Arizona’s Emergence as a Theme Park Contender Arizona is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the theme park industry, directly challenging Central Florida’s long-standing supremacy in the sector. Glendale and Mesa are leading this charge with ambitious development plans aimed at creating attractions that compete with the iconic offerings of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Credit: Jeff ...

A new Harry Potter theme park is on the way, but it’s not owned by Universal Destinations & Experiences. The Comcast-owned company currently operates six Wizarding World lands at Universal Orlando Resort (including Universal Epic Universe, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing. Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling have ...

Challenges Facing Six Flags Under New CEO Six Flags has recently appointed John Reilly as its new CEO, effective December 8, bringing with him a robust background in the amusement park industry. Reilly previously served as the CEO of Palace Entertainment and held the position of COO at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. His expertise is essential for navigating the pressing ...

Universal Orlando Resort is progressing with its holiday decor and Grinchmas. But something is missing. Something that guests are wondering if it will ever come back. Credit: Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure Archway Goes Missing: Collapse Signals No Return Something feels different the moment you step into Universal’s Islands of Adventure this holiday season—and longtime fans can’t ...

Something interesting is brewing in Florida, and it feels like Universal may have finally cracked a code Disney has held onto for decades. Fans have started noticing a shift—one that suggests Universal might be pulling straight from Disney’s old playbook and turning it into something even more appealing. It’s subtle for now, but the early signs indicate that Universal is ...

A Universal theme park is set to open in 2026 and will feature rides, restaurants, and attractions, as well as seven themed lands inspired by DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Jurassic World, and more. Credit: Inside The Magic Universal Kids Resort Reveals Full Lineup of Rides, Restaurants, and Attractions for 2026 Opening Imagine stepping into a world where every corner sparks curiosity, every ride ...

Major Acquisition Announcement Herschend, the owner of Dollywood, has officially acquired Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park, situated in Athol, Idaho. This significant move marks Silverwood as the largest theme park in the Northwest, enhancing Herschend’s presence in the region. The acquisition aligns well with the company’s vision to extend its reach across the United States while honoring ...

Guests at one Disney park aren’t obsessed with Mickey Mouse, Elsa, or even Duffy the Disney Bear. Instead, they’re visiting to say hi to a trash can. Yes, really. Disney’s experiments with robotics are well documented — even if they don’t often come to fruition in their actual parks. Over the years, we’ve been teased by previews of advanced technology ...

Overview of the Vandalism Incident Playland Park, the cherished theme park famous for its connection to Tom Hanks’ iconic film Big, has suffered a disturbing act of vandalism that has left the community reeling. The incident, which occurred during the park’s off-season, is estimated to have caused damages exceeding $57,000. Credit: 20th Century Fox This theme park, known for its ...

Jay Stein’s Influential Early Career Jay Stein’s career in the entertainment industry began at MCA (Music Corporation of America), where he took his first steps in the mailroom. This entry-level position not only provided him with foundational experiences but also gave him valuable insights into the nuances of creativity and corporate strategy. His time at MCA became instrumental as the ...