Theme park news today includes Kalahari Resorts’ Aquadome waterpark expansion opening in Wisconsin Dells, the former Fantasy Island property in Grand Island, New York hitting the market, and new dining and lounge enhancements at Atlantis Dubai.
This theme park news roundup also covers construction progress on Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a dessert mishap at a Disney Springs restaurant, and a new European affiliate from International Ride Training, plus live music news from Dave Chappelle’s expanded Madison Square Garden run, Rosé’s new video, Sarah Gallagher’s new management company, and the Reeperbahn Festival’s opening in Hamburg.
The TLDR
- Theme Parks & Roller Coasters: Niagara Amusement Park (Former Fantasy Island) Listed for Sale
- Live Music & Venues: Sarah Gallagher Launches New Management Company, NDA Talent
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Niagara Amusement Park (Former Fantasy Island) Listed for Sale
Niagara Amusement Park in Grand Island, New York, formerly known as Martin’s Fantasy Island, has been listed for sale at just under $5 million ($4,999,900), covering roughly 75 acres and the park’s existing rides, according to WKBW. Current owner IB Parks and Entertainment has struggled to reopen the park in recent years.
Kalahari’s $85 Million Aquadome Waterpark Expansion Opens in October
Kalahari Resorts’ Wisconsin Dells location will open its $85 million, 75,000-square-foot indoor waterpark expansion, the Aquadome, on October 10, 2026. The expansion includes a retractable roof and new attractions such as Nile River Racers, Zambezi Rapids, Viper Venom, and Dolphin Reef, along with an adults-only swim-up bar, according to Screamscape.
International Ride Training Launches Madrid-Based European Affiliate
International Ride Training LLC, a U.S.-based attractions safety and training firm, announced on September 17, 2026 the launch of a new European affiliate, IRT Attractions Consulting SLU, headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The new company will extend the firm’s ride operations training, auditing, and certification services to clients across continental Europe, according to Amusement Today.
Atlantis Dubai Announces New Dining and Lounge Enhancements
Atlantis Dubai announced on September 17, 2026 a round of enhancements across its Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal resorts, though no total investment figure was disclosed. Planned updates include an expanded Plato’s Lounge and refurbished Ossiano restaurant at Atlantis The Palm, a new Garden Bar lounge at Atlantis The Royal, and a new dining venue at Poseidon’s Village in the Aquaventure waterpark, according to Zawya.
Guest Says Disney Springs Restaurant Served a Candle Instead of Dessert
A TikTok user identified as Maddie Brewster says her group spent $168 on a birthday dinner at Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs and received only a single lit candle on an empty plate instead of a dessert. Brewster, who said the server was otherwise pleasant, speculated the missing dessert might be restaurant policy, though that has not been confirmed, according to WDWNT.
Tropical Americas Entrances Take Shape at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Construction continues on the two entrances to Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The archway nearest Discovery Island is still being built, with crews recently adding stucco and sheathing over its steel frame, while the stone pillars at the Theater in the Wild entrance appear more finished, according to WDWNT. Disney has removed the land’s previously listed 2027 opening timeframe from its website.
Live Music & Venues
Sarah Gallagher Launches New Management Company, NDA Talent
Music manager Sarah Gallagher launched her own management company, NDA Talent, on September 17, 2026. Her roster includes pop singer Olly Murs and the group Five, following roughly 17 years managing Murs at Modest! Management, according to Pollstar.
Dave Chappelle Adds Second Madison Square Garden Date
Dave Chappelle has added a second Madison Square Garden show, on November 7, 2026, after his previously announced November 6 date drew heavy demand. Both shows are part of his “Karmageddon” tour and the New York Comedy Festival, according to Pollstar.
Rosé Releases iPhone-Shot Music Video for ‘New Trick’
Rosé released the music video for her new single “New Trick” on September 17, 2026. Director Dave Meyers shot the video entirely on an iPhone 18 Pro as part of a partnership with Apple, according to Billboard.
Reeperbahn Festival Opens in Hamburg
The 21st Reeperbahn Festival opened in Hamburg, Germany on September 16, 2026 and runs through September 19. Organizers expect up to 45,000 attendees and 6,000 music-industry professionals across roughly 70 venues, according to IQ Magazine.
Theme Park News FAQs
How much is the former Fantasy Island property in New York being sold for?
Niagara Amusement Park, formerly Martin’s Fantasy Island in Grand Island, New York, is listed for just under $5 million, covering roughly 75 acres and the park’s existing rides.
When does the Kalahari Aquadome open in Wisconsin Dells?
Kalahari Resorts’ $85 million Aquadome indoor waterpark expansion is scheduled to open October 10, 2026.
When is Dave Chappelle’s second Madison Square Garden show?
Chappelle added a second MSG date for November 7, 2026, alongside his original November 6 show, both part of his “Karmageddon” tour and the New York Comedy Festival.
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