Theme parks in USA

[willymaykett]

Hi all,

Just thinking about options for some theme parks for the teenagers. Wen tot Disneyland last year, and whilst wife enjoyed most of it, made the "been there done that" comment. Am thinking of doing a Disney World one for the kids this year, and was thinking how close the Disney World experience would be to Disneyland, and that I should perhaps think of some other theme parks to go to in the East Coast side to keep the teens happy, yet not to much theme park overdose for the wife. As I am sure you know, kids have a different excitement button than us "oldies".

Any comments from people how may be or have been in the same situation?

 

[UP4014]

I have no trouble enjoying Disneyland every couple of years, it's great as is the California Adventure. I've never had the been there done that feeling about the place.

 

[notzac]

I can definitely recommend Six Flags Magic Mountain (just north of LA). I don't know what your tolerance level is for roller coasters, but I *loved* it there

 

[drron]

Disneyworld itself is the same as Disneyland but different-same rides,more spread out.But there is also Epcot which is totally different.There is also Disney's Hollywood studios,Animal kingdom + Water parks.Seaworld and Universal studios not far away.Legoland for younger kids.Here are a lot more things to do-
Orlando Attractions - Gatorland, Cirque de Soleil, Dinner Theaters - Official Vacation Information
And for the wife-Outlet shopping-
Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave
Orlando Premium Outlets - International Dr
Those last 2 links should whet her appetite!

 

[V1213]

As posted above, Orlando and Florida in general have tons of parks - Busch Gardens and Universal's Islands of Adventure are 2 major ones not mentioned.
However this part of the world can easily lead to "theme park overload" if you're prone to such an affliction.

If you're thinking elsewhere on the east coast then Cedar Point is probably the best, although it's far more an amusement park, packed with 17 coasters, than a theme park as such. It is in Ohio though so if you want something more accessible to major destinations Six Flags Great Adventure is in New Jersey and is worth visiting. For the teens it's probably best to let them loose on rcdb.com so they can find the coasters that interest them - start with the record holders!

For broader family appeal with a greater emphasis on theme than just rides then highlights are King's Dominion (Virginia), Holiday World (Indiana) and Hersheypark (Pennsylvania).

Finally, a good reference site and community is Theme Park Review.

 

[ReLoad]

Orlando is definitely the go and here's why;
(Not sure how old your kids are - late teens or early teens)

Disneyworld - the parks are massive we stayed on property in the frontier lodge for a week, we only just saw all that the various Disney parks, - the two on site water theme parks and the most amazing mini golf courses are the best you will find anywhere in the world.
nearby is Sea World, Universal studios, and the ever impressive almost brand new LEGOLAND.
Perhaps what does make it so cool is that hire a car for the day and drive out to the Kennedy space centre, it is just amazing and will be a huge highlight.

There is no shortage of awesome shopping (as mentioned above) and there is so many things to do it isn't funny.

 

[Mal]

IMHO, Orlando is "the" theme park destination. I've been to Universal there, as well as Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plenty to see and do, and although you will be "theme parked out", it's still a good time.

One of the issues (as already commented), is that many rides are shared between DisneyLand and DisneyWorld ; Likewise for Universal Studios Los Angeles and Universal Studios Orlando.

And yes, Kennedy Space Centre is awesome. Have been there twice (the last time was to see the final space shuttle launch ...), and it is a great place to visit, especially the "Up Close" tours.

 

[UP4014]

Plus these couple
Dolly Parton's Great Smoky Mountain Family Amusement Park
and when you think you've done them all...
Home - The Holy Land Experience

 

[Paddy55]

IMHO, Orlando is "the" theme park destination. I've been to Universal there, as well as Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plenty to see and do, and although you will be "theme parked out", it's still a good time.

One of the issues (as already commented), is that many rides are shared between DisneyLand and DisneyWorld ; Likewise for Universal Studios Los Angeles and Universal Studios Orlando.

And yes, Kennedy Space Centre is awesome. Have been there twice (the last time was to see the final space shuttle launch ...), and it is a great place to visit, especially the "Up Close" tours.

Going to Orlando this Dec with Mrs Paddy and Jnr Paddy... really looking forward to it.

 

[jb01]

For the teens - if they're into Harry Potter then Islands of Adventure is a must, even if they're not this also has some great rides they'd enjoy. Same for Universal Studios. VIP front of line passes are worth the extra $$$ here. We had these and could walk almost straight on to most rides rather than waiting 60+ minutes. Made for a much more enjoyable day, and had time to see everything we wanted.

Disneyworld has some great parks - Animal Kingdom is one your wife might like as it's not your typical theme park, they put on some great shows throughout the day - Lion King show here was fantastic. Magic Kingdom is a replica of Disneyland so you could probably skip that to lessen the theme park overdose.

Sea World also has Discovery Cove across the road, which while a bit pricey can be a nice relaxing day of swimming, lazing on the "beach", can even pay a bit more for a swim with dolphins....my wife loved the dolphin swim. They only let 1000 or so people into this park per day so it's never crowded, plus all food and drink is included for the whole day.

You won't need a car if staying on Disney property for WDW as there's a free bus system for all the Disney parks, but if you want to escape from Mickey then a car makes it much easier. We stayed on Disney property for the time we were going to Disney parks, and then moved hotel once ready to explore elsewhere.

 

[VHOEJ]

Whether you are in LA or Orlando, you can't go wrong. I have been to both and why some of the rides are obviously the same, there are so many differences.

If you have plenty of time, Orlando has it all. YOu could easily spend 2 weeks there to do all the Disneylands, Universal, Sea World and NASA.

If you only have a few days, LA will allow you do Disneyland. If you have never been to Disneyland before, you have to go at least once.

But I also recommend Six Flags (just Nrth of LA) if the kids love the BIG rollercoasters. You might need to take them back a few years later if they are too young

 

[Fifa]

We took two of our teens to Disneyland when they were 14 & 17.
A few years later we all spent 3 days at Disneyworld and they both agreed they enjoyed it more!
Unfortunately, 3 days meant only 3 parks. It was their choice and surprising they decided to forgo Epcot.
My husband is, like your wife, not into theme parks but didn't want to miss out and tagged along each day.
Everyone's favourite park was Animal Kingdom.

If you visit the East Coast don't miss the Kennedy Space Centre.

And late last year we drove down to Key West - I loved the 'kitschiness' of it all and the scenery was amazing!

 

[dfcatch]

Plus these couple
Dolly Parton's Great Smoky Mountain Family Amusement Park
and when you think you've done them all...
Home - The Holy Land Experience

Alright - ill admit it..... It wasn't the proudest moment of my life - but I did - one time - get talked into Dollywood

Well - it was a weekend in Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains, and well, there was skiing (of sorts....Tennessee style anyway), outlet mall shopping, and ... Dollywood.

In fairness - it was actually a lot more fun than I had anticipated.

If you manage to get past all the boot scootin' and Dolly figurines and paraphernalia, there are some ok rides there.

However - for some reason my SWMBO at the time didn't find it as funny as did when I said "Dolly Parton has a theme park?? WTF!! Do you get to ride her coughs or something??".

 

[awilcockson]

IMHO, Orlando is "the" theme park destination. I've been to Universal there, as well as Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plenty to see and do, and although you will be "theme parked out", it's still a good time.

One of the issues (as already commented), is that many rides are shared between DisneyLand and DisneyWorld ; Likewise for Universal Studios Los Angeles and Universal Studios Orlando.

And yes, Kennedy Space Centre is awesome. Have been there twice (the last time was to see the final space shuttle launch ...), and it is a great place to visit, especially the "Up Close" tours.

What he said, on all counts

 

[file51]

I will reply in more detail later (or on one of my flights today if wi-fi enabled)

I have been a Disneyland premium annual passholder for 9 of the past 12 years, 3 of these years most recently the Premier pass (access to both Disneyland & Disneyworld)

Disney Premier Passport | Disney Tickets | Disney Parks!

I am just leaving LAX now (in Flagship lounge typing this) after 3 days in Orange County, en route to a few days in Ohio, then a week in Orlando.

One thing you must factor in with Disneyland, as of the 15th of June it will be a whole new ball game with the overhaul at DCA (California Adventure) set to open. All new main street, cable cars, front entry, PLUS Cars land which from the bits that can be seen, plus the sneak peeks available on the Disney Parks blog site it will rock...

On the other hand, Disneyworld is HUGE… (more about that later)

Both locations also have Universal theme parks, My preference, and where I have an annual pass to is the Orlando location…. much more in the way of attractions, although, Universal Studios Hollywood holds a special place as that is where most of the silver screen magic started.

To be continued….

 

[Berlin]

It really depends on what you are after. I love them all but they are targeted at very different demographics: All things Disney are lovely themed and great at grabbing every single cents out of your wallet while still making you feel good at doing it. Orlando has more than just Disney but really- it's all a bit lame if some teens/twens/crazy adults like myself want real action.

The latter is better to be found at places like Six Flags Magic Mountain in LA or Cedar Point in Ohio. Have been to Six Flags Great Adventure just last year, plenty of high adrenaline rides there and -similar to Six Flags Magic Mountain just out of LA- conveniently located just one hour drive out of New York City.

And for a great mix of high thrills AND animal shows and nice landscaping, I can particularly recommend Bush Gardens in Tampa and -more so even- Bush Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The latter would rank as one of my absolute favourites but is a bit off the beaten track.

Any questions, feel free to PM me- I've been to them all, several times :shock:

 

[yo yo ma]

For the teens - if they're into Harry Potter then Islands of Adventure is a must, even if they're not this also has some great rides they'd enjoy. Same for Universal Studios.

+1 for the WWOHP - An amazing experience! Our kids (10, 7, 4) absolutely loved it.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Only at Universal Orlando

Can also highly recommend a Disney Cruise from Florida (Port Canaveral) around the Bahamas - try to book early as they tend to sell out quickly.

Disney Cruise Line