Orlando Sentinel

NEW AMUSEMENTS

- By Dewayne Bevil Staff Writer

and adventures abound in Central Florida. We take a look at what’s coming next.

We’ve picked at Pandora, vaulted past Volcano Bay and unleashed the virtual-reality version of Kraken. Is that all there is? Nope, not with Central Florida’s theme parks and attraction­s.

Here’s a rumor-free roundup of what’s ahead — at least officially.

Come see the baby!

They say: The dolphin nursery re-opens Friday at SeaWorld Orlando. We say: The awwww factor is awfully high with baby animals.

Mine, all Mine

They say: A roller coaster named Mine Blower is set to open at the Fun Spot in Kissimmee sometime this summer. We say: Hold onto your hats. That first drop looks dramatic — until you see the barrel roll that immediatel­y follows.

Alligator alley

They say: Stompin’ Gator Off-road Adventure opens at Gatorland in September. We

say: This rollicking ride passes through an actual alligator graveyard. Florida Man feels right at home.

Hot for Halloween

They say: Universal launches Halloween Horror Nights on Sept. 15, and the first two nights of Mickey’s NotSo-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom are Aug. 25 and 29. We say: These recordearl­y starts are more trick than treat. But who are we to get in the way of commerce?

Meet track

They say: Andretti Indoor Karting opens on Universal Boulevard in late summer. It includes “superkarts,” a ropes course, arcade, bowling and other activities. We say: There should be a prize for best FAQ.

 ?? JACOB LANGSTON/STAFF ?? Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s president and CEO, shows off one of the attraction’s new swamp buggies. The park announced its new off-road adventure, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, in April.
JACOB LANGSTON/STAFF Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s president and CEO, shows off one of the attraction’s new swamp buggies. The park announced its new off-road adventure, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, in April.
 ?? SEAWORLD ?? Jenever bonds with her calf in SeaWorld Orlando’s Dolphin Nursery.
SEAWORLD Jenever bonds with her calf in SeaWorld Orlando’s Dolphin Nursery.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States