USA · THEME PARKS & THRILL RIDES
Every trip has one open day too few. These 13 theme parks & thrill rides justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes instead of an evening.
Use a mobile ticket to explore LEGOLAND California’s 60-plus rides, shows, and attractions. The base ticket covers one park day, while Hopper options add Sea LIFE Aquarium, Water Park, and a second day within five days. Best for children ages 2 to 12.
“We do have a good time, rides is so cool 😎 😀. We will come back again. I recommend this amazing experience.”
Spend one to three days at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with mobile admission, more than 50 rides and attractions, Miniland USA, live shows, and LEGO Movie World. Upgrade your ticket for the Water Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, or Peppa Pig Theme Park. The park is in Winter Haven, about an hour from Orlando.
“We went to Legoland to see the wonderful buildings and characters come to life. I was pleased to see the miniland. I wish I were as good and patient as the people who built them!”
Choose one or two days at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, with an optional three-park ticket adding Volcano Bay. Park-to-park access lets you ride the Hogwarts Express between the two main parks. Plan for food, parking, lockers, and long waits, since these extras can push the total well above the $146 ticket price.
“These were truly some of the best moments filled with incredible experiences. The Harry Potter Studio, in particular, felt like stepping into the reality of the movie. I am grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in bringing this experience to life. As a father, seeing the expression on my daughter's face after achieving one of her top bucket list goals filled me with joy. Coming all the way from Korea to the U.S. and having such a fulfilling time here is something I deeply appreciate once again.”
Spend a day at Fun Spot America Orlando or Kissimmee with a single-day paper ticket. Expect roller coasters, go-karts, arcade games, family rides, free parking, Wi-Fi, and Gator Spot. Orlando also has a splash pad. Some activities, including SkyCoaster, cost extra.
“It rained we did get to do much Fun spot was willing to refund our money back but since we booked through Viator they asked us to get out refund there. But Viator made it very hard to refund they refused to refund our money back. The company customer care is bad.”
Visit Fun Spot America Kissimmee for a self-guided day of roller coasters, family rides, multi-level go-karts, and arcade fun. The single-day, one-park pass includes parking and Wi-Fi, while food, arcade games, and the SkyCoaster cost extra. Bring cash, and consider the refillable drink cup if you plan to stay all day.
“Nous avons adorés l'accueil et le côté convivial de ce parc. Un personnel très agréable et accueillant. Il y a des attractions à la portée de toute la famille et pour tous les goûts. Les prix sont très abordables. Je recommande fortement”
Spend about 3 to 4 hours exploring WonderWorks Orlando, an upside-down attraction packed with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Try earthquake simulators, Hurricane Hole, the bubble lab, Bed of Nails, laser tag, a 4D ride, and a glow-in-the-dark ropes course. An optional VIP package adds the 90-minute Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.
“We visited Wonder Works I took my 3 boys and they had awesome time. I will definitely take them again. I purchased the tickets from Viator it was worth it. I will buy my tickets from them again!”
Ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel and Casino, reaching 67 mph with a major drop and 180-degree heartline twist. Your mobile ticket covers one ride, and you can explore the Big Apple Arcade and Greenwich Village afterward. Expect a short but forceful coaster ride, Strip views, lockers, and possible waits.
“As a roller coaster fanatic, this coaster is a definite must-do at least once! Very rough, but that was expected. I would definitely do it again!”
Ride a single or double cart through Branson’s Ozark woods on a self-controlled alpine coaster. You climb by lift, then brake or release the lever for speeds above 30 mph. Allow 30 minutes to an hour, check weight and age rules, and confirm where mobile tickets must be redeemed.
“I paid double for the tickets on the website. Price for the ride at the site is $19if I would of bought three tickets I would have paid 57 plus tax. I paid o.nThis website $82 . $25 Over the price at the site. BAD FOR BUSINESS!! There should be a disclaimer on the web sight stating the $25 charge. The ride itself was ok we enjoyed it I think it needs a better seatbelt or make sure they are tight. My belt was checked but it wasn’t tight and on the first set of turns I knew it wasn’t tight enough so I slowed it down.”
Take one high-speed ride on the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel. You will climb above the Las Vegas Strip, race through a Manhattan-themed setting at nearly 70 mph, and experience a 180-degree twist. The ride is short but forceful, with lockers required for phones and loose items.
“If you don’t take everything out ure pockets, you will have them drop out. This was a fast, inside down, turning ride. It was fun but don’t have a bad back lol”
Spend a full day at DreamWorks Water Park inside American Dream, four miles from New York City. You get access to a tropical 81°F indoor park, the world’s largest indoor wave pool, family slides, toddler play areas, and major thrill rides. Bring swimwear and a towel. Food, lockers, lifejackets, and $5 parking cost extra.
“It’s not a place for kids like my grandson he is 2 years old and they’re notator he can do and I brought my other grandson so he can go in the slides with him and they wouldn’t even let him on said he was to big and he is only 6 so idk I just no I won’t be coming back anytime soon thanks”
Head 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip to the STRAT SkyPod, then choose one or two rides on Big Shot and X-Scream. Big Shot fires you 160 feet upward at 45 mph, while X-Scream tips you over the tower edge. An English-speaking host or greeter assists, and Insanity is currently closed.
“It was great, I went on the x-scream - it was short but fun.”
Spend about four to six hours at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville with an all-rides armband covering roller coasters, go-karts, bumper boats, and kiddie rides. You can also find three mini-golf courses, laser tag, arcade games, batting cages, and a Topgolf Swing Suite, but several activities cost extra. Check operating status before paying, since the park is currently listed as temporarily closed.
“The young lady at the party station was the best ,friendly ,helpful and full of energy! Hope when go again we see them again. Well everybody was great from check in and the young men running the rides!”
Meet Flagship Cruises at 990 North Harbor Drive for a 30-minute Patriot jet boat ride across San Diego Bay. Expect music, speeds of up to 50 mph, sharp turns, 360-degree spins, military ships, the Coronado Bridge, and plenty of spray. Ponchos are provided, but secure your belongings and prepare to get wet.
“This was a great experience! My son really loved this!”
Start with a shoreline, a rim or a river.
