SeaWorld San Diego Lights Up the Sky with an All New Nightly Summer Drone Display!

Continuing its focus on innovative entertainment, SeaWorld San Diego is excited to announce an ALL-NEW nightly summer drone show debuting Friday, May 22 and running nightly throughout the summer. Ocean of Dreams, featuring 600 fully synchronized drones with a soaring soundtrack, celebrates the beauty of the ocean, inspired by marine life and ocean conservation.

 

The all-new 12-minute immersive drone show transforms the night sky into a living ocean, taking guests on a visually stunning journey beneath the waves. Through breathtaking aerial formations and vibrant lighting effects, Ocean of Dreams tells a story of marine life, highlighting the beauty of underwater ecosystems Guests will see dazzling depictions of fan-favorite animals including sea otters, sharks, dolphins and a majestic orca, culminating in an electric neon finale in celebration of hope, wonder and ocean stewardship.

 

“At SeaWorld, every story begins with the ocean—and this summer, we will be bringing that story to the sky in a way that inspires the next generation to protect it,” said Tyler Carter, SeaWorld Park President. “We are excited to continue to innovate what nighttime, immersive entertainment experiences can be, and proud that our park is the first and only California attraction to offer a nightly drone show for guests and the overall San Diego community to enjoy.”

 

Ocean of Dreams will be presented nightly from May 22 through August 9. The show then shifts to a weekend-only schedule through September 7, aligning with SeaWorld’s summer season.

 

A Summer of Fun and Entertainment

The all-new Ocean of Dreams drone show joins SeaWorld San Diego’s Summer Spectacular lineup, delivering nonstop summer entertainment including a vibrant parade, thrilling stunt shows, fan-favorite characters, and the return of the Summer Concert Series featuring iconic hip hop and R&B artists from the ’90s and early 2000s on select Saturdays. Guests can also experience the All-New Shark Encounter exhibit, also opening on May 22, offering an immersive up-close look at some of the ocean’s most fascinating predators.

 

Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy SeaWorld’s full lineup of animal encounters, educational presentations, nighttime favorites like Sea Lions Tonite, and award-winning rides and attractions for all-day, all-night fun.

 

Year-Round Savings for Year-Round Events

The best way to experience SeaWorld San Diego’s seasonal events throughout the year is with an Annual Pass. Pass Members enjoy unlimited visits with no blockout dates and access to events and exhibits including Summer Spectacular, ALL-NEW Shark Encounter, and more. Additional benefits include free parking, guest tickets, special savings on food and merchandise, and exclusive Pass Member events starting as low as $11 a month for a limited time.

 

For park hours and ticket information, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest concert and event updates.

Source: Seaworld San Diego

Sesame Place Philadelphia Celebrates Mother’s Day, Opening of Water Attractions and More in May!

 Elmo’s Springtacular is back at Sesame Place® Philadelphia with special events and springtime fun each weekend. This month, guests can look forward to…

May 9 & 10: Mother’s Day Celebration and PJ Masks Meet & Greets

Sesame Place’s annual Mother’s Day Celebration returns with fun-filled ways to celebrate Mom. The festivities include the Furry Friends “Mommy & Me” Dance Party, a Mother’s Day craft, and the Mother’s Day Dine with Elmo & Friends.*

Meanwhile, crime-fighting superheroes Catboy, Owelette, and Gekko from PJ Masks will strike a super pose at Meet & Greets throughout the weekend.

May 16 & 17: Elmo’s Pirate Weekend

A swashbuckling pirate adventure awaits with fan-favorite show “Elmo and the Bookaneers,” a treasure hunt, and photos with everyone’s Sesame Street friends in their pirate garb!

May 17: Sesame Place 5k Classic

The 26^th annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic will feature a 5k, one-mile fun run, and a kids’ sprint to raise money for the Dick Dougherty Honorarium Awards. The awards benefit Bucks County high school students, and all registrants will receive a FREE one-day admission ticket to Sesame Place! Guests can learn more and register online.

May 23 & 24: Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

Water attractions will officially open for the summer on Saturday, May 23, and Season Pass Members can receive an exclusive giveaway for the occasion! 

Guests can take photos with Sesame Street friends in their red, white, and blue best at Patriotic Pals Meet & Greets and enjoy a delicious meal at the Memorial Day Weekend Dine with Elmo & Friends.* Exclusively on Sunday, May 24, guests can enjoy the ultimate dessert experience with Sweet Treats* packages and rock out to the spectacular “C is for Celebrate” fireworks display!

May 30 & 31: Pete the Cat Meet & Greets and Grumpy Monkey Meet & Greets

Two iconic book characters are making their way to Sesame Place! Guests can meet Pete the Cat, star of James Dean’s Pete the Cat series, and Jim Panzee from Suzanne Lang’s Grumpy Monkey series.

*Reservations required. Dine and Sweet Treats experiences require reservation and additional fee.

Elmo’s Springtacular is just one of four seasons of furry fun that the park will celebrate. Guests can enjoy their favorite whirling, twirling, soaring, and spinning Sesame Street-themed attractions, character stage shows, and the award-winning Sesame Street Party Parade. The park is open weekends and select weekdays through Friday, May 22, when daily operations begin for the summer. In June, Elmo’s Springtacular brings Abby’s Magic Weekend and Choo-Choo Soul Concerts to the park.

The Best Way to Play

2026 is filled with unlimited visits, unbeatable benefits, and unforgettable memories for Sesame Place Philadelphia Season Pass Members! During the limited-time Season Pass Flash Sale, guests can save up to 50% on Season Passes. Season Pass Members can enjoy unlimited access to the park with the added benefits** of free parking, free tickets for friends and family, exclusive Meet & Greets with everyone’s favorite furry friends, discounted food and merchandise, exciting VIP events, and more! Guests can learn more and purchase online.

**Perks vary based on the type of Season Pass purchased.

Source: Sesame Street Place

Opening Weekend - Guests heading back to Cedar Point for their 157th Season this Weekend! Ride On!

                 Cedar Point^® opens for its 157^th season May 9th

 

Summer to include all-new Barrels & Bites signature event and week-long celebration to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial

It’s time to “get to The Point” and experience another summer of family fun as Cedar Point is set to open its gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 9. The multi-day destination set on a Lake Erie peninsula will deliver all-new events, special recognition for veterans and celebrate one of the many rides and attractions that have made Cedar Point an American summertime tradition.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment all winter and our team’s excitement around the upcoming season is palpable,” said Colleen Brady, park president of Cedar Point. “With newer attractions like Siren’s Curse and Top Thrill 2^™, plus the multitude of attractions and entertainment for young families, we’re ready to make people happy for another summer of special moments, memories and non-stop fun.”

 

Barrels & Bites

Guests will indulge their senses at the new Barrels & Bites signature event, coming to the park June 5 – 28. Set along the scenic Frontier Trail, connecting the park’s Main Midway to Frontier Town, fans of the region’s finest beer, bourbon and wine can combine unique sips with specialty food pairings created by Cedar Point’s culinary team. From hand-crafted food and live entertainment to craft beer and the best bourbon, the finest flavor profiles will be on full display this June.

Star-Spangled Celebration

Cedar Point commemorates 250 years of the United States with Star-Spangled Celebration presented by M&M’S^®, a patriotic event bursting with energy and excitement. From June 29 – July 4 on select days, guests will enjoy breathtaking skydiving demonstrations, specialty food and beverage offerings, interactive contests, performances from the Ohio National Guard’s 122^nd Army Band, historic World War II aircraft activation flyovers by Lake Erie Warbirds featuring Flight of the Flags and more. The all-ages party culminates on Independence Day with one of the largest fireworks displays on the Great Lakes.

 

Veterans VIP Parking

In addition to the existing offerings of discounted admission tickets for first responders and members of the military, Cedar Point will honor those who have served our country with the addition of veterans-only VIP parking. This exclusive area, located at the front of the main parking lot near the Main Gate, is reserved for our nation’s bravest who have devoted their lives to defending the nation’s freedom. The dedicated spaces are available each operating day and reinforce Cedar Point’s gratitude to all who have served.

 

Corkscrew Turns 50

Introduced in 1976 to celebrate America’s bicentennial, Cedar Point’s iconic Corkscrew roller coaster celebrates 50 years of head-over-heels thrills. Corkscrew debuted as the world’s first triple-looping roller coaster and the first to span a midway, up and over guests walking below. To this day, many young thrill-seekers ride Corkscrew as their first “big” coaster to conquer at America’s Roller Coast^®.

 

The World’s Best Thrills

With an impressive collection of 66 rides, Cedar Point is home to a variety of fun for the whole family. Coaster fans will enjoy Siren’s Curse – the newest addition to the park’s world-famous roller coaster collection. Climb 160 feet above the park and tilt precariously over the edge before dropping into the abyss at a 90-degree angle. With on-board audio, 13 weightless airtime moments, two 360-degree barrel rolls, a high-speed triple-down element and a top speed of 58 mph, Siren’s Curse delivers an experience unlike any other.

Siren’s Curse is just one of 18 roller coasters that complements fan favorites like Millennium Force^®, GateKeeper^® and North America’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, Top Thrill 2^™. The park also boasts three children’s areas, the coal-fired Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad, Cedar Downs Racing Derby, Troika, Giant Wheel and more.

 

Regional Gold Pass

Guests can enjoy two great parks in one great state (and more) with the Regional Gold Pass. Valid for season-long park and waterpark admission, general parking, bring-a-friend offers and discounts, the Gold Pass opens up access to Cincinnati’s Kings Island and the new Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare dark ride. This reimagining of a beloved former attraction combines immersive storytelling, quirky characters and the addition of high-tech gaming into a family ride for a new generation.

 

The Regional Gold Pass also includes Canada’s Wonderland, La Ronde, Six Flags Great America, Hurricane Harbor Chicago, Hurricane Harbor Rockford and Six Flags Darien Lake. Guests can purchase the Regional Gold Pass online for five payments of $23 after an initial payment of $35 (plus applicable taxes and fees).

 

For more information on the upcoming season, including tickets, Season Passes, overnight resort packages, schedules and more, visit cedarpoint.com.

#rideon #cedarpoint #cp2026 #cpbestdayever #cpcorkscrew #seasonpassholders #openingday2026

Source & Photos: Courtesy of Cedar Point  

DOLLYWOOD PARKS & RESORTS EARNS NUMEROUS HONORS IN 2026 TOP WORKPLACES ANNUAL AWARDS!

Dollywood Parks & Resorts has earned a number of accolades following the recently announced 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence & Industry Awards. The company received an impressive seven awards for the employee culture at the Smoky Mountain vacation destination.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts were honored with awards in the following categories:

 

• Work-Life Flexibility Top Workplaces
• Leadership Top Workplaces
• Purpose & Values Top Workplaces
• Employee Well-Being Top Workplaces
• Professional Development Top Workplaces
• Top Workplaces for Appreciation
• Hospitality Top Workplaces

 

All Top Workplaces awards are based solely on employee feedback. There are no subjective elements to the process, making Top Workplaces the most credible, authentic employer recognition program because results are not derived from judges, voting or paid advertisements. Top Workplaces are determined on quantitative employee feedback, as well as the statements and demographic information collected within the Workplace Survey. Energage, the company behind the survey, has collected data from more than 23 million surveys at over 70,000 organizations.

 

“It is humbling to earn these recognitions,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Parks & Resorts Vice President of Human Resources, “because they signify the appreciation our hosts have for the place they work. Dollywood is special, and we’ve earned a number of awards that tell us our guests feel the same way. The thing that makes it so special is the guest experience we provide to our visitors every single day, and it’s the people who work here that make that experience the best in the industry.”

 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts has earned an unprecedented list of workplace awards already this season. In February, Newsweek named the company a Best Workplace for Women, followed by an award in March from Newsweek listing Dollywood as a Best Workplace for Entry Level Employees. In October 2025, Dollywood was named #50 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service 2026 list. The company was the second-highest in the hotels/recreation category.   

 

Those looking to join the award-winning team can visit dollywoodjobs.com to learn about available positions across all Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties.  

 

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

 

For more information, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Source: Dollywood

Fright Fest News - Dead Man's Party Returns to Fright Fest in 2026 at Six Flags Great Adventure!

Six Flags Great Adventure is bringing back one of its most recognized Fright Fest traditions as Dead Man’s Party returns for the 2026 Halloween season. 

The park's long-running live stage show, hosted by Dr. Fright, has been a guest favorite since debuting in 1999. Known for its heart-pounding music, iconic choreography and explosive special effects, the production features Dr. Fright and his undead friends rocking the afterlife in a rock concert-meets-Broadway-style spectacle during Fright Fest nights.

Over the past 25 years, Dead Man’s Party has become a signature part of the park’s fall entertainment lineup, combining live performance with the spooky atmosphere of Fright Fest. The high-energy production, designed to be more fun than frightening, became a mainstay for guests of all ages. It also became a coveted role for professional dancers from coast to coast, and has helped launch many into successful performance careers.

Its return in 2026 brings back a familiar Fright Fest tradition for longtime fans while introducing the experience to a new generation of guests.

More information about Fright Fest, including dates and entertainment offerings, will be announced at a later date.

Source: Six Flags Great Adventure

Breaking - Wildebeest Wins Best Water Coaster, Holiday World Opening May 9th!

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari’s Wildebeest has just been named the Best Water Coaster in the country according to USA Today’s voters. Holiday World is open this Saturday, May 2 to Platinum Season Passholders and Sunday, May 3 to all Season Passholders, and opens to the public Saturday, May 9.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari received eight nominations in six categories of the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and each nomination placed in the top ten:

·  Best Water Coaster:

o    Wildebeest #1

o    Mammoth #5

o    Cheetah Chase #7

·  Outdoor Water Park: Splashin’ Safari #2

·  Best Wave Pool: Bahari #2 

·  Best Lazy River: Bahari  #4

·  Best Roller Coaster: The Voyage #6

·  Best Theme Park: Holiday World #8

“Thank you to all the fans who helped us make it to the top!” says Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Director of Communications and Fourth Generation Owner. “These wins are a testament to the impressive fan base Holiday World has built.”

The park is celebrating its 80^th birthday season in 2026, with more events and operating days than ever. During the all-new Rubber Duck Days, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will tower 60 feet over Splashin’ Safari. Holidays in the Sky drone and fireworks spectacular will return for its fifth season with 500 drones and nearly 50 onboard pyrotechnic elements.  The show runs nightly from June 20 through August 3. Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival will return August 4 through September 13, and Friday Night Live! will return weekly from August 21 through the end of October. Happy Halloween Weekends will return in September.

“This is going to be an action-packed summer,” adds Koch-Blumhardt. “And we’re not done yet. Holiday World fans should follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the construction underway for 2027!”

New this season, Platinum Season Passholders and Guests of Santa’s Cottages get early access to select Splashin’ Safari attractions every day between June 1 and July 31 from 10:15 am – 11:00 am. Season Passes are on sale now.

Splashin’ Safari opens May 16, and both parks are open daily beginning May 22. Visit www.HolidayWorld.com/Hours for the full operating calendar.

Holiday World's location in Santa Claus, Indiana—just a few hours from cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville, and Columbus—makes it an accessible and worthwhile destination.

Source: Holiday World

Splash Island Waterpark Claims No. 1 Spot for Best Lazy River in America!

Wild Adventures Theme Park & Splash Island Waterpark is celebrating a terrific win for Paradise River, as the lazy river won the top spot as America’s “Best Lazy River” according to readers of USA TODAY in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The historic win follows four weeks of intense competition between twenty lazy rivers at parks nationwide, including Universal Studios, Disney, Aquatica and Six Flags.

“We are eternally grateful for our supportive guests and the readers of USA TODAY for voting for Paradise River,” said Donald Spiller, vice president & general manager. “Splash Island Waterpark has been delivering family-friendly fun in the summer since 2003, which includes countless laps around the relaxing waters of Paradise River. This prestigious win could not have come at a better time, as we continue to celebrate Wild Adventures’ 30th Anniversary.”

Splash Island Waterpark is now open on Saturdays and Sundays and will begin daily operations May 23, delivering another season of thrilling water slides and gallons of fun for all ages. Admission to Splash Island Waterpark is included with a Wild Adventures Daily Ticket or Season Pass.

No One Funs Like Wild Adventures, especially with a season of fun with a Season Pass. A Season Pass includes unlimited admission to Wild Adventures and Splash Island Waterpark, free general admission to every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert, and free soda all Season with a 30th Anniversary Souvenir Cup. Guests will receive $25 off and two free Bring-a-Friend tickets when they purchase a Gold Season Pass now through Monday, May 25.

More information about operating calendars, attractions offerings and Season Passes is available at WildAdventures.com and the Wild Adventures Theme Park App.

Source: Wild Adventures Theme Park

Breaking: Silver Dollar City Named America’s #1 Theme Park by USA TODAY for a Fifth Time!

Make it five.

Silver Dollar City has earned its fifth title as America’s Best Theme Park in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, rising to the top among industry leaders including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Universal Epic Universe and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Several Silver Dollar City favorites also received national recognition. Rivertown Smokehouse placed second for Best Theme Park Restaurant, Silver Dollar Saloon took second for Best Theme Park Entertainment, Time Traveler ranked third for Best Roller Coaster and Silver Dollar City’s Showboat earned third for Best Dinner Cruise.

"This news would not be possible without our loyal fans and the readers of USA Today. Our citizens work tirelessly to Create Memories Worth Repeating® for our youngest fans to fans who have visited us through multiple decades, says Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “That connection between our citizens and our guests has driven our success and growth and turned Silver Dollar City into a destination that annually draws visitors from all 50 states.  Here at The City, we celebrate the past, but we also look to the future every single day.”

For 66 seasons now, Silver Dollar City has offered a unique mix of thrilling rides, family experiences, home-style cooking, demonstrating craftsmen and award-winning entertainment across a full lineup of seasonal festivals.

This summer, The City celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with patriotic entertainment, food and more star-spangled surprises, followed by Harvest Festival’s 20,000 illuminated pumpkins and An Old Time Christmas, featuring more than 6.5 million lights and Broadway-style shows.

Guests can enjoy special savings all season long, including Community Hero Offers presented by Arvest Bank. For more information, visit silverdollarcity.com or download the Silver Dollar City App. Source: Silver Dollar City

Dorney Park’s Wildwater Kingdom Ranked Among Nation’s Best by USA TODAY 10Best!

Runaway River and Wave Pool both earn Top 10 honors in national Readers’ Choice Awards

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is celebrating national recognition as two of its signature water attractions have been named among the best in the country by USA TODAY 10Best.

Runaway River ranked No. 10 in the Best Lazy River category, while Wave Pool also earned the No. 10 spot in the Best Wave Pool category as part of the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The annual awards are curated by a panel of travel experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being voted on by the public.

“We’re thrilled to see both Runaway River and Wave Pool recognized on a national stage,” said Ryan Eldredge, public relations manager for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. “Wildwater Kingdom continues to deliver the kind of summer experiences families look forward to every year, and this recognition reflects the unforgettable summer memories guests make here each season.”

Wildwater Kingdom opens for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, featuring more than 30 water attractions including thrilling slides, family play areas, wave pools and relaxing river experiences.

For more information, visit DorneyPark.com.

Source: Dorney Park