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TOP GUN Rollercoaster Ride Photo © 2005 Paramount Parks, Inc.

The United States is home to more theme parks and Family Entertainment Centers (FEC) than any other country in the world. From the large, corporate parks, like those in the Disney and Six Flags families, to small family-owned and operated parks, the nation's landscape is dotted with acres of thrilling rides and a wide variety of attractions.

When Disneyland first opened in 1955, many people were skeptical that an amusement park without any of the traditional attractions such as ferris wheels and boxed roller coasters would succeed. But Disneyland proved to the world that it was different. Instead of a traditional midway, Disneyland offered five, distinct themed areas, providing visitors with the fantasy of traveling to different lands and times. Disneyland was an immediate success and, as a result, the theme park era was born. Over the next several years, there were many attempts to duplicate the success of Disneyland's theme park. It wasn't until 1961, when Six Flags Over Texas opened, that another theme park successfully attracted millions of visitors in a year. Today, the amusement park remains an international favorite attraction. Many developing nations are experiencing the joys of the amusement park for the first time, while the older, more established amusement parks continue to search for new and different ways to keep visitors happy. It wasn't until the birth of water parks and indoor theme parks that the attention of the nation was captured. Theme park rides are taking advantage of technology to reach heights and speeds that thrill seekers only dreamt about not too long ago.

Accommodations at the Park After a big day of play, resting at a comfortable hotel with full amenities is as important as dropping from a roller coaster or splashing on a water ride. Most, if not all, themed-parks in the United States offer numerous lodging options both inside and outside the parks. There are plenty of five-star hotels that offer numerous amenities including outdoor pools and fitness centers that visitors can enjoy. Those who prefer to rest in nature's setting should take advantage of the RV Parks and campgrounds that are offered by parks such as Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho. To assist visitors in planning their stay, special accommodation packages are usually offered through the combined efforts of the park and hotel. Paramount's Great America offers the Great America package where park admission, meals and accommodations are included in one simple rate. Disneyland's Resort Package also assists in planning the stay at the park more convenient and enjoyable.

THEME PARKS

Walt Disney World
Offering four uniquely themed parks and two invigorating water parks, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most popular amusement parks in the world. Relive childhood memories at the Magic Kingdom Park where Disney storybook characters come alive through rides, games and live entertainment. Tour Cinderella and her Prince Charming's Castle, ride Aladdin's magic carpet, or sail away abroad a flying galleon and follow Peter Pan on a whimsical journey to experience Disney's land of adventure. The attractions at the Magic Kingdom don't end with the rides—attend a live musical act the the Galaxy Palace Theater or join the Disney Princesses Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine and Belle on stage to celebrate as Cinderalla becomes crowned a princess. For more of an interactive activity at the park, raft down the splashing waters down the Chakranadi River through the Asian rainforest or venture into an open-air safari to explore the majesty of nature and fascinating animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends delight audiences of all ages when they perform at an intimate stage show and Tarzan rocks to a four-act 30-minute musical performance. Broadway-style productions are a favorite at Disney World where visitors have the opportunity to sing, dance and play along with Playhouse Disney pals Bear, Tutter and Pooh at Disney-MGM Studios. Join Belle and the Beast at the Theater of the Stars for an exciting night of extravagant costumes and special effects.

Numerous educational attractions and interactive experiences are also available at this enchanting park. Mission: SPACE at Disney's Epcot provides an integration of thrilling rides with a first-hand experience of being part of an astronaut team. This exhilirating experience is a challenge that appeals to participants of all ages. Through the numerous rides, live shows, interactive games and parades, Disney World and its four themed parks makes it possible for visitors to explore the world in a day.

Disneyland
An exciting, year-round visitor destination is Anaheim, California, where the famous Disneyland offers four separate park areas—Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland and Adventureland. Among meeting Mickey, Goofy and the rest of the Disney characters, rides, mascots, restaurants, shows and games are among the favorite attractions at Disneyland. Experiencing the thrills of theme parks just wouldn't be complete without staying overnight at a theme hotel. Numerous Disneyland packages, including airfare, accommodations and park passes are available to help make a stay in Anaheim convenient yet enjoyable. The Disneyland Resort offers numerous lodging options with special deals at hotels such as Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, both of which have spectacular views of the park. Visitors will usually find affordable accommodations near the parks and Anaheim's public transportation system, the Metrolink rail system and rental cars are relatively inexpensive and convenient. When visiting Anaheim, attend a Mighty Ducks hockey game at Arrowhead Pond or enjoy a game of golf at Anaheim Hills Golf Course for a variety of activities.

Six Flags Over Texas Photo courtesy of Arlington Visitors Bureau

Six Flags
For more than 40 years, Six Flags has given children and adults the freedom to discover captivating settings and thrilling adventures. Its legacy began with Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and grew to transform the way families vacation. Six Flags is the world's largest regional theme park company delivering fun-filled experiences to visitors at over 30 parks in America. Six Flags Over Texas has attracted thousands of visitors every year with its thrilling rides, great food, entertaining marquee shows and underwater adventures. Featuring over 10 showcase hotels and numerous rides and attractions, Six Flags offers an exciting, action-packed vacation for all ages.

Visitors to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, are in for a scenic adventure as they are presented with 16 world-class roller coasters and over 100 different rides and challenging games. Join the Looney Tunes at the pavilion in the Six Flags Plaza or the Batman Begins Stunt Show for a night of comedy and laughter. Offering luxurious guest rooms and facilities, there are an abundance of hotels that are situated near the park to accommodate visitors from both near and far. Guests can enjoy some sight-seeing opportunities, a meal at a fine restaurant or shopping at the Valencia Town Center for a variety of activities in Valencia.

Tourists in the east coast of the United States also have the opportunity to share the same fun and entertainment as the rest of the country; Six Flags New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, now features a simulation attraction SpongeBob SquarePants: The Ride. This ride simulator features an original 10-minute film based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon series and features a video introduction by SpongeBob SquarePants at the start of each show.

Experience the excitement of Mardi Gras at the Jazzland Theme Park that is also located in New Orleans. Recently acquired by Six Flags, this theme park features a Mardi Gras area filled with parades, mini-carnivals, crafts, dancing and numerous shopping centers. When staying in New Orleans during the month of February, enrich the experience by joining the Mardi Gras party where elaborate floats, costumes and masques are seen throughout the city.

Among the parks with rides and comedic shows, Six Flags has also established over 20 water parks across the United States with two in the Texas area. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington and Six Flags SplashTown in Spring, makes the summer heat more bearable with water slides and raft rides. The fun also doesn't end there. Vallejo, California, offers Six Flags Marine World and Jackson, New Jersey, features bisons, elephants, rhinos, camels and more at Six Flags Great Adventure. Visit any of America's Six Flags to find out how this theme park earned the reputation as one of the most entertaining and interactive parks in the country.

Tubing down the waterslide Photo © 2005 Paramount Parks, Inc.

Paramount Parks
Paramount Parks has established numerous theme parks from California to North Carolina to Ohio. The World's Largest Nickelodeon Theme Park Area at Paramount's Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers a thrilling four-minute ride on Azul, the train with Dora the Explorer and her friends. Meet the rest of the Nickelodeon characters at Nickelodeon Central where interactive phantom characters, rotating mini-pirate ships, helicopter-themed cars and wooden roller coasters help to release an adrenaline rush. Northern California also knows how to have fun, with Paramount's Great America solidly established in the Bay Area of Santa Clara, California. Earning the reputation as one of Northern California's favorite places for family fun and thrills, this theme park offers an exciting water park where visitors have the chance to take a break from the heat of the sun. With an addition of two new body water slides, a heated lagoon and more, Paramount's Great America is one of the first theme park in California that offers a water park inside the premises. Visitors also have the opportunity to rock at the numerous concerts and live performances or blast out a tune from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon and TV Land Classics on the karaoke stage.

For those who crave extreme thrills of roller-coaster rides, visit Paramount's Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, for the world's tallest, longest and fastest looping wooden roller-coaster. Plunge 26-storys at a speed of over 61mph (98 kph) on the tallest Gyro Drop in the world or ride The Beast through dark tunnels to explore the gripping terror that Paramount has to offer. For the younger kids, join the Rugrats clan for a day of twists and turns on the Rugrats Runaway Reptar or blast ghosts in the Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle. Paramount's Kings Island is located near the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, which is the prime location of the Ohio River and Coney Island Amusement Park, both of which are also major attractions in Ohio.

Dining at the Parks Theme parks are filled with thrills and excitement but there are also numerous appetizing adventures that can be equally as enjoyable. Besides the all-you-can-eat buffets that are offered at most parks, juicy burgers, hot pizzas, crispy french fries and smoked barbeques are also served at the concessions stands throughout the parks. Churros, pretzels, cotton candy, corn dogs, mini-donuts and ice cream are also among the favorite treats that are often indulged at theme parks. Drinks are also plentiful as visitors have the option of choosing between creamy milkshakes, fruit smoothies and soda pops. For a healthy alternative, other non-carbonated drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, milk and water are served at many locations along the midway.

Cedar Point
Particularly known for its roller coaster lineup, since it has more coasters than any other theme park in North America, Cedar Point at Sandusky, Ohio, holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the tallest, fastest and steepest roller coasters in the world. Experience the Demon Drop where passengers are suspended in cars on top of a 131-foot (40 m) tower before they are plummeted down 60 feet (18 m) in less than two seconds. Besides the thrilling free falls and roller coaster rides, Cedar Point also offers three water rides that are wildly refreshing for hot summer days. Ride the 12-passenger rafts that are sent through 1,600 feet (488 m) of churning rapids at the Thunder Canyon or splash down the 50-foot (15 m) drop at the White Water Landing.

Along with its wide collection of more than 68 different rides, Cedar Point also showcases everything from karaoke for kids and the beat of rock’n’roll to unique ice skating and daring high-diving shows. The park also features four kid areas where interactive rides are offered at Camp Snoopy, PEANUTS Playground, Kiddy Kingdom and at the Gemini Children's Area. For a relaxing stay at the park, visit the Cedar Point Beach to soak up the sun or participate in competitive sports such as sand volleyball, frisbee and shuffleboard.

With resort accommodations right on the peninsula, Cedar Point is an ideal location for a mini-vacation or weekend getaway. The Cedar Point Resorts feature adjacent waterfront hotels and lakefront cottages. Also located at Cedar Point are several mini-parks including Soak City, a Caribbean-themed indoor waterpark resort located just minutes from the park. Next to Soak City water park is the Challenge Park where interactive activities like the X-Treme Trampoline, the towering RipCord Skycoaster, two high-speed go-kart tracks and two 18-hole miniature golf courses entertain and challenge visitors. Challenge Park also offers a popular arcade with state-of-the-art games, food stands that feature hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks. A merchandise shop is also located on the premises for those who enjoy shopping for souvenirs and gifts.

	View of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio Photo courtesy of Cedar Point

The parks listed here are a mere few of the many different theme parks available across the nation. Theme parks in the United States are expanding faster than ever since visitors now have the option of choosing between traditional outdoor theme parks, water parks and indoor theme parks. The newer concept of indoor water parks such as Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort in Erie, Pennsylvania, also attracts thousands of visitors each year. Theme parks have been part of the American tradition for decades now and despite the minor changes of the traditional park concept, visitors are still enjoying the speed of the roller coasters, the reliving of childhood memories and, most of all, the thrills of entering a journey filled with both laughter and screams.