http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog Orlando area attractions and theme park information and news Thu, 24 May 2012 00:33:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/03/legoland-florida-water-park-getting-closer-to-completion-with-a-wave-pool-fill-up/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/03/legoland-florida-water-park-getting-closer-to-completion-with-a-wave-pool-fill-up/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:45:05 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=12307 It’s less than two months until the Legoland Water Park opens and the attraction is getting its middle name – water! More than a half a million gallons of H20 were pumped into the Lego Wave Pool by a friend of the Lego City Volunteer Fire Department. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfZmK1d7wuc The first wave pool in any Legoland [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/03/legoland-florida-water-park-getting-closer-to-completion-with-a-wave-pool-fill-up/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/03/adventure-island-water-park-to-open-for-the-season-on-march-10/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/03/adventure-island-water-park-to-open-for-the-season-on-march-10/#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:46:07 +0000 Anthony Armenia http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11820 Adventure Island, Busch Garden’s water park, kicks off another season of fun on Saturday, March 10, 2012. There will be extended hours all summer long this year too, not just during Island Nights. Race down Ridetide slides, splash along in the wave pool, and kick back and relax on the white sanded beach, all in [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/03/adventure-island-water-park-to-open-for-the-season-on-march-10/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/10/water-park-florida-greenhouse-and-more-coming-to-legoland-florida-this-year/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/10/water-park-florida-greenhouse-and-more-coming-to-legoland-florida-this-year/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:29:52 +0000 Anthony Armenia http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11680 A brand new water park is officially opening on May 26, 2012 at Legoland Florida, but they’re not stopping there with new additions to the park. The park continues to grow, literally. On March 28, the all-new Fresh From Florida Greenhouse will open in the park. The Fresh From Florida Greenhouse will give families an opportunity to [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/02/10/water-park-florida-greenhouse-and-more-coming-to-legoland-florida-this-year/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/27/legoland-florida-shares-plans-for-its-upcoming-water-park/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/27/legoland-florida-shares-plans-for-its-upcoming-water-park/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:52:12 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11592 Legoland Florida has shared detailed plans for their new water park, which is expected to open this May. The water park will include a lazy river, large and small slides, kids play areas and a wave pool. Water park access will be exclusively for Legoland theme park guests. “We’re very excited to share plans for [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/27/legoland-florida-shares-plans-for-its-upcoming-water-park/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/03/out-of-the-loop-holiday-world-announces-longest-water-coaster-again/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/03/out-of-the-loop-holiday-world-announces-longest-water-coaster-again/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:42:47 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9619 By Andy Guinigundo Santa Claus, Ind. – 75 miles west of Louisville, Ky. is the town of Santa Claus, Ind. Fittingly, the amusement park that resides in Santa Claus is named Holiday World. Each different area of the park is themed a different holiday. The water park portion of Holiday World is Splashin’ Safari. These [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/03/out-of-the-loop-holiday-world-announces-longest-water-coaster-again/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/11/the-grand-reef-at-discovery-cove-is-now-open-photos-and-video/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/11/the-grand-reef-at-discovery-cove-is-now-open-photos-and-video/#comments Sat, 11 Jun 2011 18:24:33 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9288 The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove is now open for all guests. The new area features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures and white sandy beaches, to snorkeling among artificial reefs and a helmet dive adventure. Here’s a video swim around the new reef: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny71U2vXLkw Families can seek discoveries along [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/11/the-grand-reef-at-discovery-cove-is-now-open-photos-and-video/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/09/adventure-island-welcomes-summer-with-island-nights-and-extended-hours/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/09/adventure-island-welcomes-summer-with-island-nights-and-extended-hours/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:10:32 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9214 Island Nights at Adventure Island water park in Tampa has returned. From 5 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Aug. 13, guests will enjoy island music, authentic entertainment, and unique food offerings. Exotic birds, stilt walkers and steel drum bands will be on hand to greet guests throughout the park, as well [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/09/adventure-island-welcomes-summer-with-island-nights-and-extended-hours/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/07/wet-%e2%80%98n-wild%e2%80%99s-summer-bbq-beach-bash-begins-friday/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/07/wet-%e2%80%98n-wild%e2%80%99s-summer-bbq-beach-bash-begins-friday/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:56:12 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9198 From June 10 to Aug. 20, Wet ‘n Wild will host their Summer BBQ Beach Bash every Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering entertainment and food in addition to their rides and attractions. An unlimited barbeque will be offered during the day, as well as a beachside grill that will be [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/07/wet-%e2%80%98n-wild%e2%80%99s-summer-bbq-beach-bash-begins-friday/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/06/gay-days-guests-enjoy-orlandos-theme-parks-for-the-21st-year/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/06/gay-days-guests-enjoy-orlandos-theme-parks-for-the-21st-year/#comments Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:01:17 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9219 By Don Gworek The Orlando theme parks welcomed back thousands of guests attending the annual Gay Days week. Probably most well-known of the events is the so-called “red shirt day” at the Magic Kingdom. When red shirt day began, it could have been considered one of the very first flash mobs, where people spread word [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/06/gay-days-guests-enjoy-orlandos-theme-parks-for-the-21st-year/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/10/adventure-island-kicks-off-a-new-season-of-fun-in-the-sun/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/10/adventure-island-kicks-off-a-new-season-of-fun-in-the-sun/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:43:47 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8469 Adventure Island, the 30-acre, Key West-themed water park next door to Busch Gardens, will open for its 2011 season with a preview weekend on March 12 and 13, with daily operation beginning on Saturday, March 19. Summer hours will be extended, with the park open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every night, from June [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/10/adventure-island-kicks-off-a-new-season-of-fun-in-the-sun/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/25/look-inside-the-new-indoor-surfing-facility-in-kissimmee/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/25/look-inside-the-new-indoor-surfing-facility-in-kissimmee/#comments Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:18:10 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7492 Fantasy Surf, an indoor surfing facility just down the street from Walt Disney World is open and ready for adventurous waveboarders and surfers of all experience levels. The new building features a 32 foot wide, 49 foot long double FlowRider. The FlowRider uses high-pressure pumps to create as much as a 30 MPH three-inch sheet [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/25/look-inside-the-new-indoor-surfing-facility-in-kissimmee/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/28/youll-soon-be-able-to-catch-a-wave-in-kissimmee-at-fantasy-surf/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/28/youll-soon-be-able-to-catch-a-wave-in-kissimmee-at-fantasy-surf/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:09:53 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6811 Catching a wave in landlocked Kissimmee doesn’t seem likely. But soon tourists and locals will be able to experience the rush of sliding, riding and surfing waves when Fantasy Surf opens this October. The new $4 million indoor aquatic recreation venue will be located near U.S. 192 and State highway 535 on FantasyWorld Resort property. [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/28/youll-soon-be-able-to-catch-a-wave-in-kissimmee-at-fantasy-surf/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/28/summer-2010-issue-now-shipping/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/28/summer-2010-issue-now-shipping/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:12:20 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6806 The Summer 2010 issue is now available. Subscribers should receive their copy and the issue should be available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and Books-A-Million book stores nationwide within the next few weeks. Here are some of the stories you’ll read in the latest issue: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter This most anticipated new [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/28/summer-2010-issue-now-shipping/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/10/gay-days-has-become-one-of-orlandos-largest-attended-events/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/10/gay-days-has-become-one-of-orlandos-largest-attended-events/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:17:07 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6505 By Don Gworek What began with controversy 20 years ago is now one of Orlando’s top events each year, with attendance larger than many of the biggest convention groups. It started as just one day at the Magic Kingdom and has expanded to a multi-day event at multiple parks. It’s estimated that 150,000 people attended [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/06/10/gay-days-has-become-one-of-orlandos-largest-attended-events/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/04/23/photos-coco-key-water-resort-now-open-for-vacationers-and-day-guests/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/04/23/photos-coco-key-water-resort-now-open-for-vacationers-and-day-guests/#comments Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:27:05 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5886 Coco Key Water Resort, a hotel and water park in one, opened today in Orlando. This is the 10th Coco Key Water Park and the first located in the southern part of the U.S. The resort is located on International Drive near Sand Lake Road, on the site of International Drive’s first hotel. The hotel [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/04/23/photos-coco-key-water-resort-now-open-for-vacationers-and-day-guests/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/26/virtually-tour-busch-gardens-through-googles-street-view/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/26/virtually-tour-busch-gardens-through-googles-street-view/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:09:51 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5071 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and its waterpark, Adventure Island, are now featured in Street View on Google Maps. Virtual visits are now available to all 10 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment locations, including the SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego; Discovery Cove, a swim-with-dolphins resort, and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark, both in Orlando; Busch [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/26/virtually-tour-busch-gardens-through-googles-street-view/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/21/details-on-legoland-florida-coming-in-late-2011/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/21/details-on-legoland-florida-coming-in-late-2011/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:54:54 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5022 Today Merlin Entertainments announced a multi-million dollar investment for its biggest family tourist center in the world with the planned opening of Legoland Florida. Merlin purchased the historical Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Fla. from property investment company Land South Group and will open Legoland Florida on the site at the end of 2011. The [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/21/details-on-legoland-florida-coming-in-late-2011/feed/ 4 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/15/coco-key-water-resort-opening-on-international-drive-in-march/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/15/coco-key-water-resort-opening-on-international-drive-in-march/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:22:22 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4987 CoCo Key Water Resorts are adding Orlando to their portfolio of water resorts and hotels. Set to open in March at 7400 International Drive (near the convention center) [Editor's Note: It's actually not that close to the Convention Center. It's closer to Sand Lake Road.], the 58,000 square-foot canopy covered water park will be the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/15/coco-key-water-resort-opening-on-international-drive-in-march/feed/ 13 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/15/out-of-the-loop-legoland-announces-water-park/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/15/out-of-the-loop-legoland-announces-water-park/#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:13:26 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4981 By Andy Guinigundo Carlsbad, Calif. – Several months ago, Legoland confirmed rumors that a water park was being added to the Legoland Resort in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. At that time other than the confirmation, no further details were released. Recently, at their yearly conference for media and invited guests, they finally presented the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/15/out-of-the-loop-legoland-announces-water-park/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/07/blackstone-to-buy-buschinbev-theme-parks-for-up-to-27-billion/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/07/blackstone-to-buy-buschinbev-theme-parks-for-up-to-27-billion/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:58:36 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3835 Anheuser-Busch InBev and The Blackstone Group announced today that Anheuser-Busch InBev will sell its entertainment business to Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. for up to $2.7 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackstone will acquire Anheuser-Busch InBev’s wholly owned subsidiary, Busch Entertainment Corporation (BEC), the second largest entertainment park operator in the United States with approximately 25 million annual visitors The [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/07/blackstone-to-buy-buschinbev-theme-parks-for-up-to-27-billion/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/09/23/cypress-gardens-closes-looking-for-buyers/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/09/23/cypress-gardens-closes-looking-for-buyers/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:27:03 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3562 The owners of Cypress Gardens announced today that the park and Splash Island Waterpark have closed. The park closed last fall for five months then reopened earlier this year without its many amusement rides. Since the end of March, it has operated with just its water park, gardens and ski show. Here’s the owner’s statement [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/09/23/cypress-gardens-closes-looking-for-buyers/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/16/out-of-the-loop-holiday-world-to-build-largest-water-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/16/out-of-the-loop-holiday-world-to-build-largest-water-coaster/#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:35:30 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2921 Even if Orlando is center of the amusement park universe, there are great and wonderful happenings everywhere. These amusements occur in little towns with names like West Mifflin, Penn. and big cities like the greater Los Angeles area. Fun is had in exotic locales like Dubai and Australia. There is even plenty of amusement park [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/16/out-of-the-loop-holiday-world-to-build-largest-water-coaster/feed/ 2