Upcoming Theme Parks and Attractions for 2012

If you’re a theme park junkie, there’s more to look forward to this 2012. Here’s a list of upcoming theme parks and attractions this year that we’re getting all giddy about.

Photo from LegoLand Malaysia website

LegoLand
“Legoland Malaysia will feature miniature Asian landmarks, including a 42,500-brick Taj Mahal and a replica of Malaysia's twin Petronas Towers -- which will become the tallest Lego model in the world -- when the theme park opens in late 2012. Geared toward children age 12 and under, the 76-acre Legoland Malaysia will include 40 rides, shows and attractions set amid six themed lands.”
When: End of 2012
Where: Malaysia
Source: LA Times

Marine Life Park

“Set to be the largest oceanarium in the world, the Marine Life Park is where families come for a whale of a time. Venture into a wading pool for some intimate interaction with reef fishes, or learn about the wonderful but depleting coral reefs. You can also join one of the engaging programmes especially tailored to both entertain and educate visitors.”

When: 2012
Where: Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
Source: Marine Life Park

River Safari

“River Safari, the newest addition to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s portfolio of award winning parks, will be the world’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. Occupying 12 hectares and to be developed at a cost of S$160 million, the park will boast an immense collection of freshwater flora and fauna, numbering over 300 plant species, 500 animal species and over 5,000 animal specimens.

The River Safari aims to inspire visitors to appreciate, conserve and protect fragile freshwater ecosystems, and will be home to endangered species such as the Giant Panda and the Mekong Giant Catfish. These magnificent animals will be housed in themed exhibits that mirror the rivers of the world such as the Amazon, the Nile and the Yangtze River.”

When: Mid 2012

Where: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Source: River Safari

Gundam Front Tokyo
“The Japanese sure love their robots, and those who have an absolute love for the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series (there are also tons of Gundam toys for you to blow your savings on if you are interested) might want to check out the upcoming Gundam Theme Park which is set to open in Obaida, Japan, this coming April 19. Bandai Co. says that the new theme park will be called Gundam Front Tokyo, sporting a huge dome-shaped screen that shows off different images of Gundam.”
When: April 2012
Where: Obaida, Japan
Source: ubergizmo.com

Big Grizzly Mountain Roller Coaster

“The newest roller coaster announced for Hong Kong Disneyland is Big Grizzly Mountain.

It will be the main attraction in Grizzly Trail -- Hong Kong's version of the original park's Frontierland.

The ride follows a runaway mine train through the mining town of Grizzly Gulch, which comes decked out with a stagecoach, a jailhouse, and the world's largest nugget of gold -- plus the ubiquitous audio-animatronic bears, of course. Disney legend has it that Grizzly Gulch was founded by gold prospectors on August 8, 1888 -- all of the eights make it the luckiest day, month, and year in Chinese culture.”

When: 2012

Where: Hong Kong Disneyland

Source: Gadling

Toy Story Mania

“Toy Story Mania! will be located in Toyville Trolley Park, a new area themed to an old-fashioned amusement park.  On entering, guests will see the area's giant landmark: an 8-meter-tall face of Woody. Entering the attraction through Woody’s open mouth, guests will find themselves in Andy’s room, strewn with board games, puzzles and other toys. The toys all look big because the guests have “shrunk” to the size of toys.”

When: April 2012

Where: Tokyo Disneysea, Japan

Source: Theme Park Post

Whitewater Abyss

“The Abyss will take up to 6 riders through a thrilling series of open and enclosed sections with gripping twists and turns before plummeting them into the core of the Abyss. With increased wall height and a lengthened funnel, WhiteWater's designers have created the largest drops and sustained oscillations, while eliminating the need for water brakes that "kill the thrill".

Sunway Lagoon's newest addition will join a host of many exciting attractions including the world's largest man-made surf wave pool and an ever-popular FlowRider stationary sheet wave attraction.”
When: Summer 2012
Where: Sunway Lagoon Malaysia
Source: theme park post, Sunway Lagoon