Save on Theme Park Fun

Spring break must be right around the corner given the number of commercials I’ve seen for various theme parks. Traveling to major amusement parks doesn’t come cheap, especially if you are planning to visit with your entire family.  Admission, coupled with parking, meals, and souvenirs can easily cost you hundreds of dollars.  Fortunately, there are ways to save on wholesome theme park fun without breaking the bank. For starters, consider looking for package deals.  Places like Disney and Universal Studios often offer discount tickets to guests bundling airfare, hotel and park admission.  In other cases, using a reputable travel agent … Continue reading

Coming Soon to a Theme Park Near You

While the rest of us are getting ready to add junk to our trunks at Halloween parties this weekend, major theme parks across the nation are looking well past tricks, treats, turkey, pumpkin pie, and even Santa’s annual visit. Instead, the venues for high-octane fun are prepping for Spring 2012, when they will debut the following new thrill rides: Busch Gardens: The Williamsburg, Virginia, theme park will start the spring off with a bang by unveiling a new roller coaster called Verbolten (German for “Forbidden”). Brave guests will enjoy a 3.5-minute high-speed adventure along a curvy 2,800-foot-long track, which includes … Continue reading

Pregnant Amusement Park Adventures

Going to the nearby amusement park is something my husband’s parents do every year. We have accompanied them on several occasions. When they asked us to go this year all I could think was that pregnancy and amusement parks really do not go together. The rides that I usually enjoy are not safe for expecting mothers and I really have to wonder if the hassle of parking, the crowds, and the lines would really be worth the trip this year. For the sake of the grandparents and for the potential fun that our son might have, we went anyway. As … Continue reading

Avoiding Amusement Park Sticker Shock

How much would you pay to fly through the air on a ride that features two pendulum arms that swing through 230 degrees of rotation, reaching 81 feet high and 45 mph? The family thrill ride, dubbed “Barnstormer” is yours for the boarding this summer at Dollywood theme park in Tennessee. Now, would you pay more or less to ride the Barnstormer than the Rev-O-Lution at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut? The ride features 24 outward-facing seats on a spinning disk that moves back and forth along a halfpipe-like track? Fortunately, you won’t have to dig too deep to experience … Continue reading

Theme Park Expands in Kentucky

It made headlines when it opened in Petersburg, Kentucky, and now residents in the northern part of the “Bluegrass State” will be getting their own Creation Museum and theme park. According to new reports, a huge replica of Noah’s Ark, plus an 800-acre creationist theme park will be calling Grant County home in the near future. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear says plans are underway to construct the $150 million ark and theme park, which, when complete, is expected to attract 1.6 million visitors annually. The existing 70,000-square-foot Creation Museum, located about seven miles from the Cincinnati-northern Kentucky airport, opened in … Continue reading

Theme Parks Go High-Tech

Most modern day amusement parks have enough bells and whistles to thrill guests of all ages. However, with the influx of high-tech toys hitting the market, some theme parks have felt the need to add some electronic wizardry to their collections of topsy-turvy roller coasters and splashtastic water rides. For the summer of 2010 it’s all about special effects and hands-on fun at amazing new interactive amusement park attractions. Leading the pack is Universal Studios, which is debuting several new rides that immerse guests into another world. At Universal Studios Hollywood visitors can get up close and personal with “King … Continue reading

Summer Lovin’: Theme Parks

They rank up there with cookouts, camping and concerts. Theme parks are an essential part of summer, and this year several major amusement parks are going interactive in ways that might surprise you. If your summer travel plans include visiting one of the following theme parks, then get ready to do more than just sit back and enjoy the thrill rides. Parks including Disneyland, Six Flags, and Legoland are catering to kids who want to be part of the action. Take a look: Disneyland Before he became “Wacko Jacko,” the later King of Pop, Michael Jackson was the star of … Continue reading

Theme Park Fun

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri just announced that it is teaming up with area hotels and other attractions to offer discounts on package deals to families who want to spend spring break in the Show-Me-State without breaking the bank. The popular theme park is just one of dozens of companies lending a helping hand to cash-strapped parents, who want to make this spring break memorable for their kids. Sea World in Florida and the San Diego Zoo are also appealing to families on a budget. Both theme parks are freezing the price of their annual passes, in an effort … Continue reading

Summer Vacation Photo Tips

Summer is here, time to pack up the clan and head to the mountains, beach, amusement park or zoo. But before you hit the highway or take to the skies don’t forget to pack your camera bag. The thought of missing out on all of the incredible photo opportunities your travels will provide is enough to take make any snap happy parent ill. In addition to your camera, make sure you have spare batteries, lenses, a cleaning kit, extra media cards and a mini tripod. Once you arrive at your destination be sure to remember the following tips: Don’t let … Continue reading

Theme Parks that Won’t Break the Bank

How much money did you have to set aside to pay for your family’s summer vacation to Disney, Six Flags or Universal? Unless you found an outstanding package deal I doubt that your family of four could get admission, parking, meals, drinks, and souvenirs for less than $500. Now consider how much more you could get for the same amount of money if you opted to visit a smaller theme park like Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana or Alabama Adventure in Bessemer, Alabama. All-day admission at both parks cost about half of what Disney charges. Currently, a one-day ticket … Continue reading