Futuristic Attractions Cater to the Thrill-Seekers and the Curious
Tomorrow’s tourist attractions are looking more futuristic than ever and it might just be the one feature that lures the forward-thinking travelers. Despite the thought-provoking angles and flashiness of this year’s must-see venues, there are a lot of consideration given to each structure’s design and offerings. Take for example China’s 453 foot skyscraper, the Guangzhou Circle, designed by Joseph di Pasquale. It may look like a giant donut to us but Pasquale designed it after a bi (an ancient jade disc). Let’s not forget that these are attractions after all and each one caters to the thrill-seeker and to the curious. There is the Glacier Skywalk in the Canadian Rockies that is every acrophobia’s worst fear, the High Roller in Sin City which will soon be the world’s tallest ferris wheel, and IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai which will be the biggest theme park ever. Personally, we can’t wait to experience plunging 180 feet going 72 mph on Six Flags Great America’s 2014 new ride aptly named Goliath just to say we conquered it.
BioMuseo, Panama City
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this 13,000 square-foot museum has eight galleries, featuring exhibits like “World Collide,” where visitors can walk among mastodons, sabre-tooth tigers and giant sloths.
Cinecitta World, Rome
Built just south of Rome, this movie-themed park by Oscar-winning production designer Dante Ferreti will include family-friendly rides, restaurants, retail and movie theaters.
Funtasy Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Twenty minutes off the coast of Singapore, this eco-theme park will include a Water World Park, beach club, restaurants, spa, 413 suites and villas and 810-acres of tropical surroundings.
One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial Museum, New York City
Once open, the 1,776 feet tall One World Trade Center will be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The subterranean 9/11 Memorial Museum will educate visitors through multimedia exhibitions and artifacts from the attacks like the two 80-foot structural columns from the towers seen below. It also has a three-story observation and dining complex occupying floors 100-102 where visitors can get a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Glacier Skywalk, Jasper National Park, Canadian Rockies
Anchored 918 feet above the ground, this skywalk projects 100 feet from a cliff and has a see-through floor for added excitement.
Goliath Roller Coaster, Six Flags Great America, Chicago
It may not be considered a true wooden ride by coaster nerds, but this roller coaster offers thrill-seekers a sheer 85-degree drop from 180 feet while going 72 miles per hour.
High Roller, Las Vegas
Currently the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, the High Roller stands 550 feet tall. Its 28 glass pods can each hold up to 40 passengers where they can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city during the 30 minute ride.
Guangzhou Circle, Guangzhou, China
The Guangzhou Circle, currently the world’s highest circular skyscraper (453 feet tall), on the banks of the Pearl (Zhujiang) River will house restaurants and cafes. Inspired by an ancient jade discs known as bi, its reflection on the water forms a figure eight, which is considered lucky in Chinese numerology.
IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai
The largest indoor theme park opening this year in Dubai. It covers 1.5 million square feet and can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors a day.
Museum of Image and Sound, Rio De Janeiro
This beachfront museum will include exhibits dedicated to carioca culture, a 300-seat theater, a shop, a cafe and a terrace restaurant.
