Ready for summer? Family vacation season opens with Memorial Day

Disney Parks is also completing renovation of Fantasyland, the parks largest project in 40 years.
 
"It's a big deal," said Dennis Speigel, president of Cincinnati-based International Theme Park Services. “Parks have realized it takes more than a Space Mountain by itself or one ride and attraction. It has to have a combination of all the elements now."
 
Part of the Disney expansion opened in April including one of two dueling Dumbo rides, a Barnstormer family roller coaster. Opening later this year is a Princess Fairytale Hall where visitors can meet Disney princesses. In June, Disneyland California Adventure will unveil Cars Land, a replica of the film’s town, Radiator Springs.

There are nature-themed parks as well: the National Parks. Yellowstone, in Wyoming, opens today for the summer season. Fishing season in the park starts tomorrow.

And then there’s the beach. A study released Wednesday rated the top beaches in the United States.

Coronado Beach, across San Diego Bay from downtown skyscrapers, was ranked No. 1 by Stephen Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research who has been studying beach environment and safety for 20 years.  He bestowed the ranking on the 1.5 mile beach for its warm climate and stunning backdrop.

“I think it's one of the most super beaches around,” said Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach.”

Criteria for judging the best beaches include the sand’s look and feel, water quality, crowds, facilities and weather.  Other beaches that made the top of the list are Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.; St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle; Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.; Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.; and Cape Hatteras in North Carolina.

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