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!

Saving on theme park tickets

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.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months Up to 35,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $2,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offerAfter $7,500 in 12 months Up to 50,000 pointsEnds Nov 1, 2026 After $7,500 in 12 months	Apply NowCompare

Walt Disney World

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.

Disneyland

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Disney Land Anaheim

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Universal Orlando Resort

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.

Universal Studios Hollywood

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.

Canada's Wonderland

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Canada-s Wonderland

La Ronde

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.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Six Flags Magic Mountain

Xcaret

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Xel-Há

Legoland California Resort

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Legoland California

Cedar Point

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.

Practical Tips for a Successful Visit

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.

Guide to the Best Theme Parks in North America - Disneyland Resort

Bottom Line

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:

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Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $350
Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite^+* Card, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

Legal

* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Savings at Shell

Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power^® gasoline, or V-Power^® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$604

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days