Amusement Park News

  BoldMove Nation used IAAPA Expo Europe in London to unveil a new water coaster project for France's O'Gliss Park while also receiving industry recognition for its recently opened Rally Flåklypa dark ride at Hunderfossen Eventyrpark in Norway.The Belgium-based attractions company and O'Gliss Park revealed new details about Manakai – Typhoon Coaster, a Spinfinity Splash Coaster scheduled to open at the French water park in 2028.During a press conference at the trade show, the companies unveiled the attraction's name, storyline and scale model. Billed as the first Spinfinity Splash Coaster, Manakai will combine coaster elements with controlled spinning vehicles, water features, special effects and themed environments.The ride will feature face-to-face seating, with the attraction's aquatic theme extending through the queue, station and ride experience.BoldMove also left the London show with several awards for Rally Flåklypa, a media-based trackless dark ride that opened ...   [read more]

  ORLANDO, Fla. — IAAPA has named Bob Gurr, Chip Cleary, Jeffrey Ellis and Miguel Quintana Pali to its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing their contributions to ride design, aquatic safety, themed entertainment and sustainable tourism. “The IAAPA Hall of Fame Award recognizes the visionaries whose ideas, leadership, and contributions have had a lasting impact on the attractions industry,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “Each of these honorees have transformed our industry in remarkable ways. From advancing safety and engineering to reimagining guest experiences and sustainable tourism, their influence spans generations and regions around the world, and we are proud to welcome them into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.” Chip Cleary Cleary has spent nearly 50 years in the attractions industry, with a career spanning themed water parks, water attraction design and executive leadership. He has led Palace Entertainment and Parque Reunidos and was ...   [read more]

  The outdoor amusement industry is mourning the loss of Richard "Dick" Knoebel, President Emeritus of Knoebels Amusement Resort, who passed away at the age of 87. A lifelong leader in one of America's most beloved family-owned amusement parks, Dick Knoebel dedicated his career to preserving the traditions that made Knoebels a destination for generations while thoughtfully guiding the park's continued growth and success. His commitment to family values, guest experience, and operational excellence earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the amusement industry. Beyond his leadership at Knoebels, Dick was a passionate advocate for the amusement industry and a strong supporter of safety, education, and professionalism. His influence extended well beyond Elysburg, Pennsylvania, touching countless park operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry organizations across North America. Those who knew Dick remember him not only for his vision and leadership, but ...   [read more]