THEME PARK REVIVAL NEW RIDES MAY BRING BACK SUMMER THRILLS.

Byline: Nicholas Grudin Staff Writer

Five new thrill rides opening by summer at Southern California's major theme parks offer hope of a revival of the region's tourism industry, which slumped badly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorism attacks and have remained weak since then.

Universal Studios, Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags California, Disney's California Adventure, Sea World Adventure Park and Legoland California all have new rides opening between April and June, with each park boasting cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art fun.

Theme park executives hope the concurrence of the openings will create a nationwide buzz, and everyone from ride enthusiasts to economic analysts is expecting a busy and lucrative summer.

``This is what we call 'found money.' It has the potential to be the best summer since 2001,'' said Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. ``A lot of people in the Midwest think Southern California is dangerous, but when you have this much new product, it's hard to overlook.''

Theme park attendance has suffered since 9-11, and Kyser and industry executives look to these new rides to secure a rebound that already has begun for some of the parks. But Kyser also warned that Southern California's skyrocketing gas prices could deter visitors from the coaster capital.

``Attendance has been down - it's been soft and it's reflected both the terrorist attacks and recession,'' Kyser said.

For example, at the end of the 2003 theme park season, Six Flags' visitors receipts nationwide dropped 1.6 percent from 2002. And from the summer of 2001 to the summer of 2002, Six Flags saw an 11 percent drop in attendance, a decline that was reflected throughout the industry.

Universal Studios and Disney resorts have already seen signs of recovery, and officials expect the new rides to add momentum.

``There's definitely a recovery. Things have improved a great deal in the past year, and with the new attractions ... we expect them to help boost things even further,'' said John McClintock, spokesman for the Disneyland Resort.

``We're delighted that the opening of this new ride at the end of June is coinciding with an exceptional first-quarter performance. We're seeing year-over-year increases from every point of origin. At this point, post-9- 11, we're extremely happy with the recovery,'' said Don Skeoch, senior vice president of marketing for Universal Studios.

Skeoch said the fact all five rides are opening in a three-month span will be good for everybody involved.

``The introduction of all of these new rides ... helps boost attendance and it makes Southern California a more appealing destination. It's good for all of us.''

Sean Flaharty, an Ohio roller-coaster fanatic who last summer rode one new Six Flags coaster for 30 hours in a row, was equally excited by the prospect of five new rides.

``This is going to be a great year because basically all the big parks are putting in key attractions, which I think will be big hits with everyone,'' said Flaharty, spokesman for American Coaster Enthusiasts. ``It's one big summer with all these big blockbuster rides.''

Each of the new rides appeals to a different type of enthusiast, according to Flaharty, who expects them all to draw big crowds.

Universal Studios' new ride is called Return of the Mummy, based on the film, and the design and specifications of the coaster have been kept secret by Universal. However, Skeoch said it will be the fastest indoor roller coaster in California, a title Disneyland's Space Mountain previously held.

``Revenge of the Mummy is going to be a cutting-edge roller coaster unlike any other in the world,'' Skeoch said.

Likewise, Six Flags' planned Tornado water slide is already generating buzz. The towering tube, which will propel riders through a 132-foot, water-slick tunnel at 35 feet per second, already exists at other Six Flags parks throughout the nation.

``People who have ridden it have said it's the most fun you can have on a water-slide attraction,'' Flaharty said.

California Adventure's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride is another highly anticipated attraction. It is modeled after a ride of the same name at Walt Disney World in Florida.

``It is sure to be a huge hit at that park. From what I've heard, this one will live up to all the hype. It's going to be the new flagship ride for that park,'' Flaharty said.

``If you're a thrill-ride fan, we already have several first-rate coasters at Disneyland and California Adventure. This is definitely a thrill ride and quite a unique one,'' McClintock said.

Sea World's new ride, Journey to Atlantis, is a ``hybrid coaster,'' part roller coaster and part flume, Flaharty said. It will open May 29.

And at Legoland, the Coastersaurus is expected to appeal to a younger crowd, Flaharty said, but will still offer several exciting new features.

Although the rides' appeal might be limited to thrill seekers, the economic winners will be widespread, Kyser said.

``All segments of your tourism cluster will benefit - hotels, restaurants, gas stations,'' Kyser said.

Nicholas Grudin, [phone]

nicholas.grudin(at)dailynews.com

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(1 -- 3 -- color) COMING SOON: Southern California theme parks will unleash five new thrills this spring and summer. April 1, Coastersaurus, Legoland California, Carlsbad May 5, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney's California Adventure, Anaheim (right) May 8, Tornado, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Valencia (left) May 29, Journey to Atlantis, Sea World Adventure Park, San Diego June, The Revenge of the Mummy Ride, Universal Studios Hollywood (above)

(4 -- color) A critter from Coastersaurus at Legoland is sure to excite young thrill seekers.