#water-slides--attractions

#water-slides--attractions

Originally called Treasure Island, it opened on April 8, 1974, three years after Walt Disney World first welcomed visitors. The theme was based on the 1950 Disney pirate adventure film "Treasure Island," with a wrecked ship visible on the shore. Its name was changed to Discovery Island in the late 1970s, and the 11.5-acre nature preserve-accessible by boat-operated until April 8, 1999.

After members of the St. Cassian High School chamber choir perish while riding The Cyclone, they awake in limbo. Their spirit guide (a mechanical fortune teller automaton named The Amazing Karnak) invites each one to tell their life story in an effort to win the greatest prize of all, a chance to return.

Located within Walt Disney World, this shopping, dining, and entertainment district is worth checking out during your next trip to the resort. Even though it's on Disney property, Disney Springs is one of several attractions that don't require park tickets and self-parking is complimentary. With around 100 shops, 80 eateries, and 20 other attractions, there's so much to see here.

The city of Orlando happens to have the most green space per resident than any other major city, according to a new analysis from travel platform BookRetreats. The city, known as The City Beautiful, offers roughly 2,777 square feet of greenery per person. That translates to more than 148 parks, gardens, and recreation areas, according to the study, with plenty of lakes, trails, and botanical gardens to explore.

Creating a Disney World packing list can feel daunting. You want outfits that are both cute and comfortable enough for long days on your feet while still feeling photo-ready for castle pictures. Add temperature swings to the equation, and packing suddenly becomes even more challenging. While many travelers associate Florida parks with nonstop heat, the reality is that cold fronts during the winter and spring shoulder season can bring surprisingly chilly mornings, making outfit planning trickier than you might expect.

For the first time in ages, one roller coaster holds the triple crown of coaster records. And that coaster does not reside in the United States. Intamin's Falcons Flight last week opened officially at the new Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia. At nearly 14,000 feet long with a drop of over 500 feet and a top speed of more than 155 mph, Falcons Flight is now the world's longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster.

In the months when avoiding heat and crowds is a priority, it's best to arrive early, stay late, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. When it's cold, it's kind of the opposite. We focused on the indoor attractions and spots with indoor queues in the morning. At 11 a.m., we searched for opportunities to be in the brisk afternoon air and lovely sunshine.

Intamin's Falcons Flight last week opened officially at the new Six Flags Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia. At nearly 14,000 feet long with a drop of over 500 feet and a top speed of more than 155 mph, Falcons Flight is now the world's longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster. Until last week, those records were held by three separate coasters, with the height record kept by an American coaster Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2.

A man fell asleep underneath an oak tree in Placerita Canyon, in what's now the Newhall area of Santa Clarita. As he slept, he dreamed of finding gold. When Francisco López awoke, he pulled up wild onions growing nearby and discovered gold clinging to their roots. The legend is real - or at least parts of it. We'll never know if López really dreamed of gold, but we know he found it and that it was the first recorded discovery of gold in the state.

If you're looking for a tropical getaway, Germany likely doesn't come to mind. But about 45 miles south of Berlin, you'll find an unexpected vacation destination. Here, visitors can lounge on sandy beaches in balmy temperatures and splash about in warm waters, even in the dead of winter. The secret? It's all indoors. Housed inside a former airship hangar, Tropical Islands is a beach-themed water park that needs to be seen to be believed.

Six Flags will kick off the regional pass plan on Feb. 9 with a limited time sale on Gold season passes for $140 at Knott's and $90 at Magic Mountain that offer access to all the Six Flags parks in the West Region. The Magic Mountain Silver Pass will become the Gold Pass on Feb. 9 and include Six Flags West Region access. Knott's does not offer a Silver Pass.

With a population of about 200,000 residents, this eastern Florida city is known for its quieter beaches, walkable downtown, and vibrant stores and restaurants. It's also famous for having hundreds of miles of canals that curl in and around the city - a feature that's earned it the nickname "Venice of America." Just like in Italy's Venice, these winding waterways are very much a part of daily life in this Florida city.