Cheers to FREE beer: SeaWorld Orlando Celebrates the New Year with Complimentary Brews

 

                           In honor of the New Year, SeaWorld Orlando is eager to announce an exclusive limited time offer that guests are sure to love. From Jan. 9 until Jan. 31, 2026, SeaWorld Orlando guests over the age of 21 can enjoy one complimentary beer* per visit at the Waterway Grill Patio.

                         

The free ice-cold draft will be available at the park daily from noon until one hour before park close at Waterway Grill Patio. Guests can take a break from the excitement of world-class shows, water rides, and thrilling coasters to savor this special offer.

Guests can also enjoy happy hour offerings at select locations throughout SeaWorld Orlando. Happy hour is available at Waterway Bar from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and at Glacier Bar from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can buy one full-priced draft beer or cocktail and get a second for only $5.

For more details on FREE beer and to purchase tickets, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com. 

Source: Seaworld Orlando

*Free beer offer at SeaWorld Orlando is for one complimentary 7 oz. beer per day for all guests ages 21 or older.  

Kennywood - A Message from the General Manager!

 

A Message from the General Manager

Kennywood’s 127th Season is officially in the books! I’d like to thank you for your continued support. Together, we introduced Kennywood Junction, welcomed the Steel Curtain back to our roller coaster roster, braved the new Detached haunt at Phantom Fall Fest, made countless new memories we’ll forever cherish, and yes – enjoyed our fair share of Potato Patch fries. We’re already planning for our 128th Season, starting Saturday, April 18, featuring a new spring event celebrating all things Kennywood. We’ll share more on that soon! All the best, Ricky Spicuzza General Manager  Source: Kennywood

First Look: Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Dates For an Exciting Slate of Destination-Wide Events in 2026!

The excitement never stops at Universal Orlando Resort, where guests can enjoy unforgettable fun all year long with an incredible lineup of experiences and events for every season. With today’s launch of the Universal Orlando Events and Experiences Guide, guests can now start planning their 2026 vacations to enjoy special events and experiences that go beyond the award-winning thrills found across the theme parks – including fan-favorite seasonal events, hotel happenings, and exciting special activities and limited-time celebrations across Universal Orlando Resort.

Here’s a closer look at the unforgettable experiences that await throughout the year.

THEME PARK EXPERIENCES AND SEASONAL EVENTS
Guests can enjoy the following seasonal events and experiences across Universal Orlando Resort:

• Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, returns to Universal Studios Florida January 23 – 24 – giving guests the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable weekend of faith, fun and powerful music from some of today’s most popular Christian artists.
• Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns February 7- April 4 with a vibrant celebration featuring dazzling floats with tons of colorful beads, live performances on select nights from some of the biggest names in music, and a diverse array of international cuisine along with mouthwatering dishes inspired by New Orleans’ iconic flavors.
• Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights, the world’s premier Halloween event, returns for its 35^th anniversary - unleashing an all-new slate of terror on select nights from August 28 – November 1.  Guests will encounter terrifying haunted houses inspired by horror’s biggest names and haunting original stories, scare zones packed with relentless frights, outrageous entertainment, themed food and beverage, and more. Additional details will be shared in the months ahead.
• Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort will run from November 14 through January 3 and welcome the return of holiday traditions inspired by pop culture’s beloved stories and characters - including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s – plus festive décor throughout the destination – including all 11 Universal Orlando hotels, themed food and beverage, exclusive merchandise, and more. Guests can also ring in the new year with live entertainment and festive celebrations at the theme parks and Universal CityWalk on December 31. More details to come.
• And more – including the return of Volcano Bay Nights, which gives guests the unique opportunity to enjoy the award-winning water park after dark. More information and dates will be shared at a later time.

Plus, special limited-time offerings will be available in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter throughout the year as the first Harry Potter film celebrates its 25th anniversary, including Butterbeer Season from March 1 – May 31 — featuring limited-edition treats, new themed merchandise and more celebrating the beloved wizarding beverage; Back to Hogwarts from August 1 – September 1— celebrating the timeframe students traditionally return to Hogwarts in the “Harry Potter” stories; and Dark Arts returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this fall, with the breathtaking projection spectacle "Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle" in Hogsmeade, and roaming Death Eaters in the streets of Diagon Alley. More details will be shared at a later time.

PASSHOLDER APPRECIATION DAYS
Passholders can enjoy exclusive UOAP perks throughout the parks, hotels, and Universal CityWalk during Passholder Appreciation Days presented by Coca-Cola, running from August 15 through September 30. Guests can visit UniversalOrlando.com for all Passholder perks and updates throughout the year.

Here’s a snapshot of the dates for the aforementioned 2026 theme park experiences and event dates:

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S 2026 EVENT DATES
DATE	EVENT
January 23 - 24	Rock the Universe
February 7 – April 4	Universal Mardi Gras
March 1 – May 31	Butterbeer Season
August 1 – September 1	Back to Hogwarts
August 15 – September 30	Passholder Appreciation Days
August 28 – November 1	Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights
Select Nights this Fall	Dark Arts
November 14 – January 3, 2027	Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Celebrations Continue at Universal CityWalk
Guests can extend their thrills outside the parks with themed events in Universal CityWalk throughout the year - including the Mardi Gras After Party and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s in the spring, special viewings to watch NBC and Peacock’s Super Bowl (February 8) and the Kentucky Derby (May 2) at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, the wildly-popular annual transformations of the Red Coconut Club into the Cursed Coconut Club for Mardi Gras, the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights and the Green & Red Coconut Club for the Holidays – and more.

Plus, Universal CityWalk will host special activities and viewing parties for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Telemundo’s Spanish Language coverage of the FIFA World Cup, a CityWalk Summer Movie Series, a Summer Music Series, and so much more.

Happenings at Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal Orlando hotel guests can enjoy even more seasonal events and offerings at select hotels during their stay, including:

• An Acoustic Brunch every Sunday at The Kitchen in the Hard Rock Hotel, where guests can savor a full brunch buffet and chef-inspired creations while enjoying live music. Reserve now.
• A Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, where guests can enjoy a festive, family-friendly luau and dinner show on Saturday evenings (subject to change). To purchase tickets, click here.
• Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where guests can escape to the Mediterranean and enjoy unlimited gourmet food and wines from the hotel’s restaurants, live music and a traditional opera performance. Harbor Nights will take place on February 13, April 17, October 16 and November 27. To purchase tickets, click here.
• U.S. Hunger Meal Packing in November, where guests can volunteer to help package 555,000 healthy meals for people in need across Central Florida. For more information, click here.
• Velvet Sessions and Velvet Unplugged at Hard Rock Hotel, showcasing live music from legendary artists throughout the year. To purchase tickets, click here.

Special dining will also be available for guests on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve at participating hotels, including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

Additional details about Universal Orlando’s 2026 events and experiences will be released throughout the year. For more information and to begin planning a 2026 Universal Orlando Resort vacation, visit www.universalorlando.com.

#universalorlandoresort #UnivesalOrlando2026 

Source: Universal Orlando Resort

Six Flags Dominates USA TODAY 10Best Awards with Five of 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026!

 Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, is starting the new year with a major win: five of its new rides have been named among the Top 10 Best New Theme Park Attractions of 2026 in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards.

The winners include:

• No. 3: Rapterra, Kings Dominion, Doswell, Va.
• No. 4: Siren’s Curse, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
• No. 5: Wrath of Rakshasa, Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Il.
• No. 6: Top Thrill 2, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
• No. 8: Georgia Gold Rusher, Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Ga.

 

Four additional Six Flags attractions earned nominations, including:

• THE FLASH™: Vertical Velocity, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J.
• Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast, Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.
• Snoopy’s Racing Railway, Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.
• RiverRacers, Kings Island’s Soak City, Mason, Ohio

Nominations from local, regional and destination theme parks were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors. Winners were determined by public vote, making this achievement a true reflection of innovation and excitement in the theme park industry.

“This recognition underscores Six Flags’ commitment to delivering world-class thrills and immersive experiences for our guests,” said John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags. “With nine new attractions earning national acclaim, Six Flags is setting the stage for an unforgettable year of family fun and excitement in 2026.”

 

WHY THESE RIDES STAND OUT

From record-breaking launches and gravity-defying inversions to elaborate theming and family-friendly adventures, Six Flags continues to push the boundaries of entertainment. Debuting in 2025, these celebrated attractions remain top picks for 2026:

• Rapterra: Set amid jungle ruins, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster accelerates riders to 65 mph in just four seconds before sending them through a series of breathtaking aerial maneuvers on the wings of the jungle hawk.

• Siren’s Curse: The tallest, longest and fastest tilt coaster in North America leaves riders suspended face-down before plummeting into a masterfully twisted series of high-speed turns, moments of weightlessness and inversions at speeds reaching 58 mph. The immersive theming and onboard sound heighten the intensity of this captivating experience tied to Lake Erie folklore.

• Wrath of Rakshasa: This dive coaster holds two world records—steepest drop (96°) and most inversions (five). The relentless layout of drops, turns and inversions pays homage to a mythological demon.

• Top Thrill 2: Meet the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata (400-499 feet tall) coaster. This epic thrill machine features a spike that sends riders backward at 101 mph, making it the fastest backward launch in the world. The final launch sends riders blasting at 120 mph to crest the monstrous tower. 

• Georgia Gold Rusher: A modern twist on nostalgic thrills makes this free-spinning gondola coaster stand out among its roller coaster peers. Significant airtime, speeds up to 60 mph, surprising twists and refreshing mists of water from its dramatic fountains deliver fun and refreshment on a hot Atlanta day.
• THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity: North America’s first super boomerang delivers smooth-as-glass forward and backwards launches with dramatic moments of weightlessness, epic hang time and intense twists and inversions.
• Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast: This splashy, interactive Peanuts adventure features a multilevel boat battle where families and friends drench each other with water cannons.
• Snoopy’s Racing Railway: Families join Snoopy on a junior-thrill-level multi-launch coaster that delivers fear-free fun as they zoom from 0 to 31 mph.
• RiverRacers: Ohio’s only side-by-side racing water coaster delivers family-friendly thrills with refreshing water elements.

MORE THRILLS ON THE WAY IN 2026

 

Six Flags has announced four more highly anticipated attractions that will debut in 2026:

 

• Tormenta Rampaging Run, Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas
  • First and only giga-dive coaster in the world, towering at 309 feet
• Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare, Kings Island, Mason, Ohio
  • Interactive dark ride with spellbound flashlights and unforgettable ghostly characters
• Quantum Accelerator, Six Flags New England, Springfield, Mass.
  • Multi-launch family straddle coaster, the first in New England
• Looney Tunes™ Land, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Cal.
  • A fully reimagined themed area for families that will be the new home of the loveable Looney Tunes characters.
• Speedway Stunt Coaster, Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City
  • Hollywood-themed family boomerang (forward-and-backward) coaster

 

"This is only the beginning. In 2026, we’re raising the bar with groundbreaking attractions, immersive experiences and unforgettable events. Spring announcements will showcase how Six Flags is redefining the future of theme park entertainment across North America," Reilly said.

For park calendar, links to tickets and more, visit www.sixflags.com or each park and resort’s website.

Source & Photo: Courtesy of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Turns Up the Volume with the Return of Its Iconic Real Music Series!

Get ready to rock through the decades with music’s fan-favorite hits! Now through February 20, 2026, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay brings back its longest-running concert series—Real Music—packed with all-new music performances and unforgettable sounds six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Guests can experience an electrifying lineup of acclaimed performers delivering timeless hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

Best of all, every show is included with park admission, making it the perfect opportunity to sing along, dance in your seat and create lasting memories with family and friends.

 

This year’s Real Music Series features a dynamic mix of genres, ranging from classic rock and soul to pop and R&B, all performed by celebrated artists who capture the magic of legendary icons. Whether visitors are reliving  their favorite tunes or discovering timeless hits for the first time, these concerts promise an incredible entertainment experience for guests of all ages at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

 

New this year, select Saturdays will feature special performances by iconic rock bands Blue Öyster Cult (January 10) and Village People (January 17), adding an extra jolt of high-energy classic rock to the series.

 

The 2026 All-New Lineup Also Includes:

• Jan. 5–9: Martha Reeves and The Vandellas
• Jan. 12–16: Blood, Sweat & Tears
• Jan. 19–23: Pablo Cruise and Their Hit Songs
• Jan. 26–30: Artimus Pyle Band honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Feb. 2–6: The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
• Feb. 9–13: Revisiting Creedence
• Feb. 16–20: Magic Moments, including original singers Theo Peoples, Joe Coleman and Jerome Jackson performing The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Platters and The Drifters

 

The best way to experience the Real Music Series is with a Busch Gardens Fun Card or Annual Pass. For a limited time, visitors can buy a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get Adventure Island free.  Visitors who choose a 2026 Busch Gardens Fun Card can enjoy award-winning attractions and seasonal events all year long or elevate every visit with an Annual Pass, featuring free parking, exclusive events, added benefits, and no blackout dates.

 

In 2026, Busch Gardens Annual Pass Members will be among the first to experience the all-new Lion and Hyena Ridge, one of the world’s most immersive animal habitats, before it opens to the public in the spring.  

 

For more information, park hours and to view showtimes, guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Guests can follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park details and information.

Source: Busch Gardens Tampa

SeaWorld San Diego’s Limited Time Inside Look Offers All-New Educational Experiences Highlighting Marine Rescue, Research, and Conservation!

 Ever wondered what it takes to be a part of the SeaWorld Rescue Team? Or what happens behind the scenes as animal care experts provide world-class care to marine animals? SeaWorld San Diego invites guests to discover, learn, and be inspired during the return of Inside Look 2026, a special limited-time event offering exclusive access, immersive presentations, and brand-new experiences across two exciting January weekends.

Taking place January 10-11 and January 17-19, Inside Look 2026 combines returning guest favorite talks with an expanded lineup of all-new presentations and interactive opportunities, giving visitors an insider’s perspective on animal rescue, conservation, and the deep connections between SeaWorld’s animals and the dedicated professionals who care for them.

 

What’s New for Inside Look 2026

Guests can enjoy an expanded slate of brand-new experiences, including:

 

ALL-NEW! Visit Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute – Take a trip on the Bayside Skyride and stop at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute! Their team of scientific research experts will greet you and share their commitment to conserving and renewing marine life to ensure a healthier planet. Once your tour stop is complete, you’ll return to SeaWorld via Bayside Skyride. Tour stop takes approximately 15 minutes and runs from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. during Inside Look dates.

 

ALL-NEW! Meet the SeaWorld Rescue Team – Located at Rescue Plaza, this interactive experience runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving guests the chance to meet animal care professionals, lab technicians, and veterinarians who deliver life-saving care to rescued animals year-round.

 

ALL-NEW! Rescue Pals! – Debuting at the Rescue Jr. Stage, this fun, all-new educational presentation introduces guests to Conservation Ambassadors while highlighting animal care, rescue, and SeaWorld’s commitment to protecting wildlife. Guests will see a variety of species up-close including Spike, an alligator and Tater Tot, a capybara.

 

ALL-NEW! Meet our Shark Specialists – Meet SeaWorld’s shark experts near Discoveries Toy Store. Join us from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and learn how they are preparing for the 11 species including sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and the endangered Australian leopard shark coming to the all-new Shark Encounter opening Spring 2026.

 

ALL-NEW! Jewels of the Sea – Aquarist Talk – From 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., guests can explore the beauty and elegance of jellies during this fascinating aquarist-led talk inside the Medusa Gallery at Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience.

 

ALL-NEW! Inside Look Orca Trainer Talk – Join us for a special inside look presentation at Orca Amphitheater at 2:00 p.m. This unique educational experience gives guests an inside look at our orcas and showcases the incredible bond between our trainers and these majestic animals. Connect with the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures like never before – and be part of our mission to protect their home.

 

Returning Favorites and Signature Talks

Inside Look 2026 also brings back beloved guest-favorite experiences, including:

 

Inside Look Connections – Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the SkyTower Lawn as we spotlight local conservation organizations.

 

Otter Trainer Talk – View our sea otters during our Otter Trainer Talk at Wild Arctic. Learn about our California sea otters and the history of SeaWorld San Diego’s rehabilitation of these curious and playful sea otters.

 

Penguin Keeper Talk – Get a look at the fascinating lives of penguins during our Penguin Keeper Talk at Penguin Encounter! Here guests will discover the adaptive traits of these birds, their social dynamics, and the park's commitment to the conservation of penguin species and their habitats in the wild. When not visiting SeaWorld, guests can enjoy the live Penguin Cam, with 24 hours of penguin viewing straight from the Penguin Encounter.

 

Dolphin Trainer Talk – Explore the intelligence and care of dolphins at Dolphin Point. During this educational presentation, guests will learn fascinating facts, behaviors, and the important role SeaWorld’s animal specialists play in providing expert care and enrichment.

 

Sea Lion Trainer Talk – Held after the 3:00 p.m. Flippers, Facts, and Fun: The Sea Lion Experience at Sea Lion & Otter Amphitheater, this trainer talks offers insight into sea lion behavior, care, training, and conservation.

 

Inside Turtle Reef – Watch zoological scuba divers interact with turtles in the reef while educators share information, answer questions, and engage guests with fun games like Rock-Paper-Scissors.

To further enhance their Inside Look experience, guests can pick up an Inside Look passport at the front of the park and visit certain Inside Look locations for a special stamp. Once complete, bring the completed passport back to The Whale Shop to receive a special prize (while supplies last).

 

New to SeaWorld San Diego? Take advantage of savings up to 60% on tickets, or grab a pass for up to 35% off and enjoy a full lineup of incredible events like Inside Look. Event times are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

 

For more information about Inside Look, park hours/schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest event details and information.

Source: Seaworld San Diego

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s First Destination Outside North America, is Now Officially Open!

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and globe. The debut marks Six Flags Entertainment’s first theme park designed and built outside North America. The trailblazing new park blends immersive entertainment with innovative technology across its six themed lands.

Qiddiya City is the world’s first global destination built entirely upon the “Power of Play.” Located at the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this vibrant city, once complete, will bring world-class entertainment, sports and cultural experiences together in a way never seen before.

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Qiddiya City’s inaugural entertainment development, brings next-level thrills and unforgettable experiences to families, friends and adventure-seekers from across the Kingdom and beyond. It features 28 rides and attractions including record-breaking experiences, such as:

• Falcons Flight - the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster
• Iron Rattler - the world’s tallest tilt coaster
• Spitfire - the world’s tallest inverting coaster

"Six Flags is proud to announce the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, a landmark project that will redefine entertainment in the region. This world-class destination combines cutting-edge, record-breaking attractions, immersive experiences for all ages, and the signature thrills that have made Six Flags a global leader. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and beyond to experience the future of fun at Qiddiya City,” said John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

With 18 rides specially designed for families and younger entertainment-seekers, the park ensures entertainment for all generations. Guests can also look forward to a variety of international dining options, along with retail outlets offering exclusive Six Flags merchandise and souvenirs.

Adult ticket prices start from $85 USD, children’s ticket prices start from $70 USD, and kids under the age of 4 enjoy free admission. Pricing is inclusive of all rides, while guests can also enhance their visit with the Unlimited GoFast Pass offering priority access for select rides.

Full ticketing, directions and other theme park details can be found at www.SixFlagsQiddiyaCity.com. The theme park is designed to be accessible to all guests, including individuals with special needs and their companions, ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone. Discounted tickets for these guests are available for purchase exclusively at the park with prices starting from $20 USD.

Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation