14 Of The Best Theme Parks Worldwide
Now that we can (hopefully!) stop Googling “which theme parks are open”, we should be able to get back to the more pressing question of where the hottest tickets are. From Disneyland to Alton Towers, we reveal all!
Image: Jamie McCaffrey, Flickr
Now that we can (hopefully!) stop Googling “which theme parks are open”, we should be able to get back to the more pressing question of where the hottest tickets are. Naturally, as your partner in all things travel, we reveal all:
1.Universal Studios, Singapore
Touted as a “one of its kind” theme park in Asia, it boasts seven different themed areas that include Hollywood, Sci-Fi City, Madagascar and Ancient Egypt.
2.Walt Disney World Resort, Florida
This deserves to be up there alone just for holding the title of the world’s biggest theme park, but - as you might expect from the most visited amusement park - it also offers some of the best attractions too. It’s made up of - wait for it - 24 hotels, six amusement and water parks and four golf courses. Phew!
Get lost in the world's biggest theme park with a Park Hopper multi-day ticket
3.Gardaland, Italy
Bursting with thrilling rides, you’re sure to have a fantastic time here in northeastern Italy.
4.PortAventura, Spain
The biggest theme park in southern Europe, PortAventura - themed around five historic civilizations - is one of the most visited in the world - and for good reason! If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll probably want to come here for The Hurakan Condor alone - one of the world’s tallest rides where you’ll freefall from 86 meters off the top of a tower.
5.Disneyland, Tokyo
Bringing all the best bits of the Disney parks from America and combining them with the culture of Japan, you’ll see all the classic elements such as It’s A Small World and Big Thunder Mountain while experiencing a level of technology like no other. Snack time is extra fun at this amusement park, which offers numerous flavors of popcorn and character steamed buns.
6.Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
One for racing car lovers, Ferrari World boasts the world’s fastest rollercoaster with a top speed of 240km/h.
7.Alton Towers, UK
England’s biggest theme park, Alton Towers, knows how to push limits, with rides such as The Smiler consisting of more loops than any other rollercoaster and TH13TEEN, the world’s first vertical freefall drop when it opened in 2010. With both thrill-seeking and family-friendly rides on offer, you’re sure to have an exhilarating day here.
8.Efteling, The Netherlands
A unique, quintessential, fairy-tale-themed amusement park, this is the perfect place to relive those childhood memories. Twice the size of Disneyland, California and the third most visited amusement park in Europe, this is definitely one for the nostalgia chasers. From the character-filled forest to thrill-seeker’s rides, there’s truly something for everyone here in one of the world's biggest theme parks. (And that’s before we mention the two restaurants dedicated to pancakes. Mmmm.).
9.Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
It’s not every theme park that can claim itself as the inspiration behind Disneyland, but this - open since 1843 - is something special, laid testament by its longevity. Offering a mix of vintage rides, such as a wooden rollercoaster, with the world’s highest carousel, offering breathtaking views of Denmark, Tivoli Gardens is a national treasure, beckoning locals and tourists alike. Hang around for the colorful lights come nighttime, making the perfect fairytale backdrop for some good old-fashioned family fun.
10.Disneyland Paris
You probably don’t need us to tell you that this is the most visited attraction in Europe - as well as one of its most popular theme parks - combining a healthy dose of Continental charm with the Americanisms of Disney. Both kids and adults alike will fall in love with the not-so-small world on offer here.
Get your multi-day ticket here
11.Disneyland Shanghai
Offering thrilling rides, spectacular light shows, incredible shopping and delicious dining experiences, it retains a ‘distinctly Chinese’ vibe, thanks to things like tea rooms throughout the park. Featuring the biggest of all the Disneyland castles, any die-hard fan should definitely add this to the bucket list.
12.Disneyland Hong Kong
Yeah, yeah - we know - but honestly, did you expect Disney not to feature heavily? The last - but by no means least on our list - this amusement park offers seven areas, including Toy Story Land, and is filled with rides, attractions and other entertainment-fueled ways to spend the day (and beyond!).
13.Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai
The only waterpark to feature in our list - and for good reason! Ranked among the best amusement parks in the world, this adrenaline-pumping thrill also offers spectacular carnivals, majestic marine animals, more shopping opportunities than you’ll know what to do with and endless dining options.
14.Gold Reef City, South Africa
Based on the Gold Rush period, this fabulous theme park - along with epic rides - also offers a museum dedicated to the process of gold mining. A fun, family day out awaits!
Ready for the ride of your life? Where will you go first?
Read more:
The 11 Most Visited Theme Parks In Europe
