Monday November 16, 2009
The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is known more for its boundless charm, immersive themes, and cuddly characters than for white-knuckle, thrill rides. While no attraction at the Magic Kingdom can match the behemoth coasters and other adrenaline-pumping rides found at parks like Six Flags, it does offer some rides that appeal to thrill-seekers. On the mild-to-wild scale, however, riders of nearly all thrill-tolerance levels should be able to handle Disney's legendary mountain range and its classic dark rides. Check out the Top Magic Kingdom Thrill Rides.
Photo: Splash Mountain's big drop. Disney. Used with permission.
Saturday November 14, 2009
It continues to be a vacationer's market as theme parks attempt to beckon visitors with deep discounts and all kinds of deals. If you're thinking of taking a theme park trip to the Sunshine State, you'll want to see which parks are offering five-night packages for the price of three, weeklong two-park passes, length-of-stay passes for less than the cost of a regular-priced, one-day ticket, and other eye (and wallet?) -opening offers. They are all compiled in my updated, handy-dandy Florida Theme Park Discounts and Travel Deals page.
Wednesday November 11, 2009
After years of often bitter wrangling among factions with differing agendas and plans, it appears that there may be some real momentum to finally redevelop Coney Island. According to the New York Times, the City of New York will pay $95.6 million for a seven-acre parcel of land along the fabled boardwalk. Developer Joseph Sitt, who has been sitting on prime Coney Island real estate and had his own restoration plans, agreed to sell the property. Sitt will retain an adjacent parcel and hopes to build hotels and other venues to capitalize on a resurrected Coney Island.
The city wants a temporary amusement vendor (perhaps reopening the door to the former owners of Astroland?) to keep the Island hopping for the next few years while it seeks a developer, or perhaps a number of developers, to help remake the landmark seaside amusement area. It's unclear what impact the redevelopment would have on Deno's Wonder Wheel Park or other existing attractions.
Photo: Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, home of the landmark Ferris wheel, is located near the Cyclone roller coaster.
Wednesday November 11, 2009
It's been some time since I last updated my list of the best wooden coasters in North America. I expanded the list to include ten woodies, and I made some changes at the top.
For years, Boulder Dash at Connecticut's Lake Compounce has held my number-one position. In fact, the ride and my best coasters list was mentioned on the series finale of the television show, The Gilmore Girls. Sorry Lorelei, but Boulder Dash moves down to number three on the list. Want to see what coaster took its place at the top of the heap? And what new ride to the list snuck in at number two? Well, head over to my updated Best Roller Coasters feature. And if you want to join in the list making, you can share your own picks for the best coasters or click on "Comments" below to voice your thoughts.
Photo: The Cyclone at Coney Island is one of my picks for the top 10 best wooden roller coasters. © Arthur Levine, 2007. Licensed to About.com
