While Disney World is undoubtedly the happiest place on Earth, it can also be one of the most expensive. A family of four can easily spend around $4,000 for a three-day trip. If you’re looking for an equally fun and entertaining theme park experience that won’t break the bank, these 11 alternatives are definitely worth considering:
1. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
Located in northern Ohio, near Lake Erie, Cedar Point is home to one of the tallest roller coasters: the Millennium Force. Other coasters at this theme park have broken world records for speed and height. Although ticket prices will vary depending on the number of guests and when you visit, your entire family will likely be able to visit for less than a trip to Disney.
2. Legoland (Multiple Locations – Winter Haven, Florida)
While there are many Legoland locations, Legoland Florida Result is an excellent choice if your family wants to take a trip to Florida without the Disney price tag. The interactive theme park will make you feel truly immersed in a world built tiny brick by brick.
3. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennesee
Found in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, Dollypark offers multiple resorts, including a theme park and a water park, with reasonable rates available for the whole family. Guests come from across the country to ride the Amazing Flying Elephants, the Brainstormer, and Daredevil Falls, among other rides and attractions.
4. Busch Gardens (Multiple Locations)
Busch Gardens is an excellent choice for a family vacation because you can simultaneously enjoy seeing a variety of animals, as well as take advantage of all the amusement park rides. There’s plenty to do for children of all ages, but there are also rides for adult thrill-seekers, don’t worry. The Busch Gardens in Tampa is African-themed, and the Busch Gardens in Williamsburg has a European theme.
5. Hershey Park
These rides are not only named after chocolate (Cocoa Cruiser, Candymonium, and the Reese Cupfusion), but they’re also a whole lot of fun for the whole family. This chocolate-related park is also home to a water park, zoo, and a bunch of dining options.
6. Kings Island in Mason, Ohio
Located near Cincinnati, Kings Island is known for many of its exciting rollercoasters, including The Beast and Diamondback. There’s also a waterpark attached to Kings Island (Soak City) for those members of your family who would prefer to cool off in a lazy river than ride a rollercoaster. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the park from the Eiffel Tower (a one-third-scale replica).
7. Adventureland in Long Island, New York
Want a New York adventure that doesn’t take you to the hustle and bustle of New York City? Check out Long Island’s Adventureland, an amusement park that’s home to activities for kids, water rides, and much more.
8. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California
Another amusement park in Southern California (close to Disneyland) has rides suitable for all ages, in addition to Soak City water park, where you can go to cool down after a long day of adventure. Don’t forget to check out Ghost Rider and the Timber Mountain Log Ride during your visit.
9. Six Flags (Multiple Locations)
There are multiple Six Flags theme parks throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Depending on where you live and how far you’d like to get away from home, you can find a location with rollercoasters, activities, and dining options to meet your needs. For example, Six Flags in Southern California is known for Tatsu, one of the longest, tallest, fastest roller coasters with a zero-gravity roll, and Six Flags in Maryland is home to The Joker’s Jinx, a steel coaster that reaches 60 MPH in approximately 3 seconds.
10. Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, Minnesota
The Spongebob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge ride is one of many exciting, Nickelodeon-themed rides at Nickelodeon Universe. Plus, the theme park is located at the Mall of America in Minnesota, so you can visit it regardless of the weather, AND you can check out the rest of the mall while you’re there.
11. Universal Orlando Resort, Florida
If you’ve already booked your flights and accommodations in Orlando and decided that a visit to Disney is way out of budget, then Universal Orlando Resort should be at the top of your list. It features three theme parks—Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay—which all offer world-class rides, attractions, and shows, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
More From Savoteur
Climate change is a growing concern across the globe, and one of its most significant threats is rising sea levels. With each passing year, the risk of flooding and coastal erosion becomes greater. According to a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, 15 U.S. cities could be underwater by 2050. Here is a list of those cities and what’s at stake for each.
Put on Your Lifejackets: 14 U.S. Cities That Will Be Underwater by 2050
These Are the 12 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States
Some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes are in the United States. Yet, not all lakes are created equal, and some are downright dangerous. These 12 lakes make it to the list of the most dangerous lakes in the U.S.
These Are the 12 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States
15 Deadliest Beaches in America: Avoid These on Your Next Vacation
As summer approaches and beach-goers flock to the coast, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers that can lurk beneath the waves. From treacherous currents to deadly wildlife, America’s beaches can be beautiful yet perilous. Here are the 15 most dangerous beaches in America.
15 Deadliest Beaches in America: Avoid These on Your Next Vacation
Diving to New Depths: Discovering the Deepest Lake in the World
The world is home to many awe-inspiring bodies of water, and some of the most fascinating are the deep lakes. These lakes boast impressive depths that can leave even the most experienced divers breathless. Here we share the deepest lake in the world, ranked by depth.
Diving to New Depths: Discovering the Deepest Lake in the World
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Swim in the World
Wild swimming is becoming popular with people who love escaping crowds and immersing themselves in nature. However, those looking for unbridled wild should always research where they swim beforehand, lest they find themselves in trouble.
Finding the right wild swimming spot takes a lot of research and monitoring of safety criteria, such as tides, proximity to sewage, and time of day.
An online post is sharing the most dangerous swimming places on Earth. Here are some you should avoid if you value your safety.
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Swim in the World
