Top 10 Attractions Magazine theme park news stories of 2022
2022 was the year of great recovery and shake-ups for the theme park world. With parks and airplanes all at 100% capacity again, CEO changes, parks re-opening, and construction booming, 2022 was the turning point for new opportunities in the theme park industry and the Top 10 Attractions Magazine articles definitely highlights all of that.
Many of our most popular articles this year were actually written in past years, but unless noted, these stories represent the top 10 that were posted in 2022.
Here’s a look back at the Top 10 Attractions Magazine articles of 2022:
10. McDonald’s Happy Meal toys celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary
In 2021, McDonald’s released the first collection of special-edition Happy Meal toys to mark Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and in 2022, eight new Walt Disney World-themed toys continued the celebration.
9. A look at Universal’s unique Donkey Kong roller coaster under construction in Orlando
As work moves along at an impressive rate at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, we got an up-close look at what will be one of the most innovative roller coasters ever created. Universal’s Donkey Kong roller coaster will combine technology, the Nintendo brand, and a bit of trickery.
8. Review: Is the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser worth the cost? Our full experience
We stayed at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, and the most asked question we get about it is, “Is it worth the price?” That answer is complicated, but we gave our full answer, thoughts, tips, and experience.
7. FAQ – Everything you need to know about the Disney Genie Service
When the Disney Genie Service replaced FastPass and MaxPass at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, fans everywhere were wondering how this new service works and, more importantly, how it will affect their vacation plans — and we provided answers to the most asked questions.
6. Disney Wish Tips: Things to know before you sail on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship
We were among the very first guests to sail on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, so we gathered together our best Disney Wish tips to help you navigate your cruise vacation.
5. Breaking News: Area15 experiential entertainment district is coming to Orlando
Area15, well known in Las Vegas for its award-winning immersive entertainment, announced it will open its second location in 2024, right in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor.
4. Orlando FreeFall drop tower to be removed at Icon Park
The Orlando FreeFall drop tower ride at Icon Park in Orlando was closed since 14-year-old Tyre Sampson was ejected from the ride and fell to his death on March 24, 2022. In October, the owners and operators of the 400-foot-tall ride, Orlando Slingshot Group, decided to take the FreeFall tower down.
3. Six Flags Magic Mountain is no longer a 365-day park
As of Nov. 1, 2022, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif. is now closed on select weekdays, a notable change to the park’s 365-day operating schedule.
2. A Parrothead’s review of the new Margaritaville At Sea Paradise cruise ship
Margaritaville finally has a cruise line (well, at least a cruise ship). The line’s first ship is the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, and we covered all you need to know.
1. Super Nintendo World construction in Florida at Universal’s Epic Universe
Super Nintendo World is one of a number of highly-themed lands coming to Universal’s Epic Universe at the Universal Orlando Resort. The opening date for the new land is rapidly approaching as dirt turns into decipherable layouts that will soon bring Mario, Peach, and Bowser to Orlando!
That is our Top 10 Attractions Magazine articles for 2022, but 2023 brings another year of theme park offerings. Could our biggest article next year be about SeaWorld’s upcoming Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, or Disney’s Tron Lightcycle / Run? Or could it be about something we never even saw coming? Stay tuned for another year of exciting attractions updates.
I am very surprised to see that one of the top ten articles was not about the ouster of Bob Chapek as Disney CEO and his replacement by Bob Iger
I know that you had written extensively about this subject in numerous articles earlier this year
I agree Vinnie, it certainly was major news! But, we are also often surprised to see what our readers are most interested in. Sometimes an article is niche, and allows us the be the only one. News like Bob Chapek was so wide spread, so we weren’t the only ones being read at that time.