(NAPSA)—In 2002, more people visited amusement parks throughout the world than ever before. In the U.S. alone, 324 million people packed the nation’s 600 amusementparksandattractions. According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), here are some new experiences to enjoy andtips for getting the most out of your nextvisit. Newattractions Mission: SPACE—Flight simulators have been adapted to create a ride system where guests “blast off? into orbit on their way to Mars. (At Walt Disney World, Orlando, Fla.) 4-D Films—Attractions featuring traditional 3-D films with an added dimension, such as live action, or other interactive fea- tures like sprays, scents or motion seats. Based on popular movies and TV shows, including Shrek and “SpongeBob SquarePants,” these attractions are appearing in manyparks. * Top Thrill Dragster—The world’s first roller coaster to top the 400-foot mark, this behemoth reaches speeds of 120 miles per hour. (At Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio.) Waterparks—Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Va., has added a themed,interactive action river. Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., which already bills itself as the largest waterpark in the country, has added several non-traditional waterpark rides, including an indoor attraction known as Noah’s Incredible Adventure. \ a a ~ _ a ~ a, \ “Safety first” is an important rule to keep in mind when exploring amusementparks. Consumertips Dress comfortably, but avoid open-toed shoes and dangling clothing or jewelry. Protect yourself with sunscreen and headgear, even on cloudy days. Observe all posted rules, and follow the verbal instructions given byride operators. Obey all listed age, height, weight and health restrictions. Keep hands, arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times, and remain in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and you are instructed by a ride operator to exit the ride. Always use the safety equipment provided. JAAPAis the largest interna- tional trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents more than 5,000 facility, supplier and individual members from more than 85 countries. To learn more, visit www.iaapa.org.
