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Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration p. 50 ® A Whole New Game at Chuck E. Cheese CEO David McKillips details the brand’s comeback, pivots, and expansion plans JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 Staffing Lessons Learned for 2022 p. 64DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT IN MIND? Contact us now : sales@funspot.com funspot.com + 850 installations worldwide 1600 entertainment attractions installed + 40 years of experienceFEATURES INSIDE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 Cover Story | page 44 A Whole New Game at Chuck E. Cheese CEO David McKillips details the brand’s comeback, pivots, and expansion plans ON THE COVER: CEC Entertainment CEO David McKillips, posing with namesake character Chuck E. Cheese, talks rebranding and strategizing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CEC ENTERTAINMENT CEC ENTERTAINMENT D I S N E Y P A R K S , E X P E R I E N C E S A 50 Celebrating 50 Years of Magic and Memories Walt Disney World is commemorating its golden anniversary with an 18-month event full of new attractions and experiences 54 New Year’s Resolutions for FECs Family entertainment center operators reflect on experiences with COVID-19 and what’s ahead for 2022 58 Esports’ Rapid Growth Beckons FECs Family entertainment centers draw gamers with dedicated esports attractions spaces GAMEWORKS2 Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | IAAPA.org/Funworld O— MUSEUMS A Dream that Endures … 9 O— REGIONAL UPDATES … 12 O— FIRST LOOK Los Angeles Welcomes a New Museum Dedicated to the History of Motion Pictures … 16 O— IN DEPTH Moving to Seamless, Queueless, Independent Attraction Visits … 17 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME XXXVIII • ISSUE 1 Funworld is a member benefit of IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. 21 ASSOCIATION NEWS IAAPA EXPO RECAP Back Together Again at IAAPA Expo 2021 … 22 IAAPA AWARDS Hall of Fame Awards … 27 Brass Ring Awards … 28 Service Awards … 31 Young Professional of the Year Award … 31 IAAPA EXPO EUROPE RECAP IAAPA Expo Europe Reconnects and Inspires … 32 MEMBERSHIP Welcome New IAAPA Board Members … 37 Welcome New Members … 42 TEAM NEWS Jakob Wahl Named IAAPA Executive VP and COO … 38 EVENT PREVIEW IAAPA Middle East Summit 2022 Heads to Dubai … 38 EVENT RECAPS Exploring nWave Animation Studio in Belgium … 39 IAAPA Latin America, Caribbean Hosts Networking Events … 39 NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Themics Philippines Inc. … 40 CALENDAR … 41 DEPARTMENTS LETTER FROM IAAPA … 6 AD INDEX … 66 TIM’S TURN … 68 ® 64 Staffing Lessons Learned for 2022 Theme parks evaluate and apply new strategies for finding and retaining staff in the upcoming season 62 Jumping on a Trend Ninja warrior courses at FECs challenge guests with unique obstacles and activities INSIDE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 Launch PLAY: ADVENTURE PARKS PALACE ENTERTAINMENT SARNER INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES O— MOVERS AND SHAKERS … 18 O— WHAT’S NEW … 19 O— THE ART OF ATTRACTIONS A Grand Return to IAAPA Expo … 20For Fun & Profit – Miniature Golf & Game Courts! Indoors, outdoors, on rooftops or ship decks… permanent, temporary or fully portable…from our Modular Advantage™ Mini Golf system, SplashGolf®, and our new Bunkers & Bumps™ fairways-and-greens putting course, to shuffleboard, bocce ball and more, we have ideas and solutions to make your venue more inviting, profitable and fun! From custom designs to “ready to go” systems, put our 35+ years’ experience to work for you -- saving you time and money. Contact us today! AGSGolfAndSports.com Here are just some of the ways we can help you add or enhance a family-friendly revenue stream or amenity: This eco-friendly system uses interlocking flexible, patented panels to give you the look and feel of a permanent concrete course with faster, less costly installation. Modular Advantage™ Boost guest per capita spend with this customizable Fairways and Greens putting course! Uses eco-friendly rolling terrain, “bumps,” faux sand bunkers and more to create a realistic golf experience. Bunkers & Bumps™ 18-hole custom concrete course built into the side of a Badlands hill for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, USA. Custom Modular mini golf is ideal for large or restrictive spaces indoors, outdoors, on rooftops or ship decks needing lighter weight but durable systems – as seen here on the deck of a cruise ship. Custom Modular EUROPEAN DEALERS WANTED Email: cathy@adventureandfun.com A Global Leader in Miniature Golf & Game Court Design/Installation U.S. ( 888 ) 725-4386 • INT’L ( 231 ) 922-8166 Traverse City, MI | Chicago, IL | Venice, FL AGSGolfAndSports.com NEW!4 Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | IAAPA.org/Funworld Rope Drop Funworld (ISSN 08923752; mailed in Canada under IPM #0902179) is published bimonthly by IAAPA, 4155 West Taft Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32837; phone: +1 321-319-7600. Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, FL, and additional offices. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization have not changed during the preceding 12 months. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Funworld, 4155 West Taft Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32837. Subscriptions are available to IAAPA members for US$50 and US$60 for nonmembers. Single issues are $10. ©2022 IAAPA. No material or part thereof may be reproduced or printed without the written consent of IAAPA. Ride-along may be enclosed. DISCLAIMER . IAAPA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or suitability of any informa- tion or materials in this publication; all such content is provided on an as is basis. IAAPA hereby disclaims all war- ranties regarding the contents of this publication, including without limitation all warranties of title, non-infringement, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose. IAAPA does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the information, products, or services of any corporation, organization, or person. IAAPA shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, claim, or otherwise, whether an action in contract or tort and further shall not be liable for any lost profits, or direct, indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind (including without limitation attorneys’ fees and expenses). 4155 West Taft Vineland Road | Orlando, FL 32837 USA +1 321-319-7600 Funworld Magazine Team Managing Editor, Funworld Magazine Juanita Chavarro Arias JChavarroArias@IAAPA.org Assistant Editor Kendall Tamer KTamer@IAAPA.org News Editor Keith Miller KMiller@IAAPA.org Contributing Editors Mike Bederka michaelbederka@gmail.com Juliana Gilling julianagilling@gmail.com Advertising Sales Advertising@IAAPA.org Production Manager Michelle Wandres MWandres@IAAPA.org IAAPA.org/Funworld IAAPA Chairman of the Board Ken Whiting, ICAE IAAPA President and CEO Hal McEvoy, ICAE IAAPA Chief Engagement Officer and Executive Vice President David Mandt IAAPA Vice President, Global Marketing, Communications, and Membership Patrick Haller IAAPA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jakob Wahl IAAPA Asia Pacific Vice President and Executive Director June Ko IAAPA Latin America, Caribbean Vice President and Executive Director Paulina Reyes IAAPA North America Vice President and Executive Director John Hallenbeck IAAPA.org ® CEC ENTERTAINMENT All in on the Fun CEC Entertainment implemented new strategies and promotions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including its “4 Seasons of Fun” events, to reimagine the company’s brand and position it for the next generation of fans. Read more about the iconic Chuck E. Cheese family entertainment centers and pizza restaurants on p. 44.www.luckeyclimbers.com6 Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | IAAPA.org/Funworld IAAPA Mission: We inspire, grow, and protect the global attractions industry through member connections. ® The best is yet to come… That’s the way I feel as we enter 2022. Even though our industry has endured tremendous challenges over the last two years, we will perse- vere. COVID-19, staffing, and supply chain issues, as well as changing consumer habits and expectations, have created the necessity to view our attractions and guest service through a new lens. Much has been learned about operating successfully in today’s environment, and the sharing of best practices is a hallmark of our industry. The success found across the trade show floor, special events, and education sessions at both IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona and IAAPA Expo in Orlando are evidence that we are all looking forward. One thing is clear—the business of delivering fun will prevail. Given my background, there are two areas I want to shine a light on. First, I want to highlight the significance that, combined, we have as employers. IAAPA has thousands of company members that globally employ, perhaps, millions of team members. We touch the lives of individuals of all ages, particularly the younger, first-job employees. We have a tremendous impact on their futures, how they approach the workplace, and how they gain new skills that can set them up for a lifetime of success. How can we encourage and edu- cate them so their first job can go from a year to a career? Unique to our industry is that there are so many stories of people who started on a popcorn cart and became senior leaders within a member park, attraction, manufacturer, or supplier. Let’s tell those stories and promote these career opportunities. Also, being a “food guy,” I’d like to highlight the growing significance of food and bever- age. I’m honored to be the first IAAPA Chair whose core responsibilities have been food and beverage. It has given me an insight and perspective worthy of sharing. Food and beverage has become an asset that drives attendance, extends length of stay, inspires promotions and festivals, and creates culinary, indulgent menu items that add to the guest experience. Your opinions and ideas matter, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can all navigate to a more successful future. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve as your 2022 IAAPA Chairman of the Board in this pivotal period. Our industry is prepared to come back stronger, and IAAPA is positioned to boldly move forward. Working with the IAAPA team, board of directors, committee volunteers, and membership, I look forward to being of service in any way I can. Ken Whiting, ICAE 2022 IAAPA Chairman of the Board and President of Whiting’s Foods at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Boldly Move Forward Letter from IAAPA DEAR IAAPA MEMBERS:HIGH PROFIT HIGH THROUGHPUT MINIMAL MAINTENANCE ELEVATED SAFETY rciadventure.com PATENTED DESIGNS LIFETIME SUPPORT WE INVENTED INDUSTRY TRENDSNext >