Getting the flavor of … California’s best amusement parks
Many of California's theme parks have added new attractions and new thrills.
The summer of 2008 is shaping up as a boom year for California’s theme parks, said Brady MacDonald in the Los Angeles Times. Many have been adding new attractions, and soaring gasoline prices may mean that more of the state’s tourists than ever will flock to it top thrill spots. Here is “a sneak peek at the shrieks and screams on tap.”
Disneyland, Anaheim
This year’s big draw is a new, live-action Indiana Jones–themed show. A free adventure map lets youngsters “search for clues that unlock some Internet goodies when they get home.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Contact: Disneyland.com
Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim
A $1.1 billion expansion is set to kick in at summer’s end, but there’s still plenty to enjoy now—notably, the 3-D, $80 million Toy Story Mania ride. “Prepare to be blown away.”
Contact: Disneyland.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City
The new Simpsons Ride has “amusement-park junkies and Simpsons fanatics salivating.”
Contact: Universalstudioshollywood.com
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
The much-anticipated Pony Express roller coaster “straps riders to the back of a wild steed galloping at 38 mph.”
Contact: Knotts.com
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia
The former “roller coaster capital of the world” is exchanging thrills for family fare such as Bugs Bunny World and Wiggles World. Still, the recently overhauled X coaster “with rotating 360-degree seats” is breathtaking.
Contact: Sixflags.com/magicmountain
Legoland California, Carlsbad
The Lost Kingdom Adventure takes riders aboard an off-road vehicle that speeds through “ancient temple ruins while shooting at animated targets with laser blasters.”
Contact: Legoland.com
SeaWorld, San Diego
Big Bird, Elmo, and the Sesame Street gang are in charge of a special aquatic-themed musical stage show and a “4-D” movie incorporating physical effects.
Contact: Seaworld.com/sandiego
-
Magical Christmas markets in the Black Forest
The Week Recommends Snow, twinkling lights, glühwein and song: the charm of traditional festive markets in south-west Germany
By Jaymi McCann Published
-
Argos in Cappadocia: a magical hotel befitting its fairytale location
The Week Recommends Each of the unique rooms are carved out of the ancient caves
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
Is Elon Musk about to disrupt British politics?
Today's big question Mar-a-Lago talks between billionaire and Nigel Farage prompt calls for change on how political parties are funded
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published