Tag Archives: Amusement Parks

Interactive Summer Fun

What’s your favorite part of a theme park? Most people travel to amusement parks for the thrills and chills associated with jaw dropping, stomach turning roller coasters that twist and turn in dozens of spine tingling directions. Apparently, monster thrill rides are now passe. According to theme park experts, the latest and greatest additions to amusement parks are interactive attractions. In an effort to win over video game enthusiasts, who are addicted to Wii and the like, theme parks have added new interactive rides and games for summer 2010. The following is a sample of what you will find when … Continue reading →

Theme Parks Go High-Tech

Most modern day amusement parks have enough bells and whistles to thrill guests of all ages. However, with the influx of high-tech toys hitting the market, some theme parks have felt the need to add some electronic wizardry to their collections of topsy-turvy roller coasters and splashtastic water rides. For the summer of 2010 it’s all about special effects and hands-on fun at amazing new interactive amusement park attractions. Leading the pack is Universal Studios, which is debuting several new rides that immerse guests into another world. At Universal Studios Hollywood visitors can get up close and personal with “King … Continue reading →

Theme Parks that Won’t Break the Bank

How much money did you have to set aside to pay for your family’s summer vacation to Disney, Six Flags or Universal? Unless you found an outstanding package deal I doubt that your family of four could get admission, parking, meals, drinks, and souvenirs for less than $500. Now consider how much more you could get for the same amount of money if you opted to visit a smaller theme park like Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana or Alabama Adventure in Bessemer, Alabama. All-day admission at both parks cost about half of what Disney charges. Currently, a one-day ticket … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Tourism Heats Up in New York

Summer is typically the time of year when New Yorkers leave the city in droves and tourists take over the streets of Manhattan… and the Bronx… and Brooklyn… and Queens. I can’t say I blame the city’s residents… or the tourists. Each summer my family would fly from our home in Hawaii to New York to spend time with my grandparents in the Big Apple and at the Jersey shore… and we weren’t alone. Millions of other families did the same and are still doing so to this day. With an extra hundred thousand clueless travelers congesting city streets on … Continue reading →

Amusement Parks Go High Tech and You Pay the Price

They are the No.1 destination for families. Whether they are located in North America, South Korea or Dubai millions of visitors flock to amusement parks each year. And what a difference a few years can make. Gone are the days when rickety wooden roller coasters took center stage. These days amusement parks are high-tech experiences and guests want to make sure they get their monies worth. (And with admission averaging about $45 per adult it’s not hard to see why.) Modern theme parks make the most of technological advances. For example, the Kingda Ka roller coaster at New Jersey’s Six … Continue reading →

Scream Into Summer

Years ago I got violently sick on the American Eagle roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Since then my days on thrill rides have been drastically reduced. However, judging by the two hour (plus) long lines that I see people standing in at amusement parks each summer I’ve deduced that I am in the minority when it comes to shying away from high flying “fun.” This summer will be no exception. You still can’t pay me enough to get on any ride that dips, turns or hurls you through mid-air; still, they’re out there and in … Continue reading →

Quirky Travel Attractions

What would you say if I told you that there was a place you could dine where your feet wouldn’t touch the ground during your entire meal? Interested? If I told you that it would require eating at a table suspended 165 feet in the air with chairs that swivel 180 degrees would you still be game? Then grab your appetites because the “Dinner in the Sky,” attraction is making its U.S. debut Monday in Orlando at the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention. More than 25,000 industry insiders are expected to gather at the one-stop-shopping event, … Continue reading →

Get Ready For The “Carnival of Carnage”

It’s that time of year again… Madness, mayhem and horror are being unleashed at Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights. Billed as the largest, most intense Halloween event in the country, the annual seasonal celebration is expected to draw record crowds this year. A warning to parents with young children the event is not for the faint of heart (or the child that experiences regular nightmares). However, if you have teens that enjoy having the Halloween stuffing scared out of them then pack your bags now. Universal says this year Halloween Horror Nights is the most extreme, fear-filled event in … Continue reading →

Spooktacular Halloween Travel Destinations For Thrill Seekers

Each time my 3-year-old sees the commercial for Six Flags’ annual Fright Fest she runs for cover. Needless to say, we won’t be driving to the Illinois amusement park to take in the Halloween festivities this year. But, if you have older children who live for all things creepy and chilling then you might consider visiting some of the many Halloween-themed spooktacular events taking place around the country. Here’s a small sample of some the scream-inducing offerings: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Halloween at Universal Studios theme parks is sure to send chills up your spine. This year the Orlando park celebrates the … Continue reading →

Visiting Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are a time honored tradition in the summertime. If you have older children, you may want to take them to an amusement park, but worry about your growing baby. There are some precautions you can take to enjoy your day at the park safely. In most parks, signs are posted warning riders of potential health dangers. These warnings are often directed toward pregnant women and people with heart problems. Look for posted signs before boarding any ride. If there is a warning sign, sit that one out. While large parks such as Disney and Busch Gardens have signs, … Continue reading →