When David Apel first came across an opening for a Games Operator at HBL in 2011, it caught his attention because it looked different from the usual jobs he’d seen. The role seemed exciting, hands-on and full of variety, which led him to apply and ultimately begin what would become a 15-year career with HBL!

David started his HBL career as a Games Operator at LEGOLAND Florida before progressing to Assistant Manager in 2012. The following year, he became Site Manager and spent 7 years overseeing operations at LEGOLAND Florida. During this time, he gained valuable experience in leading teams, managing day-to-day operations and creating memorable moments for guests. In 2020, David took on a new role as Regional Manager for Central Florida, expanding his responsibilities to support operations across LEGOLAND Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Throughout his journey in HBL, David Apel has experienced the different sides of the business, but his time as a Games Manager taught him the most and had the biggest impact on his career. He learnt that building strong teams starts with treating people with respect. It’s how trust is built and opens up an opportunity for people to be willing to learn and grow. “People are more open to listening, developing their skills and giving their best when they feel valued and respected,” he said. To this day, this lesson has stayed with David and continues to shape the way he works and leads others.

After more than a decade in operations, David took another step in his career in 202 when he moved into his current role as Assistant Purchasing Manager for HBL USA. While the role brought a new set of responsibilities and allowed him to contribute from a different perspective, the variety that first attracted him to HBL has remained his favourite part of the job. For David, that’s what makes HBL a rewarding place to build a career, regardless of the role you hold.

Looking back over his 15 years, David believes that being able to adapt is one of the most important qualities for anyone considering a career in the attractions and leisure industry. His advice? Embrace the fact that no two days are the same while bringing your own personality to the role. He also believes that having a positive attitude and being willing to have a little fun can go a long way, whether you are interacting with guests or working with your team.

As David Apel celebrates 15 years with HBL, he has plenty to reflect on from his early days to his progression through management and regional leadership. Over that time, he has watched HBL grow significantly and is excited to see where the business goes next. With HBL continuing to expand into more parks across the US and reach even more guests around the world, David is looking forward to being part of the next chapter. “It’s exciting to think about how far we’ve come, and I’m even more excited to be part of what comes next.”

17 years, several roles and countless experiences later, Mark Atayde has built an impressive career journey with HBL. Starting as a Games Operator at Modhesh World in 2010, Mark has continued to embrace new challenges, take on new opportunities along the way and grow his experience before taking on his current role as UAE Stock Manager.

Mark’s early years in HBL saw him work across multiple locations and events, including Al Rigga Night Market, Magic Planet, Al Ain Zoo and more. These experiences gave him a strong understanding of HBL’s operations and helped him develop the skills necessary for the next stage of his career. As he gained more experience over the years, his responsibilities expanded beyond game operations. From 2015 to 2018, Mark took on the role of Stock Manager at JBR, quickly followed by another Stock Manager position at La Mer Beach from 2018 to 2019. In these roles, his focus shifted from operating skill games to being more involved in stock planning, warehouse operations, and logistics.

Today, as UAE Stock Manager, Mark Atayde’s role covers much more than managing stock. He coordinates with different departments to ensure stock availability while overseeing warehouse operations, procurement, shipping and logistics. He also plays an important role in supporting new site openings and ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish. Currently, his responsibilities have also extended beyond the UAE. His team also provides support to HBL’s regional operations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.

With so many roles under his belt, Mark enjoys the variety that comes with his role. “No two days are the same. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. I also enjoy working with a great team and seeing projects come together successfully,” he says. Mark also appreciates working on the different aspects of the business. From inventory to site operations, each stage has taught him the importance of communication, problem-solving, and staying organised.

However, working across multiple markets also comes with challenges. For Mark, it was tight deadlines, shipping delays and changing project requirements. To overcome these challenges, Mark planned ahead, maintained close communication with suppliers and prepared backup plans wherever possible. Over the years, these experiences have taught him to stay calm under pressure, adapt when things don’t go to plan and, most importantly, focus on finding a solution.

Despite facing all those challenges, one of Mark’s biggest achievements has been his progression within HBL. Being trusted with increasing responsibilities is something Mark is proud of, especially when he gets to see the results of months of preparation come together for an opening day. His dedication and passion for his work have also made an impression on those he works with. Jean-Paul, the Operations & Projects Manager for UAE & Qatar, describes Mark as someone who values integrity, accountability and doing what is best for the business. “Mark’s work ethic is second to none. Whatever the task, he approaches it with complete dedication and professionalism. He is someone you can rely on without question. He consistently goes above and beyond, not because he has to, but because he takes real pride in what he does. Every team benefits from having someone like Mark.”

When asked about his future in HBL, Mark hopes to continue developing his leadership skills and taking on bigger responsibilities. He is passionate about improving warehouse and logistics operations and finding even more efficient ways to work and support the company’s growth through new projects.

Reflecting on his own career, Mark’s advice to anyone considering a career in the industry is simple: be willing to learn, work hard and stay patient. Every role can teach you something valuable and taking on new challenges can open doors to opportunities you never knew existed.

Mark Atayde’s journey from Games Operator to UAE Stock Manager is a reminder that career growth takes time, commitment and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. After 17 years with HBL, Mark continues to look ahead, ready to keep learning and see where the next chapter of his journey takes him!

HBL has been creating memorable guest experiences for nearly a century through skill games and family entertainment centres at some of the world’s leading attractions. With the launch of Carousel & Co. in Kuala Lumpur in early 2026, the company is expanding into the growing competitive social entertainment market with an innovative concept that combines gaming, food and beverage, and hospitality under one roof.

Developed and managed by HBL, Carousel & Co. marks an evolution of the company’s expertise. Located at Avenue K in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the venue features HBL’s signature skill games in a vibrant boardwalk-inspired setting, complemented by quality dining, handcrafted drinks and nostalgic fairground charm to create a unique social entertainment experience.

The venue features a collection of HBL’s custom-designed games including Hoofers, High Flyers, Rollfast, Corn Cascade, Pearl, Snack Attack!, Hoop Hustle, Chips Ahoy! and Feeding Frenzy. Each game is a modern interpretation of a classic carnival favourite, enhanced with digital scoring, real-time tracking and live leaderboards that allow players to compete with friends and celebrate every victory. Designed to encourage connection through friendly competition, Carousel & Co. is an ideal destination for corporate team-building events, networking sessions, celebrations and social gatherings. By combining entertainment and hospitality into a single destination, Carousel & Co. offers operators and franchise partners an exciting new business model that appeals to a broad audience and encourages repeat visits. 

As the concept continues to evolve, HBL plans to expand Carousel & Co. into new markets, bringing the brand’s unique blend of competitive gaming and social entertainment to destinations globally. Backed by HBL’s decades of operational expertise and in-house game development capabilities, the concept has been designed to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of locations and markets.

The launch of Carousel & Co. marks an exciting milestone for HBL and with international expansion in the near future, HBL looks forward to creating even more memorable guest experiences worldwide.

A day at the theme park is all about creating memories together as a family, and sometimes the best ones happen away from the rides. Whether you’re cheering each other on, sharing a laugh over an almost-win, or celebrating a giant prize, HBL skill games are a great way for families to enjoy a little friendly competition.

Not sure which game is best for your family? Here’s our guide to the best skill games for parents vs kids!

Best Games for Little Ones

Hook a Duck

Simple and easy to play, Hook a Duck is a favourite for younger children. All they need to do is catch a floating duck to reveal a number underneath. Add up the numbers to claim a guaranteed prize, but for families looking to add a little friendly competition, the one with the highest total takes bragging rights!

Balloon Pop

With bright, colourful balloons and simple gameplay, Balloon Pop is another fantastic choice for younger players. With a little help from parents, children can enjoy taking aim and popping balloons to win a guaranteed prize. Turn it into a little rivalry where the player who pops the most balloons wins the family showdown.

Derby Race or Water Race

For younger players who love a little excitement, Derby Race and Water Race are guaranteed to get the whole family involved. Whether it’s rolling balls into numbered holes or shooting a stream of water at a target, everyone plays at the same time to reach the finish line first.

Fast-paced and full of cheering, these games are perfect for creating unforgettable family moments. Parents can join alongside the kids and challenge each other to a battle of speed, accuracy and determination.

Best Games for Bigger Kids

Basketball

Older children who love sports or enjoy testing their skills will have a great time with Basketball. The first one to score a ball in the basket wins a prize, and while parents might think they have the advantage, don’t be surprised if the kids steal the win! And if the little ones want to join the fun, some of our Basketball games even feature a lower hoop designed especially for younger players, making it one of the best skill games for parents vs kids!

Lobster Pot

Lobster Pot is perfect for families who enjoy a little bit of a challenge. To win, players need to land 2 balls in the bucket. It may sound simple, but it takes patience, precision and a steady hand, making it a great game for bigger kids looking to test their skills against their parents.

Kick the Bucket

If your family loves football, Kick the Bucket is a must-try! The goal is simple: kick the football and knock over the pyramid of buckets to win. It’s a fun test of power and precision that’s guaranteed to bring out everyone’s competitive side.

 

The best part about skill games is that everyone has a chance! Younger children can team up with their parents, while older kids can challenge mum and dad to see who has the best aim or the deadliest accuracy. So the next time you’re visiting one of our locations, why not take a break from the rides and settle the ultimate family question: who’s the master of skill games? 

For Muhammad Awad, joining HBL is the beginning of a career journey built on his passion for creating memorable guest experiences. In June 2024, Muhammad started as a Games Operator at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, where his day-to-day responsibilities included operating the games, explaining rules, meeting sales targets and ensuring a fun and energetic atmosphere.

His commitment and work ethic soon led to a promotion to Games Supervisor. Stepping into a leadership position saw Muhammad taking on greater responsibilities in running the games operations. He also became a key point of contact for other Games Operators, helping to guide the team, maintain high standards and assist with any guest concerns. Less than a year later, he took another step forward in his career by becoming Assistant Manager. This new role expanded his focus to include the wider strategic aspects of the business. Today, he supports scheduling and staffing, monitors team performance, ensures operational targets are achieved, and works closely with management to improve operations and resolve issues.

While Muhammad Awad’s responsibilities have changed significantly over time, one thing has remained the same: his enjoyment of working with both guests and team members. “What I love most about my job is interacting with guests, developing team members and keeping them motivated, and creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. I also really enjoy leading teams and planning operations. Seeing both the team and the business succeed makes the role rewarding,” he says.

His achievements have not gone unnoticed. Tamara Manojlovic, the Innovation & Design Assistant – USA, has seen first-hand the impact he has made.

“Muhammad has consistently delivered exceptional results at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and his outstanding work ethic and performance earned him the opportunity to support operations at Busch Gardens Williamsburg as well, where he again showed incredible focus and determination. What sets Muhammad apart is his passion for the role and the business. That passion continues to grow as he progresses in his career and its impact extends far beyond his own performance. His enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude are contagious, inspiring his team to perform at their best and enjoy their work as much as possible.”

Throughout his progression in HBL, Muhammad has gained confidence in managing the fast-paced nature of the attractions industry. Each new role has presented different challenges, requiring him to adapt quickly, stay organised and make effective decisions under pressure. He credits clear communication and teamwork as the most important factors in overcoming such challenges.

Muhammad is now aiming to further strengthen his leadership abilities and take on even greater operational responsibilities in the near future. “I aim to keep progressing within HBL and contribute to the overall success of the business,” he explains.

With three roles in less than two years, Muhammad Awad’s story highlights the opportunities available to those who take on new challenges and consistently strive to grow both personally and professionally.

Who doesn’t love playing our HBL skill games and winning the prizes back home? While the thrill of winning is undebatable, you might be left wondering what to do with all the amazing plushies that have slowly accumulated in the space of your home. If you’ve got too many plushies and prizes lying around at home, here are some ways to transform our HBL prizes into something more meaningful!

1. Show off your collection in your home

Winning our skill games is impressive enough, but winning multiple prizes from them is even more impressive! Display your winnings proudly and let them brighten up the corners of your home. Not only do you get to show off your skills, but they will also add a personal touch to your living space – reminding you of the thrill of winning every time. And if you have too many plushies, consider rotating them seasonally or showcasing different themes to keep your decor fresh.

2. Gift them to your loved ones

Still, trying to figure out what to do with your plushies? They make wonderful gifts for the perfect occasions – Teddy bears on a date night, giant huskies on Christmas and exclusive Pokémon plushies to add some fun on Halloween! These gifts bring a burst of excitement to your loved ones, create unforgettable memories, and bring you closer to them. Plus, you no longer have to rack your brains thinking of what to get during these gifting occasions!

3. Lend a hand to those in need

Donating your excess plushies is one of the best ways to give back to the community! By doing so, you are directly putting smiles on the faces of those who need it most and spreading warmth to those less fortunate. Your act of kindness goes a long way and knowing that you have brightened someone’s day adds a sense of fulfilment to your life too!

You can never have too many plushies, but the next time when you hit the jackpot at HBL skill games, keep these ideas in mind and turn your prizes into cherished gifts, delightful home decorations, or tokens of goodwill for those in need. Let your winnings bring joy beyond the game! Don’t forget to snap some photos and tag us on Instagram or Facebook – we would love to see what you have transformed our prizes into.

When Adnan Ali Fareed first joined HBL in May 2010 as a Games Operator at Thorpe Park in the UK, it was simply meant to be a part-time job while completing his degree. He never expected it to become a career spanning more than 15 years and lead him to a senior leadership position across the UAE.

As a Games Operator, Adnan’s main focus was on guest interaction and achieving daily sales targets. As he progressed through a variety of roles and responsibilities, eventually reaching his current position as Head of Games Operations – UAE, his responsibilities grew to include team leadership, stock management, operational performance and delivering annual budgets. When asked what he loves most about his job, he said it was the environment’s energy and liveliness. “Every day is different, and there are always new challenges to overcome. I enjoy being part of an industry that creates memorable experiences and brings happiness to people and families,” he recalls.

That passion for the industry, combined with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn, saw Adnan Ali Fareed steadily progress through the business. Relocating to Dubai to be an Assistant Games Manager brought a fresh set of challenges, as it meant adapting to a new culture and business environment. He overcame these challenges by seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, building strong teams and staying focused on delivering results. This ultimately led him to advance his career to Stock Manager for Global Village, UAE Stock Manager, Games Manager, Site Manager, General Manager-Global Village and ultimately Head of Games Operations – UAE. Looking back, Adnan says that those challenges played a key role in both his personal and professional growth.

Although he has already achieved an impressive career progression, Adnan remains focused on what comes next. He is eager to continue growing within HBL, taking on new challenges, and expanding his leadership responsibilities. Now, Adnan Ali Fareed aims to work towards a broader leadership position and eventually become Head of Operations for the Middle East region. He is excited by the opportunity to support teams across multiple markets, contribute to the company’s continued growth, and help shape HBL’s future success in the region.

This month’s Employee Spotlight shines on Andy Walklate, the Cluster Manager of the Netherlands! His journey with HBL started back in 2012 as a part-time Games Operator at Alton Towers. What started as a way to earn some extra money during the school holidays quickly turned into a long-term career that has taken him all around the globe.

Andy has experienced many roles within HBL. He started out working the skill games as a Games Operator and after a few years, he worked in Dubai for a few seasons, describing it as some of the most fun years of his life. It was in Dubai that he gained extensive work experience, enabling him to transition to the operations and management side of the business. At just 21 years old, Andy relocated to the Netherlands to take on his first site as Games Manager. After 10 years there, the Netherlands soon became his second home, where he played a major role in the growth of HBL’s operations in the region, helping to expand into additional theme parks and arcades while supporting the setup and day-to-day operations of new locations. Today, as Cluster Manager for the Netherlands, Andy oversees a growing portfolio of operations while continuing to support the development of his teams.

Reflecting on his time at HBL, Andy says one of the things he loves most about the business is the opportunity to continuously grow while travelling the world. From working on the games to leading large-scale operations, every role has brought new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to learn. His biggest achievement? Achieving a record-breaking revenue day at Walibi Holland during Halloween – a milestone that remains unbeaten to this day!

Andy also recalls the challenges faced during the reopening of operations following the COVID-19 lockdowns. As one of the first operating sites to reopen in Europe, Andy and his team worked with limited staffing while preparing for every possible scenario, implementing additional sanitary and protective measures across the operation. Despite the uncertainty, guest demand quickly exceeded expectations, and through adaptability, teamwork, and running from game to game, the team went on to deliver one of the highest spending years on record.

As Andy Walklate steps into his expanded Cluster Manager role covering both the Netherlands and Heide Park, his current focus is on strengthening collaboration between managers across the cluster and building successful operations together. “I’m forever learning new things along the way, and I’m sure when the time is right, and the opportunity arises, that will mean taking on additional responsibilities,” he says.

Looking back on a conversation he once had at 18 years old with Business Development Director Eddie Lehart about where he saw himself in five years, Andy laughs as he remembers his response: he quite liked the look of Eddie’s job.

This month’s Employee Spotlight shines on Don Edirisinghe, who joined the company in 2022, drawn to HBL’s strong reputation in the skill games industry. To him, it was the HBL’s company culture of professionalism, innovation and strong customer focus that stood out among the rest.

What he values most about his role is the opportunity to work across multiple Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This exposure has allowed him to better understand the diverse markets, cultures and business landscapes, which in turn keeps his role exciting and challenging. Since joining HBL as a Games Manager in 2022, Don’s role has progressively expanded, giving him the chance to lead and manage projects across the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, including well-known destinations such as JBR, Aquaventure, Ain Dubai, Bahrain Bay and Winter Wonderland Kuwait. Each location brought its own challenges and opportunities, helping him sharpen both his strategic thinking and on-ground management capabilities.

Today, Don Edirisinghe serves as a Site Manager who oversees the full scope of end-to-end operations of skill games and arcades. His day-to-day responsibilities range from managing installations and new launches, monitoring sales and revenue performance, and ensuring smooth daily operations while driving performance, efficiency and customer satisfaction. A key aspect of his role also includes analysing market trends and customer behaviours to further enhance guest engagement and maximise results. He collaborates with local partners and stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution while maintaining strong working relationships.

When asked about his proudest achievements, Don shared that successfully leading and delivering large-scale projects across the GCC regions stands out as a memorable milestone. Working across different markets isn’t always easy, but with strong planning, coordination and adaptability, the end result is something Don takes great pride in. Winter Wonderland Kuwait is one such example, where months of hard work and planning are put to the test on opening day. The excitement of the guests, the atmosphere and satisfaction of a successful event make it all worthwhile.

“Successfully launching and stabilising operations in high-profile locations while achieving strong sales performance and operational efficiency is something I’m particularly proud of,” he shared.

Throughout his journey at HBL, Don has undoubtedly faced a range of challenges along the way. With varying local regulations, customer preferences and operational dynamics, he had to quickly adapt to the different work styles while still maintaining company standards. This required flexibility, strong planning and clear communication across teams. Don overcame these challenges by building strong local relationships and ensuring his teams were well-trained and aligned with expectations.

As he approaches his fourth year with HBL, Don Edirisinghe is highly focused on growing into a broader leadership role at a regional or strategic level. The opportunity to contribute to new market launches and regional expansion is something he’s keen to explore and he’s excited to build on his experience to advance his career at HBL.

Every winter, Hyde Park transforms into one of the busiest and most lively festive events in the UK. Winter Wonderland Hyde Park is one of HBL’s biggest projects of the year, and behind the scenic lights, festive atmosphere and bustling crowds are the teams that work tirelessly to deliver memorable experiences for guests. That’s why for this month’s Employee Spotlight, we’re recognising the three HBL Supervisors who played a key role in keeping everything running smoothly throughout the Winter Wonderland season – Eabha Fitzroy, Joshua Cullen and Dylan Mcnair!

Their Journey to Winter Wonderland

Each of them worked on the Winter Wonderland project through a unique HBL journey. When Dylan Mcnair first joined HBL in 2022 at Alton Towers, he eagerly accepted secondment opportunities overseas, including Global Village in Dubai and Germany. For him, stepping into a supervisory role at a large-scale event such as Winter Wonderland allowed him to work closely with the management team.

Meanwhile, Eabha Fitzroy joined HBL in 2020 while looking for a fun and fast-paced job. She saw Winter Wonderland as an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and grow within the company. As a Supervisor in Emerald Park, taking on the same role at Winter Wonderland proved to be exciting and fulfilling, albeit in a much busier environment.

Joshua Cullen began his HBL journey in 2022 at Emerald Park in Ireland before being offered the chance to work at Winter Wonderland that same year. Although this was his fourth season of Winter Wonderland, Joshua still looked forward to the excitement of each day.

A Day at Winter Wonderland

At Winter Wonderland, no two days are quiet, especially during the peak periods. For all three of them, the day typically starts with meetings with the management team to align the team with the day’s objectives and priorities. From there, they would prepare engaging and informative briefs, including the ‘Management VS Operator” brief, which helps the team to get to know each other, work together and feel motivated before heading into a long and busy shift. With each Supervisor responsible for overseeing a specific game individually, the role required them to ensure everything ran smoothly, maintain high operational standards and support the staff throughout the shift.

Facing the Challenges

An event like Winter Wonderland naturally comes with its own set of challenges. For Dylan and Joshua, one of the biggest tests was ensuring that both staff and supervisors stayed energised and motivated throughout the event. With big crowds and physically demanding shifts, it was important for the team to stay focused and positive. “When the teams are in sync and working together, they can easily face the challenge and come up with the right solutions,” Joshua says. Eabha focused on the importance of communication. By maintaining an open channel between management and operators, she helped create a safe space for feedback, support and encouragement.

Highlights from the Season

Some moments from Winter Wonderland stood out as more memorable than others. Dylan’s defining moment was his daily briefings. Speaking in front of large groups had significantly improved his self-confidence and communication skills. Eabha similarly found that the morning briefings were the highlight of her day. It helped to build camaraderie and create positive vibes before starting their shifts. For Joshua, the most memorable day was when they broke the record for the highest-performing day for HBL.

Lessons from Winter Wonderland

When asked about the biggest takeaways from this year’s Winter Wonderland season, Dylan, Eabha and Joshua all found increased confidence when placed in a leadership role. All three supervisors led large briefings, managed teams of 25-30 staff, and maintained high standards, which ultimately contributed to stronger leadership foundations. Dylan leaves the season with expanded management exposure, while Eabha is keen to continue learning and building on her leadership experience to take on greater responsibility and contribute to larger-scale operations within HBL. As for Joshua, he looks forward to returning to Emerald Park and continuing to develop his career.

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park is a big event that demands adaptability and top-notch leadership at every level. This season, Dylan Mcnair, Eabha Fitzroy and Joshua Cullen demonstrated all of the above with their contributions, playing an important role in the success of the event. A job well done to all three supervisors for all their hard work throughout the season!