By Lan Tran
10. TIVOLI GARDENS
Copenhagen, Denmark
Established in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is not only an amusement park, but a fantastic concert venue as well, with musical performances every Friday night. People still flock here for the rides, which include The Demon, a roller coaster you’ll never forget.
9. SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE
Jackson, USA
Kingda Ka can claim the title of the ultimate roller coaster, being the tallest and the fastest in the world at 456 feet high with a launching speed of 128 miles per hour. With over 45 attractions, you’ll be riding high all day.
8. PORT AVENTURA
Salou, Spain
Home to an array of rides like the Drago Khan, a roller coaster with a jaw-dropping 8 loops, and Stampida, a wooden coaster that is two-tracks wide, this park has a lot to offer. It is also a part of a large resort complex that includes the Caribe Aquatic Park.
7. LOTTE WORLD
Seoul, South Korea
Korea’s answer to Disneyland, this place has many rides that will dazzle you with lights, displays and animation while whirling you around at amazing heights. When you need to come back to Earth, you can check out the Folk Museum, showcasing Korean history and culture.
6. LISEBERG
Gothenburg, Sweden
The world’s steepest wooden roller coaster, Balder, makes its home here in Scandinavia’s largest amusement park. Those looking for something modern will not be disappointed with the latest addition, Kanonen, a minute and thirteen second thrill ride.
5. GARDALAND
Castelnuova del Garda, Italy
The first amusement park built in Italy boasts a new ride called the Sequoia Adventure. Rising almost 100 feet in the air, it makes plenty of 180-degree twists while suspending you upside down.
4. EUROPA PARK
Rust, Germany
The theme in Europa Park is that of a united European continent. From Austria to Switzerland, the 12 mini-parks are named after European countries. You’ll also find a Viking-themed village in Children’s World and a river cruise in Adventure Land.
3. WALT DISNEY WORLD
Buena Vista, USA
Probably the most famous of all theme parks, Walt Disney World has set many of the standards for parks around the world. Iconic images like Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain and all the costumed characters, like Mickey Mouse, add nostalgic appeal.
2. BUSCH GARDENS
Tampa Bay, USA
This great combo of a theme park and zoo features thousands of exotic animals and is modelled after the continent of Africa. The park has over 29 attractions including safari-style rides like the Serengeti Express.
1. ALTON TOWERS
Staffordshire, England
Founded in 1980, Alton Towers is England’s largest theme park. In 2005, they introduced Rita – Queen of Speed, a new roller coaster that launches at 61 miles per hour before tearing up the tracks with twists, turns and apparently fake animal skeletons. Other rides include Oblivion, Nemesis and Ripsaw.