Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America

Fascinating worlds, thrilling rides, and memorable experiences: that’s what theme parks offer for the whole family. From the magic of Disney to the most extreme roller coasters, North America is full of options for all ages and styles. Here is our selection of the best theme parks in North America, a must-see!

It is possible to save on entry tickets to the biggest theme parks, like Walt Disney World, Legoland, or Universal Studios.

Programs like AIR MILES, Scene+ and TD Rewards allow you to purchase park tickets with your points, without affecting your budget.

Additionally, during your trip, avoid the 2.5% foreign currency conversion fees by opting for a credit card that offers 0% on foreign transactions.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card and the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card are cards that offer such an advantage.

Its reputation is well established: the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the largest Disney complex in the world. It comprises four main theme parks.

Magic Kingdom, with the famous Cinderella Castle and classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers immersive experiences into the worlds of Star Wars and Toy Story.

EPCOT is known for its pavilions representing cultures from around the world and its futuristic attractions.

Finally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom combines nature and Disney magic, with spectacular areas like Pandora – The World of Avatar.

On the other side of the United States, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is the world’s first Disney park. Here you can enjoy all kinds of nighttime shows and memorable parades.

It consists of two theme parks. Disneyland Park is the original park, with areas like Fantasyland and Adventureland. Then, Disney California Adventure offers experiences inspired by Pixar and Marvel films, as well as a popular area dedicated to Cars Land.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It combines a wide choice of thrilling rides with a European ambience. Favourites include the Griffon and Apollo’s Chariot roller coasters. In addition to its attractions, the park is renowned for its natural beauty and exceptional cultural shows.

Another Busch Gardens park is located in Tampa Bay, Florida. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is inspired by Africa. It features thrill rides, as well as a zoo with a wide variety of wild animals. Iron Gwazi, one of the most impressive roller coasters, is a must for adrenaline seekers.

The Universal Orlando Resort complex is a must-visit destination for movie and thrill ride enthusiasts, with its three theme parks.

Universal Studios Florida offers attractions inspired by blockbuster movies like Fast & Furious and Transformers.

Islands of Adventure is famous for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Finally, Volcano Bay is an innovative water park, dominated by a central volcano, offering spectacular slides as well as calm rivers for relaxation.

In Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a unique combination of attractions and studio tours. You can enjoy immersive experiences inspired by popular movies like Jurassic World and Harry Potter. The Studio Tour is a real highlight to discover the behind-the-scenes of film productions.

Closer to home you’ll find Canada’s largest amusement park, Canada’s Wonderland. Located just outside of Toronto it features over 200 attractions, including some of the country’s most impressive roller coasters.

These include Leviathan, one of the tallest roller coasters in North America, and Yukon Striker, considered the longest and fastest in the world. The park also features a water park, Splash Works.

La Ronde, the well-known amusement park located in Montreal, is the largest amusement park in Eastern Canada. As part of the Six Flags group, it offers a wide variety of rides suitable for all ages.

Among its star attractions are Le Monstre, an iconic wooden roller coaster, and Goliath, renowned for its dizzying height and speed. In addition to its attractions, La Ronde is famous for the International des Feux Loto-Quebec, an annual fireworks competition that attracts thousands of spectators every year.

From the same company, Six Flags Magic Mountain, near Los Angeles, is famous for being the park with the largest number of roller coasters in the world, with 20 attractions.

A top attraction for thrill-seekers, you will find iconic rides like the Twisted Colossus, X2, and Tatsu, some of the most extreme and innovative rides. Spanning 262 hectares, the park attracts millions of visitors each year due to its proximity to Los Angeles.

Xcaret Park, one of the most visited parks in Mexico, offers a variety of activities such as underground rivers, beaches, cultural shows, and recreations of Mayan villages. The main attraction is the nighttime show Xcaret México Espectacular, which tells the history of Mexico through music and dance.

In Mexico, you will also find Xel-Há, a natural water park in the Riviera Maya, ideal for snorkeling with its lagoons and rivers. Xplor, on the other hand, attracts adventure enthusiasts with its giant zip lines and cave explorations. Xenses offers sensory experiences and optical illusions. Finally, Six Flags Mexico, in Mexico City, is the largest amusement park in the country, famous for its spectacular roller coasters like Medusa Steel Coaster and Superman El Último Escape.

Designed for families, Legoland California features attractions and interactive experiences inspired by the world of the famous LEGO bricks. The park also includes a water park and a LEGO-themed hotel.

Closer to Quebec, Legoland Florida, located in Winter Haven, features a wide range of attractions based on LEGO bricks, as well as a water park and a LEGO-themed hotel. More recently, Legoland New York, opening in 2021 in Goshen, New York, offers interactive and immersive attractions ideal for children and their families.

In Ohio, USA, Cedar Point, dubbed “the roller coaster capital of the world”, is legendary for its roller coasters and attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. Among its star attractions are the Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force rides, renowned for their extreme intensity. Situated on a peninsula on the shores of Lake Erie, the park covers some 147 hectares and welcomes over 3 million visitors every year.

Before you go, check the park hours and weather forecasts. Hours vary by season, and some parks are busier during school holidays. To avoid long lines, book your tickets in advance and explore options for combined or discounted tickets.

Many parks, such as Disney and Legoland, offer themed hotels nearby, but it’s best to book early, especially in high season. Also consider transportation options, such as shuttles or parking.

Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a bottle of water and rain protection. What’s more, some of the parks’ mobile apps allow you to track waiting times and consult show schedules, making your experience even easier.

North America offers a host of theme parks perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to meet your Disney heroes or experience the thrill of a lifetime, these parks are sure to create precious memories and make you feel like a kid again.

To visit other parks, read our article on theme parks around the world.

For the ultimate Disney experience, check out our many guides to saving money and planning your trip: