18 most thrilling new theme park attractions for 2021

With summer approaching, many families are gearing up for theme park getaways — particularly those eager to make up for amusement park adventures that were missed in 2020.

While much was postponed due to the pandemic, 2021 is expected to witness more openings than 2020 offered — although many opening dates are still somewhat uncertain.

For instance, Florida's theme parks experienced a resurgence this spring, often reaching capacity limits.

In California, strict COVID-19 guidelines kept Disneyland Resort in Anaheim shuttered for an astounding 13 months. However, under California's updated health protocols, Disneyland is poised to reopen this week on April 30.

Universal Studios Hollywood welcomed guests back on April 16, and Knott's Berry Farm will start admitting season passholders on May 6, followed by the general public on May 21.

Legoland California reopened on April 15, and after missing its planned 2020 debut, Legoland New York is gearing up for its grand opening in 2021, though the official date is still unannounced.

While some openings are still uncertain, there are several new roller coasters and rides that have either debuted in 2021 or are on the way, perfect for your theme park adventures this summer and fall.

Walt Disney World Resort

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Initially planned for 2020, Walt Disney World has now confirmed October 1, 2021, as the official opening date for this beloved trackless ride from Disneyland Paris that is making its debut in Orlando.

Aligned with the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, this attraction shrinks you down to Chef Remy’s size (no height requirement, making it perfect for families) for a whimsical journey through Gusteau's Parisian restaurant from the Pixar classic "Ratatouille." The experience takes place within the France Pavilion at Epcot, which is being expanded to host this new ride.

La Crêperie de Paris

If you’ve been curious about finding a delicious crêpe in the area, you’re in luck—La Crêperie de Paris will be opening in Orlando on October 1, featuring both table and quick service within the newly expanded France Pavilion. Fans of this classic French treat who have missed Europe during the pandemic will enjoy the offerings of buckwheat galettes and French hard ciders (the usual companions for crêpes in France) on the menu.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Exciting two-night immersive experiences aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—a hotel themed around the Star Wars universe—are expected to launch at Hollywood Studios in 2021, though an exact opening date has yet to be confirmed. Guests can anticipate a journey to the Halcyon's bridge and partake in lightsaber training, all at a premium price.

Drawn to Life by Cirque de Soleil

The launch date for this new Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs, described as "a tribute to the artistry of Disney animation," remains uncertain, but it is still anticipated to arrive in 2021. After significant layoffs in 2020, we’re hopeful for a vibrant return to the stage for Cirque du Soleil in Orlando.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

After remaining closed for most of 2020 due to the pandemic, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park opened its gates once again on March 7, inviting spring break visitors to enjoy some aquatic fun in Orlando. Notable attractions include Cross Country Creek, which stretches an impressive 3,000 feet, making it one of the longest lazy rivers in the nation.

Space 220

While exact dates for its opening remain unconfirmed for 2021, we're eagerly anticipating the launch of this new Epcot restaurant located between Mission: Space and Test Track. Diners can look forward to spectacular views of Earth’s curvature and the International Space Station while enjoying "modern American cuisine." Disney has teased an impressive drink menu, featuring "1,000 bottles of the world's finest wines and a diverse array of craft beers," promising an out-of-this-world experience.

Disneyland Resort

Avengers Campus

The long-awaited reopening of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on April 30 is monumental news for park enthusiasts, especially following such an extended pandemic closure. Adding to the excitement, Disney California Adventure Park will unveil a brand-new superhero-themed area, Avengers Campus, on June 4.

Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure is the hot topic among visitors — an interactive ride featuring screens that welcomes guests of all heights and ages, ensuring a fun experience for the whole family.

Please note that park reservations at Disneyland have become a new requirement for 2021. Here are additional details on how Disneyland will be different upon reopening.

Universal Orlando

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Universal is dubbing this new roller coaster, set to open on June 10 at the Islands of Adventure theme park, the "apex predator" of roller coasters. If the thrill of racing at 70 miles per hour with velociraptors by your side sounds like your kind of adventure, you won't want to miss Florida's fastest and tallest launch coaster.

Amidst intricately designed rock formations and vibrant landscaping that evoke the presence of dinosaurs, the Jurassic World VelociCoaster guarantees to deliver thrilling moments as it launches riders 155 feet into the sky before executing a dramatic 80-degree drop—the coaster's iconic "top hat" maneuver. Fans of extreme rides are eagerly awaiting its opening in early June.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

Featuring a cast of 64 animatronic animal figures, this charming new family attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood made its debut when the park reopened on April 16.

Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash takes guests on a nostalgic theme park adventure, immersing them in the lively world of pets inspired by the movie franchise. Riders are drawn into the charm of luxurious New York City apartments and playful back-alley escapades. At one point, motion-tracking technology even transforms the rider into a playful pup for extra fun and laughter.

SeaWorld Orlando

Ice Breaker

SeaWorld has yet to announce the specific opening date for this new Arctic-themed coaster, which will be situated near the park's Wild Arctic attraction, but it promises to make quite an impact.

As SeaWorld Orlando's first launch-style coaster, Ice Breaker will feature both backward and forward launches, thrilling riders with a reverse launch that leads into what is touted as Florida's "steepest beyond vertical drop," plunging from a height of 93 feet at a heart-stopping 100-degree angle.

Altitude Burgers

Featuring open-air dining alongside Wild Arctic and Glacier Bar, this new build-your-own burger bar, which also offers a chicken sandwich and select pizza options, opened in March to replace Mango Joe's.

SeaWorld San Diego

Emperor

Get ready for an exhilarating experience! Delayed from its initial 2020 opening due to the pandemic, SeaWorld San Diego's brand-new dive coaster, Emperor, is still scheduled to open in 2021, as noted on the park's website. Reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour and featuring a staggering 150-foot drop, Emperor will hold the title of the "tallest and fastest floorless dive coaster in the state" when it finally launches.

Fun fact: SeaWorld San Diego is the only location in North America where you can see the emperor penguin.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Iron Gwazi

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is already known for its thrilling roller coasters, but it continues to raise the bar. Initially set to open in 2020 and now with no confirmed date beyond a vague "2021," much to the frustration of park fans on Twitter, the next major coaster addition is Iron Gwazi.

Boasting three inversions, reaching speeds of 76 miles per hour, and soaring over 200 feet high, Iron Gwazi is poised to become the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. The highlight of this ride will be a jaw-dropping 91-degree drop from a height of 206 feet.

Legoland Florida

Brickbeard's Watersports Stunt Show

Debuting in February, Legoland Florida's latest stunt show takes place on Lake Eloise, right in the park's center, and introduces a new female Lego pirate character alongside an exhilarating flyboard performance. Expect to see classic water stunts as well, including ski pyramids, barefoot skiing, impressive jumps, and daring wakeboarding.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the Pirate Island Hotel at Legoland Florida.

Legoland New York

While there's still no official opening date for New York's first Legoland location, the largest Legoland yet is set to debut this summer in Goshen, located in New York's Hudson Valley. Initially scheduled to open last summer, the launch was postponed due to the pandemic.

Also anticipated to open in 2021, the Legoland Hotel will provide guests with complimentary breakfast each day, entertainment for kids, a heated pool, and — what parent wouldn't appreciate this? — a designated kids' sleeping area in all 250 rooms.

Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair

Upon its reopening on May 6, Knott's Berry Farm will introduce a brand-new interactive 4D dark ride. Guests will hop into vehicles armed with jelly blasters (to retrieve those stolen pies, naturally) as they embark on an adventure through reimagined scenes from the park's original dark ride. Watch out for crafty pie-stealing coyotes as you aim to snag the blue ribbon for boysenberry pies at the county fair.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines

Six Flags Fiesta Texas has launched its latest attraction, a steampunk-themed thrill ride named Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines, which debuted in March. Located in the themed Crackaxle Canyon area, this four-seat ride simulates an aerial dogfight, featuring exciting banks, loops, and dives that are sure to thrill riders.

Six Flags Great Adventure

Jersey Devil

What’s a new roller coaster without some impressive accolades? Set to debut this summer (with an exact date yet to be revealed) at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, the Jersey Devil coaster will simultaneously break three records, becoming the tallest, fastest, and longest single-rail roller coaster in the world. Among the exhilarating features riders will enjoy on this 13-story-high track are a zero-gravity roll and a thrilling 180-degree stall.

Bottom line

This summer, theme parks will come alive as more Americans get vaccinated and are ready to visit crowded locations. Families that opted for camping in a national park, vacation rentals, or road trips last summer may now be gearing up for their return to theme parks.

Just keep in mind that experiences will be a bit different due to ongoing COVID-19 safety measures, which will include physical distancing and mask-wearing. However, if your family is excited to explore new coasters and attractions, this summer is sure to be filled with fun and thrills.