What's New at Amusement Parks around the Country
May 23, 2007. For many people, summertime means one thing: the opening of amusement parks. Some travelers even choose their luxury vacation rentals on the quality of the local roller coasters. The Associated Press has a good breakdown of "What's New at Amusement Parks around the Country."
In roller coaster news, "floorless" seems to be a new trend. Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia, has introduced a new coaster with no floor – just a view of the tracks beneath your feet. Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, will also take the floors out of one of its existing ones. The Busch Gardens franchise has long been at the forefront of this particular ride, so it will be interesting to see if other companies follow suit.
In another unusual offering, the Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld San Antonio finishes a standard roller coaster ride with a nice twist – a splash into the water at 49 mph!
Of course, there's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than in a water park. The Tornado at Six Flag's Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom in Queensbury, N.Y.,sends people through winding tunnels and into a giant funnel. You'd better like spinning to enjoy this wet and wild ride.
