Whether you’re an adult, a child, or big kid stuck inside an adult’s body, going to an amusement park is something we ALL look forward to (c’mon, don’t fight it, you know you love ‘em!). These days even cruise ships have their own mini-amusement/theme parks on board to excite and entertain – so we know that Theme Parks are popular with the young and the young at heart!
That’s why we’ve focussed this week’s blog on the top theme parks that you want to include on your bucket list of fun… here they are in no particular order:
Disneyland, Anaheim USA
Arguably THE best and biggest, granddaddy of all theme parks, iconic Disneyland is the dream for many of us to explore, discover and simply delight in the magic and fantasy of it all. Established in 1955, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Southern California can take you from the traditional vintage rides such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Cup and Saucer Carousels through to the new and modern theme park innovations including laser lights, mile high rollercoasters, colored musical fountains, and other fun filled activities featuring Mickey Mouse, Disney Princesses and all the other fun characters associated with Walt Disney.
“Massive” is a huge understatement when visiting, as it consists of 8 extravagant “lands” including Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square, and Mickey’s Toontown – each with it’s own attractions, shows, characters and themed rides and activities to delight and amaze one and all. Our top suggestion is to brush up on those Disney songs and don’t forget to pick up some mouse ears!
P.S. There are also Disneyland’s to be found in California, Florida, Hawaii, Paris, Hong Kong, Japan, and Shanghai in China.
Universal Studios, Hollywood USA
Fill yourself with that movie-magic vibe as you enter the gates of Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the world’s biggest and most popular theme parks, with several attractions scattered among its film themed areas. You’ll find Harry Potter, King Kong, Fast & Furious, Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me, Transformers, and the Walking Dead themed rides and attractions. You may even catch some of your favorite Hollywood stars at work or play on a World-Famous Studio Tour. So, not only will you be starstruck, you’ll also be awestruck with the attractions on display.
Imagine mingling with Gru’s Minions from the Despicable Me films in the morning, go behind-the-scenes in a studio tour in the afternoon, or filling yourself with wonder at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a night of incredible magic.
Universal Studios are located in Hollywood, Orlando Florida, Singapore, Japan, with upcoming themes parks proposed for Beijing, Moscow, and South Korea.
SeaWorld, San Diego USA
From your massive theme park attractions, we now head down under the sea, with SeaWorld – a sprawling 189 hectare park, featuring ocean adventure and exploration. Adventure truly awaits, with an animal theme park, oceanarium, outside aquarium, and a marine mammal park, alongside the obligatory rides and attractions. The various animal habitats all feature distinctive experiences such as the Bayside Skyride, Journey to Atlantis water coaster, Skytower, and the Sesame Street’s Bay of Play, which is perfect for children.
See orcas up close and personal, watch the playful antics of dolphins, walk under a viewing tunnel of sharks, laugh alongside penguins, otters and a thousand tropical fish, sea turtles and sea lions. We love all of the marine animals here, plus we admire that SeaWorld is world-renowned for it’s conservation work.
And moving away from the USA, generally seen as home to the world of theme parks…
Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai
One of the most visited parks in the world is Wild Wadi Water Park of Dubai. This park allows you to get wet and wild all year round, thanks to Dubai’s warm and friendly climate. Jam packed with several, thrilling waterslides and rides, plus a spot on the beach, there’s plenty of fun for all ages – and we mean all ages, from babies and toddlers, kids, teens and beyond!
Here you can enjoy the stunning view of the famous Burj Al Arab while having fun on thrilling rides. There’s a play area called Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon, a lazy river called Juha’s Journey, the biggest wave pool in the Middle East called Breaker’s Bay, and a high-speed drop-slide called Jumeirah Sceirah. Get ready for an adrenaline rush!
VinPearl Land, Phu Quoc Vietnam
This tiny island paradise located off the coast in the Gulf of Thailand is Vietnam’s answer to Disneyland – Vietnam’s VinPearl Land.
Welcoming you via the world’s longest over-the-sea cable car, Vietnam’s VinPearl Land is anything but your ordinary theme park. There are rides and parades, aquariums and more, enough for any little kid and big kid combined. You’ll find exciting pool slides and thrillingly steep drops into the largest wave pool in Southeast Asia, where you can swim, jump, and relax into the waves to your heart’s content – all with a stunning sea view. Hotels and villas galore where you can stay and play all in one space – and the best thing is free entry to the theme parks when you stay at the VinPearl resorts.
For mum and dad there’s a luxury golf course. 18-hole’s of pristine greens and rough, sandtraps and bunkers in a par 71 layout set in tropical surrounds and breathtaking scenery enough to impress local and international golfers.
A great family-friendly option is the VinPearl Safari Animal Care and Conservation Park – the first and only open plan zoo in Vietnam. Here, you can get up close to some of the most exotic animals in the world, such as African rhinos, elephants, lions, free-range monkeys, and a lemur enclosure you can walk through – in fact one jumped on my shoulder and stayed there while I held out “lemur snacks” (so cool, and really great pics – check out our main pic!). Loved the safari park!
Gold Coast Theme Parks, Australia
Gold Coast in Queensland is home to a variety of theme parks that offer thrilling rides, aquatic experiences, and behind-the-scenes movie magic. You can choose to visit Dreamworld & Whitewater World for adrenaline-pumping rides, Seaworld to interact with marine life, Warner Brothers Movie World for movie-themed entertainment, WetnWild for water slides, and Paradise Country for an authentic Australian experience with wildlife and farm activities. There’s plenty to explore on the Gold Coast, from beautiful beaches to exciting attractions in Surfers Paradise.
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