International theme parks offer different attractions and entertainment possibilities for tourists of all ages. Discover the unique ambience of these parks.
The most famous and most visited theme parks in the world belong to the Disney family. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, the original of this celebrated theme park chain, was called the �Happiest Place on Earth� by creator Walt Disney. Kids, and the young at heart, have been delighted for 50 years by such magical attractions as �It�s a Small World�, �Pirates of the Caribbean�, �Star Tours�, and �Space Mountain�, and the beloved characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. In 1971, the Disney Company expanded its base with the opening of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, a gargantuan resort with four theme parks, two water parks, an entertainment complex, hotels, and golfing facilities. Disney created two other mega-resorts with its Euro Disney Resort in Paris, France and Tokyo Disney in Japan. Disney�s California Adventure, designed with thrill seekers in mind, opened in Anaheim in 2001. The Disney theme parks all have similar attractions centered on those found in the original Disneyland. However, the mega-resorts have been designed as a vacation destination alone.
Another theme park chain, and the only one that celebrates the magic of movies, is the Universal Studios Theme Park. The original theme park is Universal Studios Hollywood and is a celebration of all things Hollywood. What started out as a simple tour of famous movie set lots has now turned into an attraction-filled park with a decidedly movie theme behind each ride. The highlights of the park include the studio tram tour in which visitors get a behind-the-scenes peak at the studios where several famous films were made. There are also the featured attractions of the Revenge of the Mummy Ride, the Back to the Future Ride, Shrek 4-D, Terminator 2: 3D, Waterworld, Backdraft, and the new Van Helsing Fortress. Universal Studios Hollywood is still an active movie studio. The other theme parks in the chain are Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. Unlike the Disney theme parks, the overseas Universal Studios has its own flavor and home-grown attractions, such as the Snoopy Studios and the Universal Studios Motion Picture Magic.
There are two theme park chains that offer a more educational slant to visitors interested and thrilled by marine life. One can visit the Sea World Theme Parks located in Orlando (Florida), San Diego (California), San Antonio (Texas), and the Gold Coast of Australia. Sea World has a spate of animal attractions that take visitors under the sea�s surface to explore the habitats of the manatees, penguins, sharks, killer whales, dolphins, and sea lions. There are also thrill rides to entertain the less ocean-inclined members of the family. Another theme park chain that offers visitors a marine wildlife experience is the Marineland Theme Parks. Located in Florida, Canada, New Zealand, Kenya, France, and Spain, Marineland offers many of the wildlife and roller coaster adventures that Sea World offers, but it also features land mammals such as fish, bears, and deer.
The world�s largest regional theme parks belong to the Six Flags family. Primarily known for its thrill rides, Six Flags also is home to water parks and animal parks. There are 34 parks in the United States, one in Montreal, and another in Mexico City. La Ronde in Montreal, Canada, is home to Le Monstre, one of the highest wooden roller coasters in the world at 131 feet high. It is Quebec�s number one destination in the summer. La Ronde has 60 rides and attractions, with an interactive water fountain and a family area. Six Flags Mexico City is home to Superman Soars, Mexico�s first hyper roller coaster. It is a three minute ride with a 60 degree angle of incline and a 200 feet drop. Thrill seekers are sure to enjoy the Six Flags experience.
Besides the American-based theme park chains, there are dozens of independent theme parks around the world. They offer all the fun and the thrills of the American parks amidst an old world ambience.
Europe is home to some of the highest and fastest roller coasters. North of Paris lies France�s own theme park, the Parc Asterix. The Tonnere de Zeus is a giant wooden rollercoaster with speeds that exceed 80 miles per hour, and which goes through seven loops. Other attractions at this park include Goudurix, the Wooden Horse of Troy, Flying Chairs, and the Lernaen Hydra. Parc Asterix hosts two very unique shows, called the Main Basse Sur La Joconde and Les Stars de L�empire. The Main Basse recreates a burglary that takes place in the 1930s. Les Stars de L�empire takes visitors on a 52 B.C. chariot ride, ala those experienced by the ancient Romans.
Terra Mitica is Spain�s claim to the theme park world. Terra Mitica thrills visitors with the lost civilizations of the Mediterranean. There are over 30 rides and attractions located in five distinct areas. Featured rides include Waterfalls of the Nile, Flight of the Phoenix, El Tren Bravo, the Rapids of Argos, and the Magnus Colossus, a wooden twister that is 118 feet high and runs at speeds of 57 miles per hour. Terra Mitica�s imagery and special effects shows are sure to dazzle international visitors.
There are two theme parks in Germany with some of the world�s best roller coasters. Heide Park is home to the Big Loop, Colossus, Grottenblitz, Condor, and Scream. The Colossus is one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world. Europa Park has an extensive theme park and is one of Europe�s best. The Silver Star Roller coaster is a 240 feet coaster with a 213 foot drop at a speed of 73 miles per hour.
Efteling Park, in Kaatschevel which is in the Netherlands, is a unique story book-like theme park. This park is divided into four realms. Each realm has its own story book theme. Trees, ponds, flowers, and lakes predominate in this beautiful family destination. In the midst of this paradise lies Vogel Rok, the best known roller coaster in the Netherlands.
Besides being home to Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios, Asia can boast of cultural theme parks that gives visitors a glimpse of the Far East. In Japan, the Edo Mura Village allows tourists to experience life in Feudal Japan. The Fuji-Q Highlands is a modern 124-acre park located outside of Tokyo. There are 33 rides, snack bars, a bowling alley, and the fastest and steepest steel coaster in the world, the Dodonpa. Taiwan is home to Discovery World and Janfusun Fancyworld. Janfusun Fancyworld has hi-tech rides, a museum, and a theater, and happens to be Taiwan�s most popular theme park. The most popular attraction at Janfusun is the Crazy Flying Coaster.
Africa has its own casino and theme park complex in Johannesburg. The Gold Reef City bills itself as a �City with no limits.� There are adventure rides that include such attractions as Anaconda, Jozi Express, the Raging River Rapids, Tower of Terror, and the Miner�s Revenge. There is even a circus on the premises.
No matter where families go, there will be a theme park to greet them. Even though the theme park chains are the most visited, the independent theme parks have the stimulating and most daring roller coasters the world has known.
