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Iron Rattler Sheds Its Skin

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:59:42 +0000

I just returned from Six Flags Fiesta Texas which held its media day for the highly anticipated Iron Rattler coaster. The 20-year-old Rattler, one of the park's signature rides, has endured harsh criticism for its rough ride from the day it opened. Like its sister ride, the New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, the woodie got a radical makeover with an all-new steel I-Box track, a considerably longer first drop, new trains, and more. The verdict for the rechristened Iron Rattler? It's gone from dud to stud. Read my (glowing) review of Iron Rattler.

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Cedar Point Opens the Gate on Newest Coaster

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:17:05 +0000

The latest thrill machine at coaster-crazy Cedar Point, GateKeeper, opened over the weekend, and it looks like another winner. Ride manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), have taken the relatively new concept of a winged coaster and pumped it up to Cedar Point-worthy dimensions with the longest drop (164 feet) and the longest track (4164 feet) of the genre. But the standout features of the ride are its two "keyholes," through which the extra-wide trains navigate, as well as the coaster's placement over the front gate of the park. It makes a visually stunning impression.

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Will Brad Paisley Get Mud on the Tires of Ride of Steel?

Mon, 13 May 2013 06:20:16 +0000

Most theme parks offer live music. Darien Lake in New York, however, has its own (separate) shed that features a full roster of major touring acts each summer. The season kicks off on May 26 with Tim McGraw. Other shows will include Dave Matthews Band, Brad Paisley, Big Time Rush, and Maroon 5. You could make a day of it and enjoy the park before the show; and/or you could make a night of it and stay at the park's on-property hotel or campground. See the complete schedule and check ticket availability for Darien Lake's 2013 concerts.

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Universal Announces The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the Sequel.

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:15:24 +0000

It's official. After months of rampant speculation and Universal Orlando's implicit directive to pay no attention to the massive construction taking place on the sight of the former Amity land and Jaws ride in Universal Studios Florida, the resort confirmed that a second Wizarding World is on its way. Scheduled to open in 2014, the land will be themed to the London locales depicted in the Potter books and films. And you won't believe how the existing Wizarding World at the adjacent Islands of Adventure park will connect to the new one. Read more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.

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Disney World's New Coaster will Be Dope(y)

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:20:58 +0000

Quick. Can you name the Seven Dwarfs? Congratulations if you can tick them off. You win...nothing (but my admiration. I have trouble remembering whether I fed my dog some mornings.) Whether or not you're a Disney trivia ace, how much do you know about the Seven Dwarfs-themed ride coming to the New Fantasyland expansion? My guess is: not much.

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All Eyes Are on Disney's "Monstrous Summer"

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:30:09 +0000

To tie in with the pending release of the Monsters, Inc. prequel, Monsters University, the Disney parks will be celebrating a "Monstrous Summer." The highlight will be a kick-off all-nighter event scheduled for Memorial Day weekend during which the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida and the two Disneyland Resort...

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Every Person Comes Out Tyrannical

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:03:56 +0000

North Korea's wacky leader, Kim Jong Un, is apparently taking a break from his evil plans for nuclear annihilation and world domination to pursue one of his other favorite pastimes: theme parks. That's right, the young tyrant enjoys roller coasters and parks. And according to Time, he has plans to build a new theme park in Pyongyang that will feature miniature versions of famous iconic buildings such as Paris' Eiffel Tower and London's Big Ben.

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We All Scream for des Glaces at Epcot

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:42:14 +0000

Lauded as much for its dining as its attractions, Epcot will offer one more reason to bring a hearty appetite to the park when the new frozen treats shop, L'Artisan des Glaces, opens this June in the (where else?) France pavilion. The venue will feature a rotating array of 16 ice cream and sorbet flavors, some of which will include liqueurs such as Grand Marnier (ooh la la!). The Disney folks say that that the small-batch, French-inspired creations, all made in-house, will use less sugar and feature more intense natural flavors than typical American ice cream. Among the menu items will be a profiterole, a pastry ball stuffed with ice cream.

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Presto Chango Makeover for Disney Magic Cruise Ship

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:51:03 +0000

Launched some 15 years ago, the first Disney Cruise Line ship is set to undergo a transformation that will add some of the features of its more modern sister vessels as well as some unique touches. Some of the highlights, including a thrilling water slide, a Marvel Avengers experience, and the Animation Magic interactive show, will be of special interest to theme park fans.

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The Race Is On at Wilderness Waterpark

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:31:43 +0000

Most seasonal theme parks and amusement parks have opened for the 2013 season, if only on weekends and other select dates. But it's still too chilly for most water parks to open up their spigots and unlock their turnstiles. Here's some good news, however: Today, Wilderness at the Smokies, a Tennessee resort that includes both indoor and outdoor water park attractions, debuted its newest addition -- at its outdoor water park.

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