SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 5, 2006–Today’s theme park goers have more than 600 amusement parks and traditional attractions to choose from in the U.S. alone, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, leaving adrenaline-seekers a myriad of options for their next vacation. With summer approaching and vacationers making their getaway plans, Travelocity editors dug deep to compile coasters, thrillers and soakers from across the country that top the list of amusement park favorites.
“Millions of U.S. travelers head to theme parks each year in search of rides, games and shows,” said Jennifer Gaines, a Travelocity editor. “Theme park rides remain the top attraction, and they run the gamut, catering to everyone from families with kids to true adrenaline junkies.”
From the more nostalgic rides of earlier generations to the contemporary thrill rides of today, Travelocity editors suggest 10 attractions worth standing in line for when visiting theme parks this summer:
-- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - Buzz Lightyear, a space
ranger who made his debut in the Disney presentation of
Pixar's Toy Story, also stars in a cosmic mission that unfolds
in the Magic Kingdom(R) Park at Walt Disney World(R) Resort.
This ultramodern, high-tech adventure gives riders the
illusion they're traveling through another galaxy. It allows
both kids and adults to become junior Space Rangers, piloting
a Star Cruiser equipped with laser cannons through imaginative
celestial worlds on a mission to save the toy universe. This
interactive ride evokes friendly competition among the entire
family, allowing riders to score points as they navigate
through outer space (a version of this attraction also can be
found at Disneyland(R) Park).
-- Curse of Darkastle - Travel through an ice-bound world in a
golden sleigh, experiencing eye-popping visuals and
heart-stopping excitement while traversing a castle frozen in
time. The impeccable visuals on the Curse of Darkastle blends
perfectly with the aesthetic scenery for which Busch Gardens
Williamsburg is known. The ride utilizes intense 3-D imagery
to thrust riders into the fictional life of young King Ludwig
who took over the throne and turned his castle into a
terrifying, impenetrable fortress. Beware as the coaster-like
sleigh makes its way through the castle, encountering wind,
fire, shattering ice and a larger-than-life wolf looming
throughout the palace.
-- Cyclone - Rough around the edges and evocative of the days
"back when...," Coney Island's Cyclone embodies an attitude
only found in Brooklyn, New York. With decades of history
under its brakes, the coaster tells stories of merry summers
and troubled times. The Cyclone began making a name for itself
after being built in 1927, achieving legendary status and
possibly earning the title of America's most famous coaster.
While the 86-foot hill and various turns may seem tame next to
the mega-coasters of today, this undeniably nostalgic
experience overlooking Surf Avenue is certainly worth a trip
to Coney Island.
-- Dueling Dragons - With two separate coasters that intertwine
with one another to create a combat-like impression, it's the
world's first dueling, inverted roller coaster. Located at
Orlando's Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, ride the
Fire Dragon or the Ice Dragon as they narrowly pass within
inches of one another on the intertwining tracks. Soar 125
feet in the air, reaching speeds of 55 mph on two exceptional
rides that seemingly collide midair. The ride itself is not
only thrilling, but theme park junkies agree that it boasts
"one of the best queues ever," winding through an intricate
castle that builds the suspense.
-- Insanity - An amusement park in itself, Las Vegas has a number
of thrill rides to ponder, but none capture a view of the Las
Vegas strip like Insanity, which extends 64 feet over the
north edge of the Stratosphere tower. Spin up to three Gs
while being pulled out in "escape-proof" seats at an angle of
70 degrees and learn why it's called Insanity. While buckled
in, try to muster the courage to open your eyes for a view of
the Las Vegas Strip, which lies a terrifying 900 feet below.
-- Journey to Atlantis - Part thrill ride, part water ride and
part roller coaster, this Sea World attraction combines
elements of classic theme park rides with remarkable special
effects to create one of the top adventure rides of its kind.
Not your usual lift hill, the journey starts in a boat on an
atypical elevator ride to the top of the coaster's crest.
Plummet down the ride's 60-foot flume drop to get utterly
soaked before facing the powers that be, where riders learn
that the people of Atlantis lost their connection to the sea
and are trying to regain it. This ride's drops and screams
promise thrills of their own, but the real entertainment comes
with each and every t-shirt soaking splash. (Found in Sea
World San Diego and Orlando)
-- Pirates of the Caribbean - So captivating and adventurous that
it inspired a hit Hollywood film, Pirates of the Caribbean is
perhaps one of the most well-known theme park attractions ever
built. A classic indeed, Walt Disney himself had a hand in
designing the ride, which first opened at Disneyland(R) Park
in 1967. This lively attraction takes its crew on a hunt for
pirate booty. Traverse the dark, spooky waters of the
Caribbean, where an explosion of cannonballs, a village of
sinister pirates and a town blazing with fire await. Currently
closed to add inspirations from the movie (including Captain
Jack Sparrow), climb aboard when it re-opens this summer.
(This ride is also featured at the Magic Kingdom(R) Park in
Orlando.)
-- Raptor - Known for its world class collection of roller
coasters, Ohio's Cedar Point was one of the first amusement
parks to introduce an inverted coaster. As these inverted
thrillers go, the Raptor is one of the best. Let your feet
hang free as you reach heights of more than 130 feet on this
outside looping coaster. Encounter a barrel roll, a high-speed
helix and cobra roll, which flips passengers over and spirals
them upside down into a 180-degree roll. This twisting move
also repeats in reverse order.
-- Timber Mountain Log Ride - Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park,
Calif. is known for firsts, including being America's first
theme park and introducing the first-ever log flume ride.
Experience the darkness of Timber Mountain Log Ride as this
traditional mine-themed attraction twists along a 2,100-foot
waterway at speeds ranging from eight to 12 feet per second.
Plummet down the flume propelled by 24,000 gallons of water,
and expect to be splashed. During Halloween, the ride is
haunted by ghosts and goblins for extra excitement.
-- Titan - If the 255-foot drop doesn't send chills up your
spine, then the Titan's climactic 85 mph plunge certainly
will. This roller coaster, a Six Flags Over Texas favorite
boasts a track more than a mile long constructed with half a
million pounds of steel. Experience three-and-a-half minutes
of larger-than-life thrills, encountering spirals, plunges,
helixes and a 120-foot tunnel masked in total darkness. Tip:
Consider riding this thriller before lunch and don't forget to
hold on tight!
What's New for 2006
-- Disney's Animal Kingdom (Orlando) officially opens Expedition
Everest this month. In Disney lingo, this "high-altitude,
high-speed train adventure" sends riders through a Himalayan
village outfitted with hairpin turns and nail-biting peaks.
-- Head to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. for Dollywood's Timber Tower, a
first of its kind in North America. Board a vehicle that sends
riders spiraling up a 65-foot tower. After reaching the top,
the tower topples from side to side, narrowly missing jets of
water from below.
-- Don't miss "the world's first reality coaster" at Paramount's
Great America (Santa Clara, Calif.) Survivor the Ride, based
on the CBS series, is a spinning coaster that takes riders
atop a revolving platform in motorcycle seats as it navigates
the hills of a short coaster track.
Amusement Park Tips
-- Use the buddy system and agree on a meeting place should
anyone get lost.
-- Always wear sunscreen, comfy walking shoes and clothing with
zipper pockets.
-- Arrive early and stay late to take advantage of smaller
crowds.
For more rides and tips, go to www.travelocity.com/rides
About Travelocity
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SOURCE: Travelocity
