My Love for Theme Parks Took Me To These Destinations
Theme park is a great place to release some adrenaline as you go on those action-packed rides like roller coasters and spinning and drop rides. I have been going to them since I was 14 years old and have ventured to a couple across the globe. Visiting theme parks definitely brings out the traveler in you because you want to go there as part of your dream to visit that place.
When I know I’m going to travel to a place where the main thing to do is a theme park, I try to fit it in my schedule. And if it has what I want, then I definitely will include it in my itinerary and purchase that expensive park ticket. Some of them I’ve only been once, some are multiple times, and even have a feeling I need to go back to a one or two. For example, Star Wars is open in Disney Orlando. There was news on Nintendo opening an attraction in Universal theme parks and Universal Hollywood now has Harry Potter.
I definitely recommend that you go to theme parks as part of your travel because it gives you both worlds of enjoying the thrill of your favourite attractions and at the same time experience the country’s culture. I definitely appreciate them as an adult Here are the theme parks that I’ve been to up to now and their location.
California, U.S.A.
Disneyland Park
My first theme park outside Canada and my second one, I got to visit this park all thanks to a family trip when I was 18. It was so magical and definitely worth a go. I super adored every moment of my time here from the It’s Small World ride inside Sleeping Beauty’s castle, to the character appearances for photos, and everywhere I turn around, it’s just like I’m part of those Disney movie sets. Utilize that magnificent castle towering the area and make it as a backdrop. You can see it almost anywhere you are at the park. As it’s my first Disney park, it made me want to go to all the Disney parks in the world so I’ve taken it to myself as a dream to visit all of them. I’m left with Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Paris.
Disney California Adventure Park
The ‘adult-friendly’ of the two parks in Anaheim. Famous for the Pixar Pier for the Pixar lovers and the traditional meet and greet Disney characters. This parks has many thrill rides for you adventurer seekers out there. They have this crazy swinging ferris wheel that I rode called Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging Ferris Wheel. It’s not your typical one where all gondolas are fixed static upright. The other gondolas MOVE. They slide as they move up dictated by the gravity pull swinging inwards and outwards. When you’re sitting down, you’ll find yourself sliding down feeling like you’re about to fall. The gondola then swings when it hits the ends of the rail. A whole different ferris wheel experience that I recommend for the brave souls. If not, take a photo with it has a cute Mickey Mouse in the middle.
Universal Studios Hollywood
A popular Hollywood theme park and one of the six parks operated by Universal. I visited this park at the same trip when I went to Disneyland Park. A really popular tour here if you’re a film enthusiast is the ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. You get to ride an open bus that takes you to actual movie settings. I went here with my family back in 2010 and I can’t wait to back because of they now have Harry Potter attraction!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens
My only European theme park at the moment, it is the second oldest theme park in the world and the most visited in the Scandinavian region. Theme parks in the old days were right at the heart of the city for families to enjoy and easy access. Now, they require way more space for the attractions and the cities don’t have that. If you have a passion for history and parks then this one is for you. Proven Scandanavian technology is a built-in testament of the roller coasters and rides here that they stand throughout time. They have some of the oldest rides like the Rutschebanen and Dæmonen. It is also know for its amazing gardens like the one around the Dragon Boat lake.
Virginia, U.S.A.
King’s Dominion – Doswell
There are many amusement parks in the America for the locals and non-residents of the states. The main parks are in Florida and California but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any at other states. When I lived in Virginia for work, this was the theme park I go to. I love going here because I feel like I’m travelling to other countries. They have an International Street where you will feel like you’re in Europe. Famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Baroque timber German houses are seen on the street.
Florida, U.S.A.
Orlando, Florida is the mecca of all theme park destinations. There are many parks here so you can easily spend a good week or two just park hopping from Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWord. Disney takes a big land followed by Universal and SeaWorld. Disney did not name its theme park with the word world without giving it a good reason.
Epcot Theme Park
Epcot is Disney’s theme park that showcases culture and the more adult theme park of the 4 Disney World Parks. I decided to go this one because I love cultures and it definitely took me back in my travels and inspired me to go to places that I haven’t been. They have a German town where I ordered beer and felt like I was in Oktoberfest. I relived my Japan trip at the temple they built in the park. What really got me is the Pixar’s Hollywood Studio where you can watch all the Pixar’s short film released so far.
Universal Studios Florida Theme Park
When my friend invited me to her Orlando trip, I could not let this moment pass without going to Universal Studios. This is one of the two parks of Universal Orlando Resort with the other named Universal’s Island of Adventure. Loved my time here enjoying many attractions from character appearances, Jimmy Fallon, and of course, as a Harry Potter fan, the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The dragon fires up every 10 or 15 minutes which makes you just wanna spend your time at Diagon Alley. Even the Hollywood Citywalk outside was amazing because I know also all the references that are sold there.
Osaka, Japan
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is an absolute must if you’re a theme park lover plus a Harry Potter fan. I loved every part of this park specially The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I felt like a witch ready to take on Voldermort when I walked around Diagon Alley and took a break from catching bad wizards when I ate chocolate frogs from Sugarplum’s Sweethouse. Minions are a favourite and they are the flagship of the parade that goes on the . They also have Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, and Snoopy franchise attractions here. If you love all these things then I definitely recommend that you include this park as one of your destinations. Japan is very well connected in terms of transportation so wherever you are in the Honshu island, go here. I went here during my one month trip in Japan and I was very happy that I came when there were celebrating their 15 years.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo DisneySea Park
I went here as part of my Tokyo leg when I visited Japan for one month. It was truly magical and it was very cute to hear Mickey and Minnie speak Japanese. I definitely enjoyed my experience here even though I don’t speak Japanese, the park caters to any Disney lovers out there. You will be transported to different worlds like Aladdin’s Arabia, Ariel’s Atlantica, and many more. This was my first Disney park outside North America and really glad I had a chance to visit for a great cultural experience! My most favourite of this park is the Mermaid Lagoon mimicking the fictional Atlantica kingdom of The Little Mermaid setting hearing Sebastian in Japanese was so adorable!
Ontario, Canada
Canada’s Wonderland
Hometown glory for this amusement park and I’m definitely a fan. This one hits the spot because it’s my first theme park. Located about 45 minutes from Toronto city, this is the largest in Canada and the most visited. I have been coming here since I was in high school. I spent a good chunk of my high school summer job money here and I come here as much as possible when I’m in the country. In fact, I was just recently here because they have a new ride this year called the Yukon Striker. I definitely enjoyed my time so I wrote a whole post about it here.
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