With its incredible lineup of roller coasters and other great rides and attractions, delightful festivals, a fabulous resort (and one on the way), a separate-admission water park, delicious food, and, of course, its namesake owner,…
Read MoreYear: 2021
Their strong compass guides them through the pandemic
When the husband-and-wife team of Julien Patterson and Terri Wesselman “retired” to rural Virginia, they discovered that the Chesapeake Bay community could use some attractions. So they built a movie theater and family entertainment center complete…
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See Arthur run the Phoenix coaster
To accompany my USA Today article about operating the Phoenix roller coaster at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, my son (ahem, make that my Emmy Award-winning son) shot a video chronicling the experience. As you…
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If I ran the coaster
My passion for parks and attractions began when I was but a wee lad at Revere Beach, the first public beach in the U.S. and the Boston area’s answer to Coney Island. I was enthralled…
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Spider-Man swings into Disneyland
Spider-Man’s got a West Coast theme park home along with his Marvel superhero buddies at Avengers Campus, the recently opened land at Disney California Adventure. You can help Spidey sling webs in an interactive ride…
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The lowdown on Universal Orlando tickets
If you are thinking of heading to Universal Orlando and checking out its theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and water park, Volcano Bay, you’re going to need tickets. Should you get…
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Wild rides and wild animals at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Florida theme park is heralded for both its world-class roller coasters and other rides as well as its animal exhibits. Among its pulse-pounding attractions are the dive coaster, SheiKra, the launched coaster, Cheetah Hunt,…
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Next-level thrills and themeing at Universal Orlando
Yes, Universal Orlando offers engaging stories and impressive effects with its attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. But it doesn’t skimp on the thrills either. That’s especially true for its wild arsenal…
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Amusement parks embody the American story
I love theme parks and amusement parks. If you are reading this, chances are that you do as well. But what is behind this love affair? And what impact have parks had on American culture–and…
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Take a ride back in time on National Roller Coaster Day
This Roller Coaster Day, consider riding the rails of some of the oldest thrill machines still operating in the U.S. There are 14 vintage rides which date back to the 1920s or earlier. And lest…
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