There is something truly special about a theme park vacation. It’s the look on a child’s face when they see a favorite character for the first time, the adrenaline rush of a record-breaking drop, and that feeling of being completely transported to another world.
Today, theme park travel has gone global. Whether you’re looking for the classic Florida sunshine or an international expedition, there is a park out there for every style of traveler. Here are our top recommendations for your next getaway.
Theme Park Destinations in the United States
Walt Disney World Resort (Florida) & Disneyland Resort (California)
You simply can’t talk about theme parks without the one that started it all. While Disneyland in California offers a charming, walkable experience rich in history, Walt Disney World in Florida is a massive resort featuring four distinct parks. From the immersive storytelling of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the cultural celebrations at EPCOT, these parks remain the gold standard for family vacations.
Universal Orlando Resort (Florida) & Universal Studios Hollywood (California)
For those who want to “ride the movies,” Universal is a must. Between the Orlando and Hollywood locations, you can step directly into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ or encounter dinosaurs in Jurassic World. Both coasts feature the incredibly interactive Super Nintendo World™, ensuring that whether you are on the Atlantic or the Pacific, these cinematic thrills consistently deliver for the whole family.
LEGOLAND (Florida & California)
Specifically designed for families with younger children, both the Florida and California locations allow kids to take the lead in a world built entirely from their imagination. With rides that kids can “drive” themselves and incredible displays built from millions of bricks, these parks offer a “right-sized” adventure. It is the perfect introductory theme park experience for toddlers and elementary-aged explorers who are ready for their first big adventure.
SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Florida)
You’ll often see these two parks paired together because they are sister parks, meaning you can often find great multi-park ticket deals to visit both! If you are looking for a mix of family-friendly thrills and marine life education, SeaWorld Orlando is a fantastic choice. For those seeking “Coaster Capital” energy, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is hard to beat, with a legendary lineup of rides for adrenaline seekers. Both parks also provide a unique perspective on wildlife conservation and rescue, making them a great option for families who love animals as much as they love high-speed adventure.
Cedar Point (Ohio)
Known as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” this park sits on a peninsula on Lake Erie in Ohio. It is a destination for anyone who loves heights, speed, and lakefront views, featuring an extensive collection of rides. From steep drops to high-speed launches, it remains a top choice for travelers who want to experience the variety of modern coaster engineering and adrenaline.
Dollywood (Tennessee)
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Dollywood is a breath of fresh air. It is consistently voted one of the friendliest parks in the world, blending world-class roller coasters with incredible food and genuine Southern hospitality. This park is perfect for those who want to balance high-speed thrills with award-winning live entertainment and a beautiful, relaxed mountain setting that truly feels like home.
International Theme Park Destinations
If you’re looking to travel abroad, these international theme parks offer a unique and memorable guest experience.
Tokyo DisneySea (Japan)
This theme park is widely considered the most beautiful one in the world, and with the recent opening of Fantasy Springs, guests can now explore highly detailed lands dedicated to Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Known for its unique nautical themes and incredible attention to detail, it offers a more sophisticated atmosphere that balances classic Disney charm with breathtaking, one-of-a-kind engineering and storytelling.
Universal Studios (Japan)
Located in Osaka, this park offers a vibrant energy and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else. While it shares favorites like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, it is home to a much larger Super Nintendo World with additional interactive levels. It also hosts exclusive seasonal events that bring world-famous Japanese cartoons and pop culture to life through unique 4-D movies and high-tech rides that aren’t found in the other Universal parks.
Disneyland Paris (France)
Located just a short train ride from the heart of the city, this park offers a uniquely European take on the classic Disney magic. It is home to what many consider the most beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle in the world, complete with a slumbering dragon hidden in the cavern below. With the addition of the high-tech Marvel Avengers Campus and a more thrilling version of Space Mountain, it provides a perfect blend of nostalgic storytelling and modern adrenaline.
Europa-Park (Germany)
Located in Rust, Germany, Europa-Park features over 100 attractions themed after different European countries. It’s like a high-speed version of a world tour, where you can experience a “Swiss” bobsled run or a “French” dark ride all in one afternoon. It even has its own EPCOT sphere that looks very similar to the one in Walt Disney World. The park is also known for its wide variety of food and themed resort hotels that reflect the different cultures of the continent.
Efteling (Netherlands)
If you enjoy the “story” part of a theme park, Efteling is a great stop. Based on ancient myths and legends, this park is one of the oldest in the world and is known for its “Fairytale Forest” and detailed dark rides. It offers a relaxed, magical atmosphere that is different from the typical busy park day.
Planning Your Next Adventure
While dreaming about these destinations is the fun part, the logistics can get a little overwhelming. Between navigating the latest digital skip-the-line systems, managing dining reservation windows, and choosing the right on-site resort for your budget, there are a lot of moving parts.
Your Boscov’s Travel Advisors stay up-to-date on the latest park changes and system updates so you don’t have to. Whether you are heading to Florida or navigating the specific requirements of international travel, our Boscov’s Travel Advisors are here to help make your journey as seamless as possible.
Does the idea of these world-class parks inspire you to plan your own theme park adventure? Your local Boscov’s Travel Advisor is ready to assist you in planning whenever you’re ready! Contact your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020 or visit www.boscovstravel.com.
