This is a huge year for Florida's theme parks — the first summer for newly rebuilt and reopened Cypress Gardens, and lots of special events at Disney World (Disney parks worldwide are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Disneyland). Here's what you'll find:

STEVE NESIUS/Special (ENLARGE)
Tiffany Monda, 21, and Kim Tucker, 17, prepare to greet park visitors in Jubilee Junction at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park.
MARLON MANUEL/AJC (ENLARGE)
A 'resident of Jerusalem' explains drawing water from a well to visitors from the 21st century.
Busch Gardens (ENLARGE)
Sheikra is the first dive coaster in the nation and at 200 feet is among the tallest in the world.
Walt Disney World Resort (ENLARGE)
A cast of Disney favorites takes part in Cinderellabration, a musical spectacular from Tokyo Disney Resort that follows Cinderella and Prince Charming's road to happiness.
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THEME PARKS Around the Southeast, more amusement awaits  New Cypress Gardens keeps old Florida feel  Fireworks, concerts on track for Tweetsie Railroad  Waxing nostalgic on Lake Winnie  Georgia's Lake Winnie: 80 years of fun  Southern belles, killer whales and a golden time in Florida  Tips for taking tots to Disney World  Kids rule the roost, with a cartoon assist  Million-dollar makeover may revive Marineland  More specialty destinations

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Orlando

Universal Orlando has evolved into one heck of a destination. On one side you have Universal Studios Orlando, home of Shrek 4-D, Jaws, Nickelodeon Studios and last year's addition, the Mummy's Revenge, one of Orlando's best coasters.

One the other side, you have Islands of Adventure, a multi-themed paradise of thrill rides and attractions on separate "islands." Here you'll find Dueling Dragons (an inverted dueling coaster), the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (an immersive thrill-ride-combo-coaster-3-D spectacle), Incredible Hulk (a rocket-fast green-and-mean coaster), and even a few places for the kiddies like Toon Lagoon and Seuss Landing.

In the middle of the two vastly opposite worlds lies CityWalk, a restaurant-shopping-dancing extravaganza.

Here's what's new:

• Fear Factor Live — You've seen it on TV, now try the most thrilling — and disgusting — show live at Universal Studios. Perform stunts in front of thousands as you compete against other park guests. Or, you can choose to compete from your seat with surprise audience-induced frivolity. It's all unscripted and unpredictable.

• Prices: One-day, one-park ticket: $59.75 adults; $48 children (3-9)

Universal Bonus Pass: $99.95 gets you two days, plus three days free, when you purchase your ticket online; that's five consecutive days of unlimited park-to-park admission (including first day of use) to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk.

Two-day, two-park ticket: $104.95, adults; $94.95, children (3-9). Includes two-day unlimited admission to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, with admission to select CityWalk venues.

407-363-8000, http://www.universalorlando.com

WET 'N WILD WATER PARK

Orlando

Wet 'n Wild was recently voted by Amusement Business magazine as America's No. 1 water park. It features a wide variety of rides to thrill every member of your clan. New at Wet 'n Wild:

• Disco H2O — This multimillion-dollar addition is a little bit funk, a touch of soul, with some rock 'n' roll thrown in. Guests ride a four-leaf clover-type raft that descends into a watery "nightclub." Disco balls, flashing strobes and music round out the experience as you zoom toward the splash pool finale.

•Prices: Single day admission: $33.95; $27.95, children (3-9).

407-351-1800, 1-800-992-9453, http://www.wetnwild.com/orlando.

SEAWORLD ORLANDO

Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the best marine adventure parks set on more than 200 acres. State-of-the-art rides thrill, while animal encounters including killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and sharks delight, entertain and educate, proving again that learning can be fun. Here's what's new:

• Blue Horizons — This spectacle unites action above and under water with dolphins, whales, exotic birds (condors, macaws and sun conures) — and trainers and performers. Publicist Jackie Wilson says the show, which will premiere to the media on Wednesday, with its first public performances over Memorial Day weekend, is phenomenal. It's the first time the theme park has choreographed animal performances like a Broadway show with costumed performers and trainers.

• Mistify — Once night sets in, Mistify comes to life. This extravaganza in the center lake features larger-than-life marine creatures on huge mist screens, towering fountains, fire dancing on water and fireworks.

• Prices: One-day admission: $59.75, adults; $48, children (3-9).

1-800-327-2424 or 407-351-3600, http://www.seaworldorlando.com.

DISCOVERY COVE

Orlando

Swim with dolphins, or take a Twilight Discovery swim, which includes animal interactions, Caribbean music, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and dining.

Also available: Dolphin Lovers Sleepover package for families, Non-Dolphin Swim package and Trainer for a Day package.

Guests get a complimentary pass to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens, or can purchase a pass to both for an additional charge.

Reservations must be made for a park visit because daily admission is limited.

• Prices: All-inclusive package, through Oct. 28, $259; Oct. 29-Dec. 31, $239. Twilight Discovery, $259, available 3-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, May 30-Sept. 1. Non-Dolphin Swim package, through Oct. 28, $159; Oct. 29-Dec. 31, $139. Trainer for a Day package, through Oct. 28, $429; Oct. 29-Dec. 31, $409. Dolphin Lovers Sleepovers packages, $389 per participant. (Prices do not include tax.)

1-877-434-7268, http://www.discoverycove.com.

HOLY LAND EXPERIENCE

Orlando

This 15-acre living biblical history museum is described as "educational, historical, theatrical, inspirational and evangelistic." It has exhibits such as an indoor model of Jerusalem circa A.D. 66 and a musical "praise to the ages," featuring music from Jesus' time.

1-866-872-4659, http://www.theholylandexperience.com.

BUSCH GARDENS

Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers the sights and sounds of Africa, along with the screams and dreams of roller coaster enthusiasts across the park. You can laze about the African savannah, rubbing noses with exotic fauna, or take in a few spins on some of the wildest coasters in Florida. Like every other park across the sunny landscape, Busch Gardens is always adding and tweaking attractions to draw you in. This year is no different:

• Sheikra — The latest addition to the state's theme parks is also its tallest. At 200 feet, the Sheikra (North America's first dive coaster) is also among the tallest dive coasters in the world, and the first of its kind to incorporate an impressive — and nail-biting — maneuver, a second 138-foot dive into an underground tunnel (as if the first 200-foot, 90-degree initial dive wasn't enough), and a water feature finale. This is sure to be an exciting three minutes.

• Prices: Single day ticket, $55.95 adults; $45.95 children (3-9).

2005 Busch Gardens Fun Card — The popular discount card offers unlimited general admission through Dec. 31 for $61.95 adults; $51.95, children (3-9). A Fun Card also gets you into concerts, ride previews, Summer Nights, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures and New Year's Eve at Busch Gardens.

Call 1-800-423-8368, http://www.buschgardens.com.

CYPRESS GARDENS

Winter Haven

Cypress Gardens was one of Florida's first theme parks, and for a while there — after a 67-year run — it seemed that the magic had all but gone. Interest in the belles, lush surroundings, and daredevil water-ski shows dwindled as bigger, faster and louder theme parks opened nearby.

When the park finally closed in 2003, a grass-roots effort saved it. Georgia businessman Kent Buescher, who also operates Wild Adventures in Valdosta, bought the property in 2004. After a $45 million revitalization, the newly dubbed Cypress Gardens Adventure Park opened in December.

Cypress Gardens now offers more than three dozen rides, including roller coasters. The new incarnation of a Florida classic has something to wow the whole family.

Of course, the lush tropical foliage is still the driving force of the park's allure. After getting a bit pummeled by last year's hurricanes, the gardens are in full bloom. Topiary trails feature a collection of colorful wildlife-theme figures, clipped to give the illusion of fauna playing in the mist of the park's waterfall.

Some new attractions at the park:

• Okeechobee Rampage — A steel coaster with a swerving track, surprise speed bursts and camel backs for that "air time" experience coaster maniacs crave.

• Triple Hurricane — A wooden coaster built storm tough. (It survived 2004's storm assault with nary a scratch.) A classic "out and back" coaster, reminiscent of the early boardwalk "woodies," incorporates today's innovative coaster design tactics. Fast hills, loads of air time and those classic woodie thumps and grinds add to the experience.

• Splash Island — This water park offers six attractions from the Tiki Garden for tots to the Polynesian Adventure for the more daring water enthusiast. Kowabunga Bay features a 20,000-square-foot wave pool. Paradise River is a lazy, 1,000-foot float through the flora.

• Prices: General admission (ages 10-54), $34.95, plus tax; seniors (55 and older), $29.95, plus tax; children (3-9), $29.95, plus tax; children 2 and under, free. Ticket provides access to all activities and include a second day free valid for six days following the park visit. Parking: cars, $7; recreational vehicles, $9.

• Passport 2005 — $64.95, valid through Dec. 31. It provides unlimited admission, including all concerts and special events, to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, and Splash Island Water Parks, which are near both theme parks.

Cypress Gardens, 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd. 863-324-2111; http://www.cypressgardens.com.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Lake Buena Vista

Once you step into Walt Disney's world, you can't help but feel like you've been transported into another realm.

As soon as you enter the gates, you are surrounded by fairies, princesses and smiling faces — and those are just the tots running around. Everywhere you look there's a little piece of Disney's magic — from the bricks along the path to the park, to the costumes and revelry at every turn inside.

True escapism at its best.

Walt Disney World Resort presents the Happiest Celebration on Earth, which started May 5 and will continue for 18 months, a celebration of Disneyland's 50th anniversary. All 10 Disney parks worldwide will join in this global celebration, featuring new shows and attractions taken from parks across the world.

Even the landmark Cinderella's castle at the heart of Disney's Magic Kingdom will be decked out. Golden trim, rose swags, bunting and swirling bands of "pixie dust" encircle the castle, with golden sculptures of Disney characters from "Alice in Wonderland" to "The Jungle Book" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Here's a brief rundown of the new attractions at the park:

MAGIC KINGDOM

• Cinderellabration — A musical spectacular direct from Tokyo Disney Resort, it follows Cinderella and Prince Charming's route to "happily ever after." This show features elaborate costumes and a whole host of Disney favorites as they attend Cinderella's coronation.

• Stitch's Great Escape — This Tomorrowland attraction takes guests into the world of Lilo and Stitch, featuring a new escapade set before the events seen in Disney's animated adventure of Experiment 626 chronicled in "Lilo and Stitch." Follow Stitch's misadventure through the halls of the Galactic Federation Prisoner Transport Center.

EPCOT

• Soarin'— The popular attraction, which takes Disneyland guests up and over some of California's most eye-catching features, debuts at the Land pavilion in Epcot. The experience combines cinematic finery and state-of-the-art motion-based technology. Guests are lifted 40 feet inside a huge projection screen dome to experience the beauty of the Golden State. Soarin' is one of the attractions imported to Disney World for this celebration.

• "Echoes of Africa" — This inaugural exhibit at American Heritage Gallery in the American Adventure pavilion features pieces from the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection. During the three-year run of the exhibit, more than a dozen pieces from the collection are on display at any one time.

• Turtle Talk With Crush — Crush, the laid-back, 152-year-old surfer turtle from Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo" makes a splash at Epcot's the Living Seas as a chatting, joking quipster who engages guests in conversation from his movie-screen, undersea environment. This interactive show features innovative real-time animation using digital projection and voice-activated animation.

• Bruce's Shark World — Bruce, another of the stars from "Finding Nemo," is featured in an interactive area that provides guests with colorful graphics, informative shark facts and photo ops with the toothy character.

DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show — Inspired by the Paris Disney Resort attraction of the same name, this is a high-octane stunt show featuring specially designed cars, motorcycles and personal watercraft, with lots of special effects. This show pulls some guests right out of the stands and into the action. Insiders reveal show secrets, detailing how stunts are created, designed and filmed for Hollywood blockbusters.

• The Magic of Disney Animation — Follow the progression of Disney's animated classics and modern masterpieces from storyboards to the silver screen. Disney animation is explored through interactive presentations, colorful kiosks and hands-on activities. After learning how Disney makes its screen magic, guests can try their hand at creating their own animated figures — with a Disney artist on hand to give pointers. Guests can also lend their vocal talents to animated features and have a computer match their personality to the Disney character they are most like.

In a meet-and-greet area, guests can connect the larger-than-life Disney stars.

• Jo-Jo's Circus — Two of the stars from Disney Channel's popular "Playhouse Disney" series, "Jo-Jo's Circus," are part of the Disney-MGM Studios family. The show's stars, Jo-Jo, a 6-year-old clown and her pet lion, Goliath, are characters who appear in the Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade and also in the meet-and-greets with guests in the park.

DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM

• Lucky the Dinosaur — From Disney's California Adventure comes Lucky, an animatronic dinosaur created by Disney's Imagineering, as part of the golden celebration. Lucky skulks the grounds at Disney's Animal Kingdom interacting with guests. Lucky stands about 9 feet tall and pulls a cart of flowers. In DinoLand U.S.A., he will greet guests and sign autographs with his four-leaf clover signature.

PRICES

With Magic Your Way, Disney guests can create tickets for a customized vacation, based on the length of their stay. First, choose the number of days you want on a base ticket that allows you to visit one theme park each day. Then select from a menu of ticket options that includes:

Park Hopper option: Come and go through all four Walt Disney World theme parks each day for the length of the ticket.

Magic Plus Pack option: For fun beyond the theme parks, choose from Disney's Blizzard Beach water park, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island or Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

No expiration option: "Magic Your Way" tickets expire 14 days after their first use. Electing the "no expiration" option means you can go back anytime and take advantage of unused ticket entitlements.

"Magic Your Way" Premium ticket: This ticket combines the benefits of Park Hopper and Magic Plus Pack options.

407-934-7639, http://www.disneyworld.com.

— Travel editor Amanda J. Miller contributed to this report