Amusement Parks Around the Country

By: Lizzie W.

From Disneyworld to Georgia’s very own Six Flags, here’s a look at some of our nation’s most beloved amusement parks.

Six Flags Over Georgia

This super-hero-themed park is located in Atlanta and boasts over 30 rides, including several well-known roller coasters such as Batman, Superman, Goliath, and The Great American Scream Machine. Along with the Georgia Cyclone, The Great American Scream Machine is considered a wooden classic. When it was built in 1973, it was among the world’s longest and tallest roller coasters. The Georgia Cyclone, also a wooden roller coaster, followed in The Scream Machine’s success, opening for the first time in 1990 and quickly gained popularity. Six Flags’ other icon is Goliath, the 20 stories tall, 8.5 acres long steel monstrous roller coaster. Goliath reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour. Since its opening in 2006, it has remained a favorite of roller coaster enthusiasts everywhere.

King’s Dominion

King’s Dominion is located outside of Richmond, Virginia. This park’s thrill rides include the 50 mph Anaconda, the 27 stories high Drop Tower, and the 300 feet tall Intimidator 305. The park also contains family rides such as the Americana Ferris wheel and the Avalanche bobsled ride. King’s Dominion is home to a one-third replica of the Eiffel Tower, which is one of the park’s signature attractions. From the top, guests have a panoramic view of the park and surrounding countryside.

Busch Gardens

Not too far from King’s Domain, this amusement park is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Busch Gardens stands out from other amusement parks with its many close-up animal interaction tours. The park is known for housing some of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale horses, and was originally opened to promote Anheuser-Busch. Its signature thrill rides include Apollo’s Chariot, the Griffon, and the Loch Ness Monster.

Universal Studios, Orlando Resort

Located in Orlando, Florida, this movie-themed amusement park has gained a lot of popularity since the opening of its latest section, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. In addition to the magic of walking through Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter contains rides such as the Dueling Dragons, Flight of the Hippogriff, and The Forbidden Journey. In other areas of the park, popular thrill rides include The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Revenge of the Mummy, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. The Universal Orlando Resort is home to the famous Blue Man Group.

Disneyland

Over on the West Coast, Disneyland is located in California. It is comprised of two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Main Street, USA is the famous entrance to Disneyland Park. Other areas of the park include Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, and Adventureland. Disney California Adventure Park is home to rides such as California Screamin’ and the Grizzly River Run.

Walt Disney World

Disneyworld, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most well known amusement parks in America. Each of its four theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, contain classic rides recognized by anyone. The 107-acre Magic Kingdom is home to Disney’s signature Cinderella Castle. Among its many rides are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World. Epcot is known for its World Showcase, which is a section of the park highlighting different countries from all corners of the globe. Epcot is twice the size of Magic Kingdom, and is known for Spaceship Earth, the ride inside the giant ball commonly shown in photos of the park. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is home to attractions such as the Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest. Like Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle and Epcot’s Spaceship Earth, Animal Kingdom is known for its iconic Tree of Life, a 50-foot diameter sculpted tree located in the center of the park. The fourth theme park, Hollywood Studios, has a large number of shows and interactive performances, including Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and the fireworks shows Fantasmic!

Don’t miss the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta 100^th Anniversary celebration, Girlapalooza, at Six Flags over Georgia on Sunday November 5^th. 

Get your tickets here.