News, Reviews & Series
The latest theme park news, trip reports and event reviews from Texas and beyond.
Rowdy Bear's Avalanche Snow Coaster POV | World's First & America's Only Powered Alpine Coaster
Opened as the Power Coaster in 2021, the Avalanche Snow Coaster is the world's first and America's only powered alpine coaster (as of the release of this video). Riders board their own powered vehicle and trek along 2,200 feet of track. The unique attraction also allows for side-by-side seating with the main passenger able to control the speed of their vehicle throughout the ride experience. Avalanche Snow Coaster is one of multiple attractions found at Rowdy Bear Mountain in Pigeon Forge, TN.
In-Depth Tour of Dollywood Theme Park | Exploring New Big Bear Mountain & Other Iconic Attractions
Dollywood Theme Park first opened in 1961, focusing mostly on a railroad theme. In 1976, the Herschend family purchased the park and it would eventually transform into Silver Dollar City. Fast forward to 1986 and Silver Dollar City would become Dollywood, with part of its ownership being purchased by Dolly Parton. Today, Dollywood has nine roller coasters, including the iconic Lightning Rod and Tennessee Tornado. On top of that, the park features great theming, festivals, award-winning entertainment and the all-new Big Bear Mountain coaster and Wildwood Grove area.
In-Depth Look: Anakeesa Adventure Park & Amazing Astra Lumina Night Walk | Gatlinburg, TN
Anakeesta Adventure Park, located in Gatlinburg, TN, is a prime destination for amazing views of the mountain landscape and surrounding areas. Anakeesta features several attractions, including ziplines, a mountain coaster, observation tower and more. Join us for a look at the park's experimental sensory garden walk, Vista Gardens, along with the Treetop Skywalk, which features over 800 feet of hanging bridges. One of Anakeesta's prime attractions, Astra Lumina, is also now open. Astra Lumina features eight extraordinary sections that feature cutting-edge multimedia, audio and lighting effects.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster POV | Voted Best & Most Thrilling Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, TN
Originally opened as the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster in 2014, the Moonshine Mountain Coaster is a high-thrill attraction that features 2,500 feet of track. The Moonshine Mountain Coaster has won a number of local awards, including Best Mountain Coaster of 2021 by Best of Pigeon Forge, Top Mountain Coaster by Visit My Smokies and Most Thrilling Mountain Coaster by the Stony Brook Cabins blog.
Ripley's Mountain Coaster POV | Amazing Views of the Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, TN)
First introduced in 2017 as the Rowdy Bear Coaster, the high-thrill Ripley's Mountain Coaster is located in Gatlinburg, TN. This attraction reaches speeds of up to 35 miles per hour while giving a great view of the surrounding landscape.
Frisco City Council Approves Universal Theme Park
Frisco City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a zoning proposal that would make way for a Universal theme park. The proposed park has been the subject of several public meetings and even some pushback from concerned residents including folks who live just down the street from the area.
North America’s Second Peppa Pig Theme Park to Open in North Texas in 2024
Starting in 2024, families will be able to enter the playful world of Peppa Pig for an unforgettable day of adventure at North America's second Peppa Pig Theme Park set to open in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Designed to be the ultimate theme park experience for little ones, this all-new standalone theme park located in North Richland Hills will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, themed playscapes and shows, all based on instantly recognizable locations from the globally popular brand.
Universal Parks & Resorts Plans to Bring New Concept for Families with Young Children to Frisco, Texas
Universal Parks & Resorts announces a one-of-a-kind theme park, unlike any other in the world, specifically designed to inspire fun for families with young children. The new park concept, set in a lush green landscape and featuring immersive themed lands, celebrates Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and innovation and brings to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow even the youngest theme park goers.
North Texas' Newest Roller Coaster, Prairie Screamer, Now Open at Traders Village
Originally opened in 1973, Traders Village in Grand Prairie, Texas is home to Prairie Playland. This small amusement park is home to over a dozen rides and attractions, including the new Prairie Screamer roller coaster. Standing 90 feet tall, Prairie Screamer reaches speeds of 50 miles per hour with an 80-foot first drop.
ZDT's Amusement Park | In-Depth Tour & Exclusive Details on Future Planned Seasonal Events
ZDT's Amusement Park, a great family-owned park, is located in Seguin, TX. Opened in 2007, ZDT's is currently home to 13 rides and attractions, including the iconic Switchback shuttle coaster, water slides and extensive go-cart track. Join us for an in-depth winter tour of the park, including details about planned seasonal events set to begin in fall of 2023!
Mako Back Row POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Riding One of Orlando's Fastest Roller Coasters
Join us for a back row ride on Mako, SeaWorld Orlando's B&M Hyper Coaster. Mako opened on June 10, 2016 and features a height of 200 feet with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. With 4,760 feet of track, Mako is one of Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest roller coasters.
Ice Breaker POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Orlando's Newest Multi-Launch Roller Coaster
Ice Breaker opened at SeaWorld Orlando on February 18, 2022. This Premier Rides launched steel coaster features a height of 93 feet and top speed of 52 miles per hour. The attraction also launches riders forward and backwards multiple times.
Mako Front Row POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Riding a 200' Tall Hyper Coaster
Join us for a front row ride on Mako, SeaWorld Orlando's B&M Hyper Coaster. Mako opened on June 10, 2016 and features a height of 200 feet with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. With 4,760 feet of track, Mako is one of Orlando's longest, tallest and fastest roller coasters.
Kraken POV, SeaWorld Orlando | Floorless Coaster with Seven Inversions
Kraken is SeaWorld Orlando's intense floorless steel coaster. First opened on June 1, 2000, this attraction features a height of 153 feet tall and a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Kraken also features 7 intense inversions, including two vertical loops, a dive loop and a spiraling camelback.
Behind-the-Scenes Manta Tour, Riding the All-New Ice Breaker & More! | SeaWorld Orlando
Our first-ever visit to SeaWorld Orlando is jam-packed with first-time rides on coasters such as Mako and Kraken, a behind-the-scenes tour of Manta, in-depth looks at Sesame Street Land and more. SeaWorld Orlando originally opened December 15, 1973, just two years after Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Today, the 200-acre park features 6 roller coasters, several entertainment and event offerings and more.
Cheetah Hunt POV, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Multi-Launching Steel Coaster
Cheetah Hunt, a steel Intamin launch coaster, opened on May 27, 2011. Located at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, this high thrill attraction features a 130-foot drop, speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, 1 inversion and 3 separate launches.
Montu POV, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | First Coaster Ever to Feature an Immelmann Loop
Montu is a record-breaking inverted coaster that opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on May 16, 1996. The attraction, built by B&M, was the first inverted coaster to feature 7 inversions and an Immelmann loop. Montu stands 150 feet high and reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour with a track length of 3,983 feet.
Cobra's Curse POV, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Spinning Coaster with Elevator Lift
This unique spinning coaster first opened at Busch Garden's Tampa Bay on June 17, 2016. Featuring an elevator lift, Cobra's Curse stands 70 feet tall and reaches speeds of 40 miles per hour. Throughout the circuit, riders experience forwards, backwards and spinning as the train shifts back and forth.
Iron Gwazi POV, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | World's Steepest & Fastest Hybrid Roller Coaster
Opened on March 11, 2022 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Iron Gwazi holds the record for the world's steepest and fastest hybrid roller coaster! Iron Gwazi reaches heights of 206 feet with a top speed of 76 miles per hour. Featuring 12 airtime points, the coaster also features a Barrel Roll Downdrop and Zero-G Stall, making it one of the most intense coasters in America.
Animal Experiences at Busch Gardens Tampa | Feeding Giraffes, Nutrition Center, Elephant Encounter
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay first opened in 1959 and is home to more than 200 species of animals. Join us as we take a look at several of the park's animal experiences, including the elephant encounter, reptile and penguin exhibits, the park's Serengeti Plain habitat and more. During our visit we were also able to take an exclusive tour of the park's nutrition center, along with go on a safari that included feeding giraffes.