Amusement parks have evolved from child-centered destinations into all-ages destinations. Kids are no longer the only ones who enjoy what amusement parks have to offer. People of all ages now have choices of rides and attractions. With this being said, parents of small children no longer feel going to the amusement park a chore and an obligation to their kids, but rather a good time where they can all enjoy everything inside the park. There are so many amusement parks all over the world you can choose from, not just in the US. Take a look at the best that the world has to offer adventure and adrenaline junkies.
Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California USA
Hailed as one of the best amusement parks in the US, it boasts numerous rides and attractions for all ages. Disney and Pixar characters come to life at Disney California Adventure, and you can explore 7 lands of different activities, sceneries, and whatnot. The World of Color is this park’s most famous attraction. It has a new addition, based on the movie Guardians of the Galaxy, the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Although everyone can have a grand time here, the young ones are the target market of this amusement park.
Universal Studios, Osaka, Japan
Ranked 4th among the largest amusement parks in the whole world in terms of attendance with more than 14 million guests in 2016, Universal Studios in Japan is the first outside of the United States. More and more guests from all over the world flock to this park to enjoy rides such as Back to the Future and Jaws, which have since been closed at the Universal Studios in the US.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, California USA
It is hailed as Disneyland California’s twin park but is much larger and over the years has surpassed the fame of the original park. The Big Thunder Mountain railroad is a must-not-miss attraction, as well as Space Mountain. Splash Mountain is the one ride that adventure-seekers can enjoy, with a five-storey-high splashdown. Be sure to bring extra clothing when you opt to ride Splash Mountain, as you will definitely get soaking wet. It gets millions of visitors every year, with as many as 20 million in 2014.
Everland, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
Everland is South Korea’s biggest theme park, and inside it, there is also a zoo and a water park. Visiting Everland is like hitting three birds with one stone. You get to enjoy the rides and the attractions of the park while getting to see a range of animals and cooling down at the water park. It offers a number of themed lands, where numerous roller coasters are scattered about, like American Adventure, European Adventure, and Magic Land. The Zoo-Topia is where you can see all the animals in the park. Being owned by Samsung Group, expect to enjoy robot-themed rides at Everland.
Image by Craig Nagy via Flickr
Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World has the world’s largest indoor theme park, and another outdoor one. Pharaoh’s Fury is the park’s most popular ride, much like Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure. Although it has been said that it has heavily borrowed Disneyland’s style, it is still famous as it is. Its fire, light, and water show Fantastic Odyssey is being compared to Disneyland’s Fantasmic!
Disneyland Paris, France
Europe is well-known for medieval and old-world attractions, but one park stands out among the rest, where tourists flock every year to try each and every attraction the park has to offer. Disney fans get to travel to the medieval times when they enter Disneyland Paris, as the theme park is designed much like the famed architectural wonders that Europe has. The Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are two of the most famous features in the park. It just celebrated its silver anniversary in 2017, and millions of guests from all over the world came to witness a spectacle like no other.
Six Flags, Mexico City, Mexico
This one in Mexico City is the only Six Flags theme park in Latin America, and it features the longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster in all of Latin America, Superman el Ultimo Escape. Aside from the Superman roller coaster, it boasts four more different coasters that everyone can enjoy. This was also where the movie Free Willy, a movie about an orca whale, was filmed. It was what gave the park the fame it is enjoying now. It gets more than two million visitors from all over Latin America and other countries each year.
Image by Gamerscore Blog via Flickr
Ocean Park, Hong Kong
Despite the competition with Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park is still Hong Kong’s most famous amusement Park. It was inspired by Sea World, and it is a theme park and marine life sanctuary. There is a jungle ride where an aviary will let you enjoy numerous bird species and other animals. Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure are also must-rides.
Vacationing with family can be very expensive, so you need to plan your dates thoroughly to get the best deals on flights as well as hotels. Purchasing tickets online will also save you time and avoid queueing at the park. Small children can be very impatient when waiting in line, so be sure to get park tickets online. You can also enjoy discounts on online deals. Be sure to have the tickets printed and ready when you visit the park.
Travelling to these amusement parks requires thorough preparation and planning, especially if you are bringing kids along. Travel essentials must be carefully packed so you don’t have a hard time looking for important items in a different country. Expect long lines at even the stores inside the park, so it’s wise to bring your own drinks and snacks if they’re allowed inside the park. Once everything is planned and packed, it is time to enjoy every second you are in the amusement park. And don’t forget to take tons of Instagram-worthy photos!