The two parks at the Universal Orlando resort, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, were the first major, destination theme parks to reopen in the U.S. after closing down due to COVID-19. Much has…
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Bars, Spas, and Lazy Rivers: The Best Water Parks for Adults
Not all visitors to water parks have kids in tow. Which water parks reach out to adults and have features they would especially enjoy? We’re talking about swim-up bars, toasty indoor-to-outdoor whirlpool spas, rivers that…
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What’s the attraction? Lots to love at theme parks in 2020
We’ve explored the most anticipated roller coasters debuting in 2020. We’ve many of the new attractions and other features coming to the Disney parks. But, there are still plenty of other rides–whole, new parks, even–that…
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It’s the hap-happiest season of all–at theme parks
I run down the 2019 holiday happenings at theme parks, including Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags, Silver Dollar City Attractions, Dollywood, and more in my USA Today Travel article. If all you want for Christmas are…
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Ride wimps: Could you handle Universal’s Hagrid coaster?
Many theme park attractions feature a combination of immersive storytelling and physical thrills. The Universal parks, especially, aren’t shy about amping up the thrills on their headlining rides. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Coaster, which debuted…
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We have met the HHN mazes, and it is “Us”
I headed to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, and had a ball, as usual. The freakiest maze, by far, is the one based on Jordan Peele’s Us. After years of going to haunts, I’m…
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Horrific or not-so-scary? Universal and Disney do Halloween
The two most popular theme park operators approach their Halloween events quite differently. Universal, known for attractions featuring King Kong, Harry Potter’s creepy archenemy, Voldemort, and the flesh-eating zombies from “The Walking Dead,” offers the…
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These log flume rides make quite a splash
They have not been around as long as roller coasters and carousels, but log flume rides have been thrilling—and dousing—visitors for decades. Let’s log on and check out some of parkdom’s more intriguing flume rides…
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Universal Orlando’s Fast & Furious – Supercharged: Does it live up to the movies?
The Universal theme parks have long invited visitors to “ride the movies.” Many of its attractions incorporate large screens and media — literally placing ride vehicles in front of movies — to insert guests in…
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Universal resorts capture holiday magic with Harry Potter
For the Universal resorts in Orlando and Hollywood, Harry Potter is the gift that keeps on giving. Since the wizard cast his spell at the theme parks, interest, attendance, and revenue have skyrocketed. For the…
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