The TEA Rankings are Out of for the Top 25 Theme Parks Worldwide and Almost Half are in Asia

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Super Nintendo World Sign at Universal Studios Japan
Super Nintendo World Sign at Universal Studios Japan

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) is a international non-profitwho releases a free annual report about the leisure and travel sectors including the theme park industry. The 2024 TEA Global Experience Index™ is out and the results show that Asia is a growing theme park powerhouse with 12 of the top 25 theme parks by attendance. It’s not uncommon for enthusiasts to travel internationally these days, but most seem to travel to Europe, not Asia. Most of the Asian parks in the top 10 are in Japan including #3 Universal Studios Japan, #4 Tokyo Disneyland and #7 Tokyo DisneySea, but you’ll also find several parks in China and two in South Korea. However, this report shows that if you’ve never visited a park in Asia you’re missing almost half of the top 25 parks in the world.

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Fort Collins Old Town was the Inspiration for Disney Main Street USA

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Did you know that a town in Colorado served as the model for Disneyland’s (and the Magic Kingdom’s) Main Street USA? Fort Collins proudly embraces this heritage and it’s all because of Imagineer Harper Goff who was born in Fort Collins. Main Street USA also draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s hometown, Marceline, Missouri but the similarities to Fort Collins are uncanny. In fact records show that Goff went back to Fort Collins in the 1950’s explicitly for the purpose of building Main Street USA in the future Disneyland park. You can see in the pictures above many commonalities from the trolley all the way down to the look of the street lights.

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

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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

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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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SeaWorld Orlando Offering “ASL Saturdays” with Sign Language Interpretation of Their Shows

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SeaWorld Orlando ASL Saturdays Logo
SeaWorld Orlando ASL Saturdays Logo (Courtesy of SeaWorld)

SeaWorld Orlando is now offering ASL Saturdays, occurring on the 1st Saturday of each month, providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services for guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This is being done in partnership with the American Sign Language Services (ASLS) so guests can enjoy seamless access to SeaWorld’s popular shows and attractions with live ASL interpreters. This would include exciting animal presentations or the park’s spectacular performances such as their summer Xceleration: Cirque Show.

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5K Hero Run & Walk at Six Flags Over Georgia on November 22, 2025 as part of DC Heroes Fest

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DC Heroes Fest Logo for Six Flags Over Georgia
DC Heroes Fest Logo for Six Flags Over Georgia (Courtesy of Six Flags)

Six Flags Over Georgia is hosting a 5k on November 22, 2025 as part of its new DC Heroes Fest event. Runners will take their mark for a 9 a.m. start as they proceed through and around Six Flags Over Georgia, giving participants exclusive access and viewpoints of the park and their favorite attractions. Registration for runners is $35, and spectator tickets are also available for $33. Both 5k ticket types include parking, admission and early ride time on attractions in the GOTHAM CITY™ section of the park. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Cobb Police Athletic League, whose mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of young people ages 4-18.

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SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep Suspended Dark Ride Coming to SeaWorld Orlando in 2026

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Vekoma suspended dark ride concept art
Vekoma suspended dark ride concept art (courtesy of Vekoma)

SeaWorld has announced a new indoor ride for the second consecutive year with the suspended dark ride, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep. This is not a suspended coaster, but a powered suspended dark ride. Based on permits and activity at the park it appears to be headed to a parking lot behind the Ports of Call ballroom near Expedition Odyssey. The ride will be themed to a submarine taking an underwater voyage.

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What will Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom be Like? It Looks Like a Near Clone of Dragonflier at Dollywood, but That’s Not a Bad Thing.

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Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom Concept Art
Flying Fox at Kentucky Kingdom Concept Art

Kentucky Kingdon has announced its new suspended family coaster for 2026, Flying Fox by Vekoma. The theming on this ride looks great with a Kentucky farmland setting complete with the queue in a barn. The ride looks great and nearly identical to Dragonflier at Dollywood, but that’s not a bad thing as Dragonflier is a great ride! The specs are also sear identical with Flying Fox being 65 feet tall with 1,380 feet of track at 37 mph over 63 seconds while Dragonflier is 63 feet tall with 1,486 feet of track at 47 mph over 60 seconds. It’s not a clone, but so similar that Kentucky Kingdom actually used stock footage of Dragonflier in the Flying Fox promo video. Here’s the the description the park has provided about it:

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Six Flags Could See Boost in 2026 with Release of “Coyote vs. Acme” Movie Starring John Cena

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Looney Toons characters at Christmas at Six Flags Over Georgia

There is a new movie coming out in 2026 featuring the Looney Tunes characters which are a prominent license of Six Flags. Although it is entitles “Coyote vs. Acme”, it features other iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny. The movie stars John Cena who is red hot right now with his WWE retirement tour, “Peacekeeper” show and new Amazon movie “Head of State”. This can only be good for Six Flags as anything that brings attention to an IP in your park can generate visits and merchandise sales.

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Fright Fest, Oktoberfest, Kids Boo Fest and New Heroes Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia this Fall

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Hearse at Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest

It’s ‘fest” season and Six Flags Over Georgia and that means Fright Fest, Kids Boo Fest and Oktoberfest. Also, a new event called Heroes Fest will debut Nov. 9, celebrating both comic book icons and real-life community heroes. One can argue that fall is the best time to visit a theme park between the weather and the extra attractions available!

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