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Jazzland

© Westley Annis

Jazzland ( http://www.jazzland2000.com ), a new attraction scheduled to open in May 2000 in New Orleans, LA.

I was able to view a small section of the park over the weekend while they had a Christmas special going on and I have to say things looked good.

There are currently 10, out of 31 planned, attractions that are in various stages of completion and the overall layout looks very appealing.

According to a spokesman for the park, most new theme parks only open with 15-20 attractions, but Jazzland is committed to opening with 31.

Walking through the main entranceway, you come upon the gift shops which lead you to a gazebo in front of "New Orleans Basin."

There are quite a few attractions which circle the basin. To lead off is the bungee swing. From the way the ride is situated, those who venture on it will be treated to the sensation that they are going to land into the basin itself.

Just a couple of attractions over is the splash ride. This is the ride that looks like a log ride but its sole purpose is to get you and anyone nearby drenched. It also faces the basin in a manner to make it appear as though you will be going into it.

Further along the basin there is also a ferris wheel, a boat ride (the car is shaped like a boat and spins around like a clock hand turn everyone upside down), swinging swings, bullet ride (two cars on either side of the main pole which spin in opposite directions turning upside down).

The basin will also include paddle boats so you can ride into the basin itself.

Two other main attractions being worked on is the parachute drop, which will give you an excellent view of either Lake Pontchartrain, the basin, or the Interstate, depending on which side you are on. And the roller coaster.

In what may be a first for any roller coaster, this one will actually go out over Lake Pontchartrain.

Season passes are available now at area Winn Dixie grocery stores, with prices set at $59.99 for an individual pass or $199.96 for four passes. These passes are good for any theme park operated by Ogden Entertainment ( http://www.ogden.com/entertainment/index... ) which also operates Silver Springs, Fl., Wet 'n Wild, Las Vegas, Emerald Pointe, Greens Boro, NC, Top of the World, New York, NY.

These passes are only available until December 31, 1999 when they are expected to raise the price.

The copyright of the article Jazzland in New Orleans is owned by Westley Annis. Permission to republish Jazzland in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.