For the global attractions industry, 2024 was a year marked by innovation, expansion, and a renewed focus on immersive guest experiences. From technological advancements in theme parks to sustainability initiatives in zoos and aquariums, the past twelve months have been filled with newsworthy developments.
At blooloop, we’ve covered the most impactful stories shaping the industry’s future, and here we round up the significant announcements that captured the attention of our readers and give a clue to some key trends.
Whether it’s new theme park openings, innovative ride technology, or creative partnerships across the entertainment sector, these news items reflect the evolving landscape of visitor attractions worldwide.
Theme park news
In theme park news, one story that captured people’s interest was Walt Disney Imagineering’s ‘HoloTile’ floor for omnidirectional VR experiences, created by Disney Research fellow Lanny Smoot.
Other popular Disney news from 2024 included the first look at the World of Frozen construction site at Disneyland Paris, showing the new land’s rising buildings covered in snow. The theme park wrote on Instagram alongside the images: “First snow of the season️ means the first snow at the construction site of World of Frozen, opening in 2026 at Disneyland Paris.”
There were many announcements at IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando, Flordia, but Storyland Studios‘ plans to create the biggest sports entertainment destination in the US made headlines. This development in Pasco County, Florida, spans over 800 acres and aims to create a sustainable lifestyle community with sports, entertainment, arts, and wellness amenities.
Another of the most-read stories for 2024 was the announcement that plans for Neom’s The Line, a zero-carbon city in Saudi Arabia with “vertically layered” buildings, were being scaled back.
Plenty of readers were eager to see the first look at the new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride at Epic Universe. Part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe, the ride will offer immersive environments, powerful storytelling, and unique ride technology.
Universal also generated headlines in the UK with the news of its discussions with British politicians over tax and other infrastructure incentives to secure a multibillion-pound resort in Bedford proving a popular read on blooloop.
Other big UK theme park news included the opening of Thorpe Park’s Hyperia, now the UK’s fastest and tallest roller coaster.
Museum news
Meanwhile, in the museum sector, readers were interested in a story from the New York Botanical Garden, revealing it would open a new light trail inspired by Tim Burton‘s The Nightmare Before Christmas in time for Halloween. The experience included light installations, interactive video projections, intelligent LED lighting, and 3D-printed sculptures of the film’s characters.
Many people also read news from The Franklin Institute, detailing how it is developing and launching a new exhibit in partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences that celebrates the company’s theme parks and attractions. MDSX, an award-winning creative agency, is the lead design firm.
Elsewhere, the New-York Historical Society unveiled its new wing for American democracy as it announced it would change its name to the New York Historical. The new wing, named after Oscar Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang, will open in 2026 in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) announced it would reopen its Ladies Lounge installation after winning an appeal in the state’s supreme court. It opened in 2020 as a piece of interactive art inspired by male-only spaces. However, a discrimination lawsuit was filed by a male resident of New South Wales in April 2023 and Tasmania’s civil and administrative tribunal ordered Mona to allow “persons who do not identify as ladies” to enter the space.
Readers were also interested in the news released in October 2024 that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza would finally be soft opening to the public. The museum’s trial opening included the main hall and other areas. The launch comes 11 years later than the original proposed opening date due to logistical, political and financial delays.
In London, the Museum of London is halfway through a two-year process to remove 10,000 objects from display before relocating to a new site in Smithfield. The release of behind-the-scenes footage in March 2024, showing the museum’s Pleasure Gardens display at its current home at London Wall being taken down and packed up by staff, was a popular story.
Zoo & Aquarium news
Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve unveiled some upcoming attractions in May 2024, including an eco-friendly resort and new nature-inspired experiences. The fifth park at Mandai will be called Rainforest Wild. This will be joined by the new eco-friendly Mandai Rainforest Resort, operated by Banyan Tree, which will open in the first half of 2025 as Singapore’s first-ever super low energy (SLE) resort.
A popular news item from the US was the announcement that SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services, had entered into a new partnership with Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Florida. SSA now operates the dining and retail offerings at the attraction, offering enhanced service and new product lines. The news in July 2024 that SSA Group’s partner entity, SSA Ventures, had appointed David Rosenberg was also read by many.
In France, the Marineland theme park in Antibes announced in December that it would close at the beginning of 2025 due to a 2021 law banning live shows with dolphins and whales in the country.
In the summer, Nintendo announced the expansion of an aquarium experience based on Animal Crossing: New Horizons across the US. After opening at the Seattle Aquarium in 2023, the experience started a tour of US aquariums, starting at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.
Sustainability news
In Germany, Bunker St. Pauli, a former Nazi bunker in Hamburg, opened as a new visitor attraction and green oasis in summer 2024 after a €100 million revamp. Described as a new cultural and gastronomic hub, the venue contains a Reverb by Hard Rock hotel, four restaurants, a rooftop garden and a concert hall.
There were plenty of announcements from Saudi Arabia’s Neom, but one of the most widely read was the news of a new resort named Zardun. Zardun, a luxury eco-tourism resort, overlooks the Gulf of Aqaba waters and is designed “to redefine luxury within an environmental context.”
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Dubai‘s crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, approved a strategy to develop the emirate’s rural areas and boost tourism. 37 projects were approved to enhance Dubai’s countryside and develop tourist attractions.
In June 2024, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, became the world’s first net-positive botanical garden complex when it turned on its new solar panels. The solar project is part of a three-phase, $52 million expansion plan for the botanical garden’s downtown Sarasota campus.
Another popular sustainability story was the news that London’s Canary Wharf is now home to Eden Dock, a new urban oasis with floating gardens and aquatic habitats created in partnership with the Eden Project.
Immersive news
One of the biggest stories in the immersive world in 2024 was the disappointing Willy Wonka immersive experience in Glasgow. Police were called to the site as angry guests demanded refunds.
A more successful immersive attraction was Sony’s Wonderverse, a new entertainment destination that opened in January in Chicago’s Oakbrook Mall. Wonderverse is a 45,000-square-foot indoor attraction home to immersive experiences based on Sony brands like Uncharted, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, and Zombieland.
In Japan, teamLab Planets Tokyo announced an opening date for its expansion. Debuting on 22 January 2025, the expansion will increase teamLab Planets‘ area by 1.5 times. It will also introduce new areas like ‘Athletics Forest’, a multi-dimensional creative athletic space.
Another popular story was Area15 in Las Vegas breaking ground on a space-themed attraction to anchor its 20-acre expansion. When it opens in autumn 2025 in a custom-built 20,000-square-foot venue, Interstellar Arc will provide a futuristic sci-fi experience.
Meanwhile, TAIT, a global leader in the live entertainment industry, was named production partner for the new VAI Resort, set to open in Arizona, US, in 2025. The resort will be located in Glendale in the Phoenix metropolitan area, featuring a trailblazing amphitheatre at its centre.
Water park news
One of the most-read water park stories for 2024 was the news that Swedish amusement park Liseberg will work to rebuild the Oceana water park after a huge fire broke out at the new attraction during the construction phase.
Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship with the largest water park at sea, set sail from Miami, Florida, in January on its maiden voyage. It is home to the largest water park at sea and the tallest drop slide at sea, with six record-breaking waterslides.
In May, many were interested in the news that the board of directors of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) had announced the launch of Aquarabia, the first and biggest water theme park in Saudi Arabia. Set in Qiddiya City, Aquarabia will join Six Flags Qiddiya City, the first Six Flags park ever developed and constructed outside of North America.
Finally, our last most-read water park news story for 2024 was Fench theme park Futuroscope opening its new €57 million Aquascope water park. Covering an area of more than 7,000 square metres, the indoor water park is home to three immersive indoor areas, 13 waterslides, and an outdoor area.
Join us for the Festival of Innovation 2025
As we look back on the biggest stories of 2024, it’s evident that the attractions industry is going through an exciting time of change and growth. With new technologies coming, changing guest expectations, and a stronger focus on sustainability, 2025 is set to be another exciting year for both operators and visitors.
Want to know more about the latest trends? Join us for the blooloop Festival of Innovation from 15 – 16 January 2025. During this virtual event, visitor attraction professionals will gather to hear the winners of the 2024 blooloop Innovation Awards, presented with AREA15 and hear from industry experts.
The Festival of Innovation brings together innovators from visitor attractions worldwide to present groundbreaking projects, products, and organisations. Attendees will hear from Universal Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, Merlin Entertainments, The British Museum, Aquascope, MSC Cruises, Lionsgate, Netflix, and the International African American Museum, among others.
At blooloop, we’re dedicated to providing you with the latest news, analysis, and expert insights from the global attractions sector. Keep reading as we cover the innovations and trends shaping the future of entertainment in 2025.
