Kings Island opens for the season this Saturday, and today (Wednesday) at 2:24 p.m., the park completed the first test run of its new family coaster, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers. The coaster is part of the amusement park’s Camp Snoopy, a new kids area that will open later this spring.

It also will include Beagle Scout Acres, a new, shaded interactive play area where kids will be able to experience the Peanuts Gang in whole new ways. When it opens, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers will race forward and backward at speeds up to 36 mph over 1,400 feet of track.

BRISTOL, Conn. — Opening Day at Lake Compounce is justten days away as The Official Park of Family Fun welcomes visitors back to the park with an Opening Weekend celebration highlighted by the Grand Opening of the re-tracked Wildcat Roller Coaster. The gates will officially open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. 

To celebrate the start of the 2024 season, Lake Compounce is throwing an Opening Weekend celebration highlighted by the iconic Wildcat Roller Coaster. Season Passholders are invited to enjoy the park one hour early and be among the first to ride the historic Wildcat. Plus, the first 250 guests will receive a commemorative Wildcat coin. Visitors can also enjoy a full weekend of fun including meet and greets with Kyle the Crocodile, limited-time food offerings including Wildcat Chicken Tenders, rides on the all-new carousel cat and more.

“We are thrilled to reopen this historic piece of Connecticut history as we celebrate the start of our 178^th season,” said Doug Hemphill, Lake Compounce General Manager. “In addition to the re-tracking work on Wildcat, our team has worked extensively this off-season to make updates to the park to improve the guest experience. This season, guests can expect to see new limited-time menu options, increased training of our seasonal employees and the return of beloved events like Kids Fest, Summer Concerts and Phantom Fall Fest.”  

This season, guests can expect a full season jam-packed with new events, new park-wide improvements and more reasons to visit. Every single weekend in June, visitors are invited for a pint-sized party as Kids Fest returns to the park. The young and young at heart will be delighted by meet and greets with their favorite characters every weekend in June. Pete the Cat™ takes over Kiddie Land for meet and greets throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, June 22, 23, 29 and 30. Kids Fest will also feature unique food and beverage offerings including Fruity Pebbles Churros and Cookies and Cream Dippin’ Dots Shakes for those looking for a taste of nostalgia. In July, the Summer Concert Series returns with nationally touring tribute acts Good Vibrations, Bruno & The Hooligans, Larger Than Life and Adventures in Parrotdise. The park’s beloved fireworks show light up the night July 4,5,6 and every single Saturday in July. Beach Bashes will close out the summer season every weekend in August with DJs, music and more.  

In addition to the park’s robust event lineup, guests will notice even more park-wide improvements when they walk through the gates this season. In addition to the re-tracking work on Wildcat, the award-winning Boulder Dash roller coaster has been upgraded with more than 1,000 feet of Titan Track. The new 1846 Coffee Co. will open across from the park’s Wave Swinger and will feature limited-time coffee flavors, cold brews, pastries and more. Also new for the 2024 season, visitors will find more shaded seating throughout the park to enjoy meals and relax with the whole family.  

BLUFFDALE, Utah — Listen Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of advanced wireless listening solutions for 25 years, announced that Royal Caribbean International has installed Listen Technologies’ audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening system on the recently launched Icon of the Seas. The award-winning solution provides guests a better listening experience in venues onboard the first Icon class ship. Royal Caribbean International, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), is one of the leading cruise companies in the world. The Group has a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. The company plans to install Listen Technologies’ audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening solution across its fleet of ships.

Icon of the Seas is the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation. Royal Caribbean has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years and designed Icon of the Seas so every kind of family and adventurer can experience their version of the ultimate family vacation.

Royal Caribbean sought a BYOD (bring your own device) assistive listening system for guests that would be easy to use and enhance their cruise experience in venues on its ships.

How Audio Over Wi-Fi Assistive Listening Enhances Onboard Listening Experiences
Listen EVERYWHERE from Listen Technologies is an audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening solution that lets users stream venue audio to their smartphones and smart devices. Guests in venues and settings on Icon of the Seas that offer Listen EVERYWHERE can download the free Listen EVERYWHERE app, access the ship’s Wi-Fi network, stream ship audio to their smartphones, and listen to clear audio with headphones or earbuds.

Passengers with Bluetooth^® enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants can stream the audio directly from their smartphones to their hearing devices. The Listen Technologies system is not just for guests with hearing loss; all guests in onboard venues where the solution is offered can download the app and access audio as needed. With Listen EVERYWHERE, speech intelligibility is increased because audio is streamed directly from the source (e.g., a speaker, microphone, TV) without amplifying ambient noise.

Listen EVERYWHERE is available to Icon of the Seas guests in the ship’s main theater, Royal Theater.

Applications for Audio Over Wi-Fi Beyond Assistive Listening
Applications for audio over Wi-Fi systems include assistive listening, language interpretation, streaming audio from video or TV screens, and audio description. For example, Royal Caribbean guests visiting an onboard sports bar where an audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening system is offered could use their smartphone to access the audio for different screens in multiple languages. Guests at onboard silent dance parties where audio over Wi-Fi is available could select audio from different DJ channels and listen via headphones or earbuds.

The Listen EVERYWHERE system is easy for venues to install on their existing Wi-Fi network and offers low latency, high quality sound. Guests can use their smartphones to access venue audio and hear clearly despite background noise, distance, hearing loss, or language. Access to audio extends as far as a venue’s wireless network. 

“Royal Caribbean is renowned for providing outstanding guest experiences with the latest technologies and services that raise the bar on travel and offer next-level vacations,” said Kasey Kaumans, Regional Sales Manager, Listen Technologies. “Listen Technologies is proud to have Royal Caribbean select our audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening solution to offer guests exceptional hearing and engagement experiences onboard its ships.”  

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is thrilled to announce some exciting updates and changes coming to UNEXTINCT, a world of illuminated animals. 

New May Dates!
The Zoo has added several May dates to the UNEXTINCT schedule, giving guests more opportunities to experience this unforgettable event. UNEXTINCT will run Fridays and Saturdays from May 3 through May 25 and Sunday, May 26.  

Added Value!
As an added value for UNEXTINCT, all event ticket holders will also now have the opportunity to enjoy the historic 1914 Mangels-Illions Grand Carousel, and for the roller coaster enthusiasts, Tidal Twist will also be available for free during their visit.

New Times!
As part of the transition into the warmer spring season and as the sun sets later, the Zoo is updating operating hours to enrich the UNEXTINCT experience. Starting April 19, the gates will open at 8 p.m., giving guests ample time to discover Tidal Twist, enjoy photo opportunities, encounter the animals of Adventure Cove, savor delicious foods, and browse exciting UNEXTINCT memorabilia, all before the UNEXTINCT experience begins at dusk.

UNEXTINCT—a first-of-its-kind experience in the Midwest.
As guests embark on an immersive nighttime journey of light and sound, they will be introduced to awe-inspiring illusions that shed light on the critical need for wildlife conservation.  

UNEXTINCT was created by former Disney Imagineers from Mangolin Creative, harnessing dramatic effects to transport visitors into a digital wonderland of nature. This experience delves into the worlds of endangered and extinct species, delivering a captivating and enlightening narrative. 

As the Zoo animals settle in for the evening, UNEXTINCT comes alive, promising an evening stroll that will be unforgettable. Guests will experience:

• Fifteen areas to explore illusions of over 70 extinct and threatened species  
• LED Bar serving up cocktails 
• Exciting interactive activities 
• Various entertainment in the entry plaza of the Zoo on select nights
• The 1914 Mangels/Ilions Carousel and the 4D Theater are open 
•  And much more!

LOS ANGELES — Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Florida’s marine life rescue center, announces it will now offer guests Weather Guarantees in partnership with Sensible Weather, the leading weather protection provider for travel and outdoor experiences. Through this partnership, CMA is the first aquarium to offer this first-of-its-kind protection.

Perfectly timed for unpredictable spring weather, this partnership allows guests to enjoy everything the aquarium has to offer, including outdoor exhibits, boat tours and more, without worrying about the weather, by adding a Weather Guarantee to their ticket purchase. Recognizing how rain and other inclement weather can negatively impact outdoor activities and experiences, Sensible’s Weather Guarantees protect businesses and their guests by proactively offering a reimbursement if the rain forecast exceeds the predetermined threshold. 

“We’ve seen huge success with Weather Guarantees at our hospitality partners across hotels, campgrounds and other outdoor experiences,” says Nick Cavanagh, Ph.D., Sensible CEO. “We’re excited to continue expanding into other areas that are susceptible to negative weather impacting the experience in partnership with CMA.”

Sensible Weather quantifies and manages weather risk for guests, using proprietary models to quickly analyze decades of climate data from anywhere in the world. Payouts for the Weather Guarantees are managed based on pre-set parameters, which means no haggling or lengthy claims processes. Sensible Weather will pay CMA visitors who add a Weather Guarantee to their reservation up to 100% of ticket price in real-time, based on the day-of forecast, via a text notification typically before the predicted weather event occurs. Visitors are paid out whether or not they choose to continue with their planned activity, meaning they can book without worrying they’ll lose money – and the partner doesn’t need to worry about last-minute cancellations impacting revenue. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer Weather Guarantees for our visitors. While people may think of aquariums as an indoor experience, we also have a variety of fun outdoor spaces and activities to enjoy,” says Anthony Rivera, chief operating officer at CMA, “This is a great way to ensure our visitors can take advantage of everything we have to offer, and rest assured they will be reimbursed accordingly if weather gets in the way.”

ORLANDO — Today, Universal Orlando Resort reveals inspiring details about its two newest shining stars, Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening January 21, 2025, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening February 25, 2025. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, the alluring hotels place guests and clients in the center of marvelous galaxies and diverse planetary elements for an experience unlike anywhere else in the universe – complete with tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, various cosmic-inspired dining options and so much more. 

Boasting a combined total of 1,500 luminous, ultramodern and surreal guest rooms, Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort provide even more options for guests and clients to seamlessly experience all the jaw-dropping thrills of a Universal Orlando vacation at an affordable price point. Below is an overview of what guests will experience at these radiant hotels.

OTHERWORLDLY THEMES AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Universal Stella Nova Resort is a place where guests will take off for amazing adventures at the theme parks and touch down for relaxation and recharging in between the fun. Designed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe – where galaxies spiral ever outward and unknown worlds revolve around unnamed stars – this hotel is highlighted in serene teals and calming purples to instantly put guests at ease.

Universal Terra Luna Resort represents another world within Universal Orlando – inviting guests to explore the unknown and step onto planets that have yet to be discovered. Here, guests will find themselves in the midst of an extraordinary landing zone within an awe-inspiring solar system – accented with fresh surroundings and terrestrial greens and golds.

Both properties offer 750 double-queen guest rooms that comfortably sleep up to four guests and feature spaceship-styled windows – making this the ultimate escape for guests looking to rest amongst stars and planets.

COSMIC-INSPIRED FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLETS
Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort offer a variety of unique dining options for guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks, including:

• Cosmos Cafe and Market at Stella Nova Resort and Omega Cafe and Market at Terra Luna Resort – these quick service restaurants feature made-to-order American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a selection of grab-and-go items.
• Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill at Stella Nova Resort and Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill at Terra Luna Resort – guests can enjoy burgers, quesadillas and salads at these walk-up service pool bars and grills. Plus, guests 21 and older can purchase cocktails, beer and wine (with a valid photo ID).
• Nova Bar at Stella Nova Resort and Luna Bar at Terra Luna Resort – each hotel’s lobby bar* will offer specialty cocktails curated with unique ingredients, along with the classics.  

STELLAR AMENITIES
Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are so much more than just places to sleep; each hotel offers a variety of incredible amenities for guests to kick back and enjoy dedicated resort days just as much as theme park days, including:  

• Resort-style Pools – each hotel features a nearly 10,000 square foot pool with a relaxing hot tub, comfortable lounge and table-top seating in the pool area, a firepit and more. Plus, the whole family can enjoy the resorts’ recreational activities like poolside movies and outdoor games.
• Fitness Centers – guests can take advantage of complimentary, state-of-the-art fitness centers featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment – and, locker rooms with showers available for use on arrival and departure days.
• Game Rooms – guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of standard arcade and video games in the hotels’ dedicated game rooms.
• Recreation Rooms – each hotel features approximately 1,000 square-feet of multi-purpose space for small gatherings.
• Universal Orlando Resort Stores – guests can purchase everything from sundries and necessities to Universal Orlando merchandise to commemorate their vacation.

EXCLUSIVE THEME PARK BENEFITS
Staying at any Universal Orlando Resort hotel is the best way to experience all that the destination has to offer with the inclusion of exclusive theme park benefits. Guests staying at Stella Nova Resort or Terra Luna Resort, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, can take advantage of Early Park Admission to Universal Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required), complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort are adjacent to Universal Epic Universe and just minutes away from the existing Universal Orlando theme parks. More details about Epic Universe, which will open at a later date in 2025, will be revealed in the months ahead.

IRVING, Texas — Zero Latency, the global leader in immersive entertainment and creator of the largest free-roam VR network in the world, is now open in Irving, Texas, offering the opportunity to get fully immersed in a variety of mind-bending worlds.

Even if you think you know what to expect when it comes to VR, Zero Latency Irving will be unlike anything you’ve tried before, with epic gameplay experiences and best-in-class gear that is unrivalled. The giant arena features Zero Latency’s next-generation technology, allowing groups of up to eight people to get fully immersed with more freedom of movement and agency than ever before – without the need for backpacks, extra wires or other distractions.

“Since opening our doors, the wave of positive feedback has simply blown us away,” said Sameer Gautam, owner of Zero Latency Irving. “Exciting adventures await at Zero Latency Irving. We’re all about bringing you fun, immersive VR experiences, from edge-of-your-seat zombie hunts to mind-bending puzzle adventures. Our guest’s laughter and smiles tell us we are hitting the mark, creating memorable moments that go beyond the game.”

“It is not just about the technology and games but the whole experience. That is why we have given our space a little extra touch to match the adventurous spirit of our games, ensuring a smooth transition from reality to virtual worlds. Our wonderful customers share stories of their incredible visits, eager for their next adventure with us. Whether you’re looking for an exciting outing with friends or a new way to spend family time, we promise an experience filled with joy and surprises. We’re here to make every visit special, and we’re just getting started!”

Now with over 90 locations in 27+ countries, Zero Latency continues to innovate with its physical, large-scale spaces, bringing players new heart-racing adventures to escape from the pressures of the real world, including:

• Outbreak: Embark on an adrenaline-fueled journey, where your team of soldiers must race against time to find a cure for the zombie virus
• Far Cry VR: Conquer the award-winning virtual world of Rook Island in this Zero Latency and Ubisoft exclusive adventure
• Sol Raiders: Team up in an adrenaline-pumping chase for the ultimate power source against real opponents in player-versus-player combat
• Singularity: Fight against killer robots in this science fiction shooter on a station stranded in the depths of space, with zero-gravity environments
• Undead Arena: Survive a post-apocalyptic game show and keep the crowds entertained as you fight your way through hordes of zombies
• Engineerium: Enter an ancient world where gravity is not as it seems in this puzzle adventure

Zero Latency recently celebrated 3.7 million plays worldwide, with best-in-class technology ensuring that players can experience immersive worlds not available anywhere else. Late last year, Zero Latency launched its newest game, Outbreak, a thrilling zombie shooter adventure on a truly gigantic scale, with development in progress on an experience based on Warhammer 40k: Space Marine.

Zero Latency Irving is located at 2448 Irving Mall Suite B13A, Irving. Zero Latency Irving is currently welcoming adventurers with an exciting offer: when you play three games, the fourth game is on us, completely free! Plus, as a token of our appreciation for your feedback, enjoy a 25% discount on another game when you leave us a review based on your experience.

ICON Experiences is making plans to add an elevated entertainment experience to downtown San Antonio, creating a welcoming destination for family, friends, and visitors to rise above their daily view and discover a one-of-a-kind San Antonio.

The first-class destination will be anchored by Grandisimo, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that celebrates the larger-than-life spirit of Texas. With 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, Grandisimo will serve as a family-friendly destination to celebrate the diversity and richness of San Antonio.

Guests will experience a grand new view of downtown San Antonio and views up to 20 miles in all directions from the largest observation wheel in Texas.

Perfect for enjoying a day of fun for all ages, from the youngest to the young at heart, Grandisimo will be complemented by several other familiar experiences, each with their own unique San Antonio flavor. While Grandisimo will be a stunning addition to the San Antonio skyline, guests will also delight in the custom-crafted carousel, mini golf course highlighting local creative artistry, and signature food and drinks inspired by the tastes of Texas.

Pending local permits and approval, construction is slated to begin in 2024 with completion in late 2025.

ICON Experiences, led by partners that began their entertainment industry careers in Central Texas, creates, and operates experiences that inspire – first-class destinations that bring communities together for fun and inspiration.

GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. — Gateway Ticketing Systems, the world leader in ticketing, admission control, and revenue-generating solutions for the attractions industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kristen Hasenauer as the new Human Resources Director and member of the executive leadership team. 

Kristen’s role will be pivotal in shaping and executing human resources strategies that align with the company’s Core Values. Kristen’s expertise in career pathing, HR initiatives, and people development make her an ideal candidate for this position. Her unwavering dedication to talent retention, fostering employee engagement, and driving organizational success will be pivotal in cultivating and enhancing the company’s culture. 

“We are excited to welcome Kristen to our executive team,” said Michael Andre, President and CEO of Gateway Ticketing Systems®. “Her leadership style, which prioritizes people, innovative ideas for career development, and passion for human resources programs, will have an immediate positive impact on our company. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her contributions and ideas take shape and drive positive change.”

Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Millersville University and ten years of experience in human resources management. She is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Manufacturing Leadership Institute. She has a proven track record of implementing strategic employee development initiatives that drive engagement, foster talent development, and support organizational growth. She will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies that align with Gateway’s Core Values of Customer Care, Integrity, Passion, Accountability, Teamwork, and Communication.

“I am delighted to join Gateway as the new Director of Human Resources and become part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking team,” said Kristen Hasenauer. “I look forward to enhancing Gateway’s success by introducing strategies and initiatives that prioritize our people, empower our team members, and foster a culture of organizational excellence.”

ST. LOUIS — Intercard has installed its cashless technology in Aztlan Urban Park, the new amusement park located in Mexico City’s famous Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the world’s largest urban parks. Aztlan Urban Park replaces an older amusement park and is part of the city government’s plan to refresh the popular destination, which includes museums, a historic castle and other public attractions.

Aztlan Urban Park will feature 18 attractions including carnival games, a 4D theatre experience and the tallest Ferris wheel in Latin America. Intercard’s initial installation includes 18 turnstiles, 10 POS systems, 12 games and 8 iTeller kiosks. On completion of its final phase, the park will have 36 attractions, all connected to the Intercard system.

 “After an intensive search for software for access control and park sales, we decided on Intercard as it is the leading company in cashless systems in the amusement park and entertainment center market globally,” says Enrique Guerrero Bacab, IT manager for Aztlan Urban Park.

Maria Acevedo, Veronica Berrera and Amira Pereira of Intercard did the installation in February 2024.

Intercard is a proud sponsor of the IAAPA Latin America Amusement Expo to be held April 15-18 in Medellin, Colombia.