Travel Mom: Amusement Parks
May 18, 2005 — -- Summer vacation is around the corner, and that means amusement park season will be kicking into high gear. Travel Mom Emily Kaufman joined "Good Morning America" today to talk about the hottest amusement park destinations for the summer.
Kaufman suggests going online to pay for and print your tickets to avoid long lines at the parks. You can read more from the Travel Mom at her Web site, www.thetravelmom.com.
Six Flags Great Adventure -- Jackson, N.J.
This spring, Six Flags Great Adventure will open Golden Kingdom -- an 11-acre jungle domain ruled by the "King of Coasters," Kingda Ka, which is being billed as the world's tallest, fastest roller coaster.
Daily Admission: $47.99
On the Web: www.sixflags.com/parks/greatadventure/index.asp
Legoland -- Carlsbad, Calif.
Legoland is geared toward families with children ages 2 to 12. Opening Memorial Day: Knights' Tournament, a robotic thrill ride that allows guests to choose the intensity of their own ride as they board one of six robotic arms. Opening in July: Wild Woods Golf presented by La Jolla Golf Company. An 18-hole golf course that brings golf to children's level.
Daily Admission: $44.95 for adults; $37.95 for children ages 3-12 (and seniors)
On the Web: www.lego.com/legoland
Hershey Park -- Hershey, Pa.
Hershey Park has more than 60 rides and attractions, 10 roller coasters, eight water rides, live entertainment and more than 24 rides especially for children. Two favorite family attractions -- Balloon Flite and Starship America -- will also return this season.
Daily Admission: Ages 9-54 -- $39.95; Ages 3-8: $22.95; Seniors 55-69: $22.95; Senior over 70: $15.95
On the Web: www.hersheypa.com
Disneyland -- Anaheim, Calif.
The Disneyland Resort features two theme parks: Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, with a variety of rides and entertainment. Disney is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and has some exciting new rides, including the reopening of Space Mountain on July 15.
Daily Admission: Ages 3-9 -- $43; Ages 10 and up -- $53;Several other package deals available.
On the Web: www.disneyland.com
Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Dells calls itself the "waterpark capital of the world," and has 21 waterparks and more than 200 waterslides. The 70-acre Noah's Ark Waterpark is America's largest waterpark. This year, they're adding a water roller coaster called "Black Anaconda," a quarter-mile-long watercoaster.
Daily Admission to Noah's Ark Waterpark: Adult -- $28.99; Child -- (47 inches and under): 20 percent discount; Ages 2 & Under: Free; Senior Citizen: $23.19
On the Web: www.wisdells.com