park

Last week, news organizations and Disney bloggers learned that the Mouse House had filed building permits with the city of Anaheim related to a parking structure at Disneyland Resort.

That immediately sparked rumors about a third park — a long-held dream of Walt Disney Co. fans who want to see more rides, themed areas and Mickey-related shopping destinations.

But that will remain a dream — at least for the foreseeable future.

Anaheim city officials confirmed as much in an internal email about one of the news articles, noting to City Council members and the mayor that the permits were, in fact, for minor parking lot improvements within the existing Toy Story parking structure off Harbor Boulevard.

The email, which was reviewed by The Times, said the improvements were not related to an already-approved expansion of Disneyland Resort, or “what could ultimately be developed on the property in the future.”

A Disneyland spokesperson told me the permits are related to painting and striping at the Toy Story parking structure. So much for a third theme park.

It’s not the first time there’s been a hullabaloo about an additional park at Disneyland Resort.

In the early 1990s, there were serious talks about a Disneyland expansion called Westcot Center, a West Coast version of Walt Disney World’s Epcot in Florida. The plan at one point was to include three hotels, a public plaza and a number of retail, dining and entertainment options all around a central lake. At one point, both Anaheim and Long Beach were vying to be chosen as the site.

But that all collapsed in the mid-’90s amid financial concerns. Disney later built California Adventure, and briefly teased the idea of a third theme park complex with both a water park and amusement park that could complement the two-park resort. But that but never came to fruition.

The idea came up yet again about 10 years ago at an annual shareholders meeting in San Francisco, when former Chief Executive Bob Iger batted down speculation about a third park.

“We have plans at Disneyland for an expansion that we have not announced but those plans at the present do not include a third gate,” he said at the time.

More on that expansion later, but the truth is Disney simply doesn’t have enough land in Anaheim to build out a third theme park. I spoke with Len Testa, president of theme park travel site TouringPlans.com, who laid out the issues for me.

A third park would probably need a minimum of 80 to 120 acres of land to accommodate big new rides, as well as necessary behind-the-scenes facilities like employee break rooms and other back-of-the-house infrastructure.

“They’re landlocked,” he said. “And to acquire that land now in any way that would keep the campus centralized and avoid the logistics of a far-flung transportation network, that would be prohibitively expensive.”

That’s not to say that Disneyland Resort isn’t expanding on the land it does have.

Two years ago, Anaheim approved expansion plans for a project known as DisneylandForward, which will allow the company to build new attractions alongside shops, restaurants and hotels.

Development plans include a bigger Avengers campus with two new rides, as well as a “Coco” ride and “Avatar”-themed area in California Adventure, as well as a new parking structure.

Although it’s not a park, adding new lands and rides is “mission critical” for Disneyland Resort, Testa told me. After all, to drive attendance, you need to regularly open new attractions.

And these new rides can’t just be any old rides — they have to be “epic, mammoth blockbusters” that no one’s seen before, which takes time, space and money, he said.

Disneyland Paris is a good example. The European tourism resort saw a notable boost in attendance after it opened a World of “Frozen”-themed land in March.

“When you have that type of expansion and you can fill the park, you feel very, very good about that,” Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said last week at the MoffettNathanson media, internet and communications conference. “When we leverage our [intellectual property] and take that IP and build big new attractions, not little things … it’s these big new things that actually tend to just really bring in the consumers.”

That’s also key when you consider Disney’s growing competition from Universal Studios, which recently opened Epic Universe in Orlando and siphoned off some attendance from Walt Disney World.

And while the company’s TV and film business is vital, its theme parks still throw off most of the cash — new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro recently called the parks the “physical centerpiece of the company.” And of course, they retain a deep link to Disney’s heritage.

As Walt himself noted, Disneyland is a “living” entity that would “never be finished.”

Stuff We Wrote

Film shoots

Number of the week

Lionsgate’s musical biopic “Michael” retook the top spot at the box office last weekend with a haul of $26.1 million in the U.S. and Canada.

The film, which chronicles the early career of singer Michael Jackson, has had remarkable staying power atop the charts since it debuted in late April. The film’s weekend revenue was down only 31% in North America compared with the previous weekend.

Overall, “Michael” has now made an estimated $703.9 million in worldwide box office revenue, with $421.1 million coming from international markets.

What I’m watching

Now that WNBA season is in full swing, I’ve been watching my L.A. Sparks and caught the game against the Toronto Tempo on Sunday. It was a rough game, but here’s hoping the Sparks can start turning things around, and quickly.

FAMILY holidays abroad aren’t easy on the wallet, with the costs of your hotel, dinners, and days out to water parks and attractions piling up.

So for many parents, a hotel with its own water park is the ultimate holiday holy grail.

It’s the difference between spending money on expensive day trips, versus a week where the kids are entertained on-site, from breakfast until bedtime.

But finding a resort with that “wow factor” that is also actually affordable is easier said that done.

To skip the stress, travel insiders at top holiday companies have selected some of their best 2026 summer holiday deals, and we’ve put together ten of the most exciting all-inclusive gems across Europe and beyond.

From fairytale castle resorts in Turkey to a sparkling-new jungle-themed aqua park in Egypt, here are travel companies’ top picks for all-inclusive water park hotels for the summer – that the kids are bound to love.

Travel experts from Loveholidays hand-selected the following deals in cost-friendly Tunisia, Bulgaria and Turkey.

Plus, all of these breaks are within the school summer holidays.

Skanes Serail and Aquapark, Tunisia

The Skanes Serail and Aquapark is a huge, rainbow-coloured resort that’s perfect for an action-packed holiday in the sun.

Loveholidays called the resort “a superb choice for families looking for an action-packed holiday in the sun”.

“With its on-site waterpark, children’s pool and mini-club, there’s plenty to keep younger guests entertained throughout the day.

“Set on a private beach with sun loungers and parasols provided, this hotel offers a fantastic blend of beachside relaxation and aquatic fun.”

Take your pick of giant swirly water slides that land you straight in the refreshing pool, or make use of the hotel’s private beach, spa and sports courts.

There’s 224 comfy air-conditioned rooms here, plus three restaurants, a poolside bar and even a beachside barbecue for when you get hungry.

And with a price that works out to around just £72.71pp per night, that’s a great deal for an all-inclusive mega resort stay.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 26 July, including return flights from London Southend, for £509pp.

Aquamarine – All Inclusive, Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

This four-star stay sits in the lively resort of Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, and makes for an ideal family holiday base.

Loveholidays decribed the hotel as a top pick “for families looking for a budget-friendly holiday in the sun”.

“Located in the vibrant Sunny Beach resort, this welcoming property offers excellent facilities for children including a kids’ club and playground, making it an ideal base for memorable family holidays.”

There’s plenty for kids here, including an adventure playground, kids club and activities like beach volleyball and an indoor games room.

There’s an outdoor pool for both adults and kids, the latter with a mini splash park and waterslides.

The golden sands of Sunny Beach are just a five-minute walk away.

Plus the hotel provides loungers and parasols so you don’t have to scramble for a spot.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 23 July, including return flights from London Luton, for £559pp.

Club Dizalya Hotel – All Inclusive, Konakli, Antalya, Turkey

This luxurious-looking, four-star all-inclusive resort comes with its own private beach and a giant, palm-lined pool with two big water slides.

Loveholidays named the hotel “a superb choice for families looking for a beach holiday in Turkey”.

“Set just a stone’s throw from a private sandy and shingle beach, this resort offers excellent facilities for children including a kids’ club and playground.

“With its all-inclusive package and range of amenities, it provides everything needed for a memorable family getaway.”

The hotel grounds themselves are beautifully-decorated with blooming purple Bougainvillea.

On the beach you’ll find plenty of loungers and thatched parasols facing the glimmering Black Sea.

Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay from 4 August, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £599pp.

Travel experts from On the Beach chose resorts for Sun readers in sunny Sharm el Sheikh, Belek in Turkey and Salou, Spain.

Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Rixos hotels are known for their ultra-all-inclusive luxury, and their spot in Sharm El Sheikh is no exception.

On the Beach labelled the Rixos Radamis “a top luxury family resort with premium all-inclusive service and access to one of Egypt’s best upscale aqua park experiences”.

Better yet, they have has just opened up their new 35,000sqm Aquamania Jungle Park in March of 2026.

This new aqua park has 28 water rides, including the thrilling RocketBLAST water coaster, tube rides and plenty of themed splash zones.

And when it comes to keeping the kids entertained, this resort has far more than your standard kids club.

Rixy Kids Town is an immersive mini town where kids can act out their dream jobs as detectives, scientists, chefs and more in interactive activities.

On the Beach offer a 6-night stay, including return flights from London Luton, for £633pp.

The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel, Belek, Turkey

This massive five star-rated resort really lives up to its name, The Land of Legends.

On the Beach named this resort “the best overall waterpark hotel because it combines a huge aqua park, thrilling slides and a full theme park experience all in one resort”.

This hotel complex not only has its own huge water park, but even its own theme park with rollercoasters, a 5D cinema and luxurious spa.

This resort has one seriously epic water park, towered over by Magicone, a giant water slide that swirls you into what looks like a black hole before shooting you down into a massive, lagoon-like pool.

Plus the entertainment doesn’t stop there, with kids’ circus shows, boat parades and even free entry into the largest theme park in Turkey on-site.

On the Beach offer a 6-night stay from 4 July, including return flights from London Stansted, for £778pp.

Granada Luxury Belek Hotel, Turkey

If you let a child design the ultimate holiday resort, it would probably look exactly like the Granada Luxury Belek.

On the Beach called the resort “one of the best family resorts in Turkey thanks to its massive on-site aquapark, lazy rivers and huge variety of pools and slides”.

This massive Turkish resort is home to the Wonderland, a giant fairytale-themed water park.

The water park has plenty of spectacular slides that you enter from a spectacular castle, a wave pool, lazy river, 12 adult pools and five kids’ pools.

There are also three pristine artificial beaches on site, for when you’re done splashing around and want to soak up some sun.

Pair this with an on-site Chocolatier, large, family-friendly rooms with swim-up pools, and themed bars like the Wizard Bar and Street Bar Disco – and you’ve got yourself the dream family holiday destination.

On the Beach offer a 6-night stay from 4 July, including return flights from London Stansted, for £568pp.

PortAventura Hotel Gold River & Theme Park, Spain

Immerse yourself in this Western-themed hotel in sunny Salou, a resort designed to feel like an American Wild West frontier town.

This pick from On the Beach is “perfect for families who want both rollercoasters and water slides, with direct access to PortAventura’s famous theme and water parks”.

A stay here includes unlimited access to PortAventura Park, where you can take on over 40 rides and rollercoasters.

You’ll also get entry to Caribe Aquatic Park, a tropical garden paradise of thrilling slides and waterfalls.

And if that’s not enough, you’ll get day tickets to Ferrari Land, too – home to Red Force, the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe.

To top it all off, one child stays free with this deal from On the Beach.

On the Beach offer a 6-night stay, including return flights from Birmingham, for £475pp.

A holiday deals expert from comparison site Travel Supermarket selected the following deals on the Turkish Riviera and the east coast of Majorca.

Eftalia Splash Resort, Antalya, Turkey

This family-friendly resort on the beachfront of the Turkish Riviera has a huge outdoor freshwater pool, plus its own on-site splash park with eight water slides.

Jacob Lewis, guest travel expert at TravelSupermarket, says: “You essentially get two water parks for the price of one here.

“You get the hotel’s own slide-packed aqua park, plus free access to the enormous Eftalia Island complex down the road, where 14 huge slides, a lazy river and pirate-themed splash pools will keep kids of every age happy.”

You’ll never have the same meal twice here. There are six dining spots including two massive buffet options, plus international favourites like Italian and Chinese restaurants.

There are also five bars, including one on the beach, a pool bar and a disco.

Not only is there plenty to see and do on-site, but the hotel offers a free shuttle service to the local sandy beach.

You’re also only a two-minute shuttle away from ANOTHER aqua park at Eftalia Island – and this one has 14 water slides. The best part is that this hotel’s all-inclusive offer extends to the facilities at Eftalia Island, too.

Travel Supermarket offer a 7-night stay from 11th August, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £620pp.

Globales Apartotel Bouganvilla, Majorca

This aparthotel and splash park in Sa Coma, Majorca is a massive playground for families.

Jacob Lewis, guest travel expert at TravelSupermarket, says: “This one’s a great shout for bigger families watching the budget – it’s got its own massive Splash World water park that only hotel guests can use, so there’s no queueing behind day-trippers.

“Plus there’s roomy apartments that sleep up to six. If and when the kids have finally had enough of the slides, a free shuttle whisks you down to Sa Coma’s gorgeous white-sand beach.”

Here you’ll find two giant pools, plus water slides ranging from winding fast rides for adults, to mini slides for little ones to make a splash.

Make the most of your all-inclusive package with trips to the on-site pizzeria and barbecue restaurant, or fill up on favourites at the buffet.

For a fun-filled day out, hop on the miniature train into the town centre for souvenir shopping and beach-side strolls.

Travel Supermarket offer a 7-night stay from 4 August, including return flights from Manchester, for £769pp.

For a family holiday that feels like real affordable luxury, try this glamorous resort in Ibiza that’s steps away from a water park.

TUI BLUE Aura, Ibiza, Spain

The four-star TUI BLUE Aura has a luxurious feel with a tranquil infinity pool, boho-inspired rooms and dining spaces – and a fantastic water park just next door.

Standing out from the crowd, this hotel features sensory rooms for kids and a curated itinerary of family activities.

Instead of your standard kids club, expect daily experiences like cooking workshops and garden games designed for all ages.

Other hotel highlights include Parent & Tot swim classes, Swim Fit for adults and wellness activities like yoga and meditation sessions.

When you’re ready for some more excitement, walk over to the water park for free-entry access to speedy water slides, tubing and a pirate play zone for the little ones.

TUI offer a 6-night stay from 9 July, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £873pp.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

The long-forgotten adventure park was once ‘always busy’ and loved by thousands and Brits are recalling childhood memories from time spent there — now it’s completely unrecognisable.

Some places are built to spark immeasurable joy and excitement within humans and it’s safe to say theme parks rank fairly high on that list. Many theme parks around the world have given individuals core memories they hold on to dearly, even decades later, with cherished visits to funfairs forming the building blocks of countless childhoods.

One such theme park existed in the UK, specifically in Cornwall, and people who visited the funfair in its heyday recall having some of the best moments of their lives there. It’s a pity then, that this beloved theme park now lies forgotten, completely unrecognisable in its current form, a mere shell of its former glory.

Dobwalls Adventure Park in Cornwall’s Liskeard was a family-run theme park established in the 1970s which brought incalculable joy to thousands.

Founded by John Southern, the funfair commenced operations in 1970 and held the title of being Cornwall’s top visitor attraction for years.

The theme park’s highlights were its two miniature railway locomotive networks, which were complemented by recreational grounds and large play areas, both indoors and outdoors, as well as an art gallery and stunning woodland walks.

John established himself as a pioneer in tourism after he transformed his modest pig farm into one of the South West’s most loved (and earliest established) attractions.

Dobwalls Adventure Park’s hallowed grounds saw locomotives chugging along its two-mile tracks for over 35 years, and the funfair quickly established itself as a school-favourite destination for days out.

With one admission ticket, visitors could enjoy the Krazee Kavern play barn, take unlimited rides on the locomotives in the park, step into the Rocky Ridge water and sand play area, have fun with Mr Blobby, wander through the locomotive shed, and take in the wonders of the Steam Back in Time exhibition.

The steam and diesel trains however, remained the funfair’s star attractions through the decades.

There was a choice of two tracks for visitors to indulge — the Rio Grande and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The Rio Grande line became operational in 1970 itself, and famously featured a four per cent or 1:25 gradient, earning it the title of the world’s steepest ascent on any passenger-carrying miniature railway.

Tunnels and steep climbs only added to its undeniable charm, with the line weaving in and out of a forest in a bid to recreate the Colorado railroads.

The Rio Grande’s success spread like wildfire, leading to the addition of the Pacific track in 1979, which closely resembled the Union Pacific Sherman Hill line in Wyoming, USA, and had a ruling gradient of 1.51 per cent (1:66).

Whisking into canyons and over bridges and trestles, the locomotive lines gave visitors the kind of thrill one could only dream of in those days.

The adventure park’s theme itself was modelled on successful American funfairs, complete with ‘cowboys and Indians’.

Unfortunately, the beloved theme park began to see a decline in numbers and popularity, facing stiff competition from newer, bigger and better funfairs that were coming up across the UK.

Older cherished attractions like the Go Kart track also became defunct and added to the park’s decline.

By the end of 2006, the theme park began closing down its railway lines, and by June 2007, it was announced that Dobwalls Adventure Park’s redevelopment projects had been stalled, and the funfair would not be reopening in its original form.

All of the adventure park’s locomotives were put up for sale, and by early 2008, eight of them had been sold to a man in Dorset and were to be run at Dorset’s Plowman’s Railroad near Ferndown.

The locomotives have since been exported all the way over to Australia, with some users on social media claiming to have seen them in the Land Down Under.

The 22-acre site upon which Dobwalls once sat proudly was put up for sale in 2012 with a guide price of £400,000 in a sealed bid auction.

Now, Charteroak runs a popular holiday cottages accommodation, Southern Halt, from the site where the adventure park once functioned.

Abandoned but never forgotten

Scores of Brits still remember their time at Dobwalls Adventure Park, with several social media users taking to Facebook to reminisce over the theme park’s glory days and recall the countless cherished memories they made at the famous South West funfair.

In a post on the public group 7 1/4″ Railways , one Facebook user recalled: “It was always busy when we went. I remember my 1st visit and all the steam locos were in steam.”

While another visitor emotionally shared: “Loved my visit there as a kid in the summer of 1982. Fascinating place to visit. Never had that many holidays in Cornwall.

“Intended to return around ten years later to try and take some photos of the trains in operation, but found that much of the routes had been built over, so never bothered in the end. Just watched the Big Boy depart from outside the fence!”

Another user wrote, “Was a fantastic place when I visited in the mid 1980’s,” while one fondly recalled, “Only managed one visit but enjoyed every minute.”

One visitor who hoped to take their grandkids to the funfair wrote: “We went there many times when holidaying in Devon and Cornwall. Bought the t-shirts and other memorabilia. I had hoped to take my grandchildren there, but sadly that’s now not to be.”

Some even shared seeing the beloved locomotives in Australia, with one individual writing, “Saw one of the big diesels at Diamond Valley Railroad near Melbourne about 10 years ago,” while another shared, “Quite a few of them are in Victoria Australia.”

One user fondly wrote, “This was a fantastic place spent a lot of time in Cornwall and visited a lot,” while another shared, “Went there every year for probably ten years when we were going to vacation to Cornwall.”

THE UK’s largest dinosaur themed adventure park is set to open its longest ride yet – and it’s just in time for summer.

Families will be able to enjoy the new attraction from July onwards.

ROARR! theme park in Norfolk has revealed a new 105-metre long attraction, dubbed the site’s “longest ride to date.” 

The Fossil Falls experience will allow visitors to soar down a winding slope, set inside the park’s 85 acres of natural woodland.

The course also features a launch platform, brake ramp and 12-metre tunnel, which riders will be able to glide down inside of an inflatable ring.

The £250,000 investment marks the latest addition to the adventure park’s 25 other attractions.

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Other rides include the Swing-o-saurus and Dippy’s Raceway, with an off-peak day pass priced at around £60 for a family of four.

Ben Francis, park director at ROARR!, told Eastern Daily Press: “Fossil Falls is a fantastic new addition to ROARR! and one we’re really excited to open this summer.

“At 105 metres, it’s our longest ride to date, and we think it’s going to be a real highlight for families visiting the park.

“We’re always looking at ways to invest in and improve the ROARR! experience for our visitors, and Fossil Falls is a brilliant example of that – adding real value for the families who choose to spend their day making memories with us.”

The Dino adventure park is located in just off the A47 and A1067 near Lenwade, and can be reached in just 25 minutes from Norwich by car.

It also holds a variety of activities suitable for children aged zero to 12 years old.

The park will be open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week, in July and August.

Keeping the kids entertained is no mean feat, but a UK attraction has been named as the best for a family-packed day out or holiday, with thrill-seeking rides that beat Alton Towers and Thorpe Park

It’s not always easy to keep the kids entertained and prevent them from losing interest, but there’s one attraction that has been named as the UK’s best – and it’s not where you might think.

As we lap up warmer rays on weekends and edge closer to school holidays, parents will be looking for fun-packed holidays and activities to keep the little ones entertained now more than ever. A trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris has long been a popular choice among families, yet these trips can come with a hefty price tag, despite the never-ending fun.

In a bid to help parents beat the kids’ boredom, Attraction Tickets has ranked the holidays most likely to keep little ones happily off their screens. While Disney and Universal claimed the top spots on the global list, Blackpool Pleasure Beach was the top UK destination, ranking in a respectable sixth place.

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Taking the number one UK spot on the event ticket seller’s Banish Boredom Index, following thousands of analysed reviews across 160 worldwide destinations, Blackpool Pleasure Beach scored 24.3 out of 30. The combination of immersive attractions and high-energy experiences is thought to make these top attractions, where parents need not worry about their kids getting bored.

As a thrilling seaside amusement park with nostalgic wooden coasters and mega rides like ICON and The Big One, Blackpool Pleasure Beach even beats the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park on the list. There are jaw-dropping rides at the Blackpool theme park, with loops, turns, twists and drops, along with Nickelodeon Land, water rides and attractions for younger children.

And it’s not just the event ticket seller that has hailed Blackpool Pleasure Beach as the best UK family day out. One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Visited through the week with my 11-year-old son. Had a great day. Got on loads of rides. Went on all the big rides numerous times. Found all the staff were very friendly. The guy at the entrance was lovely.”

They added: “Disappointed that Valhalla wasn’t open. Got lunch at the Southern Fried Chicken shop. Wasn’t expecting much, but the chicken was actually really nice. Not a bad price for a theme park either. Toilets were all clean too. We will be back.”

A second shared: “The children loved it here. Very good value with the ultimate pass.” While a third summed up their trip by commenting: “I love the Pleasure Beach, it seems to get a bit of a reputation for being a ‘tired’ amusement park, but I completely disagree, still think it holds its own against the more popular parks like Alton Towers or Thorpe Park, etc.”

Top 10 attractions to beat the boredom

1. Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA
2. Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, USA
3. Disneyland Paris, Paris, France
4. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan
5. Aquatica, Florida, USA
6. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire, UK
7. Waterbom Bali, Bali, Indonesia
8. Universal Studios Hollywood, California, USA
9. Diggerland, Kent, Durham, Yorkshire, Devon, UK
10. Legoland Billund, Denmark

Oliver Brendon, CEO of Attraction Tickets, said: “Nowadays, keeping children entertained on holiday is more challenging than ever. With many kids accustomed to the instant gratification of iPad games and interactive television shows, traditional holiday moments, such as lounging by the pool or playing on the beach, often aren’t enough to hold their attention.

“To take the guesswork out of planning, we created the Banish Boredom Index. By analysing hundreds of thousands of reviews, we identified the destinations and attractions that genuinely captivate kids and keep them engaged throughout the trip. The results are clear – the best family holidays are the ones where children are immersed in the experience from start to finish.

“It’s no surprise that destinations such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Disneyland Paris top the list, as they each offer high levels of interactivity and imagination. For parents, that means fewer screen-time battles and more meaningful moments together. However, you don’t always need to travel across the pond, as spots like Blackpool Pleasure Beach prove that the UK can deliver that same level of excitement and engagement closer to home.

“If you’re hoping to break the iPad habit this summer, the data speaks for itself – swap Wi-Fi for rides, tower drops, or historical activities. Whether you’re planning a staycation or a long-haul escape, real-world excitement is the key to banishing your children’s boredom in 2026.”

To book tickets or to read the full list of holidays on the Banish Boredom Index, you can visit the Attractions Tickets website. For more information on Blackpool Pleasure Beach or to plan your day out, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

There are lots of coaches in the Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs glad to see that Villa Park is in the Division 2 playoffs because of the Spartans’ strong pitching.

Villa Park, the No. 1 seed in Division 2, has a terrific one-two starting duo in junior Logan Hoppie (10-1, 1.28 ERA) and senior Jack McGuire (6-2, 1.62 ERA).

McGuire is 6 feet 5 and has 82 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings. He had a 16-strikeout performance this season. Hoppie has a two-hit shutout of Crestview League champion Cypress on his resume.

Villa Park finished the regular season at 19-8-1 under veteran coach Burt Call and in second place in league. If the Spartans can get some hitting help, the pitchers will handle the rest. Villa Park opens the playoffs on Thursday at home against Elsinore.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

A HUGE aqua park with wakeboarding and cosy lodges is adding even more to its site.

Slightly inland of Sandwich Bay in Kent, Whitemills Aqua Park is building new sauna pods and even a plunge pool with work planned to start in autumn.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Plans have been approved for Whitemills Aqua Park to build a new gym, sauna pods, and plunge pool.

These were given the green light by Dover District Council (DDC) earlier this month.

Other additions include an outdoor pergola over a decked area at the back of the cafe which overlooks the main lake.

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A decked upper floor and a glass railing will be added to the roof of existing storage containers where the planned sauna pod, hot tub and plunge pool will be.

Managing director, Wayne Cooper, said: “We’re delighted the application has been approved and believe it will provide a real boost to the site, particularly during our off-peak season.

“We’re currently finalising the next steps, with construction expected to begin in the autumn.”

Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park officially opened its doors on July 9, 2022.

It consists of a huge lake with an inflatable playground that’s essentially an obstacle course with slides, climbing walls and balance challenges with sessions from £22.50pp.

The site is purpose-built for wakeboarding from beginner sessions to 1-2-1 lessons and even ‘Wake & Cake’ where every class finishes with coffee and cake.

Other activities include paddleboarding, Ringo Rides and open water swimming.

There is an existing sauna already on site which is designed for ‘deep muscle relaxation, detoxification, and stress relief’.

This is supposed to be followed by a cold plunge which helps with circulation and recovery.

A sauna and cold plunge experience can be booked from £12.50pp.

Visitors can even stay overnight in their wooden lodges or pitch up a tent at the campsites.

The lodges sleep up to six people which come with kitted-out kitchens, a private bathroom, cosy bedrooms and lounge area with a TV – six of the lodges are pet-friendly.

Tantrum Lodge is a special accommodation choice with a private outdoor bathtub designed to be used in the evenings outside.

There are 20 tent pitches too with electric hook-up, access to modern shower and toilet blocks, and there’s an on-site restaurant and bar.

Tent pitches for up to six campers start from £35 (or £5.83pppn).

The Whitemills Kitchen serves up everything from sweet treats and snacks to full-on meals from breakfast to burgers, pasta, pizza and Sunday roasts.

Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park is less than a 15-minute drive from Sandwich Bay.

The sweeping shingle beach is found between Ramsgate and Deal in Kent.

The pretty seaside town of Sandwich is worth the visit too with timber-framed buildings and pubs like the Mermaid’s Locker.

SUN, sea, sand and an Irish bar – it sounds like a dream and less of a reality to most of us living in the UK.

But for Sean and Aine Rice, this is actually the case, and the two are set to star in an upcoming episode of Channel 4‘s Escape to Florida.

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When it comes to swapping life in the UK for a sun-soaked destination, it seems that most nowadays are heading to the likes of Portugal or far-flung Australia.

But Sean and Aine Rice who are from Northern Ireland, headed the other way across the Atlantic and settled in the USA.

The couple first called New York their home, but in the year 2000 moved to the ‘Sunshine State’ where they settled in Brandon near Tampa before heading to Apollo Beach.

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Talking to Sun Travel, Sean revealed just why he loves Florida so much and reveals that of course, the weather plays a big part in it.

He said: “Any day in the year is good day in Florida, we get great weather throughout the year.

“Even when the extreme heat arrives, Florida is catered for it, so you suffer from the humidity too much.”

Sean has lived in the States for 40 years, and Aine for 27 – together they share two sons and a two-year-old granddaughter.

Both confess that moving to Florida might be a little different now from when they bought their Floridan family home 26 years ago.

Sean told us: “It was extremely cheap back then, you certainly got a lot more house for your buck back in the day.

“Our first house was around £125,000, and it’s around doubled or tripled in price now.”

The couple now live in Apollo Beach which is south of Tampa and is referred to as a ‘boater’s paradise’.

It has over 55 miles of canals and direct access to Tampa Bay with plenty of wildlife swimming around the bay like dolphins and manatees.

There are some disadvantages to life in Florida though as Sean and Aine found in 2024 when their home was severely flooded by Hurricane Helene.

But the couple took repairing their house in their stride and have completely transformed it.

Sean told us: “Home is what you make it, and we turned ours into a mini resort.

“Originally it was a 1,700 square foot house with over 200 feet of water front and we’ve really modernised it.

“We’ve got our own dock, an outdoor shower, a driving range, putting green, space for our kayaks, we have an outdoor kitchen, and we plan on putting a sauna out there too.

“It’s somewhere you can hang out and relax, and there are palm trees that keep you out of the sun.

“We want to enjoy all the elements and the only time we really have to leave is to go shopping – it’s pretty cool.”

As for work, the pair run the Salty Shamrock, an Irish pub in the heart of Apollo Beach.

It serves up classic American meals as well as Irish classics like chicken pot pie, sausage and mash and seaside favourite, fish and chips.

The pub hosts live events and celebrate St Patrick’s Day when it comes around in March.

There’s plenty to do as well, especially when it comes to daytrip.

He said: “When we can, we like to jump on the boat to Fort Myers, have lunch, a few drinks – I’m an avid golfer and there are hundreds of golf courses in Florida.

“I love old Florida too which are the swamps and the everglades with the alligators out there.

“We’re also two hours from Orlando where the theme parks are, and we’re close to Tampa – there’s lots more to do there now especially when it comes to the food scene.

“But mostly, I love to fish on the water.”

Aine agreed adding: “There’s always something to do here, especially if you’re an outdoorsy person from fishing to boating, exploring the state parks or playing sports – I love pickleball at the moment.”

She continued: “I never feel guilty about being indoors when the sun is out like I did in Ireland – there’s a real urge to be outside and I enjoy it very much.”

The couple return to Northern Ireland multiple times a year, so what do they miss the most about their home country?

Aine said: “I miss family and a sense of community because that’s what I feel is missing in Florida, which is why we’ve created that with our bar.”

Sean added: “The people – Irish people are unique, when tourists ask me about Ireland, I say rent a car, get lost and talk to everyone.

“We travel a lot, but I’ve never experienced any place quite like Ireland. I love the coast of Donegal and how rural it all is and that it hasn’t been commercialised.

“I always look forward to going back.”

For anyone keen to make the move from the UK to the US, Sean has some advice to pass on.

He said: “Florida is a great place to live, as long as you do your homework.

“I’d say to come here, you do need some sort of career in mind, or get transferred with a sister company. For someone to come out and just ‘wing it’, it would be a huge uphill battle

“It can be quite the culture shock too in the likes of Apollo Beach – it’s much less fast-paced than New York or London.

“Remember that you don’t get things like free health care, and schools are very different from the UK too.

“And down in Florida, we have a lot of Spanish and Cuban neighbours, so I’d encourage anyone moving here to try and learn Spanish – although I’ve never have.

“Life in Florida has its ups and downs of course, but I’d recommend it to this day.”

Watch Escape to Florida on Monday-Friday on Channel 4 at 4PM.

Catch Sean and Aine’s episode on May 18.

PROPOSALS for a new £600million UK theme park have been backed by the British Tourist Authority (BTA).

The Government-funded tourist authority is supporting the plans for the historical park, which will offer live shows and reenactments.

French firm Puy du Fou submitted plans to build a site north of Bicester near the M40.

In the supporting letter, BTA director Andrew Stokes, praised the ride-free park’s established track record in France and Spain, saying it offers a “truly distinctive visitor experience through its historic theme park concept”.

He also commended the park’s collaborative approach in working with Experience Oxfordshire to create a fully authentic experience.

BTA said it “can see the potential for this project to generate significant interest and excitement among domestic and international visitors alike”.

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Stokes added that the plans “demonstrate confidence in the UK as a destination, in our leisure sector, and in the long-term strength of the visitor economy”.

The site will include four period villages with 13 live shows and have also been backed by Experience Oxfordshire.

Support chief executive Hayley Beer-Gamage said: “The decision by Puy du Fou to invest in Oxfordshire, and specifically within the Cherwell district, is a strong endorsement of the area as a globally recognised destination.

“This investment will drive job creation, stimulate economic growth, and increase visitor spend across both the district and the wider county.”

According to the park operator, the site will directly employ around 2,000 people, while supporting a further 6,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants, suppliers, and other local businesses.

Puy du Fou also said it will deliver a £500million annual boost to the local and regional economy.

In a report published earlier this year, BTA broke down the long-term economic benefits for Oxfordshire and the Cherwell district.

“Tourism has a significantly positive regional economic impact across the UK”, Stokes said.

“Relevant to Oxfordshire and Cherwell, the South East region is the second largest recipient, accounting for £17 billion of economic activity in 2024.”

Puy du Fou first opened in 1978, and is rated the second best attraction in France behind Disneyland Paris.

ONE year after its announcement, Paultons Park is finally set to open its new Viking-themed land in a matter of days.

Called Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, the £12million land will have its very first inverting rollercoaster, a swing ride and Middle Age themed ‘feast’ dining.

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Paultons Park, which was voted ‘Theme Park of the Year,’ is opening its new land on May 16.

Upon its opening, Valgard: Realm of the Vikings will three new rides including theme park’s first inverting rollercoaster.

The ride called Drakon, has been dubbed the ‘crown jewel of Valgard’, and is expected to be a thrilling addition to the park.

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Riders will climb a huge vertical hill before they twist and fly through the air upside down.

There will also be the swinging ride called Vild Swing, which is suitable for families.

It’s a first-of-its-kind attraction in the UK that launches riders 12metres into the air and allows them to experience a feeling of weightlessness.

Paultons Park’s Cobra coaster is being reinvented as Raven.

The ride has been called ‘a high-speed bobsleigh style coaster’ and takes riders for a very swift tour journey through the Viking world.

The Orchard Playground is a Viking-inspired area for children between three and 10 – it has a lookout tower, slides, and treehouses to climb.

At the Feasting Hall restaurant, visitors can refuel on flame-grilled chicken, tenders, burgers and salad bowls.

Children can tuck into toasties, meatball subs and chicken burgers.

For afters, there are pancakes with plenty of toppings, sundaes, milkshakes and ice cream.

In 2027, a new water experience is scheduled to open in Valgard – but little information has been released about this planned attraction.

Paultons Park is well-known for having the UK’s first Peppa Pig World and its most recent attraction Ghostly Manor opened this time last year.

Paultons Park won 10 awards at the UK Theme Park Awards – including Theme Park of the Year.

The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently raved about the park.

She said: “On the kids’ favourite rides, such as the Velociraptor and Cat-O-Pillar coasters, we were able to fit in about three rounds in 15 minutes.

“Ghostly Manor even won Best New Attraction at last year’s UK Theme Park awards, one of ten gongs Paultons bagged that I’ve have to agree with thanks to a number of key factors.

“These include the short queues, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless) and the attention to detail and the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike several other big theme parks.

“We spent the entire weekend outside, grinning from ear to ear. And we were blown away, in the good sense.”

A day ticket to Paultons Park is £46.75pp which includes park entry, free parking as well as entry to see the gardens, animals and character meets.

May 7 (UPI) — Federal law enforcement agents have arrested and charged 18 people accused of selling drugs in and around downtown Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park, according to authorities who say additional drug operations will be conducted.

The 18 people arrested over the last 24 hours in the so-called Operation Free MacArthur Park are among 25 defendants named in a federal criminal complaint charging them with distribution of, and possession with intent too distribute, a controlled substance, the Justice Department said in a statement Wednesday.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California told reporters during a press conference that some 300 federal drug and law enforcement agents participated in the raid and that they “are not going anywhere.”

“This is not a one-and-done operation,” he said. “We are here and we are not leaving.”

Located in Los Angeles’ Westlake neighborhood, the historic MacArthur Park is within a densely populated immigrant area and has long been associated with drugs, crime and gangs.

Last summer, it was the backdrop for National Guard and federal agents deployed to the city as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

On Wednesday, it was the location of a similar show of force as heavily armed federal drug and law enforcement agents, with military-style vehicles, conducted raids in and around the park as they sought to arrest those named in the criminal complaint.

Among those arrested were Mallaly Moreno-Lopez, 32, and her boyfriend, Jackson Tarfur, 28, whom authorities believe are the main sources of fentanyl and methamphetamine in MacArthur Park.

The pair are accused of delivering narcotics to the MacArthur Park-adjacent Alvarado Corridor to be stashed in storefronts and then distributed to street-level dealers. Their Westmont residence is allegedly used as a stash location for drugs that are to be sold in MacArthur Park, according to authorities.

The complaint alleges 27 separate drug deals between March 9 and April 15 in and around the MacArthur Park area.

According to authorities, Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration personnel seized about 40 pounds of fentanyl at one defendant’s Calabasas residence.

Seven suspects remained at large, authorities said.

Essayli said they were at MacArthur Park on Wednesday “to liberate it,” while blaming the Democratic-led government of California for allowing the area to become what the Justice Department called an open-air drug market.

“Look, we’re here today because California policies have failed. The policies of California to let people use drugs open and notoriously, with little to no criminal consequences, is a failed experiment,” he said.

“MacArthur Park should be for families, should be for residents of Los Angeles, not for drug dealers and gangsters.”

The Los Angeles Police Department said it assisted the federal agencies in the operation.