Over the years the popularity of theme parks has boomed and nowadays it is not uncommon for people to book a short break based on the location of a fantastic theme park they want to visit.
There are many fantastic theme parks around the world but certain parks stand out from the rest.
Here, we look at 10 of the best theme parks located around the world:
Cedar Point Park, USA
Cedar Point Park in Sandusky, Ohio, is consistently voted the world’s best theme park. With the largest roller coaster collection and ride selection of any park, it is not surprising that this is the case. However, the park also has other factors contributing to its success. Three children’s areas, including Planet Snoopy, with some excellent children’s rides, make this a particular child-friendly park.
There are currently 17 coasters in operation at Cedar Point and ‘Millenium Force’, with its 300 foot drop at 93 mph, is definitely the most popular. The park has variable opening hours but from June through to August it is generally open between 10am and 10pm.
Islands of Adventure, USA
Florida’s Islands of Adventure is a fairly new theme park with highly detailed themes over its six themed lands, namely Port of Entry, Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing, a bright and detailed land for children offering several innovative rides.
The park is open all year around from 9am and closing times vary depending on the time of year. The parks current big draw card is ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’, where you can see Hogwarts, visit the Hogsmeade shops and ride on the exhilarating Dragon Challenge, the family-friendly flight of the Hippogriff and the award-winning Forbidden Journey.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, USA
Six Flags Magic Mountain in California is constructed on a mountain, the perfect terrain for impressive roller coasters. The park has nine themed sections with 16 roller coasters and two children’s areas with plenty of rides for the kids to enjoy. There is a fantastic selection of water rides and even a separate water park, Hurricane Harbour, for which there is an additional admission charge.
As with most of the popular theme parks, the park is incredibly busy on holidays and weekends so these should be avoided is possible. Opening hours are variable and during summer the park is open every day; however from September to March it is only open on weekends and selected days through the winter.
Europa Park, Germany
Germany’s Europa Park is a fantastic family park situated near Germany’s borders with Switzerland and France. The park offers over 100 attractions and is divided into 13 individual European-themed sections. During summer, opening hours are 9am to 6pm and the park is closed through winter with the exception of the month of December, where it is open from 11am to 7pm. The ten coasters in the park include what is currently the highest coaster in Europe at 240 feet, the incredible Silver Star.
PortAventura, Spain
PortAventura in Tarragona Spain has five excellently themed areas, these being Mediterrania, Polynesia, China, the Mayan-themed Mexico and Far West. There are two first class roller coasters, an exceptional simulator, three water rides and the exemplary special effects attraction, Temple del Fuego. The park offers a wide variety of shows throughout the day, which tend to draw crowds.
PortAventura is closed through the winter and open from April to October, as well as selected dates throughout December (10am to 7pm). During the height of the summer season the park is open every day until midnight. The biggest coaster attraction at this park is the Dragon Khan, a 160 foot drop inversion coaster that was the first in the world to have eight inversions.
Holiday World, USA
One of the children’s favourite parks is Holiday World, located in aptly named Santa Claus, Indiana. In 1946, it was the United States’ first themed park and it now offers three holiday themes, Christmas, Independence Day and Halloween, as well as their Splashin’ Safari, all set in over 100 acres. The park repeatedly wins Golden Ticket awards for being the cleanest and the friendliest park and is one of the best family-orientated theme parks around.
Holiday World boasts the longest water coaster in the world, Wildebeest and an even longer one, Mammoth, is planned for 2012. In 2011, The Voyage was voted the ‘Number 1 Wooden Coaster on the Planet’ for the fifth year running and there are also two other excellent wooden coasters in the park.
Busch Gardens, USA
Another award-winning park is Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a beautifully themed park with excellent landscaping. The themed lands are based on countries in Europe and there are a number of excellent coasters, including Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot, as well as several water rapids rides. The park is open from 10am to 8pm or 10pm during the summer season and is also open during December, from 3pm to 10pm.
Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
Open since 1896, Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England, boasted free admission for over 100 years; however, there is now a charge of £5.00 for admission only. You can then choose to pay per ride or purchase a wristband that includes admission and unlimited rides for £27.00 (online). The park is closed during winter with the exception of certain days and both opening and closing hours vary but are clearly detailed on the park’s website.
There are a wide variety of rides, including both major attractions and the more classic rides; with the most popular attractions being Infusion, Big One, Valhalla and Grand National. The theme park also boasts a Nickelodeon themed children’s area that currently features 12 individual rides. A truly excellent park with a lovely atmosphere, Golden Ticket consistently rates Pleasure Beach in their top three as one of the world’s best theme parks.
Knoebels, USA
Tucked away in a charming valley in Pennsylvania is Knoebels, the largest free admission amusement park in America. A traditional style park without any detailed theming, Knoebels is open between 11am and 10pm and closed during winter. Ride prices are reasonable as is the food, which is good, unlike at most theme parks. There is quite a variety when it comes to rides, as Knoebels has rescued many classic rides and attractions from other, now defunct, parks. Two good wooden coasters, a relaxed atmosphere and a number of children’s rides make this park a great day out for the whole family.
Alton Towers, UK
Alton Towers is a large park in Staffordshire, England, which is open daily between March and October. A good theme park with a varied selection of rides, Alton Towers is very popular and during the holiday season is very crowded. Offering nine coaster rides, including the popular ‘Nemesis’ and the thrilling ‘Air’, the park offers a number of children’s rides and play areas. Try to go during off-peak times and as with many parks, booking online will save you money compared to the on-the-day prices.
The park will shortly be closing for winter but it will no doubt be a popular destination for days out next year, particularly during the summer holidays in 2012.
Image by Andrew 94
