Just in time for summer vacation, theme parks around the United States are opening up new attractions and even entire new parks. These attractions can spruce up parks for regular visitors but can also draw in first-time guests looking for a new adventure. Make your summer vacation a thrilling space epic, a fantastic voyage or a magical journey with these new theme park attractions.
1. Pandora: World of Avatar — DisneyWorld
This is a brand new attraction that opened in May as part of the Animal Kingdom park. Here, you can experience and explore Pandora as portrayed in James Cameron's blockbuster hit movie Avatar. Rides include the Avatar Flight of Passage and a Na'vi River Journey. You can also explore the Valley of Mo'ara and hike amid floating mountains, bioluminescent flora and fauna, a native drum circle and more.
2. Volcano Bay Water Park — Universal Orlando
Universal's new 30-acre water park also opened in May. Not only is the size impressive, but visitors don't have to wait in line to ride anything. With the price of admission, each guest receives a TapuTapu wristband which allows them to place their names in line for rides without actually having to line up. The park hosts 18 rides in total, including the Ko'okiri Body Plunge. This ride drops guests on a 125 feet fall through a drop door into the heart of the park's central attraction: Krakatau volanco.
3. Justice League and Joker — Six Flags
Six Flags parks all over the country will be unveiling new DC comics themed rides featuring the Justice League and the Joker. Justice League: Battle for Metropolis takes you on an action adventure alongside superheroes to save the city. This attraction will be opening at Six Flags over Georgia, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Six Flags Great Adventure. The other ride is called The Joker and it's a 4-D free-fly roller coaster and it debuts at Six Flags New England, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, and Six Flags Great America in Illinois.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy — DisneyLand
DisneyLand is debuting a new ride this summer called Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout. Visitors will join Rocket Raccoon on a thrilling adventure to save the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy from The Collector's fortress. This attraction is a part of the Disney California Adventure Park in Hollywood Land. In the park, guests can also personally meet the Guardians and other Marvel characters including the Avengers.
5. Cedar Point Shores — Cedar Point
Cedar Point Shores is located in Sandusky, Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. The new 18-acre water park calls back to Cedar Point's origins as a beach resort. Rides include Point Plummet, which is a six-story body slide that takes riders down the drop in enclosed pods. For a more relaxed experience, Portside Plunge offers inner tubing in an enclosed space that dumps out into a large pool. There are also plenty of attractions and activities for children and younger visitors. Once you're finished with the water park, you can hop over next door to Cedar Point for more traditional rollercoasters.
