| What's New at Theme Parks? Feb 10th 2012, 11:04 What new goodies are parks planning for us? This is where to get the lowdown on the new roller coasters, attractions, rides, and shows are on tap? Discover the latest and greatest theme park happenings. 
Holiday World, 2011. Used with permission.It's an incredibly exciting year at theme parks. Insane new roller coasters, cutting-edge attractions, new record-holders, and so much more await park fans in 2012. There's such an overload of goodness, it's going to be hard to figure out how to fit it all in. To help you decide how to plan your park visits, I've compiled all the new developments in a handy-dandy, park-by-park list. Are you ready to ride? 
Disney 2009. Used with permission. A major expansion at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida will more than double the size of Fantasyland. With two phases scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013, the land will offer richer, more immersive experiences and will introduce a wider array of characters. Instead of simple meet-and-greets, the new mini-lands will envelop guests in the worlds of Disney's classic films and get them involved in hands-on adventures. 
© Merlin Entertaimants, 2010. Used with permission.It's now open! Built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens and opened in October 2011, the new Legoland Florida is larger than any of the current four Legolands (including the sole US property, Legoland California). It offers about 50 rides and shows. Like the other parks, it is geared to the 12-and-under set, and features Lego-themed lands and attractions, many of which are interactive and include hands-on activities. 
Disney 2007. Used with permission. The transformed park will include a new entry plaza, a new Cars Land, new attractions, a new nighttime spectacular, and more. 
Universal Orlando, 2011. Used with permission.Among the new goodies there will be an all-new motion simulator attraction based on the hit film, Despicable Me, headed to Universal Studios Florida and a 3-D film and marine life exhibit about turtles coming to SeaWorld Orlando. 
Universal Studios 2008. Used with permissionNostalgia is often part of the appeal of theme parks. Honoring and preserving the past is good, but parks cannot stand still nor rest on its laurels. Many California parks are transforming themselves in 2012 with a slew of new attractions, including Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Transformers at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Manta at SeaWorld San Diego. 
© Arthur Levine, 2010. Licensed to About.com.From the moment that Harry Potter and the gang took up residence at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. And since people can't seem to get enough Potter, Universal is doing the logical thing and giving them more. 
Six Flags, 2011. Used with permission.What a year for coaster lovers. Many parks will be spending big bucks to bring big, bad, new thrill machines. Read about the two "wing" coasters coming to Six Flags Great America and Dollywood, the 200-foot Skyrush debuting at Hersheypark, the monstrous Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland, the almost-as-monstrous Shambhala at PortAventura, and many more. 
Six Flags, 2011. Used with permission.There are some spectacular coasters and other rides coming to Six Flags. How spectacular? Well, how about the world's tallest vertical drop ride? It will cause hearts to race, armpits to perspire, and Lord knows what other bodily functions at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It's hard to imagine a more thrilling ride. 
SeaWorld Orlando, 2011. Used with permission.Continuing its tradition of combining live animal experiences with themed rides and shows, SeaWorld Orlando has two major attractions coming. In 2012, the park will open TurtleTrek, an exhibit that will include real sea turtles and super-duper virtual turtles presented in glorious 360-degree 3-D. The following year, SeaWorld's penguins will shuffle over to a newly expanded attraction that will feature a ride-through experience.  | |
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