New theme parks and updated attractions have as many twists and turns as that must-try thrill ride.

Aquatica opened this month across from Sea World Orlando. The 59-acre water park, which is owned by Busch Entertainment, includes Commerson's Dolphin Slides, which plunges riders down 300 feet of tubes through a lagoon with dolphins. The park also has the world's only side-by-side wave lagoons, raft rides and interactive water play areas.

Hard Rock Park, touted as the world's first rock 'n' roll theme park, is set to open in May in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The nearly $400 million project will have more than 40 attractions, including a Led Zeppelin ride, and several performance venues. Concert venues include an amphitheater with capacity of up to 10,000 people. The Moody Blues and the Eagles will perform at the grand opening June 2-3.

At Tampa's Busch Gardens Africa, Jungala is debuting this spring, with encounters with Bengal tigers, orangutans and other animals, plus multistory family play areas and live entertainment. Rides include the Wild Surge, which launches passengers out of a mountain crater above a waterfall.

Walt Disney World is debuting attractions, too. Disney's Hollywood Studios will introduce the 3-D "Toy Story" Mania! ride this summer and an "American Idol" attraction later.

Stone Mountain Park has a new Sky Hike, and an updated laser show to mark the show's 25th year. Favorites like "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" are back, with songs from "Star Wars," "High School Musical," "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Indiana Jones" movies.

Here's the latest in Southeast theme parks. Additional stand-alone water parks are listed at the bottom of each state. Prices and hours are subject to change without notice.

IN GEORGIA:

• Alpine Amusement Park, Helen: This family-owned park features five kiddie rides — a Ferris wheel, go-carts, bumper boats, a Tilt-a-Whirl and a roll-a-plane. There's also miniature golf and batting cages. 2008 prices not available at press time. 706-878-2306.

• American Adventures, Marietta: The 14 attractions aimed at children up to age 12 include a kid-size roller coaster, bumper cars, miniature golf, a Tilt-a-Whirl and Foam Factory. Opening date not available at press time. One-time admission, $15.99 plus tax for children 36 inches and taller, $5.99 plus tax for children under 36 inches and adults older than 18. Season passes available. 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com/parks/aadventures .

• Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, Rossville: This family-oriented amusement park near Chattanooga is home to the 140-foot-drop Oh Zone and the Cannonball wooden roller coaster. SpongeBob Square Pants will visit on season-opening weekend April 19-20. Gate admission is $5; unlimited ride pass is $21. 1-877-525-3946, www.lakewinnie.com .

• Six Flags Over Georgia, west of Atlanta: New attractions for the park's 41st season include the launch of Thomas Town, a Thomas & Friends-themed area opening in May. It's also the 100th anniversary of the Riverview Carousel, on the National Register of Historic Places. Special events include Christian Music Weekend, Friday-Saturday. Other additions include a Johnny Rockets restaurant, Bugs Bunny's Rockin' Parade from May 24 to Aug. 10 and video presentations of memorable moments from the American Music Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. Admission, $49.99 (online special is $39.99); children under 48 inches, $29.99; children under 2, free; parking is $15 or $20. Season passes available. 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia .

• Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain: In addition to the laser show, updates include Sky Hike, a quarter-mile kid-friendly course through the treetops with three heights — 12 feet, 24 feet and 40 feet. That's expected to open this summer. The 3,200-acre park continues to offer a skyride to the top of the mountain, train and riverboat outings, children's activities, shows and festivals. Open year-round. One-day all-attractions pass, $25, ages 12 and older; $22, seniors/military; $19, ages 3-11. Vehicle entry is $8. Season passes available. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com .

• Wild Adventures, Valdosta: New owner Herschsend Family Entertainment Corp. has made plenty of updates to the 170-acre theme park. Its first new ride in three years, the Rattler, is set to open Friday. It reaches heights of six stories and swings 240 degrees. More than 300 animals have been added to shows, exhibits and interactive encounters, including "Ocean Adventures," part of the expanded Kidzpalooza festival that runs June 6-Aug. 3. Admission: $45, ages 10-54; $40, ages 3-9 and 55 and over (second day is free); includes admission to Splash Island Water Park, which was to open Saturday. Parking $7-$9. Season passes available. 229-219-7080, www.wildadventures.net .

• Stand-alone water park White Water, 250 Cobb Parkway N., Marietta; 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com/parks/whitewater . Opens May 24.

IN ALABAMA

• Adventureland Theme Park, Dothan: Miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats, batting cages, arcade and a simulated roller-coaster ride. Open year-round, no gate admission — pay as you play. 334-793-9100, www.adventurelandthemepark.com .

• Alabama Adventure, Bessemer: This park, formerly known as Visionland, includes Magic City USA and Splash Beach water park. Opening April 19 for weekends only, open daily starting May 22. Individual pass to water park or ride park: $27.99, adults; $18.99, under 48 inches or ages 62 and up; free, ages 2 and under. Combination admission to both parks: $31.99, adults; $21.99, under 48 inches or ages 62 and up; free, ages 2 and under. Parking is $8. Season passes available. 205-481-4750, www.alabama adventure.com .

• DeSoto Caverns Park, Childersburg: Natural wonder meets man-made entertainment at this park that surrounds a 12-story cavern. Five new attractions will open by the end of May: DeSoto's Disc Golf, Kids Krazy Kars, Lost Gemstone Mine, Happy's Hoppin Carousel and Happy's Slip & Slide. Open year-round. Caverns tours are $16.99, adults; $13.99, children 3-11; attractions $5.49 each. Packages and annual passes available. 1-800-933-2283, www.desotocavernspark.com .

• Southern Adventures, Huntsville: Two miniature golf courses, seven carnival rides, batting cages, go-carts, bumper cars, a climbing wall and a roller-coaster simulator. Open year-round. Pay as you play. Water park open Memorial Day through Labor Day. $15, adults; $12, children; free, ages 3 and under. 256-880-6599, www.southernadventures.net .

• Waterville USA, Gulf Shores: This attraction is a water park and amusement park. The Flowrider promises an "endless perfect wave," and the House of Bounce is an inflatable play arena with obstacle course and the Screamin' Demon 60-foot body slide. Amusement park opened last week; water park opens May 19. Admission $29.99, plus tax, adults; $18.95, under 42 inches or age 60 and older; free, ages 2 and under. Tickets slightly lower when water park is closed. Season passes available. 251-948-2106, www.watervilleusa.com .

Stand-alone water parks

Point Mallard Park, 1800 Point Mallard Drive S.E., Decatur. 256-341-4900, www.pointmallardpark.com .

• Surfside Water Park, 2780 S. College St., Auburn. 334-821-7873, www.surfsidewaterpark.com .

Water World, 401 Recreation Road, Dothan. 334-615-3750, www.dothan.org/depts/leisure/leisurewater.htm .

FLORIDA

Boomers! Greater Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach: In addition to its wooden roller coaster, this family entertainment center has added four kid-friendly rides: Magic Teacups, Caribbean Carousel, Wave Rider and the 30-foot Florida Frog Hopper. Open daily. Pay as you play, or buy a super pass ($39.99, plus tax) or combo pack ($31.99, plus tax). 954-921-1411, www.boomersparks.com/park/dania .

Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa Bay: A new four-acre attraction, Jungala, debuts in April, with animal encounters, rides, a zip line and a family play area. Open daily. Admission: $64.95, adults; $54.95, ages 3-9 (includes second day free); packages available. 1-888-800-5447, www.buschgardens.com , www.jungala.com .

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Winter Haven: Coasters include the historic Starliner, which was built in 1963 at Panama City Beach's Miracle Strip Amusement Park. There's also Bugsville, a children's area with 13 rides and a show, as well as animals, botanical gardens, shows and a concert series. Admission includes Splash Island water park, which opens Saturday. Open daily. Admission: $39.95, ages 10-54; $34.95, ages 3-9 or 60 and older; free children 2 and under. Parking is $7-$9. Season passes available. 863-324-2111, www.cypressgardens.com .

Dinosaur World, Plant City: Take a walk in the woods among 150 life-size dinosaurs. Then check out the fossil dig, bone yard, museum and playground. Open daily. Admission $12.75, adults; $9.75, ages 3-12; $10.75, ages 60 and older. Pets on leashes are free. Season passes available. 813-717-9865, www.dinoworld.net .

Fun Spot Action Park, Orlando: Celebrating its 10th anniversary with the It's Huge contest, where people can win prizes including free food and admission, and a 2008 Dodge Charger (giveaway on Labor Day). Four go-cart tracks, bumper cars, bumper boats, an arcade and a Ferris wheel. Open daily. Admission: $34.95, ages 10 and older (must be 52 inches or taller to drive) for go-carts and rides; $24.94, ages 6 and older for rides only; $14.95, ages 2-6. 407-363-3867, www.fun-spot.com .

Discovery Cove, Orlando: Admission to this reservation-only resort next to SeaWorld is limited to about 1,000 people per day. The key experience is a dolphin swim, and packages include Trainer for a Day, which has extended deep-water dolphin interactions, behind-the-scenes tours, snorkeling in the Coral Reef, wading in the Ray Lagoon, feeding birds in the Aviary, and meals and snacks. Seasonal day pricing starts at $289 for dolphin admission and $189 for non-dolphin admission; includes a seven-day pass to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Aquatica. Open daily. 1-877-434-7268, www.discoverycove.com .

Holy Land Experience, Orlando: This living biblical museum takes guests through ancient Jerusalem's sites, including the Garden Tomb, Qumran Dead Sea Caves, Great Temple and Plaza and Wilderness Tabernacle. Open Mondays-Saturdays. Admission: $35, ages 13-54; $20, ages 6-12; $30, ages 55 and older; free, children 5 and under. 1-800-447-7235, www.theholylandexperience.com .

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee: This drive-through zoo has more than 900 animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and chimpanzees. A walk-through portion features family rides, a wet play area and a petting zoo. A pavilion hosts groups of 50 or more. Admission: $22.99, ages 10-64; $17.49, ages 3-9; $20.99, ages 65 and older, plus tax. Parking is $4.50. 561-793-1084, www.lioncountrysafari.com .

Marineland, St. Augustine: The world's first oceanarium, established in 1937, offers a chance to get up-close with dolphins. Various programs, which range from $75 to $500, allow you to watch, touch, paint and swim with dolphins. Open daily. Admission to the Dolphin Conservation Center: $6, ages 13 and older; $3, children. Reservations recommended for dolphin programs. 1-888-279-9194, www.marineland.net .

Old Town, Kissimmee: Once just a strip mall filled with gift shops, it is now surrounded by a miniature amusement park. The newest ride is the Super Shot, which climbs 150 feet and then drops. Other rides include the Windstorm Roller Coaster, Wave Swinger, the 60-foot Century Ferris Wheel and the Old Town Slingshot, which catapults riders 365 feet into the air. Open daily. Pay as you play, or buy all-day ride passes: $25 for all 13 rides and $15 for two-ticket rides only. Special group rates. 407-396-4888, www.old-town.com .

Sam's Fun City, Pensacola: This amusement park and water park will appeal most to younger children. The park includes a go-cart track, an arcade and a laser tag arena. Amusement park open Fridays-Sundays. The water park opens May 3. Pay as you play or buy a package-deal wristband; water park-only $20.95, plus tax. 850-505-0800, www.samsfuncity.com .

Sea World, Orlando: Some attractions in Shamu's Happy Harbor are undergoing refurbishment this spring at this 200-acre park where killer whales are stars. Special events include Viva La Música, with Latin artists on select Saturdays in April and May. Open daily. Single-day admission: $64.95, adults; $53.95 children. Packages available. 1-800-327-2424, www.seaworldorlando.com.

Silver Springs Nature Park, Silver Springs: New attractions in this historic park known for its river cruises in glass-bottom boats include a white alligators exhibit and nature-oriented traveling shows. Also, concert series. Open daily. Wild Waters Waterpark, which is next door, will debut a flume ride, Alligator Ambush, when it opens April 12. Admission: $33.99, ages 11-54; $30.99, ages 55 and older; $24.99, ages 3-10; free, children birth-2. 352-236-2121, www.silversprings.com , www.wildwaterspark.com .

Universal Orlando (Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida), Orlando: "The Simpsons" comes to Universal Studios with a new ride this spring. Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride... Starring You! opened in January. Open daily. One-day admission to both parks: $82.95, adults; $72.95, ages 3-9. Admission to one park: $71, adults; $60, ages 3-9. 407-363-8000, www.universalorlando.com .

Walt Disney World (Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom), Lake Buena Vista: What do Dame Judi Dench and "American Idol" have in common? They're part of new sights and sounds this year. Dench narrates the new ride inside Spaceship Earth at Epcot. At Disney Hollywood Studios, an "American Idol" attraction is slated to open, allowing guests to audition, hear from judges and perform live. The winner each day will get a reservation for a future "American Idol" audition. Other new attractions include the 3-D "Toy Story" Mania!, Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage! and Block Party Bash. All parks open daily. One-day admission to one park: $71, ages 10 and older; $60, ages 3-9. Multiple packages available. 407-939-6244, disneyworld.disney.go.com , www.disneyworld.com .

Wannado City, Sawgrass Mills Mall, Sunrise: In this indoor city designed to kid scale, children ages 3-13 can try different careers, more than 100 professions in all. A dinosaur exhibit is new this year. Call or see the Web for hours. Admission: $29.95, ages 2-14; $15.95, ages 15 and older; free, adults and children under 2. 1-888-926-6236, www.wannadocity.com .

Weeki Wachee Springs, Weeki Wachee: One of Florida's original roadside attractions, "the city of live mermaids" will become a state park in November. In addition to mermaid shows, there are river boat tours, a water park, animal shows, scuba diving and canoe and kayak rentals. Admission: $24.95, ages 11 and older; $16.95, ages 3-10, plus tax. Parking is $3. 352-596-2062, www.weekiwachee.com .

Stand-alone water parks

Aquatica, 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando; 1-888-800-5447, www.aquaticabyseaworld.com .

Big Kahuna's, 1007 U.S. 98 E., Destin; 850-837-8319, www.bigkahunas.com .

Rapids Water Park, 6566 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach; 561-842-8756, www.rapidswaterpark.com .

Shipwreck Island at Adventure Landing, 1944 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach; 904-246-4386, www.adventurelanding.com .

Sun Splash Family Waterpark, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral; 239-574-0557, www.sunsplashwaterpark.com .

Wet 'n Wild, 6200 International Drive, Orlando, 1-800-992-9453, www.wetnwildorlando.com.

NORTH CAROLINA

Carowinds, Charlotte: Carowinds' Boomerang Bay water park is undergoing a multimillion-dollar expansion, with a new 600,000-gallon wave pool, and adding rental cabanas. It will open May 24. Admission to Boomerang Bay is free with the purchase of a ticket to Carowinds, which opens Friday. New rides include the Yo-Yo swing ride. One-day admission: $44.95, visitors 48 inches and taller; $19.95, ages 62 and older or guests 3 and older who are under 48 inches. 1-800-888-4386, www.carowinds.com .

Cherokee Fun Park, Cherokee: Family-friendly rides, the Smoky Mountain Twister roller coaster, bumper boats and a go-cart track are offered along with arcade games and miniature golf. Pricing and opening date unavailable at press time. 828-497-5877, www.cherokeefunpark.com .

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, 5320 Oleander Drive, Wilmington: This water park also has go-carts, laser tag, an indoor playground, climbing wall and miniature golf. Open year-round, except for water park. Dry activities range from $4.95 to $8.95; water prices not set at press time. 910-791-0666, www.junglerapids.com .

Santa's Land, Cherokee: Celebrate the Christmas spirit at the amusement park suitable for young children. Rides, petting zoo with reindeer and Santa's Village. Open May 1. One-day admission: $18.75, children and adults. Season passes available. 828-497-9191, www.santaslandnc.com .

Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock: New rides include the Den of Lost Thieves, an interactive pirate-themed ride, and three rides in the County Fair. Also, the park namesake, steam locomotive No. 12, games and an animal park. Opens May 2. Admission: $30, adults; $22, ages 3-12. 1-800-526-5740, 828-264-9061, www.tweetsie.com .

Stand-alone water parks

Wet and Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, 3910 S. Holden Road, Greensboro; 336-852-9721, www.emeraldpointe.com .

SOUTH CAROLINA

Family Kingdom, Myrtle Beach: Thirty rides include the largest Ferris wheel in South Carolina, a wooden roller coaster and a 110-foot free-fall ride, the Slingshot Drop Zone. A neighboring oceanfront water park includes water flumes, speed slides and a 400-square-foot lazy river with waterfalls. Amusement park opens Friday; water park opens May 30. Amusement park all-rides wrist band (excludes pony rides, go-carts and water park), $22.75, plus tax; amusement park and water park combo pass, $32.35, plus tax; water park only is $17.95 plus tax for adults and children over 48 inches tall, $16.70 for children under 48 inches. Individual ride tickets available for $1.05 each plus tax. Parking $6. 843-626-3447, www.family-kingdom.com .

Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach: The park is expected to open in May, with six areas spotlighting different rock eras and cultures with a Led Zeppelin ride, shows such as Malibu Beach Party, Roadies Stunt Show and ice show "Country on the Rocks," shops, restaurants and more. Admission, which includes attractions, shows and concerts: $50, adults and children. Annual passes available. Parking is $10. 843-236-7625, www.hardrockpark.com

Stand-alone water parks

Myrtle Waves Waterpark, 3000 10th Ave., Exit N, Myrtle Beach; 843-913-9269, www.myrtlewaves.com .

Splash Island Waterpark at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, 444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant; 843-884-0832, ccprc.com/index.asp?NID=10 .

Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston; 843-795-7275, ccprc.com/index.asp?NID=10 .

Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, Highway 78 University Blvd., North Charleston; 843-572-7275, ccprc.com/index.asp?NID=10 .

Wild Water, 910 U.S. 17 S., Surfside Beach; 843-238-3787, www.wild-water.com .

TENNESSEE

Dollywood, Pigeon Forge: Set to open this spring is River Battle, a $5 million water raft ride equipped with soaker guns that passengers can use on each other or more than 100 targets along the way. Among the more than 40 rides and stage shows in the 130-acre family adventure park: the Mystery Mine, Thunderhead wooden coaster and Timber Tower splash-drop. The park is open March 31-Dec. 30. One-day admission: $50.20, ages 12-59; $39, ages 4-11; and $46.85, ages 60 and older. Super passes (includes one-day admission to Dollywood's Splash Country): $118, ages 12-59 and 60 and older; $105, ages 4-11. Tickets and passes include tax. Children ages 3 and under admitted free. 865-428-9488, www.dollywood.com .

Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg: The ski resort takes advantage of its slopes by offering an amusement park in warmer weather. Use your rump (and a sled) instead of skis to go down the Alpine Slide. There's also an aerial tramway, an indoor arcade, an indoor ice skating rink, go-carts, water rides, a shooting arcade, miniature golf and a bungee run (sort of a horizontal bungee jump). Pay as you play; packages, coupon books and inclusive wristbands available. Seasonal operation depends on the weather; call in advance. 865-436-5423, www.obergatlinburg.com .

Golf and Games Family Park, Memphis: This family entertainment center has miniature golf, go-carts, a game room, Lasertron laser tag, a virtual roller coaster, bumper boats, batting cages, kiddie rides and a driving range. Pay as you play; packages available. Open year-round. 901-386-2992, www.golfandgamesmemphis.com .

Stand-alone water park

Nashville Shores, 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage; 615-889-7050, www.nashvilleshores.com.