Thrill-seekers and cotton candy lovers everywhere, rejoice! If your idea of fun is heading to a theme park with your friends and family, you’ve got a ton of new and exciting options to choose from. Here’s a look at some of the coolest theme park rides and expansions in the country that are coming soon — from The Hunger Games to Star Wars (and beyond).
Hunger Games Park
If you’re a fan of the Hunger Games series and always wanted to know what it would be like to live in Panem, then you’re in luck. Lionsgate has a new theme park planned for Atlanta, Georgia, that will feature roller coasters and other rides based on Suzanne Collins’ popular films and books.
Star Wars Land
Fans of the Star Wars franchise don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to drive the Millennium Falcon. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is planning a huge expansion that’s set to include rides, dining and atmosphere themed to the Star Wars universe.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Fans of both late night television and theme parks will soon be able to combine their favorite things at Universal Studios Orlando. Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is scheduled to open in 2017, and it promises to give guests a thrilling experience as they travel through NYC with their favorite talk show host.
Pandora: The World of AVATAR
Exciting changes are in store for fans of the movie Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park expansion, which is currently under construction, will feature the film’s floating mountains, bioluminescent forest and a ride that lets you fly with banshees.
Nintendo at Universal Parks
Everyone’s favorite childhood video games will soon be brought to life at Universal Studios theme parks.
Cobra’s Curse
Visitors to Busch Gardens in Tampa in 2016 are in for a new roller coaster experience with Cobra’s Curse. The thrill ride will have a unique vertical lift hill, like an elevator.
Toy Story Land
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to give Buzz and Woody a whole new area to play in. No opening date has been released, but Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World in Florida will feature a family-friendly Slinky Dog rollercoaster and a ride featuring those lovable green aliens.
Volcano Bay Water Park
The year 2017 will bring a massive new water park for Universal Orlando. Volcano Bay is said to be a tropical-themed, water-filled getaway with spaces for both thrills and relaxation.
Lightning Rod
In 2016, Dollywood will debut Lightning Rod, a 1950s-themed coaster that will give riders more than 20 seconds of airtime.
Ninjago
Californa’s Legoland park is adding a LEGO® NINJAGO Ninjaland in 2016, complete with new games, food and a brand new ride with 4D effects and the ability for riders to “train” with the four ninja heroes, Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane.
Skull Island Reign Of Kong
The summer of 2016 has a huge thrill in store for fans of King Kong. Universal Studios Orlando is opening an immersive new ride that will take you face-to-face with the beast himself.
Mako Hypercoaster
SeaWorld Orlando is opening the area’s longest and fastest roller coaster, Mako, this summer.
Valravn
Cedar Point is gearing up to challenge riders to hang on to their lunches with the world’s longest, tallest and fastest dive coaster, Valravn.
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