Will SeaWorld and Busch Gardens End Ticket Fees?

If you’ve bought tickets or passes for SeaWorld or Busch Gardens online you may have noticed a service fee on top of the price and taxes. The fee is about 10% the website says it “covers costs such as credit card processing and fraud prevention”. This fee is part of a new lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts, Inc., parent company of SeaWorld Parks and Busch Gardens. The lawsuit accuses SeaWorld of using ‘bait-and-switch’ tactics by hiding extra fees until the final checkout stage of online ticket purchases, leading consumers to pay more than expected. 

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On Christmas Eve I got a Credit on a Runaway Train!

Runaway Train Roller Coaster

We attended the Lights of Life, a well known light display at Life University in Marietta, GA near Atlanta and they had a roller coaster. In addition to lights they also have a parking area with attractions that this year included a kiddie roller coaster called Runaway Train. It was the most simple coaster you could possibly imagine, but a true coaster nonetheless and the best surprise Christmas Eve gift.

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Splashville Water Park Coming to Bartow County in Cartersville, Georgia in May of 2026

Bartow County is getting a new water park in 2026 called Splashville. This apparent name was announced through it being featured on the Bartow County Parks & Recreation float during the Cartersville, Georgia Christmas parade. The water park construction has been underway for some time adjacent to the new indoor gym facility, but the name and May 2026 opening date were new. The name is a play on Cartersville where it is located in the Hamilton Crossing area of town.

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Teachers, Healthcare Workers, Military Personnel, Veterans and First Responders Get Free Six Flags Over Georgia Tickets as Local Heroes

If you’re a teacher, work in healthcare, are in in the military, a veterans or a first responder you can get a free ticket this month (November 2025) to Six Flags Over Georgia as part of their DC Heroes Fest. These local heroes may also purchase up to six (6) friends and family tickets for $19.99 each. Free and discounted tickets can be can be obtained in person on the day of their visit with Applicable ID. During DC Heroes Fest guests can enjoy special live performances, face painting, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, exclusive character meet-and-greets and their favorite rides. All the information and rules can be found at https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/events/DC-heroes-fest.

The Strange History of Carousels

The over 100 year old carousel at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park (Lake Winnie)
The over 100 year old carousel at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park (Lake Winnie)

The carousel, also known as a merry-go-round, is found in almost every theme park and amusement park. It has a rich history that dates back several centuries, but you might be surprised to learn that prior to being used for entertainment it was used for training for battle! The fact that the most common carousel uses horses is no accident as the carousel’s origins can be traced to medieval jousting traditions in Europe and the Middle East. During this time riders practiced spearing rings while galloping in circles—a game called “carosella,” meaning “little war” in Italian. The term “grab the brass ring”, where riders could grab a ring from a dispenser for a prize (highly unsafe to think about doing today), was based on this practice.

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