What's New for Family Travel in 2014

Family Vacation Critic shares its annual round-up of the top destinations with new family attractions

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Jan 14, 2014, 06:30 ET

PENNINGTON, N.J., Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Vacation Critic (http://www.familyvacationcritic.com) has released its annual list of the top 10 destinations introducing new attractions for families in 2014.

According to Lissa Poirot, editor of Family Vacation Critic, "Each year, we take a look at what is new and exciting in family travel. Destinations like New York City and Orlando are always popular spots for families, and this year's new attractions will offer something for families who may be considering a return visit. There are also some really exciting new additions being offered in smaller destinations like Kansas City and Hilton Head, which give families even more reason to plan a trip to a location they may not have had considered before."

Destinations named to the list include:

Orlando, FL

What's New: Universal Orlando's expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, introducing Diagon Alley and Hogwarts Express (summer 2014); LEGOLAND Florida's new DUPLO Valley play area for toddlers (spring 2014); the completion of Magic Kingdom's largest expansion ever, with the unveiling of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland (spring 2014); Ihu's Breakaway Falls, a new waterslide at Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark; and the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (fall 2014).

Yosemite National Park, CA

What's New: The 150^th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant in 2014 will bring a year's worth of special events and programs to the park, including photography workshops, art classes, history talks and more.

Norway

What's New: Following Disney's release of the animated hit Frozen, Adventures by Disney introduces Norway to its 2014 destination list, offering fishing in Lake Loen's glacial waters, a Fjord Safari on an inflatable boat and a hands-on visit to a working Norwegian farm.

Kansas City, MO

What's New: Kansas City Zoo's expanded animal exhibits, including The Helzberg Penguin Plaza, and the tallest, fastest waterslide in the world, Verruckt, opening at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in 2014.

Other destinations named to the list are: Rhode Island; Hilton Head, SC; Beaver Creek, CO; New York City, NY; Aruba and Mediterranean cruises.

For the full list and details, visit 10 Best Family Vacation Bets for 2014.

About Family Vacation Critic

Family Vacation Critic^® is a comprehensive online travel resource for families that offers reviews of family hotels, resort and destinations. The site features vacation ideas, family travel tips and an online forum for family travelers. Family Vacation Critic is published by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 21 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com , www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 260 million unique monthly visitors*, and more than 125 million reviews and opinions covering more than 3.1 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions.
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