Whether they're looking for white-knuckle action or spectacular shows, every family can find their thrills at amusement parks this summer. Extreme rides, American Idol competitions, and secret-agent missions are all on deck, with many parks offering discounted tickets online. Here's what's new for 2009.
1. MANTA -- SEAWORLD / ORLANDO, FLORIDA
This roller coaster's preshow is a walk through a huge aquarium filled with real rays. Riders are then strapped facedown to the underside of the cars and sent zipping through spins, twists, and drops, including a plummeting maneuver that bottoms out just 15 feet above other SeaWorld guests. Height requirement: 54 inches. General admission $75 for adults, $65 for kids ages 3 to 9; 888-800-5447; seaworldorlando.com
2. DIAMONDBACK -- KINGS ISLAND / MASON, OHIO
This 230-foot-high steel coaster sports open-air stadium-style seating (the first of its kind in the United States), letting every rider view the twists and turns ahead. Height requirement: 54 inches. General admission $48, under 48 inches, $32; 800-288-0808; visitkingsisland.com
3. PILGRIMS PLUNGE -- HOLIDAY WORLD / SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA
Visitors to southern Indiana can check out the world's tallest water ride, which hoists 10-passenger boats 135 feet in the air before dropping them down a 45-degree water slide. Height requirement: 47 inches. General admission, including free drinks and sunscreen, $40, under 54 inches, $30; 877-463-2645; holidayworld.com
4. SESAME STREET FOREST OF FUN -- BUSCH GARDENS / WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
This new area of the park offers four rides that parents and kids can experience together, including a roller coaster and a water ride. There's also a photography studio featuring Sesame Street characters, wet and dry play areas, and a 4-D movie. Height requirements vary. General admission $60 for adults, $50 for kids ages 3 to 9; 800-343-7946; buschgardens.com/va
5. KIM POSSIBLE WORLD SHOWCASE ADVENTURE -- WALT DISNEY WORLD / ORLANDO, FLORIDA
At Epcot's World Showcase, kids can pick up a Kimmunicator, a cell-phone-like gadget that sends them on missions in various Epcot countries, all to help Disney cartoon hero Kim Possible. At different stations, the Kimmunicator makes statues move and parrots talk. Epcot admission $75 for adults, $63 for kids ages 3 to 9; 407-939-6244; disneyworld.com
6. THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE -- WALT DISNEY WORLD / ORLANDO, FLORIDA
After contestants perform on a replica of the "American Idol" stage, audience members vote via touch pads. Then it's Randy, Paula, and Simon's turn (played by actors). The day's winners compete against one another for an audition for the real show. Disney's Hollywood Studios admission $75 for adults, $63 for kids ages 3 to 9; 407-939-6244; disneyworld.com
7. BUCCANEER BATTLE -- SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA / GURNEE, ILLINOIS
On this pirate-themed boat ride, passengers use water cannons to fire on various targets (including other park guests) during the voyage. General admission $55, under 48 inches, $35; 847-249-4636; sixflags.com/greatamerica
8. AMERICANA AND EL DORADO -- KINGS DOMINION / DOSWELL, VIRGINIA
The park adds two kid-friendly thrills to its lineup this season: the 110-foot-tall Americana Ferris wheel and El Dorado, a swing ride fashioned after a 1950s convertible. Height requirement for El Dorado: 48 inches. General admission $55, under 48 inches, $32; 804-876-5000; kingsdominion.com
