Best Theme Park Destinations

Michael Knowles

Amusement Business Magazine has revealed the top ten theme parks in North America for 2004 based on attendance figures. As expected, six of those ten are owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. Although no numbers were released for theme park visitor count elsewhere, its safe to assume that the brand also dominates internationally, as its newest theme park Hong Kong Disneyland just opened.

Here is how the list looked with a short overview of its attractions.

1. SeaWorld - San Antonio (TX) SeaWorld in San Antonio opened in 1988. It is the largest SeaWorld at 288 acres. It is located in a fantastic city. The best time to visit San Antonio if you dont like the heat is early spring or late fall. The park is open on weekends until summer time then it is open daily until the end of the end of August when it goes back to a weekend schedule.

The park is closed from December until March. SWSA has 2 great roller coasters, The Great White and the Steel Eel. There are two animal interaction programs that you may signup for for an extra cost. They are the Bulaga Whale and the Sea Lions. The Lost Lagoon is a huge water park that is included in your admission, so wear your swim suit.

2. The Magic Kingdom at Disney World (FL) Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 and is located 30 minutes south of Orlando. Cinderella Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain are just some of its popular attractions. Kids will be thrilled getting autographs from Disney characters at Mickeys Toontown Fair.

3. Disneyland (CA) The worlds most famous theme park recently celebrated its 50th anniversary called the Happiest Homecoming on Earth which was attended by, among others, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Indiana Jones Adventure and Haunted Mansion have been hailed by critics to be the parks best rides.

4. Epcot at Walt Disney World (FL) Originally called EPCOT Center (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) when it opened in October 1982, the park was envisioned to be a futuristic city with controlled environs. Now, it is known to be a learning-oriented attraction in where science and international culture blend.

5. Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World (FL) The park functions both as a full-service production lot and theme park. Five major sections make-up the park: Hollywood Blvd., New York St., Mickey Ave., Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Blvd. Of all the rides here, Tower of Terror has been said to be the best of the modern-day attractions. The freefalling thrill ride is based on the classic television show The Twilight Zone.

<< Previous    [1]  2    Next >>