Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show Combines Thrilling Family Feud, Delicious Food!

A new year is here, and one thing that will stay the same in 2026 is the hijinks, humor and hilarity at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Returning for a 15^th year, guests to the Smokies are in for a night of entertainment with the combination of a mountain of delicious food, a longstanding family feud and so much more that this fun-filled dinner show provides.

Guests will take sides with either the Hatfield or McCoy family and become part of one of the longest-running feuds in history. The two-hour journey starts with a delicious four-course feast and continues with side-splitting comedy for all ages, musical acts with sensational singing, dancing and mountain clogging and some “explosive” stunts that give the show a true bang!

 

The talents and antics of these two families are aided by the town sheriff and mayor. They keep guests entertained in an adventure that includes competitions and stunts on the “mountainside” and in the 24-foot-deep swimming hole that is part of the show set. The Hatfields and McCoys even “stomp” out some entertainment for the audience when they find themselves “flooded” with an interesting water situation, and they duel on banjoes, by clogging, with mops, having their dogs perform dives, and even bringing in Lil Hickory the pig to decide which crazy comedic clan is the best in the Smokies.

 

This feudin’ family fun not only guarantees laughter, but everyone is sure to have a full stomach! That’s because the experience has an all-you-can-eat meal served up with all the best Southern favorites. The meal begins with Southern style creamy soup and hot bread. Next, country classics like fried chicken, open pit pulled pork barbeque, mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob and coleslaw are served. A specialty dessert and tea or coffee complete the meal.

 

From the beginning, the feud is action packed with “battles” of music, dancing and dozens of imaginative diving stunts. Guests will be amazed as the stage features dancing one minute and then transforms into a water stage equipped with boats and diving boards. The audience even becomes part of the feud by taking part in competitions set at the Sevier County Fair.

 

“We don’t let anything interrupt the fun, feudin’ and food at our show, not even the calendar turning over to a new year,” said David Major, Corporate Director at Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. “The cast pours their heart, soul and silliness into every performance, and our audiences love becoming part of our ‘feudin’ family’ and creating memories that will have them laughing long after the show is over.”

 

Show times and reservations are available by visiting hatfieldmccoydinnerfeud.com.  Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud offers shows throughout January five nights a week with daily shows starting January 29.

Source: Dollywood / Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud

Six Flags Expands Offering of Coast-to-Coast Grad Nite Celebrations in 2026!

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, will host spring Grad Nite events in major cities nationwide that offer unforgettable celebrations for graduating middle and high school students. In 2026, Knott’s Berry Farm and Carowinds will join the lineup with new offerings. These private events give students the chance to laugh, bond and celebrate their scholastic achievements with friends in an amusement park reserved exclusively for them.

Grad Nite features dance parties, dining, games, thrilling rides and more, creating unique experiences that are close to home and more cost effective than a destination graduation trip. Many Six Flags parks have hosted successful Grad Nite events for more than a decade.

“Graduation is a time to celebrate achievements and friendships,” said Trent Turner, vice president of marketing and sales for Six Flags. “Grad Nite provides a secure and festive environment, a chance for students to be together enjoying the ultimate adventure before they turn the page to begin a new chapter.”

 

Schools are encouraged to sign up now to secure their spots for these popular events.

 

2026 SIX FLAGS GRAD NITE SCHEDULE

East Coast:

• Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C. – NEW for 2026

• Friday, May 1

• Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, Ga.

• Friday, May 1

• Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J.

• Friday, June 5

Illinois:

• Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Il.
  • April 24
  • May 9
  • May 16

Texas:

• Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, Texas

• Friday, May 8

• Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio, Texas

• Thursday, May 14

California:

• Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, Ca. – NEW for 2026

• Junior Grad Nite: Thursday, May 14
• Senior Grad Nite: Thursday, May 28
• Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Ca.
• Junior Grad Nite: May 8, May 22
• Senior Grad Nite: May 15, May 29

School administrators can learn more and register at https://sixflags.com/grad-nite.

Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation 

Milestone Reached: Six Flags Over Texas Completes the World’s Tallest Immelmann Inversion as Construction Continues on Tormenta Rampaging Run, the World’s First Giga Dive Coaster!

The Immelmann Inversion of Tormenta Rampaging Run, the world’s tallest, fastest, longest and first-ever giga (300+-foot-tall) dive coaster, was completed yesterday evening. Upon reaching the top of the already completed 309-foot lift hill, riders will be held atop just long enough to catch their breaths before diving over the edge and down the 285-feet beyond vertical drop, which immediately then will send riders through the 218-feet Immelmann inversion at 87 mph. This thrilling upside down element is one of Tormenta’s six record breakers – tallest roller coaster Immelmann inversion in the world.  

Before the Immelmann was used to thrill theme park guests, it was used by aerobatic combat pilots in World War I. The maneuver was created by German pilot Max Immelmann to escape enemy fire by performing an ascending half-loop followed by a half-roll at the top, ending the opposite direction of the enemy. 

Once open, Tormenta Rampaging Run will take history by the horns as the record-breaking, adrenaline-pumping roller coaster that will redefine the thrill-seeker experience while changing the city’s skyline in 2026. The coaster is complete with exhilarating drops and sharp turns that will trample six monumental world records.   

 

World Record-Breaking Features of Tormenta Rampaging Run: 

• Tallest Dive Coaster: Soaring to an epic height of 309 feet, Tormenta Rampaging Run will give riders a heart-stopping view of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area before plunging them into a high-speed descent. 

• Fastest Dive Coaster: Reaching a thrilling speed of 87 mph, Tormenta Rampaging Run will be the fastest dive coaster on the planet, ensuring an experience that delivers pure excitement from the first moment to the last. 

• Longest Dive Coaster: Spanning 4,199 feet, this ride will offer an extended journey full of airtime (weightless) moments, sharp turns and exhilarating drops that will make riders feel like they are bull runners. 

• Tallest Vertical Coaster Loop: At 179 feet, the loop on this coaster will be the highest of any coaster, of any type, in the world. 

• Highest Immelmann Inversion: Being upside down at 218 feet will become a must for thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world. 

• Highest 95-Degree Beyond Vertical Drop: Without warning, the train will release, dropping riders a record 285 feet down at a beyond-vertical 95 degrees. 

 

Six Flags Over Texas 65th Anniversary 

The 2026 opening of this multi-record-breaking roller coaster will be part of an important milestone for Six Flags Over Texas as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. When Six Flags Over Texas opened on Aug. 1, 1961, it marked a new era in family entertainment and set a precedent for future parks. The 65th commemoration will feature new entertainment and food and beverage, ride enhancements, park beautification initiatives and more, making it a historic celebration worthy of the first Six Flags’ original park that started it all. 

 

The park will reopen for the season Saturday, Feb. 28. For more information about season passes and upcoming events, visit sixflags.com/overtexas. 

#dropthegate #SFOT2026 #tormenta #rollercoasters #steelcoasters #BandM #sixflags #sixflagsovertexas

Source: Six Flags over Texas

SeaWorld Orlando Kicks Off the Year with High-Energy Fun for Kids During Just for Kids Weekend — Plus Elmo’s Birthday Bash!

SeaWorld Orlando is kicking off the new year with a celebration designed just for kids, bringing high-energy entertainment, character fun, and interactive experiences to the park during Just for Kids Weekend, January 24–25. The fun continues with a special one-day Elmo’s Birthday Celebration on February 3, turning Sesame Street Land into a full-on birthday bash for one of the world’s most beloved furry friends.

From lively DJs and dance parties to parades, character encounters, and everyday hero-inspired fun, Just for Kids Weekend transforms SeaWorld Orlando into a playful, kid-powered takeover, all included with park admission.

Just for Kids Weekend
The fun kicks off in Sesame Street Land from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring lively offerings such as:

 

• Sesame Street Party Parade | Move to the beat during the coolest party on wheels and celebrate with your favorite furry friends at the Sesame Street Party Parade.
• Meet Mr. Snuffleupagus | A fan-favorite joins the celebration! Guests can meet Mr. Snuffleupagus in Sesame Street Land during Just for Kids Weekend all the way through February 3, for photos and unforgettable moments at select times during the day.
• Bubble-bration Dance Party | Dance, sing, and groove during this interactive DJ-led dance party at Sharks Plaza, happening at select times throughout the day.
• Live DJs, Performers & Dancers | High-energy music and roaming performers keep the party going all day long.
• Family Craft Station | Kids can get creative with hands-on crafts designed for all ages, making an origami-inspired rescue boat.
• Meet Shamu & Crew | Guests can snap photos with Shamu and friends dressed in special everyday hero looks, celebrating firefighters, first responders, rescue teams, and more. This fun photo opportunity is located at the Front Gate Area and is available at select times during the day.
• Rescue & Response Vehicle Displays | From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., families can explore a special display of real rescue and response vehicles throughout the park, offering an up-close look at the everyday heroes who help keep our communities safe. Vehicle availability may vary, as some may be called away to support active response efforts.
• Breakfast with Elmo & Friends | Guests can kick off the day with a separately ticketed character breakfast at Seafire Grill beginning at 9 a.m.

 

Elmo’s Birthday Celebration

Guests can keep the party going with Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, included with park admission. Guests can take part in Sesame Street character meet-and-greets, a family-friendly DJ dance party, photo opportunities with Elmo and friends, and more surprises in select locations around Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld, including:

 

• Elmo’s Birthday Storytime & Sing-Along | Gather for a special birthday story with Elmo and friends, then follow the fun as the celebration continues with a cheerful “Happy Birthday” sing-along on the 123 Stoop in the Sesame Street Neighborhood.
• Birthday Photo Opportunities | Meet Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and more for special birthday photos throughout the day. Plus, a fan-favorite makes a special appearance! Guests can meet Mr. Snuffleupagus in Sesame Street Land for photos throughout the day.

Kids 5 and under can enjoy Just for Kids Weekend, Elmo’s Birthday Celebration, and more with FREE admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando by using the 2026 Preschool Card. This card provides unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando through the 2026 season to Florida preschool children ages 3 to 5. Registration for the SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card is now open for a limited time. Registration for the 2026 SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card ends on February 3, 2026. The first visit must be completed by March 1, 2026. Once activated, the Preschool Card provides admission through December 31, 2026, ensuring a full year of fun and excitement.

 

For more information regarding the 2026 SeaWorld Orlando + Aquatica Orlando Preschool Card, visit https://seaworld.com/orlando/tickets/preschool-free-admission/.

 

Best Way to Play 

One of the best ways for guests to experience SeaWorld Orlando’s Just For Kids Weekend is with an Annual Pass. For a limited time, guests can save up to 35% on Annual Passes. With an Annual Pass, guests will enjoy 365 days of visits with special benefits like FREE parking, FREE guest tickets, access to special VIP events, savings on merchandise and more, all with no reservations! Some restrictions and blackout dates apply. Annual Passes and Fun Cards can be purchased at SeaWorldOrlando.com.    

Source: Seaworld Orlando

Hershey to Debut New Destination Experiences Throughout 2026!

One of the country’s most iconic destinations, Hershey, Pa., will debut a new hotel, a new restaurant, a water park enhancement, upgrades to a historic live entertainment venue and patriotic summer celebrations at Hersheypark during its 120th operating year. 

Centrally located within driving distance of five of the largest metropolitan areas in the Northeast, Hershey offers guests a unique blend of fun and chocolate with attractions that can only be found in The Sweetest Place On Earth, as envisioned by founder Milton S. Hershey. 

New Hotel Joins The Official Resorts of Hersheypark - Spring 2026

Hershey Inn & Suites, a new select service hotel, is now accepting reservations ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Hershey Inn & Suites will be the first select-service property as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, joining The Hotel Hershey luxury accommodation, Hershey Lodge family resort and Hersheypark Camping Resort campground as unique lodging options for guests in The Sweetest Place On Earth.

The new four-story property will feature 130 rooms, including seven suites, and amenities like complimentary hot breakfast, a lobby bar, grab-and-go snacks in the lobby marketplace, an arcade, a fitness center and an indoor pool open year-round. Family suites accommodate a group of six and feature a first-of-its-kind room type for a Hersheypark property with bunk beds, one queen bed, a full sleeper sofa and a separate living space.

Just minutes away from the world-class amusement park, the hotel will feature a modern design for families, couples and business travelers visiting Hershey, Pa., with unique perks exclusive to resort guests. Guests of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark receive Free Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, extra morning and evening hours at Hersheypark, front gate shuttle service to an exclusive resort drop-off location, destination activities and more. For more information, visit www.HersheyInnAndSuites.com.

New Restaurant Celebrates Destination Offerings - Spring 2026

Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar will also open in spring 2026, located near the iconic corner of Cocoa and Chocolate Avenue in downtown Hershey. Hershey Social will bring bold flavors, shareable apps, savory entrees, signature cocktails and over-the-top desserts inspired by Hershey’s chocolate roots to the vibrant downtown area. The reimagined space will feature a casual setting and an expanded bar, perfect for families and friends to sip, savor and socialize. The new restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. 

Hershey Social Restaurant + Bar will join 14 other restaurants in the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company portfolio throughout Hershey. For more information, visit www.HersheyPA.com/things-to-do/dining/hershey-social/. 

Hersheypark Water Park Enhancements - Summer 2026

Hersheypark, the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, will kick off its 120th season on April 3, 2026. Guests can enjoy four distinct seasonal events, including a sweet summer showcasing new water play areas in The Boardwalk At Hersheypark water park. 

Located within the 121-acre Hersheypark, the existing Bayside Pier area in the water park will also feature two new water play areas boasting 45 aquatic elements for summer 2026: 

• A new shade-filled play zone, The Inlet at Bayside Pier, will feature water-spouting dolphins and fish, and whimsical water spray features.

• The Island at Bayside Pier will debut towering 10-foot-tall palm trees that tip buckets of refreshing water. 

Both new areas will feature rubberized decking for additional guest comfort, allowing guests to sit and splash under shaded canopies. The new open design will also allow families to seamlessly flow between other water attractions and cool off faster with access to the abundant water features. 

Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, The Boardwalk At Hersheypark features 17 attractions and one million gallons of water—from thrilling water slides and a water coaster to a lazy river for relaxation seekers and zero-depth entry areas for the youngest water lovers. Designed to honor the iconic boardwalks of the East Coast, The Boardwalk water park is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark, offering three experiences in one for guests of all ages to cool off during the summer. To learn more, visit www.hersheypark.com/things-to-do/rides-and-attractions/bayside-pier-inlet-island.

America 250 Summer Celebration - June to July 2026

This summer, Hersheypark will host themed activities to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with special entertainment, ride overlays and fireworks, with more details to be shared this spring.

Live Entertainment in Hershey - Summer 2026

Also this summer, Hersheypark Stadium will again host the Summer Concert Series with acts from Guns ‘N Roses and Chris Stapleton to Forrest Frank and Pitbull. New for summer 2026, an additional Premium Viewing Deck (the second for the historic Stadium) will allow guests premium seating, access to exclusive food and beverage options, a dedicated restroom and designated parking and entrance. 

Hersheypark Stadium is also undergoing a construction project to improve back-of-house areas, including dressing rooms and loading zones to better accommodate tour production needs for future world-class entertainers. 

Nearby at GIANT Center indoor arena, Meghan Trainor, Khalid, 5 Seconds of Summer, Josh Groban with special guest Jennifer Hudson, and James Taylor will also make tour stops in Hershey this summer. More show announcements will be shared at www.HersheyEntertainment.com.

Best Price Offers

 Hersheypark today launched the Best Price Of Summer on 1-Day and 2-Day Any Day Hersheypark tickets and getaways to The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, plus the Best Price Of The Year on Hersheypark Season Passes for unlimited visits. To view all offers on Hersheypark Happy and to plan early and save, visit www.Hersheypark.com. 

Building on a Sweet 2025

These additions continue the momentum of 2025 as the destination debuted a record-setting ride at Hersheypark, opened a new restaurant honoring the unique history of The Hotel Hershey and doubled the number of luxury accommodations available at The Villas At The Hotel Hershey. 

1933 Restaurant & Tavern, a full-service restaurant and tavern at The Hotel Hershey, opened in April with an approachable steakhouse menu, elevated pub fare, signature cocktails, and curated draught beer and wine selections. The restaurant’s name, 1933 Restaurant & Tavern, pays tribute to the grand opening year of The Hotel Hershey. Entry artwork honors this legacy with historical photos from 1933 and a cocktail menu celebrates the end of Prohibition, which occurred the same year. 

Twizzlers Twisted Gravity attraction opened in May at Hersheypark as the tallest Screamin’ Swing in the world. Riders ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments as they swing high above Spring Creek in The Hollow region of Hersheypark.

In late summer, The Hotel Hershey completed a historic expansion of luxury accommodations at The Villas At The Hotel Hershey as 19 Villas now offer guests 98 new luxury rooms. Representing the second-largest investment in the historic Hotel Hershey’s 90-year history, The Villas At The Hotel Hershey offers even more luxury as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark and the most premium Hersheypark experiences. During a stay at The Villas, guests are welcomed into a private luxury experience. Nestled in a secluded setting with views of Blue Mountain, Villas guests have access to the exclusive Villas Concierge Lounge with complimentary food and exclusive activities, and perks including daily Hersheypark tickets on Park operating days and a One-Day Fast Track pass. 

Background on the Town Built On Chocolate

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a small town rooted in the world's love of chocolate and the philanthropy of Milton S. Hershey. Mr. Hershey dreamed of making chocolate affordable for everyone. In pursuit of that vision, he created a beautiful town for his employees that caught the nation’s attention. Hershey was filled with a modern chocolate factory, homes, schools, businesses, and 150 acres of community leisure grounds that would later evolve into a world-class family amusement park. Home of the Great American chocolate bar, Hershey attracts millions of visitors each year.

Over a century later, Hershey is now home to Hersheypark amusement park, a North American zoo, four distinctly Hershey resorts, live concerts and shows, delicious dining options, and of course, chocolate around every corner. Even sweeter - Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School in its mission of helping students lead fulfilling and productive lives - just as Mr. Hershey intended. Learn more at mhskids.org.

Source: Hersheypark