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.
2012 Will Be a Great Ride
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?
Fairy Tales can Come True at Expanded WDW Fantasyland in 2012 and 2013
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.
Lots of Sliding in 2012
SeaWorld Parks.
There are lots (and lots!) of slides, rides, and unique ways to get wet -- and thrilled -- at water parks this season. See all of the diabolical AuqaLoops, water coasters, racing slides, and more that are on the way to existing parks, as well as the new parks that will be providing cool relief and plenty of fun this summer.
Putting the Disney into Disney's California Adventure
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.
Despicable Stuff Coming to Sunshine State. The Florida Ride Guide 2012
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.
California Parks Transform in 2012
Universal Studios 2008. Used with permission
Nostalgia 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.
All in All, Another Brick in the Fall at New Legoland Florida
© 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.
Bigger Better Potter
© 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.
Roller Coaster Ride Guide 2012
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 Ride Guide 2012
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.
