Latest news with #themeparks
Al Bawaba
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Introducing Yas Island Summer Camp
Yas Island's award-winning theme parks is thrilled to announce the launch of its all-new Yas Island Summer Camp, a unique experience set to redefine the summer break for children. Taking place from July 7 to August 22, the camp runs Monday to Friday from 9:00AM to 2:00PM, inviting children to dive into five days of immersive, educational and high-energy experiences across the island's world-renowned theme parks. Fusing excitement with enrichment, the Yas Island Summer Camp is where thrill meets curiosity – empowering young minds to explore science, storytelling, marine biology and physics through unforgettable hands-on adventures. Registration is now open for families looking to make the most of into Innovation at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu DhabiCampers at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will race into a world of speed, creativity and collaboration. The adventure begins with exciting team challenges that spark new friendships, followed by a high-energy scavenger hunt packed with clues and surprises. Young innovators can also unleash their imagination by designing their dream thrill rides and roller coasters with loops and twists to boot, while exploring competitive gaming at the Ferrari World Esports Arena. The day continues with live action shows and dazzling performances, complete with special meet-and-greets with the stars. To recharge, young racers will be treated to delicious Italian-inspired lunches to keep them fueled daily for more of Discovery at Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu DhabiAt Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, campers will dive into a world of aquatic fun and cultural exploration. The day kicks off with an energetic Splash and Match pairing game that builds teamwork and getting to know fellow campers, followed by a splash-filled rotation of thrilling slides and water-based challenges. Creativity flows as campers imagine and sketch their water-inspired attractions, blending play with artistic expression. As the adventure winds down, children will take part in Pearl of the Past, a cultural session where campers discover treasures hidden within pearl shells and learn about the UAE's rich maritime heritage. Midway through the action, refreshing drinks and tasty kid-friendly meals will keep energy levels high and spirits even Heroes Take Center Stage at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu DhabiOver at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, children will step into a world filled with superheroes and storytelling. Campers start their superhero journey with a lively superhero-themed icebreaker featuring silent charades, then become junior detectives as they follow clues and uncover secrets throughout the park. From experiencing thrilling attractions to discovering how art and stories shape extraordinary adventures, inspiration awaits at every turn. In addition, a delicious lunch keeps young imaginations energized for the rest of their journey. Campers will also get to craft their superhero masks and capes, before wrapping up with a special live stage show featuring beloved DC Super Hero characters and special meet-and-greets for lasting Wonders Await at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu DhabiAt SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, campers will dive headfirst into an educational ocean and marine life adventure. The day begins with an energetic game that brings everyone together, followed by interactive movement sessions inspired by marine life, blending play with discovery. Throughout the day, campers take part in thoughtfully designed activities suited to their age and interests, from crafting ocean-themed board games to creating colorful fish adapted to unique ecosystems using repurposed materials. The excitement and learning continue with unforgettable animal encounters, where young explorers will get to feed rays and sea lions, meet the gentle rescued dugong Malquot, and explore the vibrant marine life within tide pools. Moreover, campers will pause for a scrumptious lunch, keeping their curiosity sharp and energy levels high for more ocean-inspired Adventures at CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu DhabiChildren heading to CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi will embark on a day centered around confidence-building. It all begins with an energizing warm-up activity to spark enthusiasm, followed by an Aero Adventure, where first-hand experiments combine fun with flight-science. Campers then take on the thrill of flying in the world's biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber, mastering balance and control. Building on that momentum, campers will reach new heights as they take on indoor climbing walls designed for all skill levels, developing strength, agility and focus with each ascent. Between activities, campers recharge with an energizing lunch, perfect for sharing stories and celebrating their achievements. The experience wraps up with a breathtaking flight showcase by professional flyers that is sure to leave a lasting enriching programs tailored to every interest, Yas Island Summer Camp is the most complete summer experience for families. It's not just a camp – it's a place where thrill inspires discovery. Parents are encouraged to explore the variety of camps and secure their children's spots early for a summer they will never Theme Parks will offer seven consecutive summer camp rounds from July 7 to August 22, from Mondays to Fridays 9 AM – 2 PM. Young campers can expect to receive a camper pack, including a bag, notebook, pen and water bottle and a camper T-shirt along with a daily lunch!
Forbes
17 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Disney Bubble Has Lost Its Magic
A visit to Disney World wasn't on my vacation list since I went as a wide-eyed 10 year-old. But it became a reality when The Magic of Disney The Daily Skimm my niece requested a full-circle trip to celebrate her high school graduation—a way to put a bow (or mouse ears) on her childhood. This time, we were doing it differently: a full week, one day per park, fully immersed in the famed Disney Bubble. But after a week of exploring Disney World, the most glaring issue became clear: Disney has disconnected value from experience and has siloed its theme parks from the rest of its ecosystem. The consumer hasn't made that same separation—and it's costing Disney more than it realizes. As a CX geek, I was excited to experience what many hail as the gold standard of consumer-centric, pixie-dust-sprinkled wonderlands. Instead, I found a collection of aging parks cutting corners, missing opportunities to delight, and filled with unpleasant surprises. Walt would not be pleased. What made this realization even more disheartening was seeing the crowds—people of all ages and backgrounds still pouring into the parks, chasing a fairytale vacation and memories to last a lifetime, despite the economic realities. These were guests seeking IRL magic, prepared to walk thousands of steps a day and endure lines longer than the wait for an Amazon delivery, all for a two-minute ride. I expected better from Disney. As people didn't miss a chance to cos-play their favorite Disney character in fashion and drop even more money across the myriad of shopping touch points, the park was more focused on taking than giving. This isn't how the Disney promise was conceived. Disney has a dedicated team—Yellow Shoes—focused on guest experience. Scattered throughout the parks are helpful guest experience concierges with limited ability and zero data to truly help service a guest. (Minus actual yellow shoes - ala Mickey!). Value And Experience Are Inextricably Linked This disconnection includes how employees are treated. Cast members—who are often the way fantasy and story come to life for guests—should be abundant and frequently in sight versus a rare sighting with long lines for meet and greets. All employees are the frontline of value delivery. And yet, numerous recent reports highlight low wages, with some cast members so desperate to work for Disney that they live in their cars. That lopsided equation inevitably trickles down to the guest experience. It felt like little thought was being given to how to uphold Disney's promise to continuously exceed expectations. Many rides were out of order, under renovation, or simply felt outdated. Value creation isn't just about pricing—it's about delivering an experience that aligns with brand promise and consumer expectation. For long-term success, customer expectation must be built back into the brand strategy. Disney As An Omni-Entertainment Platform And Ecosystem Looking ahead, imagine what's possible if Disney fully embraced an agentic AI suite integrated with its CRM—anticipating needs, solving problems in real time, and delivering personalized magic at scale. That would be the Disney Bubble reimagined. I found myself asking: If Netflix had theme parks, how would they operate? The answer is clear—through data. Netflix excels by cultivating a deep, dynamic relationship with its users through superior data intelligence. Disney could do the same, leveraging cross-channel knowledge to elevate guest experiences. Data should be treated as a superpower—a strategic asset to guide decisions, tailor offerings, and unlock long-term competitive advantage. To thrive, Disney 2.0 needs a new operating model that aligns with the evolving expectations of modern consumers. This model must be powered by data, AI and machine learning—tools that can enhance service, personalize experiences, and fuel product innovation. With a vast content library and beloved IP, Disney has the assets. The question is: can it build the systems? Can it unite divisions focused on content, media networks, studio entertainment with parks, resorts and consumer products? Imagine Disney as a truly data-driven company, moving with next-gen speed and agility without sacrificing quality. That vision is critical as the company enters emerging markets like Abu Dhabi, where the bar for immersive, tech-driven experiences will be sky-high. Disney is at a crossroads—either a cautionary tale or the blueprint for a fairytale future. There's much to learn from what they've gotten right, what they're getting wrong, and how they choose to evolve. Because if Disney doesn't reimagine its magic, someone else will. MrBeast—yes, the YouTube megastar—is already 'imagineering' his own next-generation media and consumer products empire. Beast Industries is pitching investors on a diversified entertainment universe fueled by wildly successful IP and a digital-native audience. Disney still has time. But the bubble, as it stands, has burst.
Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Times
10 ideas for a fantastic family summer
Adventure golf, the world's largest ice cream shop and white knuckle water rides – plus one of the top ten theme parks in Europe (spoiler: it's in Yorkshire) Caption here pls... Happy kids and their parents eating donuts and having fun during family meal on a terrace Summer: a time for fun in the sun, when new family memories are made. But for parents, also a headache of planning, spending and weather watching. If you ' re looking for new ways to keep children and teens amused, this checklist features ten top ideas, providers and services to inspire how you spend the coming months with your loved ones. Why not take on an Olympian rafting challenge, swing out on a mini golf course or follow a path into an 'enchanted forest' for woodland adventures? Or how about a trip to the world ' s largest ice cream shop? Still contemplating a family-friendly getaway that has everything the kids could want, without compromising on luxury and service for the grown-ups? Read on for brilliant break ideas. And, because everyday life is filled with all kinds of demands, there are also organisations offering carefully crafted meal plans, planet-friendly sun cream and, as the new school year approaches, a school with creative ways to keep learning well and truly pupil centred. A small independent school in Llandudno, St David ' s College helps children reach their personal goals in a nurturing, non-selective educational environment. With specialisms in dyslexia and SEN support, St David ' s College ' s motto is 'freedom to flourish'. It follows this through across the curriculum, enabling academic achievement with tailored learning plans, offering one to one support where needed, and working with families to create a true sense of community. Sport is key, including a Level 2 BTEC in sport for Years 10 and 11, a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in the sixth form, and an excellent record of pupils progressing to higher education in sports science. Currently, two pupils are also shortlisted for Junior Sportswoman of the Year. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the school for boarding and day pupils is offering a new scholarship scheme, with 60 scholarships available over five years. The 60th Anniversary Excellence Scholarships will be open to new boarding pupil candidates who demonstrate promise in academic, sporting, creative and leadership spheres. Find out more at For families who take their fun seriously, Lost Jungle London is Europe's largest adventure golf destination. Located in Edgware in north London just off the M1, it features two 18-hole, jungle-themed courses, each offering unique challenges and immersive environments. The Amazon course pits intrepid mini golfers against waterfalls, jungle animals and the awesome Aztec tomb, or players can take on the Congo course ' s wobbly bridges, sunken ship and giant gorilla… Fancy a different challenge? The nine-hole footgolf course mixes golf and football. With specially themed packages, a café and full facilities, it ' s a great place to host a kid ' s birthday event or a corporate party. The course has free parking and is within walking distance from Stanmore Tube station, making it an easy way to spend time together. A must for all tiny Tigers, mini McIlroys and little Lauras… No booking required. Open seven days a week, with extended hours in summer. From £13 for adults (18 holes), family tickets available. Visit Based in Tattenhall, in the heart of Cheshire, and loved by generations, The Ice Cream Farm is a must-visit destination this summer. Recently crowned Cheshire ' s visitor attraction of the year, this is the world ' s largest ice cream shop, serving more than 50 delicious flavours, from the classics to fun favourites like bubblegum and Eton mess. New for summer 2025 is the Ice Cream Fields Adventure Playground. This exciting outdoor space is packed with slides, climbing frames and imaginative sensory play zones. Here, little ones can splash and explore in one of Europe ' s largest indoor sand and water play areas, challenge the family to a round of Strawberry Falls adventure golf, or bounce to their heart ' s content on the giant Marshmallow Mound. Friendly, fun and full of sweet treats, The Ice Cream Farm delivers magical moments for all ages, and its mix of indoor and outdoor attractions make it the perfect all-weather day out for excitement-hungry families. Open seven days a week, booking is recommended for weekends and holidays. Book at When family life is hectic and often unpredictable, that can quickly result in compromises to our personal health and eating regimes. But with the right tools, it is possible to establish a better routine. Nutrigenic focuses on making meal prep more convenient without forgoing a real food diet for a performance-driven lifestyle. By offering chef-created, 100 per cent wholefood meals drawing on science-backed, nutritional expertise, Nutrigenic delivers gourmet dinners specifically crafted to fuel energy, recovery and strength. Created to offer flavour and easy use, Nutrigenic plans serve up great dinnertime solutions for busy families. In a market saturated with convenience foods and gimmicky diet fads, Nutrigenic ' s precision-based meals, made without additives or chemicals, can also support a weight management routine, helping burn fat and build lean muscle. Optimised for athletes, to support endurance, strength and recovery, it ' s no wonder Nutrigenic ' s meal packages are endorsed by professionals across many sporting disciplines — including Ultimate Fighting Championship, International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation, boxing and Team GB athletics. Find out more at Use code SUMMER25 for 25 per cent off the Commit plan Holiday memories last a lifetime, and with the small group adventures created by Explore, families can enjoy precious down time together, in all kinds of incredible ways. From martial arts lessons in Vietnam to a safari in Botswana, the experiences Explore provides offer amazing, activity-packed adventures that can be safely enjoyed by adults and children. Expert tour leaders are chosen with families in mind, taking groups on fully planned itineraries, so that parents can simply relax and enjoy the journey. With maximum group sizes of 16, this also gives people the chance to spend time with other families from all walks of life. It's the perfect excuse to swap the usual hotel pool for camel rides in Morocco, seeing the raw beauty of Costa Rica up close or taking a rickshaw ride through the bazaars of Old Delhi. Platinum awarded on Feefo, Explore is Atol-protected and is a B Corp certified company – so parents can share the world ' s wonders with their children and know they have travelled responsibly. Book at – Times readers get 10 per cent off with code FAMILY10 until July 31, 2025. T&Cs apply Keeping on top of housework is not an easy task when life keeps you busy, but SuperClean is on a mission to rewrite the rules. The bestseller in Dew ' s range of home, baby and pet-safe household products, SuperClean multipurpose cleaner has been specially formulated to keep things fresh in a way that protects the family and your world. Powered by electrolysed water technology, SuperClean is strong enough to cut through grease and grime, yet gentle enough for food preparation areas, highchairs and pet bowls. It is also allergy UK-certified, vegan and hypoallergenic, so suitable for allergy-prone households. Made from just salt, water and a spark of electricity, and free of harmful chemicals, SuperClean offers planet-kind performance that works on every surface in the home. Why not try SuperClean today? Times readers get 25 per cent off their first online order with code TIMES25. Find out more about the Dew range and shop now at Getting out and about under bright skies has its drawbacks, not least, wanting to keep little ones sun-safe. Developed by Dr Andrew Birnie, a consultant dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon, Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 is a formulated trigger spray that can be easily applied, without the usual stickiness and mess. Created with advanced, photostable UV filters, it provides protection with broad-spectrum SPF50 and a five-star ultra-UVA rating (PPD 48). This gentle, fragrance and paraben-free formula is quickly absorbed without leaving a residue, and feels more like a moisturiser on the skin. It is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for everyone in the family, even babies from six months old. Also water-resistant, Altruist lets kids enjoy their carefree adventures while parents can relax, knowing that this high-performance sunspray is vegan, reef friendly and microplastic free. What's more, with every bottle sold, 10p is donated to charities supporting children with albinism in Africa. One bottle offers full protection, and with real purpose. Discover Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 at With a choice of boutique hotels and resorts located across Majorca and Menorca, Zafiro helps you get the best from the beautiful Balearics. For its stunning beaches and straightforward airport transfers, Majorca is a great choice. Here, Zafiro has everything for a dream family break, including three stunning resorts – Zafiro Palace Andratx, Zafiro Palace Alcudia and Zafiro Palace Palmanova. Family rooms are spacious, modern, elegant and comfortable, with luxurious options including swim-up and private pools. Each location also features large outdoor areas, with gardens, children ' s playgrounds and a kids ' club, and spa and gym facilities for grown-ups. A choice of pools also includes fabulously designed spaces for kids to have a splashing time. Mealtimes are flexible and family-friendly, too, with each location offering a variety of options through the day, plus poolside snacks and lunch restaurants. And when it comes to the bill, booking options include all-inclusive deals, so you can focus on the fun without thinking about added costs. Book now at Whatever the weather, this Yorkshire adventure park offers wonder and fun for all ages. Named in the top ten theme parks in Europe for 2025 by Tripadvisor, and open all year round, Stockeld Park has oodles of indoor and outdoor space for active and imaginative play. Venture into the Enchanted Forest for themed adventure playgrounds, magical interactive challenges and the bumper-boats lake. Then tackle the Giant Yew Tree maze with surprises around every corner. The award-winning indoor Playhive has room for one and all to frolic along the high-level walkways and spiralling tunnel slides that connect its different 'worlds' – space, air, jungle and ocean. And throughout the summer there are go-karts, giant inflatables and a tractor run for smaller guests, while older children can take on the woodland laser arena. Throughout school holidays there is also live music plus games, dancing and a bubble extravaganza. With cafés and refreshment kiosks throughout the attraction, it ' s almost as if Stockfeld Park ' s team knows exactly what every parent is looking for. Book now at The park's inflatables guarantee ensures that if, for any reason, the inflatables are closed for two hours or more when you visit (due to power cut, rain, high winds, for example), you can get a free pass to the park valid until September 14, 2025 Specially created ahead of the London 2012 Games, Lee Valley White Water Centre is a fun day out, with rafting experiences suitable for all ages and abilities. It ' s not often that Mum, Dad and the kids all get the chance to take on the same incredible circuit world-class competitors have been through, but this attraction offers family friendly thrills with just enough added adrenaline. Whether you ' re looking for a real challenge or you ' ve got a first time paddler in tow, there is something for everyone. Take on the Olympic standard competition course for a white knuckle water ride, or enjoy the easier flowing Legacy Loop, with well trained staff on hand when you need them. Easy to reach on the outskirts of northeast London, Lee Valley White Water Centre also offers kayaking, paddleboarding and an amazing Water Wipeout course, plus plenty of green space to take a trail or just chat about your water adventures over lunch. Book now at Lee Valley White Water Centre is also offering up to 20 per cent off for groups until July 31, 2025 – perfect for parties. Terms and conditions can be found at Follow on Facebook , Instagram and TikTok This a commercial article paid for by our advertising partners If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration in everything from food and drink, health and wellbeing to education or finance, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, X and Instagram @ChecklistSocial, or sign up to the newsletter? Checklist provides the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ultimate guide to Europe's 12 best theme parks: From incredible rides to gorgeous gardens, world-leading experts tell which to pick, how much it'll cost... and exactly what to do when you get there
Roll up, roll up! Theme parks have flung open their doors for the summer season. And even if you're not a rollercoaster fan, these mini metropolises of fun have plenty to entertain every generation, including spectacular shows, more leisurely rides and beautiful gardens. And often there are big discounts available for pre-schoolers and over-65s, too. Tips? Pack a poncho in case it rains and wear your comfiest shoes...
CNN
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Disneyland's 70th birthday means discounts on multi-day tickets
Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary starting May 16, and the resort is offering special ticket pricing through August 14. Adults can enter one of the resort's two theme parks for $100 or $120 per day, depending on the package. There are two ways to get the ticket discounts, and both require visiting multiple days. A 3-day adult ticket package is available for $360, allowing guests to visit any three days between May 16 and August 14. The visits do not have to be consecutive and include holidays and weekends. Park reservations are required, and park hopping (the ability to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day) can be added for an additional $90 per package. This pricing is what Disneyland was charging for a 3-day ticket in late 2022. Two price hikes later, that type of ticket now regularly costs $415, if purchased without a discount. A 4-day adult anniversary ticket deal is also available for $400 total, with the same advantage of visiting on four separate days anytime until August 14. Park hopping can be added for an additional $95 per package. Even though these tickets can be used on holidays and weekends, those dates can quickly fill up in Disneyland's reservation systems. Reservations can be made in the Disneyland app during the process of purchasing tickets. Disneyland Resort's three hotels are also bookable for 30% off on select stays through September 26, for guests staying a minimum of four nights. While Disneyland's 60th anniversary in 2015 and the Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary in 2023 were more glittery celebrations, this 70th anniversary of Disney's original theme park is meant to be 'the best birthday party ever,' said David Caranci, Walt Disney Imagineering manager creative development, with a brighter, more playful feel. The theme, 'Celebrate Happy,' is represented in bold colors showcased in a new crest and banners on the castle and in new outfits for characters. A new song by that title has been performed by the Jonas Brothers and will be heard throughout the resort during the coming months. The celebration is currently slated to run through summer 2026. New food specials await guests, including tributes to Walt's famous chili in the form of a loaded baked potato, and a corn chip-topped fried beef tamale in honor of a former Disneyland restaurant called Casa de Fritos, where Doritos were invented. New merchandise and a 70th anniversary guided tour will be available, along with a Disneyland key that guests can purchase and insert into lock stations in nine different areas to reveal an icon, a lighting effect and music. Unlocking all nine stations can bring more surprises, including a commemorative pin. A brand-new version of the 'World of Color' nighttime water show in Disney California Adventure Park debuts on May 16. 'World of Color Happiness!' features characters from beloved Disney and Pixar movies, including 'Inside Out.' Before the performance, guests inside the park will be able to vote for one of the emotions from 'Inside Out' to get a special spotlight in that evening's show. For the first time, there will be a pre-show featuring the Muppets, who are also celebrating their 70thanniversary. Disney is also bringing back a few favorites that fans and employees have loved in the past: the 'Wondrous Journeys' fireworks and projection mapping show that first debuted in 2023, the Pixar Pals 'Better Together' daytime parade which debuted last year, and the 'Paint the Night' nighttime parade, which features more than 1.5 million LED lights and has not been performed at the resort since 2018. The new 'Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' live stage show premieres on May 16 in Disney California Adventure Park. The show's director, David Underwood, called it a mini musical, where Mickey and Minnie go door to door, looking for their friends and figuring out why they haven't yet shown up to the clubhouse for their party. A new, five-minute projection show called 'Tapestry of Happiness' is inspired by the art of Mary Blair, the art director who designed the original It's a Small World attraction. It will play three times per night on the ride's façade. Creators have called this a 'love letter' to Disneyland through the eyes of a child, with nods to Dapper Dans performers and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, for example. The ride itself will feature a couple of new characters from 'Coco.' A daytime 'Celebrate Happy Cavalcade' will celebrate 70 years of the resort, led by Mickey and friends. Disney bears Duffy and ShellieMay — rarely seen in US parks — will join the cavalcade. The latter will be making her debut in the United States, after she and Duffy have enjoyed enormous popularity in Disney's theme parks in Asia.
