Forget Disney, 10 Theme Parks That Are Better Options for Your Next Vacation

It's getting expensive to visit a theme park, which is why families look for theme parks that are better options. In one decade, Disney World ticket prices have increased by as much as 101%. That increase is even higher at Disneyland, where the increase is over 114%.

Disney isn't the only option for theme park vacations. Try these 10 popular theme parks that are better options. They're chosen and ranked using their annual number of visitors per Statista. (Also, check out "These Are Places Everyone Should See Once.")

10. – Hershey Park

The popular candy company offers rides, water slides, sweet treats, and seasonal light shows from its Pennsylvania location. Milton S. Hershey established the park as a place of leisure for chocolate factory employees. Today, it's a year-round park with more 121 acres that feature a wildlife park, than a dozen roller coasters, golf courses, a chocolate museum, and gardens.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 3.32 million
Address: 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania
On-site Lodging: Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, or Hersheypark Camping Resort
Dining Options: The Chocolatier Restaurant, Bar + Patio
Website: https://www.hersheypark.com/

9. – King's Island

For over 50 years, King's Island has thrilled visitors of all ages with its roller coasters like the Banshee or Flight of Fear. Camp Snoopy offers Peanuts-themed attractions, and a water park has three dozen water slides, wave pools, and more. In the winter, the skating rink is popular. It's within easy reach of Cincinnati, too.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 3.4 million
Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, Ohio
On-site Lodging: No on-site hotels but several nearby partners
Dining Options: 38 options including Auntie Anne's and Panda Express
Website: www.visitkingsisland.com

8. – Cedar Point

Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point offers 68 rides. Eighteen of those rides are roller coasters like Millenium Force and Steel Vengeance. Fast Lane passes allow you to skip lines and avoid waiting for your turn.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 3.99 million
Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr. Sandusky, Ohio
On-site Lodging: Four hotels and a campground
Dining Options: Over 50 establishments, including Boardwalk Cotton Candy
Website: www.cedarpoint.com

7. – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Navigating Busch Gardens is a breeze thanks to the comprehensive app. This also allows you to purchase add-ons, such as animal experiences and safaris, while you're there. Ride several roller coasters before you experience whitewater rafting on Congo River Rapids. Don't overlook the All-Day Dine Pass, which allows you to have a meal every 90 minutes.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 4 million
Address: 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida
On-site Lodging: No on-site hotel, but partner hotels are close by
Dining Options: 12 eateries, including Zambia Smokehouse for mouthwatering ribs
Website: buschgardens.com/tampa

6. – Six Flags Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain boasts 19 of the world's best roller coasters. It's also packed with kid-friendly rides like Pepe Le Pew's Tea Party and Looney Tunes Lodge.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 4.05 million
Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, California
On-site Lodging: No on-site lodging, but several hotels are nearby
Dining Options: 28 establishments, including Funnel Cake Factory
Website: www.sixflags.com/magicmountain

5. – Knott's Berry Farm

The Knott family established their berry farm in 1920. Since then, it's developed into a bustling theme park welcoming more than 4 million yearly visitors. In addition to the roller coasters, railroad experiences, and carousels, Knott's Soak City offers water rides and attractions.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 4.23 million
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, California
On-site Lodging: Knott's Hotel
Dining Options: Over 30 options, including the Knott's Bakery for custom cakes
Website: www.knotts.com

4. – SeaWorld Orlando

Holding awards for "Best Theme Park in Florida," "Best Roller Coaster," and "Best Marine Life Park," SeaWorld Orlando is ideal for all ages. It's also home to Sesame Street Land for younger children and animal encounters for everyone.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 4.34 million
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, Florida
On-site Lodging: No on-site hotels but several local partners
Dining Options: 24 on-site bars, restaurants, food trucks, and ice cream
Website: seaworld.com/orlando

3. – Universal Studios Hollywood

Many families enjoy playing Mario Kart together. Head to Universal Studios Hollywood and play it in real life. This immersive go-kart ride is one of many key attractions that feature characters from blockbuster movies like Harry Potter and the Minions.

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 9.66 million
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California
On-site Lodging: No on-site hotels but there are nearby partners
Dining Options: More than 50 on-site restaurants and food stands, including Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks
Website: www.universalstudioshollywood.com

2. – Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando has several parks, and Universal Studios draws almost 10 million visitors each year. Transformers: The Ride 3D is one of many reasons people flock to this theme park that houses:

DreamWorks Land
Hollywood
Illumination's Minion Land
New York
San Francisco
Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of The Simpsons
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley
World Expo

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 9.75 million
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida
On-site Lodging: Close to a dozen hotels and resorts with more opening in 2025
Dining Options: 33 eateries, including Richter's Burger Co. where truffle parmesan fries are popular
Website: www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/universal-studios-florida

1. – Islands of Adventure

The most popular choice for theme parks that are better options is Universal Orlando. It has several attractions celebrating noted film series like Harry Potter, Marvel, and Jurassic Park. Islands of Adventure is one park with eight individual lands:

Jurassic Park
The Lost Continent
Marvel Super Hero Island
Port of Entry
Seuss Landing
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Toon Lagoon
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Theme Park Facts

Visitors in 2023: 10 million
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida
On-site Lodging: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is closest to Islands of Adventure
Dining Options: Nine restaurants, including Captain America's Diner and Cinnabon
Website: www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/theme-parks/islands-of-adventure