Who's ready for a thrill ride?
We've got two new coaster reviews, a big trip report from Germany, plus lots of news from Disney this week in the newsletter.
The sun is just beginning to emerge from the June gloom that followed the May gray that followed the rainy-season-that-wouldn’t-end here in Theme Park Insider’s home of Southern California. So, of course, next up will be the roasting sun and heat of summer. Looks like the perfect time for some new roller coasters, then. High speed drops are just another form of air conditioning, right?
Let's start with coasters (and on-ride videos)
Hersheypark's new Wildcat's Revenge vindicates expectations: So how was Wildcat's Revenge, the RMC rebuild of Hersheypark's Wildcat coaster? In a word, wild! The intensity was relentless and the pacing was spot on. Bobbie Butterfield enjoyed it from beginning to finish.
Arctic Rescue offers a fun addition to SeaWorld San Diego: Arctic Rescue is the roller coaster equivalent of a fun run. You don't need to work your way into shape for it and it won't grind you down. It's just a fun run around the backyard of SeaWorld San Diego - a nice addition to help round out the park's growing roller coaster line-up.
Robert's top 10 new coasters of 2023, so far: It's been a busy couple of weeks for roller coaster debuts, so I thought now would be a good time to look back and start a debate over which coasters have moved to the head of the class of 2023.
Explore more parks with Theme Park Insider's videos: Looking to get some inspiration or just pass some time before your next big theme park visit? We now have an easier way for you to watch Theme Park Insider's videos from top parks around the world.
On to a trip report
Size matters not in delivering theme, thrills at Phantasialand: This summer Matt McDonough was lucky enough to be selected for a two-month teaching stint in Remagen, Germany. While some poor misguided souls would be content to just gawk at the stunning Rhine River vistas and eat their body weight in schnitzel, Matt opted to do all that AND visit some theme parks. First up is Phantasialand, the second-most-visited theme park in Germany.
What's next at Disney
Here's how Disney is cooking up the story for Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Now that Splash Mountain has closed on both coasts, Disney has revealed more details about its replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will open next year at Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Natalie Niles fills us in after Disney's press tour in New Orleans.
Disney shares new looks from its next 'Frozen Ever After' ride: Disney is plussing its first-ever 'Frozen' theme park ride for its debut inside Disney's first-ever 'Frozen' theme park land, later this year.
Can anything save Disney's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser? Is there any hope that fans might get to experience Disney's Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser after it closes at Walt Disney World this fall?
World of Color gets a new pre-show in advance next Pixar release: Disneyland is promoting its new Pixar animated film, 'Elemental,' with a new introduction to the World of Color show at Disney California Adventure.
Disneyland offers new summer discounts to California residents: The Disneyland Resort has introduced its latest California resident ticket deal - and we have a link that will get you those tickets for even less than Disneyland is offering via its website.
Disneyland sets dates for 2023's Halloween Time return: Halloween Time kicks off September 1 at the Disneyland Resort this year, with tickets to Oogie Boogie Bash going on sale late this month.
Apple gets into AR - parks next?
Is there a future for Apple's new headset with Disney Parks? Disney CEO Bob Iger joined this week's big announcement from Apple of its new Apple Vision Pro virtual/augmented reality system. The $3,500 price for the headsets grabbed the initial headlines, but the suggestion that the system could feature content from Disney's theme parks merits some discussion from theme park fans. Especially now that Apple has bought the company behind the headsets on Universal's Mari Kart ride.
Looking ahead to Halloween
Three days of haunts start the season at Midsummer Scream: This year's edition of the world's largest Halloween and horror convention will feature three days for the Hall of Shadows, the convention's haunted attraction zone. More than a dozen haunts will fill the zone, which this year will feature the theme 'Dungeons & Demons.'
Knott's to start ticket sales for 50th anniversary Scary Farm: The 50th anniversary Knott's Scary Farm will start one week later than originally announced last year.
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Thank you for reading!
Robert Niles, Editor
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