Favorite Non-Disney Theme Park?

[Janet89]

We're thinking of visiting Cedar Point next year. Maybe with a stop at Holiday World in IN on the way. We've never been to either of these parks, but they seem highly ranked when the travel channel runs theme park shows.

What are your favorites?

PS: We also like Silver Dollar City in Branson.

[DaisyGirl]

I actually just walked in the door from spending the day at Silver Dollar City. Great weather today and the crowds were very managable.

[Speedy1998]

There are non Disney theme parks?

But seriously, I am a fan of Sea World and Busch Gardens. I do not go to the Sea World in Orlando though, IMHO the one in San Antonio is better, and is only a 2.5 hour drive from my house.

[Georgesgirl1]

There are non Disney theme parks?

I was thinking the same thing!

I like Busch Gardens in Virginia.

[AZ Disney]

We love all the parks in San Diego (Sea World & Legoland) + the zoo etc. We also tried Knott's Berry Farm (10minutes from DL) this summer for a change and we had so much FUN! Amazing rollercoasters and the Peanut's gang was a lot of fun for my little one. I don't know if we had an unusual day, but we had no lines whatsoever (Tues before the 4th), it was really clean, nice guests and employees. It was a great day. I highly reccomend it.

[teamblackwell]

I took my first trip to Cedar point in May. It was a trip of a lifetime (being a coast fanatic). I went for 2 days in the last week of May and the lines were very short. Schools are still in session in that area. I stayed at the Breakers hotel, I opened the curtains to my room and the park is right there, amazing. If you have any CP questions, just ask.

[tink2006]

Holiday World is one of our favorite parks. We are about 3 hours away and go at least a couple of times every summer. It is a small park that can actually be done in one day. However, we like to relax so we do the rides one day and the water park the following day. The water park is wonderful. It can really hold its own to either Disney water park (I must admit that we are not big DIsney water park fans). They also offer free Pepsi soft drinks and sunscreen. The staff is friendly and the grounds are very clean. In fact, I think it has been voted the cleanest park. They have a good amount of rides for the little ones as well as 3 roller coasters (all wooden)for the bigger kids.

If you take an empty Pepsi can with you when you go to buy your tickets they will give you a discount. Depending on when you go, you can get about about $4 off per person.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

[EditReject]

I like Busch Gardens in Virginia.

Ditto. I think that park is beautiful and they have a great balance of thrill rides, attractions and shows.

[RAIDER]

I doubt if it counts but i love Kennedy Space Centre ...
Otherwise its between Islands of Adventure ( Spiderman and Dr Doom i love ) or Busch Gardens

[MNNHFLTX]

Sea World would be next on my list (the Orlando park, since I've never been to the Sea Worlds in other cities).

[Scar]

Gettysburg National Military Park

It is a park. And it's themed to The Civil War.

[speedmouse93]

I don't know how long you would have to drive but i love Hersheypark. It is only a 2 hour drive from where i live and i go there at least once a year. Another park i have been to that others have mentioned is Busch Gardens in Virginia. It is a very nice and well kept park.

[mouselover93]

herseypark, six flags great adventure, dorney park, and paramounts kings island or kings dominon im not sure which one all i know is its between cincinnati and columbus ohio

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Universal Orlando and Hollywood. I haven't been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in years, but it was a great park.

[BrerGnat]

Legoland is awesome.

Knott's Berry Farm doesn't do it for me. I find it to be very run down and dirty. It's a shame, because it seems like it *could* be a great park with some TLC thrown at it.

I was also a bit disappointed with my first visit to Sea World in San Diego. I have higher hopes for the Orlando Park if/when we visit there in a couple of years.

[Scott C]

Holiday World is our local park. My family loves it --they have annual passes. I am not a roller coaster type guy so I usually pass. It is the cleanest, friendliest park I have ever been to(even better than Disney). They just announced a new water flume ride yesterday -- it will be the tallest in the country -- about 130 feet if I remember. There is not much in the way of Hotels in the area, but they are building a couple. I might recommend spending the night before in evansville(exit 25) and the night after in corydon exit105 Holiday World is about halfway in between. If you have any other questions--feel free to contact me.

Thanks
Scott C

[biodtl]

It's hard to say - it's like apples to oranges. I would have to say:

Cedar Point - for the rides

Busch Gardens - for the atmosphere/landscaping, etc

Dollywood - for the small town, family feeling