Explore - Travel Made Easy, Vacations, Planning Advice

Dollywood's Iconic Water Park And Resorts Are Rejecting This Payment Method In 2026

staff@explore.com (Grae Gleason) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The beloved Dollywood has joined a growing wave of major U.S. attractions ditching this popular form of payment. Here's what to know before you arrive.

This Iconic Amusement Park Ride From The '70s Is Reopening This Summer After A 4-Year Wait

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:30:00 +0000

One of America's most beloved vintage roller coasters is making a comeback this summer, so nostalgic thrill seekers should plan a visit to California.

A New Water Park Is Coming To This Texas Boardwalk In 2027 For Family-Friendly Fun

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Sat, 30 May 2026 10:30:00 +0000

A pirate-themed water park with a kids play cove and eight new water rides is promised to open in 2027 at this fun, family-friendly Texas Boardwalk.

Virginia's Largest Indoor Waterpark Is Coming Soon In 2026

staff@explore.com (Tanya Sharma) — Wed, 27 May 2026 10:30:00 +0000

This new park opening in December 2026 will have water slides, a surf simulator, and a wave pool, and is set to be the largest indoor water park in Virginia.

This One-Of-A-Kind, Family-Friendly Theme Park World Is Coming To The UK In 2027

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:30:00 +0000

The U.K. may not be known for its theme parks, but its reputation may get a big boost from this new, one-of-a-kind theme park land coming to London in 2027.

New Orleans' Abandoned Amusement Park Will Thrive Again As A New Indoor & Outdoor Water Park

staff@explore.com (Joshua Meyer) — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:30:00 +0000

With the promise of an indoor-outdoor water park, sports complex, and movie studio, this abandoned New Orleans amusement park may finally have a new life.

Ohio's Abandoned Lakeside Amusement Park Will Thrive Again As A Public Green Space

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:30:00 +0000

This abandoned amusement park in Ohio, which was one of the largest in the world, is going back to its roots: It is being turned into a public green space.

Universal Orlando Is Making A Big Change Without Notice. Here's What It Means For Visitors

staff@explore.com (Joshua Meyer) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Seemingly overnight, Universal Orlando made a huge change to one of the park's most noteworthy attractions. Here's what visitors need to know before they go.

Florida's Popular Thrill Park Is Shutting Its Doors For Good After Nearly Three Decades

staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Florida is losing one of its best-loved thrill parks after this iconic flagship announced that it would be shuttering after nearly 30 years of business.

Europe's Iconic New York-Themed Park Is Being Demolished After Over 100 Years

staff@explore.com (Tanya Sharma) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:05:08 +0000

For over 100 years, this coastal amusement park thrilled visitors from Europe and beyond. Now, it has closed its doors and is being torn down.

5 Of Universal CityWalk Orlando's Must-Try Restaurants For First Time Visitors

staff@explore.com (Joshua Meyer) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Universal Citywalk serves as a gateway between Universal Orlando Resort's parking and theme park entrances, and offers lots of tempting restaurant options.

Texas' New Family-Friendly, First-Of-Its-Kind Theme Park Resort Is Coming In 2026

staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Texas plays host to several family-centered destinations, but a new high-level family-friendly theme park resort is headed to the state in 2026.

Costco's Awesome Offering Helps You Visit Top-Tier Theme Parks & Attractions On A Budget

staff@explore.com (Sara Tewksbury) — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

If you want to plan a family trip to an amusement park on a budget, don't overlook Costco and Costco Travel for some epic savings opportunities.

Say Goodbye To This Popular Theme Park That's Closing After 2026

staff@explore.com (Olaoluwa Akinbayo) — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:30:00 +0000

Unfortunately, they say all good things eventually come to an end, and that's the case for this popular theme park beloved by those who live nearby.

5 Of The Best Theme Parks For A Festive Getaway Full Of Christmas Spirit

staff@explore.com (Tosh Bene) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Visit some of America's top holiday theme-park events this winter for rides, lights, festive treats, and nonstop Christmas fun for the whole family.

The Largest Amusement Park In The Midwest Is Bursting With Family-Friendly Fun

staff@explore.com (Mike Kaplan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:30:00 +0000

Visit this epic amusement park for heart-pounding coasters, family-friendly attractions, and the year-round events that make it so legendary.

Rick Steves Recommends Visiting London During Christmastime For This Epic Festival

staff@explore.com (Sophie Baker) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000

If you want to be immersed in holiday spirit, look no further than this incredible festival that will help you make the most out of Christmastime.

Use This Smart Money-Saving Hack To Stick To Your Budget When Visiting Disney Parks

staff@explore.com (Bareerah Zafar) — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:30:00 +0000

It's no secret that, as magical as the experience may be, a trip to a Disney park is by no means friendly to your wallet. Thankfully, here's a way to save.

Dollywood's Unique, New Attraction Will Be The World's First Hybrid Coaster Ride

staff@explore.com (Joshua Meyer) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

An immersive journey combining the best amusement park rides, this new Dollywood attraction promises an unmatched coaster experience when it opens in 2026.

This Beloved California Theme Park Just Pulled The Plug On The Rest Of Its 2025 Season

staff@explore.com (Christine Dulion) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:30:00 +0000

The year 2025 has already been a rough one for theme parks, and now another beloved California park has changed its schedule and closed its doors early.