Amusement Park News

Chicago-based IB Parks & Entertainment is continuing its growth as well as the improvement of the classic parks the company operates. IB is operating Indiana Beach, Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World, Clementon Park & Splash World, and now a new acquisition, Big Kahuna's Waterpark.

First up are new rides and additions. IB is adding two major attractions at Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World. The theme park and waterpark comprise 85 acres in Grand Island, New York near Niagara Falls, and is leased by IB Parks CEO Gene Staples after it closed in 2020, when it was then called Fantasy Island, and had fallen into disrepair. IB has been restoring the rides and attractions moving section by section in the park, replacing old, dilapidated rides with newly refurbished second-hand rides.

One such new attraction is the Flying Witch, opening in time for this year's park opening date May 17. The witchy ride is a dark ride from Italian amusement manufacturer Pinfari. Pinfari was liquidated in 2004 and is now a part of Interpark Amusements; however, the dark ride was created by the original company and was previously called the Haunted Mansion. It opened at Rye's Playland Park in 1971.

The ride's name changed to the Flying Witch while still at Playland, which then decided to shutter it in 2022. Niagara purchased the ride at that time, and after refurbishing it, the ride is ready for summer 2025. The two-minute-long tracked dark ride invites passengers to take on the “magic of the witches journey.” The car design resembles a fierce, green-faced dragon. Flying Witch will be the first dark ride for Niagara Amusement Park.



Also new this season at Niagara is the pendulum ride Midway Mayhem from German manufacturer Huss, a Frisbee Revolution formerly located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL. The large thrill ride swings its passengers to extreme heights in inward facing seats, and is designed for guests a minimum of 54 inches tall. Midway Mayhem sports a bright red, white, and blue color scheme. Huss Frisbees are a comparatively rare attraction in the U.S.

Last year, IB introduced a bevy of new attractions to the park, including a Giant Wheel, Tilt-a-Whirl, Sea Dragon, and antique autos. It also opened a roller coaster called the Serpent, the design of which resembles the old Wild Mouse Coaster. Back in 2022, the park welcomed the classic Gunslinger mixer ride, which is currently receiving a rehab focused on its ride cars for 2025. Other recent additions include a sluice gem mining experience located in Niagara's Western Town area.

IB has also previously refurbished what is still the park's largest attraction, the Silver Comet wooden coaster, originally designed to replicate The Comet from Crystal Beach Amusement Park. The Silver Comet will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this season.

Finally, the park has also announced the arrival of two new food and beverage options for this year but has yet to provide specifics on what these new dining options will be. Niagara and Splash World 2025 Season Passes are $54.99, with resident season passes priced at $49.99. Passes include early park entrance and Bring a Friend free 3 times in 2025. Ticket pricing has yet to be listed.

Indiana Beach

At IB's first classic park purchase, Indiana Beach, there will also be a new ride introduced this summer: the Pirates of Lake Shafer. The ride is a swinging pirate ship attraction, the design of which is described as being inspired by Nao de China galleons, the large ships carrying treasures between the Americas and the Far East in centuries past. The ride is a unique Weber Traumboot, described as similar to a HUSS Ranger. It will be positioned next to the Schwarzkopf All-American Triple Loop Coaster, which debuted at the park last year.

The park will be featuring weekend fireworks shows, water ski shows, and live music for 2025. Season passes are $74.99; daily ticket pricing has yet to be released for this year. Passes include rides, attractions, admission to the Summer Ballroom Concert Series and Bring-A-Friend 3 times  tickets in 2025, as well as camping and resort stay discounts.

Big Kahuna Water Park

IB has also added the Big Kahuna Water Park to its quiver of amusement attractions. In his most recent press announcement, IB founder Gene Staples asserts that IB's new acquisition will add to the company's overall growth strategy. Located in West Berlin, N.J., close to both Philadelphia and Atlantic City, Big Kahuna's Water Park was formerly known as Sahara Sam's Oasis. It holds more than 70,000 square feet of water attractions under a retractable roof, along with a seasonal outdoor water park.



Staples notes that “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy, and we see great potential for collaboration with our nearby Clementon Park location to provide our guests with options to visit both Big Kahuna's year-round water attractions and the outdoor fun at Clementon Park.” Clementon is less than 5 miles away from Big Kahuna.

On March 25, IB Parks announced that they would be reverting back to the park's original Sahara Sam's branding. The waterpark only took on the Big Kahuna name when it was purchased in May 2022 as a Boomers Park location. Boomers currently only owns the original Big Kahuna located in Florida.

The waterpark is somewhat distinctive in that it offers both an indoor waterpark, outdoor park, and arcade – all without a resort attached to it. Most such indoor/outdoor waterparks are part of a resort location. The park's outdoor section includes a wave pool as well as a lagoon play area for younger guests and a regular swimming pool.