Theme park attractions we can’t wait to try
Brand new thrills

Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Hollywood, California

Fans of famous racing brothers Mario and Luigi should hotfoot it to Universal Studios Hollywood, where Super Nintendo World is set to open in February 2023. You'll feel as though you've zipped into your favourite video game, with themed thrill rides and foodie attractions such as the Toadstool Cafe, where cute-as-a-button Chef Toad (the franchise's anthropomorphic mushroom) will greet guests upon arrival.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Hollywood, California

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

A horde of bright yellow minions will descend on Universal Orlando Resort in summer 2023. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is a hi-tech attraction that'll drop visitors into 'Villain-Con', a fictional criminal convention. Visitors will don an interactive 'blaster' and sweep through a series of colourful scenes, where they'll destroy various items for points. It's guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.
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Big Bear Mountain, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

From the nostalgic Dollywood Express steam train to hunks of sweet cinnamon bread, there's plenty to love about Dolly Parton's famous theme park. And, in spring 2023, the charming site will get its biggest and most expensive roller coaster to date. Guests will hop into a carriage and whizz through the nature-themed Wildwood Grove area on almost 4,000 feet (1,216) of track, on a mission to find the elusive 'Big Bear' character.
Montezooma's Revenge, Knott's Berry Farm, California

There's something charming about California's Knott's Berry Farm, with its rattling wooden roller coaster and Old West-themed land. But one of its longstanding attractions is getting a makeover. Montezooma's Revenge was first opened in 1978, but it's taking on a new "forbidden fortress" theme. The facelift comes with new thrills too: the overhaul means that riders won't be able to tell which direction the train will shoot off in at the start of the ride.
AQUAMAN: Power Wave, Six Flags Over Texas, Texas

On a searing summer's day in Texas, you'll be glad of the latest ride at Six Flags, set to open this year. Aquaman: Power Wave is a giant blue juggernaut dedicated to the DC Comics superhero and it culminates in a soaking finale, as riders rush through a giant finishing pool. Before that, you'll shoot for the sky on a pair of 148-foot (45m) towers and reach eye-watering speeds of 63 miles per hour (101km/h).
ArieForce One, Fun Spot America Atlanta, Georgia

If you're serious about your roller coasters, then this Fun Spot ride is the one for you. There are no complicated themes or intricate set designs, but the frills are swapped for sheer thrills – among them, a drop from 146 feet (45m) at 83 degrees and a total of four inversions. You'll whizz along at speeds of 64 miles per hour (103km/h) and it claims the largest zero-G stall of any ride in America, too.
Pirate River Quest, LEGOLAND Florida, Winter Haven, Florida

Mattel Adventure Park, Glendale, Arizona

Beloved characters such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie are perfect fodder for a family-friendly theme park – and you'll find them at the new Mattel Adventure Park, the brainchild of the iconic toy company. A highlight will be a speedy Hot Wheels-inspired roller coaster, while Barbie will be represented with her very own beach house. There'll be a gentle Thomas the Tank Engine train for little visitors too.
Serengeti Flyer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida

Epic thrills are paired with stellar views across Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on this soaring new ride. A pair of giant arms swoop past each other, catapulting riders up to 135 feet (41m) into the air and reaching speeds of 68 miles per hour (109km/h). It's dubbed the tallest and fastest ride of its kind on Earth.
Then and now: captivating images of America's oldest theme parks
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California

Would you believe that – when it opened at Walt Disney World in 2020 – Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway was the first ride to star the mousey duo across any of the parks. It was an instant hit, of course, and now it's set to open at California's Disneyland Resort on January 27, 2023 too. The ride is one for families, offering a gentle trip with a cartoon-set backdrop.
Adventureland Treehouse, Disneyland Resort, California

Journey of Water, Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Hit movie Moana follows the adventures of a Polynesian chief's daughter on an ocean quest – and visitors can immerse themselves in her world at this new Epcot attraction. Journey of Water will be a leafy, kid-friendly trail punctured by striking water features and tropical shrubs. It's hoped that the attraction will open sometime in late 2023.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

There are hotels, and then there's Disney's Galactic Starcruiser, billed as an "all-immersive vacation experience" that plunges guests into a galaxy far, far away. The experience lasts for two nights with themed cabin accommodation, live performances at dinner, appearances from the franchise's favourite characters and even a special excursion to the planet of Batuu. Guests can explore the ship, drink in galaxy views from outside the window and absorb themselves in the otherworldly story as it unfolds around them. "Voyages" started in March 2022.
TRON Lightcycle/Run, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California

Reef Plunge, Aquatica Orlando, Orlando, Florida

Aquatica Orlando – a cheerful, family-friendly waterpark – is the perfect antidote to Florida's heat. Opened in spring 2022, the park's newest attraction is Reef Plunge: it consists of translucent, fibreglass slides, which twirl over 330 feet (101m) and plunge visitors into a fish-filled pool.
Peppa Pig Theme Park, LEGOLAND Florida, Florida

In what's tipped as a world first, an entire theme park dedicated to the famous little pink pig and her gang opened at LEGOLAND Florida in February 2022. The colourful site is packed out with rides and attractions geared towards little ones, such as the mellow Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride, plus a splash area and themed play zones. There's a colourful diner serving comfort food and live shows too.
LEGOLAND Hotel, LEGOLAND New York Resort, New York

An entire new LEGOLAND resort opened in New York in the summer of 2021. And with the brand new resort (entrance pictured) came a brand new place to stay: New York's LEGOLAND Hotel. The rooms are decked out with LEGO themes (everything from pirates to ninjas) and there are in-room scavenger hunts, plus a complimentary breakfast. The lovely resort-style pool is a little something for the adults too.
Iron Gwazi, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida

Another recently-opened juggernaut is Iron Gwazi, a hybrid coaster that's hyped as the fastest and steepest ride of its kind in the world. You'll need a head for heights for this one: the twisty-turny ride begins with a 206-foot (63m) drop at an eye-watering 91 degrees and it ultimately reaches speeds of 76 miles per hour (122km/h). It opened in March 2022.
Pantheon, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia

This super-speedy coaster launched at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in March 2022. The ride is themed around mystical Roman gods like Neptune and Jupiter, and its dizzying delights include four launches, a stomach-flipping 95-degree drop and speeds of 73 miles per hour (117km/h).
Sesame Place theme park, San Diego, California

Sesame Place theme park, dedicated to the colourful world of beloved kids' TV show Sesame Street, opened in San Diego in March 2022. It's the second park of its kind in the country (the first is in Philadelphia) and it'll feature 18 themed rides, with a family-friendly roller coaster, plus watery attractions including a mammoth wave pool and twirling slides. There'll also be character meet-and-greets and parades, so visitors can fully immerse themselves in the fun.
Now discover 50 photos that show why Florida's attractions are unmissable
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