amusement and theme parks
Inside the Wait for Mattel Adventure Park & VAI Resort in Glendale, Arizona
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What was once pitched as one of the most exciting new additions to Arizona’s entertainment landscape — a world-class resort and theme park featuring some of Mattel’s most beloved brands — has become a long-anticipated project marked by persistent delays, evolving plans, and growing expectations.
A Vision Bigger Than a Theme Park
The centerpiece of the massive development near State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona is VAI Resort, a 60-acre luxury entertainment destination designed to combine upscale hospitality with dynamic entertainment. Plans include:
- Over 1,100 luxury hotel rooms spread across multiple towers, catering to visitors of all types.
- A beach-style water oasis with white sand and temperature-controlled pools — a first for Arizona.
- A state-of-the-art concert amphitheater for national performers and DJ-driven nightlife.
- Dozens of restaurants, lounges, shopping experiences, and convention spaces. And anchored within this resort footprint is the long-awaited Mattel Adventure Park — a theme park bringing Hot Wheels™, Barbie™, Thomas & Friends™, and other iconic Mattel brands to life.
Construction Progress — Visible and Ongoing
The resort and park construction continue visibly along Cardinals Way and West Cardinals Way just south of the State Farm Stadium area. Over the past several years, crews have been steadily working on building structures for the resort’s hotels, water features, and entertainment venues.
For Mattel Adventure Park specifically:
- Core infrastructure and coaster track supports have been erected, including sections of the distinctive Hot Wheels-themed attractions, though construction has been slower than initially anticipated.
- The project’s official construction live-camera feed continues to stream real-time activity, underscoring that work is not abandoned even if progress isn’t tracking toward imminent completion.
In support of the wider development, the City of Glendale approved construction of a large parking garage designed to handle tens of thousands of visitors tied to future resort events and park operations.
Most recently, the resort’s developer expanded its footprint by acquiring an additional 33 acres of land to support future hospitality, residential, and commercial uses — a sign of long-term confidence in the destination despite timeline shifts.
Opening Date Ambiguity and Shifting Targets
From the outset, Mattel Adventure Park was slated to open in coordination with major regional events — originally pegged for 2022 and the Super Bowl LVII timeframe — then revised for 2023, 2024, and late 2025.
Similarly, VAI Resort itself has repeatedly shifted its projected debut:
- In April 2025, resort officials were targeting late 2025 for phased openings.
- By late 2025, that target had quietly dropped from public materials, and the official website no longer listed a specific opening date.
- As of early 2026, VAI Resort officials have refused to commit to any set opening date, saying they intend to announce a timeline only 9–12 months prior to launch — a stance that has left Arizona residents and visitors without concrete expectations.
There’s no public evidence yet that Mattel Adventure Park will open in early 2026, and some observers speculate the project may slide further into the future before doors open to the public.
What Guests Can Expect (When It Opens)
When ultimately completed, Mattel Adventure Park promises a unique experience distinct from traditional amusement parks:
- Hot Wheels™ Bone Shaker™ and Twin Mill™ Racer coasters
- Barbie™ Beach House with themed experiences
- Interactive zones featuring Thomas & Friends™ and other Mattel franchisesAll designed to appeal to families, children, and thrill seekers alike.
Beyond the park itself, the resort’s expansive amenities — including beaches, concert venues, fine dining, luxury spas, and convention space — intend to make Glendale a year-round entertainment hub for visitors from across the Southwest and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With additional land purchased and visible work continuing on multiple fronts, the broader VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park project is far from stalled, even if its opening dates have become increasingly uncertain.
Industry watchers and local residents alike will likely continue to track construction progress closely, waiting for the first official announcement of firm opening dates — a milestone the resort has said it’s now hesitant to set prematurely.
Track updates on the VAI Resort official website and the project’s construction live camera feed.
For more information about Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort, visit the Official website
Entertainment
Jason Voorhees Steps Into the Real World With New Interactive Halloween Attraction
Jason Voorhees is stepping out of the movies and into haunted attractions across nine U.S. cities. The new Jason Universe experience includes a terrifying walkthrough and a limited interactive add-on that lets guests direct Jason’s next attack.
The first-of-its-kind licensed Jason Universe experience will bring the “Friday the 13th” slasher to haunted attractions in Phoenix and eight other U.S. cities.
Horror fans may want to keep their flashlights close this Halloween. Jason Voorhees is leaving Crystal Lake and stepping into the world of live haunted entertainment.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group has partnered with Horror, Inc. to launch “Jason Universe: Survive the Night,”an officially licensed walkthrough attraction inspired by the Friday the 13th franchise. A separate, limited-capacity interactive experience called “Jason Universe: Director’s Cut” will allow guests to influence how part of the terrifying encounter unfolds.
The experiences are scheduled to appear during the 2026 Halloween season at select Thirteenth Floor attractions in Denver, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, Green Bay, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Nashville.
For Arizona horror fans, the inclusion of Phoenix means one of cinema’s most recognizable masked villains will be lurking close to home this fall.
Surviving a Night With Jason
“Jason Universe: Survive the Night” places visitors inside a dark, suspense-filled environment in which Jason can appear around virtually any corner. According to the attraction’s description, guests will try to make it through the night while the seemingly unstoppable slasher stalks them through the maze.
The experience promises close encounters with Jason’s battered hockey mask, relentless pursuit and the unsettling feeling that, no matter where guests turn, he is already waiting for them.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group says the collaboration is the first licensed Jason Universe haunted attraction of its kind. It combines the mythology and visual identity of Friday the 13th with the company’s large-scale sets, performers and immersive haunted-house production.
Guests Can Direct Jason’s Next Attack
The most unusual part of the attraction may be “Jason Universe: Director’s Cut,” an optional experience with extremely limited nightly availability.
Inside a rustic cabin, a camp counselor leads a small group to a control station featuring four choices: Panic, Slash, Strike and Stalk. Guests select how Jason will attack next, temporarily placing them in the director’s chair and giving them a hand in determining how the scene plays out.
The people inside the cabin may control one moment, but the attraction warns that Jason remains in charge of the rest of the night. Participants will receive a limited-edition “Jason Universe: Director’s Cut” patch as a collectible.
Chris Stafford, CEO and founding partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, said the collaboration grew from conversations about creating a Jason experience unlike anything fans had encountered before.
“We found an opportunity not only to bring the Jason Universe brand to guests across our attractions, but to create a first-of-its-kind licensed Jason Universe attraction that gives fans the opportunity to partake in an additional experience and choose their ending,” Stafford said in the announcement.
Robbie Barsamian, executive vice president at Horror, Inc., said the company has been looking for new ways to bring Jason to audiences through games, online projects and real-world experiences.
More Than Four Decades of Horror History
The original Friday the 13th opened in theaters in 1980 and helped establish the summer-camp slasher as a horror staple. Although Jason Voorhees was not yet the hockey-mask-wearing killer audiences would later recognize, the character eventually became the franchise’s defining figure.
Across sequels, television, games, comics, collectibles and Halloween costumes, Jason’s mask and machete became enduring symbols of the genre. The franchise ultimately expanded to 12 films, while Jason developed into one of horror’s most recognizable pop-culture characters.
Horror, Inc. launched the broader Jason Universe initiative in 2024 as a home for new projects connected to the franchise. Those projects include Crystal Lake, an upcoming television prequel series from A24.
The partnership with Thirteenth Floor represents another step in that expansion, transforming Jason from an on-screen threat into a physical presence that fans can encounter—and, for a moment, direct.
Tickets and Availability
Dates, participating venues, ticket prices and availability will vary by city. The “Director’s Cut” upgrade will have limited capacity each night, so interested fans may want to check availability early.
Additional information is available at ThirteenthFloor.com. Fans can also follow developments across the franchise at JasonUniverse.com.
This article is based on information provided by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. Attraction details and availability are subject to change.
Source: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, press release dated August 20, 2026.
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amusement and theme parks
Six Flags and Travis Kelce Kick Off 2027 Season Pass Sales With Lowest Prices Through Sept. 7
Six Flags launches 2027 Season Pass sales at its lowest price through Sept. 7, with unlimited visits now through 2027, parking perks, and regional access.
Six Flags is officially in “season pass season” — and it’s starting with a headline deal. The company announced Aug. 7 that it has launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next, with a limited-time offer running through Sept. 7, 2026. To mark the 8/7 launch date, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce, celebrating the biggest pass offer of the year on a number that’s become part of his legacy.
The big takeaway for fans: buy early, and you’re not just locking in 2027 access — you’re getting the rest of 2026, too. That includes major seasonal events like Halloween and holiday celebrations, plus the chance to start using the pass right away across participating parks.
What the 2027 Season Pass deal includes
Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at launch pricing and receive admission for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.
Kelce framed it in simple terms: unlimited visits, especially heading into fall and winter event season, is the kind of value that would have been “mind-blowing” as a kid — and it’s built for families and friend groups who want more reasons to get together.
Gold Pass: the value play for frequent park visits
The 2027 Gold Pass is positioned as the core option for guests who want maximum visits at the lowest price point. Benefits include:
- Unlimited visits for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027
- Free general parking (restrictions apply)
- Regional park access (East, West, Midwest, or Texas)
- Admission to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations
- Discounts on select food, merchandise, and tickets
- One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7
Prestige Pass: VIP perks and nationwide access
For guests who want more premium access and in-park benefits, Six Flags is also pushing its Prestige Pass tier. Prestige perks include:
- Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
- Preferred parking at many parks
- Complimentary fountain beverages
- VIP entrance access at participating parks
- Free Bring-A-Friend tickets
- One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
- A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7
Memberships: month-to-month flexibility
Six Flags also announced 2027 Memberships for guests who prefer a monthly payment option. Memberships include unlimited visits and a range of benefits similar to Season Passes — including multi-park access (based on tier), parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, and member-exclusive rewards and offers.
Premium membership tiers add expanded park access and additional VIP-style perks, giving guests more ways to customize how they visit.
Why Six Flags is making a big push now
The 2027 pass launch arrives as Six Flags prepares what it calls one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever, with major additions planned across regions.
Highlights announced so far include:
- East: Six Flags Great Adventure will debut Bakunawa, billed as the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster (382 feet, 100 mph), anchoring a renovated Boardwalk area inspired by Jersey Shore culture. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin’ Falls, a super-flume featuring a 100-foot drop.
- Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, described as the world’s longest family launch coaster with immersive storytelling.
- Midwest: Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, a family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, a suspended family coaster.
- West: Knott’s Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts.
Six Flags also teased that more major announcements are still on the way.
You can start using the pass in 2026 — and more is coming
Beyond the 2027 pipeline, Six Flags says guests who buy now can take advantage of new or recently opened additions in 2026, including:
- Quantum Accelerator (Six Flags New England)
- Tormenta: Rampaging Run (Six Flags Over Texas)
- Shoreline Pier (Six Flags Great Adventure)
- Daredeviler (Canada’s Wonderland)
- Speedway Stunt Coaster (Six Flags Mexico)
- Looney Tunes™ Land (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
- Phantom Theater (Kings Island)
- A major summer entertainment lineup (Kings Dominion)
And the calendar doesn’t slow down after summer. Six Flags says its 2026 Halloween lineup is coming soon, featuring new horror franchise experiences and new entertainment, followed by holiday events across parks — including the return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.
The deadline to know
If you’re considering a pass, the timing matters: guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026 to receive launch pricing and promotional offers. For park-specific details and restrictions, Six Flags directs guests to visit sixflags.com.
For fans, Kelce summed up the pitch: more time at the parks now means more memories later — more rides, more laughs, and more reasons to bring your crew along for the season.
Source: Six Flags
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amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Unleashes Its Biggest-Ever Halloween Lineup for 2026
Six Flags is raising the fear factor for Halloween 2026 with new haunted mazes inspired by Jason Voorhees, Diablo, Final Destination and The Blair Witch Project.
Jason Voorhees, Diablo, Final Destination and The Blair Witch Project headline an expanded season of haunted mazes, scare zones and nighttime thrills
Six Flags is turning up the fear factor for Halloween 2026 with its largest collection of licensed horror attractions to date.
The amusement park operator announced 11 new haunted mazes inspired by major film and gaming franchises, including Friday the 13th, Final Destination, The Blair Witch Project and Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo. Returning attractions will feature characters and settings from The Conjuring Universe, SAW, Army of the Dead, The Strangersand Trick ’r Treat.
Altogether, Six Flags says its parks will offer 448 Halloween-themed experiences across North America, including 29 new and returning licensed haunted attractions, 196 scare zones and live shows, nighttime rides and 141 family-friendly daytime activities.
“We’re taking Halloween to an entirely new level in 2026,” Kelly Daugherty, Six Flags’ director of entertainment, said in the company’s announcement. “Guests won’t just watch these stories unfold—they’ll step inside them.”
New nightmares arrive at Six Flags
One of the biggest additions is JASON: Blood Reign, an attraction inspired by Jason Voorhees and the Friday the 13thfranchise. Guests will enter the dark woods surrounding the slasher’s legendary summer camp while retracing the events that transformed Jason into one of horror cinema’s most recognizable villains.
The maze is scheduled to appear at SCarowinds, Kings Island and Six Flags Great Adventure.
Fans of elaborate cinematic accidents can enter Final Destination: Death’s Playground, where death itself serves as the villain. Inspired by New Line Cinema’s Final Destination films, the attraction will place guests inside a chain of seemingly calculated disasters.
The maze is coming to Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California.
At Six Flags Great America and Dorney Park, Blair Witch: No Signal will send visitors into a dark recreation of the Black Hills Forest. The experience will include abandoned camps, ritual sites, winding trails and the infamous Rustin Parr house.
Video game fans will also get their chance to enter the underworld. DIABLO: The Infernal Path will bring Blizzard Entertainment’s gothic franchise to Kings Dominion and Cedar Point. Guests will encounter characters including Diablo, Lilith, Mephisto and Baal while traveling through cursed cathedrals and scenes inspired by ancient rituals.
Familiar horror franchises return
Several previously featured horror properties will return following what Six Flags described as strong guest demand.
The Conjuring: Beyond Fear will appear at Canada’s Wonderland, SCarowinds, Cedar Point and Kings Island. The attraction casts visitors as paranormal investigators attempting to contain cursed artifacts and supernatural entities, including Annabelle.
A separate Conjuring Universe attraction will return to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Great America and Six Flags Over Georgia.
Other returning experiences include:
- SAW: Legacy of Terror, featuring scenes inspired by Jigsaw’s traps
- The Strangers: No Escape at Six Flags Over Texas
- Trick ’r Treat at Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Army of the Dead at Six Flags Great Adventure
Knott’s Berry Farm will once again stage Knott’s Scary Farm, the long-running Southern California Halloween event. Six Flags Mexico will also present Festival del Terror, with additional licensed attractions expected to be announced.
More than haunted mazes
The 2026 Halloween season will extend beyond indoor attractions. Six Flags parks will feature themed scare zones filled with roaming performers, elaborate sets, fog, lighting effects and unexpected encounters.
Six Flags Over Texas will introduce Varnum’s Traveling Pit Show of Oddities, described as a premium scare-zone experience combining immersive horror, themed offerings and live entertainment.
Halloween programming across the company’s parks will also include monster bands, musical productions, stunt performances, parades and nighttime spectaculars. Roller coasters and other thrill rides will continue operating after dark at participating locations, with fog, lighting and sound effects altering the experience.
Scare zones, live entertainment and most nighttime rides will be included with regular park admission. However, admission to the haunted mazes will generally require a separate Haunted Attractions Pass in addition to a valid park ticket, season pass or membership.
Knott’s Scary Farm operates under a different system as a separately ticketed event, with its haunted mazes and entertainment included in the event admission.
Halloween fun for younger visitors
Not every seasonal attraction will be designed to terrify guests.
Before the nighttime scares begin, participating parks will offer daytime activities for families and younger children. Programs such as Kids Boo Fest, Tricks and Treats and Camp Spooky will feature trick-or-treating, pumpkin-themed activities and interactive entertainment.
Select parks will also hold Oktoberfest celebrations featuring seasonal food, beverages and live entertainment.
The family-friendly activities will generally be included with daytime park admission.
Dates and ticket details are still coming
Operating dates, attraction availability and ticket prices will vary by park. Six Flags said individual parks will release their complete Halloween schedules and ticketing information between mid-August and early September.
Guests should also review each attraction’s age recommendations, health warnings and accessibility guidelines before purchasing tickets. Haunted mazes may include darkness, fog, loud sounds, flashing lights and intense imagery that may not be suitable for every visitor.
With iconic slashers, supernatural villains, video game demons and hundreds of seasonal attractions, Six Flags is betting that horror fans will be eager to spend part of Halloween 2026 inside their favorite nightmares.
For park-specific schedules and ticket information, visit Six Flags.
Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation press release. Attraction schedules and availability are subject to change.
Source
- Six Flags Raises the Fear Factor in 2026 — Original Six Flags Entertainment Corporation press release.
Related Links
- Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest — Details about the Southern California event, including Final Destination, The Conjuring Universe and Trick ’r Treat. The 2026 event runs on select nights from September 18 through November 1.
- Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest — Official information for the New Jersey event, featuring haunted mazes, shows and nighttime attractions.
- Knott’s Scary Farm — Official information for the separately ticketed Halloween event, scheduled for select nights from September 17 through October 31, 2026.
- Knott’s Spooky Farm — Family-friendly daytime Halloween activities offered on select days from September 24 through October 31, 2026.
- Six Flags Great America Fright Fest — Official details for the Illinois event, including haunted attractions and scare zones.
- Six Flags Great Adventure Seasonal Events — Calendar of Fright Fest, Oktoberfest and other seasonal events at the park.
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