Worlds of Fun opened its 2025 season with unexpected energy and a lot of positivity. This is the first time in recent memory that we visited the park on opening day and felt that it was full and buzzing. We...
Continue reading...John Stevenson
John Stevenson founded Coaster101 in 2005 and travels across the country visiting theme parks and riding roller coasters. In addition to blogging, he's a published author, having written a history book about his hometown amusement park, Libertyland, which was the home of Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster. John currently lives in Nashville and considers Dollywood his "home away from home" park.
Six Flags America Closing After 2025 Season
Six Flags America will close after the 2025 season, Six Flags announced today. The property, which totals roughly 500 acres, will be “marketed for redevelopment as part of Six Flags’ ongoing portfolio optimization program.” The park’s final operating day will...
Continue reading...Does Dolly Parton Ride Roller Coasters?
Dolly Parton is the co-owner of Dollywood, one of the most popular theme parks in the US. Her influence and presence are felt and seen throughout the Smoky Mountain theme park (literally and figuratively), including its collection of award-winning roller...
Continue reading...Legoland Florida and California Opening Groundbreaking Indoor Coasters in 2026
Legoland Florida and Legoland California will debut first-of-their-kind indoor roller coasters in 2026, owner Merlin Entertainments announced today. The two indoor roller coasters total approximately $90 million combined, making the biggest in-park investment in the two theme park resorts’ histories....
Continue reading...Herschend Acquiring Palace Entertainment’s US Parks and Attractions from Parques Reunidos
Herschend, owner of parks and attractions such as Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, announced today plans to acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s US parks and attractions from Parques Reunidos. The acquisition includes more than 20 amusement parks, water parks, family...
Continue reading...Dollywood What’s New in 2025 Opening Day Report
Dollywood kicked off its 40th anniversary season this weekend with a special appearance by Dolly Parton and a slew of updates and upgrades across the theme park. The highlight of the weekend was Dolly’s visit to the park. It was...
Continue reading...Georgia Gold Rusher Review: Six Flags Over Georgia Strikes Gold
Georgia Gold Rusher at Six Flags Over Georgia — the world’s first Intamin Ultra Surf Coaster — opens to the public on March 15, 2025. Coaster101’s Andrew Stilwell and John Stevenson had the opportunity to preview the forward- and backward-launching,...
Continue reading...SeaWorld Orlando Aerials From a Drone
I recently visited SeaWorld Orlando for the first time in 15 years. Since my last visit, the park has added four coasters — Mako, Ice Breaker, Pipeline and Penguin Trek. I woke up early on the first of my two-day...
Continue reading...Oakwood Theme Park Closes Permanently
Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire has announced that it will not reopen for the 2025 season, according to a statement on the park’s website: It is with much sadness that we have to announce the immediate closure of Oakwood Theme...
Continue reading...Peppa Pig Theme Park in Texas Celebrates Grand Opening
The Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth in North Richland Hills, Texas celebrated its grand opening now, bringing preschool-aged children an immersive experience themed to the popular Peppa Pig television character from the British preschool animated television series which has...
Continue reading...Theme Parks with Dog and Pet Kennels On Site
While dogs and other pets aren’t allowed in most theme parks, that doesn’t mean you have to leave them at home. Select theme parks across the US offer on-site pet kennels for your furry friend to stay at while you...
Continue reading...Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Closing at Universal Studios Florida
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Unviersal Studios Florida will close in early September 2025 to make way for a “new experience,” according to a statement from Universal sent to the Orlando Sentinel. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opened in 2009. The...
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