ST. LOUIS — Intercard, which has been bringing its leading amusement technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for more than 25 years, will exhibit at the sixth Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo in Riyadh on May 7-9, 2024.

Intercard’s CEO Scott Sherrod and Alberto Borrero, senior vice-president of international sales, will be at the show in booth #2B141. They’ll be showing the company’s popular technology including the iQ reader, which will make its debut in the KSA market.

“The increasing acceptance of the QR (quick response) code world-wide prompted us to introduce our iQ readers and kiosks that read QR codes,” says Sherrod, “setting the new standard for unattended amusement center payment technology.”

The iQ reader can scan customer presented QR codes for payment and redemption point collection. This will enable customers to use mobile devices or printed receipts instead of play cards to active games, reducing costs for route operators and owners of unattended arcades.

Intercard’s other new products include an iTeller PlusXL kiosk for water parks, trampoline parks and other active attractions that dispenses wristbands. Guests can use it to buy gate passes, timed play and package deals in addition to arcade play. It improves customer throughput and frees up staff for other tasks.

Visitors can find out why leading family entertainment centers in the KSA and around the world rely on Intercard for innovative and dependable payment and management technology that boosts revenues and improves customer service.

“Intercard has been working in Saudi Arabia since 1997 when Adventure Land opened up in Jeddah. Since then Intercard has been installed in over 500 amusement centers in Saudi Arabia,” says Borrero. “Intercard’s innovations and renowned customer service have made its technology the most used in the KSA and the MENA region. Our forward-thinking customers in KSA, including Al Hokair, Al Othaim, Abdullah Fouad, Al Mogren and SALA Entertainment have always been receptive to innovative technology that makes doing business easier.”

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Universal Studios Hollywood, in collaboration with Universal Pictures and 87North, presents “The Fall Guy Stuntacular Pre-Show,” inspired by Universal’s new 87North film The Fall Guy, as part of the theme park’s popular “WaterWorld” attraction, beginning Saturday, April 27 through Sunday, May 19, 2024. The Fall Guy, starring Oscar nominees Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, from blockbuster director David Leitch, arrives in theaters on Friday, May 3.

This all-new, exclusive entertainment performance features an original storyline designed to provide an entertaining peek behind the curtain of how stunt performances are designed and brought to life, while celebrating the artistry of the film industry’s unsung heroes – the stunt performers.

The show is produced by 87North Productions, the world-renowned production and action design company founded by Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick, who are the force behind such iconic and bold action tentpole films as Bullet Train, Fast & Furious Present: Hobbs & Shaw, Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde, Nobody, Violent Night and John Wick.

Said Leitch, “We make movies to give audiences an experience, and what better way to amplify 87North’s brand of action storytelling than to evolve into live events. We are so thankful to our partners at Universal who embraced our ideas and gave us the platform to do something really fun and immersive with The Fall Guy.”

Using the existing “WaterWorld” set, the action packed “The Fall Guy Stuntacular Pre-Show” will feature dynamic, unforgettable new stunts and entertain guests with an exclusive performance that can only be seen at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Fall Guy, directed by former stuntman David Leitch, stars Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers, a former stuntman who is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie goes missing. Inspired by the hit 1980s TV series, The Fall Guy also stars Black Panther’s Winston Duke, Bullet Train’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emmy® winner Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and Oscar nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once). The Fall Guy is produced by 87North’s Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, Guymon Casady and Ryan Gosling.

An exclusive social engagement, The Fall Guy photo op, will also be available within the theme park. Starting with the film’s release on May 3, guests and moviegoers will be able to enjoy a double dose of The Fall Guy by attending “The Fall Guy Stuntacular Pre-Show” and then seeing the film in style at Universal Cinema on Universal CityWalk Hollywood, either in the seven-story IMAX® with 4K laser projection or its new PRIME Theatre, featuring 4K laser projection technology and superior acoustics. Universal CityWalk offers moviegoers $5 parking with purchase of General Parking and a movie ticket (restrictions apply).

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, Washington’s largest combination theme and water park, will kick off its 2024 season on May 18 with more days and more ways to experience thrilling family fun for guests of all ages. The park will be open on select days beginning May 18 through September 8 with additional weekends of Fright Fest October 4 – November 3, the area’s biggest and best Halloween event. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the water park, and opening weekend activities will include face painting, balloon twisting and of course, birthday cake. Additionally, in celebration of Armed Forces Day, military personnel can save 50% on admission and visit for only $18.99, May 18 and 19.  

“Our team has been hard at work preparing for what will be our longest season since 2019,” said Park President and Regional VP Jody Kneupper. “We have a great lineup of special events and new offerings along with our signature collection of thrilling roller coasters, rides, water slides, and attractions. There is truly something for every member of the family, and we are excited to welcome guests back for the 2024 season.”

 New guest enhancements include:

• The all-new Digital Pass for Season Passholders offers easier, faster access with no lines. The Digital Pass can be loaded onto Apple or Google Wallet;
• An exciting after-hours pool party for guests ages 21 and over;
• The exclusive Island Vibes featuring tropical food, festive music, and lush island décor;
• Weekly fun foam parties throughout the month of July; and
• New food and beverage menu items including delicious, hand-dipped ice cream bars, and patriotic-inspired beverages like Freedom Frappuccino, Patriot Brew, and 1776 Spritzer.

The best way to experience Wild Waves is with a Season Pass. Passholders enjoy free parking, free bring-a-friend tickets, special giveaways, and exclusive Season Passholder Appreciation Days.

Wild Waves is hiring for the 2024 season. Individuals who want to work where they play are encouraged to apply online at Wild Waves Theme and Water Park. Numerous positions are available for applicants aged 16 and above.

The park will be open weekends starting May 18. Daily operation begins June 14.

ALTOONA, Iowa — With just one month to go until Opening Day, Adventureland Resort is putting the finishing touches on its newest additions for the theme park’s 50^th season. The Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills will kick off its milestone season on Saturday, May 18. From the return of a beloved classic, Underground to delectable culinary offerings and captivating entertainment, guests can expect an unforgettable journey into fun and adventure all season long. 

“We wanted to create an experience that not only celebrates our rich history but also introduces exciting new adventures for our guests,” said General Manager Mike Lusky. “From the reimagined Underground ride to the all-new Festival of Decades, the pork-focused Oink’s restaurant and the Iowa Craft Beer Takeover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we embark on our 50^th Celebration Season.” 

The highlight of the 2024 season will be the debut of the reimagined Underground. Undergoing a spectacular transformation, the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster promises a more dynamic ride experience, complete with new scenes, enhanced classics and elevated theming. Guests will encounter all-new experiences, including a nearly 9-foot-tall talking skull and ten new and updated animatronics, offering a better storytelling experience throughout the ride.  With a 360-degree audio experience, all-new lighting and special effects, the ride promises thrills like never before. 

Celebrating the return of Underground, the park will be unveiling a special Underground themed Dippin’ Dots flavor called Chocolate Brownie Bounty. It features creamy brownie batter ice cream and rich brownie batter pieces. The new flavor will be offered at all five Dippin’ Dots locations throughout the park.  

For culinary enthusiasts, the all-new Oink’s restaurant and bar will be a pork lover’s paradise with a selection of Berkshire Pork products from Iowa’s own Berkwood Farms. The new restaurant and bar will be in a big red barn on the Boulevard, serving juicy tenderloins, savory pork chops and popular beverages.  

Nearby, the Falling Star Lounge debuts as a nostalgic retreat, featuring the iconic sign from the Falling Star ride and serving a variety of beverages. This hideaway will feature a classic touch, showcasing Adventureland’s past.  

With a growing craft beer scene across Iowa, Adventureland will become home to the all-new Iowa Craft Beer Takeover experience. Breweries from across the state will showcase their finest brews on select weekends throughout the summer. Breweries taking part include Backpocket, Barn Town, Big Grove, Exile, Front Street, Keg Creek, Peace Tree, ReUnion, Revolution, Singlespeed and Toppling Goliath. 

To mark the milestone of 50 years of operation, Adventureland is hosting a series of special events throughout the year. The festivities kick off with Bernie’s Birthday Bash in June, featuring fun activities for families and kids, along with appearances by the iconic park mascot, Bernie Bernard. In July, visitors can enjoy the Festival of Decades, a nostalgic tribute to Adventureland’s history, with each week dedicated to celebrating a different decade with concerts, fireworks and historical displays. 

As the sun sets, Adventureland comes alive with a dazzling new light show illuminating the Boulevard during the Festival of Decades in July and August. With later closing times in 2024, guests can experience the park in a whole new light as colorful displays dance across the night sky, creating magical memories under the stars. 

With an abundance of new experiences, delicious food and captivating entertainment, Adventureland invites guests to embark on an unforgettable journey in 2024. Whether seeking thrills on the coasters, indulging in culinary delights, or reliving fond memories of years past, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  

The best way to take advantage of Adventureland’s year-long thrills is with a 2024 Season Pass. Select Pass perks include FREE Parking, FREE Friend Tickets, exclusive discounts and more. To see the full 2024 operating calendar or to purchase a Season Pass, visit AdventurelandResort.com. 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The ledge in the African Journey has always been filled with wide-eyed wonderment and fantastic nose to nose connections. Today, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo mourns the loss of a dear friend as we had to say goodbye to Bahati, the male African lion, but we will always celebrate the squeals and smiles that took place at his favorite ledge.

“Bahati was diagnosed with thymic cancer last week, following a relatively short period of inappetence. Due to his rapid decline despite palliative care, he was humanely euthanized, surrounded by his care team,” said Dr. Kami Fox, Director of Animal Health and Conservation. “It has been a great honor to have cared for Bahati ever since he arrived as an awkward adolescence without a mane, through becoming a majestic adult, and being able to provide him a dignified, peaceful end.”

Since arriving to the Zoo in 2016 from Racine Zoological Gardens, Bahati has been a beloved member of African Journey and a wonderful ambassador for African lions in the wild.

“The sounds of excited footsteps echoing through the kopjes as children cheered, “LOOK!” when greeting Bahati will be greatly missed,” explains Executive Director Rick Schuiteman. “Bahati loved seeing guests. Our mission is to connect kids and animals, strengthen families, and inspire people to care; and Bahati helped us to serve that mission every day and for more than 4 million guests.”

Michelle Smurl, Director of Animal Care, expresses “The Fort Wayne community was able to connect with Bahati in many special and meaningful ways over the years. Our staff’s excellent care gave Bahati a great quality of life here, and in turn, Bahati enriched the lives of all of us at the Zoo and in the Fort Wayne community.”

We share this heartbreak with our animal care team who cared for Bahati daily. We thank them for their hard work and the care they provide; not only for Bahati, but for all of the animals who call the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo home. We appreciate the support of the community as we grieve his loss and celebrate his legacy. Memories and comments can be shared on the Zoo’s Facebook page.

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — Not only does Noah’s Ark Waterpark hold the claim to being America’s Largest Waterpark, but the beloved Wisconsin Dells attraction has officially been named the Best Outdoor Waterpark by Newsweek, claiming the top spot. Handpicked by experts across various industries, and voted on by its readers, the Newsweek award recognizes Noah’s Ark as the premier destination for water park thrills. 

“We are honored to receive the number one spot as the Best Outdoor Waterpark from Newsweek,” Noah’s Ark General Manager Christopher Mortensen said. “This is a testament to the dedication of our team to providing unparalleled experiences for our guests. The award reaffirms what we, and our community, already knew, Noah’s Ark is the best of the best.” 

But it’s more than just the water attractions, Noah’s Ark has become a destination by elevating its dining experience with exciting new food and drink options. In 2024, the waterpark will introduce two new food stands including Paradise Funnel Cake and the ultimate Wisconsin favorite, a new cheese stand serving up all things cheese, including mozzarella triangles, cheese curds and so much more. 

Located in the Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells, Noah’s Ark stands as the ultimate destination for aquatic excitement. With over 50 thrilling water attractions, including two wave pools, lazy rivers, zip lines and multiple exhilarating water slide experiences, Noah’s Ark offers an unmatched waterpark experience in the United States. 

Opening Day for the 2024 season is just around the corner on Saturday, May 25. For more information on Noah’s Ark Waterpark’s 2024 Season, new attractions and to purchase Season Passes, visit NoahsArkWaterpark.com. 

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain — Australia’s home of Olympic sport, Sydney Olympic Park, just 13 kilometers west of the CBD, is now the home of New South Wales’ first Wavegarden surf park, with an investment in excess of $75 million AUD. Although Sydney is blessed with a large number of surfing beaches, access to those beaches and crowding in the lineup are becoming increasing issues. The revolutionary 46-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon at URBNSURF Sydney is now able to provide an authentic alternative to ocean-based surfing for Sydney residents and visitors, allowing them to surf more safely, easily, and frequently.

The surf park is scheduled to open to the public in May and will be operate for 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, from 6 am to 10 pm. The prices for a 1-hour session vary from $30 to $159 AUD depending on the level. Each surfer will enjoy approximately 10- 12 waves per session and there is a wide variety of different options to choose from, from introductory lessons through to sessions for the most advanced professionals.

The 3.6-hectare site features the latest version of Wavegarden Cove technology and is designed to accommodate 1000 visitors per day. The surfing lagoon boasts the most energy-efficient technology, the highest surfer capacity, and the widest variety of waves.

Following the success of URBNSURF Melbourne, the URBNSURF group has become the first repeat client of Wavegarden by opening its second surf park, further solidifying their commitment to bringing innovative surfing experiences to urban areas.

“This innovation is going to help surfers improve much faster than surfing in the ocean,” said Reef Heazlewood, considered as one of the Australia best surfers. “People in Sydney are going to be blown away when they see how good the waves are here.”

With a north-south lagoon orientation, URBNSURF Sydney has been designed to suit prevailing wind conditions. LED lagoon lighting means you can surf night and day. The facility also features sustainable design elements, renewable energy, and water-saving systems, in keeping with Sydney Olympic Park’s strong environmental sustainability ethos.

Sydney Olympic Park is an ideal location for URBNSURF Sydney, with its numerous sporting, entertainment, and leisure venues hosting over 5,500 events each year. It boasts large open green spaces, playgrounds, and cycleways, making it an attractive destination for visitors of all ages.

Situated less than a kilometer from the Olympic Park train station, and immediately adjacent to a likely station location on the future Parramatta Light Rail line, URBNSURF Sydney will be accessible to over 2 million Sydney residents in under 30 minutes. Additionally, national sports bodies, professional surfers, and coaches have already demonstrated that a Wavegarden Cove, like the one in Melbourne, is a valuable resource for their training prior to each competition.

For Wavegarden, this milestone not only celebrates the opening of URBNSURF Sydney but also marks a significant achievement for the company as it represents their 8th facility worldwide and the first instance of a client launching their second wave park.

“This new Sydney project highlights the value and trust that URBNSURF has in Wavegarden,” said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer. “This is reassuring for our other clients and their investors, not only because we are the only surf park developer in the world with 8 surf parks in operation, but also because one of our clients now has 2.”

URBNSURF’s customer offering goes beyond sessions for existing surfers, with specific programs for schools, corporate, and private groups. On top of the surfing lagoon that has a capacity of 90 surfers per hour spread out through 4 dedicated zones, the complex has a vast array of customer water-side amenities including an Apple Jack licensed café, rooftop bar, beach club, a Rip Curl surf retail outlet, a surf academy, beach cabanas, skate ramps, lagoon-side pools, kids’ playground, event spaces, and much more.

“We created URBNSURF Sydney based on the invaluable experience and insights we gained from successfully developing, launching and operating Australia’s first surf park URBNSURF Melbourne in 2020,” said Damon Tudor, CEO of URBNSURF. “We’re proud to be considered a pioneer in this exciting new industry as we become a global first in opening our second park in Sydney. We can’t wait to show our local customers in Australia and the world what we have achieved.”

Professionals Dylan Moffat, Owen Wright and Milla Coco Brown were among a handful of surfers selected to a test session this week. And, by all reports, the new surfing lagoon ticks all the boxes.

“It´s incredible to think that we have these type of surf parks in Australia,” said Wright.“The waves are truly world class.”

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.”