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Travels both intrepid and trepidatious, around the world and around the block |
Media / Press Room |
Separating Your Teen From TextingWhen visiting Universal Orlando, look to scary rides and video games to grap their attentionIt’s a common image throughout theme parks. After weeks of planning that special family trip, you’re finally there, walking eagerly toward the first big ride. So what’s your teen doing? She’s dawdling behind you, eyes affixed to the mobile device in her hands, oblivious to the colorful activity around her. What’s a parent to do? That is, short of being “the bad guy” and confiscating the darn thing. Seth Kubersky, co-author of Universal Orlando 2011: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure (published by The Intrepid Traveler, $15.95), has some recommendations that are sure to get the attention of your texting teen. Roller coasters are always popular with teens, who have not yet acquired a sense of fear. Kubersky suggests the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Dragon Challenge (which is part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), and Revenge of the Mummy. The Incredible Hulk Coaster propels its riders in a 32-seat steel coaster from a near standstill to 42 mph, which is followed by a zero-G roll, then speeds toward the lagoon at almost 60 mph. The coaster features the highest inversion ever built – 109 feet – and a total of seven inversions and two subterranean trenches within just 1-1/2 minutes. The Dragon Challenge is also an inverted coaster. The twin tracks loop and swirl around each other, meeting in mid air and giving the impression that a head-on collision is imminent; they come to about a foot within each other at almost 60 mph. “If you’ve ever asked yourself what could be more terrifying than the current generation of high-speed roller coasters, ask no more,” says Kubersky. The Revenge of the Mummy, which takes place indoors, operates under the guise of a movie set. Visitors are drawn in through a narrow passageway toward the tomb of Imhotep, culminating in a “dark” ride that hearkens back to 1925. With ghostly appearances by Mummy characters, it’s described as a “psychological thrill ride.” The ride itself turns into a supercharged roller coaster experience that takes place in darkness, ricocheting from zero to 45 mph in less than two seconds. In addition to Kubersky’s recommendations, there’s also the 17-story Rip Ride Rocket, which hits speeds of 65 mph. Teens get to choose their own soundtrack and the whole experience can be documented for posterity in a CD. All of these rides require that you stow all your belongings in a locker, lest your 16-year-old would attempt to text at a full G. Beyond the roller coasters, Kubersky recommends Men in Black, Starting out as MIB trainers, participants ride vehicles equipped with laser guns, zapping all kinds of creepy crawly creatures to earn high scores. Swoops and spins in the ride add to the challenge. Rip Torn and Will Smith act as “guides.” Doctor Doom’s Fearfall is a 30-second free-fall fall ride with the passengers getting up close and personal with Doctor Doom while being shot 150 feet upward into momentary weightlessness before bouncing back down to earth. Screaming appears to be a delayed reaction. Described by Kubersky as “Universal’s best-kept secret,” the Universal Horror Make-up Show appeals to teens’ fascination with everything gross. Participants are given professional insight on how horror effects are achieved and get to see the inner workings of mechanical werewolves and monsters. Last but not least, Teen Nights at the groove in CityWalk are alcohol-free dance parties that allow 15- to 19-year-olds to boogie the night away in a sophisticated urban setting. The first soft drink is free. Flip through Universal Orlando 2011. There are lots of attractions that appeal to the teenager in all of us. To order Universal Orlando 2011: The Ultimate Guide to the Theme Park Adventure, click here. |
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