amusement and theme parks
Get Ready for Arizona’s Mattel Adventure Park Resort: Construction Update and an Exclusive Sneak Peek of the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker Rollercoaster!
Experience the thrill of Mattel Adventure Park Resort’s construction progress and an exclusive sneak peek of the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker Rollercoaster!
Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Excitement is in the air as construction progresses on Arizona’s highly anticipated Mattel Adventure Park™. Set to open in late 2024, this one-of-a-kind theme park will feature attractions based on beloved Mattel brands, offering guests a thrilling and nostalgic experience.
Mattel Adventure Park set for 2024 opening
Located just south of State Farm Stadium in Glendale at VAI Resort, Mattel Adventure Park aims to become Arizona’s first fully themed indoor/outdoor amusement park. The sprawling 9-acre park will showcase the extensive portfolio of iconic toys from Mattel, creating a year-round entertainment destination for visitors of all ages.
One of the most anticipated attractions at Mattel Adventure Park is the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker Rollercoaster – a first-of-its-kind ride. This family coaster boasts a stunning design inspired by the famous hot rod’s skull. Climbing 84 feet in the air, it promises to provide a pulse-pounding experience for both kids and adults.
But the Hot Wheels fun doesn’t stop there. The park will also feature the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer – a double-looping coaster unlike anything seen before in Arizona. With two corkscrews and a thrilling layout, adrenaline-seekers will be in for a wild ride.
Julie Freeland, Senior Director of Global Location Based Entertainment at Mattel, expressed her excitement about the park, stating, “Mattel Adventure Park is an amazing opportunity to bring our beloved brands to life. We’re especially excited for families to experience the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker rollercoaster – a dream come true for any Hot Wheels fan.”
While Hot Wheels takes center stage, other favorite Mattel brands will also have their dedicated attractions. Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor™ will offer immersive experiences and rides for families, including an indoor play space for little adventurers. Barbie fans will be delighted by the full-scale Barbie Beach House, complete with the Barbie Dream Closet Experience™. This interactive attraction uses hologram technology to bring Barbie to life, allowing guests to explore her iconic closet. The Barbie Beach House will also feature a rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning views of the park.
Masters of the Universe™ fans can engage in epic battles at a 4,500 square-foot laser tag arena designed to resemble the iconic Castle Grayskull fortress. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a mini golf experience with nine holes inspired by classic Mattel games such as Magic 8 Ball™ and Pictionary™. A larger-than-life custom climb UNO™ structure adds a touch of nostalgia and adventure.
Mark Cornell, President at Epic Resort Destinations, highlighted the park’s innovative design, saying, “Mattel Adventure Park features a unique and strategic year-round indoor/outdoor design, providing acres of air-conditioned space to ensure a cool guest experience all summer long here in the heat of Arizona.”
As construction progresses, Mattel Adventure Park continues to generate buzz, promising a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Guests can catch a sneak peek of the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker Rollercoaster at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party™ at Desert Diamond Arena on August 19 and 20.
To stay informed about the latest updates and be the first to experience the excitement, follow Mattel Adventure Park’s social media channels and visit their official website.
https://www.facebook.com/MattelAdventurePark
https://www.matteladventurepark.com
https://www.instagram.com/matteladventureparkaz
Arizona’s Mattel Adventure Park Resort is destined to become a must-visit destination for families seeking thrills, nostalgia, and unparalleled entertainment.
Click the links below to see the latest construction pics.
https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202403/10090
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/amusement-and-theme-parks
amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils Record-Setting ‘Thrill Glider’ Coaster for 2027
Six Flags Magic Mountain is taking flight in 2027 with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind coaster combining flying, motorbike and suspended ride technology with multiple launches, five inversions and speeds up to 50 mph.
Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
VALENCIA, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain is preparing to add another major attraction to its coaster lineup with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster scheduled to open in 2027.
The Southern California theme park announced Sept. 10 that the new attraction will combine elements of flying, motorbike and suspended roller coasters to create what the park is calling an entirely new category: the “Thrillglider.”
Developed by coaster manufacturer Vekoma, Thrill Glider will place riders aboard specially designed “hovercycles.” Instead of sitting upright, riders will be positioned face-forward and prone beneath the track, creating the sensation of flying through the terrain.
The approximately 80-second ride will feature multiple launches reaching speeds of 50 mph, along with 12 airtime moments, five inversions and 20 track elements spread across nearly 3.5 acres. Onboard audio and lighting effects will add to the experience.
A Record-Setting New Coaster
According to Six Flags, Thrill Glider will stretch 3,380 feet — more than half a mile — and reach a maximum height of 107 feet. The company says the attraction will establish several records within the newly created Thrillglider category, including world’s longest, fastest and tallest Thrillglider.
The ride will also feature an elaborate science-fiction storyline centered on the fictional QuantumPulse Propulsion Systems and its discovery of an energy source called PSR B417. Guests will encounter futuristic displays, holographic presentations and other themed elements before boarding their hovercycles.
“Thrill Glider is more than a new attraction. It is the latest milestone in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s renaissance and a reflection of the park’s enduring role as an industry innovator,” park president Brian Oerding said in the announcement.
Where Will Thrill Glider Be Located?
Thrill Glider will occupy the former Golden Bear Theatre site, positioned between Full Throttle and LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom and next to the recently reimagined Looney Tunes Land.
Construction is already underway, with Six Flags planning to open the attraction sometime in 2027. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The minimum rider height will be 48 inches.
The addition continues Magic Mountain’s long-running emphasis on ambitious roller coasters and introduces a substantially different ride experience: part flying coaster, part launched coaster and part futuristic motorcycle adventure.
Source/ Related Links
Six Flags Magic Mountain — Official Site
Source: Six Flags Magic Mountain press release, Sept. 10, 2026.
More Thrills, More Entertainment 🎢
Love roller coasters, theme parks and the latest attractions? STM Daily News Entertainment keeps you connected to amusement and theme park news, new rides, park updates and entertainment destinations. Explore our Entertainment section and discover what’s coming next!
Entertainment
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort: What’s the Latest in Glendale?
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort still have no announced opening date. VAI says construction continues and expects to share more about the park in late 2026.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The wait continues for Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium. Both remain under development, and neither has announced an opening date.
There has, however, been a change in how the park is being described. In August, Axios Phoenix reported that Epic Resort Destinations, the park’s original developer, appears to be out of the Glendale project. Asked about Epic’s involvement, a VAI spokesperson told Axios that VAI is the park’s owner and operator, but did not directly answer whether Epic still has any role. Another VAI spokesperson said the park and resort are now considered part of the same project and that construction continues on both.
VAI also told Axios it is redefining the park’s guest experience and creative vision and expects to share more in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a promise of a project update, not an opening announcement.
The VAI Resort FAQ currently says it will announce an opening date approximately nine months in advance. Mattel Adventure Park’s Glendale page continues to promote planned attractions, including the Barbie Beach House and two Hot Wheels roller coasters, without listing an opening date.
For families hoping to visit, the practical answer is that there is still no date to put on the calendar. The next meaningful development to watch is VAI’s promised fourth-quarter update: it may clarify the park’s plans, but visitors will need an official opening announcement before they can plan a trip.
Source links: VAI Resort FAQ · Mattel Adventure Park Glendale page · Axios Phoenix’s August report
🎬🍿 Lights, camera, entertainment! From must-see movies and TV to music, celebrities, events, and the latest pop culture buzz, STM Daily News keeps you in the know. 💬 Join the conversation, share your take in the comments, and 📬 subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the next big story!
Sports
Chili’s Takes the ‘19th Hole’ Literally With Golf Course Pop-Up
Chili’s took the 19th-hole tradition to a new level with a limited-time golf course pop-up in Burbank featuring food, specialty margaritas and exclusive golf apparel.
BURBANK, Calif. — Chili’s Grill & Bar took its casual-dining game onto the golf course with a limited-time experience celebrating one of golf’s favorite traditions: the 19th hole.
The restaurant chain transformed the clubhouse at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California, into the Chili’s Golf Club, a two-day pop-up held Aug. 28–29. The event welcomed golfers and fans to enjoy Chili’s favorites, specialty drinks and a golf-inspired apparel collaboration.
The concept played off the traditional “19th hole” — the post-round gathering spot where golfers grab food and drinks, talk about the day’s round and, perhaps, make those missed putts sound a little closer than they actually were.
Chili’s Meets the Golf Course
Guests at DeBell could stop by after playing 18 holes — or simply visit the clubhouse — for Chili’s menu favorites such as the Triple Dipper. The pop-up also featured golf-themed drinks including the Transfusion Marg and Tee Time Marg, created specifically for the Chili’s Golf Club experience.
The promotion also teamed Chili’s with active-lifestyle apparel brand Rhoback for a limited-edition Rhoback X Chili’scollection featuring the Chili’s Golf Club crest. The lineup included performance polos, hoodies, quarter-zips, crewnecks and golf hats.
“Chili’s is the people’s clubhouse, so it only made sense to bring that spirit to the course,” George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International, said in announcing the campaign.
Food, Golf and Entertainment Collide
Chili’s extended the promotion beyond the course with a campaign film celebrating everyday golfers — particularly those whose enthusiasm for the game may be considerably stronger than their scorecards.
The film featured appearances by Wesley Bryan, Caleb Pressley, Jena Sims Koepka, Chaz Bowker, Josh Kelley and JaNa Craig, bringing together golf, entertainment, food and lifestyle culture around the familiar 19th-hole tradition.
Although the Burbank pop-up lasted only two days, the campaign offers another example of restaurant brands looking beyond the dining room to connect food with sports, entertainment and fan culture.
For Chili’s, that meant finding a place where burgers, margaritas, golf stories and questionable scorecards already seemed like a natural fit.
Source
- Chili’s — “Chili’s is Fulfilling Every Golfer’s Dream by Opening on a Golf Course. Yes, Really.” — Original Aug. 26, 2026 press release announcing the Chili’s Golf Club promotion.
Related Links
- Chili’s Golf Club — Official Event Page — Details about the DeBell Golf Club takeover, food, specialty margaritas and Rhoback collaboration.
- DeBell Golf Club — Official Website — Information about the Burbank public golf course that hosted the Chili’s Golf Club.
- DeBell Golf Club — Golf Course Information — Background on the 18-hole, par-71 municipal course in the Verdugo Mountains.
- Rhoback X Chili’s Golf Club Collaboration — Rhoback’s official page covering the limited-edition golf apparel collaboration.
- Rhoback Official Website — More from the active-lifestyle apparel company involved in the Chili’s Golf Club campaign.
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
