As summer leaves the southern hemisphere and makes its way to the north, its time to start planning that summer holiday. If you are traveling with the kids, or you are still a child at heart, check out the latest news from the world of amusement parks and attractions.
Opening March 14 at San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is the new “Journey Into Africa” tour. This is your chance to get up close and personal with many of Africa’s native species including rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelope and buffalo. The tour ends with a new view of the Lions Camp where you can see the park’s family of not so cuddly lions.
Joining the studio tour at Universal Studios Hollywood is new video guide Whoopi Goldberg, and the exciting new special effects show – The Fast and the Furious: Extreme Close-Up, will get the heart pounding.
Popular vacation destination Florida has also added another feather to the bow with the new water park at Gatorland – “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude”. Gator Gully Splash Park, opening in Spring, will be the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer’s day.
Down in Sydney the newly opened Wildlife World is proving a popular addition to the “must-see” list for visitors to the city. The indoor zoo is dedicated to introducing you to Australia weird and wonderful local fauna. Make the most of your visit when you buy a Sydney Bonus Ticket, which among other benefits, gives you entrance to Sydney Aquarium (conveniently located next door), where you can see sharks, seals, rays and of course…Nemo! Also not to be missed is the new Asian Elephants enclosure at Taronga Zoo which has caused quite a stir in Sydney.
Not new but a old-time family favorite is of course Disneyland Anaheim. Meet Mickey Mouse, ride the Indiana Jones Adventure and making a comeback for summer 2007, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. The old favorites are still there of course – Splash Mountain, Goofy’s Playhouse and for the Star Wars fan, the Star Tour.
At Movie World on the Gold Coast, the new Batwing Spaceshot has recently opened. A massive 4.5G vertical launch into the air is followed by a 60 meter freefall giving the most extreme riders a massive shot of adrenaline. Also new at Movie World is the popular Shrek 4-D Adventure. With the Shrek 3 movie opening worldwide in May, this is sure to be a big hit with the kids… who doesn’t love a big lime-green ogre!
Over in Paris, Disneyland is celebrating its 15th Anniversary with more Disney characters and two new attractions, while Parc Asterix is getting ready to reopen for the summer on April 5th. Also preparing for the summer season is Port Aventura Park, a sure-fire hit with the kids if on vacation on Spain’s Costa Brava.
In the UK, London Zoo is almost ready to unveil the new Gorilla Kingdom and Clore Rainforest Lookout, both due for completion around Easter. For a scary, but fun experience why not check out London Dungeon. Ghoulish figures from the past come to life in amn interactive adventure that sometimes a little too real!
Madame Tussauds London have welcomed Kate Moss to the famous museum, while at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas its mom’s turn for a bit of fun when you tame Hollywood’s most unobtainable bachelor as part of the interactive “Marry Clooney” attraction. If you are in Las Vegas, why not take a Thrill Ride Adventue Tour and take on five of the city’s most intense rides.
So there you have it, no excuse to delay planning the big trip for summer. Whether your interest lies in the movies, with animals or scaring yourself silly on the world’s biggest and baddest rollercoasters, there’s something for everyone somewhere in the world. With more and more parks and new attractions opening each year, isn’t it about time you start ticking a few off your list?
March 12, 2007 by Kerrie OMahony
Family & Kids, Travel Advice & Inspiration, Travel News & Alerts, Viator Exclusives