Tag Archives: thrill rides

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 →

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 →

Amusement Park Safety Tips

I love going to amusement parks, though I freely admit that I steer clear of the thrill rides. (Can you blame me after reading this story?) That being said many of us (year-round school students not included) are smack in the middle of summer vacation—the time of the year that theme parks see a record number of guests. If your family is planning to spend one of the last weeks of summer break on a theme park vacation you may want to keep these tips in mind: Be Vigilant. This is especially important if you are visiting an amusement park … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Cute and Crazy Rides

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 →

Mission: Space Becomes More Accessible To All Riders

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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 →

Tower of Terror – Truly Terrifying or Truly Amazing?

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In May, I will have the opportunity to take my four best friends to Walt Disney World for the first time. As they looked over the different attractions, the one that really terrified them was, in my opinion, one of Disney’s best, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard a guest express all out fear at the idea of entering one of Disney’s most innovative attractions. As a matter of fact, in December, I sat beside a girl that entered the elevator in tears as she had no idea what to expect. So, hopefully, … Continue reading →