Photo courtesy Disney Corp.
LAURA JOHNSON
Assistant A&E Editor
Thrills come in all shapes and sizes. From a brain-blowing super-scream coaster to a 1 mph under the sea realm excursion, this season’s offerings of new ride attractions, at various Californian theme parks, is sure to have something for everyone. With Labor Day swiftly approaching, grab a few friends and go check out these recently opened delights, which have added just a spot of brightness to already magical places.
Disneyland
Nemo the clownfish has an extreme penchant for getting lost, and, on his new ride Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, which opened in June of 2007, the little critter’s ability to get away from his father Marlin proves true once again. This comes to life with the help of Disneyland ride creators, called Imagineers.
The theme park has many rides that take guests through water, but this is the only one that takes place underwater. However, this is not the first ride of its type at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Opening in 1959, Disney’s Submarine Voyage diesel-powered subs took viewers through the lagoon where Nemo resides now. The submarine ride had a completely different set, which included electronic fish, the lost city of Atlantis and even “real” mermaids. Closing in 1998, it opens better than ever nearly a decade later.
“I love the movie, and I can’t wait to go on the ride, so I can compare the old submarine ride to this new one,” said junior Alina Hardy, who said she plans to go to the park soon.
The public relations manager for the park, John McClintock, said there was always interest in reopening the ride, but it was not until the movie, “Finding Nemo,” premiered that they found a natural fit for the ride.
Although the Nemo ride may have a wait of more than three hours, McClintock said the park stays open until everyone in line has been able to go on it. He said the line can sometime last up to 2 hours past the park’s normal closing time.
Clearly, once submerged, this Australian Reef look-a-like attraction, which has familiar faces from the film like Dory, Squirt and Bruce the Shark, will send people into a whole new world.
Along with the new Nemo Ride, Disney Parks have also introduced something they are calling the Year of a Million Dreams, although it will be lasting 16 months. Starting in October, any guest of the theme park is automatically entered to win a prize. Ranging from a Mickey Mouse pin to a Dream Fast Pass to a free night in the Mickey Mouse Suite, which is newly added on top of the Disneyland Hotel, dreams certainly will be coming true. Ticket prices start at $63.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Although it is the first theme park in the United States, Knott’s Berry Farm is probably not as popular as other park venues. However, with a new roller coaster called the Sierra Sidewinder, opened during Memorial Day weekend and located in the Camp Snoopy section of the park, Knott’s hopes to bring in more visitors.
According to Jen Blazey, a public relations manager for the park, the Sierra Sidewinder, named after a certain type of snake, is the first actual spinning coaster to ever hit the United States. Along with a speed of 37 mph, each individual car loops through a series of dips and turns, all while spinning on its own axis.
“This is more of a ‘tweener’ coaster,” Blazey said. “It’s not as much a super teen thrill, but it is really great for those who don’t want to go out for those huge thrill rides,” she said.
So, like the Sierra Sidewinder’s theme says, do not be afraid to take a ride on the wild side. Discount tickets are available at Ralph’s. Tickets begin at $61.
Universal Studios
As veteran parkgoers will be sad to learn, ‘Back to the Future,’ one of the first attractions at the park, will be having its last run through time during this upcoming Labor Day Weekend. Christopher Lloyd, one of the film’s stars will make an appearance for the event, and one lucky winner will receive a special Back to the Future car.
“Because it was so hot outside this summer, we knew we needed to up the wetness and scariness factor for our rides,” said Audry Eig, a public relations manager for Universal Studios Theme Park, said of the newly supped-up ride attractions Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy.
The Revenge of the Mummy Ride, the fastest indoor roller coaster on the planet, now features an even more shocking experience, as riders combat an almost 3000 year-old beast. Specifically designed to awaken riders deepest fears, the coaster is sure to evoke some terrifying moments.
As for the updated Steven Spielberg classic movie-turned-ride, people will now need to be prepared to get soaked to the bone. With the absolute most ferocious creatures ever to walk this earth trying to bite peoples’ heads off at every turn, according to Eig, the ride promises not only soggy underwear but a good jolt to the heart, as well.
Other experiences to enjoy at this place of amusement would be the family-friendly Shrek 4-D ride and the Karaoke night. Ticket price begins at $61.
08-27-2007