When people think of major theme parks in the US, Orlando often comes to mind as the epicenter of excitement and adventure. While the city is home to some of the world’s most famous parks, there are other notable destinations that offer unique experiences both in the parks and out. Let’s take a look at our top three Orlando alternatives that offer a full vacation’s worth of fun for the whole family.
Tampa, Florida: Busch Gardens Tampa
Located just over an hour’s drive from Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines the excitement of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo. The park is renowned for its thrills. Coasters lovers can check out Iron Gwazi, one of the tallest and fastest hybrid coasters in the world. The park features a total of 10 world-class coasters such as Cheetah Hunt, which mimics the agility of a cheetah with its high-speed dips and curves. Additionally, guests can venture on to Serengeti Flyer or (in the hotter months) head over to Adventure Island water park.
In addition to world class coasters, what sets Busch Gardens apart from other theme parks is its exceptional wildlife exhibits and year round festivals. Guests can encounter over 200 species of animals! Some experiences allow visitors to hand-feed giraffes and get up-close views of other exotic animals. The park also features the Rising Tide Conservation Exhibit which includes a 270-gallon aquarium. In 2025, the park will open a engaging play zone called Wild Oasis aimed to entertain, educate, and inspire.
Throughout the year, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers several themed events such as the annual Christmas Town event for the holiday season. Guests can also celebrate Mardi Gras, Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival, and fun summer nights featuring fireworks. The stand out even for Busch Gardens Tampa however, is the Howl-O-Scream even hosted for Halloween.
Outside of the theme park, guests have dozens of accommodation options in the city of Tampa. Other local attractions include visiting the beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, The Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, The Museum of Science and Industry, and much more. Tampa would be a great alternative to those looking to venture outside of Orlando but enjoy the warm Florida climate.
Hershey, Pennsylvania: Hersheypark
Hershey, Pennsylvania is home to Hersheypark. Hersheypark is a place where chocolate and entertainment collide. This world-class theme park includes over 70 rides and attractions, including 15 roller coasters. Thrill-seekers can enjoy coasters like Skyrush, known for its intense airtime. One of the most notable coasters is Wildcat’s Revenge which features an 82-degree plummet and four breathtaking inversions.
Hersheypark is a family-friendly destination with attractions such as the Reese’s Cupfusion interactive ride and over 20 sweet flat rides. Admission to Hersheypark includes entrance to an The Boardwalk water park during the summer months. For guests who like thrills but not coasters, there is The new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity giant swing coming in 2025 with speeds of 68 mph and a height of 137 feet!
Guests looking to venture away from the park can find other sweet attractions nearby. Visitors can enhance their chocolate-themed fun by exploring Hershey’s Chocolate World, with factory-inspired tours, tastings, and the chance to create your own custom candy bar. A stay at the Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey, or Hersheypark Camping Resort keeps guests close to all the sweet offerings near Hersheypark. ZooAmeria is Hersheypark’s 11-acre zoo and admission is included with admission to Hersheypark. Visitors can also check out the The Hershey Story Museum and Hershey Gardens.
Sandusky, Ohio: Cedar Point
Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, is a must-visit destination for thrill enthusiasts. The park boasts an impressive collection of 18 roller coasters, including Millennium Force, a giga coaster celebrated for its breathtaking speed and smoothness. Steel Vengeance is a record-breaking hybrid coaster with a perfect blend of airtime and inversions voted by many as one of the best roller coasters in the world. Next year, Cedar Point will open the new Siren’s Curse tilt coaster. We also hope to see the reopening of Top Thrill 2, one of the tallest coasters in the world.
In addition to its coaster collection, Cedar Point offers three children’s areas. Altogether they offer tons of attractions for smaller visitors. Additionally, there are several family-friendly coasters for visitors looking for mild thrills. Wild Mouse is a spinning family coaster located near the beach. Cedar Creek Mine Ride is offers a classic mine cart coaster experience.
Cedar Point’s location on a Lake Erie peninsula adds to its charm, providing stunning waterfront views. Beyond the theme park, the water park, Cedar Point Shores, includes dozens of slides and attractions to keep cool. Guests can visit Cedar Point beach where they can find daily activities, live entertainment, and watersport rentals.
Cedar Point also features five hotels which all include early entry to the theme park. The historic Hotel Breakers and Lighthouse Point campground are located just steps from the park. A short drive from the park, guests can stay at Express Hotel or opt for more fun at Castaway Bay with its indoor waterpark. Sawmill Creek Resort is located a bit farther from the park but includes an 18-hole golf course, nature trails, two pools, and a convention center.
While Orlando may hold the crown for theme park enthusiasts, destinations like Tampa, Hershey, and Sandusky offer unique experiences and theme park excitement. Busch Gardens Tampa combines wildlife and thrill rides. Hersheypark sweetens the experience with its chocolate-inspired charm. Finally, Cedar Point reigns supreme for coaster aficionados. Where will you visit?
