Whilst Orlando arguably holds the monopoly on theme parks, being home to the Walt Disney World Resort plus rivals Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, there are actually a whole host of other world-class destinations to be found outside Florida state borders.
Warner Bros Movie World
Located on the Gold Coast, this park brings the glamour of Hollywood to the Aussies of Queensland. With a range of rides including rollercoasters, 4D experiences and family entertainment, the park also features distinct themed sections as you’d expect to find in all Disney parks. If you need any more convincing of its greatness, here’s Taylor Swift and Blake Lively jumping for joy down its centre street.
Disneyland
I had to sneak one of Disney’s 12 international theme parks onto this list somehow, and whilst you could be forgiven for thinking that Magic Kingdom in Florida was their first, Walt’s original ‘Disneyland’ opened in Anaheim, California in 1955. Still bursting with quaint original features including the carousel and Peter Pan’s Flight, step back into yesteryear as you stroll down Main Street USA before visiting the realms of Frontierland, Tommorowland and more.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom
As part of the Chimelong International Ocean Resort which hopes to become the ‘Orlando of China’, 8 themed areas within the park represent different parts of the ocean. Coupled with animal exhibits including the world’s largest aquarium, their shows, parades and nighttime entertainment helped earn it the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Hersheypark
Whilst you may not be a fan of American chocolate, this theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania was originally created purely for Hershey Chocolate Company employees! After rapidly expanding in recent decades, it now boasts over 70 rides and attractions, including a zoo and water park, with many sweet spots to be found throughout.
Universal Studios Japan
As Universal’s first theme park outside North America, international visitors continue to flock here to visit many of the original attractions that have since been shut down stateside, including Jaws and Back to the Future. It received a further boost in 2014 after opening its own version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, allowing guests to enjoy all the magic of butterbeer and Hogwarts in Osaka.
Edited by: Tia Ralhan
Sources
http://www.visitcalifornia.com/destination/spotlight-disneyland-resort
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/03/worlds-largest-aquarium_n_5077094.html
http://attractionsmagazine.com/hersheypark-open-hershey-triple-tower-2017/
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/16/travel/universal-studios-japan-harry-potter/