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- 22 Alternative Theme Parks That Might Actually Be Better Than Disneyland
Experience thrill on a whole new level with these theme parks.
Amusement parks all around the world are evolving as demand increases for better and more exciting rides and many tourists are looking forward to trying something new but worth the price. However, only a few can reach the topmost level like Disney, but more companies are trying to keep up by innovating and designing more immersive attractions.
The old-timers (Six Flags and Universal Studios) always come to mind, but did you know that there are also parks that live up to the hype, such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or China's own Chimelong Paradise?
From the vomit-inducing coasters at Six Flags to the cartoonish indoor kiddie rides at Lotte World, join us as we count down 20 alternative theme parks that might actually be better than Disneyland.
UPDATE: 2023/01/12 11:29 EST BY TYLER GOLEC
22 Alternative Theme Parks That Might Actually Be Better Than Disneyland
Disney may seemingly dominate the theme park world with their iconic parks, however, they are far from the only option with plenty of excellent theme around for travelers to choose from. To make sure this article provides our reader with the best travel-reading experience, it has been updated contain even more them parks that might actually be better than Disneyland.
22 The Ultimate Film Experience: Universal Studios Island Of Adventure
Coming in as a strong contender for the best theme park in the world is Universal Studios, with its unique family-friendly attractions and rides located in different zones as Hollywood being the theme. Don't forget to try Jurassic Park: The Ride and The Mummy. It was also among the picks in Trip Advisor's Top 25 Amusement Parks in the World.
21 The Best Thrill Rides: Six Flags
This vomit-inducing, adrenaline thrill of a park is also one of the biggest in the world, featuring hundreds of coasters and the tallest drop tower in the world (Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom) operates alongside the tallest roller coaster (King Da Ka).
20 A Trip Back In Time: Puy Du Fou, France
This park in France pushes the limits by taking visitors back to the past with its Waterworld-like shows complete with explosions and props. Although it doesn't have any rides, it still is worth every penny, and you can get to enjoy not only one but 26 exhilarating shows, especially the gladiator arena musical (30 minutes each).
19 3-in-1 Package: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
This park has it all: water rides, roller coasters, and the world's largest oceanarium, with the resort aiming to become the "Orlando of China." Enjoy the live dolphin shows, the castle theater (also the world's largest 4D theater), animal exhibits, and the Polar Bear Village.
18 Wet And Wild: Islands of Adventure
Ranked on TripAdvisor as the #1 theme park in the world, this Universal Studios expansion had over 10 million visitors in 2018 which means you will need more than one day to complete the entire park. But it's very much worth every penny considering it has World Of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Skull Island.
17 Food And Fun: Lotte World
Lotte World offers a high-quality indoor theme park experience (also the world's biggest), whilst giving out K-drama vibes. Don't miss this one out and bring your friends and family to the ski resort and the mirror maze (a laser maze with an epic story). This park balances everything out (not too screamy), and is designed for fun family time.
16 Disneyland's Twin: Everland
No, Everland is not a rip-off. It's a completely different product designed for the Eastern market and has its strengths. It is a slight contrast to Lotte World's indoor approach and a perfect choice if you're bringing children with you or if you're young at heart. Enjoy the kiddie rides and live shows by Lenny & Friends at this South Korea theme park.
15 A Wacky Twist: Nagashima Spa Land
Steel Dragon 2000, the roller coaster that runs across almost the entire park and the overly gigantic Ferris wheel are among the "exotic" rides you can enjoy in the 18th most visited amusement park in the world.
14 Where Past And Future Collide: Europa Park
This is German engineering at its finest, with fun added to the equation. This park combines history with actual scale models of sites such as the Greek Parthenon alongside Tomorrowland-ish rides. Don't forget to try all 13 coasters, especially the Alpenexpress (an actual VR roller coaster).
13 A Perfect Place For Your Next Date: Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens in Denmark is the best place for rest and relaxation. Despite being the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, it never fails to satisfy visitors. The main highlight of this little pleasure garden is the Demon: a floorless VR roller coaster, complete with inversions and rolls.
12 Bizarre: Efteling
Efteling is unique because it offers an enchanting experience, it's like you're stuck in a fairy tale. It's one of those carnival-like theme parks good for family vacations because it has attractions catered to both kids and adults. From the Baron 1898 Dive Coaster to the Fairytale Forest, Efteling is Europe's answer to the Magic Kingdom.
11 Nature Meets Play: Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a perfect place for a field trip with over 200 species of animals in the zoo, carnival rides, and surprisingly cheap but delicious food. Imagine the adrenaline rush as you ride the SheiKra (roller coaster with 200 ft., 90-degree drop). Don't forget to try giraffe feeding.
10 Jurassic Park Clone: China Dinosaur Park, Changzhou
If you're a dinosaur nut, then this one is for you. With a museum covering 20,000 square meters displaying 100% real artifacts and fossils, Dinosaur Park is the real-life Jurassic Park. Not only that, this park contains over 20 attractions such as the famous PaniClock. Don't forget to visit the park on your next trip to China.
9 A World Made Of Blocks And Dreams: LEGOLAND
Legoland is a resort and an amusement park at the same time. It's also one of the top picks for best children's theme park with assorted kiddie rides such as Ninjago The Ride (a moving 3D ride) and The Xtreme Racers (a fast coaster with a 16-meter drop at the end). Just don't step on a brick or the fun is all over.
8 Out Of This Planet: Phantasialand
The Talocan, as you can see in the photo above, will make you puke your guts out, and it's just one of the rides in Phantasialand that look like torture instruments (actual fire is used on the rides). In fact, the rides look deadly enough, and we dare you to take them on without screaming your lungs out. This park takes the top spot for uniqueness and creativity.
7 Fun Family Time: Knott's Berry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm is synonymous with Six Flags and has more traditional rides that still hold up well such as the Ghost Rider (wooden coaster with tall drops) and Montezooma's Revenge (goes from 0 to 55mph in 3 seconds). Knott's Berry Farm focuses more on thrill factor than the aesthetics which is good if you're a thrill-seeker or an adrenaline junkie.
6 For DC Nerds: Warner Bros Movie World
Warner Bros Movie World is euphoric for avid fans of the DC Universe and equal to Universal Studios in terms of thrill, having the same action-packed stunt shows, and having over 115 unique attractions catered for everyone.
5 Ride If You Dare At Dreamworld Australia
Although it only has 4 roller coasters, Dreamworld still holds up as one of the best theme parks in the world. Props to the management for fixing some of the problems and upgrading the park's facilities with over 40 different rides such as the Buzzsaw (360-degree rolls whilst dangling over 15 stories above) and The Claw (gyro swing), this will be a massive pukefest.
4 Fast And Furious: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Home of the fastest roller coaster in the world (the Formula Rossa), going over 150 mph, this is one park you wouldn't want to skip even if you're not a fan of speedy luxury cars because we guarantee you this is a ride of a lifetime. It's actually more of a museum than a theme park
3 For Sweet-tooths: Hersheypark
This park combines the two best things in the world: Roller Coasters and Chocolate, enough to make Willy Wonka walk away in shame. Not only that, this park has more than 70 rides and attractions plus candy shops and souvenirs. Don't forget to try out The Coal Cracker (splashy boat ride with a tall drop at the end) and the world-famous Triple Tower as shown in the photo above.