| The theme parks and other tourist attractions are | | | | they opened a new roller coaster that takes the |
| constantly working to change, upgrade and improve | | | | rider from the heights of the sky right to the surface |
| their facilities in order to keep up with their | | | | of the sea and below. You can see underwater |
| competitors. The ordinary tourist is the beneficiary of | | | | habitats and soar with your face down at speeds of |
| this fierce competition, and this year is no exception | | | | about 60 mph and come to within inches of the |
| with many parks adding new sections and rides. | | | | water. If you don't want to ride on the roller coaster |
| Here is a brief guide to some of the changes you | | | | you can still enjoy this attraction by viewing the 300 |
| can expect to find in the Orlando area this year. | | | | rays visible in a floor to ceiling window. For more |
| Cypress Gardens Adventure Park underwent | | | | information about this ride or other sections of |
| significant renovations and now features a new | | | | Seaworld call them. |
| water park as well a special exhibition highlighting the | | | | Not to be outdone by SeaWorld, Universal Studios |
| history of the gardens and adventure park. The | | | | has also opened a new high-tech roller coaster. Each |
| animal and ride areas of the park have been closed | | | | rider has an on-board LED screen and can choose |
| however, you can get more information about this | | | | which songs he or she wants to accompany them on |
| attraction by calling them. | | | | the ride. On top of that, when the ride is finished you |
| A new attraction opened on the International Drive. | | | | get to take home a musical video of the ride. The |
| It is the International Heli-Tours. They offer aerial | | | | name of this new roller coaster is Hollywood Rip, |
| tours of the entire area including Orlando, Kissimmee, | | | | Ride, Rockit, so if you are at Universal Studios, make |
| the Disney Resort and the Universal Resort. They | | | | sure you check out this new roller coaster. Soaring in |
| also make specialty tours which include celebrity | | | | the air is always a lot of fun, and Walt Disney World |
| house sightings, fireworks viewing and alligator | | | | has opened an attraction that is sure to appeal to |
| searches. Their tours are priced at $25 and up. Call | | | | everyone who has wanted to view the word from |
| them for more details. | | | | the vantage point of a high flying bird. This attraction |
| WonderWorks opened a new exhibit which is | | | | is called Characters in Flight and it consists of a giant |
| designed to "challenge your mind." "Mindball" is a table | | | | tethered helium balloon which carries up to 30 guests |
| top game that puts a new twist to competition, | | | | to an altitude of 400 feet. |
| because it measures a participant's success by his or | | | | It is a six minute flight giving the visitor a panoramic |
| her calmness. You can win this game if you are more | | | | view of Disney World and beyond and costs $16 for |
| relaxed than your opponents. Players and audience | | | | adults and $10 for children aged 3-9. So try out some |
| can watch the mental process of the games players | | | | of the new attractions if you are here for your |
| because their brain wave activity is measured | | | | second or third time. If you are a newcomer to |
| electronically and then presented on a large 53 inch | | | | Orlando, then just visit the attractions that suit your |
| monitor. | | | | fancy. |
| SeaWorld is one of the big attractions of Orlando and | | | | |