About.com Theme Parks

It's a Big Deal After All

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:58:51 +0000

The battered economy has not slowed the turnstiles at Disneyland. That's partly because the resort has been offering enticing deals. And the deals keep coming. Case in point: The Resortketeers recently announced an early 2010 offer that tosses in two free hotel nights with a 3-night package. (The hitch is that vacationers have to purchase a 5-day Disneyland pass.) Learn more about this and other SoCal money-savers at my California Theme Park Discounts and Travel Deals page.

It's a Big Deal After All originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 15:58:51.

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Mission: THRILLS at Epcot

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:50:11 +0000

The World's Fair-like Epcot at Walt Disney World is less about thrill rides and more about the wonders of science, technology, and the future (in Future World) along with a multi-culti peek into the international community (in World Showcase). But there are some thrills to be had at Epcot, including one of the most intense G-force rides in the industry. Top Epcot Thrill Rides.

Mission: SPACE - Ride review.

Photo: The entrance to Epcot's Mission: SPACE is very sleek. � Arthur Levine, 2003. Licensed to About.com.

Mission: THRILLS at Epcot originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 15:50:11.

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I Have a Feeling We're Not in Orlando Anymore

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:10:47 +0000

An $800-million movie-themed park planned for Rome will be modeled after Universal Studios Hollywood, according to Variety. Construction on Cinecitta World, named after Italy's Cinecitta Studios, will begin next year, and the first phase is expected to open in 2011. A quote from the Variety article caught my attention: "...one ride will feature the huge slide that Marcello Mastroianni travels down as his sexual history flashes by in Fellini's 'City of Women'..." Scusi? Somehow, I don't see the Imagineers developing a similar attraction for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Although a Perverts of the Caribbean ride could be quite popular, don't you think?

I Have a Feeling We're Not in Orlando Anymore originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 11:10:47.

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Should Kings Island Tear Down its S.O.B.? Take the Son of Beast Poll.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:09:46 +0000

When I exited the unloading station at Son of Beast this past June, I felt like the coaster did to me what a wild night of boogie-woogieing does to Jerry Lee Lewis: It shook my nerves and rattled my brain--and every other part of me. It's no wonder. The mammoth wood coaster at Kings Island is notoriously brutal. In fact, it was closed for most of last season after a passenger claimed she suffered a burst blood vessel in her brain after riding the woodie.

Now, there are reports, including this one from the Cincinnati Enquirer, that the frequently-closed Son of Beast may never reopen. When it debuted in 2000, the ride boasted many records, including the world's fastest and tallest wooden coaster. Son of Beast is also the second-longest wooden coaster (behind its namesake at Kings Island, The Beast). And it was the only operating woodie to include a loop, which was subsequently removed to improve the ride.

Rough-and-tumble rides are part of a wooden coaster's charm. But my Son of Beast experience was way beyond rough; it was painful and downright jarring as the ride vibrated wildly and tossed me mercilessly. The thrill machine has generated lots of similar complaints.

Obviously, Kings Island has a dilemma: Should it declare code blue and scrap one of the world's most noted coasters, or should it try (again) to fix the problem-prone ride? What do you think? Take the Son of Beast poll. And join the conversation by clicking on "Comments" below. It would be especially great to hear from folks who have ridden Son of Beast.

Photo: The massive Son of Beast at Kings Island. � Arthur Levine, 2009. Licensed to About.com.

Should Kings Island Tear Down its S.O.B.? Take the Son of Beast Poll. originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 06:09:46.

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Will Ferrari World Win the Coaster Race?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:38:15 +0000

When it opens next year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, will be among the first of a number of high-profile theme parks planned for the UAE. (Many United Arab Emirates park projects are in limbo or have fizzled amid the world's economic tailspin.) Among its 20-plus attractions, the hybrid Epcot-type pavilion/Six Flags-type amusement park/corporate hospitality center will feature the F1 Coaster (tentative name), which the park claims will be able to reach 150 mph--yikes!--and lay claim to the world's fastest coaster crown. But, officials from the park have also stated that they may operate the coaster at slower speeds.

Hmm. Slower than 135 mph? That's the speed that ring racer (sic) is supposed to hit when it opens next year. (The German coaster was supposed to open in 2009. However, the few days it operated, it never reached record-breaking speeds, and its grand debut reboot is now scheduled for 2010.) So, which coaster will earn world-record bragging rights? Read more about Ferrari World's F1 Coaster and its other attractions in the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Preview.

The World's 10 Fastest Roller Coasters
Kingda Ka- The current fastest roller coaster record-holder.

Photo: The odd domed roof of Ferrari World takes shape in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World, 2009. Used with permission.

Will Ferrari World Win the Coaster Race? originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 16:38:15.

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Looking for Thrills at the Magic Kingdom? Head to the Mountains.

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:19:55 +0000

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is known more for its boundless charm, immersive themes, and cuddly characters than for white-knuckle, thrill rides. While no attraction at the Magic Kingdom can match the behemoth coasters and other adrenaline-pumping rides found at parks like Six Flags, it does offer some rides that appeal to thrill-seekers. On the mild-to-wild scale, however, riders of nearly all thrill-tolerance levels should be able to handle Disney's legendary mountain range and its classic dark rides. Check out the Top Magic Kingdom Thrill Rides.

Mission: SPACE- A thrilling Epcot ride.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror- A thrilling Disney's Hollywood Studios ride.

Photo: Splash Mountain's big drop. Disney. Used with permission.

Looking for Thrills at the Magic Kingdom? Head to the Mountains. originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 12:19:55.

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Heading to Florida? Check Out the Deals.

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:59:24 +0000

It continues to be a vacationer's market as theme parks attempt to beckon visitors with deep discounts and all kinds of deals. If you're thinking of taking a theme park trip to the Sunshine State, you'll want to see which parks are offering five-night packages for the price of three, weeklong two-park passes, length-of-stay passes for less than the cost of a regular-priced, one-day ticket, and other eye (and wallet?) -opening offers. They are all compiled in my updated, handy-dandy Florida Theme Park Discounts and Travel Deals page.

Walt Disney World Hotels Guide- If you're thinking of staying on property at the WDW resort, check out this overview.
Give a Day, Get a Disney Day- How to score free WDW tickets in 2010.

Heading to Florida? Check Out the Deals. originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 16:59:24.

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NYC to Give Coney Island a Whirl

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:26:51 +0000

After years of often bitter wrangling among factions with differing agendas and plans, it appears that there may be some real momentum to finally redevelop Coney Island. According to the New York Times, the City of New York will pay $95.6 million for a seven-acre parcel of land along the fabled boardwalk. Developer Joseph Sitt, who has been sitting on prime Coney Island real estate and had his own restoration plans, agreed to sell the property. Sitt will retain an adjacent parcel and hopes to build hotels and other venues to capitalize on a resurrected Coney Island.

The city wants a temporary amusement vendor (perhaps reopening the door to the former owners of Astroland?) to keep the Island hopping for the next few years while it seeks a developer, or perhaps a number of developers, to help remake the landmark seaside amusement area. It's unclear what impact the redevelopment would have on Deno's Wonder Wheel Park or other existing attractions.

Photo: Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, home of the landmark Ferris wheel, is located near the Cyclone roller coaster.

NYC to Give Coney Island a Whirl originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 18:26:51.

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Wood You Believe? A New Best Wood Coasters List.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:10:29 +0000

It's been some time since I last updated my list of the best wooden coasters in North America. I expanded the list to include ten woodies, and I made some changes at the top.

For years, Boulder Dash at Connecticut's Lake Compounce has held my number-one position. In fact, the ride and my best coasters list was mentioned on the series finale of the television show, The Gilmore Girls. Sorry Lorelei, but Boulder Dash moves down to number three on the list. Want to see what coaster took its place at the top of the heap? And what new ride to the list snuck in at number two? Well, head over to my updated Best Roller Coasters feature. And if you want to join in the list making, you can share your own picks for the best coasters or click on "Comments" below to voice your thoughts.

The World's 10 Tallest Roller Coasters
Coaster Wimps: How to Conquer Your Coaster Fears

Photo: The Cyclone at Coney Island is one of my picks for the top 10 best wooden roller coasters. � Arthur Levine, 2007. Licensed to About.com

Wood You Believe? A New Best Wood Coasters List. originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 05:10:29.

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Free Six Flags Coaster Rides this Friday

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:06 +0000

Altruism is great, but it's always nice to get a little something in return for making a donation, right? A red poppy pin, a sticker, or a public TV station logo-emblazoned tote bag are all great, but how about a ride aboard the world's tallest roller coaster? Folks in the New Jersey area who bring a donation of an unwrapped toy, a non-perishable food item, blankets, shoes, or winter clothing to Six Flags Great Adventure on Friday, November 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. will get free admission to the park and complimentary rides aboard the record-breaking thrill machine, Kingda Ka. Six Flags says it will also offer boardwalk games, appearances by celebrities, and free snacks as part of its Hope for the Holidays to benefit the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. Don't have an item to donate? The park will also accept a $5 donation to enter the event.

Superman Ultimate Flight- Review of the Six Flags Great Adventure flying coaster.
Six Flags Great Adventure Photo Gallery

Photo: Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure. �Arthur Levine, 2006. Licensed to About.com.

Free Six Flags Coaster Rides this Friday originally appeared on About.com Theme Parks on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 05:00:06.

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