About Theme Parks: 2010 Was a Potterific Year

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Theme Parks Theme Parks Find Theme Parks Water Parks Roller Coasters From Arthur Levine, your Guide to Theme Parks I hope you've been having a merry or happy whatever. And here's to a great new year. Before the ball drops and we cross over to 2011, let's continue our look back at the year that was. And, theme park-wise anyhoo, what a year 2010 was. 2010 Was a Potterific Year Last week, we took a look back at the major roller coasters that debuted in 2010. This week, let's review the other goodies that theme parks premiered this past year. There were plenty of new developments, but none matched the sheer scale, audacity, or success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando's stunning achievement, especially the new land's centerpiece, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, was a game changer. See More About:  wizarding world of harry potter  universal orlando  islands of advenure 2010 Flashback: Theme Parks While the Hogwarts gang was casting its spell, other parks unveiled some great attractions and shows. The majesty and grandeur of World of Color, the nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, helped boost the profile--and attendance--of Disneyland's sister park. In other California park news, Legoland opened a separate-admission water park, King Kong roared back to life, in 3-D no less, at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Jacko was backo as Captain EO at Disneyland (the intergalactic moonwalker also returned to Epcot in Florida). Ever the innovator (and further establishing its reputation as the not-so-little-park-that could), Holiday World debuted the world's longest water coaster, Wildebeest. The Stratosphere in Las Vegas further established its reputation as the home of the world's most insane thrill rides with the introduction of SkyJump, a controlled 900-foot freefall from the tower's observation deck to the ground. It may not be as grand as the original Luna Park, but it was great to see a smaller-scale Luna Park bring new rides and life to Coney Island. For more info about the year that was, go to the Ride Guide 2010. See More About:  florida theme parks  disneyland  universal theme parks Do You See What I Sea? I know Christmas has come and gone, but while you are still in the holiday spirit.... It's become something of a seasonal tradition here at About.com's Theme Parks site to break out the singing critters, so click over to this video and sing "Jingle Bells" along with SeaWorld's menagerie. It's incredibly cute, fun, and a real hoot. If you don't have a smile on your face by the time the video is over, your name must be Ebenezer Scrooge (pre-Ghost-of-Christmas-Past enlightenment). All together now: "Jingle bells, Shamu smells...." See More About:  california theme parks  california water parks  This Week's Theme Park News Post-Christmas Santa News Saint Nick to return to his Chicago-area Village. Stop Motion Stars to Get Full Motion Ride See who's coming to UK park. See More About:  universal orlando  wizarding world of harry potter  universal studios hollywood Theme Parks Ads Indoor Theme Parks 2010 Computer Games 2010 Christmas 2010 Shops Disneyland Park Featured Articles Follow Me on Twitter Facebook Wildebeest at Holiday World Disney Theme Parks Six Flags Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks   More from About.com Top 10 Media Stories of 2010 Discover which blame games, survival stories and key media figures under fire made our list. More> Ten Best Talk Show Moments Oprah and Conan left to start new ventures, but there were a few other shocks and surprises in 2010. More> This newsletter is written by: Arthur Levine Theme Parks Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Theme Parks newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads Christmas at Theme Parks What's New at Theme Parks? Indoor Water Parks Florida Theme Parks and Water Parks California Theme Parks and Water Parks Advertisement