There are typically two types of summer forecasts in the Phoenix area: hot 'n' hotter. The forecast calls for a high of 107 degrees today. Ouch! Hey, at least it's six degrees cooler than the 113 degrees forecasted for Saturday. When the going gets tough, the tough folks in Phoenix like to get going--into some water. That's why the anticipation has been huge for the recently opened Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix. Actually, the Arizona park REopened. It had previously been known as Waterworld Safari. The new owners have added a bunch of wild ('n' wet) new attractions, including a dual-track racing water coaster.

By the way, the new owners are not the same company as water park pioneers, Wet 'n Wild. The Australian-based Wet 'n' Wild has two (grammatically correct) apostrophes in its name. Hmm. Maybe that'll land the Aussies in, um, hot water. Good luck to the companies' respective legal departments sorting that out. Have you been to Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix? Let us know your experience by clicking on Comments below. Read more about Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix.

• Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix Photo Gallery- See the new slides and rides
• More Arizona Water Parks

Photo: Mammoth Falls at Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix is a thrilling half-pipe water slide ride. Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix. Used with permission.

Pottermania is running wild once again as the sixth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is set to open in select theaters at the stroke of midnight. Fans of the boy wizard will surely be flocking to Islands of Adventure, the second park at Universal Orlando, when it opens The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in early 2010. The highly anticipated themed land, which is being designed under the watchful eye of Potter scribe, J. K. Rowling, is under construction and taking shape at the far end of the Florida park.

The new film is sure to stoke what is shaping up to be one of Hollywood's best seasons. That bodes well for parks. Despite the floundering economy, people still seem to be willing to shell out their dwindling bucks for some fun. Read more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Take the poll and let us know your level of anticipation for Universal's new Harry Potter land. Then join the conversation by clicking on Comments below.

Photo: Guests will be able to see and visit Hogwarts castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando, 2007. Used with permission.

Sadly, there aren't many seaside amusement parks left. As the original park, Coney Island, struggles to re-imagine itself for the 21st century, many other pleasure palaces by the shore have thrown in the beach towel. The Jersey shore, however, still beckons fun-seekers with time-honored traditions such as spinning rides, flashing lights, and greasy food. Proudly flaunting a 1950s and 1960s vibe, Widlwood, New Jersey, seems particularly stuck in time.

The summer hotspot is home to Morey's Piers, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer. To mark the occasion, the family-owned boardwalk area will be staging a peculiar event this Thursday, July 16 at 4 p.m. David "The Bullet" Smith, a human cannonball, will fly high above Mariner's Landing while clutching a copy of the new book about Morey's Piers, A Wild Ride. Morey's is pitching the event as a "human cannon book launch." The book traces the history of the classic amusement area, which has grown to include three amusement piers, two water parks, and over a hundred rides and attractions. Copies of A Wild Ride will be available for purchase at Morey's Piers.

• The Cyclone Roller Coaster- Review of the classic Coney Island woodie
• Coney Island Photo Gallery

Live music, such as the big bands that drew huge crowds to dance halls in the 1930s and 1940s, have long been part of the entertainment offered by amusement parks and theme parks. The beat goes on today as a number of parks feature concert series. Some require an extra fee, but many are included with the admission price. A sampling of some upcoming park shows include:

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg (VA)- Kansas on July 11 and 12, the Commodores on July 18 and 19, and Foreigner on August 1 and 2
• Six Flags Great Adventure (NJ)- Jesse McCartney on July 20, Asia and Yes on July 26, and Flo Rida on August 13
• Wild Adventures (GA)- Chris Tomlin on July 18, Foreigner on August 15, and Ricky Skaggs on September 19
• Hersheypark (PA)- Chubby Checker on July 19, Dave Matthews Band on July 24, and Kid Rock on July 31
• Darien Lake (NY)- Vans Warped Tour on July 16, Creed on August 8, and Phish on August 13