Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.
This summer, Central Florida's theme parks are unleashing an array of new thrills that promise to entertain and delight. Fans of "The Simpsons" animated TV show will want to head to Universal Studios® Florida to check out The Simpsons RideTM, a roller coaster simulator. Tag along with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie at Krustyland, Krusty the Clown's fictitious theme park. The ride commences with a safety short featuring Itchy and Scratchy. But things go awry when Sideshow Bob takes over Krustyland to wreak havoc on the cartoon family. Expect heart-pumping action, including what the park calls "the first 360-degree barrel role ever attempted in a simulator."
Or, head to Walt Disney World® for Toy Story Mania!, the new 3-D ride modeled after the "Toy Story" movies. Enter the world of Andy, the cartoon boy whose toys come to life when humans aren't in sight. Giant dice, checkers and other toys line the ride queue to make guests feel toy-sized. Aboard the ride, you can launch darts, rings and pies at animated targets by using a spring-action shooter.
If you prefer animals over animation, head to Tampa, Florida, about an hour west of Orlando. Busch Gardens Africa has opened Jungala, a four-acre attraction that simulates a hidden jungle village surrounded by giant trees and waterfalls. You'll be launched from a mountain crater set above a giant waterfall when you ride the four-story Wild Surge. Plus, gain a unique perspective of the jungle from a treetop zip line tour. Plus, enjoy up-close animal encounters with Bengal tigers, orangutans, gibbons, flying foxes and more.
Whatever theme park thrills you seek, Central Florida has it all and more, and when you stay at Sheraton Vistana Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villages in Orlando, Florida, you'll have a place to relax after your adventures.
