Family holidays
Happy
America's theme parks remain a huge draw for UK family visits and constant renewal keeps the repeat visitation high. But the USA's stunning natural wonders are every bit as captivating
families
W
alt Disney transformed the family holiday scene in
America when he opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1955 and followed it with Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971. Both are still going strong and
continue to expand and evolve, but today’s family holidaymakers have a wealth of child-friendly options to tempt them throughout the USA. Orlando is known as the world’s
theme park capital and each year attracts over a million UK visitors. Disney World is the most popular draw of them all. The original Magic Kingdom park is undergoing major expansion in 2012, almost doubling the size of Fantasyland including a new rollercoaster. Disney World also comprises futuristic theme park Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and
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Animal Kingdom, as well as water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Universal Orlando has been wowing
youngsters of all ages with its recently- added Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed area in the Islands of Adventure park. It features a giant Hogwarts Castle, through which visitors take a tour, as well as three rides. New for 2012 at Islands of Adventure is a re-engineered version of the popular Amazing Adventures of Spiderman ride, in 4K high definition, with a new Despicable Me ride at Universal Studios Florida. Nearby Wet ‘n Wild is a popular sister water park. At SeaWorld Orlando, Shamu the
orca (killer whale) is star of the show, with the new Manta coaster adding aquatic thrills. Visitors to adjacent Discovery Cove can interact and swim with dolphins, explore new underwater
www.visitusa.org.uk
attraction The Grand Reef and enjoy wave pools, water rides and flume tubes at its new Aquatica theme park. Also part of the same group, Busch Gardens Tampa boasts animal attractions and thrill rides including its new Cheetah Hunt high-speed, twisting coaster ride.
Welcome to Legoland Central Florida’s newest visitor draw is
Legoland Florida, featuring 50 rides, shows and attractions geared for youngsters aged 12 and under on the site of the old Cypress Gardens. Gatorland, with its alligator shows, is among long-time favourites.
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