Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (Florida)

What would a trip to Florida be without visiting one of the areas many waterparks? The Sunshine State is home to more major waterparks than any other state in the entire country. It makes sense given that the region sees some the hottest year round temperatures than any other state in the nation. If you are planning a summer road trip to the sticky south you might consider making a pit stop to cool off at the following Florida attractions. They are wet, wild and filled with wonderful ways to beat the scorching summer heat: ORLANDO Aquatica by SeaWorld is … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (Midwest)

In a previous blog I briefly described the devastating toll the recent Midwest floods took on tourist hot spots such as the Wisconsin Dells. At the time I wrote that entry managers at the resort’s largest waterparks were desperately trying to get the word out that they were still open for business and looking to entertain the legions of families that flock to the Dells on an annual basis. I’ll have more details on the impact the floods are having on the region in a future blog, but in this post I want to continue with my series on the … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (South)

Ask any kid who loves flying through wet spiraling tunnels at breakneck speeds where he or she would like to spend a sweltering hot summer day and you’ll likely be met with the same response: WATERPARK. Wet and wild fun is yours for the taking at waterparks throughout the country. From gigantic water havens connected to popular amusement parks to more modest waterparks that cater to hometown crowds, the following Southern picks are sure to please your entire family during the dog days of summer: GEORGIA Six Flags White Water in Atlanta is home to one of the most notable … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (East Coast)

I grew up on an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, so needless to say my summers were spent enjoying the sun, sand and surf more than the wet and wild fun found at waterparks. My first waterpark experience took place in New Jersey (of all places) when I was 7 years old. My family was vacationing in Seaside Heights and my brothers and I went nuts at waterpark called Rainbow Rapids. It was the late 1970s, we were small town kids from Hilo, Hawaii and this modest waterpark was as close to liquid Heaven as we had ever been. … 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 →

The World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park

I’ve been to many an amusement park in my life—-Disney, Six Flags, Coney Island, Knott’s Berry Farm, and a slew of others, but one word that doesn’t immediately come to mind to describe them is beautiful. Don’t get me wrong, most were very clean and aesthetically pleasing, but if you want beauty to go along with your thrills and chills you would be better off visiting Copenhagen, Denmark, home of Tivoli Gardens. The famous 165-year-old amusement park has just been named the most beautiful theme park in the world. One trip there and you can see why. Tivoli is Copenhagen’s … Continue reading →

Summer Theme Park Review: Splashes and Screams

I must admit, even though I grew up frolicking on Hawaii’s powder soft sand beaches and surfing in the state’s cobalt blue waters, as a kid I would have given my right foot to visit a water park on the mainland. Luckily my parents obliged every few summers (and I didn’t have to lose an appendage) and to this day I still consider those trips some of the best moments of my childhood. Water parks have come a long way since I was a kid… and they keep getting bigger and better each year. Take a look at the wet … Continue reading →

All Aboard for a Thrilling Start to the Summer Season

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off to the summer season and while most kids still have a week or so of classes to complete before they can ditch the books until September you can bet that amusement parks around the nation are bracing for an action packed weekend. Traditionally, I spend this time of the year blogging about what’s new in the world of amusement parks and this summer is no different. Here’s a look at where you can get your thrill on this season and what new attractions will help make your summer a hair raising experience: NEW … 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 →

One-of-a-Kind Amusement Park

How far are you willing to travel to mingle with Wonder Woman, King Kong, Shrek, and Bollywood dancers while dining on hot dogs, pizza, hummus and falafel? If you don’t mind jetting off to the Persian Gulf then you could be one of the first to visit what is being billed as two of the world’s largest theme parks. Movie studio execs in the United Arab Emirates are trying to do everything in their power to make the amusement park deals fly in the conservative Muslim region. It might mean that characters such as Captain America won’t be making the … Continue reading →