The Ultimate Amusement Parks Bucket List

If you are looking for spectacular park shows, thrilling rollercoasters and enchanting attractions, you will find all of these, and much more excitement, at amusement parks. They are the best of the best kind of fun out there – amazing performances, incredible rides, fun for people of all ages.

Ferrari World, Dubai

The park features a thrilling and diverse mix of rides and attractions. There is endless fun for people of all ages, whether you want nice shopping experience, good food, or scary roller coasters. Enjoy an electrifying experience around Yas Island behind the wheel of a Ferrari. Top down, buckle up and drive on with a trained instructor; you can also ride with a couple of friends or family.

Movieworld, Gold Coast, Australia

This is a place for movie fans. It's like Universal Studios, but in Australia. The park has been the set for many blockbusters. Nowadays, however, it's all about thrilling rides and shows. The little kids will love The Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster. Doomsday Destroyer is perfect if you're looking for max thrill level. The Justice League 3D ride is also a very popular attraction.

Universal Studios Hollywood, California

Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's only working movie studio and theme park. Enjoy the ultimate entertainment – rides based on the biggest movies, live-action shows and a Studio Tour that gives you a behind the scenes look at the world of movie making. For the most exclusive way to view the park, upgrade to the VIP Experience. You will get access to actual sound stages where movies and TV shows are filmed, the VIP lounge, VIP dining room and valet parking.

Disneyland, France

This is the most visited theme park in all of Europe. There are two theme parks, many resort hotels, an entertainment complex, and even a golf course. You can now enjoy the Marvel Package, which is only available through the end of September. This is a "Hulk-smashing, mighty Marvel experience" bulging with a lot of signature features.

Efteling, Netherlands

This is the largest theme park in the Netherlands. It's situated in the middle of nature and offers a wide range of rides to choose from. The little ones will enjoy visiting the Fairytale forest and riding the merry-go-rounds, while the entire family enjoys watching the 3D film PandaDroom and riding the River Rapids Ride, Pirana. For the adrenaline seekers, hop on the Baron 1898 Dive Coaster, the Python Steel Roller Coaster and their famous Bobsleigh Ride. Also enjoy tons of park shows and delicious dining options.

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida

Don't miss the thrilling Montu. The ride soars you high into the air and lets you go, downhill into a twisting drop. There is a 60 ft. vertical loop. Montu is the first roller coaster in the world to incorporate an immelmann loop, and simultaneous loop and roll.

Wonderland, Canada

This is Canada's premier amusement park for a fun-filled day of roller coasters and water rides. The park features over 200 attractions and 69 thrilling rides. They also have a variety of events, some of which include The Stars of the Peking Acrobats, the Ultimate Thrills Circus, ACRODUNK, and Oktoberfest.

DisneySea, Japan

Tokyo DisneySea was the fastest theme park in the world to reach 10 million guests in just 307 days. The special anniversary event, "Tokyo Disney Resort 35th 'Happiest Celebration!'" will take placeuntil March 25, 2019. Take the kids so Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends can take them to a world of fantasy and imagination, including on a special boat on the waters of Mediterranean Harbor.

Everland, South Korea

Make time to go on the Express. This is the steepest ride in the world with a top speed of 65 mph at a 77 degree angle, according to Everland. People seem to agree with Everland's boasts. Out of 1,478 reviews on TripAdvisor, 1,324 are very good to excellent.

Carowinds, North Carolina

Carowinds is by far one of the best amusement parks. The park features a variety of new experiences. Fury 325 is one of their most popular rides. It won the Golden Ticket Award for "Best New Ride in the World." Ride their 13 world-class roller coasters, take the kids to Planet Snoopy, watch their live entertainment, hop on some family-friendly rides, and, when you get too hot, head to the Carolina Harbor Waterpark.

Thorpe Park, U.K.

An island like no other...For the first time ever, go on The Walking Dead ride; the goal is simply to survive. You will navigate your way to the safety of the indoor bunker; just keep in mind that all signs point to an imminent invasion of Walkers.

Gardaland, Italy

The resort includes Gardaland Park, Gardaland Sea-Life, and the Gardaland Hotel. The new 4D thrilling cinematic experience will leave you breathless. There is a brand new themed area for the little ones – Peppa Pig Land where you can sail on a pirate ship. Shaman is popular among the older visitors. It is a roller coaster with a double loop-the-loop combined with a flight into the world of Native American spirits.

Silver Dollar City, Missouri

By far, the best amusement park in Missouri is the famous Silver Dollar City. It is a 1880s style theme park that features over 40 thrilling rides and attractions, award-winning food, live shows and concerts and 60 unique shops. Make time for the TIME TRAVELER, a revolutionary coaster the company says is the fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coater. It features a 95-foot tall vertical loop.

Ocean Park, Hong Kong

Ocean Park is well known for its up close animal encounters. Swim with dolphins, hang out with penguins, get up close to seals, feed sharks, visit the panda enclosure from the inside and enjoy scuba diving into the Grand Aquarium.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, China

It has one of world's largest aquariums. The park is aiming to be the "Orlando of China." It was the winner of the 2014 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Theme Park). Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is not to be missed because of the incredible chance to see rare whale shark, beluga whales, polar bears, and other sea creatures up close.

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio

Also known as the "Roller Coaster Capitol of the World," Cedar Point is the ultimate amusement park. With about 20 world-class roller coasters, a variety of family-friendly rides, kid's areas, a waterpark and live entertainment, you will never run out of things to do. Summertime is one of the best times of the year to visit – there are tons of events, including Dive-In Movies, the North American Demo Boat Show, and Cedar Point Nights.

Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

From fast roller coasters to kiddie rides, events and a variety of entertainment options, there are so many activities to choose from at this amusement park. Take the kids to character meet and greets, spike your adrenaline on Batman: The Ride, and get soaked on the Congo Rapids.

PortAventura, Spain

PortAventura Resort bills its most popular coaster, the Dragon Khan, as its most iconic attraction. This theme ride tells the story of a prince turned into a dragon by gods and condemned to roam without direction for all time. That punishment will take you along eight terrifying loops and reach speeds of nearly 70 mph. The ride spans 4,165 feet and has zero-gravity turns and cobra rolls.

Dollywood, Tennessee

Dollywood, Tennessee's most popular amusement park, is located on the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It features over 40 rides, 15 spectacular shows, tons of festivals and delicious Southern-style dining options.

Hershey Park, Pennsylvania

Hershey Park, also known as the sweetest place on earth, is one of the best family friendly amusement parks in the U.S., as well as the most popular amusement park in Pennsylvania. Experience over 60 rides, watch a 3D show, learn the history of chocolate, and take a walk through the zoo next door.

Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

This is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world; it opened in 1843. (The oldest is also in Denmark.) Many visitors go to see and try The Demon. It is undoubtedly the ride that causes the most screams, mostly of excitement, in the entire park. This wild ride features three amazing loops and reaches 91 feet at its highest point.

Wald Disney World, Florida

This is the place where magic happens and dreams come true. If you haven't already, visit Walt Disney World. There is so much to do and even more to explore. Take your family on a behind the scenes tour; have a seat at Cinderella's Royal table and enjoy a meal with Cinderella herself; ride the monorail for incredible sightseeing opportunities; and hop in an open-air vehicle and explore the African savanna on a safari at Animal Kingdom.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, Indiana

Pay one price and get access to two incredible parks – Holiday World Theme Park and Splashin' Safari Water Park. Ride the nation's first launched wing coaster, Thunderbird, and the two longest water coasters on the planet, Mammoth and Wildebeest. Also enjoy live shows and delicious foods.

Nagashima Spa Land, Japan

The massive Steel Dragon rollercoaster steal the show. A major attraction also is the Aurora Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel that is 295 feet tall and 272 feet in diameter. The theme park has more attractions than any other amusement park in the country.

Universal Orlando, Florida

Universal Studios Florida is a place like no other. Explore iconic worlds, view otherworldly landscapes, ride adrenaline pumping rides, and watch family friendly shows. There are a variety of sections in the park, some of these include Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone, Hollywood, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and World Expo, just to name a few.

Legoland, U.K.

The unique theme park is oriented around the Lego toy system. They now have a brand new LEGO® NINJAGO® World where you can take a look below at a 4D interactive ride and some of the training camp activities. You'll become a master of Spinjitzu. You can also add parts to the frozen monastery rock.

Schlitterbahn, Texas

Schlitterbahn is America's first family of waterparks. There are tons of family-friendly and thrilling attractions to choose from. One of them includes the famous Screaming Serpents, a high speed body waterslide that sends you down through the mouth of giant sea serpents. Other great waterslides include the Dragon Blaster, Cliffhanger and Guada Loopy. If you're not into waterslides, hang out at Schlitterbahn's Kristal Beach, float along Kristal River, and splash around in the Wave Lagoon.