THEME parks around the world are closing their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite this, there are some exciting new attractions and rides opening next year, when it is hoped many will be open again.
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All of the Disney parks have been forced to close, including Disneyland Paris and Disney World, along with Universal and Sea World.
UK theme parks and attractions closed over the weekend, with Alton Towers and Paultons Park just some that are affected.
However, there are some new theme parks, rollercoasters and attractions which hope to open next year to look forward to, as well as some delayed rides and experiences which were due to open this year.
Here are some of the best attractions to add to your diary for when the parks re-open.
Super Nintendo World, Universal Japan – due to open in 2020
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Japan’s new Super Nintendo World was due to open earlier this year, although this is likely to be pushed back to 2021.
The new land follows the iconic Nintendo characters, including Mario, Bowser and Princess Peach.
Rides include a Yoshi animatronic ride as well as a Mushroom Cafe and even wristbands to track your high scores on the rides.
Details for a Mario Kart racing attraction have yet to be announced, and rumours suggest a Donkey Kong ride is in the pipeline after the park’s first phase opens.
TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Disney World – opening in 2021
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A new ride opening at Disney World next year is the TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
The ride is already open at Shanghai Disneyland, but will also open in the US in 2021.
The new rollercoaster, opening at Tomorrowland, features both indoor and outdoor track and speeds up to 60mph.
It will be one of the fastest rides at the park, behind Test Track and Summit Plummet.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Disney World – opening in 2021
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Also coming to Disney World is the new Guardians of the Galaxy Ride, Cosmic Rewind.
It is due to open in Epcot in 2021 – the first rollercoaster opening in the land.
The ride is being dubbed a “storytelling coaster,” with rotating seats and a reverse launch.
It is also the first Marvel ride for Disney World.
Tornado Springs, Paultons Park – due to open in 2020
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A new 1950s themed land at Paultons Park called Tornado Springs was due to open this year, but has been postponed due to coronavirus.
While the opening date is yet to be confirmed, it hopes to be later this year.
The setting is a mid-west desert resort down set in the US, with themed restaurants and cafes.
There are eight new rides opening at the attraction, including a spinning rollercoaster and a gyro swing ride.
Gangsta Granny, Alton Towers – due to open in 2020
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Another UK theme park forced to delay their new attraction is Alton Towers, with their new Gangsta Granny ride.
While it could still open later this year, the launch has been postponed for now.
The new ride is based on the novels by David Walliams, and is for younger riders between the age of six and 12.
Passengers will ride in a royal carriage as Granny and Ben ask those on board to help them with a “jewel heist”.
The Rainforest, Chessington World of Adventures – due to open in 2020
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Earlier this year, Chessington announced plans for their new land The Rainforest.
The date isn’t confirmed, but it is due to open later this year.
There will be three new rides – Jungle Rangers, a driving ride where guests can explore rainforests from around the world by road, River Rafts, a mini log flume ride and Treetop Hoppers, a treetop canopy attraction with tortoises and capybaras.
It will also include information and facts on conservation to inspire young visitors to protect the planet.
The UK government has advised against all but essential travel both abroad and in the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic.
National Trust were forced to close some of their parks after people failed to social distance.
We’ve also revealed some of the domestic UK flights affected.
