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The best new attractions of 2023

From new immersive experiences and themed lands to museum debuts, we round up the top projects to open this year

Exciting new attractions have opened to the public around the world throughout 2023, from fresh theme parks and museums to new themed lands and immersive experiences. In the theme park and water park world, we’ve seen a range of openings, from Katmandu Park in Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, and Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood to Island Waterpark at Showboat Atlantic City in New Jersey and Fantawild Wonderland in Xuzhou, China.

Meanwhile, several new museums have also opened to visitors, including the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, India, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, part of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Interactives Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

New immersive attractions have also popped up in 2023. This includes a Squid Games experience, Meow Wolf’s latest venue, The Real Unreal, in Grapevine, Texas, the first US location for d’strict’s ARTE MUSEUM, and the eagerly awaited Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, in Japan.

We’ve also seen a new Hasbro FEC open in Huixquilucan, Mexico, and Europe’s first Nerf-themed FEC in Manchester, UK.

Read on to find out more about some of the most notable new attractions that opened their doors in 2023.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood opened its new Super Nintendo World attraction on 17 February 2023.

The first Nintendo-themed land in the US followed the launch of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in 2021. It is home to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a state-of-the-art ride inspired by the Mario Kart video game series. It uses cutting-edge augmented reality (AR), projection mapping technology and set pieces.

mario kart ride universal studios hollywood super nintendo world

Guests can also enjoy Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle, Mount Beanpole, the Toadstool Cafe and the 1-UP Factory shop.

“Think of Super Nintendo World as a life-size, living video game where you become one of the characters. You’re not just playing the game. You’re living the game, you’re living the adventure,” said Thierry Coup, senior VP and CCO at Universal Creative.

Super Nintendo World will also launch as part of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort. In Japan, it will soon expand to include the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed area.

The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) 

MAP Bengaluru, one of the first digital art & photography museums in India, opened on 18 February 2023. It was founded in 2016 by collector Abhishek Poddar. The museum is located in a new state-of-the-art building designed by leading Indian architect, Soumitro Ghosh. Director Kamini Sawhney has brought together a young team, focused on creating a new museum experience for audiences in India.

MAP museum of art and photograpy

Set over five storeys, MAP includes art galleries, an auditorium, an art and research library, and a learning centre. There is also a specialised research and conservation facility, as well as a cafe. The design incorporates a particular focus on inclusion, accessibility, innovation

According to the mission statement on the museum’s website:

“As South India’s first major private art museum, The Museum of Art & Photography aims to take art and culture to the heart of the community, making it accessible to diverse audiences, and to create a museum-going culture that encourages people to experience art and heritage in new ways.”

Katmandu Park | Punta Cana

Falcon’s Beyond Global, a fully integrated development enterprise for IP-driven parks, resorts, media and merchandise, celebrated the opening of its new world-class theme park, Katmandu Park | Punta Cana this year. The brand-new theme park in the Dominican Republic, which opened on 15 March 2023 offers state-of-the-art, original rides and attractions. These immerse visitors in the company’s original, proprietary franchise, The Hidden Realms of Katmandu.

Guests enter ride at Katmandu Park

Katmandu Park is the Caribbean’s first world-class theme park, home to a range of unique, high-tech attractions. This includes a new 4D interactive theatre, a 4D Dark Ride, and an interactive walkthrough attraction. There is also a Suspended Theater attraction that delivers an immersive experience unlike those often found at other parks.

Other attractions at the park include Expedition Golf, a 36-hole mini golf course that winds through caves and over mountains; High Point Adventure, an outdoor ropes course experience; The Quadagon, which offers four different indoor climbing walls for both adults and children; and the Wheel of Infinite Wonder, a carousel decorated in the style of Katmandu and featuring unique figures modelled after creatures from The Hidden Realms.

Oman Across Ages

The Oman Across Ages Museum opened on 18 March 2023 after nearly 10 years of work. It is a museum with a mission to celebrate the creation of a nation and the endeavours of its people. The museum also aims to inspire young Omanis to connect to their rich history.

Oman Across Ages offers a trip through the country’s past, a celebration of its present, and a glimpse into its future. In the History Gallery, take a journey from the land’s geological formation, through many historical eras, dynasties, and civilizations. Meanwhile, in the Renaissance Gallery, they learn about Oman’s economic, technological, political and social modernisation.

Oman Across Ages new attractions 2023

Archival and modern film material, photography, and augmented reality are combined with object displays. A series of virtual environments lets guests step back in time. They can also experience a tour of Oman’s economic environment in a 360-degree theatre with a moving floor. 

Event, a Chargeurs Museum Studio company, provided masterplanning, interpretative planning, exhibition and graphic design and creative direction. Over 50 media pieces, including interactive exhibitions, films, cartoons, and even a virtual reality experience, were produced for the museum by Squint/Opera, the creative studio, over five years, working closely with Omani experts.

Festival Toutatis at Parc Asterix

On 8 April 2023, Parc Astérix’s new €36 million ‘Festival Toutatis’ land and attractions were officially opened. This is the most expensive ever addition to the theme park outside Paris. It represents an investment of more than €1m for every year of Parc Asterix’s existence. 

The themed area and Intamin multi-LSM launch coaster that anchors it take their names from the Gaulish god Toutatis. Depicted in the form of an 11-metre-tall statue, he peers down over guests in the heart of the forest. The new coaster’s station resembles a tumulus, or megalithic shrine. The three-hectare site was previously undeveloped except for the park’s existing bobsled coaster, Trace Du Hourra.

TOUTATIS Parc Asterix new attractions 2023

Two additional new attractions are a themed playground called Sanglier D’Or (Golden Boar) by Monstrum of Denmark and Chez Gyrofolix, a Nebulaz ride from Zamperla. There is also a 200-seat restaurant, sweet kiosk and gift shop.

Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel

Scandinavia’s largest amusement park opened the Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel on 22 April 2023. Liseberg welcomes around three million visitors every year and, for its 100th anniversary, the park invested around £195 million. “Our goal is to become one of the world’s greatest amusement destinations, in all seasons, said CEO Andreas Andersen.

liseberg grand curiosa hotel

The new hotel has 457 family rooms, a restaurant on the first floor, and a bistro on the roof terrace overlooking the park. There is also a 1923 carousel and a slide to connect the second and third floors.

A new coaster also opened in April 2023, part of the recent Luna Park area. Luna features 242 metres of track and speeds of up to 68 km/h. It joins the family-friendly Turbo and Tempus rides, which opened in 2022.

Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation at AMNH

The $465 million Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation opened on 4 May 2023 at New York’s American Museum of Natural History. Designed by Studio Gang, the new wing is home to research facilities, scientific collections, new exhibits, an insectarium, and a butterfly vivarium.

The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium in the new Richard Gilder Center
The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium in the new Richard Gilder Center. Denis Finnin/© AMNH

The 230,000-square-foot Gilder Center also enhances the museum’s visitor experience, connecting 10 buildings. It features six floors above ground, four of which are open to the public, and one below ground. Visitors can explore three levels of displays featuring more than 3,000 objects.

Ellen Futter, the museum’s former president, said the new facility “fulfils a critical need at a critical time: to help visitors to understand the natural world more deeply, to appreciate that all life is interdependent, to trust science, and to be inspired to protect our precious planet and its myriad life forms.”

The exhibits were created by COST of Wisconsin, a specialist in museum exhibit fabrication.

World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures

On 15 May 2023, the world’s first Jumanji-themed land opened at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK, with three new attractions, including the world’s first Jumanji-themed coaster.

The £17 million ‘World of Jumanji’ land is based on Sony Pictures’ $2 billion film franchise. It features the Mandrill Mayhem coaster, and the Mamba Strike and Ostrich Stampede rides. Other highlights include a maze of pathways, based on the iconic board game first featured in the much-loved 1996 film. There is also themed retail and dining.

chessington world of jumanji

At the opening, Scott O’Neil, Merlin CEO, said:

“Whether you’re a fan of the films, a fan of roller coasters or are looking to take your family adventures to ‘the next level’, the amazing World of Jumanji is ready to welcome all ‘those who seek to find a way to leave their world behind’.”

“We are excited to have collaborated with top-tier industry talent at Merlin Entertainments and Chessington World of Adventures Resort,” added Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of global partnerships and brand management and head of location-based entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment. “The Jumanji franchise has generations of fans who can now enjoy the story in a whole new way.”

Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse

Merlin Entertainments opened its new £2.3 million Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse attraction in Blackpool, UK, on 19 May 2023. The indoor world of play was created in partnership with Magic Light Pictures. It includes six of writer Julia Donaldson’s and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s children’s stories. The attraction is located next to Sea Life on Blackpool’s seafront and features six different zones.

gruffalo and friends clubhouse blackpool new attractions 2023

Kate Shane, regional director for Merlin, said the Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse “provides young explorers and families with a magical day out”.

“Just like little brown mouse, guests will brave the ‘deep dark wood’ and climb, crawl and slide their way to the life-sized Gruffalo. The unique and immersive experience is ideal for families with children aged 10 and under, neurodivergent children and toddlers, too. Visitors can even meet the Gruffalo himself and check out his terrible teeth in his terrible jaws, knobbly knees and turned-out toes.”

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the region’s first marine life theme park, opened to the public on Yas Island this year. Covering five indoor levels and over 183,000 square metres, the new attraction opened on 24 May 2023 and is home to eight immersive realms. It features animal encounters and entertainment, more than 15 rides and attractions, 18 dining experiences, and 13 retail outlets.

“The park aims to inspire guests to learn more about marine life and support conservation efforts through fun and engaging experiences,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Miral’s group CEO, speaking to blooloop about the new attraction/

Dome Ride Theater SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

The park contains more than 58 million litres of water and more than 100,000 animals. This includes sharks, fish, rays, sea turtles, puffins, penguins and flamingos. There are no orcas. The new destination is also home to a research and rescue centre, located next door. The marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return facility is the first of its kind in the region.

Snow Abu Dhabi

Majid Al Futtaim celebrated the opening of Abu Dhabi’s new indoor snow park attraction at Reem Mall on 8 June 2023. Snow Abu Dhabi is the fourth indoor snow park from Majid Al Futtaim. It launched just six months after the opening of Snow Oman.

snow abu dhabi new attractions 2023
Image credit: Majid Al Futtaim

“Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a global destination for family entertainment and leisure, and we are excited to introduce a new experience unlike anything else the capital has to offer,” said Ignace Lahoud, CEO of entertainment at Majid Al Futtaim. The debut of Snow Abu Dhabi represents the company’s “commitment to bring innovative and immersive experiences to families across the MENA region”, Lahoud added.

Snow Abu Dhabi covers an area of 9,732 square metres and is home to over 20 rides and attractions. Highlights include the Crystal Carousel, Polar Express Train, Snowflake Garden and Enchanted Tree. Guests can also discover three F&B outlets surrounded by real snow.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

On 16 June 2023, the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter attraction opened to the public for the first time.

Guests can explore a range of exciting new exhibits and interactives. The experience features props, costumes, special effects and models used to make the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. In addition to iconic sets like Diagon Alley and the Great Hall, guests can also enjoy F&B and retail experiences.

Talking to blooloop, Geoff Spooner, SVP & general manager of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London -The Making Of Harry Potter, said:

“For the visitor, it feels like you’re being able to walk through the Great Hall of Hogwarts. You can visit the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley and you can explore your favourite parts of Hogwarts Castle. You can venture into the Forbidden Forest, you can step onto the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾.”

Quiddich interactive Harry potter Studio Tour Tokyo new attractions 2023

Thinkwell Group, the global experience design and production firm, provided strategic development, master planning, concept development and refinement, design and development, project and production management, technical, lighting and audio design and media production services, as well as in-field art direction, installation supervision, programming and training.

Lumsden, a design firm specialising in retail and F&B for visitor attractions, oversaw the design and master planning for the food and retail spaces, while MinaLima managed the branding and the graphics in those areas. Cod Steaks, an award-winning Bristol-based creative design and build team, worked on props and sculptures for the F&B and retail areas.

Illusionaries

Illusionaries, the UK’s first story-based immersive art experience, opened at Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, in London on 22 June. This temporary experiential art hub showcases story-based digital art. It launched with an audiovisual experience titled ‘Memories of a Dead Poet’, directed and animated by Iranian artist Arash Irandoust.

“‘Memories of a Dead Poet’ is a tale told in three parts – born out of an interest in the universal nature of human experience and taking inspiration from the stories and emotions which unite us,” said Irandoust.

illusionaries london immersive art new attractions 2023

Described as a 40-minute art odyssey, the exhibition includes otherworldly imagery and immersive soundscapes. Salar Nouri, creative director and co-founder of Illusionaries, described the exhibition as “art as it’s never been done before,” adding:

“With high-quality audiovisual technology and an incredible story to tell, Illusionaries explores human consciousness through stimulating exhibitions, establishing a new standard for digital art.”

Hasbro City

On 26 June 2023, a new Hasbro City family entertainment centre in Paseo Interlomas, Mexico, opened, featuring several exciting and interactive attractions based on the toy and game company’s much-loved brands.

“We are excited to welcome guests to Hasbro City and to continue our Blueprint 2.0 strategy offering more meaningful ways for families to engage with our brands,” says Matt Proulx, vice president of location-based entertainment at Hasbro. “New and long-standing fans of Hasbro brands such as Transformers, Monopoly, My Little Pony, G.I. JOE and more can now create lifelong memories for the whole family at this highly themed experience.”

Optimus Prime at Hasbro City new attractions 2023

Visitors can enjoy Monopoly: The Ride, a suspended roller coaster that carries the rail on top and allows the passenger to control the speed, Power Rangers Battle, a cutting-edge “bumper cars” track that includes 360-degree turns and Zipp’s Royal Flight. There is also a new custom Transformers media Hurricane VR ride, a Nerf Interactive theatre, a separate Nerf dart battle and Nerf Obstacle course, a Potato Head Pirate Adventure, and Equestria, a My Little Pony-themed area.

JRA, part of RWS Global, helped to bring several Hasbro IPs to life at the new FEC through rides, food, interactive experiences and technology. 

The International African American Museum

After over two decades of planning, the International African American Museum (IAAM) opened to the public on 27 June 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. The new museum is located at the site of Gadsden’s Wharf, a former slave trading port. It includes nine galleries, a world-class genealogy and ancestry resource centre, and the African Ancestors Memorial Garden.

nightime IAAM

Speaking to blooloop about storytelling at the museum, CEO Dr Tonya Matthews, said:

“One of the things that we’ve come to honour and understand is the power of story. Folks love stories. We know that we, as human beings, resonate with a really good story, and they last forever. So there is the power in story to change hearts and minds and to put our world in context.”

Solomon Group, an award-winning leader in exhibit fabrication, AV systems integration and live event production, was the fabricator and AV integrator for this project. Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), a multidisciplinary firm specialising in the planning and design of museums, exhibits, educational environments and visitor attractions, was the exhibit designer. The design of the IAAM is by New York-based architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners.

Young V&A

London’s Young V&A opened on 1 July after an extensive £13 million, three-year redevelopment. Previously the V&A Museum of Childhood, the new free museum is home to several hands-on experiences. For example, optical illusions, sensory playscapes, a giant marble run, a finger skateboard park, a storytelling space, a studio for live workshops, and a den-building area.

Young V&A Imagine This session. Image Courtesy of Young V&A
Young V&A Imagine This session. Image Courtesy of Young V&A

Young V&A has been co-designed with children and young people, for children and young people. Speaking to blooloop about the process, Dr Helen Charman, director of Young V&A, said:

“That’s a significant shift in the way that we make museums. To ensure that this museum is relevant and inspiring and that it speaks to the needs, interests, aspirations, and dreams of children, we worked with them to create it.

“We had children working with base build architects, De Matos Ryan, and fit-out architects AOC in numerous co-design workshops from the outset. There were various architectural interventions in the building that had been co-designed with the children. And through that, they were learning the process of museum-making. So, there’s this drive towards creative skills that sits underneath the process.”

Chinese Canadian Museum

On 1 July, Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian Museum opened to the public. This new institution explores Chinese-Canadian history, contributions, and living heritage. Highlights at the new museum include a recreated 1930s living room inspired by the one lived in by Canadian businessman Yip Sang and his family. It also showcases one of Vancouver’s oldest schoolrooms, which originally served as a classroom for Yip Sang’s children.

chinese canadian museum new attractions 2023

“Our first-of-its-kind museum is the result of many long years of hard work and collaboration, to create a positive, inclusive and transformative place where people can gather to bridge cultures and generations, and where the lived experiences of Chinese Canadians can be shared with Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum. 

“We’re here to elevate Chinese Canadian voices, foster respect, honour and enrich our legacies and engage with diverse communities across Canada.”

Lord Cultural Resources, the world’s largest cultural professional practice, developed the business and facility plan for the project. It also supported interpretive and operational strategies for the museum.

Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort

Island Waterpark, the new attraction at the Showboat Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, opened its doors to the public on 4 July 2023.

It is the world’s largest indoor beachfront water park and has 11 slides. The Electric Eel, Sonic Serpent, and Barracuda Blaster tube slides have sharp bends and banking turns. There are three Tidal Racers mat racer slides which send visitors sliding head-first. Meanwhile, Slide Island features five waterslides suitable for younger guests. All together the park spans 120,000 square feet and holds more than 317,000 gallons of water.

AquaForms-1800-Island-Waterpark-at-Showboat-Atlantic-City new attractions 2023

The water park also has a 1,000-square-foot Wild Wave FlowRider surf simulator from WhiteWater, an artificial waterfall, a 30-foot-tall indoor tree house, a water sports Adventure Pool, and a 6,500-square-foot Island Drift Lazy River. The architect was SOSH Architects and interior work is by Martin Aquatic. A unique glass retractable roof by OpenAire during the warmer months so guests can enjoy the sun and fresh ocean breezes.

City of Dreams Mediterranean

Melco Resorts & Entertainment opened the first integrated resort in Europe this year. The new resort in Limassol, Cyprus, opened on 10 July 2023 and is home to eight restaurants and bars, a shopping promenade, the largest expo centre in Cyprus, and various entertainment experiences and attractions. These include Cyprus’ largest resort pool complex, a children’s club, and an adventure park with a zip line and trampoline zone.

Zipline City of Dreams Mediterranean Greenspan

The Adventure Park was designed and constructed by Greenspan Projects Ltd., a creative design and build specialist. Talking to blooloop, Marlon Hirsh, vice president of hotel and F&B for City of Dreams Mediterranean at Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said:

“It is part of our model of having something for everyone. Here, our Adventure Park takes inspiration from the local area, from things like Greek and Roman myths. The park is great, with high ropes and climbing ropes, trampolines and miniature golf. It’s a great way to engage our guests outdoors, and it’s a nice attribute of the property.”

Melco describes City of Dreams Mediterranean as the first true integrated resort in Europe. It is home to 500 guest rooms and a 7,500-square-metre casino. “Whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, if you’re here for a honeymoon, if you’re here with family…we’ve got something for everybody,” added Hirsh.

Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal

Meow Wolf’s new immersive art attraction, The Real Unreal, opened to the public in Grapevine, Texas, on 14 July 2023. The art collective’s fourth permanent exhibition is located at the Grapevine Mills shopping mall in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It was created by the Meow Wolf team and 38 Texas-based artists, including Dan Lam, Carlos Don Juan, Yana Payusova, Tsz Kam and Sergio Garcia

meow wolf grapevine new attractions 2023

The new installation contains a series of dreamscapes, otherworldly landscapes, art installations, surreal environments, and Meow Wolf’s iconic portals.

The Real Unreal’s narrative journey takes a leap through the spaces between universes, and is the first major step in connecting the Meow Wolf story universe,” said Dale Sheehan, Meow Wolf’s senior vice president and executive creative director.

Visitors are immersed in a new storyline from sci-fi and fantasy author LaShawn Wanak. They can discover over 30 rooms by 150 artists and fabricators across 29,000 square feet of space.

Fantawild Wonderland

Fantawild Holdings, a leading one-stop solution provider in the theme park industry, opened a new attraction on 18 July 2023. This new location, Fantawild Wonderland, is in the city of Xuzhou in Jiangsu Province, China.

Fantawild Wonderland opens new attractions 2023

The total amount invested in this new park is more than four billion RMB. The park includes eight indoor themed attractions as well as landscape designs, cafes and stores and thirty outside activities. It brings together dining, travel, entertainment, and shopping in one location. The park is expected to welcome over three million visitors annually.

This is the second Fantawild park in Jiangsu Province. Through the exploration of stories, folklore, and regional customs, this new park showcases the charm of Chinese culture while using cutting-edge technology like spherical screens, augmented reality, and track rides. 

Camp, Chicago

Camp, a family experience company with experiential toy stores, opened its new Chicago location on 19 July 2023. A press release described the 7,500-square-foot venue as “part toy store, part party venue, part immersive theater space”. It includes Camp’s signature “magic door” – a pivoting wall leading to interactive family experiences.

Camp’s latest themed experience is Doodles x Camp. In the 3,500-square-foot experience, visitors can crawl through tunnels into glowing lost caves filled with mushrooms, enjoy a rainbow slide in the fluffy pink cosmic clouds, and do arts and crafts under 12-foot-tall daisies in the flower forest.

There are also interactive synth noisemakers and alien arcade games, as well as exclusive Doodles x Camp clothing and accessories, and adults-only Doodles events in the evenings.

camp store chicago

Speaking to blooloop about the evolution of Camp’s experiences, Arik Lubkin, VP of experience design, said:

“Pulling away from the pandemic we have seen that people are itching to get out there and to have experiences. The growth in the entire sector seems inevitable. CAMP is an immersive experience in the truest sense: you’re going to another world.

“One thing we saw previously was the rise of a lot of selfie-type venues: places that are not really engaging with experience beyond a visual. Now, I think people are hungry for something beyond a visual, Instagram-worthy experience. They are looking for something that they can engage with, that will make memories, that they can take home beyond a visual souvenir.”

Treasure Hunt: The Ride

Treasure Hunt: The Ride is a new standalone attraction built exclusively for Cannery Row in Monterey, California, which opened on 22 July 2023. The ride’s storyline is based on the real pirate history of the town as visitors meet Hippolyte Bouchard and hear about the story of his pirate crew sacking Monterey in 1818.

Treasure Hunt: The Ride features a range of special effects and 360-degree immersive theming. The ride is the result of a partnership between theme fabrication expert Daniels Wood Land (DWL) and Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of immersive attractions. Alterface delivered multimedia interactivity and gameplay.

Treasure Hunt The Ride new attractions 2023
Photo credit: Michael Troutman

In conversation with blooloop, Ron Daniels, president of DWL, said:

“Millions of tourists each year walk up and down Cannery Row. The main draw is the aquarium, which occupies around half of a day. We see that although they’re done with the aquarium, they’re not done with Cannery Row, and they’re looking for more things to do. 

“So, Treasure Hunt fills a great niche by offering a thrilling experience for families and friends that makes an already great day a whole lot better! With the other big projects underway on Cannery Row, we think we’re on the leading edge of it transforming into a broader entertainment district.”

Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida

On 11 August 2023, Universal Orlando Resort opened its new Minion Land (pictured, top), home to the Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and Minion Cafe. Developed by Universal’s creative team in partnership with Illumination filmmakers, the new land features Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, the Minion Cafe, and the Evil Stuff retail outlet.

universal orlando minion land new attractions 2023

It also includes the Bake My Day retail location and bakery, and the Pop-A-Nana Freeze Ray Pops F&B outlets. Outside the Illumination Theater, guests can meet and interact with characters from the films.

“This immersive and captivating new addition to our destination was brought to life in a partnership with our colleagues at Illumination and puts our guests into the heart, and villainous minds, of this diabolically fun franchise,” said Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort.

“This rich new environment has so much for all our guests to enjoy.”

Red Sea International Airport

On 21 September, Red Sea Global, the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, celebrated the first flight to the new Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia. There is now a twice-weekly service from Riyadh and the airport will start welcoming international flights in 2024.

“We promised to make The Red Sea a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature,” said John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Now, with the first flight touching down at Red Sea International Airport, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured.”

red sea international airport

Red Sea International Airport is “the gateway to The Red Sea destination”, he added. “It is the first impression visitors have, and their parting memory when they leave. The brand echoes the qualities of the five-star hospitality guests will enjoy across the destination.”

Red Sea Global has also made progress on other infrastructure works. This includes the construction of five solar farms to power The Red Sea’s first phase.

Sphere

The new $2.3 billion Sphere venue in Las Vegas is now open, with rock band U2 playing the first show of its residency on 29 September. During the show, the band utilised every element of Sphere’s LED screen – the world’s largest and highest resolution.

Sphere is the world’s largest spherical structure. Inside, it serves as a unique entertainment destination with immersive experiences, performances and competitions. It is also home to the world’s most advanced concert audio system from HOLOPLOT, a science-based immersive audio company.

sphere las vegas refik anadol

Called the Exosphere, Sphere’s exterior features 580,000 square feet of LED lighting. Media artist Refik Anadol was the first artist to transform the exterior, presenting an immersive digital experience called Machine Hallucinations: Sphere.

Multi-award-winning media solutions specialist 7thSense worked with Sphere operator MSG Entertainment as a technology partner to ensure the speed, image quality, and integrity needed to render content for MSG Sphere. Powersoft, the Italian amplifier specialist, provided immersive haptic technology and cutting-edge amplifier solutions.

Speaking to blooloop, Alex Luthwaite, SVP of show systems technology at Sphere Entertainment Co., said:

“The nature of the screen in this venue is that it redefines the term ‘immersive’. It reimagines how we use a venue; how creatives build a show. We just have so much screen, so much technology, and so much scale. We can really wow audiences and take them to different places.”

Nerf Mania at Beto Carrero World

The first-ever Nerf-themed land opened at Beto Carrero World in Brazil on 12 October 2023 with new attractions and experiences such as family-friendly rides, a themed restaurant and a Nerf shop. Highlights include the Nerf Arcade, the Super Soaker Splash aquatic attraction and the Spin Blast Adventure disc ride.

nerf mania beto carrero world new attractions 2023

“This marks the largest investment in Beto Carrero World’s history. It took us 31 years to reach this level of international entertainment standard,” said Alexandre Von Janke Murad, president of the theme park‘s board. “It’s a source of immense pride, as my father always drew inspiration from the magic of overseas parks. And I can confidently say, there’s much more to come.”

Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America. It features nine themed areas and more than 100 attractions, including coasters, family-friendly rides and live shows.

Mononoke Village at Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park, the world’s first Studio Ghibli theme park, opened its new Princess Mononoke-themed area and attractions on 1 November 2023. This is one of two remaining lands to launch at Ghibli Park. It will be joined by the Valley of Witches next year, based on Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle.

ghibli park mononoke village new attractions 2023

Guests can discover a sculpture of a Tatarigami spirit monster, as well as a slide themed to the boar god Lord Okkoto. They can also make gohei-mochi rice cakes at the land’s Tatara-ba learning centre.

Ghibli Park’s first three lands – Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest – opened in November last year. Located in Japan’s Aichi Expo Memorial Park, Ghibli Park will have an estimated annual economic impact of $324 million. It is expected to welcome around 1.8 million visitors every year when all five areas are open.

HeartSong Lodge & Resort at Dollywood

On Friday 3 November, Dolly Parton visited Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for the grand opening of the park’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. This is the second world-class resort to open at the popular destination as it continues to expand. Its creation is part of a $500m investment plan, announced in 2021.

HeartSong Lodge & Resort encourages families to explore nature, make memories, and find their own heartsong. It is inspired by Parton’s love of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood HeartSong new attractions 2023

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort takes me back to when I was a little girl exploring my beautiful Smoky Mountains,” she said. “I have so many fond memories of the days when us kids spent hours playing in the creek and chasing fireflies after supper. I hope families who come to my HeartSong Lodge discover what makes these mountains so special to me while creating their own precious memories.”

Highlights include The Cove. This is home to an outdoor pool, a cascading waterfall, a splash pad, a hot tub and seasonal poolside dining. Meanwhile, Camp DW encourages children and parents to play and create together. There is a morning Imagination Library Story Hour, evening marshmallow roasting and a campfire sing-along.

Dollywood also celebrated the launch of the $25 million Vekoma Big Bear Mountain roller coaster in May 2023.

World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland celebrated the opening of the world’s first Frozen-themed land on 16 November 2023, which is home to two new attractions – Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.

Frozen Ever After is a boat ride through the North Mountain where guests see Elsa’s Ice Palace. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs is a family coaster that sends visitors through caves and over fjord waters.

hong kong disneyland world of frozen

The immersive land includes themed dining and retail experiences. There is a unique interactive show featuring projection-mapped content, special effects and sensory elements. Nordic-inspired cuisine is on offer at the Golden Crocus Inn, and desserts can be found at Northern Delights. Souvenirs and wooden toys are available at Tick Tock Toys & Collectibles.

At the opening ceremony, Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Products and Experiences said:

“Our Imagineers worked with Jenn’s [Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and the writer and director of Frozen and Frozen 2] team at Disney Animation to ensure every detail is just right. World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together.”

ARTE MUSEUM Las Vegas

ARTE MUSEUM, an immersive art experience from digital design company d’strict, opened its first North American exhibition in Las Vegas this year. The new $25 million attraction covers an area of 30,000 square metres and opened on 29 November 2023.

Nature-inspired exhibits at ARTE MUSEUM’s spaces are brought to life through digital media technologies and visual creativity. The first location launched in Jeju, South Korea in September 2020. Since then, the company has expanded to other Korean cities and China. It plans to operate around 20 locations in major cities across the world by 2026.

ARTE MUSEUM LAS VEGAS GARDEN_LIGHT new attractions 2023

Talking to blooloop about the company’s inception and evolution, d’strict CEO Sean Lee said:

“With ARTE MUSEUM, our vision is to bring more attractive visual experiences to more people. We settled on Eternal Nature as a theme since nature can be appreciated by everyone.”

Squid Game: The Trials

On 6 December 2023, Netflix opened a new immersive attraction in Los Angeles called Squid Game: The Trials. Guests are challenged to take on a series of increasingly difficult challenges, gaining points as they progress.

squid game the trials

“After greeting the iconic ‘Front Man’ himself, you will tackle a series of escalating challenges, accumulating points as you advance,” says Netflix. “The ultimate winner needs nerves of steel, cunning strategy, and a touch of luck. Are you up for the challenge?”

After the experience, enjoy refreshments at the ‘Night Market’. This is curated by Katianna Hong, chef at the award-winning Korean-American restaurant Yangban in LA. Additionally, a store will be selling exclusive Squid Game collectables and other merchandise.

Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland

On 20 December 2023, the new Zootopia-themed land will open to the public at Shanghai Disneyland. This is the park’s eighth themed land and will also be the first Zootopia zone at a Disney park. The immersive and vibrant city will be inhabited by characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2016 film.

shanghai disneyland zootopia new attractions 2023

The Zootopia: Hot Pursuit ride, sees the residents of Zootopia prepare for a concert featuring Gazelle. Upon arrival at the Zootopia Police Department, guests discover that Gazelle has been kidnapped. They then find themselves on a police chase with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde across the city’s terrains. This includes Tundra Town, Sahara Square, Mystic Springs Oasis and the Rainforest District.

F&B outlets at the new attraction coming at the end of 2023 include Jumbeaux’s Cafe, an ice cream parlour and café. Visitors can also enjoy a Pawpsicle, or paw-shaped popsicle, and a chocolate marshmallow inspired by the film’s Jumbo-pop. There are also two different sizes of doughnuts, a blueberry pie created by Gideon Grey and a carrot-shaped lollipop. When it comes to shopping, Fashions by Fru Fru is owned by Fru Fru the arctic shrew.

What’s new in 2024?

In addition to all these wonderful new attractions that opened in 2023, there are several eagerly awaited new projects to come next year as well. For example, in Europe, we’ll see the opening of Liseberg’s new Oceana Water Park in Sweden. Meanwhile, a new Museum of Shakespeare is under construction in London.

Across the pond, the Mattel Adventure Park will open in Arizona, US, featuring two Hot Wheels coasters and a life-size Barbie Beach House, and North America’s second Peppa Pig Theme Park will open its gates in Texas. Merlin is also opening a standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park in Germany next year.

Barbie Beach House Mattel Park

In Asia, Studio Ghibli fans will enjoy the full Ghibli Park experience when the final themed land opens. The new Donkey Kong-themed area at Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World is also set to debut in spring 2024. In addition, Fantasy Springs, the eighth themed port at Tokyo DisneySea, will open to the public in June 2024. This features three areas inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan, as well as the Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

As well as new parks, museums and themed lands, there are also rides galore for 2024. This includes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. Also set to open are Top Thrill 2 at Cedar Point in Ohio and the new Hyperia ride at Thorpe Park, which will be the UK’s fastest and tallest roller coaster, to name just a few.

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charlotte coates

Charlotte Coates

Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.

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