A word of caution: Before you load up the station wagon in pursuit of the latest rides, you should contact the parks to make sure their new attractions are up and running.
"4-D" attractions are migrating out of the major themers and into some of the smaller parks. "4-D" means the attraction includes a 3-D film (Yup, you still have to wear those goofy glasses.) plus multi-sensory enhancements such as water misters and scent cannons.
Legoland California in Carlsbad (near San Diego) opened the new LEGO Racers 4-D film in its Lego Showplace Theater. The animated 12-minute presentation takes guests into the action as plastic block hero Max Axel tries to outwit his racing opponents. Watch out for the flying tires.
The Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure, a 4-D simulator attraction, sends guests careening around Tennessee at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. In addition to the 3-D visuals and the other sensory elements, this ride has seats that move in sync with the screened action.
Who doesn't flip for Angelina Jolie? The new Tomb Raider: The Ride at Paramount's Kings Island near Cincinnati, OH features a mammoth indoor spinning ride themed to the popular Lara Croft video game and Jolie film.
Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO has the same spinning ride as King's Island minus the Tomb Raider theme. Known as the Thunderhawk, captive passengers get soaked by water cannons as the ride tosses them around mercilessly.
Flik's Fun Fair continues the kid-friendly transformation of Disney's California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. The new area features some spinning rides for the younger set and an interactive play area with oversized props to give children a bug's-eye view of the world.
Do you dare try the Pile Driver at the World Wrestling Entertainment's new store in Niagara Falls, NY? No, you won't be on the receiving end of the Undertaker's devastating finishing move. It's a 220-foot free fall tower ride.
Adventureland in Des Moines, IA launched North America's first spinning rapids ride, Saw Mill Splash. Passengers board the circular rafts in their street clothes and spin through water slide-like troughs.
Q: Scooby-Doo, where are you?
A: Six Flags St. Louis and Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio).
Both parks offer Scooby Doo Ghostblasters this season. Guests aboard the interactive dark rides zap ghosts and rack up points.
