With the Summer holidays fast approaching, parents across the World are busy planning their travels. What better way to spend some quality time with your children, than to ditch the handheld computer devices, and take a trip to an amusement park?
The USA boasts some of the best parks in the World, with everything from Micky Mouse to Jurassic Park. You may want to have a decent Child Injury Attorney though, as some of these rides are simply insane!
Here are the top five.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida – Built in 1999 as an extension to Universal Studios Florida, the Islands of adventure is made up of 7 different Islands, each creating a different world, based on Universal’s world famous movie franchises. The seventh Island, ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’, features a giant Hogwarts school and a full sized Hogwarts express that takes passengers between the different areas of the Harry Potter Island. There are also specialized areas featuring Jurassic Park, a Marvel themed land, and the latest addition, Skull Island.
Universal Studios, Hollywood, California – Universal Studios, Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is “The Entertainment Capital of LA”. It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios sets and is the first of many full-fledged Universal Studios Theme Parks located across the world.
Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California – Disneyland Park was originally just called Disneyland, and is the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney. Since it’s opening in 1955 it has been surrounded by a growing complex, and has now taken the name Disneyland Park, to distinguish it from the ongoing expansion. Disneyland Park consists of eight themed “lands” and a number of concealed backstage areas, and occupies approximately 85 acres. It is currently expanding up to 100 acres with the completion of Star Wars land.
Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri – Silver Dollar City was opened in 1960, and averages around two million visitors a year. The original draw for tourists was the ‘Marvel cave’. Originally mined for marble, the cave became a tourist attraction, with a small railway taking people deep into the cave. In 1960 the site was developed into a 1880s themed amusement park with several rollercoasters and demonstrations of 1880’s American culture. The park also holds several music festivals throughout the summer, including the popular festival of Bluegrass and BBQ.
Dollywood, Pigeon Falls, Tennessee – Dollywood takes it’s name from the theme parks owner, country music star, Dolly Parton. While it isn’t as famous or as well funded as it’s more illustrious counterparts, Dollywood still boasts a massive number of visitors every year. The park has rollercoasters and water rides, as you would expect from any other amusement park, but Dollywood like Silver Dollar City, also hosts regular musical concerts for all the family. Children can take part in arts and crafts and ride the ‘rebel railroad’ which takes them back to the days of the American civil war.
Wherever you decide to head this summer, remember to keep your children in eyesight at all times. The vast numbers of people that visit these theme parks every day, is staggering. Be safe, and remember to pack a spare set of underwear. Some of these rollercoasters would terrify even the most hardcore thrill seeker!
