New Attractions Coming To SoCal Theme Parks
Millions of people from around the world visit Southern California theme parks every year. SoCal features some of the most thrilling attractions in the world, and this year’s got some exciting development in the works. Several parks will be adding some awesome new rides this year. Here’s a few that you should be excited for.
Tidal Twister — SeaWorld San Diego
Opening next month, Tidal Twister will be the first coaster of its kind in the world. Built by manufacturer Skyline Attractions, the ride will feature two trains on the track that will cycle through the layout multiple times, crossing over and under with each other. This ride will feature a heartline roll and will allow riders to go forwards and backwards over the same elements.
“It looks terrifying,” says Eastside freshman Vanessa Carlin, “but fun at the same time.”
SeaWorld also has plans for a 2020 coaster called Mako, the second dive coaster on the west coast. Be sure to visit the park when these new additions are added to their collection of rides!
West Coast Racers — Six Flags Magic Mountain
When Six Flags’ newest ride opens this year, it will be the first racing launch roller coaster ever in the world. West Coast Racers, built by the same company that built Full Throttle, will also be the first launch coaster to have quadruple launches through the layout. Before this, the maximum number of launches for a coaster was three. This ride will also have four inversions throughout its layout, reach a top speed of 55 mph, and it will cross over and under the other racing side a total of 14 times.
“Honestly that ride looks so amazing,” says freshman Sequoia Gonzalez. “I’m scared of roller coasters, but I would definitely ride that. I feel like a new ride would make it a lot better. It’ll make the park more interesting too.”
Also opening with West Coast Racers is a newly re-tracked Apocalypse that promises to be far smoother than in the past. Be sure to stop by here whenever you get a chance to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain later this year!
Jurassic World: The Ride — Universal Studios Hollywood
Jurassic World will be opening this summer, taking the place of long-time favorite Jurassic Park: The Ride. Jurassic World will use the same ride system as Jurassic Park so it will still be a water ride. While the park hasn’t released much information about the ride experience itself, we know that the ride will still be a river adventure with dinosaurs. However, in the moments before the 84-foot plunge into the lagoon below, riders will be greeted by an I-Rex instead of the T-Rex. The park has teased that there may be a unique twist that would make Jurassic World the first water ride of its kind, but details haven’t yet been announced.
“I think that the ride looks scary, but it also seems fun,” says freshman Chelsea O’Brien. “I would totally ride it even though I absolutely dislike dinosaurs.”
While an official opening date has not yet been announced by Universal, the new ride is rumored to open sometime in May or June. Check it out to see the new changes when it opens at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge — Disneyland
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is the newest land coming to Disneyland Resort. It will be opening on May 31 and feature two new brand-new rides, including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance. Smuggler’s Run will be a motion simulator ride that will allow riders to pilot a Millennium Falcon. Rise Of The Resistance will be a 28-minute-long ride experience and feature a trackless dark ride system with large and highly detailed sets for the ride. The land itself will also be very immersive for the park guests too.
“I’m honestly excited!” says freshman Iyccis Murray. “As a huge Star Wars fan, I’m really happy they are adding it to the park. This will want to make people go to Disneyland, especially the Star Wars fans.”
It’s not just Star Wars fans who are excited for the addition of this new world. But they still have to wait a month. When the new land does open on May 31st, pay for a trip to Disneyland and check out what the land has to offer!
Calico River Rapids — Knott’s Berry Farm
Opening in the summer of 2019, Calico River Rapids will be a re-theme of the classic Bigfoot Rapids that stood in its place. Calico River Rapids will feature new things such as animatronics and different set pieces. A few of the animatronics will be some animals and a giant Bigfoot animatronic in a cave. It will also feature new water effects, like dynamite-shaped water cannons, designed to soak the riders. The ride experience will be a raft of six people traversing through an unexplored river path encountering different wildlife and roaring rapids throughout while encountering a Bigfoot near the end.
“The rapids brought a family-oriented attraction to the park,” says Eastside senior Kayleen Moua. “As a result, Knott’s probably gain profits on its popularity.”
Even though Calico River Rapids is a re-theme of the older attraction before it, the public says it’s a needed change for Bigfoot Rapids. Come visit Knott’s Berry Farm in the summer of 2019 and cool off in the summer sun!
What new ride are you most excited for this year? Let us know in the comments below.
