Although the U.S. boasts a panoply of theme parks that each bills itself as the best, it can be exciting to move beyond the domestic fair to see some of the best theme parks on the international stage. No doubt traveling internationally can provide a world of cultural experiences from architecture, food and geography, but it can also be a great way to experience theme parks from a whole other perspective.
As one of the world’s oldest theme parks, Efteling began life as a nature reserve that eventually added world-class rides and attractions to its old-world charm. You will find everything from the latest thrill rides along with haunted castles and forbidden cities to those that allow you to meander through the park by train or boat.
Ferrari World claims to be the largest indoor amusement park in the world that also boasts the fastest roller coaster on the globe. It reportedly can take you from zero to speeds upwards of 150 mph in seconds.
Europa Park provides a full European tour including attractions and rides that provide experiences of Greece, Italy, Russia, Scandinavia and beyond. From adventures in the sky to adventures in the water, this park has it all on a grand scale.
Five themes divide this massive amusement park just outside of Seoul. Festival World is similar to Disneyland with its fantastical architecture, thrill rides, restaurants and vast seasonal gardens while Caribbean Bay takes you to the beach for body surfing, diving and tube rides all courtesy of the exciting mini-tsunami that bursts from the pool every few minutes. The speedway circuit is for race lovers while the Hee Won Garden brings a traditional Korean-style garden with Buddhist temples and a peaceful atmosphere. Last but not least is the African Safari bus ride that provides close-up views of lions, tigers, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, elephants, bears and plenty of monkeys in an African savannah setting.
This is Europe’s biggest theme park which boasts a water park and hotel resort with four themed 4-star hotels, each with over five hundred rooms. Thrill to the eight inversions of their Dragon Khan Rollercoaster the 3gs of the Hurakan Condor or enjoy the thirty seven rides and one hundred daily shows within PortAventura. If that’s not enough try one if its six themed areas: Mediterrania, China, Polynesia, Mexico, Far West and SesamoAventura.
This is Australia’s largest theme park that has fantastic world-class roller coasters, shows, shopping and even a tiger park. The Australian Wildlife Experience brings you up close and personal with more than 500 species of animals, including Sumatran tigers.
The best travel experiences are a mix of the new and unknown with a touch of the familiar. This is especially true if you’re traveling abroad with family. Just as all of these countries and cities can open an entire world of new experiences to Americans, so too can these unique theme parks. Each of them proves that thrills and fun can come in entirely different packages while remaining universal.