ORLANDO, Fla. (December 23, 2015) – Families and friends can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld Orlando on December 31 as vibrant fireworks fill the night sky and festive entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the park until 1 a.m., including interactive DJ stations, craft beers and delectable bites.
New this year is the New Year’s Eve Seating with Fireworks Package. For $49 per person, guests will enjoy reserved seating at Bayside Stadium to watch the Winter Wonderland on Ice Show followed by a fireworks display.
Also new this year is the New Year’s Eve Dinner & Fireworks package, where guests can indulge in a 4-course prix-fixe signature dinner at Sharks Underwater Grill – the park’s full-service, upscale restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that create a perfect viewing scene into the world of sharks. Guests can choose between Char-grilled Filet Mignon, Savory Garlic & Butter Gumbo Shrimp Scampi and much more. Guests will also receive a souvenir group photo and end the evening at a private lite-bite sweets reception from 11 p.m. to midnight that includes a champagne toast as fireworks dazzle above. Dinner and fireworks package is $199 per person. Find out more about New Year’s Eve here: https://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/events/new-years-eve-at-seaworld/
Plus, guests who visit SeaWorld on December 31 will experience all the wonder, excitement and fun of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™, which includes:
Shamu® Christmas Miracles– Experience the power and beauty of the Shamu family in this nighttime holiday show. Set to majestic seasonal music, the show features killer whales in a story of peace, friendship and the everyday miracles that surround us all year long.
O Wondrous Night –Hear the classic Christmas story as told through the eyes of the animals. With more than 30 carols, life-size puppets and a live nativity, this show will charm, entertain and delight. This must-see show has become a family holiday classic for all of our guests.
THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience – Now boarding! It’s a wondrous journey to the North Pole aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS. The beloved holiday classic comes to life as you and your family are immersed in the heart-warming story of a young boy’s thrilling ride into an enchanted world. The sights, sounds, and scents of the season surround you. From the moment the conductor calls “all aboard” to your arrival at the North Pole (where you’ll meet Santa Claus himself), THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience promises to create an unforgettable holiday memory.
Elmo’s Christmas Wish – Sesame Street® friends have come to SeaWorld® Orlando for a festive holiday musical celebration. Join Rosita, Grover, Zoe, and Cookie Monster as they work together to help Elmo find his Christmas wish!
Winter Wonderland on Ice– Christmas glistens on a stage of ice, jewels and light as skaters dazzle and delight in this show-stopping, ice-skating extravaganza. In addition to graceful skaters, the show also features towering fountains of water and a sea of lighted trees sparkling over the lake. It’s a don’t-miss experience for the holidays that will take your breath away.
Sea of Trees– Take a walk through our wintery, watery wonderland. This glistening forest of more than 100 Christmas trees sparkles to music and lights up the water.
The Christmas Village– Artisans, festive entertainment, and delicious culinary delights create a bustling market that lines Bayside Pathway. Guests can discover one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy scrumptious holiday treats, encounter playful elves and holiday characters, sing-a-long with musicians, and marvel at a charming model train village. It also is the perfect spot to view the Sea of Trees display, relaxing near the warm glow of the fire pit and sipping a holiday craft brew.
The best way to experience SeaWorld’s New Year’s Eve and SeaWorld’s Christmas CelebrationTM is with an Annual Pass offering unlimited general admission and free parking all year long. Florida residents can purchase an annual pass with EZPay, a convenient payment option starting at $13 per month. Pass holders can enjoy a variety of other perks, including discounts on food and beverage and savings on admission to Discovery Cove.
For even more coverage of theme parks and attractions, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter,Periscope, YouTube, Google+, and Tumblr! Also, TP&T is now available on Apple News! Just search “Theme Parks and Travels” in the app, and hit the subscribe button!
Two years ago, at the IAAPA Expo, it was announced that the world’s tallest roller coaster would be coming to Florida. Last year, it was announced to be coming to Orlando. Today (December 1st, 2015), it was finally approved!
Skyplex is a large retail, dining, and entertainment complex proposed for north International Drive in Orlando. The proposed attraction is set to feature a US Thrill Rides Polercoaster, which is a large roller coaster wrapped around an observation tower, the world’s tallest drop tower, a “Unicoaster” flat ride, a zip-line, and more.
In recent months, the debate over the project became very intense. It began with the FAA approving the massive height of the polercoaster and became heated when one of the recommendation boards in the approval process recommended not to approve the project. This was largely due to the lobbying of a nearby attraction, the Universal Orlando Resort.
In the last few weeks, petitions have gone out for both sides of the argument, pamphlets against the project were sent to Orlando area residents, and the theme park community exploded with supporters and those against the project.
Today, the long anticipated project for several theme park and roller coaster fans was officially heard by the Orange County Commissioners Board.
Several Orlando residents, local businessmen, theme park bloggers, and representatives of Skyplex and Universal spoke. The vast majority of these people were in favor of the project.
Strangely enough, Universal did not seem to do nearly as much lobbying against the project as they recently have, although there was some.
After several hours of listening to speakers, the board members motioned to vote on the project with some limitations which were agreed upon by Skyplex. The most notable of these limitations was a 600 foot height limit.
Eventually, the commissioners voted on the project. The results were unanimous, Skyplex was approved!
Hopefully, the project will break ground soon! Joshua Wallack has said to expect Skyplex to open in 2018, with the Skyscraper rollr coaster and drop tower completed first. The nearby Mango’s nightclub and restaurant, also owned by Wallack, is likely to open sooner. Until then, we’ve got something awesome to look at from the Orlando Eye!
Personally, I couldn’t be more excited for this! The world’s tallest roller coaster is coming to a place I regularly visit, and it’s going to be an Intamin! Almost nothing sounds better!
What do you think of the officially approved Skyplex Orlando project? You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter,Periscope, YouTube, Google+, and Tumblr! Also, TP&T is now available on Apple News! Just search “Theme Parks and Travels” in the app, and hit the subscribe button!
ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 23, 2015) – SeaWorld Orlando released details today on the return of its highly anticipated “BlueFriday” deals providing shoppers with special pricing on exclusive park experiences and admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark.
Blue Friday deals provide the best value to experience SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and allow the fun to continue throughout 2016, including all of SeaWorld’s special festivals and concerts.
Deals include the following buy one, get one free (BOGO) offers and are available online-only:
Admission Offers:
BOGO SeaWorld Orlando One-Year Annual Pass (savings of $156)
BOGO SeaWorld Orlando/Aquatica One-Year Annual Pass (savings of $192)
BOGO Any-Day SeaWorld Orlando ticket (savings of $99)
In-Park Offers:
BOGO SeaWorld Orlando Quick Queue Unlimited (savings of $19)
BOGO Dolphins Up-Close Tour (savings up to $59)
BOGO Wild Arctic Up-Close Tour (savings up to $59)
BONUS Offers:
Buy one, get one 50% off All-Day Dining voucher for SeaWorld Orlando (savings of $17.50 for two)
BOGO select in-park holiday ornaments, snow globes and plush at Wild Arctic and Emporium gift shops
To participate in this year’s Blue Friday and view the incredible deals, fans MUSTregister online to receive SeaWorld Orlando’s e-mail updates or already be subscribed. They can do so by visitingSeaWorldOrlando.com. Blue Friday deals will be e-mailed to subscribers today, Nov. 23, along with official details about these limited-time offers. Fans can subscribe at any moment between now and November 30 to participate.
These can’t-miss deals are only available online from 12:01 a.m. (EST)Friday, November 27, until 11:59 p.m.Monday, November 30, 2015.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
It’s the most wonderful time of the year with waves of holiday spirit, seas of trees and twinkling lights during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
Guests will enjoy this wintery, watery wonderland and entertainment inspired by the natural world and holiday cheer. Guests can journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience where they can meet the jolly Santa Claus. With holiday treats from Santa to Shamu®, presents to penguins, and elves to Elmo, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration™ is where holiday memories are made.
The Christmas celebration takes place this weekend Nov. 27-29 and during the following days in December: 4-6, 11-13, and 18-31.
For more information on SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, please visit SeaWorldOrlando.com. Stay connected with Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Join the conversation with #SeaWorld and #SeaWorldChristmas.
What do you think about SeaWorld’s “Blue Friday” deals? Let us know by commenting below! You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter,Periscope, YouTube, Google+, and Tumblr! Also, TP&T is now available on Apple News! Just search “Theme Parks and Travels” in the app, and hit the subscribe button!
Skyplex Orlando was set to become an incredible retail and entertainment district featuring the world’s tallest roller coaster and the world’s tallest drop tower when it opens in 2018, but recent news today is making this goal more challenging to achieve. Why will this be so hard? The answer, the neighbors of Skyplex Orlando, the Universal Orlando Resort.
With the backing of their parent company Comcast, Universal Orlando Resort fought the developers of the impressive new complex today in front of the Orange County Development Committee. They recommended that the project continue, but with height restrictions. They pointed to complaints from a nearby residential neighborhood while Skyplex’s developers pointed to nearby residents in support of the development. Without the height, the 700 foot tall tower with a 501 foot tall roller coaster would not be the same. The FAA approved the height of the Polercoaster in July.
Skyplex is one of many nearby developments that Universal has opposed recently. The theme park recently filed a lawsuit against the hotels surrounding a lake connected to their waterpark, Wet n’ Wild, because they drain into the lake. In the past, the waterpark had used the lake for recreational activities and shows, but they claim that it is currently un-usable because of the condition of the lake. The waterpark is set to close at the end of 2016, which leads several to believe that they are filing the lawsuit because they want to fill in the lake.
Several members of the theme park community have attributed Universal’s opposition to the project to the fact that the tower will be visible from within the park. It is similar to their complaint at draining into the lake. In my opinion, this is a ridiculous move by Universal Orlando. It prevents the development of another fantastic attraction that would bring people to International Drive and their park. Another problem I have with their opposition is that they used to be the underdogs. Disney developed Hollywood Studios to prevent them from emerging, and they are doing this to prevent Skyplex from emerging. In the past, Disney was portrayed as the “bad guys” for this, but now it seems Universal has done the same. It is definitely a sad day to see Universal doing what they are doing.
What do you think about Universal’s response to the Skyplex development? Let us know by commenting below! Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! You can also find us on Periscope, YouTube, Google+, and Tumblr!
A few months ago, Sea World Orlando announced that they will build the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando, Mako. The other day, the first track pieces of this B&M hypercoaster left the B&M manufacturing plant in Ohio. On twitter, several posted updates on where the track was with #MakoSighting. Today, the first pieces arrived at Sea World Orlando.
The construction of this ride has reached a big milestone today. I can’t wait for Sea World to complete this major new ride. I hope this helps Sea World recover from the awful effects of the movie Blackfish. For more updates on the construction of Mako, I recommend heading over to our friends at Pixels at the Parks. They frequently post fantastic construction updates!
Are you excited for this new ride? Have you seen a piece of Mako’s track? Comment below, post on social media with #MakoSighting, and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! You can also find us on YouTube, Google+, and Tumblr! Thank you for visiting Theme Parks and Travels! Be sure to follow us here on WordPress and share with the buttons below!
DisneyQuest is a five story interactive experience that opened at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney in 1998. It has several arcade games and themed experiences.
Yesterday, cast members working at DisneyQuest were informed that it will be closing within the next year to make way for Disney Springs’s new NBA Experience. No closing date has been announced at this time, and we’ll keep you updated on Twitter and Facebook!
Universal Orlando’s NBA City, which will be closing soon. Image-Universal Orlando.
As for the NBA Experience, I don’t expect it to do very well. It’s most likely going to be similar to Universal’s NBA City, which was not very successful. I don’t see how these one sport themed restaurants can be successful while their sport is not in season. If it were something more like the ESPN Zone, or possibly, Universal’s upcoming NBC Sports Grill Brew, which are associated with all sports, I could see it as being more successful. For now, we have an NBA restaurant.
Do you want to see an NBA Restaurant come to Disney Springs? Are you sad to see DisneyQuest closing? Let us know on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and/or Tumblr! Thank you for visiting Theme Parks and Travels! Be sure to follow us here on WordPress and share with the buttons below!
With the world’s tallest roller coaster, an observation tower, the world’s tallest drop tower, a zip-line, restaurants, shops, and more coming to Orlando’s Skyplex development, who would have thought they would announce even more! Today, Skyplex announced that they would add a surf park to this long list of attractions.
The Parking Garage where the Surf Park will be located is to the left of the tower. Image-Skyplex Orlando
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the surf park will be three wave pools situated atop the development’s 10 story parking garage. The pools will be accompanied by a bar and it is expected that the surfing experience will become a hit with Orlando locals.
This is the newest of several attractions, such as the zip line and drop tower, to be added to the project, which was originally planned to be the polercoaster (observation tower/roller coaster) and the shops.
Although these additions are exciting and fantastic for the Orlando area, they have slowly postponed the opening date of Skyplex from 2016, to 2017, and now, according to the Orlando Sentinel’s article, mostly completed in 2017.
Are you excited for these new attractions to arrive in the Orlando area? Do you think they will be open by 2017? Let us know on our social media! Thanks for reading the blog! Be sure to follow us here on WordPress and share with the buttons below! Also, you can find us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Tumblr!
The last couple days brought big announcements for Central Florida’s theme parks. With two MAJOR Sea World parks announcements and a HUGE Universal announcement, the excitement is building up for central Florida’s next few years. In the next two years alone, we already knew of a King Kong ride, the world’s tallest roller coaster, Avatarland, the world’s tallest drop tower, a new Universal hotel, and even more! Now, after all of these amazing attractions, we get three more! Without further to do, here they are:
Sea World Orlando’s Mako Roller Coaster!
In case you haven’t checked Social Media, Sea World Orlando announced what they’d been teasing for a while, the tallest* and fastest roller coaster in Orlando, Mako. Mako is going to be a B&M hypercoaster. It will be 200ft tall and will have a speed of 73mph. Along with Mako, Sea World is also re-designing their Shark themed area of the park to go along with the new roller coaster. The press release is below with more details:
*Until the World’s Tallest roller coaster, Skyscraper, opens at Skyplex on I-Drive
SeaWorld Orlando’s Mako ™ quick facts:
Opening summer 2016, Mako will be the tallest, fastest and longest coaster in Orlando
Mako will be a hypercoaster, designed for speed and relentless “air time”
SeaWorld Orlando will now have a portfolio of five thrill rides: three distinctly different coasters, plus two family coasters.
The 2-acre realm of the park will now be fully themed around sharks: including Mako, Shark Encounter®, Sharks Underwater Grill®, themed gift shops, shark and shipwreck theming and educational experiences.
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 27, 2015) – Surfacing summer 2016 at SeaWorld Orlando will be Mako, a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster that will reach 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track — nearly a mile long — and leave riders feeling both breathless and weightless. Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster.
“On Mako, you’ll experience what it’s like to be this apex predator, surging through the water at top speed and chasing prey throughout a massive reef,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s attraction creative director. “It will be a wild mix of fear, thrills and fun.”
Mako’s tight turns and speed are inspired by reality. Mako sharks — also called “blue pointers” — are known for their top speed, making extreme jumps and the ability to quickly change course as they pursue their prey.
The new coaster will become one of the world’s few true hypercoasters, a group of roller coasters known for high speeds and steep drops and hills that create a feeling of weightlessness or “air time.” As the sleek coaster cars crest each hill, riders float, nearly weightless.
Mako is manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, a company renowned among coaster enthusiasts. B&M has built many of the world’s top roller coasters, including SeaWorld’s Manta and Kraken, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s SheiKra.
SeaWorld’s new hypercoaster will be the centerpiece of the newly themed surrounding realm. The two-acre plaza now will be fully shark themed including Mako, Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops, shark and shipwreck theming and educational experiences featuring sharks.
The entire realm is created to make guests feel they’re underwater, part of the group of sharks and toothy animals that have taken over a shipwrecked reef.
In the plaza, guests will learn about the impact humans are having on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment. Sharks are hunted for their fins — considered a delicacy in certain countries — and thousands are caught accidentally in nets. Several species of sharks are on the verge of extinction.
“It’s this blend of education and thrills, immersing guests in an underwater world, that sets a SeaWorld ride apart from others,” said Morrow.
“Our fans will love how Mako complements our other rides. Kraken is big, monstrous and twisty. Manta is massive and glides smoothly, taking you on a flight like a huge ray. Mako is entirely different. It’s streamlined and fast, just like a mako shark. There’s no wasted motion, it’s all speed and dives.”
Mako uses a unique sound system to enhance the experience, and not just for those on the ride. The full score of Mako can be heard and follows riders out of the station and up the lift hill. Custom surround effects and musical scores fill the realm, changing as the coaster dives through the area.
At night, specialty lights will accent the coaster trains, realm and track, flickering and shimmering, simulating fish being scattered by a mako on the hunt.
Follow the Mako frenzy using the hashtag #NothingFaster. Visit SeaWorldOrlando.com for more information and updates on the new ride.
So, what do you think about Mako? We think this ride will be a great fit for Sea World Orlando and we’re excited for the newest member of the Orlando skyline! Here’s some images of Mako (Courtesy of Sea World):
The new “Shark” area of the park!
The Entrance for Mako.
The 200 foot hypercoaster will travel over the lake!
This concept art is beautiful, this is such a great entrance plaza!
Busch GardEns Tampa’s Cobra’s Curse!
Yes, that’s correct, Sea World Parks is building TWO new roller coasters at their central Florida parks. Busch Gardens Tampa announced Cobra’s Curse, a Mack Rides spinning coaster! Cobra’s Curse will feature an elevator lift and great theming! The press release is below:
Tampa, Fla. (May 28, 2015) – Busch Gardens® Tampa puts a spin on family thrills in 2016 with a brand new family thrill ride – Cobra’s Curse. This spin coaster is the only one of its kind in the world, featuring a vertical lift and taking riders on a whirlwind adventure of exciting explorations.
Located in the Egypt area of the park, explorers will come face-to-face with an 80-foot snake icon, trek over the park’s Serengeti Plain® and discover the mysteries of an Egyptian archeological excavation.
“This isn’t your ordinary spin coaster. In true Busch Gardens style, we’re putting a twist on this attraction and taking riders on an unforgettable and exciting journey,” said Busch Gardens Park President Jim Dean. “
“The addition of a family spin coaster complements the selection of thrill rides Busch Gardens offers, and we know it’s an attraction that guests from across the globe will enjoy,” Dean added. “We continue to find new and exciting ways to offer thrills for the entire family, and we know Cobra’s Curse will even further solidify Busch Gardens as Florida’s Thrill Leader.”
Get a sneak peek of Florida’s newest and most exciting family thrill ride on the Busch GardensYouTube channel.
Visit CobrasCurse.com for more information. Or, be the first to know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following the park’s blog at buschgardenstampablog.com, or “Like” the Busch GardensFacebook page and follow @buschgardens on Twitter and Instagram.
What do you think of Cobra’s Curse? This seems like a great addition to Busch Gardens Tampa that will provide family thrills to all!
Here’s the overall image of the ride! Doesn’t it look great?
This giant snake is a large element of theming.
Even the station will be heavily themed!
Here’s a closeup of the Cobra’s Curse elevator lift.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay Waterpark!
Yes, the best of all was saved for last. The waterpark that has been rumored for years is finally coming to Universal Orlando Resort! Universal sent out a surprise tweet this morning with this video in it:
Instantly the “twitterverse” exploded as all of us theme park nerds cheered on Universal! At 11am they finally announced Volcano bay, which will be a revolutionary and innovative waterpark. Here’s the press release:
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 28, 2015) – Universal Orlando Resort today announced a project of remarkable vision: to bring to life an entirely new water theme park experience. Called Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort, it will join Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and become the resort’s third incredibly immersive park.
Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a place for the entire family. It will be a whole new generation of experience that reimagines what it means to be a water park.
Imagine a place that offers radically innovative, thrilling attractions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an inspired guest experience that will forever change the perception of water theme parks. It will be set in a highly themed, completely immersive environment inspired by postcard-perfect tropical islands. And it will be the kind of special place that only the Universal team – the same team that has changed the face of Universal Orlando Resort in recent years – can envision and create.
Universal’s Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando Resort, just south of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Work is already underway and more details will be released in the future.
Universal’s Volcano Bay is the next in a series of boldly creative experiences that have opened and will continue to open at Universal Orlando. It began with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in 2010 and quickly moved to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, eight new venues at Universal CityWalk, the breathtaking Cabana Bay Beach Resort and more. It will include Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in 2016.
And then – in 2017 – will come Universal’s Volcano Bay.
About Universal Orlando Resort
For 25 years, Universal Orlando Resort has been creating epic vacations for the entire family – incredible experiences that place guests in the heart of powerful stories and adventures. Guests can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, grab a Krusty burger in Springfield, join the ranks of the Minions and so much more.
Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, are home to some of the world’s most exciting and innovative attractions. Its on-site resort hotels, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort are destinations unto themselves. Its entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers dining and entertainment for every member of the family. And just minutes away is Wet ‘n Wild, a family water park.
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled 18 new guest experiences in the past five years – powerful attractions, incredible dining opportunities and a dramatically themed hotel. And more is on the way. Coming in 2016 is Universal Orlando’s fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, a groundbreaking attraction in Islands of Adventure. And in 2017 will come Universal’s Volcano Bay, an entirely new water theme park experience.
WOW, This is awesome! Universal just keeps announcing more and more! This park is going to be a great addition to the Universal lineup! Here’s what we can see from the pictures:
Here’s the Overview of the Volcano themed waterpark!
Based on the concept art, there will be a large wave pool at the base of the Volcano and in the background, you can see a slide tower.
Here’s the ending of a speedy looking slide.
At the top of the volcano, which is according to permits going to be over 200ft tall, will have a HUGE waterslide, which could easily become the world’s tallest!
Also, there appears to be Polynesian themed bungalows in the back.
It’s been an AMAZING week for the Orlando (and Tampa) parks! Two coasters and a Waterpark! How could this get better? What do you think of these new additions to Orlando?Let us know on Social Media! Thanks for reading the blog! Be sure to follow us here on WordPress and share with the buttons below! Also, you can find us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Tumblr!
Before today’s article, I’d like to let you know on a couple of things from TP&T! First, we will return to writing more articles in the near future! Hopefully we can crank out an article a day (or more) starting next week! Second, we NEED your support on Facebook, we have eight likes on our Facebook Page, while Twitter is doing a lot better! To recap, we will have more articles soon and please go like us on Facebook! Thanks for your support, and now back to your regularly scheduled programming! And yes, today we have DOUBLE the amount of articles than we normally do!
Today, Universal announced what the entire theme park community had been expecting, the return of King Kong to Universal Orlando Resort. King Kong’s Kongfrontation was one of the most beloved rides in Universal Orlando’s history. It occupied the space that currently holds the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster. Many fans of the ride grieved over the closing. Today, it was announced that the classic character will return to Universal Orlando at the Islands of Adventure park in his new ride, “Skull Island: Reign of Kong!”
Here’s a video from Universal that announced the new attraction!
Image-Universal Orlando Resort
Image-Universal Orlando Resort
The ride will be located between the Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park sections of Islands of Adventure. You will head into the rock work temple that is currently under construction and enter into a safari-jeep style vehicle. Then, you will drive throughout Skull Island, see wild creatures, and eventually encounter King Kong himself! Then you will battle with King Kong. Are you excited for this new attraction? Let us know on Social Media!
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Walt Disney World, the largest theme park resort on the planet, is home to 139 amazing rides and other attractions. Each and every one of these attractions is fantastic in its own unique way. There’s everything from a terrifying hotel elevator to flying through space towards mars. Many of these attractions are timeless classics such as It’s a Small World and the Jungle Cruise, while others are modern thrill rides that launch you through a speedy course. Yet, there are examples of each of these types of attractions on almost every Disney lover’s list of favorites, including my own. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy my list of the best of the timeless classics and modern thrill rides at the Walt Disney World Resort!
10) Soarin’
Soarin’ is possibly the most overrated attraction at Walt Disney World. Its lines extend consistently over an hour and frequently stretch above two hours. Yet, the ride is a amazing experience which allows you to smell, hear, feel, and see the beautiful state of California from a “hang glider,” while at the same time staying within the Epcot park at Walt Disney World in Florida. The ride is one of the theme park “wonders of the world.” It is truly a fantastic experience, but the lines are just too long. My tip for anyone who wants to ride this is come early to the park or stay late on a day with extended hours at Epcot and spend your FastPass+ on another Epcot attraction, which is ranked higher in my rankings.
9) Splash Mountain
I’ve only been on this once, but it’s already made my list of favorites. Last Christmas, I rode this log flume style of a ride and I had a blast. The story is cute and funny and the drop got me very VERY soaked. To translate theme park to english, “You may get wet” is in English “You will be soaked.” Ride this on a hot day in central Florida and it will relieve you from the heat. I recommend getting a FastPass+ for this, but it doesn’t always have a terrible wait time like other rides in the park do. Splash Mountain has earned its spot as a classic in Disney’s long list of mountains.
8) It’s A Small World
This is probably the most famous of all the Disney attractions. The song has been stuck in every Disney lover’s head for years, yet we all keep riding. The beautiful Mary Blair art and classic Sherman brothers tune truly make this a classic. The boat ride lasts fourteen minutes and goes through scenes of children from across the globe signing the famous song of the same name as the attraction. The ride has so much history tied into it and is a classic experience that is fun for everyone. From my experience at Walt Disney World, this ride has varied wait times. I’ve gone on it at 10:00am with a short wait and by 10:30 it would have a 45 minute wait. On your trip to Walt Disney World, I strongly recommend to continuously check MyMagic+ on your phone as you get ready to ride this.
7) Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is the popular Disneyland attraction that expanded to Walt Disney World, and eventually created a multi-billion dollar movie franchise. As a big fan of the movies and classic Disney rides, this ride shot its way onto my list. This classic boat ride starts with a brief drop into a slow-moving journey through a caribbean village. Be on the lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow as you move through the classic boat ride. I’ve waited ten minutes and I’ve waited upwards of thirty minutes for this. It’s a ride that is worth a FastPass at times and not worth it at others. Before you hit this ride, check MyMagic+.
6) Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
As a big Toy Story fan and a big shooting dark ride fan, this ride makes my list. It’s always an early stop in our visits to the Magic Kingdom and when we visit it rarely has a line. You go around in a Star-Speeder shooting the evil minions of Zerg, the enemy of the beloved Buzz Lightyear. In the end, you get a fun for the whole family experience with generally short lines. When we visited in February 2014 the lines were 10-15 minutes, but at Christmas the lines were often above thirty minutes, but if you go early this ride is a walk on.
5) Space Mountain
Space Mountain was one of the first steel roller coasters ever created. After forty years and millions of riders, it still draws big crowds. The dark roller coaster is full of twists and drops that you don’t know are coming. It’s fun and another classic Disney ride. I recommend getting to this early or late, when it won’t have a line, but don’t forget to check MyMagic+ in case of varying wait times.
4) Test Track
Test Track is a high speed car “test” in Future World of Epcot. You start by designing your own car in the queue and then continue on into the station, where you get in a test car. Then, you head out of the station through various tests such as the capability and responsiveness as monitors display how your own car did in each category. Finally, you quickly speed up and drive through the speed test outside of the building, where you accelerate to around 60mph. I love Test Track for its car making, fun tests, and especially the speed portion. This ride has one of the worst lines of any ride in Walt Disney World, along with the other Epcot tier one ride, SOARIN’, which is tied in the category. I recommend coming to the park during a time with extended hours for this or using your FastPass+ for this. Test Track is MUCH BETTER THAN SOARIN’ in my opinion, so I recommend that you use the FastPass for it instead of SOARIN’.
3) The Rock n’ Roller Coaster
The Rock n’ Roller coaster is one of the best roller coasters out there. It has a cheesy and funny theme, featuring Aerosmith in a recording studio about to leave for a concert, and as they leave they invite us to go with them in a “super-stretch” limo. The pre-show does its job and you get into the high speed limo and launch through a spaghetti bowl style, super smooth, Vekoma launched coaster. This coaster is one of the best rides in the park, and I recommend using a FastPass+ selection on it. I believe this is a tier two FastPass selection, so you can use your tier one selection on the rides that get even longer waits in this park.
2) Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is the jewel of the Animal Kingdom, the smallest, and in many people’s opinions, the worst WDW Park. There are three things that I like this park for, the safari, Finding Nemo: The Musical, and Expedition Everest. Every time I go to this park, it’s for a quick ride on Everest before I hit EPCOT or another park. This Vekoma built (Yes, I know the word Vekoma makes it sound awful, but I can assure you that it’s nice and smooth) steel mine train through the Himalayas is one of my favorite roller coasters, and not just at Disney World. It has fun drops, switch tracks that allow for a reverse portion of the ride, and great theming that all combine together into one of the best rides at Disney World. This ride gets a long line, so come early or late for the shortest lines.
1) The Hollywood Tower of Terror
I am a hater of drop towers. Yet, Tower of Terror is my favorite ride at all of the Walt Disney World parks. I’m not sure why, but this Drop Tower just feels different. Whether it’s the thin seatbelt restraints that allow it to give you so much more airtime (in the drop portion, there’s not a second without airtime), or the very well done theming of this ride, this has become one of my favorite rides at any park. You definitely should use a FastPass for this because of its long lines. Otherwise, you can come early or late in the day.
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