Theme parks have been trying to outdo each other in the three years since the PSP Expo was in town. Check it out!
Disney is a major presence, so let’s start with new attractions at its parks. In the Magic Kingdom, the renovated Hall of Presidents now includes an audio-animatronic version of Donald Trump. Animal Kingdom has welcomed Pandora — The World of Avatar, inspired by James Cameron’s movie, as well as a new nighttime show, Rivers of Light. Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers the Star Wars Guided Tour, a seven-hour VIP adventure sure to thrill true fans. Downtown Disney has been renamed Disney Springs and renovated to include new dining, drinking and entertainment spots.
The big news at Universal Orlando is the new ride called Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. Fans of Fallon’s “Tonight Show” on NBC can hop aboard a “flying theater” and soar past famous New York landmarks. Keeping folks entertained prior to the ride are Hashtag the Panda, Ragtime Gals and do-it-yourself thank you notes (a Fallon trademark).
Plenty has been happening at SeaWorld Orlando properties. SeaWorld’s redesigned Dolphin Nursery gives guests an up-close look at mothers and calves; the Kracken Virtual Reality Roller Coaster is said to be the first of its kind in Florida; and the park’s new Electric Ocean ends the day with bioluminescent lighting, music and entertainment. Discovery Cove’s Shark Swim provides hands-on interaction with the fish. Over at Busch Gardens Tampa is the new thrill ride Cobra’s Curse, a spinning coaster that reaches a top height of 75 feet and goes 40 mph.
If you’re bringing the entire family, including little ones, to the Sunshine State, a trip to Legoland Florida Resort is almost mandatory. Two new attractions: In the amusement park there’s now Ninjago the Ride for aspiring ninjas. Over at the new Creative Cove in the on-site waterpark, there’s the Build-A-Boat activity, where kids create custom boats using Lego bricks, then race them.
Family-owned Fun Spot America opened the White Lightning ride this summer. It’s rare to see a classic wooden roller coaster in Orlando’s high-tech park world. Something else you don’t see at most theme parks: Admission here is free, with per ride prices starting at $3.
The 411
• Disney properties: Magic Kingdom, 3111 World Dr., Orlando; 407-939-3463. Animal Kingdom, 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando; 407-939-5277. Hollywood Studios, 351 S. Studio Drive, Streets of America, Orlando; 407-939-1289. Parks website: disneyworld.disney.go.com. Disney Springs, 1780 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; wdwinfo.com/disney-spring
• Universal Orlando: 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando; 407-363-8000; universalorlando.com
• SeaWorld Orlando properties: SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando; 407-545-5550; seaworld.com/orlando. Discovery Cove, 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando; 407-513-4600; discoverycove.com. Busch Gardens Tampa, 3000 E. Busch Blvd. Tampa, Fla.; 813-987-5280; buschgardens.com/tampa
• Legoland Florida Resort: One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, Fla.; 877-350-5346; florida.legoland.com
• Fun Spot America, Orlando: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando; 407-363-3867; fun-spot.com
