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The Tom Anstey Column
Looping Group expands In the UK, Looping Group, owner of 21 attractions across Europe, has completed a multi-million- pound waterpark acquisition.
Located in Stoke and opened in 1989, the attraction home to more than 30 rides and slides. The deal, finalised on 31 July, comes shortly after the park made headlines following the tragic death of a four-year-old girl.
"The deal was finalised on 31st of July and although Looping Group has been pleased to welcome the park in the Looping group family, we have all been saddened by the recent tragic accident and extend our deepest thoughts and sympathy to the family of the young girl involved Bruloy, executive chairman and co-founder of the Looping Group. Former owner Mo Chaudry added enhance the attraction further. presence, which also includes Drayton Manor, West Midlands Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills. With a growing portfolio now valued at more than £170m, further expansion in the UK market appears likely.
Disney developments
Following the D23 fan event, there is a ton of news the new film Tron: Ares on the horizon, Disney as well as original music from Nine Inch Nails. We also got a tease of the Villains-themed land at Walt Disney World in a major expansion of Magic Kingdom, with two new attractions to feature,
World of Frozen
as well as retail and dining experiences. Largely influenced by the Art Nouveau style of architecture in Europe the Villains land envisions what Disney the day. While details are being kept close to the chest, a rollercoaster appears in the foreground and background of preview art, while Malificent appears in dragon form.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney will make an appearance in a new animatronic form inside Kingdom, while the Ratatouille-themed trackless dark ride at Disneyland Paris will close in October for a major renovation, including the removal of 3D effects. Replacing these effects will be new props, enhanced projections, and updated set pieces to
The biggest news from Disneyland Paris comes the announcement that World of Frozen will open to the public in the spring of next year. Construction is already underway on the iconic Arendelle - a land inspired by traditional Scandinavian architecture. As well as a new ride, guests will be able to meet Frozen characters, enjoy theme restaurants and explore.
Tron
with developments underway at all of its parks worldwide. A welcome glut of updates from D23 reminds us, however, that the mouse remains nearly undisputedly on top of the mountain.
China, of course, is a constant source of theme park development, with its multi-year boom showing almost no signs of slowing. One of the latest park in Ziyang.
Themed around 5,000 years of Chinese history, the immersive experience puts heritage at the heart of the attraction, with the park joining Fantawild Water World and Boonie Bears Hotel as part of in the Sichuan Province.
Opened August 8th, the park features 28 outdoor attractions, 10 large-scale indoor attractions and an array of themed areas. Also included are F&B offerings including five restaurants, and retail outlets.
portfolio.
Full steam ahead
As the attractions industry approaches the final months of 2025, momentum continues to accelerate. From new market entrants to established global players, operators are expanding, investing and setting the stage for what promises to be a decisive end to the year. With IAAPA Expo Europe as the next act and IAAPA Expo traditionally delivering the headline announcements, the closing innovation and ambition at full scale.
TOM ANSTEY
Tom Anstey is a world-travelled journalist who has been actively working in the attractions and wider leisure industries for more than a decade. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief at Planet Attractions, a platform he co-founded in 2020, Tom is known for his deep industry knowledge and his commitment to exploring the stories and the people behind some of the world's most ambitious attractions projects. His favourite attraction is SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako coaster.
SEPTEMBER 2025 IAAPA EUROPE EDITION
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