North America Quick Takes | November/December 2021
Hersheypark Hosts Pepsi-Branded Experience
Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, recently revealed a new immersive entertainment experience from Pepsi named “Pepsi Pop Star.” Located in the Kissing Tower Hill section of the park and inspired by Pepsi’s roots in music and entertainment, the 2,500-square-foot attraction offers several experiences to visitors.
One of the most popular is “Dance Pods,” where visitors can book a spot to record their dance performances in private pods that feature customizable avatars generated by selfies that move to music and dance routines. Swag and exclusive fan merchandise are also available, marking one of the first times Pepsi has offered licensed gear with one of its partners. Thirsty dancers can quench their thirst from a variety of PepsiCo beverages.
Cedar Fair Reveals Park Plans for 2022
Cedar Fair announced several capital plans for next season across its properties in North America. Among them are a new roller coaster and themed area at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, the 50th anniversary celebration of Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, and the reopening of two newly refurbished resorts at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The company also plans to introduce several new dining venues and the expansion of its shoulder-season festivals.
Named Jungle X-Pedition, the new area of Kings Dominion will be themed to an exotic archeological dig site and research facility. “Tumbili,” the new suspended coaster from S&S – Sansei Technologies, will suspend riders on either side of the track as the cars flip continuously throughout the ride. Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario will feature a new “International Food Festival,” offering a diverse menu of culinary choices and a new multi-level rustic-lodge restaurant. Cedar Fair also says it will continue to invest millions of dollars into its two Schlitterbahn Waterpark properties in New Braunfels and Galveston, Texas, focusing on infrastructure and aesthetics throughout the parks.
