In the Loop: Top new rides of summer at Southern California theme parks

Welcome to another edition of In the Loop, the Los Angeles Times' theme park newsletter. I’m Funland theme park blogger Brady MacDonald and this week we take a look at the top new rides, attractions and shows making their debuts this summer at Southern California theme parks and water parks.

Diamond jubilee

Disneyland kicks off its 60th anniversary celebration with a trio of new nighttime spectaculars.

The new Paint the Night nighttime parade at Disneyland proves the best of the three and a worthy heir to the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade.

In celebration of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, the theme park debuts its “Disneyland Forever” fireworks show on May 21, 2015. The new show features 3-D projections and a new song.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles )

The new World of Color at Disney California Adventure dials back the spectacle a bit in favor of storytelling with a water show that pays tribute to Walt Disney and his original theme park.

And the new “Forever” fireworks show at Disneyland is so overly complex you forget to look at the pyrotechnics.

Wood meets steel

The new Twisted Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain adds a steel track to the classic wooden coaster structure to create a thrill ride that blends the best of old and new.

Under the sea

The new Voyage to the Iron Reef finds Knott’s Berry Farm taking on Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood with a themed dark ride that’s generally considered the specialty of its bigger and better-financed competitors.

Voyage to the Iron Reef drops visitors into the middle of an underwater battle brimming with steampunk-inspired sea creatures determined to destroy Knott’s Berry Farm.

(Knott’s)

(Knott's)

A really big show

The Fast & Furious: Supercharged 3-D motion-based simulator opens June 25 at Universal Studios Hollywood inside a massive show building that stretches nearly three football fields.

At one point in Fast & Furious: Supercharged, Dom falls from a helicopter on one side of the tram and lands on the hood of a perfectly-timed speeding car on the other side.

(Universal )

(Universal)

Sad news

In some sad news from Magic Mountain, a 10-year-old girl died Saturday, a day after losing consciousness when she exited the Revolution roller coaster. State officials said her death was not  related to the ride’s operation.

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