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< PreviousUNIVERSAL EFTELING Dispatch NEW AND NOTABLE In December, Universal Studios Japan opened Donkey Kong Country , expanding the popular Super Nintendo World land by 70%. The signature ride, Mine Cart Madness , is described as “a coaster design not bound by conventional ideas” by Daniel Greer . The producer with Universal Creative says the ride, sporting a 42-inch ride height requirement, will “make you seemingly jump over gaps.” A collection of tyrannosaurus skeleton casts, fossils, and life-size displays make up Tyrannosaurs– Meet the Family , a new exhibit at the Michigan Science Center (called “Mi-Sci” for short). Mixing entertainment and education, the temporary exhibit features interactive elements, hands-on displays, touchable fossils, and interactive digital displays. The Australian Museum created the touring exhibit. HAUNTED DUTCH SPECTACLE KONG CAPTIVATES JAPAN FUN WITH PALEON- TOLOGY Investments in new rides, themed areas, dining, technology, and infrastructure totaling $1 billion are headed to Six Flags properties in 2025 and 2026. The operator of 42 parks in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico already announced a slate of 2026 expansions early that include: • Carowinds: record-breaking water ride • Canada’s Wonderland: record-breaking water attraction • Kings Island: family attraction • Knott’s Soak City: water park refresh • Six Flags Magic Mountain: first-of-its-kind coaster in North America • Six Flags Great America: new kids’ area and park enhancements • Six Flags Great Adventure: record-breaking launch coaster • Six Flags Over Texas: record-breaking dive coaster • Six Flags Mexico: family boomerang coaster More than $80 million of the total spend is earmarked for food and beverage upgrades, including new restau- rant concepts and equipment to generate improved menu offerings. “The new Six Flags has a unique opportunity to refresh and renew the guest experience,” says Six Flags President CEO Richard Zimmerman . GROWTH 2 Sourced by Scott Fais 1 8 LAUNCH MI-SCI SIX FLAGS CAPITAL EXPANSION Efteling , the beloved Dutch theme park, debuted a world’s first with Danse Macabre . Guests sit atop a turntable 18 meters in diameter featuring six smaller turntables. The Intamin ride system rises, sinks, tilts, and spins like a coin. Hourly capacity is 1,253. An accessible, alternative show for non-riders stimulates the senses with spooky sounds, images, and special effects. Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | IAAPA.org/Funworld9 IAAPA.org/Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | Funworld GUEST RELATIONS 4 56 INSTANT FEEDBACK TECHNOLOGY Spanning across its three facilities, Morey’s Piers , along the New Jersey shore, developed a mobile solution for attraction access. Guests can place virtual passes on their smartphone using Apple or Google Wallet— allowing the viewing of balances in real time. “Families love the convenience of not having to carry multiple paper vouchers and tickets,” says Tyler Jacobs, Morey’s director of guest engagement and analytics. Morey’s partnered with Apple and Sunset Sky Creative, among others, to build the solution that integrates with the attraction’s existing technology. 3 MOREY’S GOES DIGTAL There’s more than merchandise inside Thorpe Park retail locations. The U.K. theme park teamed up with Avius to gather feedback in nontraditional locations, like the exit store of Hyperia (a Mack Rides hyper coaster). “It’s a balancing act between finding a location with good footfall and dwell time,” says Avius CEO Ben Story , adding that shielding guests from the weather and splitting the survey into sections encourages completion. “We’ll often ask the guest if they have an additional 90 seconds to answer additional questions.” HAVE A DISPATCH FROM THE FIELD? Have a Dispatch from the field? Share your 2025 successes, wins, and innovations with Funworld. Send news and photos to FunworldWorks@IAAPA.org SCOTT FAIS XCARET INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BE MY NEIGHBOR The producer of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Fred Rogers Productions , and Palace Entertainment signed a multi-year licensing deal. The pact will allow Palace to bring family-friendly entertainment and attractions to six North American properties. NATURAL ATTRACTIONS XCARET EXPANDS With a commitment to sustainability, Mexico’s Xcaret will invest $700 million to expand luxury offerings at Hotel Xcaret Mexico . Accommodations will double to 1,800 guest rooms, across 10 “casas,” each tailored for specific age groups. New attractions include 16 pools, five water slides, an adult speakeasy, and the unique Xinema, a 24-hour restaurant-movie theater. An expanded Muluk Spa will feature a family-focused wellness experience. The new attractions are slated for a summer 2025 opening. MOREY’S PIERS PALACEFunworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | IAAPA.org/Funworld by Michael Switow Asia-Pacific LAUNCH Spanning 11 galleries across two levels, The World of Studio Ghibli exhibit envelops visitors in theatrical sets meticulously crafted on-site at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum by a team of Japanese artists. One of the largest exhibitions to be shown at the Marina Bay Sands museum, each piece was handpicked by Studio Ghibli and designed to reflect the same attention to craftsmanship and narrative depth that permeates the studio’s films. “The large-scale installations in this exhibition have been created with a focus on size and realism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of our films,” explains Studio Ghibli Vice President Shinsuke Nonaka. marinabaysands.com/museum.html A new Museum of Contemporary Art is set to open this year in Suzhou, China, about an hour west of Shanghai. Conceived as a village of 12 pavilions, the 60,000-square-meter museum offers a modern interpretation of Suzhou’s garden heritage. “Weaving between the Ferris wheel legs, the museum branches out like a rhizome, connecting the city to the lake. The result is a manmade maze of plants and artwork to get lost within,” explains Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of the architectural firm BIG, which designed the museum in collaboration with China’s Arts Group and Front Inc. “Its nodular logic only becomes distinctly discernible when viewed from the gondolas above.” Each pavilion’s facade is made of rippled and curved glass, as well as warm-toned stainless steel that reflects the garden colors. big.dk/projects/suzhou-museum-of-contemporary-art-18410 SPIRITED AIRWAY AT CHAIN Studio Ghibli’s Magic Enchants Museum Visitors in Singapore Village of 12 Pavilions Form New Art Museum in China 1012 by Juliana Gilling LAUNCH Europe Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | IAAPA.org/Funworld Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna revealed expansion plans with the goal of earn- ing the title of Austria’s largest aquarium. The 4,000-square- meter facility will showcase the underwater world’s diversity and give visitors insight into the zoo’s conservation breed- ing programs. “With the new Artenschutz-Aquarium, we want to create a place that shows fascinating and threatened habitats and at the same time raises awareness of their protection,” says zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck. Secretary- General Eva Landrichtinger, owner representative of the Schönbrunner Tiergarten-Gesellschaft mbH, adds: “Innovations are essential as a world-leading zoo.” Manfred Wehdorn is the architect for the attraction, which will be built on the site of the old exhibit. During construction, the zoo will relocate the aquarium’s inhabitants to the zoo’s new m 4.2- million aquatic research station. The Artenschutz-Aquarium is projected to open in 2028. zoovienna.at | artenschutzaquarium.at Work has begun on Therme Manchester, the well-being and water park resort coming to Manchester in the United Kingdom. Construction is underway next to the Trafford Centre—a shopping mall and entertainment complex featured within a larger entertainment campus, TraffordCity. “We are delighted to have received approval for our Section 73 planning amendment, driving the realization of our vision for Therme Manchester,” says Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme Group UK. According to Therme, the refined designs will incorporate advanced energy-efficient systems such as ground and air heat pumps, significantly reducing CO2 footprint, and water usage. When complete, the vast resort will combine indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water slides, saunas and steam rooms, relaxation areas, leisure activities, gardens, swim-up bars, and thermal pools. James Whittaker, managing director of developer Peel Waters, welcomed the news, saying, “We can now all focus on the delivery of this phenomenal and much-anticipated resort in TraffordCity.” thermegroup.com S T E P H A N H E R I N G - H A G E N B E THERME MANCHESTER Austrian Aquarium Announces Ambitious Expansion Therme Manchester Resort Breaks Ground in England14 LAUNCH Middle East Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | IAAPA.org/Funworld by Juliana Gilling Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will work together to bring the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. They aim to dazzle audiences in the UAE’s capital city with the music venue following the success of Las Vegas’ Sphere, which debuted in 2023. The giant orb-shaped landmark mesmerizes guests with immersive cinematic experiences using the Sphere’s curved LED canvas. Located in a prime spot in Abu Dhabi, the new project will echo the scale of the 20,000-capacity Sphere in Vegas. “The vision for Sphere has always included a global network of venues, and today’s announcement is a significant milestone toward that goal,” says James L. Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Sphere Entertainment. H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, says, “Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits.” The partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030. The blueprint aims to boost visitor numbers from more than 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 and ensure the emirate’s sustainable growth as a global tourism destination. thesphere.com | dctabudhabi.ae Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, operating inside shopping malls, retail, leisure, and mixed-use communities across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, has introduced the high-energy Activate gaming experience to the City Centre Mirdif mall in Dubai, UAE. Guests can jump, climb, dodge, and problem solve their way through more than 50 interactive games and nine light-up game rooms. The gameplay includes 100 levels, ranked from easy to extreme. Players can work cooperatively or compete. Majid Al Futtaim’s strategic partnership with Activate allows the entertainment group to be the exclusive provider of the active gaming experience, as well as diversify its portfolio. “The launch of the first Activate in the Middle East reaffirms our commitment at Majid Al Futtaim to deliver innovative and engaging entertainment experiences for our guests across the region. The unique blend of gaming, entertainment, and physical activity complemented by cutting-edge technology offers something truly unique for friends and families looking to create great moments together,” says Ignace Lahoud, chief executive officer of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment. Adam Schmidt, co-founder and CEO of Activate Games, says the Dubai opening “signifies our commitment to bringing innovative experiences to diverse audiences worldwide.” playactivatemena.com | majidalfuttaim.com S P H E R E E N T E R T A I N M E N T ACTIVATE World’s Second Sphere Planned for Abu Dhabi Majid Al Futtaim Brings New Experience to Dubaiby Marck Gutt (Don Viajes) Latin America LAUNCH 15 IAAPA.org/Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | Funworld Located in Guatemala City, Museo de los Niños is a family-friendly venue where chil- dren of all ages can learn through games and interactive exhibits. The museum has devel- oped a new attraction in collaboration with the Guatemalan Air Force and Pulp—an aerial simulator that gives children the opportunity to be pilots, learn about aviation, and fly over Guatemala City inside an aircraft. Housed in a Cessna 210 Centurion donated by the United States Air Force, the simulator experience lasts approximately two minutes and showcases visuals produced locally for the attraction. Aeroaventura, which roughly translates to Aerial Adventure, opened last July and has quickly become one of the museum’s most beloved exhibits. The new exhibit is included in the general admission price. As a safety measure, access to the venue is only permitted for adults when accompanying children. Mexico will soon welcome its own Toca Social, a top-notch interactive experience devoted to fútbol. The northern city of Monterrey will host the first Mexican franchise of this concept, combining interactive fútbol, immersive gaming, and world- class food and drink. First conceived in the United Kingdom, Toca Social invites guests to engage with live fútbol match screenings, state-of- the-art technology, and games designed to accommodate players of all abilities. The new Toca Social location will feature game boxes with a capacity of up to 12 players each. Toca Social has partnered with local group Ventura Entertainment to bring the joy of interactive fútbol to Mexico. Construction began in Monterrey’s Galerías Valle Oriente in August of last year. The venue is expected to open in late 2025. toca.social/international AEROAVENTURA TOCA SOCIAL MONTERREY Guatemala’s Museo de los Niños Births New Addition Interactive Fútbol Experience to Land in Mexico16 Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | IAAPA.org/Funworld Australia & New Zealand LAUNCH by Michael Switow To commemorate the International Day of Sign Languages, Madame Tussauds Sydney welcomed hearing-impaired students from the Thomas Pattison School to create wax hands in the shapes of Auslan signs. Auslan is the sign language used by much of the Australian deaf community. While at the museum, the students created molds of their hands while signing—which will later be used as educational tools—and enjoyed a guided tour that included “surfing” with Layne Beachley, riding a motorcycle with Shah Rukh Khan, and encounters with their favorite superheroes, including Superman and Batman. “We’re thrilled to have welcomed the students,” exclaims Madame Tussauds Guest Experience Supervisor Benjamin Franklin. “It was a highlight to see the students engage with all the wax figures, including Dylan Alcott’s wheelchair tennis challenge and joining Harry Styles on stage.” madametussauds.com/sydney | nextsense.org.au/ services/hearing/school Sydneysiders can soon experience the magic of Machu Picchu thanks to a new immersive experience that debuts at the Australian Museum this month. Created by Peru’s Museo Larco and Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon in conjunction with Neon Global, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru features more than 130 priceless artifacts, including gold treasure from royal tombs, glittering jewels, intricate masks, and objects of worship, as it tells the stories of five ancient empires dating back more than 3,000 years. A virtual reality experience, Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor also provides a bird’s-eye “fly-through” of the ancient Incan city with cutting-edge drone footage and 360-degree motion chairs. The new exhibit builds on the success of Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, which attracted 508,000 visitors and was one of the highest grossing museum exhibitions in the region’s history, according to a report by Inform Economics. australian.museum/exhibition/machu-picchu M A D A M E T U S S A U D S S Y D N E Y NEON/WORLD HERITAGE EXHIBITIONS Madame Tussauds Celebrates Sign Language in Sydney Neon Global Brings Ancient Peru to Modern SydneyNorth America LAUNCH 17 IAAPA.org/Funworld | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 | Funworld SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA PEL PRODUCTIONS The Franklin Institute, a science museum in Philadelphia, unveiled two new exhibits on Nov. 23 as part of its 200th anniversary celebration. “We unveiled Body Odyssey and the Hamilton Collections Gallery during The Franklin Institute’s bicentennial year,” says Abby Bysshe, chief experience and strategy officer at The Franklin Institute. “Centered around the iconic Giant Heart and Baldwin Locomotive, these exhibits blend immersive design, interactive storytelling, and cutting- edge technology, reflecting our commitment to celebrating our legacy while boldly shaping the future.” Body Odyssey, created in collaboration with design firm MDSX, reimagines the museum’s iconic Giant Heart with technology that allows visitors to hear their own heartbeat pulse through the model. Spanning 8,500 square feet, the $8.5 million exhibit explores biological systems, biotech innovations, and personal health. The Hamilton Collections Gallery showcases rare artifacts like Benjamin Franklin’s lightning rod and the Baldwin 60000 Locomotive. Both exhibits are included in general admission. fi.edu Two Exhibits Debut at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia Digital Stars Shine at Science Museum Oklahoma Science Museum Oklahoma opened the doors to its new Love’s Planetarium—a state-of-the-art hybrid planetarium that the museum believes may be using more 4K projections than any other location in the U.S. The planetarium also boasts a GOTO Orpheus Star Ball, producing a high-quality star reproduction of the night sky for guests. “At Science Museum Oklahoma, we believe that a cutting-edge planetarium isn’t just about showcasing advanced technology, but also about creating an environment that fosters a deep, meaningful connection to astronomy,” says Sherry Marshall, president and CEO of Science Museum Oklahoma. “The Love’s Planetarium offers a truly immersive experience where guests can feel the wonder of the universe in unparalleled clarity and comfort. This investment in both technology and guest experience ensures that our visitors can engage with astronomy in ways that might inspire a lifelong passion for learning.” sciencemuseumok.org/planetarium by Corrie Pelc and Avery MatteoNext >