Looking for thrills and excitment? Here are the best places for roller coasters, ferris wheels and other amusement rides.
1. Busch Gardens
On the corner of 40th Street and Busch Boulevard, Tampa, Florida
Despite heavy competition from the parks in Orlando, Tampa's Africa-themed amusement park remains one of Florida's leading attractions. Located on the grounds of a former brewery, it has nearly 2,000 animals, including giraffes, gorillas, zebras and buffalo. The Rhino Rally attraction features Land Rovers that travel over extreme terrain to allow close-up views of endangered white rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, crocodiles and other exotic animal species. There also are an aviary and a few continental anomalies—koalas, for instance. Stage entertainment ranges from ice shows to musical theater. Regardless of the show you see, you can be assured it will be performed by outstanding talent and will be an unforgettable experience. A 4-D theater featuring the spine-tingling production of R.L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, Katonga, a 35-minute live performance of musical tales from the jungle, and Pirates 4-D—a family-friendly comedy that includes pirates, sprays of water and other surprises—are favorite attractions. In addition, the park has arcades and amusement-park rides, including raft rides and SheiKra, Florida's tallest rollercoaster at 200 ft/62 m. The park is open daily year-round with varying hours. US$61.95 adults, US$51.95 children. Special prices are available on multiple-day tickets, for Florida residents and for packages combining Busch Gardens with Adventure Island and Sea World. On the corner of 40th Street and Busch Boulevard (about 8 mi/13 km northeast of downtown; from Interstate 275, exit east on Busch Boulevard), Tampa. Phone 813-987-5082. http://www.buschgardens.com.
2. Cedar Point
Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio
This family-friendly theme park is home to two record-breaking roller coasters. The Top Thrill Dragster and the Millennium Force are among the top 10 fastest and tallest roller coasters in the world. The amusement park is also home to more than a dozen other roller coasters, several of which are inverted. For extreme thrill seekers, Challenge Park features go-kart tracks, a skycoaster and an X-Treme Trampoline ride.
Located next to Cedar Point along the Lake Erie shoreline is Soak City, an 18-acre/7-hectare water park with a wave pool, adults-only refreshment center and lots of tube rides. Open May-October, days and hours vary. Tickets can be purchased online. US$39.95 adults, US$24.95 youths taller than 48 in/122 cm, US$9.95 seniors and children older than age 3 and shorter than 48 in/122 cm, free for children younger than 3. Reduced prices for evening hours. Combination tickets to Cedar Point and Soak City are available. 1 Cedar Point Drive (65 mi/105 km from Cleveland), Sandusky. Phone 419-627-2350. http://www.cedarpoint.com.
3. Disney's California Adventure
1717 S. West St., Anaheim, California
Adjacent to Disneyland, this smaller theme park captures the best the state has to offer, all in one location. In addition to several carnival-like rides, visitors can tour a 1940s art-deco Hollywood back lot; visit a Northern California winery in a Spanish mission; take a virtual aerial tour of California (Soarin' Over California); watch the 3-D movie It's Tough to Be a Bug; and experience the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride. Toy Story Mania opens in summer 2008. Entertainment includes Block Party Bash and Turtle Talk with Crush. Restaurants abound, including some that are reminiscent of the San Francisco Bay Area. Park hours can vary week to week, so call ahead. One-day pass US$66 ages 10 and up, US$56 children ages 3-9, free for children younger than 3. Special combo tickets are available for visiting both Disneyland and California Adventure from US$91 ages 10 and up, US$81 children ages 3-9. Parking US$11. 1717 S. West St. (about 26 mi/41 km southeast of downtown Los Angeles), Anaheim. Phone 714-781-4400 (tickets) or 714-781-4565 (general information). http://www.disneyland.com.
4. Hersheypark
100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania
This amusement park is built in the center of a town that smells like chocolate. There are 10 roller coasters, plenty of children's rides, a sea lion show and games, as well as an amphitheater that hosts special events throughout the year. Generally open May-September 10 am-8 pm. 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey. Phone 717-534-3090. Toll-free 800-437-7439. http://www.hersheypa.com.
5. Walt Disney World Information
Orlando, Florida
Facts - For More Information - Convention & Visitors Bureau
Information about Disney World is available 24 hours a day by phone or on the Web site. Phone 407-939-6244. http://www.disneyworld.com.
6. SeaWorld
500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California
San Diego's water theme park is an all-day adventure starring Shamu (the stage name for any of the resident Orca whales), dolphins and a series of impressive animal shows. Attractions include the Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter, Manatee Rescue and a number of rides. For additional fees, the Dolphin Interaction and Trainer for the Day programs are available to visitors. The park is open daily, with opening and closing times varying by season (extended hours during holidays and May-Labor Day). US$57 adults and children 10 and over, US$47 children ages 3-9. Parking costs US$10-$15. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego. Toll-free 800-257-4268. http://www.seaworld.com.
7. Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, California
With 15 roller coasters, Magic Mountain is a great amusement park for thrill-seekers and roller-coaster aficionados. Some of the insane rides include Tatsu, the longest, fastest and tallest "flying" roller coaster in the world; X, a four-dimensional roller coaster that races at a speed of 76 mph/122 kph and spins riders 360 degrees; Scream!, a floorless roller coaster; Superman—The Escape, which speeds to 100 mph/160 kph and promises six seconds of weightlessness (though it feels longer); and Viper, the largest looping roller coaster in the world at 188 ft/58 m. Located next to Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor offers waterslides, pools and a 1,300-ft/403-m river. Lines are long, and it is hot in the summer, but the many shops and restaurants help. Magic Mountain hours: October-March Saturday and Sunday 10 am-6 pm; April-September daily for longer hours. Hurricane Harbor hours: May-September daily 10 am-7 pm, closed in winter. Admission for Magic Mountain US$59.99 adults, US$29.99 children 4 ft/1 m in height and shorter, free for children 2 and younger. Admission for Hurricane Harbor US$29.99 adults, US$20.99 children 4 ft/1 m in height and shorter, free for children 2 and younger. Special combo tickets are available for visiting both attractions, and lower pricing may be found by booking online. Parking is US$15. 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway (about 40 mi/65 km northwest of downtown L.A.), Valencia. Phone 661-255-4100. http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain.
8. Universal Studios
100 Universal City Plaza
This longtime family favorite keeps updating its attractions to draw people back. Among the latest are The Fast and the Furious: Up Close, Fear Factor Live and Shrek 4-D. There's also an interactive playground for children. Be sure to take the tram ride through the park and back lots to get a fun behind-the-scenes look at the studios. Hours vary. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call or check online for dates and times. US$64 adults, US$54 children under 4 ft/1 m tall. Preferred parking US$17, general parking US$10. A free shuttle is offered from Anaheim (home of Disneyland). 100 Universal City Plaza (at Lankershim), Universal City. Toll-free 800-864-8377. http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
*Article brought to you by Professional Travel Guide
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