Summer Travel: Cute and Crazy Rides

Posted on June 1, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

My friend’s husband is an adrenaline junkie. But, she knew that was part of his personality before she married him, so she doesn’t flinch when he deposits her and their children in the kiddie section of a given amusement park and takes off for the trill rides. Personally, I can barely stomach the merry-go-round so I am only too happy to remain in the children’s area with my daughter. (Before we were married I would hang out by the games while my husband braved the twists, turns and drops of the thrill rides—-now at least I have my daughter to … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Family Friendly Shows

Posted on May 28, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

Today we’re continuing our “Summer Travel” series by taking a look at the newest family friendly shows, concerts and reviews being offered at various theme parks across the nation. If you are embarking on a family vacation this summer and need to find an event that captures the interest of members young and, well… not so young, you may want to check out the following shows: “Operation Spygirl”—The new stunt show is being featured at Six Flags Great America located in Gurnee, Illinois. “Operation Spygirl” was developed by the creator of the television show “24” and features a heroine who … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Calling All Thrill Seekers

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer. June 1st is considered the meteorological start of summer. But those of you with school age children know summer really begins on the last day of school (around here that’s June 6th). Just as there are different interpretations as to when summer officially begins, families consist of members who have differing opinions as to what the perfect summer vacation entails. That said, today I am beginning a series of blogs, which cater to the individual interests each family member may have and how each can be satisfied on a group … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits—Healthy Amusement Parks and Happy Hybrid Owners

Posted on May 17, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

When you think of taking a trip to an amusement park what comes to mind? I think of rides and games, but mainly it’s the thought of sinking my teeth into cotton candy, hot dogs, gigantic soft pretzels, slushies, and ice cream that really gets me going. If you are like me and love to gorge on fair food you may want to ponder what some amusement park owners are doing at their sites this summer. They’re going healthy. When Rye Playland in New York opens this week guests will be seeing some drastic changes—the introduction of a healthy menu … Continue reading →

Where Spider-Man Comes To Life

Posted on April 4, 2007 by Michele Cheplic

A few months ago I was watching a segment on ABC’s “20/20” about Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The story explored the incredible real estate development going on there–from massive resorts and casinos to floating buildings and what will soon be considered the crown jewel of the downtown area–Burj Dubai. If all goes according to plan, Burj Dubai will become the tallest building in the world (at an estimated 2,700 feet it will be nearly twice the height of the Empire State Builidng). Designers say the building should be complete by 2009, which means you can visit it if … Continue reading →

All About Me: Amusement Parks

Posted on September 14, 2006 by Nicole Humphrey

Everyone loves amusement parks. Sometimes it’s the rides, sometimes it’s just the smiles on the children’s faces that make some people happy, and for some still, it’s the fun amusement park cuisine! When was the last time you visited an amusement park, carnival or fair? When you step onto the grounds of an amusement park, you are often taken back to a time when life seemed simpler, and everything was fun. Riding the rides, seeing all the cartoon characters walking around, standing in lines with other anxious riders, eating cotton candy or sipping a iced lemonade. All these things are … Continue reading →

Major Amusement Park Closings… Maybe

Posted on June 27, 2006 by Michele Cheplic

Are you planning a trip to an amusement park this summer? If it’s owned by mega-giant Six Flags, it could be your last. The company (ranked as the world’s second-largest theme-park operator behind Disney) recently announced that it considering selling or even closing six of its 30 properties across North America. The reason: low park attendance. The six properties that may not be around next summer include, Six Flags Darien Lake outside Buffalo, New York, Six Flags Waterworld in Concord, California, Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver, Wild Waves and Enchanted Village outside Seattle, Six Flags Splashtown in Houston and … Continue reading →

Mission: Space Becomes More Accessible To All Riders

Posted on June 17, 2006 by Kelly K.

After bouncing back from two ride related deaths (if one can truly do that), Disney World has begun to offer a “soup-downed” version of Mission Space for riders who are prone to motion sickness and heart problems. For riders who have serious heart conditions or experience claustrophobia, this may be just what the doctor ordered. Literally. The ride which, basically, places riders in a large cylinder and “spins” them around (much like the popular ride at state fairs that is usually referred to as “The Graviton”) causing riders to experience G-force conditions as they ride. However, with Mission: Space’s new … Continue reading →

Six Flags Great America

Posted on May 20, 2006 by Michele Cheplic

How old were you when you visited an amusement park for the first time? How old were your children the first time you took them to an amusement park? I am contemplating taking my toddler daughter to a major amusement park near our home, but fear she may be a little too young to take advantage of everything the park has to offer. Six Flags Great America is located in Gurnee, Illinois. Right on the Wisconsin-Illinois border. My husband and I used to make the trip annually (in our pre-baby days). I have a problem with my equilibrium so I … Continue reading →