FRISCO, Texas — Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, revealed the themed lands kids and families will experience at Universal Kids Resort – a first-of-a-kind resort specifically designed and developed for families with young children. Opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas, Universal Kids Resort will feature lands themed around beloved characters including DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse; Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants; Illumination’s Minions, as well as Jurassic World.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” said Sarah Gibbon, VP & Executive Producer, Universal Creative. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”

Ogre-sized fun awaits in DreamWorks’ Shrek’s swamp themed playground built personally by Shrek. Kids can stomp, ride, laugh and play as they celebrate the magic of friendship, warmth of family and power of love.

For the best day ever, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Sandy Cheeks and Squidward will show guests around their neighborhood under the sea. From earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach as bubbles float by, kids and their families and friends can enjoy the nautical, nonsensical delights.

Next, let the games begin as Illumination’s Minions overrun a peaceful vacation retreat. When Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts, it leads to a wave of unpredictable, water-soaked fun. Take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax, and watch the chaos unfold. Whatever you choose, every splash, laugh and surprise might just bring everyone closer together.

Discoveries abound as kids learn about and come face to face with beloved dinosaurs of Jurassic World in uniquely exciting and interactive ways. The new adventure exclusively created for young explorers will be both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.

Then it’s time for the most melodic, most awesome music festival with DreamWorks’ Trolls. At this colorful, joy-filled, and, of course, glittery fest, guests of all sizes get to join Poppy, Branch and the rest of the gang to bring their voices together in harmony while shining brightly.

That merriment continues with DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws and Perrito. A kitty adoption drive is in full swing with fabulous decorations, sideshow games, fun rides and festive food. For those needing a cat nap, guests can recharge in a sensory garden.

The central hub of Universal Kids Resort will feature shady lawns and interactive play areas that give kids and their families plenty of space to rest and play. Plus, guests can meet characters like Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse in a unique immersive retail experience.

“At Universal Kids Resort, children will have the opportunity to play, sing, dance and discover with some of their favorite characters,” said Dan Cuffe, Vice President and General Manager of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. “Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicit wonder with a lush, colorful environment.”

To top it off, a colorfully themed on-site 300-room hotel designed with families in mind will offer a place to stay, play and relax after all the fun of the park. The vibrant site will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.

Announced in January 2023, Universal Kids Resort in Frisco is the first theme park designed specifically for families with young children and is part of the company’s approach of bringing the Universal brand to life to new audiences, in new markets through new, original concepts.

Award-winning Paultons Park in Hampshire, has today simultaneously opened its£3.5 million dark ride, Ghostly Manor, and announced its plans for a new £12 million themed world. Valgard – Realm of the Vikings is Paultons Park’s largest investment to date and is aimed at families with older children and teenagers.

The new Viking-themed world, which opens in spring 2026, features Paultons Park’s first inverting rollercoaster. Drakon is set to become the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists taking riders upside down.

Valgard also features a brand-new Vild Swing that swirls riders 12 metres in the air.  Paultons Park is the first theme park in the UK to install the thrilling swing by ART Engineering.

In addition to the two brand-new thrill rides, Valgard sees the retheming of Cobra, a famous favourite ride at Paultons Park, into a bobsled adventure. The ride will be renamed Raven to complement the Viking village experience.

Valgard also features a themed high-capacity restaurant and new playground for younger visitors to enjoy. While it didn’t reveal details, Paultons Park also confirmed that another major thrill ride is to be added to Valgard in 2027, teasing a water-related experience.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date, and on the day that we welcomed guests into our brand-new Ghostly Manor.

“As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience. We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.

“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans. The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

Families at Paultons Park today (Saturday 17 May) were among the first to try its brand-new dark ride, Ghostly Manor. The new indoor ride, which offers five minutes of game play and additional pre-show thrills adds to the park’s already impressive lineup of over 70 rides and attractions.

Ghostly Manor features exciting and interactive gameplay suitable for guests from aged five and above – guests can ride unaccompanied from eight years old. From the moment riders enter the queue line they are transported into a family-friendly supernatural world, with many eerie apparitions and haunted artefacts to discover as they journey through the home of paranormal investigator, Dr Kinley.

Upon boarding the four-seater ride carriages, guests are armed with their own Phantom Phaser, a device to capture and contain mischievous ghosts and misbehaving spirits. Innovative haptic interactive technology and LED lights on the handheld Phaser further immerse guests as they explore the haunted house through eight themed and digital scenes. At the end of the adventure, each rider is presented with their ghost-catching score, revealing who has the best ghost hunting skills.

James added: “We have worked with the very best technical and theming experts in the attractions business to create Ghostly Manor. Our teams and partners have done a remarkable job at creating our very own haunted house, brimming with entertaining paranormal activity. Ghostly Manor really does look like it’s always been part of Paultons Park, and I’m sure it’s going to be an enormous hit with our guests!”

Paultons Park prides itself on being a destination for all the family. The addition of Valgard – Realm of the Vikings sees the attraction boast a collection of over 80 rides and attractions across its six themed worlds. Valgard joins Midwestern America themed Tornado Springs famous for its thrilling Cyclonator ride and free-spinning Storm Chaser coaster, and the park’s dinosaur themed world, Lost Kingdom.

Paultons Park – the home of UK exclusive Peppa Pig World – remains one of Britain’s top attractions, having been named the UK’s best value theme park in 2023 and having taken home several awards at the 2024 UK Theme Park Awards. In addition to an extensive family offering, Paultons Park offers free parking, free entry for children under 1 metre, and some of the lowest ride queue times in the UK.

The Wild West is making moves into Rust: Europa-Park is bringing an impressive expansion of its former Camp Resort to fruition. ‘Silver Lake City’ has grown to become an authentic experience area. The further 36 new, detailed Western Houses and 68 new caravan comfort pitches ensure relaxing nights. Guests can enjoy culinary delights at the atmospheric buffet restaurant ‘Diner Station’ and the charming ‘Wild Horse Bar’. The adventure playground, with its steam train and the ‘Gold Rush Golf’ mini golf course complete the experience. In 2026, the ‘Riverside Western Lodge’ and a brewery make ‘Silver Lake City’ complete and brings the fascinating world of the legendary Wild West to life in all its variety.

Europa-Park owner Roland Mack: “With Silver Lake City, we’ve achieved a unique place in which our guests will be led into the midst of the Wild West. Through the combination of exceptional overnight accommodation, authentic dining and a variety of leisure opportunities, an experience has arisen that goes above and beyond the classic overnight stay. Silver Lake City incorporates everything that Europa-Park has excelled in for 50 years: Attention to detail, quality and emotion”.

Sacoa Cashless System, the world leader in cashless management solutions for the entertainment and leisure industries, proudly announces the successful installation of its system in 13 Knock Out venues, the new entertainment concept by Cinemex, with more locations set to open soon.

These installations showcase Sacoa’s comprehensive range of innovative technology – featuring Spark RFID Card Readers, EZ K5 Kiosks, mPOS terminals, the Redemption Module with POS, and RFID cards designed for seamless customer interaction. Depending on the venue size and layout, K4 Kiosks were also implemented, with select locations offering dedicated redemption areas.

Sebastian Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa USA, expressed his enthusiasm about the ongoing collaboration: “We’re very happy with our partnership with Miguel Laguna and his team. They are true professionals, and we’re excited to continue building a strong relationship together.”

Miguel Laguna, Operations Manager of Knock Out, added, “SACOA proved to be much more than a supplier. Its robust system and track record gave us the confidence we needed.”

Cinemex, one of the world’s top 10 cinema chains, with over 335 locations across 98 cities in Mexico, continues to innovate in the entertainment space. ItsKnock Out concept transforms cinema lobbies into vibrant entertainment zones filled with arcades, plush claw machines, simulators, gashapon, and next-gen video games—open to all, even those not attending a movie.

Knock Out offers much more than just games. Visitors can recharge, play, have fun, and win, enjoying premium entertainment before or after a movie—or simply as a standalone destination.

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, May 23, Earl T. Bonett, a representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), visited Eastern States Exposition (ESE) to recognize ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and Johnny Ramirez, ESE’s Captain of Public Safety, with the Patriot Award.

The mission of the ESGR is to gain support for the National Guard and Reserve. Patriot Awards commend employers for supporting and accommodating citizen warriors in their employ by providing flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment and caring for their families. Employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or their spouse, may nominate employers for a Patriot Award.

Christopher Thompson serves as ESE’s Sargeant of Safety and Security. Outside of ESE, he has been a part of the military for more than 28 years, both through the Navy and now the Airforce at Westover Air Reserve Base. It was Thompson that nominated Cassidy and Ramirez for their well-earned honors. Bonett, a volunteer with the ESGR and representative from the United States Department of Defense, presented the two gentlemen with certificates during a brief reception.

Paraphrasing Rudyard Kipling’s “A Time for Prayer,” Bonett said, “’God and the soldier all men adore, in time of war and not before. When war is over and all things righted, God is forgotten and the soldier slighted.’ My goal in life is to not let either of those things happen. Thank you for what you have done to support the men and women in the military.”

“I want to thank you for putting my name in for nomination,” Cassidy said to Thompson. “Eastern States Exposition does not conscientiously think about these things. We do it by nature. In my office, I have a trophy that was once presented to our founder, Joshua Loring Brooks, in 1919 because of what he did to support the war efforts during the First World War. So, the history of Eastern States Exposition is not lost on me now.”

Following the presentation of certificates, Cassidy signed a statement of support and pledged continued commitment to supporting those that actively serve as well as veterans. This statement will be displayed on the ESE grounds in the Brooks Building, which is fittingly named for the organization’s founder.

In addition to employing active military personnel and veterans, ESE also offers Military Appreciation Day on the first day of The Big E each year, which grants free admission to retired and active-duty military personnel, their dependents and veterans (no dependents). Throughout the day, numerous stations offer resources for easy access to counseling, benefits information, medical treatment and more. This year, Military Appreciation Day will take place on September 12.

In 2024, the Fair also debuted The Bunker, a military-themed beer garden open throughout the entirety of The Big E. The Bunker offers cool craft beers and merchandise from our neighbors at Easy Company Brewing, as well as first class coffee by HANX For Our Troops, a veteran give-back brand dreamed up by Tom Hanks. Be sure to visit The Big E and join us in our salute to the military, September 12-28!

Introducing Turbo! A brand-new agriculturally based roving attraction just launched this spring. Packed full with stories from the farm and enough good, clean jokes to be a stand-up combine..(Err, we mean comic). He brings the fun with a hilarious southern drawl and has a memorized encyclopedia of Ag facts to interact with fairgoers of all ages. He is not just a cool photo character; he roams around the event with animated eyes and eyebrows, and won’t stop talking to everyone.

Powered by an electric wheelchair, he moves at a top speed of 3 mph and can perform at fairs worldwide! Whether you are looking for a character to welcome guests as they come in the gate, or for him to meander around the barns and agricultural area, he fits in anywhere! The attraction includes built-in sponsorship opportunities, making it appealing for agricultural businesses like equipment dealers and feed suppliers to be a part of a fun attraction on the grounds!

Turbo is available as a standalone attraction or paired with the Farm to Fair Agricultural Education Show. Booking is open for limited 2025 dates (East of the Mississippi), and 2026 tour planning is underway.

Be on the lookout! Turbo is the first of the Talking Tractor Family, and more characters will be added in the future.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Guests can enjoy the hottest celebration of the summer at Six Flags Over Texas with exclusive, limited-time entertainment filled with high-energy performances, a breathtaking display of fireworks, themed merchandise and enhanced dining options at two refreshed restaurants that are part of the latest food and beverage transformation at the park.

“Summers are special at Six Flags Over Texas not only because we get to welcome guests every day but also because of the phenomenal entertainment and performances that add another dimension to the memories families make here year after year,” said Jeffrey Siebert, regional general manager. “With all the new dining options we have incorporated this season, we can’t wait for our guests to add a few menu items to their list of park food favorites.”

Highlights of this summer at Six Flags Over Texas:

• Texas Justice Stunt Show – Guests will saddle up and spur on good times with Texas Justice, a thrilling stunt show where lawkeepers and outlaws duel for honor, and only the best remain standing tall. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.
• Dueling Pianos Performance – This show presents two exceptional musicians competing to perform fan-requested songs and exchanging fun banter. The pianists will delight guests with musical masterpieces and hilarious good times. Six days a week, July 12-27.
• Star-Spangled Nights – The region’s premier 4th of July celebration takes over the night skies for a 12-minute breathtaking display of fireworks synchronized to patriotic music. July 4 & 5 at 9 p.m.
• All American Café – The most popular restaurant at Six Flags Over Texas completed a major renovation to provide guests with more seating and shaded areas and an all-new menu that includes hand-breaded chicken tenders, double-patty burgers, Detroit-style pizza and milkshakes.
• JB’s BBQ – Upon entering the park, the smell of the smoked-in-house brisket, chicken and pulled pork will lead guests to the refurbished JB’s BBQ now offering delicious side dishes like smashed potatoes, mac & cheese, corn bread, healthy salads and peach cobbler.
• New Coca-Cola refresh stations – Guests will be able to refill their favorite beverages even faster at the new Coca-Cola higher-capacity stations conveniently located throughout the park.

“This summer we will also share details about plans for the 65^th anniversary of Six Flags Over Texas, the company’s flagship park that opened its gates for the first time on August 5, 1961. With a new record-breaking roller coaster coming to our park in 2026, there will be many reasons to celebrate this important milestone,” added Siebert.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Have you ever wanted to compete on LEGO Masters? Season five of the hit competition series airs Mondays at 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX and the next day on Hulu. For the first time ever, LEGO Masters will not only be filming audition episodes at LEGOLAND California Resort, but park guests will be able to check out the action and be inspired as some of the most innovative and passionate builders compete for the brand-new season six on June 21 and 22, 2025.

All interested builders must bring an MOC (My Own Creation) to the auditions and must RSVP in order to apply as spaces are limited! All the details about the show, auditions and qualifications can be found here: www.LEGOMasterstv.com.

“Our Master Model Builders are the celebrities here at the Park consistently designing, building and maintaining the more than 30 million LEGO models we have throughout seven different lands,“ said Park President Kurt Stocks. “What an amazing opportunity this is for our young guests, and older for that matter, to be inspired even further by having the opportunity to watch the audition episodes live as they happen here at LEGOLAND. We couldn’t be more excited!”

Aspiring contestants can find inspiration at the world’s first LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND California running the next three weekends through June 8. The high-energy celebration is included with Park admission and is designed to be the ultimate first festival experience for kids. Play Zones include: 

• Gaming Zone: For the first time ever LEGO Fortnite fans can unleash their inner model builder and create their own extraordinary builds while also meeting the one and only Adventure Peely – the iconic LEGO Fortnite character!   
• Music Zone: Rock out to the ultimate LEGO Battle of the Bands show.
• Dance Zone: Groove to sweet tunes and show off your best moves as you build the beat at DJ Good Vibes Dance Party. 
• Creative Zone: Join renowned LEGO Master Model Builder, Alec, virtually as he leads creative LEGO building adventures including the chance to build your own LEGO Minifigure head cookie. 
• Chill Out Zone: Kick back and relax in a LEGO garden full of vibrant flower walls! Families can chill out together while building LEGO flowers, adding their creations to the ever-growing flower walls. Plus, the littlest guests can build along with Hopsy, the friendliest red little bunny during the LEGO DUPLO® show – perfect for preschoolers. 

Applicants can also be inspired by season five of the popular TV series, which kicked off just this week on FOX with an epic “Star Wars”-themed premiere episode. Future episodes will include all-new challenges this season including a masquerade party along with “Wicked” and “Batman”-themed nights.

LEGOLAND^® California Resort is offering BIG Summer savings for families with a new Summer Play Pass deal to experience the filming of “LEGO® Masters,” the new Driving Schools, the World’s First LEGO Festival, and the upcoming Summer Block Party featuring the return of the LEGO^® World Parade!

In the dynamic world of family entertainment, standing still is not an option. For Bron Launsby, co-founder of Slick City, innovation is not just a strategy — it’s the lifeblood of the business. What started as a singular attraction inside a trampoline park has now evolved into a groundbreaking indoor slide park concept that’s taking the U.S. by storm — and it’s powered by more than gravity. Behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is also happening, thanks to a smart locker solution provided by VLocker, a company equally committed to innovation, efficiency, and exceptional guest experience.

From Prototype to Park Phenomenon
Slick City was born from an “aha” moment. After integrating a prototype slide from Slick Slide into his trampoline park and watching it become a runaway hit, Bron knew he was onto something bigger. Alongside Gary Schmit, the patent-holding engineer behind the slides, Bron envisioned a new kind of indoor attraction — one focused purely on the exhilaration of sliding.

“I’ve always thrived on staying ahead of customer expectations,” Bron says. “My background as a corporate retail buyer taught me to anticipate needs and drive innovation — skills that translated seamlessly into the world of experiential entertainment.”

The result? A completely slide-centric destination that redefines what a family entertainment centre (FEC) can be. With multiple locations already open and more in the pipeline, Slick City’s rapid success is a testament to Bron’s forward-thinking approach.

The VLocker Advantage: Operational Brilliance Behind the Fun
But delivering a seamless guest experience involves more than just the thrill of the slides. One of Bron’s early challenges was managing guest belongings in a high-volume environment. Having spent years operating trampoline parks, he had tried running lockers in-house—until the headaches became too costly.

“Once we launched Slick City, partnering with VLocker was one of the first decisions we made,” he recalls. “I’d worked with them for over a decade and knew firsthand the difference they could make.”

VLocker brought to the table a revenue-sharing model that allowed Slick City to offer secure, cashless, credit-card-enabled storage for guests — without the operational burden or upfront capital expense. In an industry where every square foot and staff minute count, this was a game-changer.

A Seamless Fit: Design, Branding, and Expansion
More than just functional, the lockers were tailored to fit Slick City’s brand and capacity needs. “We worked with VLocker to increase locker volume and match our visual identity,” Bron explains. “It’s a simple, elegant system—and our staff needed minimal training.”

The keyless lockers have also enhanced trust and flow within the parks. With everyone required to wear Slick City grip socks, lockers offer a secure place for valuables, eliminating clutter and boosting peace of mind for parents and guests alike.

The Revenue Impact — and a Blueprint for Growth
The lockers don’t just add convenience—they add to the bottom line. While exact figures are confidential, Bron confirms that VLocker’s solution is generating substantial annual revenue without upfront investment. “It’s helping drive thousands of dollars to our bottom line every year,” he says. “It’s a win-win.”

As Slick City continues to scale nationally, the VLocker partnership is going with it. “We’re scaling fast—and so is our locker solution,” says Bron. “The support has been excellent, and their mindset of constant innovation mirrors our own.”

Currently, the two companies are testing an even more integrated model—allowing guests to reserve and pay for lockers online or in-park, further streamlining the experience.

Advice from the Front Lines
For other entertainment operators considering smart locker systems, Bron has a clear recommendation: “I strongly recommend VLocker. Their technology, service, and reliability are best in class—and they’re constantly innovating. You want partners like that in your corner when you’re building something bold.”

And bold is exactly what Slick City is. With every thrilling ride down their patented slides and every seamless locker transaction, it’s clear that Bron and his team are doing more than entertaining—they’re transforming the guest experience one innovation at a time.