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Wild Waves Theme & Water Park has officially announced that the 2026 operating season will be its final year, with the park scheduled to open on May 23, 2026, and permanently close to the public on November 1, 2026.
The announcement was confirmed by Premier Parks, LLC, the operator of Wild Waves, citing ongoing financial challenges following the park’s reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown.
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic amusement destinations will soon come to an end.
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Universal Destinations & Experiences has unveiled the complete slate of attractions, entertainment, dining, retail, and hotel offerings coming to Universal Kids Resort.
The company’s first-ever theme park created specifically for families with young children—opening in Frisco, Texas, in 2026—will bring seven fully themed lands to life in one colorful, kid-focused destination.
Designed from the ground up with young guests in mind, Universal Kids Resort will blend Universal-quality storytelling with playful environments, age-appropriate attractions, and sensory-friendly spaces tailored to children and their caregivers.
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Herschend Family Entertainment has signed an exclusive agreement to acquire Silverwood Theme Park, the biggest theme and water park in the Pacific Northwest.
The deal signals a major milestone for the long-running independent park and continues Herschend’s steady growth across North America.
Silverwood has been owned and operated by the Norton family since its founding in 1988 by Gary Norton. Over more than 35 years, the park has transformed from a small local attraction into a 400-acre destination featuring over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, including the popular Boulder Beach Water Park and a historic 1915 steam engine train. The park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to North Idaho’s scenic panhandle.
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg has announced Verbolten: Forbidden Turn, a reimagined version of its roller coaster Verbolten, set to debut in 2026.
The updated attraction will introduce a darker narrative and enhanced storytelling elements all centered around Germany’s legendary Black Forest
Originally opening in 2012, Verbolten is a family-friendly launched roller coaster housed largely indoors. The new iteration aims to refresh the ride experience through immersive narrative updates rather than a complete rebuild.
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The new 'TEA Global Experience Index' (formerly known as the 'Theme Index and Museum Index Report') is a collaboration between the Themed Entertainment Association, research partners, and editorial partners that provides critical insight into trends shaping leisure and entertainment markets worldwide.
It identifies the most visited theme parks, water parks and museums around the world, including North America's top theme parks by attendance in 2024.
The 2024 TEA Global Experience Index is presented in partnership with Storyland Studios.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is preparing to introduce one of its most significant wildlife expansions in over a decade with the announcement of Lion & Hyena Ridge, an expansive new savanna habitat set to open in Spring 2026.
Designed to immerse guests deeper into the natural world of two of Africa’s most iconic predators, the new experience will more than double the size of the park’s existing habitat footprint.
Covering nearly 35,000 square feet, Lion & Hyena Ridge introduces a dramatic reimagining of the African landscape within Busch Gardens. The newly expanded terrain will serve as home to a pride of five young male lions—Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman—born in 2024, along with two playful hyenas, Cazi and Dazi.
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Kentucky Kingdom is taking family fun to new heights with the announcement of its brand-new roller coaster, Flying Fox, set to open in Spring 2026.
This all-new family-friendly coaster marks the park’s first new roller coaster since 2019 and will become the sixth coaster in Kentucky Kingdom’s lineup — the most of any theme park in the state.
With an investment of $14 million, Flying Fox invites guests to join the daring adventures of local legend and crop-dusting pilot Jeb Fox, soaring high above a vibrant Kentucky farmland setting.
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Get ready to spread your wings once again! Disney has officially announced Soarin’ Across America, an all-new version of the fan-favorite flying adventure, debuting Summer 2026 at both Disney California Adventure and EPCOT.
This exciting new version of the signature Soarin' experience will take guests on an awe-inspiring journey across the United States—from sea to shining sea—as part of Disney’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
The updated attraction will showcase the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, and iconic cityscapes, all experienced through Soarin’s signature blend of flight simulation, sweeping cinematography, and immersive scents.
