Riding the Rails

Corkscrews, Loops That Turn Thrill-Seekers Heads

Hands in the air: It's roller coaster season, kids. The time of year when Americans pack up the car, slather on the sunscreen and head off to one of the nation's spectacular theme parks for water ride drenchings, midway belly-stuffings and stomach-lurching thrills. Of course, the rides are faster, higher and more death-defying than ever. And for grandma and grandpa, toddlers and other folks who prefer not to challenge gravity, there are plenty of dazzling shows, friendly cartoon characters and air-conditioned IMAX experiences. Here's where we'll be in line. 

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Since the turn of the century, Midwesterners have made a ritual of visiting Cedar Point for a summer's day of screaming. Built on the shores of Lake Erie -- almost midway between Cleveland and Toledo -- the park is known for its amazing collection of coasters. Six of the nation's top 25 steel rides and two of the top 10 wooden ones snake through the park. This summer, its newest addition, Skyhawk, makes headlines as the world's tallest swing ride. As a playground swing that circles 125 feet in the air and moves at 60 m.p.h., Skyhawk rules the skies.

In an effort to compensate for rising gas prices, the park has implemented a $5 price cut from last year's ticket prices (from $44.95 for adults to $39.95). That means you'll have a few extra bucks for the famous fresh cut French fries or, if looking for a bigger splurge, try the lake perch, steaks and pasta at The Bay Harbour, in the Cedar Point Marina. If staying over, book the Hotel Breakers, a 1905 classic on the sands of Lake Erie with a four-story rotunda and old-fashioned rockers where you can take in sunsets on the porch and think about former guests Annie Oakley, Howard Taft and Dwight Eisenhower.

Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Like theme parks with a dose of Southern hospitality? Check out Dollywood. Yes, these 125 acres of family fun in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains bear the imprint of songstress Dolly Parton with old-fashioned Southern eats and live performances of bluegrass, country, gospel and mountain music.

This summer, brave Timber Tower, a new family thrill ride that rises 65 feet above the ground and dips riders into spouting geysers. While kids won't want to leave the rides at Lil' Loggers Landing, good luck pulling adults away from the buffet at Aunt Granny's, where they'll be digging into plates piled high with real country ham, skillet potatoes, fried bologna and biscuits and gravy, washing it down with mason jars of lemonade.

When venturing down to Tennessee's scenic Gatlinburg area, make like a local and rent a cabin in one of the area's many cabin resorts, like Hidden Mountain Resort. Ranging from one- to seven-bedroom cabins -- often with fireplaces, hot tubs and pools -- it isn't exactly roughing it.

Paramount Carowinds, Charlotte, N.C.

Paramount Carowinds, the 100-acre amusement park that straddles the North and South Carolina border, debuts Boomerang Bay, an Aussie-themed splash fest with 12-foot waterslides and plunge rides. When everyone needs to dry off, the gang can head over to Nickelodeon Central, where Sponge Bob and Dora the Explorer star in sing-along shows, march in parades and are always ready for a photo-op.

Of course, there are plenty of coasters and grown-up fun, too. If traveling with the brood, pitch a tent, park the RV or rent a cottage in Paramount's recently refurbished Camp Wilderness Resort, complete with swimming pools, tennis, pool tables and a recreational center. When dining out, sample the calamari, Tuscan salad and New Haven-style pizzas at Mama Ricotta's, a Charlotte favorite for Italian.

New England Six Flags, Agawam, Mass.

Here's an insider tip from theme-park nuts: a big birthday almost always means the opening of exciting new rides. So as Six Flags celebrates the 45th anniversary of its original Texas park this year, look for new attractions at sister parks across the country. The New England Six Flags -- just 90 minutes from Boston and 20 minutes from Hartford, Conn. -- is observing the occasion with two fresh adventures: Catapult (think of being on a giant fly swatter) and the recently expanded Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Splashwater Falls is the newest wet attraction as six riders pile into a raft and follow a perilously damp canal course.

Daily parades with the Batmobile and Scooby Doo will keep the little ones happy and big kids can spend the day riding Superman, one of the country's most popular steel coasters. For a special treat for children, book Brunch with Bugs, a once-a-day party where the Looney Tunes characters will sit down to eggs, bacon and pancakes and pose for pictures with guests in the Picnic Grove. When journeying to the Springfield area, stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, just minutes from Six Flags and conveniently located next door to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Disney World, Orlando, Fla.

There's always something new at Disney and this summer features is no exception.  Star Wars weekends feature characters from the blockbuster films visiting the parks.  Expedition Everest is a runaway coaster thrill ride in the Animal Kingdom that travels through the Himalayan mountain home of the ferocious yeti.  Over at Epcot, Soarin' is the latest multi-sensory experience.

Washington Area Roundup

Too busy to leave the D.C. area? Spare a day to experience the new Italian Job Turbo Coaster at King's Dominion where visitors play stuntmen and women in a harrowing Mini Cooper ride.

At Six Flags America, riders go airborne on Batwing, a "flying" high-tech coaster.

No summer is complete without a visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where a summer concert series includes Motown and country bands.  Take a spin on Curse of DarKastle, an interactive thrill ride that the park just made even scarier.