Theme Parks

[what_no_pies]

Picking up on Dressing Gowns reply about Europa Park on the Krakow thread I detected a fellow enthusiast. Something about the way he gushed about zero g stalls might have given the game away. Anyway, I thought this warranted a thread of its own.

A place to share all things theme park / rollercoaster etc.

The only big park I've done outside of the UK is Port Aventura but I'm keen to visit others.

Energylandia
Europa Park
Phantasialand
Plopsaland de Panne

Been looking at trying to join up some of the European parks in a single trip/tour around but not all that obvious how best to go about it so if anyone has done similar any advice is very welcome.

I rekindled my passion by doing Alton Towers and BPB for the first time in a decade or so last year. We did the fireworks at Alton Towers and that was absolutely incredible. Wicker Man in the dark was the icing on the cake. Have to give a mention to ICON at BPB too. A butter smooth world class ride on our doorstep. Can't believe it took me so long to experience it first hand.

[jedi_master]

One of my families biggest passions is theme parks/rollercoaster credits.

We are Florida addicts predominantly, which is really the Mecca for theme parks from our perspective (emphasis on 'theme'). Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando is the best park I have personally been to by a long, long way. Velocicoaster is also the best coaster I have ever done, unbelievable ride. The Harry Potter rides are also brilliant at both Universal parks, if you like the franchise it really is a must do. Busch Gardens Tampa for Iron Gwazi, the Disney parks for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and TRON are also fantastic.

Europe wise, Energylandia is absolutely on my hitlist for Zadra. The investment they have put in is incredible. I would also recommend as a rather easy park to visit Walibi Holland - worth it for Untamed alone, but Lost Gravity is also such a great ride. The theming and immersion in the EU is severely lacking compared to the US barring the likes of Efteling and to an extent Europa, but still great rides.

The UK is a bit of a dead end sadly although we go to Alton Towers often as we all have Merlin annual passes and it's only 30 minutes drive away for us. Of course Nemesis Reborn, Smiler and Wicker Man are great rides for the country, but they really do pale compare to outside of this country. I actually think the most technically impressive ride in this country is The Curse at Alton Manor as it's effects are of the standard seen elsewhere. If you were not aware, Universal are in the process of building a Universal resort just outside of Bedford in this country though (they bought 450+ acres of land to develop something comparable to Universal Orlando). That will be a true game changer for the industry here and mean the likes of Merlin have to invest to even remotely compete.

[Rick_Muller]

The wish for a bigger and better theme park in the UK is in the planning stages and the locals (including me - my house is on the map shown at the link) welcome the proposals from Universal and we all think its close to being announced as going ahead.

https://universalukproject.co.uk/

[colne-claret]

One of my families biggest passions is theme parks/rollercoaster credits.

We are Florida addicts predominantly, which is really the Mecca for theme parks from our perspective (emphasis on 'theme'). Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando is the best park I have personally been to by a long, long way. Velocicoaster is also the best coaster I have ever done, unbelievable ride. The Harry Potter rides are also brilliant at both Universal parks, if you like the franchise it really is a must do. Busch Gardens Tampa for Iron Gwazi, the Disney parks for Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and TRON are also fantastic.

Europe wise, Energylandia is absolutely on my hitlist for Zadra. The investment they have put in is incredible. I would also recommend as a rather easy park to visit Walibi Holland - worth it for Untamed alone, but Lost Gravity is also such a great ride. The theming and immersion in the EU is severely lacking compared to the US barring the likes of Efteling and to an extent Europa, but still great rides.

The UK is a bit of a dead end sadly although we go to Alton Towers often as we all have Merlin annual passes and it's only 30 minutes drive away for us. Of course Nemesis Reborn, Smiler and Wicker Man are great rides for the country, but they really do pale compare to outside of this country. I actually think the most technically impressive ride in this country is The Curse at Alton Manor as it's effects are of the standard seen elsewhere. If you were not aware, Universal are in the process of building a Universal resort just outside of Bedford in this country though (they bought 450+ acres of land to develop something comparable to Universal Orlando). That will be a true game changer for the industry here and mean the likes of Merlin have to invest to even remotely compete.

I thought my life was over on velocicoaster not normally scared on them but I thought i was going to fly out of my seat. Cosmic rewind is so good.

[jedi_master]

The wish for a bigger and better theme park in the UK is in the planning stages and the locals (including me - my house is on the map shown at the link) welcome the proposals from Universal and we all think its close to being announced as going ahead.

https://universalukproject.co.uk/

Very jealous of your location Rick! Around 90 minutes away for me and I guarantee I will be making many trips to the Kempston Hardwick area when this is finished (I believe they reckon 2030/31).

[burnmark]

We are going back to Florida this summer and can’t wait to get park to the Universal and Disney Parks. Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure and ridiculously good and I lived Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot last time.

We are missing out Epic Universe as you can only visit for one day and I’ll get frustrated at not being able to do everything as it will be extremely busy. It’s an excuse to go again in a couple of years.

Back home, Alton Towers has had some grief last year but we enjoyed a night at their original hotel over October half term and will possibly make it an annual thing. The price with Blue Light Cards was very, very reasonable.

If the Universal Park gets the green light over here it will be brilliant.

[Clive 1960]

Bush Gardens for me , and Universal Island Of Adventure...

[Claret knight]

Been going to Florida now since 1993 a couple of times a year , done all the parks many times the coasters are a different class from anything in the UK , just come back 2 days ago we only did sea world this time to ride the pipeline stand up coaster , probably won’t bother with Epic universe for a while , the best value parks are sea world and Busch gardens , I’ve found over the last few years universal are pricing out some families with their prices and having to buy extra fast passes also the parking prices are around 35 bucks now , for the last few years we have been getting some good ticket deals on the Undercover tourist site

[Oshkoshclaret]

I was recently at the Florida parks for the first time in about 10 years. Had heard a lot about the Velocicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy. They were great but I thought Hagrid's Motorbike ride was ridiculously good. I think it's opened a whole new chapter in what a rollercoaster can be.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Rollercoasters died the day the Pleasure Beach pulled down the Wild Mouse

[jedi_master]

Been going to Florida now since 1993 a couple of times a year , done all the parks many times the coasters are a different class from anything in the UK , just come back 2 days ago we only did sea world this time to ride the pipeline stand up coaster , probably won’t bother with Epic universe for a while , the best value parks are sea world and Busch gardens , I’ve found over the last few years universal are pricing out some families with their prices and having to buy extra fast passes also the parking prices are around 35 bucks now , for the last few years we have been getting some good ticket deals on the Undercover tourist site

We're doing Epic when we go in August, though we're only allowed in for one day on our 14 day ticket. I have no doubt whatsoever it will be absolutely rammed and probably a case of choosing 3-4 rides out of the lot to prioritise as you won't be able to get through it in a day with 2-3 hour queues minimum. We're staying at a Universal resort so will get in an hour early so that at least means we should be able to bang out one of the main rides before it opens. It'll be a lot more manageable in 2026 for sure.

Price wise we find Universal pretty reasonable to be honest, certainly compared to Disney. Our daughter is 7 so we do Disney as well and that is much more expensive for sure (and that goes for food etc too). Agree on Sea World/Busch, they're really reasonable and typically so much quieter as people tend to skip them. I always find that crazy because if you love coasters they're the best two parks really.

[colne-claret]

We're doing Epic when we go in August, though we're only allowed in for one day on our 14 day ticket. I have no doubt whatsoever it will be absolutely rammed and probably a case of choosing 3-4 rides out of the lot to prioritise as you won't be able to get through it in a day with 2-3 hour queues minimum. We're staying at a Universal resort so will get in an hour early so that at least means we should be able to bang out one of the main rides before it opens. It'll be a lot more manageable in 2026 for sure.

Price wise we find Universal pretty reasonable to be honest, certainly compared to Disney. Our daughter is 7 so we do Disney as well and that is much more expensive for sure (and that goes for food etc too). Agree on Sea World/Busch, they're really reasonable and typically so much quieter as people tend to skip them. I always find that crazy because if you love coasters they're the best two parks really.

We’re going in December and have one day booked at epic. Aren’t they supposed to be releasing single day tickets this year too? We’re hoping we could potentially pay for another day.

[Quickenthetempo]

The Americans have nailed the theme parks because all their rides last twice as long as the ones over here.

[HitchinClaret]

Rollercoasters died the day the Pleasure Beach pulled down the Wild Mouse

What! the mouse has gone? makes me realise how long its been since I ventured up to Blackpool.
Was once on the pleasure beach, on the rollercoaster (the one where 2 rollercoasters travelled next to each other?) with west ham fans and newcastle fans trying to have full on fight whilst in adjacent 'cabs', made the ride all that more special, security gave them all a kicking upon exit of the ride.

[Dressinggown]

I think that we could go on for days about the WM at Blackpool.

Many suffered physical and mental trauma as a result of sitting in a tin can going at right angles.

Then came the bumps which threw you towards the Big Dipper.

The ride itself was far tamer than the violence which occurred waiting in the queue.

[Longsider]

We have a week at Disney Florida booked for the summer with two young teenage kids. If anyone has any tips, a good itinerary for getting the max out of the week please post up.

[Devils_Advocate]

The Wild Mouse ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach was like a kids ride compared to the rides at Action Park in New Jersey

[Dressinggown]

The Wild Mouse ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach was like a kids ride compared to the rides at Action Park in New Jersey

Yes, research the history of Action Park. I'm sure that there is a YouTube video about the place 🫤

[Dressinggown]

A revolution on a water slide ?

[jedi_master]

We have a week at Disney Florida booked for the summer with two young teenage kids. If anyone has any tips, a good itinerary for getting the max out of the week please post up.

Hi Longsider - are you staying onsite at Disney? You can do everything in a week at Disney World if you’re not doing Universal as well I’d say.

I’d personally say that Magic Kingdom might be least appealing to teenagers (especially if they’re boys) but one day there to do the likes of TRON, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion etc would still be an absolute must - great fireworks every night too. One of my favourite rides there (Big Thunder Mountain) is sadly closed this year as they’re performing maintenance on it. Food wise, Magic Kingdom has not got the most varied options (typical burgers/chicken fare) but Casey’s Corner does a good hot dog!

Hollywood Studios I’d say is the park you could do two days at - especially if your kids are into Star Wars. It has some of the best rides in the world (Tower of Terror, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance etc). It’s got some great shows to watch, particularly try and make sure you watch Fantasmic. If you like Star Wars try and get a reservation in the cantina for drinks, order the Fuzzy Tauntaun (it makes your lips go numb) - it’s like walking into the film.

Animal Kingdom is my favourite park but that’s really dependant on how much you like zoo’s etc too. Loads of great animal exhibits, a safari, shows and it has amazing rides too (Expedition Everest, the Avatar rides). We do two days here but that’s just because we love it so much - you could easily do the entire park in a day. Satuli Canteen in the Avatar area does really good food.

Epcot is massive and your mileage will vary on how much you love it, for me it’s amazing but calling it a theme park is a bit of a misnomer as half of it is the workd showcase with loads of different areas based on different countries. It’s less about the rides at Epcot but does still have possibly the best ride at Disney in Guardians of the Galaxy, I also love Soarin and Test Track. Not sure if your kids are of drinking age (or pass for 21, should I say ) but trying to ‘drink around the world’ (one drink in each country) is a fun afternoon.

Outside of Disney, use Uber to go offsite - it’s amazing in Orlando, you can get anywhere cheap and they’ll be there within 5 minutes usually wherever you are. There’s loads of restaurants on International Drive (particularly recommend Cheesecake Factory…) and they’re a ton cheaper (and higher quality) than food at the parks. There’s loads of stuff to do on I-Drive too like Icon Park, mini golf course and arcades etc. If you fancy catching an MLS game, you can uber to Orlando’s stadium - the fixtures recently came out and if you’re lucky timing wise they’re playing Miami FC in August (Messi’s team). If you want to catch a football match on TV, go to Murphy’s Bar on I-Drive - they show every Prem/Champ match usually (watched Burnley there twice).

Have a great time - as you can probably tell, I love the place and enjoy talking about it with people

[AfloatinClaret]

For me, the biggest downside with theme parks has always been the hoardes of bloody kids cluttering them up. Many years ago we went to a staff 'friends and family' event at Disney's LA park where after about 7pm it was adults only... Now that was a good night!

[Devils_Advocate]

Yes, research the history of Action Park. I'm sure that there is a YouTube video about the place 🫤

There's Documentary called Class Action Park. Its an interesting story and mad what went on but the documentary itself isnt well put together and is a bit boring

[Longsider]

Hi Longsider - are you staying onsite at Disney? You can do everything in a week at Disney World if you’re not doing Universal as well I’d say.

I’d personally say that Magic Kingdom might be least appealing to teenagers (especially if they’re boys) but one day there to do the likes of TRON, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion etc would still be an absolute must - great fireworks every night too. One of my favourite rides there (Big Thunder Mountain) is sadly closed this year as they’re performing maintenance on it. Food wise, Magic Kingdom has not got the most varied options (typical burgers/chicken fare) but Casey’s Corner does a good hot dog!

Hollywood Studios I’d say is the park you could do two days at - especially if your kids are into Star Wars. It has some of the best rides in the world (Tower of Terror, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance etc). It’s got some great shows to watch, particularly try and make sure you watch Fantasmic. If you like Star Wars try and get a reservation in the cantina for drinks, order the Fuzzy Tauntaun (it makes your lips go numb) - it’s like walking into the film.

Animal Kingdom is my favourite park but that’s really dependant on how much you like zoo’s etc too. Loads of great animal exhibits, a safari, shows and it has amazing rides too (Expedition Everest, the Avatar rides). We do two days here but that’s just because we love it so much - you could easily do the entire park in a day. Satuli Canteen in the Avatar area does really good food.

Epcot is massive and your mileage will vary on how much you love it, for me it’s amazing but calling it a theme park is a bit of a misnomer as half of it is the workd showcase with loads of different areas based on different countries. It’s less about the rides at Epcot but does still have possibly the best ride at Disney in Guardians of the Galaxy, I also love Soarin and Test Track. Not sure if your kids are of drinking age (or pass for 21, should I say ) but trying to ‘drink around the world’ (one drink in each country) is a fun afternoon.

Outside of Disney, use Uber to go offsite - it’s amazing in Orlando, you can get anywhere cheap and they’ll be there within 5 minutes usually wherever you are. There’s loads of restaurants on International Drive (particularly recommend Cheesecake Factory…) and they’re a ton cheaper (and higher quality) than food at the parks. There’s loads of stuff to do on I-Drive too like Icon Park, mini golf course and arcades etc. If you fancy catching an MLS game, you can uber to Orlando’s stadium - the fixtures recently came out and if you’re lucky timing wise they’re playing Miami FC in August (Messi’s team). If you want to catch a football match on TV, go to Murphy’s Bar on I-Drive - they show every Prem/Champ match usually (watched Burnley there twice).

Have a great time - as you can probably tell, I love the place and enjoy talking about it with people

Jedi,
Thank you so much for that. We love Safai parks etc so think Animal Kingdom will be up there. Some really good advice. We are staying on International Drive so thanks for the tips around there. What's it likely going to be like for queuing in Late July? I've been looking into the Disney app and how you can pre book certain rides each day. Is it fairly straightforward? Any advice around this so we get maximum benefit and can get as much in as possible for the week.

[jedi_master]

Jedi,
Thank you so much for that. We love Safai parks etc so think Animal Kingdom will be up there. Some really good advice. We are staying on International Drive so thanks for the tips around there. What's it likely going to be like for queuing in Late July? I've been looking into the Disney app and how you can pre book certain rides each day. Is it fairly straightforward? Any advice around this so we get maximum benefit and can get as much in as possible for the week.

Late July might be decent as it will typically be busier around July 4th that month, but then school holidays probably kick in too at the end so I’m not sure. Honestly the reality is Orlando is never ‘not’ busy, but you’d expect that really.

The Disney app is really good to be fair. You can pay for Genie+ on it which is a daily fastpass add on (typically works out about $20 each per day). I wouldn’t bother with it at Animal Kingdom as there’s only about 5/6 rides, you’ll easily do them (just prioritise going straight to Avatar: Flight of Passage at start of the day, than get up to two hours long - rest are fine there).

I’d personally buy Genie+ at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, particularly if this might be a one off trip etc. Genie+ lets you choose three rides to skip the line on, but you can book more after you’ve used them (would recommend watching a YouTube video to understand how it works - it’s easy, but easier to watch with a video than me describe really). My opinion the rides you get most benefit out of booking with Genie+ as they get biggest queues:

Magic Kingdom: Tron, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Seven Dwarves Mine Train
Epcot: Soarin, Test Track, Frozen (Guardians of the Galaxy you book separately for free - again, I’d watch a video to explain this bit)
Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog, Tower of Terror, either Star Wars rides

As you’re staying on I-Drive, for food I’d highly recommend Millers Ale House, Yard House, Saltgrass Steakhouse but there’s absolutely loads of others.

[ISpeds00]

Go pretty much every year - Back again in June
Epic and Universal only this time, no Disney (it's been done to death)
Always get a villa now when we go, and we're re-visiting a complex we stayed in a few years back - cos is was simply that good
Usually drive to Clearwater or in that direction - and take in an MLS game. There is one on whilst we are there.

Simply love the place - i'd live there in a breath.
People often ask how we afford it, but it's really not as expensive as everyone makes out - if you know what your doing planning wise
Yes, the tickets can be the price of the holiday p/p - but once you've done a lot of them, there's other things to do on a re-visit

And food/drink - supermarkets etc arent that expensive outside the parks.

Always go with Virgin too

[ISpeds00]

Best theme park by far for rides is Busch Gardens - a nice drive to Tampa too
Best rides are already posted up on here. Velociocoaster at Islands of Adventures is another level. The boosts midway round the track that make it go even faster are unreal. Same with the Harry Potter land mentioned, the one on the motorbike and side car is unreal

It's totally another level over there - and great for 1st time visitors. Some park areas are very outdated though now in a lot of the main parks. DIsney, Epcot etc are in need of a makeover]

Always have an itinery made before you go - as you can pre-book rides on the day and also in park restaurants. if you think you can walk on some of the main attractions your in for a shock. Star Wars land the 1st time we went was 6 hours queues for the main attraction

[ISpeds00]

TIPS - Get the tickets for Universal that include Busch Gardens, Seaworld etc WITH the dining passes included.
The food in these parks is great, and with the passes it's unlimited every hour you can revisit - so you can literally do your brekkie dinner and tea in there for free (or prepaid with the ticket - and some tickets include it as a perk)

https://www.orlandoattractiontickets.co.uk/ - always used these every time we go. Pay a deposit and pay the balance before you go

Rent a car unless you are in Disney hotels (with the free shuttle busses). Beware though, parks cost £30 to park in each day - that's the not cheap bit!

Make a plan - some of the main parks you wont get round in 1 day. DIsney parks may take 2 or 3 trips

[Clive 1960]

Hi Longsider - are you staying onsite at Disney? You can do everything in a week at Disney World if you’re not doing Universal as well I’d say.

I’d personally say that Magic Kingdom might be least appealing to teenagers (especially if they’re boys) but one day there to do the likes of TRON, Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion etc would still be an absolute must - great fireworks every night too. One of my favourite rides there (Big Thunder Mountain) is sadly closed this year as they’re performing maintenance on it. Food wise, Magic Kingdom has not got the most varied options (typical burgers/chicken fare) but Casey’s Corner does a good hot dog!

Hollywood Studios I’d say is the park you could do two days at - especially if your kids are into Star Wars. It has some of the best rides in the world (Tower of Terror, Star Wars Rise of the Resistance etc). It’s got some great shows to watch, particularly try and make sure you watch Fantasmic. If you like Star Wars try and get a reservation in the cantina for drinks, order the Fuzzy Tauntaun (it makes your lips go numb) - it’s like walking into the film.

Animal Kingdom is my favourite park but that’s really dependant on how much you like zoo’s etc too. Loads of great animal exhibits, a safari, shows and it has amazing rides too (Expedition Everest, the Avatar rides). We do two days here but that’s just because we love it so much - you could easily do the entire park in a day. Satuli Canteen in the Avatar area does really good food.

Epcot is massive and your mileage will vary on how much you love it, for me it’s amazing but calling it a theme park is a bit of a misnomer as half of it is the workd showcase with loads of different areas based on different countries. It’s less about the rides at Epcot but does still have possibly the best ride at Disney in Guardians of the Galaxy, I also love Soarin and Test Track. Not sure if your kids are of drinking age (or pass for 21, should I say ) but trying to ‘drink around the world’ (one drink in each country) is a fun afternoon.

Outside of Disney, use Uber to go offsite - it’s amazing in Orlando, you can get anywhere cheap and they’ll be there within 5 minutes usually wherever you are. There’s loads of restaurants on International Drive (particularly recommend Cheesecake Factory…) and they’re a ton cheaper (and higher quality) than food at the parks. There’s loads of stuff to do on I-Drive too like Icon Park, mini golf course and arcades etc. If you fancy catching an MLS game, you can uber to Orlando’s stadium - the fixtures recently came out and if you’re lucky timing wise they’re playing Miami FC in August (Messi’s team). If you want to catch a football match on TV, go to Murphy’s Bar on I-Drive - they show every Prem/Champ match usually (watched Burnley there twice).

Have a great time - as you can probably tell, I love the place and enjoy talking about it with people

Murphy's bar was there in 94 with the Irish lads for game against Holland in World Cup, a brilliant experience as we were booked in on Holiday Inn and also did the theme parks, brilliant holiday...

[Bop]

Frontierland. Morecambe.

Scene of many a Wild West bar brawl. Unfortunately they were real and not simulated.

[Quickenthetempo]

We have a week at Disney Florida booked for the summer with two young teenage kids. If anyone has any tips, a good itinerary for getting the max out of the week please post up.

It's a quite tiring holiday with all you try to cram in and the heat. Being on your feet most of the day.

We tried to do water parks in the afternoons to cool off and relax a bit.

[burnmark]

Frontierland. Morecambe.

Scene of many a Wild West bar brawl. Unfortunately they were real and not simulated.

My grandma and grandad used to take us to Frontierland every year. Loved it. All day passes with unlimited riding was about £5-7. Brilliant value.

[Dressinggown]

Energylandia is a must visit but you can also go to another theme park if you are pitching up in Poland.

If you fly to Katowice then you can access Legendia. It's a theme park that could be described as a place that time forgot.

The rides are rusting away, many are standing but not operating.

And then, at the far end of the lake, we have Lech Coaster.

Superb. That first drop is incredible.

After crapping yourself on the attractions you can unwind by taking a scenic chairlift which goes through some well kept areas and terminates at the proper smart Silesian Stadium.

[colne-claret]

Jumping on an old thread -

Anyone going Epic Universe this year and if so, what tickets have you gone for?

[ISpeds00]

Jumping on an old thread -

Anyone going Epic Universe this year and if so, what tickets have you gone for?

Going in June - got 1 day visit included with the 2 week universal tickets

[colne-claret]

Going in June - got 1 day visit included with the 2 week universal tickets

I believe you can buy additional one day tickets through universals own website. Have to do US VPN though and set your phone to New York time. That’s of course if you want an additional day.

[jedi_master]

Jumping on an old thread -

Anyone going Epic Universe this year and if so, what tickets have you gone for?

Yes we go in August and have a 14 day Universal ticket with 1 day at Epic - but we’ve also bought a single 1 day Epic ticket too so that we get two days there.

Bought the single day by calling Universal, no fuss.

[Loyalclaret]

Booked Disneyland Paris in a couple of weeks to take our 6 yr old lad, staying on site. Going to Paris for two days after.

Any tips on the park (are there two parks?) welcomed. Literally do not know anything other than they sell prosecco or champagne on Main Street.

[colne-claret]

Booked Disneyland Paris in a couple of weeks to take our 6 yr old lad, staying on site. Going to Paris for two days after.

Any tips on the park (are there two parks?) welcomed. Literally do not know anything other than they sell prosecco or champagne on Main Street.

Not been Paris in years so can’t offer any tips but I’m sure you’ll have a great time. I do remember crush coaster being a great ride.

[colne-claret]

Yes we go in August and have a 14 day Universal ticket with 1 day at Epic - but we’ve also bought a single 1 day Epic ticket too so that we get two days there.

Bought the single day by calling Universal, no fuss.

I’ve bought one tonight online. Looking at how much is there I’m hoping two days will be fine in early December.

[Casper2]

Go pretty much every year - Back again in June
Epic and Universal only this time, no Disney (it's been done to death)
Always get a villa now when we go, and we're re-visiting a complex we stayed in a few years back - cos is was simply that good
Usually drive to Clearwater or in that direction - and take in an MLS game. There is one on whilst we are there.

Simply love the place - i'd live there in a breath.
People often ask how we afford it, but it's really not as expensive as everyone makes out - if you know what your doing planning wise
Yes, the tickets can be the price of the holiday p/p - but once you've done a lot of them, there's other things to do on a re-visit

And food/drink - supermarkets etc arent that expensive outside the parks.

Always go with Virgin too

Not expensive, I’ve priced up for 4 of us to go in September and it’s 25k

[colne-claret]

Not expensive, I’ve priced up for 4 of us to go in September and it’s 25k

4 star Hotel, flights, Disney and universal tickets for 21 nights in September just come up at £9,400. Where have you been looking?

[Dressinggown]

There are likely to be better theme parks in Europe such as Phantasialand, Europa Park & Port Aventura.

However, you cannot ignore Energylandia in Poland. Cheap flights available from most UK airports to Krakow which is a fantastic destination in itself.

Energylandia runs shuttle buses from the centre of Krakow and a return trip is about £6. Entrance to the park is around £35 but this includes all the rides, shows and a waterpark.

The place has rapidly expanded in recent years but retains some of it's older rides and attractions which are garbage and potentially dangerous.

Then you have a huge water coaster and a new Vekoma coaster but the stars of the show have to be Hyperion and Zadra. Hyperion is a bigger and better coaster than the Big One at Blackpool.

Zadra is just incredible. You can't describe the speed, the elements, all super smooth. The Zero G Stall is out of this world. I took some advice and headed for Zadra at the far end of the park as most patrons went to Hyperion which is near the entrance.

In 15 minutes I had been on Zadra 3 times. Twice on the front and once on the back seats. On my last ride I was sat next to a foreign lady and we exchanged greetings. Once the ride entered the brake run she was hysterical and required staff assistance in disembarking the train.



Hyperion.

[Casper2]

4 star Hotel, flights, Disney and universal tickets for 21 nights in September just come up at £9,400. Where have you been looking?

Flying premium economy, staying at Hard Rock and Epic Universe with a car and tickets 25k .

[Dressinggown]

My last trip to Krakow was for 3 days flying from Liverpool. We stayed in a 4 star hotel in the old town, used the train to transfer, had a day at Energylandia, and had good food and drink during our stay.

Total cost: Around £500 (for 2).

Bargain !

[Stanbill05]

For those on a budget (or just tight like me) Duinrell in Holland is worth a look. Eurocamp chalets or camping/caravanning on site. Compact theme park with just about enough for everyone but great for young kids. The highlight though is the waterpark which is genuinely exceptional. Being Holland, easy cycle with kids to a decent beach and train stations for quick access to Leiden, Amsterdam etc. Price which obviously includes full access to park is less than a week in Cornwall in summer (including crossing). We've been several times and will go back again.

[burnmark]

Flying premium economy, staying at Hard Rock and Epic Universe with a car and tickets 25k .

Hard Rock prices have shot up with Epic Universe opening. We have booked for four nights this August and got a price for £1450. The same booking is now £3400.

Staying for 4/5 nights at Hard Rock to get the free fast passes then the remainder in Universal’s Endless Summer or Cabana Bay will help bring the cost down. You still get the early entry and transport just not the express passes but you’ll get all the major rides done at US and IOA when you are staying at Hard Rock.

[Casper2]

Hard Rock prices have shot up with Epic Universe opening. We have booked for four nights this August and got a price for £1450. The same booking is now £3400.

Staying for 4/5 nights at Hard Rock to get the free fast passes then the remainder in Universal’s Endless Summer or Cabana Bay will help bring the cost down. You still get the early entry and transport just not the express passes but you’ll get all the major rides done at US and IOA when you are staying at Hard Rock.

Cheers Burnmark , we have put our trip on hold now , while that idiot is resident in the White House .

[Boroclaret]

Booked Disneyland Paris in a couple of weeks to take our 6 yr old lad, staying on site. Going to Paris for two days after.

Any tips on the park (are there two parks?) welcomed. Literally do not know anything other than they sell prosecco or champagne on Main Street.

We've just come back a few weeks ago. There are two Parks, Disney and Disney Studios. Disney Studios is themed around films etc. and is where you'll find the majority of the major rides (Avengers, Indiana Jones, Crush's Coaster, Tower of Terror). Indiana Jones has the tallest height restriction at 140cm (i think) the others are 120cm There is work going on in Disney Studios building the new Frozen land - which looks huge by the way.

If you're staying in a Disney Hotel you get early access to the Parks, 8.30am instead of 9.30am. Use this to get on the big rides, head for Indiana Jones etc 1st as when the park opens fully these are really busy, but we walked straight on 1st thing. Crush's Coaster is brilliant, if you see the waiting time below 40 mins join the queue, it is often over and hour. Also download the app, it gives you the wait times for all the rides and you can pay for a fast pass if there is one that you really want to go on but can't wait a long time.

The Disney Park is geared up for the kids and is where all the smaller rides (Peter Pan, Dumbo, Snow White etc.) are, we found these had the longest waits, sometimes up at 90 mins. If you've got kids and want to go on these take snacks etc to keep them entertained. Hyperspace Mountain is in this Park, again head straight for it 1st thing if you don't want to wait.

Make sure you stay for the fireworks/drone show at night in Disney, it's brilliant. If you're there for a few days also use this time to head for any rides that have been busy during the day - we went on Tower of Terror etc a few times during the show.

Also do the parade at tea time, all the characters are on it. You can pay extra for a guaranteed good spot, otherwise just stake your claim early! There are also meet and greets with the characters around the Parks, the app shows you times and locations. Some of these are very busy, especially the princess ones, we saw wait times of over 2 hours for this.

Food wise there are loads of places selling stuff, however some are booked up long in advance. We paid for meals in advance and were able to book through the app. There's a McDonalds at the entrance if that's your bag, but it was always rammed.

My Mrs was after the Champagne but the stall selling it wasn't there, hopefully it will be when you go.

It's given us the taste for the USA, just got to save now!

[tarkys_ears]

Cheers Burnmark , we have put our trip on hold now , while that idiot is resident in the White House .

Done the same. Thankfully I'd only paid a £100 deposit for Disney World this August so it's no great loss.

[Middle-agedClaret]

I wouldn’t choose to go on holiday to the USA again given the insulting, demeaning way Trump and his cohorts appear to view us.
Best stay away.
IMHO.