You can also share private shuttles using Mears Transportation Group or take the famous Disney Monorail to move between parks. Thrill-seeking adults will find that theres plenty for them as well with dozens of high-speed rides like roller coasters and giant swings. Amusement parks can be found along the East Coast, in the heart of the country, and over on the West Coast, so no matter where you live theres likely one nearby. The park is popular with visitors of all ages and sees over 3 million visitors pass through its gates each year. For more information about ticket prices and discounts, check out the Disney California Adventure Park website. One thing that we absolutely love about this park is the studio tour, which takes you behind the scenes at a real working lot to see how movies and shows are made. The park offers plenty of well-known food outlets to help you and your family refuel. From Cincinnati: Take I-75 North, OH-126 East, and I-71 North to Warren County, then take exit 24 from I-71 North onto Kings Island Drive to the park. All Rights Reserved. From Anaheim and North Los Angeles: Take the 1-5 South and follow the exit signs for Disneyland Drive, then proceed across Ball Road. Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) offers buses that run along Beach Boulevard to the gates of Knotts Berry Farm itself. Every day is a holiday at Universals Islands of Adventure, though the park also puts on a full program of events throughout the year, including Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras, and a Christmas spectacular that runs for the entire festive season. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located just 30 minutes from Walt Disney World, and the alternative Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about an hour away. Ive updated the post to correct that information. Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didnt catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties. If you just want to grab a bite, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors to choose from, including the Shipwreck Reef Cafe and Calypso Bay Smokehouse. Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Cinnabon are there to keep you going, as are nearly 40 other eateries, including the super child-friendly Planet Snoopy Grill and Snoopy Snack Shack. Disneys Animal Kingdom, Florida. Those who want the full Dolly experience can even stay at one of the two accommodations, a resort hotel or in a rustic cabin. The park is currently in the midst of celebrating Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, with a new nighttime fireworks show, merchandise, and themed foods. Most hotels run shuttle services to and from the main resort attractions. Childrens shows full of all of their favorite characters and movie stars are available daily, with live stage shows bringing Frozen and Beauty and the Beast to life. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. From Iowa: Take I-88 East to I-294 North in Illinois. The Best Amusement Park is more than just a marine zoological park. The best amusement park ride, roller coasters in Colorado 8 Best Ways To Redeem Air Canada Aeroplan Points for Maximum Value, How To Upgrade to Business/First Class on American Airlines Flights, 20. Foods are served from all around the world: Teppan Edo offers Japanese food, while Via Napoli tasty pizzas. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of your visit. Continue onto Highway ON-427 North, take the exit onto Highway ON-401 East, then merge onto Highway ON-400 North toward Barrie. Just dont want an unsuspecting foreign traveler to spend half the day trying to get there. Real Disney fans will want to book a tour to see Walt Disney's apartment, which sits over the fire department on Main Street USA. One of the biggest and best-loved theme parks in the world, Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors fun-filled days spent in the heart of the entertainment industry. Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois), 18. Hersheypark is easily accessible by car, and public transportation can be limited. Since then Amar has endeavored to turn his gap year into a "gap life" and has spent the last 13 years traveling the 7 continents. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are both about 60 miles away from Six Flags Great Adventure Park. There are 70 restaurants within the park itself, and you will pretty much be able to feed your little ones anything they want. The islands also offer regular shows and entertainment featuring characters from an array of different films and shows, including the Hogwarts-themed Triwizard Spirit Rally and Frog Choir shows. WebThe Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is iconic. We promise that you'll smell it from wherever you are in the park and it will draw you in with the sweet smell. Whatever kind of dining experience youre looking for, EPCOT has it. 25 Best Theme Parks in the United States - Travel + Leisure Michigans Adventure in Muskegon, MI should have been on this list. Hampton Inn Gurnee offers friendly service and comfortable accommodations within walking distance of the park. From Lake Buena Vista and Tampa: Take I-4 East (toward Orlando) to exit 71, which is the exit for SeaWorld. Best of the West offers big burgers and Chicken Express has a menu packed with Japanese fare, while Grannys Country Kitchen serves up home-fried chicken. It also offers a full program of events throughout the year, including July 4th fireworks and much more. Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. Kings Island is a staple mid-west amusement park. Use the left 3 lanes to access the Mickey & Friends parking structure. The Metropolitan Transport System of San Diego runs buses to and from the city. First opened in 1982, the park continues to go from strength to strength as technology becomes more advanced. The park offers a full program of events year-round, including live shows and concerts throughout the summer season, Halloween fright nights in October, and Festive Fun for Christmas. Throughout the year Knott's hosts a variety of seasonal activities like spooky haunted Halloween events, festive Christmas parties, and the popular Boysenberry Festival, which draws in thousands of guests a day. There are also pizza places, sweet treats, and soda stalls on almost every corner for quick eats on the go. If you want to save money and take the bus, the Lynx Bus travels from downtown Orlando to Walt Disney World Resort and Universals Islands of Adventure. Tickets for ages 3-8 and 62 and over start at $52.95, Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure starts at $19.99, Single-day tickets are $44.99 when booked online and $88 at the door, 1-day tickets start at $65 when booked online, Unlimited visit Gold passes start at $140, 1-day tickets for ages 3+ start at $64.99, 1-day tickets start at $95.99 for visitors 3 years and older, 1-day adult tickets start from $59 online, General admission tickets cost $109 per person, 1-day advance standard tickets start at $104, 1-day Park Hopper tickets for same-day entry into Disneyland Park start at $164, 1-day adult tickets for 1 park start at $109, 1-day Park Hopper tickets for same-day entry into Disney California Adventure Park start at $164. From Santa Monica: Take the I-10 Santa Monica Freeway East to the 405 Freeway North. Both airports offer rental cars, public transportation, taxi services, and shuttle buses for transportation to the park. Carly Caramanna Disneyland may not have been the first theme park but it set the standard for what all others would follow. The park features a decent-sized Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, where you can ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, Florida), 5. Tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance or as part of a vacation package. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, and there are usually discounts if you book in advance. There are also plenty of places to stop for a drink and an ice cream if your little ones need something quick to keep them going. From New York: Take the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, or Holland Tunnel to N.J. Turnpike South to exit 7A, then proceed to exit 16A on I-195 to Route 537 and the Six Flags exit. The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Much like its Hollywood counterpart, one of the biggest draws to Universal Studios in Florida is the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter which continues to bring in visitors by the millions. From Miami or Ft. Lauderdale: Take Floridas Turnpike North to Osceola Parkway West (exit 249) to the Walt Disney World exits, then follow signs to Disneys Hollywood Studios. There is always something special going on at the park, and you wont be missing out no matter what time of year you choose to visit. From Los Angeles: Take I-5 South to CA-39 South/Beach Boulevard in Buena Park, then take exit 116 from I-5 South before driving on to Western Avenue to reach the park entrance. You and your family can choose from Mickeys Mix Magic, the Magic Happens parade, and Fantasmic!, among others. Check its website for up-to-date information and departure times. Same goes for Universal parks, but they would probably rank higher than Disney parks, as they are pretty much hybrids between amusement and theme parks, creating a great balance. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Toledo Express Airport (TOL), and Sandusky County Regional Airport are closest to the park. Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City, California), 8. The Orlando-based Universals Islands of Adventure park is home to 7 islands that are all uniquely themed. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. Group tickets are available at discounted rates for families and larger groups. Carowinds makes list of top 25 amusement parks in America If you're looking for an amusement park that packs in the thrills and frills all in one place, then keep reading. Disneys Yacht Club Resort offers plenty of pools, as well as easy access to the nearby Crescent Lake lagoon, which is perfect for enjoying cycling trips and fishing excursions. Harrisburg International Airport is just 15 minutes away from the town of Hershey and the park. Knotts Berry Farm Hotel combines comfortable grown-up accommodations with a specially designed Snoopy-themed wing all just moments away from the park gates. However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a selection of super fast and furious roller coasters, as well as river rapids and water flumes. Downtown Orlando at night. All of them offer rental cars, public transportation, and taxi services for transportation to the park. An absolute must-see for Star Wars fans of all ages, visitors can enjoy Star Wars-themed rides, theater shows, and attractions at Star Wars:Galaxys Edge. It has won most beautiful theme park in the world for 28 consecutive years and counting. Tusker House, Yak and Yeti Restaurant, and Flame Tree Barbecue are 3 delicious eateries in the park, but you may need to book ahead as they get very busy during peak season. Tickets will always be cheaper purchased in advance or as part of a vacation package. The Metro Red Line stops at North Hollywood (very far away); the Metrolink (commuter rail) *does* go to Santa Clarita, but youd have to catch an Uber/Lyft from there. California and Florida are popular states for amusement parks and contain the top 10 most visited parks in the U.S. We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. However, if you were strictly ranking based off of the title, Disney parks would, for most, not rank that high. The park has a full show program, including lots of interactive fun with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and Snoopy at the Camp Snoopy Theatre. Schedules, fares, and route information can be found here. 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights; waterworldcolorado.com. Booking in advance online can also help reduce the price of entry. Disneys Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village is an amazing African-themed resort hotel that lets you view free-roaming animals, exotic birds, and tropical flora. Top amusement parks in the US From San Diego: Take I-5 North from 1st Avenue and continue until you reach exit 1 from I-8 West. It offers rental cars, public transportation, taxis, and shuttle services. Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld offers studios and family suites with 3 swimming pools, 2 childrens wading pools, and a full recreation program for all ages. With around 25 eateries to choose from, you will never go hungry here! You can find more information about ticket prices and discounts on the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website. Turn left on McKinley. Six Flags is located on the right. Loews Royal Pacific Resort has a lagoon-style pool and a white sandy beach that are the perfect places to wind down after a busy day at the park. The Orange County Transportation Authority website runs a variety of services that pass through the resort and surrounding areas. Disneys Animal Kingdom is situated in the heart of Orlando, but 2019 Visitors: 9,861,000 2021 Visitors: 4,977,000. Orlando is jam-packed with theme parks and attractions, Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, best hotels in Los Angeles to book with points, Orange County Transportation Authority website, tips to make your Disney vacation as stress-free as possible, Disneys Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village, Disneys Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House, The Reopening of Disneyland: What To Expect & What Has Changed, The Reopening of Walt Disney World: What To Expect & What Has Changed, How to Visit Disney World for Cheap by Using Points and Miles, The 20 Most Popular Water Parks to Visit in North America [2020], Disney Premier Visa Card Full Review [2023], The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The Platinum Card from American Express, 1-day tickets to Hurricane Harbor Chicago start at $25 per person, and monthly memberships with unlimited visits to ALL Six Flags theme parks and ALL Six Flags outdoor water parks start at $28.99 per month, 1-day tickets (ages 9-61) start at $74.95. See the operators websites for updated routes and schedules. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. The nearest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which receives flights from all over the world. The Serengeti Express will take you and your family through the park to catch a peek at the animals that live there, or you can take the Skyride cable car for panoramic views. Most hotels offer shuttle buses to and from the park. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is closest to the park. Spend the entire day in 1 park or enjoy both on a Park Hopper ticket. America's Best Amusement Parks for 2022 - Trip.com If youre planning on catching a show, there is always something to see: live bands, circus performances, and regular shows from Snoopy and his gang for the children to enjoy. Disneys Animal Kingdom (Bay Lake, Florida), 1. Radisson Suites Hotel Anaheimis an upmarket hotel offering family-sized suites, complete with a pool and plenty of luxury touches. With a focus on BBQ and all things western, you can choose from tacos, burgers, and other family favorites across the park. Buying in advance can save you money on tickets, and you can get good deals if you book online through the SeaWorld Orlando website. Disneys Wilderness Lodge is set on the sandy banks of Bay Lake and is an American pioneer-inspired lodge offering a kids club with a whole range of fun activities from water sports to cycling and video games, as well as swimming pools and slides. You can find out more about ticket prices and special offers at the Six Flags Great Adventure website. The tour is led by the hilarious Jimmy Fallon, who is on a screen of each ride vehicle sharing stories and fun facts about each location. This park is all about animals and offers plenty of opportunities to learn more about Animal Kingdoms important conservation work. The main entrance to SeaWorld will be on the left-hand side of Central Florida Parkway. From San Diego: Take I-15 to join I-5 until you reach the Magic Mountain Parkway turn-off. Theres always something to see in the aquariums, and you can see the orcas, dolphins, and sea lions in the main auditorium daily. Turn left on McKinley and proceed south on McKinley to parking and the main entrance to the park. Universals Aventura Hotel opened in 2018 and is an ultra-stylish yet family-friendly property that has specially designed Kids Suites to easily accommodate a family of 5. With over 60 options, you will be able to feed even the fussiest eaters! SeaWorld San Diego (San Diego, California), 13. I may seem like Im just heavily driving a point that is a nit-pick, but ask most other amusement/theme park enthusiasts, and theyll agree. Being in California means there are several large cities close to the park. The ride was demolished about 10 years ago. Shows to suit every member of your group can be found daily, including the Lets Play Together childrens shows and the Turn It Up ice-skating spectaculars. Hi Dewey, well take a look thanks for chiming in! Home to some of the most famous roller coasters in the world (and with a huge 19 roller coasters to choose from), Six Flags Magic Mountain offers plenty of adrenaline-fueled fun for the whole family. Turn right on Lankershim Boulevard and follow the signs to Universal Studios Hollywood. From Buffalo: Head northeast onto Highway ON-420 West and take exit 139 for Highway ON-427 toward Highway ON-401/Pearson. It focuses on marine life and conservation, as well as entertaining visitors with unprecedented access to some of the most amazing sea creatures on Earth. The park is home to California's version of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which boasts the same attractions as its sister site in Orlando. Amusement parks are popular all over the world, but nowhere more so than in North America. From New York City: Follow I-78 West or I-81 South to exit 66 or 67 and take Route 39 to Hershey or Front Street South. From Indiana: Take Tri-State Hwy. From Los Angeles: Pick up US-101 South, then follow I-5 South to SeaWorld Drive/Tecolote Road in San Diego, then take exit 21 from I-5 South. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Only open during peak season, this family-friendly theme park offers Planet Snoopy for the younger children, a selection of roller coasters for kids of all ages, and a water park. RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in the U.S. Disney California Adventure is the second gate at the Disneyland Resort, and where you'll find the exciting new Avengers Campus. Best Western Plus Toronto North York is a plush hotel close to the park entrance that offers the choice of large family rooms or private suites. The park also offers stage shows that encapsulate the spirit of Africa and other parts of the world, as well as tours and treks to see the animals. Take exit 33 for Rutherford Road, go north onto Canadas Wonderland Drive, and follow signs to the park entrance. From Anaheim: Take I-5 North and exit at the Magic Mountain Parkway turn-off. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! From Northeast Florida: Take I-95 South to I-4 West (exit 260B, old 86) to the Walt Disney World exits. EPCOTis currently undergoing a multi-year transformation to bring more life to the front of the park, and more Disney stories into the overall feel. Many of the large resort hotels offer shuttle services to and from the park. Disney California Adventure Park is located adjacent to Disneyland and shares many of the same amenities. The original Disneyland is one of the oldest and best-loved theme parks in the world. There are also areas and rides dedicated to the Guardians of the Galaxy, Monsters Inc., the Avengers, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie and all their friends. Themed after 19th-century Africa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers visitors the chance to explore a stunning tropical landscape, see exotic animals,and enjoy thrilling rides. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. From San Diego/Anaheim: Take the 5 Golden State Freeway North. The most popular events include Mickeys Halloween parties, the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, and a fun-packed Christmas and New Year holiday season. Whether you choose to fly, drive, or take the bus, there are plenty of ways to reach the park.