Backstage Country

LISTEN LIVE

SeaWorld’s New Rollercoaster Has Opening Date

SeaWorld’s new rollercoaster, Penguin Trek has an opening date. This is perfect for the hot summers in Florida, because it sounds like a cool ride to check out. The new…

SeaWorld's New Rollercoaster Has Opening Date. SeaWorld Orlando's Sign at park

ORLANDO – FEBRUARY 24: The sign at the entrance to SeaWorld February 24, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. A female trainer who presumably slipped and fell in to a holding tank…

Photo by Matt Stroshane/Getty Images)

SeaWorld's new rollercoaster, Penguin Trek has an opening date. This is perfect for the hot summers in Florida, because it sounds like a cool ride to check out. The new ride is called Penguin Trek and it will be opening this July.

This new rollercoaster has an artic theme to it and guest will ride on snowmobile styled cars. The ride will reach speeds of 43mph. Guests will twist and turn through icy environments on the 3,020 foot track. The coolest part of this ride happens at the end. When riders get off the ride, they will enter SeaWorld's penguin habitat.

Be The First To Ride SeaWorld's New Rollercoaster

Being one the first to experience a new rollercoaster can be rewarding. If you are an annual pass member, you will have the first opportunity on July 2nd. You will need to purchase a pass before the date and you will get a specific time to try the new ride. The Ride will officially open to the general public on July 7th.

Penguin Trek is fun for the whole family. It is both indoor and outdoor. The youngest adventurer must be at least 42 inches tall to ride, with a height limit of 77 inches.

SeaWorld’s new Antarctica Realm isn't just about the rollercoaster and the penguins. You can also enjoy some cool experiences after the ride. Guest can cool off with the South Pole Sips, the park’s latest bar featuring ice-cold beer and frozen cocktails and the Expedition Café, offering a diverse menu of grab-and-go Asian and Italian-inspired cuisines.

SeaWorld is one of my favorite Orlando theme parks to visit. I am an animal lover so to mix in the animals and the fun is a nice mix. In the summertime, I love to visit the Penguin Habitat, it's one of the only area's that is cool. It does get hot walking around the park in the summer, so I think this is going to be a very popular ride for visitors.

10 Best Amusement Parks in America

America doesn't lack for having the best amusement parks. Whether you're a daredevil and want to ride the tallest, scariest roller coasters in the world or prefer just eating park food, a day at the park can be a super fun experience.

One great thing about theme parks is that you can usually find one within driving distance. This makes amusement parks a reasonable choice for a family vacation or weekend giveaway, especially if money is an issue. Amusement parks are also great for capturing memories for kids. When I was a child, my family took me to several parks in Michigan, California, Ohio and Florida, so I have great memories from those trips.

The best theme parks also have convenient lodging nearby, making the trip truly seamless. That's not to mention the awesome water parks that are often attached to today's theme parks. Also, even though theme parks are meant for kids, it's obvious that adults can have just as much fun at them, too.

Read on for our list of the 10 best amusement parks in America, from Cedar Point to Hersheypark. All of these are famous for their attractions, food and more. What's your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.

10. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood is a favorite that's located in the Great Smokey Mountain area. Of course, it's named after the one and only Dolly Parton. If you're a country music fan, this is a must-see stop. Even if you aren't a huge country music listener, it's a great, traditional amusement park.

9. Kings Island, Mason, Ohio

Kings Island Theme Park is a little bit off the radar, but it's a great park. It's known for not only its amusement park but also its fantastic water park. Kings Island features a range of coasters, Planet Snoopy for the kids and more.

8. Legoland, Carlsbad, California

Legoland is simply legendary. Whoever had the idea to make an entire amusement park dedicated to Legos is a genius. The amusement park offers fun rides, live entertainment and more. You'll find a Legoland Water Park, too.

7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of those parks that you just hear about a lot. I feel like I've been hearing about it since I was a little kid, but I've never been there. Busch Gardens is known for being extremely beautiful and scenic, which is rare for an amusement park.

6. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another spot that I've had the pleasure of visiting. When I was a kid, my family took me to California to see my aunt, and we went to not only Disneyland but also Knott's Berry Farm. The amusement park has more than 165 rides, attractions and more. They also have fun holiday and Halloween events.

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California (and in many other states)

Six Flags Magic Mountain is another huge name when it comes to parks. The spot, located in Valencia, California, is known for its amazing coasters. What's cool is that the park offers a mix of scary-type coasters for the big kids (and adults) and tame coasters for the kids (and wimpy adults, like me). Other Six Flags parks also belong here, too, as the chain has lots of locations across America.

4: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California

If you want that Disney experience but live on the West Coast, then you're much closer to Disney California Adventure Park, aka "Disneyland," than you are to Disney World. I've actually been to both parks, since my aunt lives near Disneyland, and I went as a kid. The park is super fun for those of any age, and it really gives you that Disney movie experience, but in a park. The park has been updated over the years, but it's more classic than Disney World.

3. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania

If you're in the Pennsylvania area, then you absolutely have to go to Hersheypark. The park, which is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, helps to keep Milton S. Hershey's legacy alive. Not only do you get chocolate (yum!), but Hersheypark also offers roller coasters, water rides and more fun.

2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

There is something simply classic about Walt Disney World. It should be every kid's right of passage to go here. I'm fortunate that my parents took me to Disney World twice when I was little. I loved meeting my favorite princesses, but there is plenty to do for adults at the park, too.

1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point is legendary in the Midwest. The park is considered the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," since it has so many fantastic coasters to ride. If you're looking for major thrills, plus stuff to do for the family, Cedar Point is a great spot. Plus, it's not as pricey as some of the major parks.

Launa is part of Tampa Bay's Hometown Morning Krewe on 99.5 WQYK. She has been with the station for 7 years and joined J.R. and Kevin on the morning show 4 years ago. Since then, they have been nominated for not only a CMA but also an ACM. Launa has been in radio for the past 28 years and in the Tampa Bay market for 22 of those years. While working in radio, Launa has also served as an entertainment reporter on a local TV show and has hosted many charity events in the community. Using her popularity from QYK, Launa loves to help raise money for shelter animals and has been a volunteer at local shelters for years. Launa loves the community and writes articles on local news, entertainment, and events and highlights people who are shining in Tampa Bay that she knows others like her would also be interested in reading.