http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog Orlando area attractions and theme park information and news Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:12:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/11/21/american-coaster-enthusiasts-day-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/11/21/american-coaster-enthusiasts-day-at-busch-gardens/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:47:31 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=10686 The Florida Region of American Coaster Enthusiasts hosted an event Saturday at Busch Gardens Tampa. Dozens of ACE members were in Central Florida last week for the big IAAPA amusement park trade show. (ACE is a member of IAAPA.) Above is the ticketing for the event. Included with registration was a snack coupon, meal ticket, [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/11/21/american-coaster-enthusiasts-day-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/10/20/wizarding-world-of-harry-potters-dragon-challenge-coasters-will-no-longer-duel/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/10/20/wizarding-world-of-harry-potters-dragon-challenge-coasters-will-no-longer-duel/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:50:08 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=10376 After a couple of incidents, the Dragon Challenge “dueling” coaster (formerly known as Dueling Dragons) located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park will no longer duel. The Orlando Sentinel newspaper has been following the story of a change on the way the Dragon Challenge roller coaster is [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/10/20/wizarding-world-of-harry-potters-dragon-challenge-coasters-will-no-longer-duel/feed/ 8 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/28/preview-legoland-floridas-water-ski-show-and-rides-half-a-month-until-opening/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/28/preview-legoland-floridas-water-ski-show-and-rides-half-a-month-until-opening/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:51:10 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9988 Legoland Florida officials invited us to the park today for another preview, our first where we didn’t have to wear hard hats. Yes, it’s getting very close to completion. The park officially opens Oct. 15, 2011. Keep reading for a preview of their brand new water ski show, a roller coaster and a boat ride.]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/28/preview-legoland-floridas-water-ski-show-and-rides-half-a-month-until-opening/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/06/out-of-the-loop-dollywood%e2%80%99s-wild-eagle-to-be-first-u-s-wing-rider-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/06/out-of-the-loop-dollywood%e2%80%99s-wild-eagle-to-be-first-u-s-wing-rider-coaster/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:27:15 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9844 Column by Andy Guinigundo To bolster my claim that the wing rider coaster will be the next big thing in coaster construction (check out my previous story Here), Dollywood announced Sunday that it would open the first wing rider roller coaster in the United States. The third announced Bolliger & Mabillard wing rider coaster this [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/09/06/out-of-the-loop-dollywood%e2%80%99s-wild-eagle-to-be-first-u-s-wing-rider-coaster/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/17/walt-disney-world-rumor-round-up-which-will-come-true-at-d23-expo/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/17/walt-disney-world-rumor-round-up-which-will-come-true-at-d23-expo/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:29:54 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9699 Disney’s D23 Expo starts this Friday in Anaheim, Calif. And on Friday evening, they will hold their Parks and Resorts Presentation. At the first Expo in 2009, this is where the Fantasyland expansion and new Star Tours was announced. Both of those projects had been rumors for a long time. So let’s take a look [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/17/walt-disney-world-rumor-round-up-which-will-come-true-at-d23-expo/feed/ 10 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/03/construction-update-building-and-attractions-rising-at-legoland-florida-photosvideo/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/03/construction-update-building-and-attractions-rising-at-legoland-florida-photosvideo/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:58:40 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9597 We were invited on another hard hat tour of Legoland Florida yesterday. This was our first that really showed signs of what’s to come. Legoland Florida opens to the public in about two and a half months on Oct. 15 in Winter Haven, Fla. The 150 acre family theme park will feature more than 50 [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/03/construction-update-building-and-attractions-rising-at-legoland-florida-photosvideo/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/03/a-look-at-fun-spots-first-roller-coaster-power-trip-coaster-debuts-in-kissimmee-videophotos/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/03/a-look-at-fun-spots-first-roller-coaster-power-trip-coaster-debuts-in-kissimmee-videophotos/#comments Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:54:06 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9457 Fun Spot USA in Kissimmee held the grand opening for their first roller coaster on July 2, 2011. Gatorland was in attendance with one of their gators, Willy Bite, who helped cut the ribbon with his sharp teeth. Then it was free rides for all in attendance. The Power Trip Roller Coaster is a “wild [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/07/03/a-look-at-fun-spots-first-roller-coaster-power-trip-coaster-debuts-in-kissimmee-videophotos/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/27/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/27/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 17:53:07 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9142 Cheetah Hunt, Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster and animal exhibit, officially opened today. It’s an amazing ride that you have to experience in person to truly appreciate. What makes Cheetah Hunt such a great ride is the air time … no it’s the three launches … no it’s the zig-zag motion through the trench. I [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/27/review-and-on-ride-video-of-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/13/just-two-weeks-until-opening-construction-walls-are-coming-down-at-cheetah-hunt/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/13/just-two-weeks-until-opening-construction-walls-are-coming-down-at-cheetah-hunt/#comments Fri, 13 May 2011 20:32:33 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9023 By Don Gworek New views of Busch Gardens new roller coaster, Cheetah Hunt, are now available. The ride opens on Memorial Day, May 27, 2011. Above is a view of the most powerful of the three launches on the ride. This launch sends the coaster train up into the elevated figure eight and down the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/05/13/just-two-weeks-until-opening-construction-walls-are-coming-down-at-cheetah-hunt/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:53:17 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8579 By Don Gworek With the track complete, Cheetah Hunt is now going through walk-through tests, where trains are steadily moved through the full circuit. This is done so it’s assured the trains can move safely through the track and there are no obstructions in reach of riders.]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/cheetah-hunt-update-vehicle-walk-through-testing-in-progress/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/out-of-the-loop-seaworld-san-diego-getting-a-unique-manta-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/out-of-the-loop-seaworld-san-diego-getting-a-unique-manta-coaster/#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:35:53 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8576 Column by Andy Guinigundo Manta opened in SeaWorld Orlando on May 22, 2009. The flying-style roller coaster has been thrilling guests ever since. A flying coaster suspends guests with restraints with the ride vehicle overhead – headfirst, face down. Manta is SeaWorld Orlando’s fourth coaster. SeaWorld San Diego has been lacking in the thrill ride [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/27/out-of-the-loop-seaworld-san-diego-getting-a-unique-manta-coaster/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/16/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-track-is-complete-theming-continues/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/16/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-track-is-complete-theming-continues/#comments Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:41:11 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8522 By Don Gworek Installation of the final section of Busch Gardens’ upcoming launch roller coaster, Cheetah Hunt, was completed at 9:30 p.m. Monday night. Workers were perched above the cables of the Skyway as they fastened on the final piece of track. This photo from this past Saturday shows one of the Skyway cables lowered [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/03/16/cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-track-is-complete-theming-continues/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/28/cheetah-hunts-coaster-cars-have-arrived-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/28/cheetah-hunts-coaster-cars-have-arrived-at-busch-gardens/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:47:14 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8402 The track is almost complete and the last necessary parts have arrived. Busch Gardens has taken delivery of five coaster trains for their new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster. Each coaster train, is made up of four, four-passenger cars, for a total of 16 guests per train. The front car features a custom nose-piece that resembles [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/28/cheetah-hunts-coaster-cars-have-arrived-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/23/cheetahhunthardhattour/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/23/cheetahhunthardhattour/#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:35:20 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8334 We were recently invited to take a guided hard hat tour of Busch Gardens’ newest attraction. The Cheetah Hunt roller coaster and Cheetah Run animal habitat are set to open at 9 a.m. on May 27, 2011. Let’s see how the construction is coming along. Let’s start with the video of our tour, led by [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/23/cheetahhunthardhattour/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/15/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-track-installation-nearly-complete/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/15/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-track-installation-nearly-complete/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:19:11 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8280 By Don Gworek Track installation for the new Cheetah Hunt roller coaster at Busch Gardens will soon be done. This doesn’t mean the ride is ready, but the track will be in place so work on landscaping and theme elements can continue. Full ride construction won’t be complete for several more weeks, as you can [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/15/busch-gardens-cheetah-hunt-coaster-track-installation-nearly-complete/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/03/orlando-attractions-magazine-%e2%80%93-the-show-episode-ten-for-february-3-2011/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/03/orlando-attractions-magazine-%e2%80%93-the-show-episode-ten-for-february-3-2011/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:29:01 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8194 Feb. 3, 2011 – Join hosts Greg Hutson and Jessica Steele Allen as they bring you the latest Orlando theme park and attraction news and more on this week’s episode. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8txdDZ-1nCI This weeks show covers these topics and more: • Monster Jam monster truck show • Disney Channel stars Friends for Change at Castaway Cay [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/03/orlando-attractions-magazine-%e2%80%93-the-show-episode-ten-for-february-3-2011/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:05:37 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8189 Busch Gardens recently announced an upcoming addition to their Endangered Species Safari – a chance for guests to have an intimate experience with five new arrivals to the park … cheetahs! In accordance with the international Cheetah Species Survival Plan, Busch Gardens Tampa recently welcomed Steelman (12-year-old male), Ngoma (10-year-old female), and littermates Jagati, Iraja, [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/02/02/cheetahs-arrive-at-busch-gardens-in-anticipation-of-new-attraction/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/28/photo-finds-construction-update-for-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/28/photo-finds-construction-update-for-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 04:22:08 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8136 By Don Gworek Construction of Busch Gardens’ new roller coaster, Cheetah Hunt, is well under way for a Spring 2011 launch. The site meanders in the Edge of Africa area of the Serengeti, between the Crown Colony House and the Rhino Rally. A good amount of the track is now in place, and it is [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/28/photo-finds-construction-update-for-cheetah-hunt-roller-coaster-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/26/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/26/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/#comments Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:04:47 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8120 By Don Gworek Gwazi, the dueling wooden roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay reopened this past Saturday with new “Millenium Flyer” trains. The coaster has long been known as giving a rough ride, but with the new vehicles built by the original manufacturer, Great Coasters International, the ride is now a lot smoother. The [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/26/gwazi-wooden-coaster-at-busch-gardens-reopens-with-a-smoother-ride/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/12/24/winter-2011-issue-of-orlando-attractions-magazine-now-available/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/12/24/winter-2011-issue-of-orlando-attractions-magazine-now-available/#comments Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:06:05 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7898 The Winter 2011 issue of Orlando Attractions Magazine is now available to order. The magazine is at the printer and will be shipping out within the next week or two. Look for it in our iPad app soon, and in major bookstores nationwide sometime in January. Subscribers should receive their copy within the next four [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/12/24/winter-2011-issue-of-orlando-attractions-magazine-now-available/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/13/full-details-on-busch-gardens-new-cheetah-roller-coaster-and-habitat-videophotos/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/13/full-details-on-busch-gardens-new-cheetah-roller-coaster-and-habitat-videophotos/#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:34:43 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7426 Busch Gardens has ended the speculation and stopped dropping hints. The new attraction coming in spring 2011 will feature a cheeta habitat called Cheetah Run and a roller coaster called Cheetah Hunt that will give riders three seconds of airtime and three boosts of speed along the track. Cheetah Hunt will be a Linear Synchronous [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/13/full-details-on-busch-gardens-new-cheetah-roller-coaster-and-habitat-videophotos/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/18/out-of-the-loop-conneaut-lake-park-blue-streak-coaster-being-restored/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/18/out-of-the-loop-conneaut-lake-park-blue-streak-coaster-being-restored/#comments Sat, 18 Sep 2010 12:58:42 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7252 Column by Andy Guinigundo Labor Day marks the official end to many parks’ summer seasons. Conneaut Lake Park in Western Pennsylvania has seen more than 100 such seasons come and go. Conneaut Lake, Pa. sits almost 100 miles north of Pittsburgh. Opened in 1892 as Exposition Park, it served mostly as a picnic and gathering [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/18/out-of-the-loop-conneaut-lake-park-blue-streak-coaster-being-restored/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/16/video-clues-confirm-busch-gardens-new-attraction-will-be-a-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/16/video-clues-confirm-busch-gardens-new-attraction-will-be-a-coaster/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:15:43 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7245 Amidst the latest round of rumors about the new attraction Busch Gardens is building for 2011, they’ve launched the next chapter. A teaser campaign that began early this summer now has fans searching for code words to unlock more information. This latest peek pretty much confirms the attraction will be a roller coaster. Anyone who [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/16/video-clues-confirm-busch-gardens-new-attraction-will-be-a-coaster/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/12/stars-in-the-parks-christian-band-relient-k-on-rip-ride-rockit/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/12/stars-in-the-parks-christian-band-relient-k-on-rip-ride-rockit/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 03:01:44 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7221 Hit Christian rock band Relient K spent the day at Universal Studios on Sept. 11, 2010 before performing at Rock The Universe in the park. During their visit, they met up with a few fans to experience the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. In the front row are Matt Thiessen and John Warne. Jon [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/09/12/stars-in-the-parks-christian-band-relient-k-on-rip-ride-rockit/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/31/musical-soundtrack-and-sound-effects-added-to-space-mountain-audio-and-video/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/31/musical-soundtrack-and-sound-effects-added-to-space-mountain-audio-and-video/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:07:13 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7151 When Space Mountain reopened last year after a seven-month refurbishment, it had many new enhancements such as video games, lighting and other queue enhancements. The track was made smoother as well, but many guests were hoping music would be added to the ride like Space Mountain at Disneyland. Well a year later, they have their [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/31/musical-soundtrack-and-sound-effects-added-to-space-mountain-audio-and-video/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/02/busch-gardens-dropping-hints/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/02/busch-gardens-dropping-hints/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:46:31 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=6989 For several weeks now, guests entering Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have been met with construction walls in the southeastern corner of the park, and many have speculated as to what is coming. From what we know so far, it’ll allow you to “feel the spirit, feel the speed”. Other clues revealed in short videos on [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/08/02/busch-gardens-dropping-hints/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/04/08/stars-in-the-parks-mariah-carey-in-front-of-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/04/08/stars-in-the-parks-mariah-carey-in-front-of-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 03:16:06 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5722 Singer and actress Mariah Carey looks calm and confident in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios. Carey spent vacation time this week at both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks while her husband, actor and comedian Nick Cannon, filmed season five of the NBC television show, “America’s Got Talent” at [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/04/08/stars-in-the-parks-mariah-carey-in-front-of-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/01/out-of-the-loop-one-mans-video-tribute-to-the-big-bad-wolf-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/01/out-of-the-loop-one-mans-video-tribute-to-the-big-bad-wolf-coaster/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:04:18 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5142 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/02/01/out-of-the-loop-one-mans-video-tribute-to-the-big-bad-wolf-coaster/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/22/videos-the-perfect-commute-roller-coaster-to-work-and-water-slide-home/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/22/videos-the-perfect-commute-roller-coaster-to-work-and-water-slide-home/#comments Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:42:38 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5041 What better way to get pumped up for the day than a roller coaster ride through the city to work. And after a hard day at work, wouldn’t it be great to water slide all the way home? That the premise behind these two ads for Barclaycard in the U.K. You may have seen the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/22/videos-the-perfect-commute-roller-coaster-to-work-and-water-slide-home/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/23/santas-in-training-take-manta-for-a-spin/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/23/santas-in-training-take-manta-for-a-spin/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:03:53 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4822 Before you can ride a sleigh pulled by reindeer all over the world in one night, you must work your way up. These Santas in training thought the Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld would help them get used to the high-speed twists and turns – just in case Santa needs someone to fill-in one Christmas [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/23/santas-in-training-take-manta-for-a-spin/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/14/space-mountain-full-ride-video-and-refurbishment-report/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/14/space-mountain-full-ride-video-and-refurbishment-report/#comments Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4441 Upon hearing of Space Mountain soft opening to guests yesterday after a seven-month refurbishment, I rushed over to the Magic Kingdom only to be denied a ride as the roller coaster was shut down for further maintenance and testing. I returned to the Magic Kingdom today at around 1 p.m. to find Space Mountain once [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/14/space-mountain-full-ride-video-and-refurbishment-report/feed/ 8 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/11/video-ride-the-hollywood-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster-at-night/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/11/video-ride-the-hollywood-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster-at-night/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:58:33 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4378 Now that our clocks have been pushed back an hour, guests at Universal Studios finally have a chance to ride the new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster after dark. The ride was certainly designed to be ridden this way, featuring a number of lighting effects along the track and on the sides of the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/11/11/video-ride-the-hollywood-rip-ride-rockit-roller-coaster-at-night/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/14/the-sum-of-all-thrills-design-your-own-ride-opens-in-innoventions-at-epcot-video-photos/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/14/the-sum-of-all-thrills-design-your-own-ride-opens-in-innoventions-at-epcot-video-photos/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:34:49 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3980 The Sum of all Thrills, a new attraction and ride sponsored by Raytheon, opened today at Innoventions East at Epcot. The Sum of all Thrills lets guests create their own ride experience by choosing a ride theme: a roller coaster, bobsled or jet plane. Using multi-touch object recognition tables, guests use math and engineering-based tools [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/10/14/the-sum-of-all-thrills-design-your-own-ride-opens-in-innoventions-at-epcot-video-photos/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/30/out-of-the-loop-racing-roller-coasters-in-the-news-this-week/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/30/out-of-the-loop-racing-roller-coasters-in-the-news-this-week/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:07:06 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3120 By Andy Guinigundo As the dog days of summer come to a close and the weather begins to cool down, racing in the major American circuits of Indy Racing League and NASCAR begin to heat up. Drivers begin to jockey for position to win a championship. This week, I’m taking a look at racing associated [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/30/out-of-the-loop-racing-roller-coasters-in-the-news-this-week/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/20/hidden-songs-confirmed-on-rip-ride-rockit-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/20/hidden-songs-confirmed-on-rip-ride-rockit-coaster/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:04:52 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=2972 The newly open Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios lets riders choose from 30 different songs to listen to during the ride. (Click here for the full list.) But there have been rumors online of up to 999 songs available by following specific unlisted instructions. Yesterday we interviewed Louis Alfieri, the ride’s [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/08/20/hidden-songs-confirmed-on-rip-ride-rockit-coaster/feed/ 70