BESSEMER, Ala. -- VisionLand theme park has poured $5 million into
several new attractions that were unveiled this year during its
second full season of operation. The park, which opened in May 1998
at a cost of $40 million, is 16 miles southwest of Birmingham.
Topping the list of new offerings are a $4 million river raft
ride; a space shuttle simulator ride and a 22-foot rock climbing
wall, both of which opened in mid-June, and a $750,000 dinosaur
park, which made its debut in mid-May.
The river raft ride is designed to reflect a white-water rafting
adventure on the rivers of Alabama. It features six- to
eight-passenger boats that are propelled along a 1,500-foot-long
river, bouncing and spinning on white water along the way.
VisionLand's Dino Domain by Dinamation attraction, located in a
3.5-acre Dino Park, showcases 36 species of dinosaurs, most of
which are animated, life-size replicas that make sounds and move
their eyes, heads, legs and tails, all in a realistic environment.
Among the dinosaurs spotlighted are the pteranodon, stegosaurus,
triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.
VisionLand offers a variety of attractions divided into four
themed areas: Celebration City, Steel Waters, Marvel City and Main
Street.
Celebration City features games and thrill rides, including a
$4.2 million wooden roller coaster. Steel Waters is a seven-acre
water park themed after Bessemer's industrial heritage. Marvel City
is a children's entertainment area with several rides. Main Street,
a replica of a historic street, features restaurants, shops and a
family entertainment center.
VisionLand
Phone: (205) 481-4750
Web: www.visionlandpark.com/index.asp