in 2024


A new Nerf-themed attraction is coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with the major new addition to the area set to open in 2024

World-first SpongeBob dark ride coming to Las Vegas


A world-first SpongeBob interactive dark ride is coming to Las Vegas’s Circus Circus, with Sally Dark Rides behind the US$6m development

Six Flags to transform operations and guest experience with Google Cloud partnership


Six Flags has teamed up with Google Cloud to transform its digital offering and enhance the guest experience

Disney World hosts largest-ever wish-granting event for World Princess Week


The Disney World resort has hosted its largest-ever wish-granting event with more than 50 children invited to the resort for its Once Upon A Wish Party

Attractions prepare as Hurricane Idalia arrives in Florida


Attractions across Florida have made preparations and many have closed following the arrival of Hurricane Idalia and predicted storm surges

SeaWorld ‘laying down a blueprint’ with industry-leading extreme heat policy


An extreme heat policy introduced to all SeaWorld operations in the US could see other operators follow suit following a tough weather-related summer for theme parks

Evolving the industry of fun: Peter van der Schans on the attractions markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe


Peter van der Schans has now been at the helm of IAAPA’s EMEA operations for more than a year. He shares with Planet Attractions how that year has gone and the progress being made in the global attractions markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Intamin coaster to open at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2024


A new Intamin-designed rollercoaster, combining water elements with a thrill ride experience, will open at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2024

DeSantis calls for Disney to drop federal lawsuit against him


Republican governor Ron DeSantis has called for Disney CEO Bob Iger to drop the company’s federal lawsuit against the state of Florida

Midwest’s largest indoor rollercoaster to open at US’s Silver Dollar City in 2024


Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Silver Dollar City’s new Fire in the Hole indoor coaster is set to be the largest such attraction in the region when it opens in spring 2024

Highly-anticipated Minion Land opens at Universal Orlando Resort


A new immersive land, dedicated to Illumination’s Minions and Despicable Me franchises, has opened at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, US

Red Raion launches new CGI title ‘Van Helsing - Rise from the Dark’


CGI studio Red Raion announces the launch of new CGI title ‘Van Helsing - Rise from the Dark’ in 5D, VR and Dome formats

Disney parks reports US$8.3bn in revenue despite lower guest attendance in Florida


Disney’s parks and experiences division has reported US$8.3bn in revenue for Q3 2023, despite rising operational costs and lower guest attendance at the Disney World resort in Florida

SeaWorld reports drop in attendance and revenue for Q2 2023


SeaWorld Entertainment has seen a decline in both visitor attendance and revenue in the first half of 2023

UK Theme Park Awards 2023 come to Chessington World of Adventures as George Akid announced as presenter


Chessington World of Adventures has been announced as the host for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with George Akid set to return to his role as presenter during the awards ceremony at the popular attraction

Mattel Adventure Park to open in Arizona in 2024


The upcoming Mattel Adventure Park is set to open in 2024 with several attractions dedicated to several IPs including Barbie and Hot Wheels

Scruffy Dog secures significant contract with Six Flags, Qiddiya


Scruffy Dog Creative Group has been contracted to lead development design and handle design delivery at the upcoming Six Flags theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Generational development: Arnaud Bennet on 50 years of Le Pal


French theme park and animal attraction Le Pal is celebrating its 50th year in 2023. Its CEO, Arnaud Bennet speaks to Planet Attractions on half-a-century of one of the country’s most popular offerings

Work set to start on Paramount’s Bali theme park development


Work is set to start on Bali’s highly-anticipated Paramount theme park, with the major development representing the largest of its kind for the Indonesian tourist destination

Cedar Point announces record-breaking sequel to Top Thrill Dragster with reengineered Top Thrill 2


Cedar Point has announced a sequel to Top Thrill Dragster, with Zamperla behind the reimagined Top Thrill 2, which will break the record for the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster when it opens in 2024

Conservation groups call on UK government to revoke London Resort’s planning status


A number of wildlife organisations have called on the UK’s Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove to revoke the controversial London Resort’s status as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project

Theme parks continue to shine for Comcast as Universal breaks earnings record


Universal’s theme parks have set revenue and profitability records with the division continuing to perform for the operator’s parent company Comcast

UK Theme Park Awards 2023 open to public vote


You can now vote on the Britain’s best theme parks for 2023 following the opening of the public vote for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards

Opening dates announced for two new lands at Japan’s Ghibli Park


Japan’s Ghibli Park has confirmed the opening dates for Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches with the areas set to open in late 2023 and early 2024

Plans announced for US$2bn theme park and resort development in Oklahoma


A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma

WATCH: New trailer offers first look at Stranger Things for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights


Universal has revealed a first look at its upcoming Stranger Things experience ahead of its Halloween Horror Nights event

Dronisos and Disneyland Paris set record for largest drone show in Europe


Dronisos has broken the record for the largest drone show ever performed in Europe, with the company behind Disneyland Paris’s Bastille Day nighttime spectacle

Disney extends Bob Iger’s contract to 2026 as search for successor continues


Bob Iger has had his Disney contract extended by two years as the company continues to search for a successor following his surprise return as CEO last year

Applications open for 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy


Disney is seeking 100 applicants from black and underrepresented communities across the US for the 2024 edition of its Dreamers Academy scheme

Merlin to install electric vehicle charging points at five major UK attractions


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging points at five UK attractions this summer

Tokyo’s oldest theme park set to launch new attractions and themed zone


Tokyo’s Hanayashiki theme park is set to introduce an array of new additions, with the 170-year-old theme park about to launch a number of new attractions and a new themed zone later this month

Molly Murphy to lead Universal Creative after being named new president


Molly Murphy has been named the new president of Universal Creative, with the former Gensler principal set to lead the design and creation of Universal theme park experiences across the world

Disney brings Hawkeye’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ to life at California Adventure


Marvel’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ has been brought to life with a limited time run of the musical seen in Hawkeye now on show at Disney California Adventure Park

Virtual Disney Metaverse theme park a ‘long-term possibility’


A virtual Disney theme park in the Metaverse remains a long-term possibility following a partnership between Disney and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset

Nominees announced for UK Theme Park Awards 2023


The finalists in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards have been announced, with Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Blackpool Pleasure Beach among the major contenders in the running for this year’s top prize

Disney reveals concept art for upcoming San Fransokyo Square at Disneyland Resort


Disney has revealed a first look at San Fransokyo Square, a new Big Hero 6-themed land opening at the Disneyland Resort in California in August

‘All of Us Are Dead’ coming to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore


All of Us Are Dead will be the first Korean horror series to make its way to a Universal park, after being announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore

One dead and nine injured in rollercoaster crash at Sweden’s Gröna Lund


One person has died and nine have been left seriously injured after a rollercoaster car derailed at Sweden’s Gröna Land amusement park

Europa-Park reopens following blaze


Europa-Park has reopened following a major fire at the park earlier this week

Planet Attractions partners with 2023 UK Theme Park Awards


Planet Attractions will partner with this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, joining the expert judging panel and acting as media partner for the awards

Iger could stay on at Disney following abrupt exit of Christine McCarthy


After Disney announced that its CFO Christine McCarthy is taking a family medical leave of absence from the company, it has been suggested that Bob Iger could stay on as CEO beyond his planned departure from the company in 2024

The Last of Us set for theme park debut at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights


The Last of Us is the first major new IP to be announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

Saudi Arabia plans further US$800bn investment in tourism projects


Saudi Arabia is set to invest a further US$800bn on top of the US$1tn investment it has already made in tourism, with even more new projects set to come up in the kingdom over the course of the next decade

WATCH: Work progresses on Mexico’s Vidanta World theme park as Hollywood stars showcase upcoming resort destination


Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mark Wahlberg, Jaime Camil and Abraham Ancer are the figureheads for a star-studded promotional campaign for the upcoming Vidanta World theme park, which is set to open in its first phase later this year

Kings Island’s Adventure Port ready to welcome guests for grand opening


A new themed land has arrived at Kings Island, with Adventure Port taking visitors on a journey in search of an ancient lost city’s forbidden temple

WATCH: Hong Kong Disneyland offers fly-through of under-construction World of Frozen


World of Frozen is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland. Here’s how it’s looking at the moment

Six Flags becomes first theme park operator to adopt Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ shopping technology


Six Flags will become the first theme park operator to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the cashless and cashierless shopping experience coming first to Six Flags Great Adventure in June

Theme park owner pleads guilty to fraudulently claiming US$3m in Coronavirus aid


Donald Finley, owner of the Bayville Adventure Park on Long Island, New York, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining US$3m in Covid relief funding to buy himself a house

It takes a village: How to increase spending and social reach through micro-influencing with Attractions.io


How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers...

First SeaWorld park to open outside US launches in Abu Dhabi


SeaWorld and Miral are celebrating the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - the first SeaWorld-branded attraction to open in more than thirty years and the first to open outside the US

Playstation and Ghostbusters among IPs on the table for potential Merlin-Sony attractions, say bosses


Merlin’s Scott O’Neil and Sony’s Jeffrey Godsick have hinted at the use of further Sony IPs in Merlin attractions following the launch of World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser to close at Disney World after less than two years


Disney has announced that its Star Wars Galactic Starcruise experience will cease operations permanently in September 2023 after only 18 months

Disney scraps US$1bn Florida campus amidst DeSantis feud


Disney has scrapped plans for a US$1bn corporate campus in Lake Nono, Florida, as the company’s public feud with Florida governor Ron DeSantis continues

Universal Orlando offers first look at highly-anticipated Minion Land attraction


Universal Orlando has revealed details and renderings of its upcoming Minion Land, with the hotly-anticipated attraction set to open to the public this summer

North American theme park market set for significant growth in attendance and guest spending, says IAAPA report


Global attractions association IAAPA has launched its 2022-2026 Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook report, with the research forecasting a 7% increase in attendance at North American theme parks

Iconic Spider-Man ride to close at Universal Studios Japan


Universal Studios Japan has announced the closure of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: The Ride, with the attraction to cease operations permanently in early 2024

Hong Kong Disneyland reveals first look at Frozen coaster as opening date for World of Frozen is announced


Disney Imagineering has shared a sneak peek at its first-ever Frozen rollercoaster, which is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland

BoldMove and Triotech collaborate to bring all new Champi'Folies dark ride to Le Pal


Le Pal has welcomed a brand new dark ride experience, with BoldMove Nation and Triotech joining forces to bring Champi’Folies to life at the French theme park and animal attraction

SeaWorld could explore domestic licensing ventures, says CEO


Ahead of the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld CEO Marc Swanson has said the company would look at domestic licensing or joint venture projects should the ‘right opportunity’ present itself

100 years of Liseberg: Andreas Andersen on park's centenary additions


Andreas Andersen speaks to Planet Attractions about what's coming for Liseberg following the launch of Luna Park, the opening of the Grand Curiosa Hotel and the soon-to-open Oceana waterpark

Disney vs DeSantis: Florida governor’s oversight board files counter suit as Disney dispute escalates


The board appointed by Florida governor Ron DeSantis has filed a lawsuit against Disney just days after the entertainment giant sued the board for stripping it of its self-governed status

Parque Warner’s highly-anticipated Batman-themed coaster to launch in May


Europe’s answer to the Velocicoaster has its opening date, with the highly-anticipated Batman-themed Gotham City Escape set to launch on May 13

Disney sues Florida governor Ron DeSantis over ‘targeted campaign of government retaliation’


Disney has sued Florida governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, claiming the state’s retaliation for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues violates its constitutional rights

Asad Ayaz named Disney’s first-ever chief brand officer


Disney’s leadership structure continues to change, with Bob Iger naming company veteran Asad Ayaz as the company’s first-ever chief brand officer

I asked an AI to develop a Sonic the Hedgehog dark ride. Here’s what it came up with


Will AI take over the planet or could it just maybe develop your next new dark ride attraction? Tom Anstey asked an AI a few simple questions to see how it would do in developing such a ride concept

Tron Lightcycle Run finally opens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom after two-year delay


The highly-anticipated Tron/Lightcycle Run rollercoaster will open today (April 4) at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The ride was originally scheduled to open in 2021 but experienced several setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Bob Iger brands governor Ron DeSantis retaliations against Disney ‘anti-business, anti-Florida’


Bob Iger has slammed Florida governor Ron DeSantis for for being ‘anti-business’ and ‘anti-Florida’ following moves to try and strip Disney of its self-governing power

Rocky Mountain Coaster’s highly-anticipated Arie Force One makes debut at Fun Spot America Atlanta


Arie Force One has been cleared for take off at Fun Spot America Atlanta, with the RMC steel coaster hybrid marking a major addition to the Georgia theme park

Katmandu Park Punta Cana opens in the Dominican Republic


The highly-anticipated Katmandu Park Punta Cana has opened in the Dominican Republic. Developed by Falcon’s Beyond, the park features cutting-edge rides and attractions themed around the company’s ‘The Hidden Realms of Katmandu’ IP

Royal lives clause enters King Charles III into Disney vs DeSantis feud


Disney has managed to strip power from the newly-appointed board governing its Florida parks by invoking the name of King Charles III in an ongoing dispute with governor Ron DeSantis

Mexican President wants to build XCaret rival on controversially-seized cargo port


A cargo port controversially seized from a US company last week by the Mexican government has been earmarked for an XCaret style water and theme park, as well as a docking point for cruise ships

Miral confirms May opening for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi


Immersive attractions developer Miral has confirmed that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open in May

Mission Holovis: How Holovis brought Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s immersive mega coaster Mission Ferrari to life


Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Mission Ferrari opened to the public to much fanfare in January. Holovis’s James Lodder shares a decade-long journey to realise this incredible immersive rollercoaster experience

Alton Towers reveals details of its ‘most immersive dark ride ever’ ahead of March launch


Staffordshire-based theme park Alton Towers has unveiled details of its upcoming Curse at Alton Manor dark ride ahead of its opening on March 18

Universal announces rebranding of Parks & Resorts division


Universal’s Parks & Resorts division will now be called Universal Destinations & Experiences following a rebranding

Industry veteran Bruce Vaughn set for return to Disney Imagineering


Bruce Vaughn is set to return to Disney Imagineering as chief creative officer, co-leading the division alongside Imagineering president Barbara Bouza

Opening date announced for Fun Spot America’s highly-anticipated ArieForce One coaster


Fun Spot America Atlanta’s hotly-anticipated RMC-manufactured ArieForce One is set to open later this month, with the major attraction representing the park’s largest-ever investment

Universal files patents for enhanced interactive technologies at its parks


Universal wants to enhance its interactive experiences on offer, with the operator filing two new patents for character and wand technologies at its parks

Ron DeSantis strips Disney of self-governing powers following ‘Don’t Say Gay’ row


Florida’s Republican governor has declared an end to Disney’s ‘corporate kingdom’ with new legislation seeing the state gaining effective control of the company’s Florida operations

No Peaky Blinders theme park but potential permanent attraction in the works, say tourism bosses


Rumours that a Peaky Blinders theme park is in the works are not to be believed but officials have said there are potential plans for a permanent attraction based on the popular IP

Blackpool Pleasure Beach seeks rollercoaster test rider ahead of new season


Fancy a job as a rollercoaster test rider? Well good news - Blackpool Pleasure Beach is on the hunt...

Cedar Fair makes record US$1.82bn in 2022


Cedar Fair has broken revenue and earnings records, with the operator bouncing back from the effects of the global pandemic

SeaWorld’s first rescue centre opens outside of US with launch of Abu Dhabi site


SeaWorld is expanding its network of rescue centres with the launch of Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue - the first such SeaWorld site to open outside of the US

Disney to axe 7,000 jobs in US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following Q1 results


Disney is set to axe 7,000 people as part of a US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following its Q1 results. The operator’s parks however continue to thrive with the Parks, Experiences and Products division performing strongly

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway comes to Disneyland as part of Disney100 celebrations


Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the featured addition to Disneyland as the park celebrates 100 years of Disney with a host of new attractions and experiences

Plans submitted to redevelop former Pleasure Island site into tourist destination


The former Pleasure Island could find new life as a tourist destination after plans were submitted to turn the former theme park into a £65.9m holiday site

WATCH: Hersheypark unveils first-person look at Wildcat’s Revenge


Hersheypark has revealed the official video for the highly anticipated Wildcat’s Revenge, showing for the first time the full track layout of the upcoming hybrid coaster in first person

SeaWorld makes leadership changes with a number of new roles created to accelerate growth


SeaWorld has announced a shakeup of its leadership structure, making eight new appointments as the company seeks to accelerate growth

Europe’s first triple launch coaster coming to Norway’s TusenFryd in April


Norway’s TusenFryd will soon launch Europe’s first ever suspended triple launch coaster, with the NOK100m Storm - The Dragon Legend being described as the ‘most important single investment’ in the park’s 34-year history

Global amusement and theme park markets projected to be worth $82 billion by 2028, new report reveals


A new report exploring the market dynamics of the global amusement and theme park industries estimates the sector to grow to $85bn in the next five years

Universal reports record earnings for 2022, driven by theme park attendance


Universal parent company Comcast revealed a nearly 50% increase in revenue driven by theme park attendance in its annual financial report

‘A life size living videogame’: How Universal’s new Power-Up Bands transform the Super Nintendo World experience


Universal Studios Hollywood is levelling up the experience at the upcoming Super Nintendo World with its all-new Power-Up Band. Here’s what the technology does

Chessington to open world’s first Jumanji coaster


Chessington World of Adventures has unveiled what will become the world’s first Jumanji-themed coaster when it opens later this year

Universal announces plans for new Texas theme park and Nevada horror experience


A family-friendly Universal theme park is coming to Texas while a permanent Horror Nights experience is making its way to Las Vegas

Nike chair Mark Parker named new Disney chairman


Nike chair and Disney director Mark Parker is set to succeed Susan Arnold as Disney’s new chairman

Disney makes consumer-focused changes to US park policy for first time since Iger’s return


Disney is introducing a number of consumer-friendly changes to its US parks, including an increase on the number of days its lowest-priced ticket will be available and increased access for annual passholders

Twelve of the biggest rollercoaster openings of 2023


It’s a new year with old records just waiting to be broken by some incredible new projects. Here are twelve blockbuster rollercoaster openings for the coming year

Hey Disney!’: Amazon Alexa-powered digital voice assistant gets Disney facelift


A new version of Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant will come complete with Disney branding and the ability to work alongside the operator’s MagicBand+ technology

London Resort plans ‘significantly’ scaled back as boss Py Gerbeau steps down


Py Gerbeau is leaving the London Resort project with those in charge saying the development will be significantly scaled back to accommodate a number of environmental concerns

Gardaland announces new Jumanji-themed maze attraction for 2023


The Italian theme park will open a new themed maze attraction inspired by the multi-billion-dollar movie franchise

Super Nintendo World to open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023


The opening marks the North American debut of the attraction, which first opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021

‘A first of its kind experience’: SeaWorld’s Jonathan Smith on operator’s upcoming Pipeline surf coaster


The highly-anticipated Pipeline surf coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this spring. SeaWorld’s vice president of rides and engineering, Jonathan Smith, spoke to Planet Attractions about the project

Disney World welcomes black entrepreneurs for supply chain accelerator education programme


Disney Parks has teamed up with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to introduce a supply chain accelerator programme focused on transforming the businesses of diverse entrepreneurs

PortAventura announces world-first Uncharted dark ride coaster


PortAventura has announced plans for a new Uncharted dark ride coaster with Sally Dark Rides and Intamin behind the €25m attraction

Michael Eisner and Florentino Perez had plans to turn world famous Real Madrid football club into €2.5bn theme park


Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez worked with a team of Disney executives including former CEO Michael Eisner on a plan to turn the world-famous football club into a theme park

Merlin promotes Fiona Eastwood to oversee midway attractions and theme parks


Merlin executive Fiona Eastwood has been promoted to oversee the operator’s global portfolio of theme parks and midway attractions

Epic Resorts Destinations unveils attractions for world’s first Mattel theme park


The world-first theme park will feature several key attractions inspired by iconic Mattel brands including Barbie, Thomas & Friends and Hot Wheels

IAAPA Expo 2022: 36,000 gather for industry extravaganza


More than 36,000 people travelled to Orlando in November for the annual spectacular known as IAAPA Expo. Planet Attractions was in attendance

Industry pays tribute to legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death


The attractions industry and wider attractions community has paid tribute to the legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death last week aged 71

Bob Iger named CEO of Disney as Bob Chapek is ousted


In a shocking move, Disney has reappointed Bob Iger as CEO, effective immediately, as Bob Chapek is ousted after less than three years in the role

Zamperla to install Canada’s fastest launch coaster at Vancouver’s Playland Amuseument Park


Ride manufacturer Zamperla is behind the CA$9m development of what will be Canada’s fastest launch coaster when it opens in 2024

WATCH: Exploring IAAPA Expo Europe with ParkSpill, Jack Silkstone and Kieran Adams


Following a special panel session featuring some of the UK’s top theme park content creators, Planet Attractions joined Jack Silkstone, Sean and Jo Dyer, and Kieran Adams as they explored this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in London

Industry experts name iconic attractions ahead of special IAAPA webcast


Ahead of a special industry panel looking at iconic attractions, experts from WhiteWater have named their personal picks, explaining why they think their choice is an iconic attraction

Kings Island’s Adventure Port set for 2023 debut


Ohio’s Kings Island theme park will introduce Adventure Port, its newest themed area, in 2023. The themed land will feature several attractions and enhanced theming on a classic rollercoaster

Zeitgeist develops haunted houses for Hersheypark’s Dark Nights event


Creative firm Zeitgeist Design and Production is behind three of this year’s haunted houses at Hersheypark’s Halloween spectacular Dark Nights

Sony’s world-first theme and waterpark opens to the public in Thailand


A world-first theme and waterpark utilising Sony IPs has opened its doors in Pattaya, Thailand

Icon Park’s Orlando FreeFall to be taken down following death


The world’s tallest freestanding drop tower will be dismantled in Orlando following the death of a 14-year-old boy on the ride

Disney legends set to come together to celebrate 40 years of Epcot


A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation and evolution of Disney’s Epcot at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida

Into Overdrive: Inside the innovative new dark ride from Simworx


Simworx has partnered with Katapult to develop a new dark ride offering an adrenaline-fuelled car chase. Simworx CEO Terry Monkton and lead creative Matt Clarkson spoke with Planet Attractions about the exciting new project

Hurricane Ian set to hit Florida as theme parks prepare for ‘storm of the century’


As Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Ian, here’s how the state’s theme parks are handling the situation

HB Leisure on recruitment drive as business grows globally


With sizeable business growth and the need for new team members, HB Leisure has embarked on a recruitment drive, with the company aiming to expand its workforce in multiple locations worldwide

Alton Towers, Flamingo Land and Drayton Manor pick up top accolades in UK Theme Park Awards 2022


More than 200,000 people have voted in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards 2022 with Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, Drayton Manor and more coming out with some of the top accolades

A new take on dark rides: Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten on OCT’s game-changing walkthrough attraction from Triotech


OCT Group has debuted a first-of-its-kind attraction at its new Fabland Valley Resort in China. Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten speak to Planet Attractions about the exciting new multi-path dark ride, how it came to be and what it could mean for future attractions

Attractions across the world pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death


The attractions community has been sharing stories of the profound impact Queen Elizabeth II had on some of Britain’s most beloved institutions, paying tribute to the monarch following her death, aged 96

Busch Gardens Williamsburg preparing storm-themed adventure indoor ride DarKoaster


Riders will face stormy weather and supernatural mysteries on this Intamin launch coaster

PortAventura set to build solar farm to provide the theme park with green energy


The multi-million-euros project will enable PortAventura to get one-third of its annual energy from clean electricity, and should be ready to power the park by the end of the year

The world’s first ‘Amazement Park’: Wake the Tiger’s Graham MacVoy on Bristol’s newest immersive attraction


Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set, Wake the Tiger is a new attraction that just opened its doors in Bristol, UK. We spoke to co-founder Graham MacVoy about the new attraction, dubbed the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’

Rollercoaster crash at Legoland Germany leaves 30 injured


More than 30 people have been injured after two rollercoaster trains crashed into each other at Legoland Germany

Earnings reports: SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal all soar in the face of Covid-19


SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal have all experienced strong second quarters with the operators also revealing some hints as to what’s coming for each in the near future

Planet Attractions to host influencer panel at IAAPA Expo Europe


Planet Attractions is set to be joined by some of the UK’s top content creators this September for a special panel session to be held at IAAPA Expo Europe in London

The Weeknd is debuting a haunted house at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights


Michael Myers, Dracula and now The Weeknd will be offering the scares at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, with the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter set to debut an all-new horror experience

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage reopens at Disneyland following year-long refurbishment


Disneyland’s Finding Nemo attraction has undergone a complete renovation, with the new attraction reopening to the public after a year-long closure

MagicBand+ technology set for July 27 launch at Walt Disney World


Disney is about to launch its upgraded MagicBand+, with the wearable technology offering a host of new features for visitors