January 2026 — The global attractions industry is progressing with bold new projects, expanded lands, and evolving guest experiences. From record‑breaking coasters to immersive themed spaces, here’s what’s shaping the parks this year.
New and Record‑Breaking Rides
2026 is seeing a wave of major coaster and ride openings:
• A new inverted family coaster, Barracuda Strike, is set for SeaWorld San Antonio, offering suspended seating and dynamic turns when it opens in spring 2026.
• Tormenta Rampaging Run will debut at Six Flags Over Texas; a groundbreaking coaster combining giga scale height with dive coaster elements, set to break multiple records in 2026.
• Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia has opened late in 2025 with the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster, setting a new benchmark for thrill attractions that will continue into 2026.
These attractions reflect a focus on pushing ride experiences to new extremes and drawing visitors with headline‑making engineering achievements.
Expanding Themed Lands
Parks worldwide are adding large themed areas aimed at deeper storytelling and immersive environments:
• In 2026 five new themed lands are scheduled to open globally, including Paw Patrol, Frozen worlds, Pokémon‑inspired zones, and viking themed realms, enhancing family appeal and varied experiences.
• Universal Kids Resort in Texas plans multiple themed lands based on popular IPs such as Shrek and SpongeBob, broadening options for younger guests.
This trend shows parks are investing in narrative‑driven spaces to extend guest dwell time and deepen brand engagement.
Immersive and Family‑Focused Experiences
Several major parks are introducing attractions designed for families and wider age ranges:
• Galacticoaster, the new indoor family roller coaster at Legoland Florida, combines a space‑themed narrative with customization elements for riders.
• New lands often include interactive elements like training zones, soft play spaces, and themed retail and dining, making parks attractive to households and multigenerational groups.
Immersive experiences that blend ride technology with storytelling remain a key draw.
Broad Industry Themes for 2026
Across the parks sector, several broader trends are influencing strategy and guest expectations:
• Immersive worlds and IP‑driven experiences continue to dominate investment, with parks expanding branded lands and attractions to captivate diverse audiences.
• Technology integration in queueing, ride systems, and interactivity is emerging as a common theme, enhancing both efficiency and guest engagement.
• Sustainability and operational innovations are increasingly part of long‑range planning, with parks pursuing energy efficiency, resource management, and environmental considerations.
Together, these trends reflect an industry that is innovating in experience, scale, and operational sophistication.
