New-this-summer amusement park rides around the world that we think will be worth the wait in those mind-numbing lines.
--James Y. Lee, Condé Nast Traveler
This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveler: 11 New Amusement Park Rides for Summer 2012
Loading Slideshow
TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE - 3D
<strong>Universal Studios, Hollywood, CA</strong>
Transformers: The Ride - 3-D recently debuted at Universal Studios Hollywood. The $100 million attraction developed by Michael Bay and special effects company Industrial Light and Magic has visitors riding a 12-person Transformer vehicle and watching the 3-D action from 14 screens. That's enough stimuli to make even the most ardent workaholics want to call in sick a few days this summer. Need a few more reasons to take some long weekends? Here are 10 more new-this-summer amusement park rides around the world that we think will be worth the wait in those mind-numbing lines.
<em>Photo: Courtesy Universal Studios</em>
MANTA
<strong>SeaWorld, San Diego, CA</strong>
On Memorial Day Weekend, SeaWorld, San Diego, opened its giant Manta roller coaster. If its 54-foot drop sounds like too much, you can safely play with these sea creatures at the attraction’s accompanying 100-gallon aquarium.
<em>Photo: Sea World</em>
X-FLIGHT
<strong>Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL</strong>
Experience drops and barrel rolls while your feet dangle. This wing coaster launched in May at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.
<em>Photo: Six Flags</em>
VERBOLTEN
<strong>Busch Gardens, Wiliamsburg, VA</strong>
Verbolten, which opened in May, is America’s first roller coaster that drops the train and the track.
<em>Photo: Busch Gardens</em>
LEVIATHAN
<strong>Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario</strong>
Experience the longest three and a half minutes of your life on Canada’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, new this May.
<em>Photo: Canada’s Wonderland</em>
THE SWARM
<strong>Thorpe Park, United Kingdom</strong>
A powerful wing coaster that makes you feel like you're about to crash into structures, that proved to be too much for crash-test dummies, and that has been described by fighter pilots as "gut wrenching?" Sign us up. The apocalyptic-themed ride rolled out this past March at Thorpe Park in the UK.
<em>Photo: Thorpe Park</em>
SHAMBHALA: EXPEDICIÃ"N AL HIMALAYA
<strong>PortAventura in Salou, Catalonia, Spain</strong>
Climb on top of Europe's tallest and longest roller coaster, which stands at 249 feet tall and also claims the Continent's tallest drop.
<em>Photo: PortAventura</em>
DIVERTICAL
<strong>Mirabilandia, Italy</strong>
At almost 200 feet, the highest water coaster in the world opens this month at Italian amusement park Mirabilandia. Make sure you check out this hilarious teaser video.
<em>Photo: Mirabilandia</em>
GRIZZLY GULCH
<strong>Hong Kong Disneyland</strong>
A 100-person team of craftsmen from around the world was employed to create a replica of Yellowstone National Park. Too bad you’ll be too busy screaming your head off to appreciate it while you’re at Hong Kong Disneyland this coming July.
<em>Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland</em>
VIAGGIO IN ITALIA
<strong>Ferrari World Abu Dhabi</strong>
This new kid-friendly ride isn't the most exhilarating experience on our list (it's a peaceful, screen-simulated aerial voyage through the sites of Italy), but it’s the perfect excuse to get to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the largest theme park in the world, and a chance to ride the fastest roller coaster in the world (149 mph) Formula Rossa.
<em>Photo: Ferrari World</em>
GALVESTON ISLAND HISTORIC PLEASURE PIER
<strong>Galveston, Texas</strong>
Galveston's brand-new $60 million theme park is packed with 16 rides, such as the 50-mph Iron Shark and the state’s tallest swing carousel, the Gulf Glider.
<em>Photo: Galvenston.com</em>
More from Condé Nast Traveler:
Follow Conde Nast Traveler on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/CNTraveler
