Vying to be bigger and better every year, virtually all of Florida’s theme parks have something new to offer for 2017, with some attractions already open to visitors. Here’s our rundown of the best new theme park attractions in Florida if you’re visiting this summer.
Universal’s new volcanic waterpark
Splashing open on 25th May, Universal’s 28-acre Volcano Bay waterpark is centred by the Krakatau volcano, which spills waterfalls by day and glows like lava by night. The new park will have 18 attractions including the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which propels you up and downhill in canoes, as well as a multi-directional wave pool, lazy river, lots of family raft rides, and speed slides whizzing down from the 200-foot mountain.
Mythical lands at Animal Kingdom
The latest offering at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will get fans of the film Avatar excited in the run-up to the 2018 sequel. Under construction for three years, Pandora – The World of Avatar will be unveiled on 27th May. Visitors can take the Na’vi River Journey by boat through a bio-luminescent rainforest or explore the world of Pandora atop a Banshee before meeting the incredibly lifelike animatronic figure, the Shaman of Songs.
Also at Animal Kingdom, there’s a new night-time shows to entertain visitors well after dark. Rivers of Light opened on 17th February 2017, which whisks passengers across the Discovery River on boats with performances, music, special effects, floating props and lit-up fountains.
Train like a ninja at Legoland
Legoland’s Ninjago World kicked off on 12th January so budding ninjas can train at the Spinjitzu stations then take on baddies with animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves and ice on the Lego Ninjago ride.
VR and electric shows at SeaWorld
Not one to be left behind, SeaWorld is adding Virtual Reality headsets to its popular Kraken rollercoaster from summer 2017. Those who choose can don the headsets to be taken on a thrilling journey through an underwater world of mythical sea creatures including the Kraken itself.
And from the dark of the deep blue to after-dark on land, SeaWorld’s evening show Electric Ocean also launches in summer. Topping off the day it features bioluminescent lighting, music and entertainment.
Mingle with the Hollywood stars
Hollywood Studios hits big for 2017 with fresh offerings from the worlds of Star Wars and Pixar. From January its Star Wars Guided Tour takes guests on a premium seven-hour tour with Jedi Training for kids aged four to 12 and perks like priority boarding on Star Tours – The Adventure Continues.
Then in May, comes the show The Music of Pixar LIVE – A Symphony of Characters, featuring a live symphony orchestra playing music from Disney Pixar films. It’ll be on three times a night at Hollywood Studios’ Theater of the Stars and you can also expect appearances by all of the favourite Pixar character like Woody and Jessie, Mike and Sulley, and the Incredibles.
Which of the latest Florida theme park additions are you most looking forward to for 2017, or are there some you’ve been lucky enough to go to already? Let us know in the comments below.
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