theme

Theme parks have long had a checkered reputation when it comes to dining.

And theme park designer Eddie Sotto once wanted to put an end to such a reputation. “Why,” Sotto reflected to me in 2023, “are we not thinking more holistically as to what we’re putting inside the guest as to what we’re putting in front of the guest?”

“The old joke is that people don’t expect the food to be any good in an immersive environment,” Sotto said. “I don’t believe that. I believe it should all be good. You’re paying a lot. The opportunity is for it all to be transformative.”

Sotto, whose outspoken passion for theme park design made him a favorite among Disney’s vast fanbase, died on Dec. 17 in Orange County after a long battle with various heart-related issues, said his wife of 48 years, Deena. He was 67.

While Sotto’s best-known masterworks are overseas, be it the creation of Main Street, U.S.A., for Disneyland Paris or overseeing the development of the early trackless attraction Pooh’s Hunny Hunt for Tokyo Disneyland, he had a reputation for fighting tirelessly to enhance the theme park experience, pushing for improvements to everything including ride vehicles and the food on guests’ plates.

In the early ’90s while working for Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s secretive arm devoted to theme park experiences, Sotto took it upon himself to hold a chef-led symposium for Imagineers.

“They taught us Imagineers a lot about the ritual of dining, and understanding what foods do to you,” he said, describing how theme park dining should go beyond developing a burger with a cute name.

He was also an early designer on Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure, brought music to Space Mountain and elevated a Los Angeles landmark: He led an interior refresh of the now-shuttered Encounter restaurant at LAX.

Born in Hollywood on March 14, 1958, and raised in La Mirada and Fullerton, Sotto grew up obsessed with Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. He married Deena, his high school sweetheart, when he was 19. Sotto initially followed in his late father’s early footsteps, working at Sears. His meteoric rise in theme park design would be unheard of today, as Sotto never attended college and was self taught, drafting theme park designs in his down time while selling appliances.

His hiring at Imagineering caused some debate, says Tony Baxter, the Disney legend who oversaw the creation of such attractions as Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Star Tours and Splash Mountain. Outgoing and driven, Sotto began reaching out to Baxter for advice in the late ‘70s, says Baxter. It would take nearly a decade for Baxter to persuade his superiors to take a chance on Sotto, who was eventually hired by Imagineering in 1986 after stints at Knott’s Berry Farm and the Landmark Entertainment Group. It was at Landmark where he met one of his key mentors, Herb Ryman, a fine artist and longtime concept designer with Imagineering.

Eddie Sotto’s most famed Disney work is the design of Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Paris.

(Michel Euler / Associated Press)

“For people in management, they kind of want to see a portfolio of something solid,” Baxter says. “But for me, it’s what’s going on in someone’s mind. And Eddie’s mind was sharp as a tack.”

So savvy, believed Baxter, that he was given the task of reimagining Main Street, U.S.A., for a French audience at Disneyland Paris. Sotto’s take on the introductory turn-of-the-century land is widely regarded as its finest, with its grand Victorian-inspired designs diving more deeply into factual American history than its predecessors. Enclosed archways line each side of the street behind the shops. The arcades serve as a shield from Parisian weather but also gave Sotto the opportunity to design installations that focus on the Statue of Liberty, American inventions and the bond between the United States and France.

The goal, says Baxter, was “to create shops in competition with European architecture.” Tom Morris, a retired Imagineer who worked closely with Sotto, says Sotto’s Main Street possesses “an extra layer of storytelling,” adding that Sotto gave the thoroughfare “more of an opportunity for exploration.”

“It’s excessive in the best way possible,” adds Christopher Merritt, a theme park designer and author who worked with Sotto on Pooh’s Hunny Hunt.

Morris recalled first meeting Sotto when they were teens in the 1970s. Morris jokes that he and Sotto both went to Disneyland “more than our parents thought was healthy, which was four or five times per year.” Their paths initially crossed at the Anaheim public library, where they went to peruse its Disneyland collection.

“There were files and files of photographs and employee newsletters — all sorts of weird and interesting things,” Morris says. “I always thought I must be the only weirdo who is interested in all of this, but one day there was another person in there and that person was Ed Sotto. That’s where we met, and I was really surprised, actually, that there was someone else afflicted with the same obsession for Disneyland.”

At Knott’s, Sotto was tasked with reimagining a motorcycle chase ride. Sotto, as recalled in the book “Knott’s Preserved” by Merritt and J. Eric Lynxwiler, took four buttons off a coat and created a mini soapbox car and ran it around a conference table as if it were a Matchbox toy. This would lead to the creation of the Wacky Soap Box Racers, in which the makeshift cars would careen through painted facades of cartoon-ish animals cheering on the guests. The attraction emphasized silliness, taking riders into “Catnip Junction” and through rat-infested sewers.

Eddie Sotto in 2015. In his 13-plus years at Imagineering, the designer touched multiple Disneyland attractions.

(Courtesy of Deena Sotto)

“He told me that everyone backed away from the project because he was the new kid,” says Merritt. “He got literally no budget. There was an end scene in a fireworks factory and they were making bombs out of rubber beach balls that they spray painted black. There were doing this by hand. And it’s a big hit.”

Sotto in his 13-plus years at Imagineering had an influence on Disneyland. As a concept designer on Indiana Jones Adventure, Sotto, says Baxter, conceived the idea in which the ride vehicles would appear to go through one of three different doors, an illusion accomplished by a rotating wall. Repeat visitors would sense as if the car was moving on an alternate track. Today, the walls no longer move and the effect is attempted via projection technology. “I felt my rolling ball [at the ride’s end] and Eddie’s choice room were the two things that really made the ride unique in terms of, ‘Wow, how did they do that?’” Baxter says.

Sotto ascended quickly while at Imagineering, rising to the position of senior vice president, concept design.

“Eddie just kept sketching and drawing,” Morris says. “He was inspired by Herb Ryman and that was Herb’s motto: ‘Just keep drawing.’ I just think when you have a lot of quick sketching acuity, word gets out. People know. This is someone you want on your team, especially in the early stages, to help concept, bring forth and pitch an idea.”

In the mid-’90s, Sotto realized a dream of many an Imagineer, particularly Morris, of bringing onboard audio onto a roller coaster, specifically Disneyland’s Space Mountain. Today, it’s commonplace for coasters to have synced music or sound effects, but Morris says there were technical hurdles that needed to be solved, most notably related to the engineering of the speaker sets on individual cars.

Sotto pushed it through, but not without some personal touches. An avid fan of rock ‘n’ roll, Sotto tapped surf rock guitar legend Dick Dale for a part of the composition, which heavily pulled from Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Aquarium” section of “The Carnival of the Animals.” The result was otherworldly, but also rooted in a sound associated with riding the Southern California waves. Dale’s riffs, wrote Sotto on his website, “were to be triggered to compliment each twist, turn and drop of your ‘rocket.’”

“He loved Orange County surf guitar music,” says Merritt. “So he hires Dick Dale for this intergalactic soundtrack for Space Mountain. They did some promotional thing where they put Dick Dale standing on Space Mountain playing his guitar. That’s just the audaciousness of Eddie.”

In fact, Sotto wrote on his site, it was the promise to play atop Space Mountain that sold Dale on the gig. Sotto would leave Imagineering in 1999 to soon after establish his own Laguna Beach-based SottoStudios, but not before getting an opportunity with Imagineering to remodel Encounter at LAX. Sotto’s vision was a space-age bachelor pad, a place, he said in 2023, “where George Jetson and Barbarella might meet for a drink,” with lava lamp-inspired pillars and soda fountains modeled in the shape of vintage sci-fi ray guns, complete with sound effects.

A remodel of the interior of LAX restaurant Encounter was one of Eddie Sotto’s career highlights.

(David McNew / Getty Images)

Sotto long spoke of the restaurant, which closed in 2013, as one of his favorite projects.

“Theme has to go deep,” Sotto said. “It has be something that’s relevant and exciting to people. I spent weeks putting together 11 hours of music for Encounter. What you were hearing could be a B-side from William Shatner’s space album. Theme has to reward your close inspection at a rich level. That’s why people return.”

SottoStudios over the years was heavily involved in the automobile industry, as Sotto led the design of many car showrooms. Sotto also had a passion for restaurants, and worked on numerous L.A. establishments including John Sedlar’s shuttered but acclaimed Rivera. Sotto’s career would also take him to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin offices, for which he designed a Jules Verne-inspired rocketship fireplace that doubles as a lobby meeting space.

And his passion for theme parks never wavered, says Baxter, even as his heart issues worsened. At their monthly lunches, Baxter notes that he and Sotto would continue to brainstorm new Disney attractions or alternative directions to what the company was announcing. Sotto, says Baxter, spent his final few days at Orange’s UCI Medical Center, but was given a room with a view of Disneyland’s fireworks, which he looked forward to watching each evening. Baxter recalled a picture of the two of them eating chili cheese dogs at Disneyland.

“He sent it to me, and said, ‘I’m dreaming of a day when we can do this again,’” Baxter says. “That was just two weeks ago.”

In addition to his wife, Deena, Sotto is survived by their son Brian, daughter Venice and her husband, Rocky.

The Ford Mustang was built in Detroit, introduced to the world in New York and, according to a new exhibit on the border of downtown and Boyle Heights, romanticized by Los Angeles.

Part advertisement, part history lesson and part playground, “American Icon: A Mustang Immersive Experience” uses theme park-inspired trappings to celebrate a work of mechanical artistry. The car — first introduced in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair as a sporty, compact coup with just a little bit of an edge — is given a hero’s treatment. Inside the warehouse-like Ace Mission Studios, “American Icon” tracks the Mustang’s evolution from the suburban garage to the race track, and uses projections and a 4D theater experience to transform what could have been a showroom experience into something built more for a video game.

With installations focused on the fabled, traffic-free, open road “freedom” that car manufacturers like to so often tout, there’s something quaintly old fashioned here. The Mustang is presented as a car for young couples on the go, optimistically envisioning an America when home and car ownership were a given.

Visitors watch an immersive 4D short film.

(Ronaldo Bolanos/Los Angeles Times)

The seats inside a 4D theater vibrate and feature water and scent effects.

(Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

In that sense, it’s a car enthusiast’s fantasy. But can it inspire a new generation of car dreamers, especially at a time when some data indicates younger audiences may be holding off on a car purchase?

While no cars are for sale at “American Icon” — there is an assortment of specially branded Mustang merch, however, much of it nostalgically focused on 1964 — such an immersive endeavor makes sense, says researcher Jason Jordhamo, a marketing director for Polk Automotive Solutions from S&P Global Mobility. Enticing audiences today, he says, involves a more personal touch than a big TV ad spend or a sponsorship deal.

“It’s less time in the dealership,” Jordhamo says of reaching younger consumers, especially Gen Z. “Those traditional things have to be let go of.”

Jordhamo notes that new vehicle registration among those aged 18-34 has dipped about 2% in recent years. Anecdotally, he cites a multitude of factors, ranging from growing environmental consciousness — hybrids and electric vehicles are big with the age bracket — to the ease of rideshare, especially in major cities.

But there are other causes for concern. “There’s a lot of things that are challenging in that space,” Jordhamo says. “One is affordability, which is huge. The cost for purchasing a vehicle — the monthly costs — have gone up 30% since the beginning of this decade. And the average loan payment nationally has been over $750 all calendar year.”

With the “Pick Your Pony” interactive feature, guests can listen to different Mustang engine sounds.

(Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

Immersive experiences, which typically denote either some level of participation on the part of the guest or attempt to envelope the attendee in all-encompassing imagery, are common in Hollywood and often seen as a way of reaching a younger consumer weaned on interactive entertainment. They’ve been utilized heavily by studios such as Netflix for pop-ups themed to “Arcane,” “Squid Game” and more, but brands and personalities as varied as the Catholic Church, McDonald’s and even Mariah Carey have gotten in on the experiential action. Car companies, too, have dabbled, be it partnering with video game franchises such as “Gran Turismo” or “Rocket League” or, as Ford already does, offering real-life experiences such as off-roading in a Bronco at various U.S. locales.

“It’s more than just steel and rubber,” says Ford’s communications director Mike Levine when asked why Mustang was pegged for such an experience. “Mustang’s impact on America should be appreciated like an art exhibit.”

Seated before a crisply, powdered blue 1965 Mustang on a turntable, the exhibit’s first major room comes alive to simulate movement as the surrounding four walls use projections to place us on idealized versions of Venice Beach and Route 66. The glimmering rhythm of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Nowhere to Run” sets the tone as visions of cruise culture innocence aim to make us feel as if we’re on a ride through Southern California. All that’s missing to complete the mood is someone to deliver us a milkshake.

Several generations of Mustangs are projected behind a real vehicle.

(Ronaldo Bolanos / Los Angeles Times)

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Levine says Los Angeles rather than Detroit was chosen as the first of a planned many stops for “American Icon” in part due to the city’s iconography, pointing to historic drives such as Pacific Coast and Angeles Crest highways as scenic backdrops for our car-focused culture. While experiential marketing is all the buzz in recent years, Levine says this is the first installation of its kind for Ford.

“So far, so good,” said Enzo Sanchez, 22, when asked on a recent weekday if he was enjoying “American Icon,” which culminates in a 4D theater experience that serves as a mini motion simulator. Expect to get splashed with a drop of water as the smell of burning rubber fills the room. The mini film — about five minutes — has Mustang drivers saving a post-apocalyptic world from a rogue AI. “Terminator,” but if Mustangs came to the rescue.

Sanchez, named after famed racer and entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari, comes from a car enthusiast family. His father pointed to a wall dedicated to appearances of the Mustang in popular culture, and singled out a framed portrait of Johnny Mathis’ LP “Those Were the Days,” which features the automobile, and said he would have to track down a copy.

“It just transports you,” Sanchez says of his love of the Mustang, adding that he first became aware of “American Icon” on a recent trip to mid-Wilshire’s Petersen Automotive Museum, which helped curate the exhibition. Sanchez noticed one of its famed 1967 Mustangs, the so-called “Eleanor” from “Gone in 60 Seconds,” was absent, and when Sanchez inquired as to its whereabouts, he was told that it would be popping up at “American Icon.” The vehicle shares space with Mustangs from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Kick-Ass” and “Transformers” at the exhibition.

The Mustang, says Ford’s Levine, has been among the most popular movie vehicles, adding that “Gone in 60 Seconds” showcases the car as much as it does the city of Los Angeles. He, too, has seen the headlines that proclaim Gen Z is shifting away from car ownership. For now, he says, he isn’t concerned.

“I heard the same thing about millennials, who weren’t going to buy cars,” he says. “As a parent of two Gen Z children, they love cars. Their friends have cars. They want something they can enjoy.”

A rotating platform and video projections make a Ford Mustang look like it’s driving on a road.

(Ronaldo Bolanos/Los Angeles Times)

And as Ford bets on with “American Icon,” they want something they can experience.

“This is a different way to reach a Gen Z customer that is very much looking for or has seen engaging content online,” he says. “And when you come in to do that experience, it’s really every sense. When you do the 4D ride, it is every sense. You smell. You feel it. You hear it. You see it. And when you’re immersed on that level, you put the phone down.”

And that, of course, is an essential rule to enjoying the road.

If your dog has missed out on the festive fun so far, there’s still time to book them into Paws in the Park at LEGOLAND Windsor. There’s even the chance for them to give Santa their wish list

If you’re looking for a festive family day out that includes your four-legged friend, then LEGOLAND Windsor is offering a day that dogs will love. On December 21 and 28, the iconic theme park will host Paws in the Park, a special event that allows dogs to accompany their owners to the attraction’s Christmas celebrations.

While most dogs don’t have much interest in LEGO, beyond chewing any stray pieces found on the floor, they’ll no doubt love the festive atmosphere of the park and a new place for walkies. Dogs can sniff their way around the park while owners enjoy over 20 rides, Christmas shows, and the Elf Training Academy.

And if your dog is on the nice list this year, why not treat them to a visit to see Santa himself? After 5pm, Santa’s Grotto in the Christmas Kingdom is open to doggos who are hoping for a visit from Santa Paws this year.

Owners who want to bring their dog to the park will need to pay for a £10 Pet Pass in addition to tickets for any humans visiting, and there are a few rules to follow. Dogs need to be kept on a lead, and you must bring any dog food and snacks with you, although there will be water points throughout the park.

Paws in the Park is part of Christmas at LEGOLAND, the theme park’s festive offering which describes itself as ‘the ultimate Christmas day out’. Until January 4, the park will be decked out in Christmas décor, turning it into a brick-shaped winter wonderland.

A number of rides are still open over Christmas, including The Dragon rollercoaster and the ever-popular LEGO City Driving School. Little kids will especially love the DUPLO Dino Coaster, based on the beloved toddler toys, and the LEGOLAND Express train which takes you on a tour of the park.

You can meet Santa and his elves in LEGO form, before dropping into the grotto to meet Father Christmas himself and give him your Christmas wishes. Visitors get a special LEGO gift to remember their trip.

LEGOLAND’s Christmas attractions also include the Festival of Flurries show, a musical where the audience are encouraged to dance and sing along in a lively yuletide show. As you walk through the park, you may also spot the Nutcracker’s Marching Band, a group playing brass band versions of your favourite Christmas songs.

And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to play with the beloved brick toys, including Build to Give. For every LEGO heart built in the workshop, a LEGO set will be donated.

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In addition to LEGOLAND Windsor, there are three European LEGO-themed parks, perhaps the most famous being in Billund, Denmark, the home of LEGO. Recently, LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany announced they’d be adding a new Harry Potter land to their list of attractions, which will include Wizarding World-themed rides and accommodation. The park plans to release more information on this new land in the next 12 months.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

UNIVERSAL has finally been given the green light to open a theme park in the UK.

The famous film studios has been given planning permission to start building the theme park.

A Special Development Order (SDO) has been granted by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which allows the theme park to skip local planning procedures.

This means it will allow it to be built in the suggested location near Bedford.

Expected to start works in January 2026, the park could open as soon as 2031.

It will be the first Universal theme park for both the UK and Europe, with current resorts only across the US and Asia.

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Local Labour MP Mohammad Yasin praised the “landmark moment,” adding: “The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”

Estimated to cost £6.6billion to build, it could attract as many as eight million visitors a year.

Little is currently known about what kind of themed lands and rides would open at the UK Universal.

Rumours suggest James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings, Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future.

It is unlikely to include Harry Potter due to licensing rules and the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in the nearby Leavesden.

Set across 662 acres, there will be four ‘zones’; the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.

The Core Zone is likely to be the entrance area, as well as where the theme park and waterpark will be.

Plans also include a 500-room hotel.

More accommodation and business hotels will be at the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex ans convention centre.

Then both the West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.

This is also like to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as the parking and a 500-room hotel.

The park is expected to stay open all year round, unlike other UK theme parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park which only open on select dates like Christmas and New Year.

Not only that but it would have much longer opening hours, suggested to be 7am to 11pm.

It will also have a free-to-visit area where guests won’t need a ticket to enter.

Also included in the theme park plans are a new train station to cope with demand.

The new station would be part of the East West Rail (EWR) line, with train links to Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford.

In the mean time The Sun’s  Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Universal’s huge new £7bn theme park this summer.

If you’re bored of theme parks with long queues and greasy food, a new ‘luxury’ theme park will be opening in 2026 that promises a much more upmarket experience including “five-star hospitality”

A day out at a theme park is hardly what you’d call a luxury experience. While it’s nice to enjoy a day of family-fun, having to queue for 30-second rides and fight the crowds isn’t exactly relaxing.

However, an upmarket resort chain now aims to elevate the average theme park experience. Billed as “the world’s first-ever luxury theme park”, BON (beauty of nature) is set to open in autumn of 2026 for guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico.

There are ambitious plans for this new theme park, which will eventually have multiple lands including 23 attractions, 25 restaurants, lounges, and shops across the site. It’ll feature both thrill rides and family-friendly options, as well as immersive experiences and playgrounds.

Guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta, a resort featuring a 5-star hotel, golf course, and direct beach access, already have access to select attractions within the theme park. The park recently opened Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, a spectacular water-based show that takes place in a custom-built theater costing $ 200 million (£ 148 million) for an immersive dinner experience. The theatre is surrounded by a wrap-around aquarium for a 360-degree undersea experience.

Two of the theme park’s seven planned lands are also open for guests to preview. There’s Wonder Bay, which includes a lake show and seasonal celebrations. Until January 11, a Christmas theme is in effect, featuring decorations, live performances, and festive meet-and-greets.

Adventure Valley is also open, featuring the serene Carousel of Colors and the family-friendly Time Quest. There’s also Tempest Towers, a ride that takes you to new heights before plunging you down, and Kids Cove playground with plenty for them to explore. Some of the park’s shops and restaurants are also open, offering visitors a glimpse of what the park will be like.

Once fully open, visitors will be able to enjoy rides such as the Tecuani Beast, set to be Latin America’s only double-launch coaster. This will have top speeds of 65mph and more airtime than any other rollercoaster in the region. Another attraction will be the floral-themed Floresta Drop, which will be a family-friendly ride.

There will also be a variety of eateries offering an elevated experience compared to the typical theme park fare. This includes authentic Mexican cuisine offerings, sushi restaurants, and American-style grills.

The park will also feature numerous surprises around every corner, including costumed entertainers, light shows, fireworks, and much more. The company VidantaWorld, who already have two beach resorts in Mexico and a mega yacht, want to create a “multi-generational” experience, with something for all ages.

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The news comes as a popular European theme park is set to get a new world based on the Harry Potter series. LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany confirmed the creation of a new Wizarding World based on J.K. Rowling’s popular franchise. Details will be released in the next 12 months and are set to include Harry Potter themed accommodation.

Disneyland Paris is also set to get a brand new attraction, and has confirmed that the World of Frozen, based on the Frozen movies, will open on March 29, 2026. The area is set to include a brand new ride, character meet and greets, new shows, and exclusive food and drink.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A WORLD famous destination, often referred to as the unofficial eighth Wonder of the World, could be getting a new theme park.

The Ontario government has launched a new Destination Niagara Strategy which is a multi-billion dollar plan to transform Canada‘s top tourist spots into even better destinations.

As part of the strategy, Niagara Falls could become the ‘Las Vegas of the North’ with the possible creation of a new theme park.

Other plans include redeveloping the Ontario Power Generating Station into a new tourist destination.

A huge wheel ride that visitors can see the falls from is also part of the project – and could be similar to the London Eye with views of the River Thames.

The Niagara Parks Marina will be updated, with plans of opening a restaurant, shop and outdoor patio area.

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Work is already being carried out to convert the historic Toronto Power Generating Station in a five-star hotel – a first in the area.

The hotel is on the banks of the upper Niagara River and will have a craft brewery, museum, a spa, art gallery and a theatre.

In addition to this, there could be “multiple world-class casinos”, as well as “entertainment and top-tier dining options”.

Niagara’s casinos already attract over five million people and generate around €500million (£373million) every year.

The report states that it would “create new, world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network.”

It hopes to welcome as many as 25million visitors a year, and double the region’s tourism.

It could even create $3billion (£2.3billion) for Ontario’s GDP.

Premier Doug Ford said: “Niagara is home to the world-famous Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic tourism destinations on earth, along with a host of world-class restaurants, wineries, hotels, cultural events and so much more.

“Our Destination Niagara Strategy will unlock the region’s full potential, supporting workers and creating new opportunities for tourists and families from Ontario and around the world to come and experience the best that the region has to offer.”

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West said: “This transformative investment in Niagara as a world-class, four-season tourism destination is another example of how our government is protecting Ontario.

“This critical support for our regional tourism strategy will not only attract more visitors from coast to coast across North America, but from around the globe.”

In the future, the destination could see even more new attractions and visitor experiences – though details are limited.

More money will be invested in cultural events too and improving transport options in the region.

Also in the years ahead, there could be a new Niagara River Line attraction, which would be an electric tram through Queen Victoria Park.

Visitors would board capsules that would be suspended, allowing them to see Niagara Falls from a new angle.

Back in August, a new Niagara Takes Flight experience opened.

The $25million (£18.7million) flying theatre experience allows visitors to go on a journey along the Niagara River corridor, soaring across 34.8 miles of parkland including Lake Ontario and the edge of Lake Erie.

A recent visitor said: “This was the most fun we had at Niagara Falls!

“This simulation makes you feel as if you are really experiencing this adventure!”

In other theme park news, these are all the UK rides and attractions that we lost in 2025 and the exciting ones coming in 2026.

Plus, a new £875million theme park dubbed ‘Transylvanian Disneyland’ is set to open in Europe.

THERE’S a theme park in Europe named the word’s best – but it isn’t Disneyland Paris.

The huge Europa-Park in Germany was named Best Theme Park in the World at the Golden Ticket Awards.

It is the 10th time it has won the award – and with 100 attractions, I wasn’t surprised.

I visited the mega theme park last year, and was left seriously impressed by the scale of it.

Stretching across 230 acres, across the park are 15 country-themed lands placed on different destination around the world.

The area of Greece feels like you are in Mykonos, while the Switzerland area is like being in the heart of the Alps.

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There is a St Marks Square in Italy, as well as a pizzieria, while there are lands based on Norway, the Netherlands and Spain as well.

There is an England themed land too, which yes, has a British pub.

The extravagance of the park reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, without the casinos and neon lights or course.

Among the 100 attractions are 13 rollercoasters, my favourite being new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section.

Created by Mack Rides – behing Thorpe Park’s Hyperia – it has a record-breaking 105-degree beyond-vertical launch, the steepest in the world.

It is easily one of the most innovative roller­coasters I’ve experienced, not to mention the most terrifying.

The park also has Rulantica, a huge waterpark with 50 slides and attractions.

Heated to 32C, it even opened a new outdoor pool this year, which has a massive swim up bar with 150 seats.

And if that wasn’t enough, there are a whopping 50 restaurants and bars at Europa-Park – my favourite being the mad Eatrenalin.

Sat at a “floating chair” I was transported to different rooms for different dishes while surrounded by immersive displays.

It combines gourmet cuisine with modern technology – and I was sold.

Europa-Park is constantly expanding too – back in June, the new Wild West themed land Silver Lake City opened.

Along with four themed diners, there is even a 630-bed Tipi Town accommodation village.

Next year will see the opening of the Riverside Western Lodge, with another 120 rooms.

It might not have the recognition of Disneyland, but with so much for all ages, Europa Park should top any theme park-lover’s list.

It’s not just me who was impressed, with one money-saving mum saying it was perfect even in half term holidays.

Content creator TheTravelMum said: “The theming is incredible, and the queue times are absolutely amazing.

“A lot of the smaller rides only have one minute queues.

“The park is fantastic for thrillseekers but at the same time it caters to the little ones,

“This place is fantastic value.”

Entry to the park costs £52 for adults and £44 for children (4–11) and seniors.

Despite being in Germany, the park is near the border of France and Switzerland, so the nearest airport for Brits is Basel.

Return fares in November start from £39pp.