Summer Thrills: 2006 U.S. Amusement and Theme Park Preview
The official start of summer is almost here. And not a minute too soon for thrill-seeking travelers of all ages who can’t wait to hop on the newest rides and attractions to scream themselves hoarse as they’re suspended, plunged, catapulted and spun around on the latest rides designed to turn them into frightened, white-knuckled, motion-sickened, weak-kneed devotees. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a park-trekking aficionado making an annual trip, there’s plenty to keep you entertained — and scared — this summer:
Disney: The two Pirates of the Caribbean rides have been shuttered for renovations and will reopen to coincide with this summer’s release of the movie sequel, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest. Disneyland’s ride reopens June 26 while Disney World’s is set for July 7, the same day the new movie debuts nationwide. ... The much-heralded Expedition Everest, a four-minute mega-coaster ride that simulates a mile-long runaway train ride through the Himalayas, has opened. Located in Disney World’s 500-acre Animal Kingdom, the ride features a 199-foot-tall mountain, part of a faux, 6-acre Himalayan village.
Paramount Great America (Santa Clara, CA) debuts Survivor the Ride, inspired by the TV show, which has been dubbed the “world’s first reality roller coaster.”
Hersheypark (PA) offers a new, multi-sensory laser competition dubbed Reese’s Extreme Cup Challenge. The interactive dark ride allows two competing teams to travel through “competition zones” equipped with laser blasters.
Sea World Orlando: The popular Shamu show has been replaced by Believe, a 30-minute, choreographed multimedia killer whale “ballet”. Orchestral music, new effects and first-person stories from the trainers add to the interactive experience. Similar shows are set to open in the San Antonio and San Diego parks. ...Three new kid-and-family-friendly rides debut in Happy Harbor: Shamu Express, a gentle, 28mph roller coaster ride on killer whale-themed cars; Jazzy Jellies and Swishy Fishies.
Six Flags Parks: Tatsu, a serpent-themed flying coaster with a unique "horizontal to earth" flying position, is now open at Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA) … El Toro, the second-largest wooden coaster in the U.S., debuted June 12 at Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, N.J.). The 70mph, 188-feet-tall ride features the world’s steepest drop — 76 degrees — for a wooden coaster. ...The New Orleans park will remain closed through 2006 due to damage from Katrina. Six Flags New England (Springfield, MA) has added two new rides, Catapult and Splash Water Falls, a family-friendly ride that features a continuously spinning raft. … The Superman Tower of Power, an extreme, 62mph free-fall ride, debuted in May at Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka, MO). The park’s new Bugs Bunny National Park is targeted at families with young children and offers a series of rides they can share as well as a three-story tree house and an interactive water play fountain. …Smoking is now banned in all 28 U.S. parks.
Universal Orlando: The venue debuts two attractions this summer: the High in the Sky Seuss Trolly Train Ride (Islands of Adventure) and the Universal 360 Cinesphere (Universal Studios), which beams clips from popular films onto oversized spheres. The accompanying entertainment includes music, laser displays and pyrotechnics. Scheduled to open July 1.
Before You Go…
Check the official Web sites first for the basics: current prices, special promotions, operational issues, new rules and the rundown on new attractions, etc. But for the real 411, jump-start your research by surfing the unofficial, specialty Web sites such as ThemeParkInsider.com; DisneyReporter.com; ScreamScape.com; ThemeParks.com; MousePlanet.com; and CoasterGlobe.com. ThrillNetwork.com’s news section (with articles on park closings, financial status and operational problems) highlights info that may never reach your local papers but can influence both short- and long-term trip planning.
Some sites are easier to navigate than the official sites; offer more in-depth (everything from dining, shopping and souvenir reviews to safety data) and relevant content; provide more timely news and information (Some post news items way ahead of mainstream media.); and provide useful extras such as insider’s tips, behind-the-scenes interviews with park execs, video previews, podcasts, park locators and maps. And although some include content that reads like a press release, the best cast a critical eye on their subject matter and include visitor reviews and feedback that give a more realistic assessment of a park experience.
Safety remains a key concern for park visitors, especially those with children in tow. But up-to-date information on accidents is often hard to find.
To assess risks, check out ThemeParkInsider.com’s Accident Watch page, which includes verified accident reports and links that let you report an accident and stay on top of key safety issues. Before you go, read the site’s safety tips as well as kid-travel expert Eileen Ogintz’ “Don’t Let Mishaps Ruin Your Theme Park Visit.”
Related Articles: “Season of Screams”: Missouri’s largest theme parks prep for new summer thrills; “Ticket to Ride”, an overview of new rides.
© Cheapflights Ltd Marlene R. Fedin