The term “theme park” usually conjures up images of roller coasters, but the rides aren’t the main attraction at these quirky places.
Read on to see how parks around the world are giving guests a chance to escape reality.
Evermore
Jute
The main attractions at this theme park aren’t the rides—there aren’t any—but, instead, trained actors playing fictional characters. Evermore invites visitors to join a… guild, learn the stories of the characters and play their own roles while participating in various tasks and quests.
Xcaret Park
Cancun, Mexico
This park takes its name from the nearby archaeological site of Xcaret, which was once a Mayan settlement. Instead of artificial roller coasters, the theme park uses the natural environment to offer visitors thrills. Swim with sharks and explore underground rivers and caves, and in the evening, watch a live show depicting the Mayan culture.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Orlando, Florida
The Hogwarts world replica at Universal Studios. Cast spells, drink butterbeer and travel on the Hogwarts Express from Diagon Alley to the village of Hogsmeade.
Hacienda Napoles
Colombia
Built by the Colombian government on the grounds of cocaine lord Pablo Escobar’s mansion, the entire park is themed around his life. Check out the bullring, antique collection, water attractions and wildlife sanctuary.
Puy du Fou
France
This theme park is centered around interactive historical drama performances with high-tech special effects, where guests participate in Viking campaigns, duels and more. There are also reconstructed historical settlements and the six hotels in the area are themed. Stay in a medieval citadel, a replica of Versailles, or a Merovingian-era thatched hut, among others.
Phantasialand
Germany
Feel like traveling the world in just one day at this Parkscout Awarded Europe’s Most Spectacular Theme Park 2020. From the West African savannah to historic Berlin, each section has its own rides.
Salina Turda
Romania
Take a boat ride on the underground lake, play mini golf, go bowling and ride the Ferris wheel. Afterwards, take a dip in the Durgău salt lakes, considered a natural cure for joint pain and inflammation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p7U4NwgwXc
Imsil Cheese Theme Park
North Jeolla Province, South Korea
Immerse yourself in a cheese-utopia. Opened in 2004 to celebrate the country’s newfound love of cheese, this theme park features a Cheese Playland, areas to learn about the cheese-making process and, of course, opportunities to devour dairy products.
Crocosaurus Cove
Darwin, Australia
This reptile-themed park is perhaps best known for its controversial “Cage of Death,” in which guests are encased in a transparent cylinder and dropped into crocodile-infested waters where the 20-foot-long creatures roam for 15 minutes. Also, visitors can visit the reptile house to learn from a distance about 70 species of Australian reptiles.
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