Location highlight: Brazil
Beto Carrero World (Penha, Santa Catarina), is undertaking a major R$2 billion, multi-year expansion aimed at transforming the theme park into a broader resort destination. The plan includes three new themed areas, new attractions, and three hotel towers totalling approximately 600 rooms, designed to encourage longer, multi- day stays. New additions include the recently opened Galinha Pintadinha area and a planned SpongeBob SquarePants-themed land developed with Paramount, featuring a major Intamin family launch coaster targeted for 2028. Overall, the investment represents a significant expansion of Beto Carrero World’s entertainment and hospitality offering, strengthening its position as a destination resort rather than primarily a single- day attraction. Major expansions at existing hubs Together, these additions demonstrate Beach Park’s continued evolution from a standalone water park into a more comprehensive, multi-day leisure and resort destination. development is expected to involve carnival artist Paulo Barros and actors José de Abreu and Antônio Grassi. Once developed, the park is projected to attract approximately 3 million visitors annually and generate around 8,000 jobs, including an estimated 5,600 positions during construction and 2,400 direct operational roles. Vila dos Smurfs Vila dos Smurfs, located in São Paulo, Brazil, officially opened on July 31, 2026, introducing Latin America’s first Smurfs theme park. Located in the Saúde district of São Paulo’s Southern Zone, the indoor attraction encompasses more than 5,000 square meters and is organized into three themed environments: Smurf Village, the Enchanted Forest, and Gargamel’s Cabin. Designed primarily as a family entertainment destination, the park features more than 15 immersive experiences, including a dark roller coaster, motion-
Surreal, which opened at Beach Park’s Aqua Park in March 2025, is the centerpiece of the resort’s recent investment in new attractions. Billed as the world’s tallest water coaster, Surreal begins 28 meters above ground and extends approximately 343 meters, combining steep drops with water- powered uphill sections, high-banked turns, lighting and sound effects, and a surfing-inspired theme. Developed with WhiteWater using its Master Blaster technology, Surreal represents the largest attraction introduced in Aqua Park’s history. Located in Porto das Dunas in Aquiraz, Ceará, near Fortaleza, Beach Park has evolved over its roughly 40-year history into a broader destination resort centered around Aqua Park. The water park features more than 30 attractions and is complemented by upscale resort accommodations, the Vila Azul do Mar dining and entertainment area, and the nearby ecological Parque Arvorar. The company has continued to expand its resort offering alongside its attractions: in 2025, it announced the new Ohana Beach Park Resort, a beachfront property with 226 accommodations and a reported investment of R$150 million, while Surreal represented an additional R$30 million investment. Together, these additions demonstrate Beach Park’s continued evolution from a standalone water park into a more comprehensive, multi-day leisure and resort destination. The development reflects the continued growth of indoor, intellectual property- driven family entertainment concepts in major Latin American markets. simulator attractions, interactive media, and live character shows. The development reflects the continued growth of indoor, intellectual property- driven family entertainment concepts in major Latin American markets. At the same time, Play Center Family is developing a roughly 10,000-square-meter gamified indoor entertainment park at Shopping Center Norte, further expanding São Paulo’s portfolio of indoor attractions.
Brazil: Beach Park, Surreal Slide
The attractions development scene in Brazil is undergoing an unprecedented, multi-billion dollar boom, marking a significant shift toward master- planned, world-class entertainment infrastructure. Spurred by a massive post-pandemic recovery— including a record 9.3 million international arrivals - Brazil is transitioning from more isolated amusement sites into major entertainment hubs designed to capture long-stay, domestic, and international vacationers. Major investment pipeline is driving dozens of fresh developments across the country. Brazil’s themed entertainment ecosystem is stepping out of the shadow of perpetual “Big Operator” rumours to develop its own heavily capitalized properties. Cacau Park Located in Itu, São Paulo, Cacau Park is Brazil’s most ambitious current project. Spearheaded by Cacau Show, the country’s largest chocolate brand, this $330 million chocolate-themed mega park spans 40 hectares with five themed zones and is scheduled to open in 2027. It features partnerships
with international suppliers like Vekoma and Zamperla. The massive complex will feature over 50 attractions including Latin America’s tallest and fastest launch roller coaster, as well as a shopping mall, two hotels, and a chocolate factory, highlighting the operations of chocolate manufacturer and developer Cacau Show. Initial annual attendance estimates for the park are 3.0 million visitors, which would place it above Beto Carrero World in Penha, Brazil, the current market leader. Puy du Fou Puy du Fou, the renowned historical pageant and immersive entertainment brand, has signed a letter of intent to develop its first Latin American park on an approximately 250-hectare site in São José do Imbassaí, Maricá, adjacent to the Maraey tourism and real estate development. The project represents an estimated initial investment of R$1.5 billion and will center on large-scale, immersive live shows and theatrical performances rather than traditional mechanical rides and roller coasters. Programming will showcase the history and culture of Brazil and Maricá, drawing inspiration from Darcy Ribeiro’s landmark book O Povo Brasileiro. The creative
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