Theme Parks: Six Flags Over Chardonnay

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Six Flags Over Chardonnay Oct 31st 2011, 15:55 Here's an odd pairing: a wine tasting event and...Six Flags? The beverage of choice at Great Adventure, the Six Flags outpost in New Jersey, is typically soft drinks, but this Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, vintners from the area will offer samples of their wines at the park's Six Flags Grape Adventure (nice name!). There will be 150 wines available to taste, food samples from area restaurants, and live music--but, sorry park-aholics, no coasters. The theme park will be closed. But the Wild Safari, which is where the event will be held, will be open. Guests can purchase tickets to the wine tasting event alone or as a package with a VIP Wild Safari tour. For more info go to the Six Flags site and enter "WINE" in the promo code. Don't even think about getting tipsy on all of the wine, sneaking into the park, and demanding a ride on Kingda Ka. It's closed for the season. Six Flags Great Adventure Photo Gallery El Toro- Review of the incredible Great Adventure coaster Connect with Arthur: Twitter | Facebook

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Halloween Events

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Halloween Events Oct 30th 2011, 10:25 Until 1972, the year that Knott's Berry Farm transformed its Southern California park into Knott's Scary Farm, theme parks didn't embrace Halloween. In fact, most parks generally shut their gates soon after Labor Day. Now, however, virtually every park has jumped on the hay wagon with elaborate haunted houses, shows, and other Halloween hoopla. Discover where to find spooky fun in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Scaredy-Parks 2011 Guide Busch Entertainment. Used with permission. Coast-to-coast thrills and chills are in store at theme parks and amusement parks. And the Scaredy-Parks guide is your one-stop resource for all of the Halloween events at North American parks. Find all the spooky fun at the Scaredy-Parks guide. Halloween Horror Nights 21 at Universal Orlando Universal Orlando, 2011. Used with permission. It is year 21 for the venerable Halloween Horror Nights, and Universal Orlando is exploiting the number to incorporate a blackjack/21/gambling-gone-wacko theme. Visitors lucky enough to escape the wrath of Lady Luck will find one of parkdom's best collections of haunted houses, scare zones, shows, and all-around Halloween goodness. Among the new mazes this year is one based on the film, The Thing. Read more about Halloween Horror Nights 2011 Knott's Scary Farm Haunt 2011 at Knott's Berry Farm in California Knotts Berry Farm, 2011. Used with permission. It is the grandaddy of theme park Halloween events, and it is still scaring the daylights out of guests 39 years after somebody at Knott's Berry Farm got the bright idea of making over the park into a seasonal scarefest every Halloween. It is also still one of the best Halloween events. Read more about Knott's Scary Farm 2011 Six Flags Fright Fests 2011 Six Flags. Used with permission. All of the Six Flags parks have Fright Fests, but they all put their unique spins on the Halloween events with distinct haunted houses and mazes, special shows, and other features. Find out the dates, ticket info, and more info about each of the Fright Fests. Read more about Six Flags Fright Fests More 2011 Florida Halloween Theme Park Events Walt Disney World. Used with permission. Universal Orlando is not the only place in Florida to find scary (and not-so-scary) Halloween fun. There's also Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular. Learn more about 2011 Florida Halloween Theme Park Events More 2011 California Halloween Theme Park Events Disney. Used with permission. Knott's Berry Farm is not the only park in California to offer Halloween antics. There's also Six Flags Fright Fest, Disney's HalloweenTime, and other Halloween events at Legoland, California's Great America, and SeaWorld San Diego. Learn more about 2001 California Halloween Theme Park Events The Best Haunted Attractions Arthur Levine, 2004. Licensed to About.com. Roller coasters get most of the glory, carousels get plenty of PR spin, and whirling rides get lots of...dizzy passengers and the occasional visit from a clean-up crew. But haunted attractions, also known as spooky rides or by the industry term, dark rides, have been, and continue to be, an integral part of the theme park and amusement park experience as well. In honor of the Halloween season, I've pulled together a list of the Best Haunted Attractions. These classic and modern-day rides keep the Halloween spirit alive (or is that dead?) and well throughout the year. Discover the best haunted theme park attractions. More Halloween Fun There are places other than theme parks to find Halloween fun, and About.com's Family Vacations Guide has a great overview of spooky train rides, scary (and not-so-scary) haunted houses, and more.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Kingda Ka picture- Photos of Six Flags Great Adventure's Kingda Ka coaster

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Kingda Ka picture- Photos of Six Flags Great Adventure's Kingda Ka coaster Oct 30th 2011, 10:25 HOW Tall is this Coaster? Kingda Ka Six Flags Great Adventure Photo Kingda Ka's 456-foot top hat tower is quite a sight on Six Flags Great Adventure's skyline. Kingda Ka Roller Coaster Ride Review Kingda Ka Onboard Video More Kingda Ka Info Kingda Ka History Channel Video Clip Kingda Ka Opening Photo Gallery How Kingda Ka Works Kingda Ka Malfunctions Next Kingda Ka Six Flags Great Adventure photo Photo: Six Flags 2004. Used with permission.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Kingda Ka photo- Pictures of Six Flags Great Adventure's Kingda Ka coaster

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Kingda Ka photo- Pictures of Six Flags Great Adventure's Kingda Ka coaster Oct 29th 2011, 10:21 Airtime Kingdom Kingda Ka Six Flags Great Adventure photo 2 After Kingda Ka's 456-foot top hat tower, riders will experience a 129-foot hill designed to induce negative-G weightlessness. Next Kingda Ka Six Flags Great Adventure photo Kingda Ka Coaster Overview Kingda Ka Video Animation Photo: Six Flags 2004. Used with permission.

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Theme Parks: A-Haunting We will Go

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A-Haunting We will Go Oct 28th 2011, 18:17 As the Halloween season winds down this weekend, theme parks will pack up their cobwebs, ominous graveyards, and other spooky artifacts, and send their zombies, demented clowns, and assorted monsters back to the netherworlds from which they came. But many permanent rides and attractions of the bloodcurdling persuasion will remain. Thrill rides, mostly in the form of coasters, may be the kings of the midway, but dark rides have long played an important role -- the princes of darkness? -- at parks. Like coasters, great dark rides elicit screams, but they are more chills- than thrills-based. Want to know which parks, have the spookiest, scariest rides? Check out my rundown of the Best Haunted Attractions -- if you dare. M'wa ha ha! Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Spook-A-Rama at Coney Island

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Kalahari Wisconsin Dells

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Kalahari Wisconsin Dells Oct 28th 2011, 10:20 Dec 28 2010 Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Phone 877-253-5466 Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Tickets and Admission Policy Admission to water park is included in room rates for hotel guests. Day passes available for non-hotel guests. Compare Rates for the Kalahari Search for Kalahari Wisconsin Dells rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Directions The actual address is 1305 Kalahari Dr. in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. From Chicago and Madison: I-90 W to Exit 92, Hwy 12. Right onto Hwy 12, right to Kalahari Drive. From Milwaukee: I-94 W to exit 92, Hwy 12. Right onto Hwy 12, right to Kalahari Drive. Indoor Water Park Square Footage 125,000 Indoor Water Park Features Massive facility includes Botswana Blast, a "Master Blaster" uphill water coaster, Pro Bowl, a "spin and flush" funnel ride, a FlowRider surfing attraction, wave pool, family raft ride, body slides, tube slides, lazy river, whirlpools, huge interactive play and spray structure, lap pool, walking channel, water basketball, and play area for small children. Outdoor Water Park Features 75,000 square feet of activities, including a "spin and flush" funnel ride, lazy river, speed slides, half-pipe flume ride, tube slides, and a huge whirlpool. Indoor Theme Park The "theme park" designation may be a bit misleading. Really more of a family entertainment center, the 110,000-square-foot facility offers diversions such as mini-golf, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, go-karts, party rooms, and a sports bar. There are also a few rides, including a Ferris wheel, and a carousel. The Kalahari Indoor Theme Park offers a la carte and pay-one-price options. More Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Info Kalahari Wisconsin Dells Visitor Tips Botswana Blast Master Blaster Ride Review Kalahari Water Park Photo Gallery Kalahari Resort Photo Gallery Kalahari Surfari FlowRider Ride Review Kalahari FlowRider Video Official Web Site Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Wisconsin Dells Kalahari Overview As you head west along Interstate 90/94 from Madison, the first evidence that you've arrived at the water park oasis known as Wisconsin Dells is the Kalahari's massive indoor water park building. Like a mirage in the parched desert (er, better make that the frozen tundra), the improbable edifice stretches at least a couple of football fields in length along the highway and sprouts a few enclosed water slide tubes at one end. The smoke billowing from the roof offers further testament to the climate-controlled wave pool, lazy river, and hot tubs beckoning inside. Even when it's 32-below with the wind-chill factor outside, there are bathing suit-clad folks shedding their clothes and their cabin fever to soak up the Kalahari's African-themed water park fun within. Welcome to indoor water park Shangri-la. Perched on the outskirts of Wisconsin Dells, the Kalahari lays claim as "America's largest indoor waterpark." That's saying a lot in a town where you can't move 100 feet in any direction without bumping into a water slide. While the "largest waterpark" title is a matter of some dispute (see A Lotta Water: Who Has the Biggest Water Park?), there's no denying that the indoor water park is the centerpiece of the huge resort. Vaguely reminiscent of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World, the lovely resort looks fairly conventional from the outside. Once you step through the main entrance, however, it's immediately obvious that this isn't a conventional hotel. The giant elephant statue above the fireplace, the live baby tigers and lions on display, and the enormous map of Africa that hangs above the lobby help set the tone. But the unmistakable smell of chlorinated water wafting in the air firmly establishes the Kalahari as a wholly unique getaway. Slip Sliding Away at the Kalahari Waterpark The chlorine scent leads the way through the lobby and towards the rear of the property to the indoor water park. After flashing their hotel guest wristbands (or purchasing a day pass wristband for those not staying at the Kalahari) at the park's front desk, guests receive a towel, make their way through the well-appointed locker rooms, and enter the water park. Once inside, the sheer size and audacity of the park makes an indelible first impression. Reaching some 60 feet high and extending hundreds of yards, the place is alive with hoots and hollers from water slide daredevils, reverberating percussions from water cannons, and squeals from tykes as they soak each other silly. A "mountain" houses some of the slides and serves as a backdrop for the crashing waves in the wave pool (the first indoor wave pool ever built). A towering totem pole erupts with bursts of water every few minutes. The Kalahari's indoor water park boasts virtually every attraction found at a large outdoor water park. And we're not talking scaled-down facsimiles. The Tanzanian Twister is a full-sized Pro Bowl "spin-and-flush" ride. The Animal Kingdom children's play structure is loaded with mini-slides, water guns, and a host of other interactive gizmos to get yourself and others wet. The Rippling Rhino is a two-person raft ride with plenty of twists and turns. Victoria Falls allows up to four passengers for an even taller, longer, and more thrill-packed family raft ride. The signature attraction at the Kalahari, the Botswana Blast water coaster, is quite a sight as it snakes around the rafters and shoots riders uphill. Another standout is the FlowRider. The ingenious attraction creates a continuous wave, and riders can either grab a boogie board or a mini-surfboard to body surf or surf in the standing position, respectively. The Kalahari also offers attractions not typically found at outdoor water parks. Its five hot tubs, for example, are wonderful places to, er, chill out. In the Current Channel, users can get quite a workout walking against the considerable resistance of the water jets. An adjacent lap pool offers more exercise opportunities. Next page: Man (and Woman and Boy and Girl) Does not Live by Water Alone

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Largest Roller Coasters

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Largest Roller Coasters Oct 28th 2011, 10:20 Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California, US Launched steel coaster Duration: 2:36 Disney isn't typically known for record-holding coasters, but California Screamin', all 1.15 miles of it, is quite a long coaster. And although it looks like an old woodie (befitting its location in the retro Paradise Pier section of the park), it's actually a souped-up, magnetically launched coaster that goes from 0 to 55 mph in 4 seconds and includes a dramatic loop high above the faux vintage boardwalk and midway. More Disney California Adventure Info: World of Color- Review of the nighttime spectacular show. Soarin' Over California- Review of the unique simulator ride. Toy Story Mania- Review of the interactive 3-D game ride.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Christmas Theme Parks 2011

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Christmas Theme Parks 2011 Oct 28th 2011, 10:20 Oct 25 2011 When most people think of amusement parks and theme parks, they think of hot summer days filled with roller coaster screams. But a handful of parks remain open long after summer's sun has waned to celebrate Christmas and the holidays. We're not just talking about destination parks in warm locales, like Walt Disney World (although the Florida resort does offer some great holiday fun), but also parks in places where the mercury can dip pretty low and snow is a distinct possibility. Find out which parks deck their midways, brew hot cocoa, present holiday shows, and, yes, crank up their coasters and other rides amid winter's chill. The guide is arranged alphabetically by US state. CALIFORNIA 2011 Christmas Holiday Events at California Theme Parks Includes info about Christmas events at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and other parks. Christmas at California Theme Parks Photo Gallery Six Flags Holiday in the Park COLORADO Santa's Workshop North Pole (really!-near Pike's Peak) 2011 dates: In general, the park will be open daily, except Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 24. This small Christmas-themed park is open May through December, but it really glows during the holiday season. Take a ride on the world's tallest (by altitude, anyway) Ferris wheel, the Candy Cane Coaster, and the Peppermint Slide, or catch some stage magic at Santa's Show House. Of course, Mr. Claus awaits all good boys and girls at Santa's House. FLORIDA 2011 Christmas Holiday Events at Florida Theme Parks Includes info about Christmas holiday events at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando Walt Disney World Holiday Season Photo Gallery Universal Orlando Holiday Season Photo Gallery GEORGIA Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain Christmas Stone Mountain 2011 dates: Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20, 22-27, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 16-23, 26-31, Jan. 1 (2012) Special features include The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a multi-sensory film based on the popular Christmas movie, a themed train ride, shows such as "Toyrific!" and "Simply Christmas," a parade, and nightly fireworks. Official Stone Mountain Christmas site Wild Adventures A Wild Adventures Christmas Valdosta, GA 2011 dates: Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17-23, 26-31, Jan. 1 (2012) Special features include the show, O Holy Night: A Living Nativity, Tinker the Talking Christmas Tree, Let It Snow! dance party, Elf's Workshop craft station, and a meetup with Santa. Official A Wild Adventures Christmas site MASSACHUSETTS Edaville U.S.A. The Polar Express and Christmas Festival of Lights Carver (near Cape Cod) 2011 dates: Nov. 18 to January 1, open most days. The park alternates The Polar Express and Festival of Lights events. See official site for details. Located in the heart of Massachusetts' cranberry country, the featured attraction is the authentic Edaville Railroad steam train, which makes its way through a cranberry bog. On select days it is transformed into The Polar Express, based on the popular children's book and film. Millions of Christmas lights line the train route as well as the park's turn-of-the-(last) century village. Edaville also features a carousel and other kiddie and spinning rides. Official Edaville U.S.A. Christmas Festival of Lights site MISSOURI Silver Dollar City An Old Time Christmas Branson 2011 dates: Nov. 5 to Dec. 30, select days. See official site for schedule. Weather permitting, many of the park's rides are open for the event. Special for the season, Silver Dollar City features 4 million lights, the Christmas on Main Street tree-lighting presentation, the Gifts of Christmas Holiday Lights parade, musical performances, and a presentation of "A Christmas Carol." Santa holds court in Kringle's Krossing, and kids can decorate cookies in the Kringle's kitchen. Artisans demonstrate their old-world skills and sell their wares. Special holiday treats include hot wassail and ginger cookies. Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas Photo Gallery Official Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas site NEW HAMPSHIRE Santa's Village Christmastime Jefferson (in the White Mountains) 2011 dates: Nov. 19 to Dec. 31, open select dates. See Christmastime official site for details. The original and only remaining Santa's Village park (there had been a few other same-named, but separately run parks) celebrates Christmas in the spring and summer but, oddly, was closed during the holiday season until a few years ago. Opened in the 1950s, the park has the perfect blend of authentic nostalgia and contemporary appeal. Most of the rides and shows, including Santa's Skyway Sleigh (a mini-monorail), the 3-D movie, "A Tinkerdoodle Christmas!" and the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel, are operating, even when there is some snow on the ground. (This is in the White Mountains, after all.) Warm up by the big bonfire, then head back for some more rides. Official Santa's Village Christmastime site NEW YORK Santa's Workshop North Pole--where else?! (near Lake Placid) 2011 Dates: Weekends Nov. 19 to Dec. 18 The small, Christmas-themed park is open in the summer and during the Christmas season. It offers a few rides such as a Ferris wheel and carousel (that are open weather-permitting) as well as shows such as the Mother Goose Guild and a Nativity Pageant. PENNSYLVANIA Dutch Wonderland Dutch Winter Wonderland Lancaster 2011 dates: Nov. 19, 20, 25-27, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 26-30 Like sister property, Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland will also be thawing out some of its rides for the holidays. The Princess of Dutch Wonderland will be offering some Christmas stories. Santa will be on hand to see who's been naughty or nice. And the Dutch Winter Wonderland Royal Light Show will feature colorful lights synchronized to holiday music. Official Dutch Winter Wonderland site Hersheypark Hersheypark Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights Hershey 2011 dates: Nov. 18 to 31, open most days. See official Hersheypark site for details. The park will scrape off the ice and open some of its rides (weather permitting) for hardy souls to enjoy. The park's great coasters won't be open, but you will be able to board the Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge, the Scrambler, and other select rides. It'll be quite a sight to see riders, all bundled up in mittens and parkas, twirling on the Wave Swinger. Shows will include the musical, "A Rockin' Music Box Christmas." Hershey also offers a drive-through holiday light display beginning November 13. Called Hershey Sweet Lights, it features 2 miles of trails with over 1 million lights on more than 500 animated tableaux. Hershey offers hotel packages and other holiday promotions as well. Official Christmas in Hershey site Kennywood Holiday Lights West Mifflin (near Pittsburgh) 2011 dates: December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 New for 2011, the park will be hanging loads of twinkling lights, offering carolers, and opening some of its rides, weather permitting. Official Holiday Lights site Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas Langhorne (near Philadelphia) 2011 dates: Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 on select days. See Sesame Place official site for details. New for 2011, the event will include a parade, three holiday shows, loads of decorated trees, and some of the park's rides. Official A Very Furry Christmas site TENNESSEE Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival Pigeon Forge (near Knoxville) 2010 dates: Nov. 5 to Dec. 30 on select days. See Dollywood site for details. Weather permitting, many of Dollywood's rides will be operating during the festival. If they are running, you could check out the park's 3.5 million twinkling lights from the top of one of the coasters. Some of the lights will be synchronized to holiday tunes. The park will also feature an ambitious production of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and other holiday shows, including "Dollywood's Christmas on Ice" and "Christmas in the Smokies." The park will present The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a ride film based on the popular Christmas film. At Santa's Workshop, children will be able to make their own holiday craft projects. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas Photo Gallery Official Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas site TEXAS SeaWorld San Antonio SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration San Antonio 2011 dates: Select dates, Nov. 19 to Jan. 1. See official site for details. Shamu Claus, as well as Santa Claus, will be on hand to greet guests. As with other parks, SeaWorld park will present The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a multi-sensory film based on the popular Christmas movie. Special shows will include "Deck the Halls with Clyde and Seamore," featuring the park's sea lions. Official SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration site Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park Arlington (near Dallas) More info: Six Flags Holiday in the Park Six Flags Holiday in the Park Photo Gallery Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park San Antonio More info: Six Flags Holiday in the Park Six Flags Holiday in the Park Photo Gallery VIRGINIA Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town Williamsburg 2011 dates: Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 for select dates. See Busch Gardens official site for details. Busch Gardens will transform its European hamlets, including Ireland and England into Old World Christmas villages. Always well regarded for its shows, the Christmas Town productions of "Miracles," "Gloria!," "Deck the Halls," "O Tannenbaum," and "A Sesame Street Christmas," should be top-notch. Weather permitting, the park's rides, including the wonderful Griffon coaster, will be operating. Delicious holiday-themed food and a dining experience with Santa are also on tap. More info: Christmas Town official site

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Summit Plummet Water Slide

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Summit Plummet Water Slide Oct 27th 2011, 10:21 Walt Disney World isn't known for its thrills, but Summit Plummet is one of the world's tallest, fastest water slides. And it just may be the single most thrilling attraction at the Florida resort. Summit Plummet Up-Front Info Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 9 Insane height and speed for a water slide Water slide type: Speed slide Height restriction to ride: 48 inches Height of slide: 120 feet Speed: Varies according to rider--approx. 60 mph for adults and 50 mph for kids Summit Plummet and other Blizzard Beach Scenes Photo Gallery Over the edge The signature attraction at Blizzard Beach, Summit Plummet towers over everything. Sitting atop Mount Gushmore, it's designed to resemble a ski jump. Every few moments, a rider braves the faux icy slide, and a whooshing spray of water shoots from the end of the jump. It appears as if the riders are careening off the jump and vanishing into thin air. In reality, Summit Plummet sends riders zooming through a short tunnel that's behind the ski jump. It's a wacky and audacious sight. Getting to Summit Plummet, by taking the Mount Gushmore chairlift, can be part of the fun. Since the line for the lift can get quite long, however, riders have the option of walking up a (considerably long) path. From the chairlift station, riders must ascend a few flights of stairs to reach the mountain's summit and the slide's start. An attendant helps riders get into position--lying face up with legs and arms crossed to prevent flailing limbs from crashing into the sides of the slide--and gives them the OK sign. It takes tremendous audacity to shove off. Although it's not quite a 90-degree angle, Summit Plummet is so steep that riders can't see anything if they peer over the edge of the slide before they get down into position. It takes blind faith to accept that there is, in fact, a continuous slide that will deposit riders at the base of the mountain. Ironically, once they begin the descent, some riders may momentarily float into the air and freefall as if the slide vanishes. It's the water slide equivalent of roller coaster airtime. Would you be able to handle Summit Plummet? Racing through the darkened tunnel and pelted by a curtain of water, riders become temporarily disoriented. Emerging from the tunnel, they regain their bearings and soar down the face of the mountain. Hitting the straightaway at the bottom, riders create a huge plume of water--and possibly, an industrial-strength wedgie. If you plan to tackle Summit Plummet, make sure you wear appropriate swimwear and check it carefully before the ride. As each rider reaches the end, a digital readout displays his top speed. Overall weight and body shape appear to affect the speeds. Children hover around 50 mph. Medium-sized adults seemed to register the highest speeds, topping out at a bit over 60 mph. Would you be able to handle Summit Plummet? That depends. If you're overly afraid of heights, my guess is that it would be difficult to overcome your fears. Unlike a roller coaster, which begins at ground level and takes control of the process, Summit Plummet riders have to walk to the 120-foot level and initiate the descent themselves. If you're afraid of high speeds or water, you may fare better. The whole ride is over in a matter of seconds, so there's not much opportunity to get too frazzled. Even the heartiest thrill-seekers, however, will test their mettle on Blizzard Beach's speed slide.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Kingda Ka

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Kingda Ka Oct 27th 2011, 10:21 Less a roller coaster and more a thrill machine designed for bragging rights, Kingda Ka is, in my opinion, a one-trick pony. Granted, it's a heckuva trick and a once-in-a-lifetime rush. But, for me, once is enough. The launch scared me silly--and I'm a fairly seasoned coaster vet. But, in the end, despite its record-breaking 456-foot tower, Kingda Ka left me flat. Kingda Ka Up-Front Info Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 10 I can't imagine a more thrilling ride. Insane acceleration, speed, height, and drop. Type of coaster: Hydraulic launch rocket coaster Height: 456 feet (world's tallest in 2006) Top speed: 128 mph (world's fastest in 2006) Location: Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey Coaster elements: 456-foot tall top hat tower, with 90-degree ascent and descent 129-foot second hill designed to provide free-floating airtime. Ride time: 50.6 seconds Ticket Info Save money and time. Buy discounted tickets for Six Flags Great Adventure online, direct from Six Flags. Hotel Info Compare rates for hotels near Six Flags Great Adventure at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. More Kingda Ka Info Kingda Ka and other Six Flags Great Adventure Rides Photo Gallery Kingda Ka Onboard Video Kingda Ka History Channel Video Clip Kingda Ka Opening Photo Gallery How Kingda Ka Works Kingda Ka Malfunctions Kingda Ka Preview Photo Gallery "I'm going up and down...THAT?" The anticipation is unnerving. As riders board Kingda Ka's trains in its dual-loading platforms, and the trains stack up at one end of the horizontal launch track, the ominous 456-foot top hat tower looms at the other end. The tower can be seen virtually everywhere throughout the park, and it looks incredibly tall. But staring at it head on from the vantage point of a locked and loaded train, it looks beyond nuts. All I could think was, "I'm going up and down...THAT?" Every few minutes a train takes off, adding to the pre-ride jitters. It barrels down the launch track at a brain-scrambling 128 mph, and then goes straight up the tower. As it climbs 456 feet, it decelerates and appears to barely have enough oomph to make it over the top. (In rare instances Kingda Ka and other rocket coasters do, in fact, peter out and slide backwards down the tower. The rides are designed to handle the anomaly.) Kingda Ka then plummets straight down the other side and enters into a 270-degree vertical spiral. Racing back to the station, it climbs a relatively puny 129-foot hill for a spurt of airtime. No matter how many times I watched the trains cycle through the ride, nothing prepared me for the actual ride. Yeeeee-ahhhhhh! As with most launched coasters, the brakes release just before Kingda takes off and leave the train briefly free-floating in neutral. Then, yeeeee-ahhhhhh!, it's impelled with a staggering burst of energy down the track. Traveling 128 mph in an open vehicle is an unearthly sensation. After zooming up the tower, the few seconds of quasi-hesitation--are we gonna make it?--was unsettling. The view at the crest of the tower, if riders can peel their eyes open, is impressive. Up to that point, and we're talking maybe 10 seconds, Kingda Ka was wild. Anticlimactic Coming down the tower, however, there were some unexpected rough spots as the train shuddered a bit. The vertical spiral was disorienting and detracted from the ride's sheer height and speed. And the 129-foot airtime hill was anticlimactic and mostly lame. With that much pent-up energy, I thought there'd be an explosive burst of airtime. (For airtime nirvana, head over to Great Adventure's premier coasters, El Toro and Nitro.) Returning to the station, I was a bit shell-shocked from the launch and extreme height. But I was also a bit let down. After all that anticipation, the ride is over in a blink. I tip my top hat to Intamin, the ride's manufacturer, and Six Flags for having the audacity to build the record-breaking Kingda Ka. But, breaking records doesn't necessarily translate into a dazzling ride experience. Instead of the symphony of thrills--the crescendos, the releases, the peaks, the bridges--that a great roller coaster delivers, Kingda Ka was a sustained, single-note, heavy-metal roar.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Splash Universe Michigan

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Splash Universe Michigan Oct 26th 2011, 10:23 Splash Universe Indoor Water Park Phone: 877-752-7482 Location: Dundee, Michigan Indoor Water Park Square Footage: 25,000 Splash Universe Indoor Water Park Admission Policy: Registered hotel guests receive passes to the water park as part of their room fees. Day passes are available for the general public as well. A regional resident pays less for a day pass than someone from outside the area. Half-day and full-day passes are available. Guests of the adjacent Holiday Inn Express can also purchase packages to use the Splash Universe water park. Hotel Rates Compare rates for Holiday Inn Express at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. Directions to the Splash Universe Indoor Water Park: From Detroit: I-94W toward Chicago, to exit 180A onto US-23S. Exit 17 for M-50 toward Dundee/Monroe. Turn right at M-50/Tecumseh St. Turn right at Cabela Blvd E. Turn right at Whitetail Dr. to RiverRun. From Ann Arbor: I-94E to Detroit. Exit 180 A-B for US-23 toward Toledo/Flint. Exit 17 for M-50 toward Dundee/Monroe. Follow directions above. From Toledo: I-75 N to Exit 204 on the left to merge onto I-475 W toward US-23/Sylvania/Ann Arbor. Exit 14 to merge onto US-23 N toward Sylvania/Ann Arbor. Exit 17 for M-50 toward Dundee/Monroe. Follow directions above. Indoor Water Park Features: Lazy river, tube slides, body slides, interactive play structure with dump bucket, activity pool, whirlpool spa. Official Web Site: Splash Universe RiverRun Indoor Water Park Splash Universe Indoor Water Park Overview: At 25,000 square feet, RiverRun is a comparatively small indoor water park. It is part of the Splash Universe chain. It lacks the marquee attractions of bigger indoor water parks such as an uphill water coaster, a surfing ride, a bowl ride, or even a family raft ride. It does, however, offer the basic water slides, a lazy river, and an interactive water play station. The 150-room hotel includes family suites and standard guest rooms. In addition to the indoor water park, the resort offers an arcade, restaurant, and a gift shop. It also features the Adventure Quest Kids Clubhouse which provides crafts, storytelling, and other activities for younger children.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Sesame Place

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Sesame Place Oct 26th 2011, 10:23 Where is Sesame Place?: Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street? Sure! It is located in Langhorne (near Philadelphia), Pennsylvania. The actual address is 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047. Directions: From Philadelphia: I-95N to Morrisville Exit 46A. Rt. 1N to Oxford Valley Exit, right onto Oxford Valley Road. Right at the third traffic light. From New York City: NJ Turnpike S to Exit 7A. West on I-195, to 295N, turns into 95S Philadelphia, to exit 46A Langhorne. Rt. 1N to the Oxford Valley Road Exit, right onto Oxford Valley Road. Right at the third traffic light. Phone 215-752-7070 Hotel Info: Compare rates for Sesame Place-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. Admission Info and Operating Season: Admission to the park includes all rides, attractions, and shows. Children 23 months and younger are admitted free. Reduced rates are available for seniors and AAA members. Sesame Place offers a Twilight Admission for guests arriving in the afternoon. Season passes are available. The park is open May through October, plus select dates for the Christmas holiday season. Highlights: The park features a great assortment of Sesame Street-themed rides, shows, water rides, events, and attractions geared to younger children, including: Vapor Trail coaster Sesame Neighborhood- Replica of the famous street. Elmo's World themed land Sesame Streak water slides More Sesame Place Info: Sesame Place Photo Gallery The Count's Spooktacular- Each fall, Sesame Place presents a low-scare Halloween event. Sesame Place Holiday Party-Info about the park's Christmas-season event. New at Sesame Place: New for 2011: Neighborhood Street Party New parade with 11 floats will debut in 2011. Official Web Site: Sesame Place Overview: Themed to the landmark PBS children's show, Sesame Place is designed for a pre-teen audience with a special emphasis on the program's preschool audience. Granted, the park offers a coaster, spinning rides, and other attractions typically found at parks. But the relatively small Sesame Place foregoes the hyper-adrenalized atmosphere of a Six Flags in favor of a more low-key vibe. Reflecting the whimsy of the show and its Muppet stars, it features unique opportunities to visit mock-ups of the famous street and interact with the iconic, cuddly characters. And like the show, there are some "edutainment" attractions such as a fruit stand that encourages kids to pick out produce and ring up their sales. Don't forget your bathing suits. In addition to the dry rides, Sesame Place offers a good collection of water slides and other water park attractions, including Big Bird's Rambling River, the family raft ride Sky Splash, and a mini wave pool that's ideal for mini guests. The park also presents musical shows, a daily parade, and an ongoing schedule of special events such as fireworks and concerts. In October, Sesame Place presents a scare-free Halloween festival, and in November and December, it offers a Christmas event.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Disneyland Park

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Disneyland Park Oct 26th 2011, 10:23 Disney. Used with permission. This, park fans, is where it all began. Sure there were amusement parks before Walt Disney mortgaged the farm in the 1950s to develop his dream, but nothing compared to the grandeur, the scope, the sheer audacity of Disneyland. It uses a "hub and spoke" layout to connect the iconic Sleeping Beauty's Castle at its center with the themed lands: Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mickey's Toontown, Adventureland, Fronteirland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and Main Street, USA. To walk the same streets that Walt himself walked and ride the attractions he helped design imbues Disneyland with a special, enchanting charm. It is the prototype theme park and it retains its magic even in these more jaded times. Disneyland Tickets Disneyland offers single-park tickets for one day or park-hopping tickets with access to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure for one day up to six days. Park-hopper tickets must be used within 13 days of first use. Reduced price for children, ages 3 to 9. 2 and under are free. Discounted tickets may be available online Save money and time. Get Disneyland California tickets in advance of your visit, and check for online discounts. Get the lowdown on other deals, discounts, and ways to purchase passes in About.com's Disneyland tickets overview. Disneyland Highlights Yes, there are some spectacular attractions here. But the timeless lure of say, hopping aboard Dumbo -- essentially a pedestrian kiddie ride -- shows that nearly everything at Disneyland is a highlight. Winnowing the list down to the E-Ticket attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean The Haunted Mansion Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage it's a small world Indiana Jones Adventure Space Mountain Splash Mountain Fantasmic! Honey, I Shrunk the Audience Star Tours Believe: There's Magic in the Stars fireworks See Disneyland Disneyland Park Photo Gallery it's a small world Photo Gallery Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island Photo Gallery Disneyland History Photo Gallery Disneyland Dining The Top 10 Best Restaurants at Disneyland Disneyland Tips Grab a spot for Disneyland's parades at least 30 minutes before they start or you'll be stuck three rows behind mouse-eared guests. Check Disneyland's Fastpass attractions and learn how to make the most of the Fastpass program. Prime viewing spots for Fantasmic! (along the Rivers of America in Frontierland) are limited. Stake yours out at least 45 minutes before the show begins. Are you looking for hotel accommodations? Compare rates for Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. New for 2011 at Disneyland Let the Memories Begin The yearlong campaign will incorporate guests' images into a nightly show. Learn how to share your Disney memories in a big way. Star Tours II- The current Star Tours will close in October 2010, and spiffed-up attractions will reopen in 2011. The rides will get a complete makeover, including 3-D imagery and all-new footage. The new Star Tours ride is now open. Read my review of Star Tours - The Adventures Continue Video preview of Star Tours II Disney's HalloweenTime Info about the resort's Halloween events. Christmas and the Holidays at Disneyland Info about the resort's holiday events. Yo Ho, Yo Ho, the Pirates Ride for Me Check out the seminal Pirates of the Caribbean E-Ticket attraction, including a review, some below-deck insights from Disney Imagineering legend Marty Sklar, a 16-photo gallery--even the lyrics to the rousing "Yo Ho" song. Drink up, me 'earties! The Best of Disneyland Top picks for rides at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure They're Dying to Meet You at the Haunted Mansion An overnight sensation (that was actually many years in the making), the classic Haunted Mansion ride has remained enormously popular; casual and ardent fans alike typically pair it with Pirates of the Caribbean as the archetypal Disney attractions. Here is my full review, plus links to behind-the-screams secrets revealed, Museum of the Weird facts about the ride, a Haunted Mansion Photo Gallery, a history of the attraction from Disney legend Marty Sklar--even the lyrics to "Grim Grinning Ghosts," the Haunted Mansion theme song. Jonesing for Disneyland's Indy Ride An E-Ticket tour de force, Indiana Jones Adventure immerses guests into the world of the popular movie series through the use of Disney's innovative Enhanced Motion Vehicles, highly elaborate sets, and a stunning array of effects. Rather than retell one of the Indiana Jones films, it creates a new story and casts riders in leading roles. It is one of Imagineering's crowning achievements. Nemo Subs for Mermaids in Disneyland's New/Old Submarine Voyage When the Submarine Voyage, a classic ride that was one of Disneyland's signature attractions, closed in 1998, it left a literal and figurative void at the park. It took an enormously popular lost clownfish for Disney to find the inspiration and budget to bring the subs back. With its new Finding Nemo overlay, the ride is perfectly positioned to appeal to today's Pixar-lated kids as well as their nostalgia-fueled parents. The combination of deft storytelling and Imagineering magic makes the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage an alluring, sea-worthy E-ticket attraction for Disneyland's next 50 years. Peeking into the Mouse Hole Discover how the Disney Imagineers develop the Disney theme parks and attractions.

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Theme Parks: What's Hot Now: Sea World Orlando

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Sea World Orlando Oct 26th 2011, 10:23 Sea World Orlando Phone: (800) 327-2424 or (407) 351-3600 Operating Schedule: The park is open year round and generally stays open longer during holidays and the peak summer season. Location: International Drive in Orlando, Florida Sea World Orlando Directions: The physical address is: 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 From Orlando: I-4 to Exit 72. From Tampa: I-4 to Exit 71. Sea World Orlando Admission Policy: SeaWorld Orlando requires separate admission from the adjacent Aquatica water park and from Discovery Cove, SeaWorld's dolphin experience park. Reduced price for children 3 to 9. Ages 2 and under are free. Season passes and special promotions available for Florida residents. Discount packages are available online at Sea World Orlando's Web site that combine Sea World Orlando passes with admission to one or more area parks: Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa, Discovery Cove, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Wet 'n Wild. Hotel Info: The Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World is one of Central Florida's finest hotels. Its rooms are unusually large, its decor is striking, and it offers one of the best breakfast buffets in the area. Search for Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. Find Nearby Hotel Accommodations Compare rates for Orlando-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak. Sea World Orlando Features: SeaWorld is both a marine life park, with compelling stadium shows and exhibits, and a ride park with wild coasters and other attractions. The marine life highlights include: The Shamu stadium show, "Believe," is SeaWorld's signature presentation. Combining choreographed stunts, music, video, and, of course, lots of splashes, the large-scale show matches the killer whale's size. Blue Horizons melds trained dolphins and birds with Cirque-du-Soleil-style theatrics. Shark Encounter sends guests through an acrylic tube into a giant shark tank to get up-close and personal with the fearsome animals. Penguin Encounter offers views of the Arctic creatures. As a bonus for guests who visit on a hot and humid Florida day, the exhibit is kept at a penguin-worthy 30 degrees. At Stingray Lagoon and Dolphin Cove, guests can view, pet, and feed the animals. The ride and attraction highlights include: Manta- A flying coaster. Journey to Atlantis- A themed water ride/roller coaster/dark ride. Wild Arctic- A ride/exhibit hybrid, the attraction "transports" guests to the Arctic with a nifty motion simulator ridefilm and then offers a chilly view of real polar bears and whales. Kraken- A wild floorless coaster. Families with younger children will want to head to Shamu's Happy Harbor for pint-sized rides. What's New at Sea World Orlando: New for 2011 One Ocean All three SeaWorld parks (in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego) will debut a new killer whale show this spring called "One Ocean." As with past presentations, there will be giant LED screens, original music, and special effects to help tell an overarching story--in this case, that we all share the planet and need to play a role in its ecological stewardship. New for 2009: Manta Flying Coaster Manta- Learn about the stingray-themed coaster. Manta Point-of-View Video More Sea World Orlando Info: SeaWorld Orlando Photo Gallery Halloween event info: SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular Other Sea World Orlando Parks: Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld Orlando- Overview of the unique water park. Discovery Cove- Overview of the swank, exclusive swim-with-the-dolphins park. Discovery Cove Photo Gallery Official Web Site: SeaWorld Orlando Sea World Orlando Overview: When SeaWorld first opened, it was little more that a souped-up marine life park with exhibits that could be found at many municipal aquariums. Since the Busch folks took over however, the "Adventure Park" now features great rides along with the Shamu shenanigans. Many of the attractions combine coaster and other ride experiences with the fishy stuff. Sea World is a huge park with lots of shows, exhibits, rides, and things to do. If you've never been, you could easily spend two days exploring the park. (And Sea World often offers free second-day admission with a one-day ticket. Check with the park to see if it is available.) If you have limited time at Sea World, take a few moments to get a sense of the lay of the land, note the times of the shows, and plan a rough itinerary before you wander aimlessly into the park. During peak season, the park often presents nighttime Shamu shows and an evening show over its lagoon that includes fireworks. Check the schedule. The park offers lots of extra-fee opportunities, some of which allow guests to get closer to the animals. Check with Sea World for info, reservation details, and prices for activities such as behind-the-scenes tours, VIP tours, and animal interaction programs. There are plenty of dining choices, and like the other Busch parks, the food is mostly pretty good. Sea World's waiter-service restaurant, Sharks Underwater Grill, features dinner and a show provided by the sharks swimming in the tank along the see-through walls. Make reservations in advance or early in the day at the popular restaurant. Sea World also offers special dining experiences such as a nightly luau, a dine with Shamu experience (Oddly, the buffet includes "Seafood Creole." Ew! Don't tell Shamu.), and a character breakfast with the Sesame Street gang. Make reservations well in advance for these popular choices.

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