We're All Looking for a Little Amusement
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
April 21, 2004
These days, entertainment seems to revolve around the word “reality.” It's odd because I always thought the purpose of books, movies, music--even travel--was in part to let us escape the clutches of reality. Perhaps the secret to “reality” entertainment is that it is real enough for us to relate to it vicariously, yet thrilling enough that it satisfies our escapist fantasies.
Nowhere does this fine line become more obvious than in America’s theme and amusement parks. No matter how many times I visit Orlando, which I like to call the Capital of Amusement because it offers over 95 major attractions, I am always carried away. As if on a magic carpet, I go along for the ride, never wondering just how it is I'm flying. I simply enjoy the ride.
Who wouldn’t like an idealized world built just for her? In this world, terror and fear are voluntary, and last only a few gripping minutes on rides built for fun. As a society infatuated with reality from The Bachelor to Extreme Makeovers, it's amazing that we can still get lost in things so very unreal. All at the same time, these rides can be so realistic. Take Disney's newest ride, Mission Space, which lets you play the role of an astronaut headed out to space. Spiderman, a virtual reality ride at Universal captures the world inside Marvel Comic book pages. Weirdly realistic, these attractions are our escapes. The world outside slips away like the floor in the spinning rides, which, when I was a kid used to be the best adrenaline rush out there. But forgetting everything else is only part of what makes them so captivating.
Passing through a major theme park, you see families, who just moments before may have been fighting, burst into a fit of giggles with tears of happiness streaming down their faces. Grandparents wax nostalgic over the first Ferris Wheel they rode. Friends join in and laugh about those "remember when?” times. There is power in the moments shared, a passing on of an American tradition and story swapping.
As with any sort of travel, an escape from your own reality can open a window to the world. My life is all about travel, and I would argue there is no greater tool for education than experiencing the real thing--but not everyone has the means to get to a place. A theme park can broaden your horizons and spark an interest that may lead to more adventures down the road. That spark is priceless, and it’s a pretty good bargain when it comes out of a day of amusement.
Children can see the animal kingdom in a habitat resembling its native lands. There are architectural details to view, different kinds of food to sample, and so much more.
Of course, none of this is limited to Orlando. For those who can't make it to the Capital of Amusement, try other major park locations or local parks within driving distance. To visit a theme park is to escape from, and yet immerse oneself in popular culture, another obsession of ours. With the reality of our reality--our hard work and even harder culture--it's important to take the time out to play, to be amused, to enjoy.
Park Highlights:
- Walt Disney World features 47-square miles of fun, including four amusement parks (The Magic Kingdom, MGM, Epcot, and the Animal Kingdom), two water parks, six golf courses, two full-service spas, shopping, and nightlife. This park appeals to multi-generational travelers, but skews to those with younger kids and nostalgic travelers of all ages. New rides this year include Mission Space and Disney's Philharmagic. Other locations include: Disneyland Resort - Anaheim, CA; Disneyland Resort - Paris; and the Tokyo Disney Resort. For more information visit: www.disney.com
- Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure is home to movie themed rides like the Hulk, Spiderman, and Dueling Dragons as well as this year's Shrek and Mummy rides. Universal has a grittier, more urban feel, which makes it appeal to teens up to the 30-something crowd. There is an area themed entirely in Dr. Seuss as well as a Jurassic park domain. Universal sports Hard Rock Cafe along their Citywalk with plenty of other places to dine, shop, and be entertained. Other locations include: Hollywood, CA, Japan, and Spain. For more information visit: www.universalstudios.com
- Known mostly as the home of Shamu, Sea World is known by area insiders for having the best rollercoaster in town. If you love speed and flipping up, down and around, you have to try Kraken. While there you can dine in the Shark den, visit the Penguins and try the other water rides, but after Kraken, they'll pale in comparison. Sea World, mostly known for animal encounters, is good for a day trip, especially if you need to take a break from the whirling motion of the many other attractions, but may not hold your attention for much longer. (Other locations include: San Diego, CA; San Antonio, TX) Visit www.seaworld.com.
You may be able to find a local amusement park, which can keep costs down too.
- Busch Gardens has locations in Tampa, FL and Williamsburg, VA. (They own Sea World, in case you didn't know) and call themselves "family adventure parks." Tampa has attractions themed around Africa and has a zoo with over 2700 animals in it. The Virginia location has a European theme. For more information visit: www.buschgardens.com
- Six Flags Theme Parks are found across the country and have more than 32 parks in North America (including Canada and Mexico) and have eight parks in Europe–all of which feature thrill rides and super roller coasters. From the old-style wooden coasters to the new-fangled rides that drop several stories in mere seconds, these parks are as vast as they are fun. Great for spending the day with family and friends. Visit www.sixflags.com for more information.
When you're out there looking for fun, you'll want to see if you can save on admission. Here are a few tips to consider:
- If you're traveling to a park at your destination, look for hotel deals that include your park admission to save.
- For a park you frequent more than once a season look for an annual pass.
- Where available, buy a multi-park pass, which gives you admission to more than one park in your destination.
- If you like to pack as many rides in as possible it's worth it to buy the speed-pass for a little bit extra and get your ride times guaranteed.
- Location is key–staying off property can be more economical but also mean you require additional transportation. Also consider a room with a kitchenette.
- Arriving early and staying late at parks allow you to take advantage of thinner crowds and shorter lines.
- Remember to pack light. All bags are subject to search and inspection and can be a nuisance to take on some rides. (Consider a disposable, waterproof camera. You can get soaked on some of the water rides!)
- Wear shoes that are comfortable for covering a lot of ground (these parks are spread out!) and that won't fly off on any wild rides.
- Be safety-minded and always pay heed to the posted height, weight, and medical restrictions for every ride.
- If you're traveling with adults, consider resorts that don't offer kid programming and don't cater to families.
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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