Best New Theme Park Attraction (2021)

Universal’s Island of Adventures invites thrill-seekers to “feel the rush of the hunt on the apex predator of roller coasters” – the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Riders walk into gates that look like the real Jurassic Park and board this intense ride with two 70-mph launches in three minutes, a “top hat” that projects you 155 feet in the air, and a 360-degree horizontal barrel roll above the Islands of Adventure’s lagoon. Not an experience intended for the faint of heart.
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Space 220 Restaurant, located in the World Discovery Neighborhood at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, invites you to “dine among the stars” at this all-new restaurant at the Mission: SPACE pavilion. Begin your journey by boarding a special space elevator that will take you high above the Earth’s surface. As you dine, enjoy both day and night views of the planet from 220 miles above. Enjoy unique-themed specialties such as Galaxy Grain Salad, Starry Calamari, and Centauri Burger while you sip out-of-the-world drinks with names like The Milky Way and Jupiter Fizz.
Photo courtesy of Todd Anderson // Walt Disney World

Snake River Expedition, a new riverboat ride at Cedar Point, takes guests for a smooth ride along the winding Snake River around Adventure Island. Actors aboard the riverboat portray characters that involve the riders in a “band of bandits” to help Trapper Dan carry out his risky trading mission. Will you arrive safely at your planned destination or fall captive to the bad guys out to steal your cargo? Get ready for a new family-fun experience with your shipmates!
Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Cedar Point

Opened in June 2021, Six Flags Great Adventure now claims “the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest single rail coaster” with the Jersey Devil. This maximum thrill level coaster hits a top speed of 58 mph, towering thirteen stories high with a 130-foot drop. Experience a mind-bending series of twists, hills, and inversions as you ride this low, single-file ride.
Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure

An all-new nighttime spectacular and part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Enchantment takes you on a journey to a “land of magic” at the Magic Kingdom Park. This extravaganza features Disney music, stunning fireworks, and enhanced lighting from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. with immersive project effects. Visitors will be captivated and inspired to believe that the magic is real.
Photo courtesy of David Roark / Disney World

Modeled on the Disney and Pixar film Ratatouille, join Chef Remy in this 4-D culinary caper that opened in 2021 at the World Showcase in EPCOT. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure engages your senses as you dash and skip through Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant. Fun for the entire family, all members magically shrink to Remy’s size and have a small experience in a big adventure!
Photo courtesy of Harrison Cooney // Disney World

Michigan’s Adventure debuted its new Peanuts-themed kids’ area, Camp Snoopy, in 2021. With beautiful natural landscaping and plenty of shaded seating and pathways, there are new experiences to explore in every corner for toddlers to tweens. Ride the Woodstock Express, a family-friendly roller coaster, float high in the sky with the Beagle Scout Lookout, ride a kids-only all-terrain vehicle at the Mud Buggies course, and much more.
Photo courtesy of Michigan's Adventure

Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair is an exciting competitive experience for the entire family and an all-new interactive slow-moving 4-D dark ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. Follow the adventures of Boysen Bear and Girlsen Bear as they take their boysenberry pies to the Country Fair, hoping for the blue ribbon prize. Aim your Berry Blasters, try to recover the pies stolen by Crafty Coyote and his mischievous pups, and compete for the highest score!
Photo courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm

The Avengers Campus, an all-new attraction at Disney California Adventure Park is now open! Kids of all ages can enjoy teaming up with the Avengers and enjoying super-hero-themed adventures such as Spider-Man’s Web Slingers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy’s Mission: BREAKOUT! Explore Doctor Strange’s mysterious Ancient Sanctum, plus watch the Avengers spring into action from their headquarters.
Photo courtesy of Ty Popko/Disneyland Resort

Meet your favorite characters from The Secret Life of Pets on this all-new ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Assume the role of a stray puppy as you travel through the busy streets of New York City in search of a “forever home.” Max, Duke, Gidget, and others will guide you on your journey as you prepare to be welcomed into your new home.
Photo courtesy of Hamilton Pytluk