By Paul Oswell
Florida’s theme parks are inventing ever new ways to thrill customers. Check out these latest arrivals to the Sunshine State – state of the art and ready to add to your theme park excitement!
Where to head: SeaWorld Orlando
Buy your ticket: Manta is a brand new concept, an ‘air to sea’ roller coaster where the riders will experience underwater animal habitats, soar face-down in at nearly 60 mph (66.6 kph), and come within inches of the "ocean." You won’t just see a manta ray in underwater flight, you’ll actually have the sensation of being one! Some 300 rays can be seen within the attraction itself – one of the most graceful rides you can possibly imagine!
Where to stay: Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando is a South Seas-themed paradise, set in a lush tropical landscape with waterfalls and blooming flowers. Water babies will love the lagoon-style swimming pool.
Where to head: Universal Studios Florida
Buy your ticket: Hollywood's Rip, Ride, Rockit, is a simulator with a difference, and is billed as the most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world. The multi-media experience makes the rider a virtual rockstar – you can choose what music to listen to on the ride and take home your own music video afterwards. Vertical lifts and giant loops taken at 65mph add to the thrill, and you’ll crowd surf and jump to simulate a real live rock performance.
Where to stay: Complete the rockstar image by staying at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando – just don’t go for the ultimate in authenticity by throwing a TV out of the window!
Where to head: Walt Disney World
Buy your ticket: You can’t miss the new Characters in Flight attraction
in Downtown Disney. The giant yellow tethered balloon has a 72-foot-diameter
and holds up to 30 guests at a time. You’ll find yourself floating 400 feet
in the air, giving unparalleled 360-degree views of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Adorned with flying Disney characters such as Tinkerbell, Dumbo, Peter Pan and
Aladdin, the flight lasts ten minutes and is suitable for ages ten and up.
Where to stay: Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel has undergone a $100million renovation. It now has some 17 restaurants, 5 swimming pools and 4 nearby golf courses, so there’s no chance of never having anything to do!
Where to head: Disney Hollywood Studios
Buy your ticket: American Idol - here’s one way to test your musical performing skills without courting the wrath of Simon Cowell. This glamorous attraction allows you to watch, perform and vote for your favourite singers. The entire process is up an running, from auditions to showtime, and selected lucky winners also get the chance to perform on the real American Idol. Montages from past winners mix with a 45-minute grand finale show. No more singing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush – this is the real thing!
Where to stay:Disney’s Pop Century Resort will appeal to parents and kids alike. As well as fantastic luxury, it is devoted to the crazes, sounds and images that made the 20th century.
Where to head: Universal Orlando Resort
Buy your ticket: Still a new kid on the block is the ride devoted to everyone’s favourite dysfunctional family, The Simpsons. The rollercoaster is set in a fictional version of Krustyland, and you join Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie as they crash, float and fly their way chaotically through Krustyland’s attractions. State of the art animation makes the cartoon series come to life before your very eyes.
Where to stay: The International Plaza Resort and Spa is the jewel in the crown of International Drive. Half way between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, the 27 storeys are set in 28 acres of greenery, with all the amenities you could need, including that L’Esprit Spa.
Paul Oswell is a freelance travel writer, who writes regularly for the Daily Mail and travelmail.co.uk