A THEME park in the UK has been named in the top ten in the world, coming ahead of places like Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World, Florida.
The rankings were produced by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel review platform, which has announced the winners of its 2024 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best ‘Things to Do’.
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The list was created after analysis of TripAdvisor review data from millions of travellers across the globe.
The website said this has enabled them to create “a definite guide to the very best travel experiences for 2024”.
One of those travel experiences is a trip to Alton Towers, which was named the eighth best theme park in the world and the best in the UK.
The Staffordshire theme park has some of the country’s most famous rides, with arguably its most famous Nemesis reopening this year after undergoing refurbishment.
TripAdvisor recommended its unique accommodation options and its special seasonal events.
They wrote: “Staffordshire’s Alton Towers Resort is the UK’s biggest theme park, with more than 40 rides and attractions, a water park, and mini golf.
“Stay in one of three themed hotels, a stargazing pod (a camping-style experience), or a log cabin in the Enchanted Village. Don’t miss events like fall’s ScareFest.”
The park has an overall rating of 4/5 from more than 22,000 reviews.
One fan wrote: “The rides were amazing, so safe, and the staff were so nice.
“There was so many things to do no matter your age and queues for the rides were fairly short and the food was amazing.”
Another added: “Yet another great stay at the Alton Towers Resort. It never disappoints.”
Alton Towers came even higher on that list than Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, which was rated number 13 overall.
It was the only UK theme park to come in the top 10, although two others made the top 25.
In 12th place was the Milky Way Adventure in Clovelly, Devon, which has formerly held the UK top spot.
Top 25 Amusement and Waterparks 2024
Here is the full list of TripAdvisor’s best amusement and waterparks 2024
- Disneyland, Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France
- Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
- Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Bero Carrero World, Penha, Brazil
- Waterbom, Bali, Indonesia
- Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil
- Puy de Fou, Les Epesses, France
- Alton Towers, Staffordshire, UK
- Walt Disney Studios Park, Marne-la-Vallee, France
- Dollywood, Tennessee, USA
- Heide Park, Soltau, Germany
- The Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon, UK
- Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, Florida, USA
- Fun Spot America, Florida, USA
- Universal Studios, Sentosa Island, Singapore
- Aquafollie, Caorle, Italy
- Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh, Malaysia
- Parque Terra Magica Florybal, Canelo, Brazil
- Legoland, Billund, Denmark
- Drayton Manor, Staffordshire, UK
- Nautico Praia Clube, Caldas Novas, Brazil
- Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong, China
- Ramayana Water Park, Pattaya, Thailand
- Alpen Park, Canela, Brazil
- Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan
TripAdvisor wrote of the park: “Check out the falconry display, challenge yourself on the ninja stars course, and don’t miss Ziggy’s Blast Quest (an interactive ride that’s a hit with all ages).
“There are also activities for babies and toddlers (reflexology, dance) and a bouncing balloon room.”
Further down the list, also from Staffordshire, is Drayton Manor, which came 20th overall in the world rankings.
TripAdvisor described it as “a family resort with a theme park, a well-maintained zoo, and accommodations if you want to make a longer trip out of it”.
They added: “Its major claim to fame: It’s home to Thomas Land, the UK’s first Thomas & Friends theme park.”
Overall, the top theme park in the world to visit this year is Disneyland Paris.
TripAdvisor said of the French park: “Set in a small French town about 20 miles east of Paris, Disneyland Paris is Disney’s first (and only) European outpost.
“It’s smaller than its U.S. siblings, but it packs in a lot, with two theme parks, seven Disney-owned hotels (including a Marvel property), a golf course, and an entertainment complex that’s similar to Disney Springs in Orlando.”
Meanwhile, this theme park has a brand new £12million ride and cheap flights from the UK.
And this affordable European theme park can be reached by train from the UK.
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