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Presents a guide to Orlando, Florida's Universal Studios park. Details about the rides including the Incredible Hulk Coaster; Playgrounds such as Camp Jurassic; Reaction from locals; Other attractions.

Discusses old-fashioned amusement parks in the United States. The Jack Rabbit roller coaster at Kennywood, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Comments from Kennywood's Mary Lou Rosemeyer; Historical amusement parks and their origin; Allure of the old parks; Features at Kennywood and at Knoebels Amusement Resort in eastern Pennsylvania; Other parks; Rinky-dink attractions.

Discusses America's obsession with roller coasters. History of the contraption; Contest for the most terrifying ride which is being played out with new hypercoasters across the country; Fierce competition for the next record-breaking coaster; Increase in amusement-park attendance.

Answers a question about scary theme-park rides with a review of Revenge of the Mummy--The Ride at Universal Orlando.

Evaluates Walt Disney World's Mission: Space ride in comparison with Universal Studio's Spider-Man ride.

Describes Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster of Sandusky, Ohio, the fastest, tallest roller coaster in the world. Speed of the roller coaster; Use of a hydraulic launch system; Comments of riders, including Robert Coker, author of 'Roller Coasters: A Thrill Seeker's Guide.'

Offers tips on avoiding long theme-park lines from Bob Sehlinger, author of 'The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003.' How to assess rides which handle only a small number of riders at a time; Traffic patterns at parks; Ways to plan meals at off times; Impact of special events on ride lines.

Offers information on roller coasters in the United States. Speed of coasters at various amusement parks including Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Focuses on the requirement of annual state inspections of amusement parks in California in the wake of six 1999 accidents in the United States. History of the state's inspection policy; Other states considering regulatory changes; Comments from safety consultant Bill Avery.

Highlights roller coasters and other rides for 1999. The Medusa at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure; Mention of the book `The Roller Coaster Lover's Companion,' by Steve Urbanowicz; Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania; Apollo's Chariot at Busch Gardens of Williamsburg, Virginia; More.