It’s being billed as the “most anticipated theme park attraction in history.” The “Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” is on track to open in the spring of 2010 at Universal Orlando Resort, and the buzz surrounding its debut is deafening. I blogged about the new theme park area a couple of years ago, but now the final pieces of the (estimated) $300 million Potter playground puzzle are finally coming together, and soon fans of the boy wizard will be able to board high tech rides, such as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” The futuristic ride was named by author … Continue reading →

The commercial runs ad nauseam, but it’s paying off. According to the folks at Disney, their new free admission promo will likely make history. If you live under a rock or you don’t own a television, then you might not know about the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program. The project will provide certified volunteers with a one-day ticket to any park at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, or Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida, in 2010. Disney execs say they will give one million guests a free day’s admission to a Disney theme park provided visitors complete an … Continue reading →

It’s that time of the year again. Time to get your scream on at amusement parks nationwide. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, 81 percent of amusement parks are hosting Halloween or fall-themed events this year. Thrill-seekers can partake in a variety of hair-raising events from haunted houses complete with bloody zombies and three-eyed monsters to corn mazes featuring ax-wielding madmen. Here’s a list of some of the most spooktacular Halloween events taking place this month: “Hall of Terror” and “Haunted River Ride” at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach, Florida “Howl-O-Scream” at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, … Continue reading →

Visiting Mickey Mouse and friends or Bugs Bunny and pals can put a real dent in the family budget. Fortunately, the United States is peppered with smaller, family-owned amusement parks that give cash-strapped parents more bang for their buck. If the struggling economy has forced you to cancel a summer trip to a major theme park this summer, then consider salvaging the season for your kids by taking them to one of the following smaller amusement parks that offer cheaper admission, lower ticket prices, and shorter lines: WISCONSIN Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wisconsin is my family’s favorite … Continue reading →

Two pop culture phenomenons are teaming up to help you become the next mega-singing star. Forget about waiting in long lines at local malls or convention centers to earn a spot on Fox’s “American Idol,” Mickey and friends are making it easier for you to hit it big in the music industry. Walt Disney World is the new home to a blockbuster attraction based on the most popular show on TV, dubbed “The American Idol Experience.” The new attraction gives guests two chances to participate: You can choose to showcase your talents on stage or remain in the audience and … Continue reading →

If the prospect of getting soaked by Shamu and friends in the “splash zone” at SeaWorld Orlando is not exciting enough for your brood of thrill seeking offspring, then get ready to kick your trip up a notch by boarding Manta. Seaworld’s newest attraction is the park’s first roller coaster in a decade. The high-concept thrill ride incorporates real-life sea creatures and enough twists and turns to make a real dent in the highly competitive theme park capitol of the world. Which is not to say that SeaWorld is trying to create the fastest, tallest or scariest new theme park … Continue reading →

The sagging economy is bad news for popular U.S. theme parks, but there may be a silver lining for families who spend the summer months racking up frequent rider miles on scream-a-minute amusement park offerings. This year several major theme parks are unveiling amazing new attractions designed to keep thrill seekers on the edge of their seats. One of the rides making the biggest splashes on the summer scene is Universal Studios, Orlando’s new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The interactive coaster is being billed as the “most mind-blowing ride” in the park’s history. Daring guests board the coaster and immediately … Continue reading →