Top Blooloop News Stories of 2024: Theme Parks, Museums, and More
The global attractions industry news in 2024 was characterised by innovation, growth, and a renewed emphasis on immersive guest experiences. From advancements in technology within theme parks to sustainability efforts in zoos and aquariums, the past year has been rich with significant developments.
At Blooloop, we have reported on the most influential stories that are shaping the future of the industry. Here, we summarise the key announcements that have captured our readers’ attention and hint at some emerging trends.
Whether it’s the opening of new theme parks, cutting-edge ride technology, or inventive collaborations across the entertainment sector, these news items illustrate the dynamic landscape of visitor attractions globally.
Theme Park News
In the realm of theme park news, one particularly intriguing story was Walt Disney Imagineering’s ‘HoloTile’ floor, designed for omnidirectional VR experiences and developed by Disney Research fellow Lanny Smoot.
Another highlight from Disney in 2024 was the first look at the World of Frozen construction site at Disneyland Paris, showcasing the new land’s snowy structures. The theme park shared on Instagram: “First snow of the season means the first snow at the construction site of World of Frozen, set to open in 2026 at Disneyland Paris.”
At the IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, Storyland Studios made headlines with its plans to create the largest sports entertainment destination in the US. This ambitious project in Pasco County, Florida, will cover over 800 acres and aims to establish a sustainable lifestyle community featuring sports, entertainment, arts, and wellness amenities.
Another widely read story was the announcement regarding Neom’s The Line, a zero-carbon city in Saudi Arabia, which features “vertically layered” buildings and is undergoing significant revisions.
Readers were also keen to see the first look at the new Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry ride at Epic Universe. This attraction, part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, promises immersive environments, compelling storytelling, and innovative ride technology.
Universal made waves in the UK with its discussions with British politicians about tax and infrastructure incentives to secure a multibillion-pound resort in Bedford, which proved to be a popular topic among Blooloop readers.
Other notable UK theme park news included the opening of Thorpe Park’s Hyperia, now recognised as the UK’s fastest and tallest roller coaster.
Museum News
In the museum sector, readers were particularly interested in a story from the New York Botanical Garden, which announced the opening of a new light trail inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in time for Halloween. This experience features light installations, interactive video projections, intelligent LED lighting, and 3D-printed sculptures of the film’s characters.
Many were also captivated by news from The Franklin Institute, which detailed its development of a new exhibit in collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences, celebrating the company’s theme parks and attractions. MDSX, an award-winning creative agency, is leading the design.
Elsewhere, the New-York Historical Society unveiled its new wing dedicated to American democracy, announcing a name change to the New York Historical. This new wing, named after Oscar Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang, is set to open in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Australia’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) announced the reopening of its Ladies Lounge installation after winning an appeal in the state’s supreme court. Originally opened in 2020 as an interactive art piece inspired by male-only spaces, the installation faced legal challenges regarding access.
Readers were also intrigued by the news that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza would finally be soft opening to the public, after numerous delays. The trial opening will include the main hall and other areas, marking a significant milestone for the museum.
Zoo & Aquarium News
Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve revealed exciting 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, complemented by the Mandai Rainforest Resort, which is set to open in the first half of 2025 as Singapore’s first super low energy (SLE) resort.
A notable 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, enhancing the dining and retail offerings at the attraction.
In France, the Marineland theme park in Antibes announced its closure at the beginning of 2025 due to a law prohibiting live shows with dolphins and whales.
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 renovation. This venue is now a cultural and gastronomic hub, featuring a Reverb by Hard Rock hotel, four restaurants, a rooftop garden, and a concert hall.
Another widely read story from Saudi Arabia’s Neom was the announcement of a new resort named Zardun, a luxury eco-tourism destination designed to redefine luxury within an environmental context.
In June 2024, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, became the world’s first net-positive botanical garden complex when it activated its new solar panels, part of a $52 million expansion plan.
Immersive News
One of the most talked-about stories in the immersive sector in 2024 was the disappointing Willy Wonka immersive experience in Glasgow, which led to police intervention as frustrated families sought refunds.
Conversely, a successful immersive attraction was Sony’s Wonderverse, which opened in January in Chicago’s Oakbrook Mall. This 45,000-square-foot indoor attraction features immersive experiences based on popular Sony brands.
In Japan, teamLab Planets Tokyo announced an opening date for its expansion, set to debut on 22 January 2025, increasing its area by 1.5 times and introducing new creative spaces.
Water Park News
One of the most-read water park stories for 2024 was the announcement that Swedish amusement park Liseberg would rebuild the Oceana water park after a significant fire during construction.
Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship featuring the largest water park at sea, set sail from Miami, Florida, in January on its maiden voyage.
In May, the board of directors of Qiddiya Investment Company announced the launch of Aquarabia, the first and largest water theme park in Saudi Arabia, set to join Six Flags Qiddiya City.
Join Us for the Festival of Innovation 2025
Reflecting on the major stories of 2024, it’s clear that the attractions industry news is undergoing an exciting transformation. With new technologies emerging, evolving guest expectations, and a heightened focus on sustainability, 2025 promises to be another thrilling year for both operators and visitors.
To learn more about the latest trends, join us for the Blooloop Festival of Innovation from 15 – 16 January 2025. This virtual event will bring together visitor attraction professionals to celebrate the winners of the 2024 Blooloop Innovation Awards and hear from industry experts.
At Blooloop, we are committed to delivering the latest news, analysis, and expert insights from the global attractions sector. Stay tuned as we continue to cover the innovations and trends shaping the future of entertainment in 2025.
