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Variations on a theme

By JAY CRIDLIN
Published May 11, 2006

Variations on a theme Temperatures are rising. School is about to let out. You can practically feel the asphalt melting beneath your feet. Coaster reaches the top of the world All hail the mighty Yeti. Island has new adventure The prevailing wisdom on water slides is, when you've ridden one, you've ridden them all. Revisionist tinkering After falling into the role of the poor stepsister to Florida's more well-know theme parks, Cypress Gardens banks on a makeover to return it to a place of prominence. SeaWorld goes showbiz What you need to know about Believe, the lavish new killer whale show opening today at SeaWorld, is that Shamu is still the star. The best of the rest Most theme parks tout one or two new attractions each year. Here are a few other highlights from the Central Florida theme parks.

Temperatures are rising. School is about to let out. You can practically feel the asphalt melting beneath your feet.

In Central Florida, that can only mean one thing: Theme park season has arrived.

Each summer, parks roll out new rides and attractions to reel in guests. Last year's big addition was SheiKra, Busch Gardens' one-of-a-kind drop coaster. The year before it was Universal Studios' Revenge of the Mummy.

This year's emphasis is on family-friendly fun, as regional theme parks debut attractions for kids of all ages, from Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom to Adventure Island's new Riptide water slide.

Please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle as we embark upon a tour of this season's hottest new attractions.

[Last modified May 11, 2006, 10:58:21]