Rank your top 10 parks

[Walt Disney1955]

And I am talking worldwide here. If you've been to Disneyland Paris and want it in the top 10 then put it in there. Obviously reserve it for the places only you have been. Dont be afraid to explain why. This is not exclusive to Disney either. Obviously there are going to be a lot of Disney choices but this is worldwide amusement/theme parks.

#1 Magic Kingdom - Everything from driving under the arch to stepping on the trolley to the ferry to the entrance. It's an experience and a load of anticipation just getting to the entrance and I think it's supposed to be that way. Obviously I need not explain for this one but the overall feeling I get at that park is peerless. I went when I was 21. Then recently at 29. I said to myself, "okay you've matured, if the park just isn't the same anymore don't be disapointed, you are a grown man now and don't ruin it for your wife (her first time)." It took me about 5 seconds to get that old feeling back!

Disney Hollywood Studios - Has it's share of thrills, nostalgia and shows. We on these boards complain that it needs more dark rides and such (it does) but its still an overall great park. ToT might be the best
ride.......ever

Islands of Adventure - Haven't even seen Potter yet but the theming at this park is unreal and Universal in general is as close to Disney as possible

Universal Studios - Disney takes you back to your childhood but Universal has its moments too. Slide E.T. into Disney and it's probably as beloved as Pirates

Epcot - A park you really need to appreciate and at least for me I always seem to long for it when I'm not there. This is a good reason why I laugh when I hear the old "Disney is for kids" thing

Animal Kingdom - Call me skeptical originally about this place. I was wrong. It has the magic of Disney combined with animals. It also is in desperate need of more dark rides but still a great park.

Cedar Point - for the thrill junkie. The land is absolutely huge. No park has the thrills of this one. It comes as advertised

Sea World (Orlando) - Love this park for what it is. It has turned into a great combination of unique mammals and thrill rides. And that Shamu show......

Canada's Wonderland - Cedar Point puts it in its place, but if you are an adrenaline junkie you wouldn't be disapointed here either

Hersheypark - A lot better than I initially thought. Sorry Busch Gardens you don't make the list

 

[Mukta]

Wow. I am really surprised by my answers. DHS didn't even make my list even though I love GMR.
1. Epcot - I love everything about this park. The large size, the attractions, the WS, the food, Illuminations.
2. Disneyland CA - The history, the theming, the details, the rides. It is all magic to me. This park changed the world forever.
3. Islands of Adventure - There is something about this park that really excites me. Rides like Spiderman are great, but the theming of each land catches my eye too. (and I haven't seen WWoHP yet). Mythos is also my favorite theme park restaurant.
4. EuropaPark - While this German park has a ton of Disney knock-offs, it also has great thrill rides, food and audio-animatronics at every turn. I miss this place more than I miss DLP.
5. Disney's California Adventure - While they are killing a lot of the things I love about this place, I still have a great time on every visit. Reading a book at the winery, riding TOT, watching WoC.
6. Disneyland Paris - This is the most beautiful of the Magic Kingdom parks. Maleficent under the castle, the gardens in Fantasyland, and the best IASW out there.
7. Magic Kingdom - Good park, but not enough unique attractions compared to the other MK type parks.
8. Animal Kingdom - Very unique compared to other parks. It is different on every visit because of the animals.
9. Universal Studios Hollywood - I love seeing the backlot and knowing how many great movies and tv shows were created there. The park has fun attractions also, but it is also a part of our shared entertainment history.
10. Universal Studios Orlando - ET, Best version of the Mummy, Men in Black, Jimmy Neutron etc. This park proved that clones do not make a park more interesting.

 

[SeaBase86]

My top 10

Top 10 Parks
1. Disney's Animal Kingdom
2. Universal's Islands of Adventure
3. Magic Kingdom
4. Disneyland
5. Disney's Hollywood Studios
6. Epcot
7. Disney California Adventure
8. Universal Studios Florida
9. Universal Studios Hollywood
10. Six Flags Great Adventure

10. Six Flags Great Adventure
Located in Jackson, New Jersey, Great Adventure is filled with great thrills and adventures. World Class coasters dominate the park's skyline. They include the ever popular NITRO which takes riders over 200 ft high on a mile long adventure. Also one will find the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka. Even though the theming isn't up to par like Disney, the park packs a punch with its mega thrills.

9. Universal Studios Hollywood
Cross a real working popular movie studio with a theme park and you'll get Universal Studios Hollywood. Here it's all about being in the action. Your on the backlot of this legendary studio. The world famous studio tour will take you on the backlot through popular movie sets. The attractions here are just as amazing as meeting real actors on the lot. The Jurassic Park Adventure __got its start here (which is better than Islands of Adventure's version). Also the Revenge of The Mummy makes for a great pyschological thrill adventure. The park does suffer from its seperatipm of upper and lower lot which can be somewhat annoying but everyone will enjoy a day at the studios.

8. Universal Studios Florida
The cousin of the one in Hollywood. This one still features the working production center but has a larger focus on the theme park aspect. The "lands" are themed in Disney faishon and are complete with amazing adventures for the whole family. Universal let's you "ride the movies" here. You'll be in a boat while the terror JAWS swims around. You'll blast aliens away with agent J. And you'll witness The Terminator like never before. Some rides however do not fit their respective areas (twister in new York what?), they still come loaded with excitement.

7. Disney California Adventure
Some call it the most horrible Disney park ever created, but when I first visited it, I fell in love with the place. The original idea was stepping though a California postcard and finding the many adventures of California with a Disney twist. On Paradise Pier one would find a California style boardwalk with one of Disney's best thrills, California Screamin'. In the Grizzly Peak area one would find the natural forest of northern California. All of the areas of California are represented. Now the park is going through a 1 billion dollar makeover to stop the critism of the park looking "cheap." With these amazing additions coming this park will stay in the top 10.

6. Epcot
Walt Disney had a dream of buildig an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. A real city that would constantly be going through progress. However, Walt died before the construction of Walt Disney World and so did the idea of a real community. That didn't stop the Disney Company from bringing the Epcot idea back in a way. This time it would be a permanent world's fair. Showcasing future technologies and special represented countries. That is the product of today. With pavillions like The Land, which show the future of agriculture to Innoventios showcasing many companies technological achievements. The park also has some thirlls. Test Track and Mission: SPACE are some of Disney's greatest achievements. Some say Epcot is boring but if you want to enjoy a vacation that is filled some great attractions that will inspire. Epcot is your place.

5. Disney's Hollywood Studios
Opening in 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios, the idea was to show park guest what a movie studio is like (sounds familiar?). __Today even though production has slowed down a lot, the studios is still a great park. Disney's theming is evident in this park. The entrance and Sunset blvd. look like Hollywood in the 1930's and 1940's. It's filled with actors who really embrace the time period. Some of Disney's best rides are also. Rock n' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Tou Story Midway Mania are some of Disney's most immersive and exciting experiences. Even though the park has loads of shows, the park will make anyone feel they're on a Hollywood adventure.

4. Disneyland
The first theme park ever. Opened on July 17, 1955 this entertainment center was one of the first to combine rides with theming. The park is filled with great attractions. The attractions at many magic kingdom style parks started here at Walt's original park. Rides like Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain will keep any teen entertained. And fantasyland will keep the young ones entertained. A park where the family can find something to do together. An idea Walt pionered. Without this park no theme park would exist today.

3. Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is ultimately a copy of Disneyland. However it is larger and gives its visitors a more broader feel. Magic Kingdom is the true theme park experience. Everyone must visit this park to understand what it feels to be a kid again. Everyone in the family will feel magic when they step down on main st and look at one of Florida's most iconic symbols. The 3 mountains will keep all thrill seekers entertained, while Disney classics like Pirates of the Caribbean cater to the whole family. Magic Kingdom is an experience that everyone should attest to so they can feel true Disney magic.

2. Universal's Islands Of Adventure
Combine the theming of Disney with the cutting edge thrills of Universal and you'll get Islands of Adventure. 6 Islands surround a huge lagoon each filled with its on unique theme. You can tell when your changing areas here. The music matches the feel, the sights are relasitic and most of all it's an immersive adventure like no other. Thrill seekers will find some of the world's greatest thrills here. Incredible Hulk Coaster, The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, Dragon Challenge are some of the most top notch thrills ever. Kids (and kids at heart) will find their favorite Dr. Suess stories come to life on a whole island. Comic book geeks will be in their heaven. Harry Potter buffs will find a whole 20 acre area dedicated to the boy wizard. And that's not it! There's different adventures around every corner waiting for you to explore.

1. Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney made a Zoo? No this is a theme park. Disney developed a whole new species (pun intended) of park with this one. Probaly one of Disney's most immersive parks on the globe. Your no longer in Florida, your everywhere. A misty jungle, Africa, Asia and so much more. Your surrounded animals at every turn. Your in their domain now and they invite to take the adventures of a lifetime. Blast to the past to save a dinosaur, raft down white waters, and come face to face with the Yeti. And the adventures don't stop here. The themeing is what sets this park so high. You'll feel ad though you've entered into a whole new planet. Africa will take you take a far off continent you read about. Lions, giraffes, and zebras call this area home. While Asia features the tigers, bats and dragons. Animal Kingdom has some of the nest live entertainment out there also. Nemo and Simba shine bright in their own shows which will make the entire family excited. Animal Kingdom is far far from a zoo. It's nahtazu!

 

[Buried20KLeague]

I'll just do the Disney Parks I've been to plus Uni Orlando. Too many others to bother with.

Starting from BEST and going down from there:

Tokyo Disney Sea - Unmatched theming plus unique, amazing rides and shows. Mickey behind a set of drums??? Yes please.

Disneyland Paris - The most beautiful MK style park, IMO. Plus, the best Pirates, HM, BTMRR and Space Mtn. in the world, just to name a few. Little touches everywhere really add to the feeling. Walk thru a sub? Yes please.

Disneyland - The original.

Tokyo Disneyland - Like the MK stuck in the 80's, but IMMACULATE. Best CM's in the world, plus the updated electrical parade. POOH'S HUNNY HUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :sohappy::sohappy: No more needs to be said.

Epcot - Our favorite park in Orlando, even though it's a shadow of its former self. Hopefully it's turning a corner though.

Magic Kingdom - Might move up the list a touch after FL opens... Who knows. We love this park, there's just nothing above this in the list that we think it's overall better than.

IOA - Good for thrills. Potter. Theming is on par (in most areas) with Disney.

Animal Kingdom - YETI. Lack of attractions.:fork:

Hong Kong DL - Just too small and not enough to do yet.

Universal Studios - Not that it's a bad park... Just doesn't do much for us.

DHS -

DCA - (should move up the list after overhaul)

Studios Paris -

 

[mickeypaparazis]

10. Cedar point
9. knotts berry farm
8. disney california advantage
7. universal studios
6. epcot
5. magic kingdom
4. Disneyland
3. Islands of advantage
2. Disney hollywood studios
1. Animal kingdom
parks that have a chance at my top 10 but i have never been too
universal hollywood
all disney parks out side of the USA

 

[Stunnerr22]

10. Universal Studios Hollywood - I think once Transformers is done, this has a shot to move up a couple of slots. Plus, I haven't seen the new King Kong portion of the tram ride. The scenery here is pretty cool.
9. Cedar Point - A few years ago this would have been a lot higher. This is a park I went to every year of my life until two years ago. They seem to be putting less and less effort into their attractions and theming. There are some amazing coasters here that any thrill seeker should ride.
8. Universal Studios Orlando - I have my problems with this park, but there are still a lot of quality attractions. Most of the shows are bad, but rides like Men In Black and Rip, Ride, Rockit make up for that.
7. Islands Of Adventure - This is a great park, but needs some updating. Now that Harry Potter is there, it has two of the best rides in the world along with Spider-Man. The biggest thing here is that you can do this whole park in a half day if the crowds aren't too bad.
6. Hollywood Studios - I love the big three attractions here and can't wait for the new Star Tours. I wish there were more minor attractions here.
5. California Adventure - This could very easily be moving up by 2012. Both The Little Mermaid and Cars attractions promise to be classics and the new theming should be phenomenal. I can't wait to head out there once it's open.
4. Magic Kingdom - This park holds a special place in my heart since this is where I worked for the College Program. It's usually the place I end up going the most on my trip, due to it's overwhelming amount of attractions.
3. Epcot - This was always my favorite growing up. I still look forward to going here more than any park, but I miss a lot of the older attractions and the music that went along with them. This is still the most unique park in Disney thanks to the World Showcase.
2. Animal Kingdom - This park always grows on me. While it still needs some more attractions, what is here is great and it is a beautiful park. Imagine if there were no Dino Land and the Yeti worked. One day, they'll open that new land and this could very well be my favorite.
1. Disneyland - As a lifelong Disney fan, it's hard not to just be overwhelmed by the history and creativity of this park. This truly gives you a special feeling when you walk through that gate. Sure, the Magic Kingdom is an improved version of this park, but it just doesn't have the same feel as this one does. Plus, you have Indiana Jones, Matterhorn and Tiki Room here, which are all among my favorites.

 

[SpoonOfSugar]

1. Magic Kingdom
2. Epcot
3. DHS
4. IOA
5. Animal Kingdom
6. Universal Studios, Orlando
7. Six Flags New Jersey
8. Sea World
9. Six Flags New England
10. Hershey Park

 

[devoy1701]

1. Disneyland Park
2. Disney's Hollywood Studios
3. Epcot
4. Disney's California Adventure
5. Magic Kingdom
6. Busch Gardens Tampa
7. Animal Kingdom
8. SeaWorld Orlando
9. Islands of Adventure
10. Universal Studios Orlando

 

[WVParkfan]

Haven't been to a lot of places, but here are my favorite.

1) Epcot
2) Disney's Animal Kingdom
3) WDW Magic Kingdom
4) Kings Island (Cincinnati)
5) Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
6) Disney's Hollywood Studios
7) Kennywood in Pittsburgh
8) Idlewild/ Storybook Forest
9) Lakemont Park in Altoona, PA (home of the oldest rollercoaster in the world)
10) Camden Park in Huntington, WV (my very first amusement park)

 

[Sigmundooze]

1.EPCOT Center - No other park like it and there probably never will be another one like it. Wonderful concept (Disney's orignal and what we got even though they are completely different), wonderful theming, perfectly fun and edcucational. It is sad that futureworld does not get the attention it really needs to make it shine once again. Still will forever be the best in my book.

2. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Best Theming of any park not named EPCOT hands down. Used to constantly win prettiest park every year I believe (I think it still might).

3. Magic Kingdom - Disney's Disneyland with a bigger budget. A true masterpiece.

4. Animal Kingdom - Love the design and concept. Best animal park IMO.

5. Trimpers, Ocean City MD - Not a true park per se but Bill Tracy was an awesome designer of fun houses. He made some remarkably awesome designs for shoestring budgets. Wish he had worked for Disney.

 

[wolf359]

1. Magic Kingdom - I absolutely love the Magic Kingdom. I grew up going to Disneyland, but I think that in almost every way the Magic Kingdom was the improvement over the original Disney intended. Pirates, Haunted Mansion, the three Mountains, the Peoplemover, Small World, all of the iconic Disney attractions all in one place. Yep, I love it!

2. EPCOT Center - I absolutely love EPCOT too. I love the wide open spaces, the unique architecture, the mix of new and old-style Disney attractions, and the obsessive attention to detail. I love how EPCOT is so totally different from the Magic Kingdom, yet instantly reads completely as a Disney creation.

3. Disneyland - Like I said, I grew up going to Disneyland, and I still have a lot of very fond memories of going there. I love how experiencing the attractions at the Magic Kingdom bring back all of the feelings of seeing the same attractions at Disneyland, yet there are still so many unique attractions at DL that I miss greatly. Obviously the Matterhorn is an obvious one, but even the smaller things like the Motor Boat Cruise and Storybookland still left some vivid memories. Or the excitement of seeing Star Tours that first summer it was open and standing in a three-hour line that stretched halfway down Main Street.

4. Animal Kingdom - Animal Kingdom is another park I love completely, and I always feel bad that it seem to leave so many people disappointed. In many ways I feel like AK is like EPCOT in that it was designed to be completely different from the other Disney parks, yet I feel it's differences were somewhat lost on many people. It's clear Disney used the San Diego Wild Animal Park as a guide, yet expanded and added so many more Disney-elements it clearly surpassed the inspiration, and I find the depth of immersion and the quality of the experience unconditionally outstanding.

5. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - BGW is a great park, and I have enjoyed all of my numerous visits here. It has great coasters, great theming, and Williamsburg is such a great city it really makes for a great place to visit.

6. Hollywood Studios - I like the Studios, but it is easily my least favorite park at WDW. It has some outstanding attractions, some of the best Disney has created, but in this particular case the sum of the parts doesn't add up to an enjoyable whole. The park isn't well laid out, the theming and immersion is haphazard at best, and more than any other park really needs a strong guiding hand to bring some order to the chaos.

7. Carowinds - It's a local park, and it has some good coasters, but it's really only on the list because I've been more than a few times and I have some good memories associated with going.

8. Kings Dominion - In my mind is more like Carowinds' older brother, a little rougher around the edges but still nothing special.

9. Knott's Berry Farm - I feel bad putting Knott's so far down on my list, but I've only been once or twice and it was decades ago, so I really don't remember much at all beyond the ghost town.

10. Magic Mountain - All I remember was riding Colossus and it scaring me absolutely less. Like literally praying to God I don't want to die scared. A kid like me that had previously only been on Space Mountain, Big Thunder, and the Matterhorn had no business riding one of the longest, roughest wooden coasters before he was even ten. Oh well, live and learn.