The end....

I have finally reached the end of the semester, which means I am now almost done with this class. It is been an interesting run. While working on this project I have learned more about different types of parks than what I had ever imagined was possible. I hope you too have been able learn something or found some of what I had to say helpful! Doing this project has taught me a lot about websites and what exactly has to go into them to make them run smoothly. This project took up a lot of time and effort and gave me a better appreciation for the people that are continuously doing things like this. After this class is fully over I do not know how much I will keep up with this as I am not a big fan of writing that much. It will also be summer and I am sure I will be busy with job hunting and maybe even visiting some of the parks that I wrote about here in my blog. Hopefully they will turn out to be as exciting as some of their websites make them out to be. If not, I will probably be a little bummed. If you haven’t seen my products already, please take a look at them on

Cafe Press and see if there is something that you like on there. I would really appreciate it if you decided to buy something. Anyways…I hope you all take care and maybe someday I will decide to come back to this and add on to my current parks.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is an animal theme park located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida at the Walt Disney World Resort.  This park themed around animal conservation opened on April 22, 1998 and was the fourth park built at this resort and is more than just a zoo. This park is also the largest Disney theme park in the world! It covers more than a whopping 500 acres. One of the major attractions at this park is the tree of life. This is a sculpted 14-story, 50-foot-wide tree. Within the tree you can find 325 animals carved in the bark.

Within this park you can find seven different themed areas. When you first enter the park you enter in the Oasis. This area is filled with a large number of animal habitats. A rainforest is also located in this section with a restaurant that makes you feel like you are part of the atmosphere. In the center of the park one can find Discovery Island, which will connect you to almost every other area.  Also located in this section is The Tree of Life along with kangaroos, cranes, lemurs and so on. Africa is another section you can visit. Here you can take a safari vehicle to see African animals such as giraffes, hippos, elephants and lions roam freely.  At Camp Minnie-Mickey you can meet all of the Disney characters in a summer camp setting. If that’s not for you, you can head over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch where you can see and learn about endangered species.  Next, there’s Asia. Here one can venture through the jungle and see animals native to the continent. Finally, there is DinoLand U.S.A.  In this area you can learn more about dinosaurs and see live animals that can be linked back to dinosaurs. 

Knowbels

Knoebels Amusement Resort is located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The park was opened in 1926 and is one of the few amusement parks that is actually family-owned and operated. Just out side of the park you can find a picnic grove and campground that you may wish to use for an additional price.

Currently the park has more than 57 rides, free admission; yes I said FREE admission, a couple wooden roller coasters, a haunted house, and a carousel that was made before the time that the park first opened making it almost 100 years old.

Admission into the park is free along with parking, and entertainment. You do have to pay to go on the rides though if you wish to. To go on the rides you either pay-one price, or during week days you can get an all-day/unlimited-access wristband, a limited access hand stamp, or a books of tickets. For the hand stamps, there are several options; you can get them for just the night or during the morning. These options make it kind of nice especially for those that do not going on that many rides in the first place. You can bring Grandma and Grandpa along to help you keep the kids in check.

Within the park you can find two different countries: Northumberland and Columbia. In these areas you can find different shops, shows and attractions including kiddie rides, water rides, thrill rides, and roller coasters. There are also many different food options, and games that one can play if they choose to.

Knotts Berry Farm

Knotts Berry Farm is a theme park located in Buena Park California. The park first opened in 1940 and is open year round. This park is owned the same people that own Cedar Point and Worlds of Fun This company was not the company that originally built this park thought. When they took over, they made many changes to the park and started taking out some of the older rides to add thrill rides. Thrill rides include rides such as large roller coasters, their Shoot-the Chutes ride and Perilous Plunge. This park also has acquired a hotel for its guest to stay at if they choose to. Currently this hotel is called Knott’s Berry Farm Resort Hotel.

Within this park you can find six different themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk, Camp Snoopy, Wild Water Wilderness, and Indian Trials. The ghost town section of the park is based on the real ghost towns such as the ones of Calico, California and Prescott, Arizona. Here you can find old buildings that are full of shops and great learning exhibits. There is also numerous attractions.  In Fiesta Village, you can enjoy a Mexican theme and find all of the carnival rides that the park has to offer. The Boardwalk is the place to go to enjoy a majority of the parks thrill rides. Camp Snoopy is full of attractions for the young ones or those young at heart. Here kids are able to ride all of the rides and interact with the Peanuts cast if they choose to.  Wild Water Wilderness offers two different water rides just as the name suggests. Finally, in Indian trails you can find Native American art, crafts, and dance.

Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure is a theme park located in Orlando, Florida that is part of the Universal Orlando Resort. This park opened its doors in May of 1999. What is unique about this island is that the overall theme is journey of exploration and you get to explore 7 different islands, each having their own distinct themes.

Port of Entry is the first island you are in when you enter the parks entrance. Here you can shop at one of the island six different stores or enjoy some food at one of the four restaurants. Unlike the other islands, this one contains zero rides.

Marvel Super Hero Island is an Island that is totally inspired by the Marvel comic books. Here you will find the characters Wolverine, Captian America, Spider-Man, and the Incredible Hulk. Even some of the bad guys can be found here such as Doctor Doom, M.O.D.O.K, Hobgoblin, and Kingpin. The rides here are all focused around these characters and their stories.  

Toon Lagoon is more focused on kids but adults will be able to enjoy this park too. Most of the rides and attractions here contain water. This is a great area to visit on a really hot summer day and you are looking to cool off!

Jurassic Park is based off of the Jurassic Park movie. Here you can encounter dinosaurs, enjoy discovery-based exhibits, and feel like you are a part of the real Jurassic Park.  There are also multiple rides that you here for everyone to enjoy.

The Lost Continent is all about ancient myths and legends. Some of the parks areas features are an ancient Arabian marketplace called Sinbad’s Bazzaar and the mythological Grecian-Atlantis-style Lost City. While here you can enjoy two different live action shows.

Seuss Landing is much like the Dr. Seuss books, far from ordinary. If you have small children they are bound to find something to enjoy here. Some of the same features from the book include a Green Eggs and Ham Café and Circus McGurkus restaurant.

The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter is a section of the park that I have already wrote about. Refer back to my earlier post to find out more about this section by clicking here.

Typhoon Lagoon

This is a water park located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida at the Walt Disney World Resort.  This park opened up on June 1, 1989. Its theme is “Disney Legend” of a typhoon that wreaked havoc upon a formerly pristine tropical paradise.

The park is separated into five different sections known as: Mount Mayday,  Hideaway Bay, Typhoon Lagoon, Shark Reef, and Castaway Creek.  In Mount Mayday you can find “Miss Tilly,” a shrimp boat that is stuck on the mountain along with several different slides. In Hideaway Bay, you can find and thrilling water coaster and a sandy white beach area where you can relax in one of the many lounge chairs. The largest area of the park, Typhoon Lagoon is where you can find that widest variety of attractions.  One can learn to serf by taking a lesson before the park opens. If that’s not for you one could enjoy a slide or the world’s largest outdoor wave pool! For an ocean like experience you can head on over to Shark Reef where you can find saltwater tanks that you can snorkel in  or look at an underwater viewing of the reefs. Those that are not up for much adventure can enjoy Castaway Creek where there is a lazy river that circles the entire park with a little excitement along the way.  Finally, for the little one there is Ketchakiddee Creek which features small slides and fountains with different water features everywhere! People of all ages are bound to find something here that they will enjoy!

Legoland

Legoland Califonia is a theme park located in Carlsbad, California. This park opened up on March 20, 1999. This entire park is based around Legos, the toy that almost every kid is able to enjoy at least once in their life. But don’t let this let this fool you, people of all ages can enjoy this place. The park is separated into nine different sections including: The Beginning, Dino Island, Duplo, Village Green, Fun Town,  Castle Hill, Miniland USA, Pirate Shores, Imagination Zone, and Land of Adventure. On top of all this the park also features a water park that just opened in 2010.

Dino Island features all sorts of things about Dinosaurs. Here one can enjoy dino rides or dig for imitation dinosaur bones in the “Dig Those Dions” attractions.  Duplo is the smaller water area of the park. Here you can find numerous little water attractions and even enjoy a boat ride down a river lined with Fairy Tale Lego models. In Fun Town, the little ones can learn to drive electric cars made up of Legos. There is a more complex course for the older ones to enjoy. Castle Hill is a medieval-castle themed area. You can get a better look at the castle by taking  a ride on the Dragon roller coaster. In Miniland USA you can see miniature replicas made entirely of legos of popular cities across the United States. Imagination Zone allow its guest to play LEGO PC games and program robots.  Next you can go to Pirate Shores and enjoy one of the six pirate themed rides. Land of Adventure was made to look how Egypt did in the 1920’s.  

Waterpark Article Review

After submitting my articles to Ezine, I thought it would be fun to check out what other people were writing about on the same topic. Right now I am in a rut and just ready to graduate. Since summer is approaching I chose to focus more on articles about water parks and this one titled “Water Parks for Summer Fun” by Marisol Dayton struck my eye.

In this article Dayton talks about how summer is approaching and how beaches are pools can get old for kids, so when this happens, you should plan a trip to a water park for something new. She then goes on to tell us how much new modern water parks have to offer. Water parks are not like they use to be. Now they are much like amusement parks with all of the high tech slides that they have to offer. The slides now have such innovative designs and can reach high speeds. Some even drop form as high as 120 feet up in the air.

Many water parks now a days often cover multiple acres. Currently the largest water park in the United States is 70 acres. This means that the parks have lots to offer and that kids can go all day without getting the least bit bored. These parks don’t just offer ordinary slides and pools. They also offer lazy rivers that sometimes wrap around the entire park or wave pools that make you feel like you are at the beach. Some of the newer ones even have surf machines that allow you to make an attempt at surfing or kiddie play areas that resemble a huge water fort.

Morey's Piers

Morey’s Piers is located in Wildwood, New Jersey, along the ocean. This park first opened back in 1969 after the Morey Brothers Will and Bill brought two boardwalk lots. These brothers started out with a single attraction, and over the years they were able to expand the Pier a little at a time. They continued to purchase more and more land or additional piers.  Today several different attractions are located on these Piers that they now own.
If you are looking for thrill you can find it at one of the parks three piers. Mariner’s Landing, Surfside, and Adventure Pier are packed with lots of games and rides for those of all ages. One is bound to find some sort of ride that they like here. In Mariner’s landing you can some of the best food and rides that that the park has to offer. The biggest Arcade is also in this part of the park. Surf side Pier is the pier that started it all. Here you can fine roller coasters, rides for the little ones and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. In Adventure Pier you can find lots of adventure just like the name states. Here you can challenge those that you are with to a race on the Grand Prix Raceway or you can take it easy by getting on the Sky Ride that allows you to over look the entire park!
This park also contains two amazing water parks. These parks are called Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club, and Raging Waters Waterpark.

What One Should Wear to an Amusement/Theme Park

If you are planning on going on a trip to a Theme/Amusement park, you want to make sure you dressed properly. You want to be able to have a nice and enjoyable trip that everyone you are with can enjoy. You also do not want to spend extra money if you do not have to. In order to be best prepared you need to pay attention to what people you are with are wearing. To avoid simple mistakes I have provided to steps you need to follow and why it is that you should follow them:

Comfortable Clothing

Though out the day you will be doing different types of movement, so you want avoid wearing stiff clothing. You may even end up getting wet from one of the rides, so you want to avoid wearing dark undergarments under light clothing and anything that you do not want to get wet.

 Comfortable Shoe

Most trips to an amusement park or theme park contain lots and lots of walking. This makes wearing comfortable shoes very important. You want to avoid any type of shoe that may lead to blister and any shoe that you do not want to get dirty. Your best bet is to pick either a comfortable tennis shoe or sandal that you know you can stand wearing for the entire day.

If you follow these two simple rules, you should be able to enjoy your day to the fullest. You will be lucky enough not to have to listen to anyone complain about whatever it is that they are wearing.

Six Flags St. Louis

Six Flags St. Louis is located in Eureka, Missouri and as the name states it is near St. Louis. This park first opened in 1971 and covers roughly One hundred thirty-two acres of land. A fun fact about this particular Six Flags is that it was the 3^rd theme park of the Six Flags chain and was the last park that was built under the Six Flags name.

Surprisingly, I have actually been to this Park.  I went there a few years back with my church youth group.  When I first arrived at this park I was expecting it to be quite similar to Six Flags Great America, but boy was I wrong. All of the roller coasters had different names and the parks were set up completely different. The most similar things were the characters that you saw at various sections throughout the park and the games that they had to off. I kind of liked how different it was though because I was able to enjoy a new experience.

Currently this park contains many rides and attractions divided up into 8 different themed areas. These areas include: Illinois, Studio Backlot, Britannia, DC Comics Plaza, Choteau’s Market, 1904 World’s Fair, Gateway To The West, and Bugs Bunny National Park. Within these areas you can find 8 roller coasters made of both steel and wood, 3 water rides that are sure to get you wet, multiple adult rides, numerous kiddie rides in addition to a whole area dedicated to them, and rides that the whole family can enjoy.

What Adults Should Bring to a Waterpark

Below is a list of what adults should make sure they have when heading out to a waterpark.

Appropriate swimwear

It is VERY important that adults bring actual swimwear to wear in the water park. Nobody wants to see someone walking around in a bra and underwear or boxers. There is a reason they is a separate line of swimwear so utilize it! Also make sure it fits appropriately.  Most people don’t want to be able to see anything hanging/popping out! This is a family park and one has to remember that there are kids walking around.

Sandals

Make sure that you bring either sandals or water shoes to wear in and out of the park. Tennis shoes can be a pain because most areas you go to contain water, so there is a good chance that your feet are going to get wet! You don’t want wet feet that are stuck in tennis shoes. This is both uncomfortable and smelly!

Clothes to change into

It is nice to have a dry set of clothes to change into when you leave the park. That way if you decide to stop anywhere before reaching your final destination for the night you don’t have to worry about what you are wearing.

Towels

Make sure you have towels for everyone in the family. At some point everyone will want to dry off. They are also nice for lying down in the beach chairs to reserve your spots. This way, your family will have a place to come back to throughout the day if they want to take a break.  This also makes it easier to find people though out the day.

What Children Should Have with Them at a Waterpark

What to wear to the water park. Below I have compiled a list of different items you should make sure to bring with you for a child if you plan on going to a water park.

Swim Diaper - You can purchase swim diapers here
Swim Diapers are better than a reagular diaper while at the pool. All children that are still in diapers should be in swim diapers.  I know there are chemicals in the pool, but that should not make a difference.  Putting the appropriate diaper on your child is just the right thing to do.  No one wants to have to worry about floaters while they are in the water.

Life Jacket - You can Purchase a life jacket here If the child or children you are with either can’t swim or are at a low swim level you should make sure that you take the proper safety precautions. This includes a life jacket or any other floating device.

Sandals / Water Shoes
Kids tend to not pay attention to where they are walking. To keep them from getting into anything that you might find gross, it is a good idea to bring along either sandals or water shoes for them.  You don’t want to bring regular shoes that you have to wear socks with, these may get uncomfortable if they get wet and start to smell.  In the water park, the concrete is also hot if it is not blocked by the sun or wet. Some kids might have a lower pain tolerance; therefore they will not be able to handle it. If you don’t want to have to worry about carrying your kid or kids around with you when they are not in the water it is a good idea to make sure that they have something on their feet. 

Swimwear
Kids need to wear the appropriate swimwear when at the park. Many parks will not let children even enter the park if they are in regular clothes.  It is ok if you let them were a clean t-shirt if you fear that they may get burnt, but other than that you should stick to clothes that were meant to be worn in water.

Dry set of clothes to change into
It is nice to bring a dry set of clothes to change into after you are done for the day, especially if you are going to be spending a longer amount of time in your car. After a long day outside, kids will most likely wear themselves out and be tired when they get to the car. You want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible to keep the crankiness to a minimum.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizardling World of Harry Potter can be found in Orlando, Florida at Universal Parks and Resorts. This park was recently opened on June 18, 2010. If you love Harry Potter or are even somewhat interested, I am sure you are just as eager to go to this park if you have not been there already.  

Within the park you can find an amazing replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  For a moment, you can feel like one of the students of the school or part of the movie. This area features Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which allows you to tour the castle and its surrounding grounds.  Guests can also interact with characters and different props from the Harry Potter series. Once one boards the magic bench they are taken around the castle where they are able to see a Quidditch Match, encounter the Whomping Willow, and a horde of dementors.  Another replica to the actual story that the park made was the creation of Hogsmeade. This area includes some of the same restaurants and shops that you see in the movie including: Dervish and Ganges, Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko’s Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head.  You can also enjoy one of the many attractions. The Dragon Challenge is a pair of dueling roller coasters that is full of excitement. It reaches high speeds and makes all sorts of twists and turns. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a friendly roller coaster that the whole family can enjoy. Here you can enjoy a smoother ride. Over all this park seems very exciting and I can wait for the day that I am able to visit it!