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 →

Make Your Summer Travel Plans Now

Now that you know where to go in San Diego if you are working on a limited travel budget let’s move to the other side of the country. I’m shining the summer travel spotlight on Florida today—-specifically Orlando. Personally, I place Florida in the same category as Hawaii. Neither (in my opinion) needs much in the way of an introduction or any quirky tidbits on why you should visit the area at least once in your life. However, I think it is helpful (especially for repeat visitors) to stay on top of any new attractions the area has to offer. … Continue reading →

Journey to the Center of… Your Intestines

Sounds gross, but if you are looking for an educational vacation destination suitable for (most of) your family I might just have the golden ticket. You’ll have to fly to the Netherlands to get in, but according to the creators of “Corpus,” the combination amusement park/health museum, your efforts will be justly rewarded. The new family-friendly attraction opened in Oegstgeest (located 21 miles southeast of Amsterdam) two weeks ago and the site is already overflowing with visitors. The structure is home to a 115-foot high seated human figure and all the walls and halls are modeled with fiberglass to resemble … Continue reading →

Serious Family Fun—Spending Spring Break at an Indoor Waterpark

Our neighbors have two young sons who start counting down to their school’s spring break the day after New Year’s. Since they live in Wisconsin and cannot afford to take off from work and fly to Hawaii during the week-long school break they have made a family tradition of driving to Wisconsin Dells a.k.a. “The Waterpark Capital of the World.” The area is filled with dozens of indoor waterparks. Vacationing there gives the boys a chance to spend time in the water no matter how much snow is on the ground or what the thermometer might read. And while the … Continue reading →

Welcome to SpongeBob SquarePants World

It’s not exactly as massive as Walt Disney’s theme parks, but parents of SpongeBob SquarePants fans are thrilled just the same. In just a few days SpongeBob wannabes will get the chance to chow down on Krabby Patties and chili kelp fries before taking a 60-foot plunge on the Splat-O-Sphere. It all happens this Saturday when Nickelodeon opens Nickelodeon Universe smack in the middle of Minnesota’s Mall of America. The standalone theme park is set on seven acres in the middle of the world famous shopping center and features nearly 30 rides, along with live performances, visits from costumed characters … Continue reading →

Winter Wanderings and Spring Flings

Who says all winter vacations have to be spent on snowy slopes or sandy beaches? If you are looking for a more untraditional winter getaway why not visit California’s Napa Valley. Not to imbibe on the fruits of winemakers labor; rather to enjoy the golden blooms of wild mustard during a two-month-long festival held in the region each year. During the months of February and March, you and your family can taste and celebrate the yellow condiment at a variety of events held during the 15th annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival. This year the festivities run from February 2nd to … Continue reading →

Spyland—-A New Theme Park Worth Checking Out

Who cares about running with the bulls when you can pretend you are a secret agent in search of international fugitives? Spain is getting a bit more intriguing for would-be super sleuths. If you are more interested in spying on someone digging into a plate of pollo al ajo than you are in dining on it yourself then you don’t want to miss the opportunity to be one of the first to visit Spain’s newest amusement park—-Spyland. The new adventure destination is being constructed as part of a major entertainment complex in the Zaragoza province of Spain, according to park … Continue reading →

Get Ready to Splash Into a New Water Park

If your family loves water parks then start planning a vacation to Virginia. That’s where Kalahari Resorts plans to open a new $200 million African-themed resort and indoor water park. Resort officials made the announcement earlier this week and selected Fredericksburg as the site for the massive undertaking. City officials say the resort will be built next to the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center at Celebrate Virginia, a 2,400-acre residential and commercial development along Interstate 95, about 55 miles south of the nation’s capital. And don’t worry about missing the new attraction as you drive down the highway—-in all likelihood … Continue reading →

Segway Users Unite

Segways, those state-of-the-art, two-wheeled, electric scooters have become a popular means of transportation since they were introduced a few years ago. Along with police officers, mall security, and tourists in Hawaii, the Segways have now become the preferred method of transportation by disabled people who say the unusual scooters offer them more mobility and dignity than wheelchairs. Which is why advocates for the disabled are trying to persuade big wigs at Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando to lift a ban on the use of Segways within the theme parks. The folks at Disney have never allowed Segways on their … 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 →