No matter how old you are, theme parks always succeed in bringing out that childish version of you. Theme parks attract millions of visitors every year and are the main motivators for travelers to visit a place. The excitement of sitting on top of a roller coaster, the reminiscence of riding the merry-go-round, and the anxiety of waiting for the pirate ship to hit the climax are always satisfying. Without further discussion, this week we’re going to explore the top-rated theme parks in the world that you must visit if you have the chance.
5. Europa Park, Germany
Being awarded twice as ‘The Best Theme Park in The World’ by the Travelers’ Choice Awards, Europa Park is the biggest amusement park and the second most-popular theme parks in Europe that attracts 4.9 millions visitors in 2013 (Disneyland, French is the leading one). The park is home to 12 most famous roller-coasters, and the high capacity of the attraction can hold up to approximately 50,000 guests a day. The four themed areas at Europa Park are suitable for visitors at all ages, and each theme brings along a different kind of excitement: Enchanted Forest, Kingdom of The Invisibles, Children’s World/Vikings Land, and Lands by Country Theme (such as Germany, Russia, Portugal, and Spain, etc.). This year, the park is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and a new 4D film about ‘Euromaus the Mouse and His Friends’ are being released and opened to the visitors as a celebration.
4. Ocean Park, Hong Kong
Ocean Park is located in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. The park has a theme that focuses on marine life and oceanarium, and offers a plethora of displays, exhibits and entertainment rides that are sea animal related. Ocean Park is not only a major tourist magnet, but it also contains great educational content. Many elementary schools arrange field trips for the students to visit and learn about the charms of the ocean, and you will see kids in uniform everyday at the theme park. Situated near the beach, the chills of sitting on a roller-coaster high on top with a view overlooking the peaceful sea and mountains more gratifying. Ocean Park’s constant expansion and renovation keeps the park refreshed and the visitors coming back.
3. Lotte World, South Korea
Well-known for its reputation as the biggest indoor theme park that opens all year-round (a Guinness World Record), Lotte World also includes a shopping mall, movie theaters, a resort, a Korean folk museum, an ice skating rink and sports facilities within its amusement park. Inspired by Disneyland, Lotte World resembles its architecture, its landscape and the dreamy feeling of a magical kingdom. There are two main sections of the park: The Magic Island (outside) and The Adventure (indoor), each with different rides, shows and exhibits that offer the visitors a variety of entertainments. It is like heaven not only for kids but also for adults. Once entered, you will never want to leave the place.
2. Universal Studio Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
Hollywood Universal Studio needs no introduction; the theme park’s reputation is well-known around the world. It’s everyone’s desire to check out the real stage that was filmed in their favorite movies and ride on their favorite characters entertainment rides. Who wouldn’t love the idea of riding on the same roller-coaster with the Simpsons or visiting the Jurassic Park and exploring the world of dinosaurs? Each year, the theme park attracts 7.1 million visitors around the world, and each ride queue is usually a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. In the recent years, Hollywood Universal Studios have expanded its park and added three new rides – “Fast & Furious – Supercharged” in memory of Paul Walker, everyone’s favorite yellow mini creatures “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”, and the hero of our childhood “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”
1. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
No matter how many new amusement parks are opened, nothing can compete the popularity of Walt Disney and its magical land. Disney World constantly dominates the No.1 place in ‘The Best Amusement Park in The World’ with the number of tourists up to 10 millions per year. These well-constructed castles and bridges will take you away from reality and back to your childhood, where Harry Potter is your greatest hero, where Phineas & Ferb brings you a new adventure everyday, and where Timon, Pumbaa and Simba chant along to your “Hakuna Matata” theme song. With its eternal evolving, Disney World never fails to allure visitors. Visiting Walt Disney World during the holiday season is in my bucket-list; the moment when the sun goes down and the lights of the Christmas ornaments go on blend in with the magical kingdom makes it one of the most romantic scenery ever.
Han Yu says
First of all, where is the Thrope Park? I genuinely had so much fun visiting it when I was at England! However, my issue about theme parks is that… I am afraid of most of these roller coasters, a personal feature that can throw you into a really awkward position whenever you go visit theme parks with your friends. So be considerate to us minorities! Well seriously, however, it is indeed reassuring to know, after having ventured through many of them worldwide, that you do not need to be roller coaster fit to enjoy yourself at a theme park, which I think is one of the most daunting challenges haunting theme park architects. My respects!