New Rides at California Amusement Parks - Summer 2008

California is known to have some of the most thrilling, jaw dropping amusement parks in the world. With the year of 2008 being in full effect, amusement parks are stepping up their game to bring new rides for all their ride-goers. Whether you're an experienced roller coaster junkie or a complete novice, these rides and mind blowing attractions are sure to get your attention.

Knott's Berry Farm - Pony Express: Out of all California Amusement parks rides making a debut this year, the Pony Express is one of the most anticipated. The 10 million dollar horseback roller coaster will take riders on 36 seconds of fast bolting speed from start to finish. The harnessed galloping horse will be supported by a protective t-shape back restraint. The ride description includes going on sharp hair pin turns around corners with big upside down loops and 60 degree spins.

Universal Studio's Hollywood - The Simpsons Ride: The Simpsons Ride will take riders on a detailed tour of Krusty The Clown's theme park. It will also feature the famous "Kwik-E-Mart" where you can purchase Simpsons memorabilia such as toys, t-shirts and books. While the signature "Buzz Cola" and "Radioactive Man" comics are missing from the racks, Universal Studio plans to include them in before the grand opening. I'm guessing since this is a majority kid's part of the theme park, we can just give up all hope of them supplying "Duff Beer" for adults.

Six Flags Magic Mountain - X2: The new and improved X2 ride at Magic Mountain plans to add new sleeker trains with tunnel and lighting effects. The wing shaped vehicles make it possible for riders to rotate in a number of directions such as head over heals, rotate front and back and make sharp 360 degree turns. Six flags chose to make the X2 lighter and faster because of the roller coaster's downtime in the past.

Legoland - Lost Kingdom Adventure: At Legoland they will be unleashing their newest edition to the park, a dark ride adventure known as Lost Kingdom. Riders will go underground through ancient temple ruins while shooting at targets with laser guns. Sounds like this will be lots of fun for both kids and adults.

Sea World San Diego - Elmo's Flying Fish, Abby's Sea Star Spin, Oscar's Rocking Eel: Sea World in San Diego will be opening their Sesame Street Kiddie Land for the year 2008. Elmo's Flying Fish is where riders can pilot their own individual carts shaped like Elmo while Oscar's Rocking Eel is an underwater adventure that takes visitors on a rocking and shaking ride while submerged. Abby's Sea Star spin is a teacup ride where kids have the opportunity to spin round and round in purple star teacups.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Tony Hawk's Big Spin: The Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo California will feature Tony Hawk's new ride where the skateboard themed roller coaster will feature skateboard carts that the rider can rotate on.

Great America - FireFall: The theme park in Santa Clara California (which is like 20 minutes from me) will be unveiling its new ride titled "Firefall". The description is a spinning, flipping carnival ride that has lots of fire and water effects.