Best Theme Parks in the World for Thrill-Seekers

Calling all thrillseekers! If your idea of a dream vacation involves lift hills, loop-de-loops, and plenty of air time, then this is the article for you. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best theme parks in the world you can visit with a timeshare. So whether you’re planning an Orlando vacation or traveling overseas, these parks are sure to have you screaming with joy! Hold on tight!

Walt Disney World: Home to Four of the Best Theme Parks in the World

Walt Disney World is the 800-pound gorilla (or is it mouse?) in the theme park scene, and it needs no introduction. The Magic Kingdom, in particular, is practically the Platonic ideal of a theme park. The castle, the fireworks, the smell of popcorn and churros in the air. There’s a reason why they call this the Most Magical Place on Earth. But if you haven’t been to Disney World in a minute, you’re missing out.

A classic thrill ride has received a Muppet makeover at Hollywood Studios. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets now features the musical stylings of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, along with a new pre-show and some added touches for fans of all things felt. In 2027, the park is set to open up Monstropolis, a new land themed to the Monsters, Inc. franchise, complete with a brand-new suspended coaster in the famous factory! Other upcoming attractions include the Cars-inspired Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom, and the Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

If the Muppets are on your itinerary, Disney’s Riviera Resort puts a Skyliner station a short walk away, with gondolas connecting to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Disney describes the resort as “inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney.” That influence carries through to Topolino’s Terrace, its rooftop restaurant modeled on Europe’s cliffside dining. Riviera is also a Disney Vacation Club resort. Keep in mind that Riviera points bought on the resale market can only be used to book stays at Riviera itself.

Universal Orlando Resort

Orlando’s other major theme park resort is home to some of the best theme parks in the world. It brings fantastic worlds to life with some of the most immaculately themed attractions anywhere. Step through the silver screen into places straight out of your favorite movies and games, and become a part of the action.

Want to be a wizard? Already know where you’re going to be sorted? Universal Orlando is home to not one, but three massive lands themed to the world of Harry Potter. Take a trip to Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, where you can ride Hagrid’s flying motorcycle and take a harrowing tour of Hogwarts. Then, if you have a Park-to-Park ticket, hop on the Hogwarts Express for a trip to King’s Cross Station and Diagon Alley. In addition to featuring famous shops like Ollivanders and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, you can delve into the vaults of Gringotts to face He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself. Finally, take a time-turning trip to magical Paris at Epic Universe, where you can meet Newt Scamander’s fantastic beasts, or ride the Metro-Floo to the Ministry of Magic.

Westgate Palace Resort

Westgate Palace Resort makes a convenient base for a Universal trip. It’s steps from International Drive, and Westgate describes it as near Epic Universe. The two-bedroom family suites sleep up to six and include full kitchens and living areas, giving everyone space to settle in. Westgate also lists a free shuttle to Universal Studios Orlando. After a park day, you can relax in the heated pool and hot tub or take the kids to the Mission Control game room.

SeaWorld Orlando Rivals the Best Theme Parks in the World for Thrills

If you’re a coaster fan, SeaWorld is not to be missed. While the park is most famous for its aquatic animal exhibits, there’s no shortage of thrills to be had. Some of the wildest rides in Orlando can be found here, including some styles you won’t find anywhere else in town.

Ever ride a hyper coaster? Mako, named after one of the fastest known sharks, reaches speeds up to 73 mph, and heights up to 200 feet! If you really want to feel like you’re flying, however, then take a ride on Manta, complete with a face-down inverted nosedive. Other thrill rides include Kraken, Penguin Trek, Ice Breaker, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster.

SeaWorld Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club

If one ride on Mako isn’t enough, SeaWorld Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, sits just across from the park. Hilton Grand Vacations describes this Bermuda-inspired resort as having sparkling pools, lush gardens and a tranquil lake promenade. There are three pools in all, along with a splash pad for younger guests. Accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom suites. For time away from the rides, there’s an on-site movie theater, restaurant and bar.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

We’re leaving Orlando for Virginia and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, one of the best theme parks in the world. Much like SeaWorld Orlando, this place is a thrillseeker’s dream: eleven elaborate roller coasters, from steel behemoths to titans of timber. Verbolten: Forbidden Turn is a must-ride. Themed to the German Autobahn, this roller coaster takes you through the darkness of the Black Forest, where something is watching from the trees.

Feeling spooky? DarKastle, Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s classic dark ride, has gotten a high-speed makeover as DarKoaster. This indoor launch coaster sends riders through the dark halls of King Ludwig’s abandoned castle. …Boy, there sure are a lot of supernatural forces haunting coaster riders here. Anheuser-Busch may not own the park anymore, but there are still plenty of spirits.

Club Wyndham Kingsgate

Club Wyndham Kingsgate’s Colonial-style furnishings feel at home in historic Williamsburg. Busch Gardens is among the area’s attractions, so you can trade its haunted coasters for a quieter evening back at the resort. Suites range from one-bedroom units to three-bedroom lock-offs, with room for the group to spread out. You can cook at the barbecue area, play a few games in the arcade or stop by the bar.

Dollywood Belongs Among the Best Theme Parks in the World

Located in Pigeon Forge, TN, Dollywood is Dolly Parton’s answer to Disneyland: a fairy-tale version of the Smoky Mountains that is as one-of-a-kind as its founder. Smell the scent of cinnamon bread on the wind as you explore Dolly’s colorful world, filled to the brim with tributes to her life, love, and legacy.

NightFlight Expedition is one of Dollywood’s most immersive attractions, offering a first-of-its-kind experience. Calling this an indoor roller coaster isn’t doing it justice. This multimedia experience combines a dark ride, roller coaster, and even a whitewater rapids ride as you go on an adventure through the Smoky Mountains. Standing nearly three stories tall, this one-of-a-kind ride is five minutes of unforgettable thrills.

Laurel Crest, a Hilton Vacation Club

Laurel Crest, a Hilton Vacation Club, puts you in the same town as Dollywood and its cinnamon bread, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. One-, two- and three-bedroom suites come with full kitchens; select units also have fireplaces and patios. When you’re back from the park, choose between the indoor and outdoor pools, the hot tub and the game room. The resort also has a clubhouse and barbecue grills.

Alton Towers

Our first international offering is the UK’s most famous amusement park, Alton Towers. This park is one of the best theme parks in the world for innovative attractions. There’s the mind-bending Smiler, with its 14 inversions and hypnotic special effects. Or you can take a ride on the sinister TH13TEEN, which features a harrowing vertical drop where the track seems to fall out from under you!

One of the biggest draws of Alton Towers is the titular estate: a genuine 19th-century stately manor. This is no mere model: the Towers and their surrounding grounds are the real deal. Several attractions cover the Towers’ history and surrounding mythology, but one of the most unique is Hex: The Legend of the Towers. Set inside the Towers themselves, this ride is inspired by the legend of the Chained Oak, and has to be seen to be believed. Words truly don’t do it justice. By the time you stumble back into the daylight, you’ll swear you just had a genuine paranormal experience.

Wychnor Park Country Club

After a day on The Smiler, Wychnor Park Country Club offers a quieter setting across 55 well-manicured acres of English countryside. It’s between Lichfield and Burton upon Trent, in the same county as Alton Towers. Rooms range from studios to three-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens. You can swim in the indoor pool, then relax in the hot tub or sauna. The resort is also affiliated with Interval International, so Interval members can request it through exchange.

Disneyland Paris Gives Europe One of the Best Theme Parks in the World

Traveling across the Channel, we arrive at Europe’s own take on the Happiest Place on Earth. Disneyland Paris consists of two incredible parks. Disneyland is a distinctly European take on the Magic Kingdom, with unique takes on some of Disney’s most iconic rides. Phantom Manor, in particular, is a gothic horror-inspired remix of the classic Haunted Mansion. This is no happy haunt: the sinister Phantom will take every opportunity to terrorize guests on this macabre adventure.

Disney Adventure World is Disneyland Paris’s answer to parks like Disney California Adventure and Hollywood Studios. You’ll find some familiar attractions here, like the Avengers Campus and Tower of Terror. However, you can also take a trip to World of Frozen for an immersive visit to the Kingdom of Arendelle. Keep an eye out for Olaf!

Royal Regency Paris Vincennes

Royal Regency Paris Vincennes gives you a base for visiting both Paris and Disneyland Paris. It’s in Vincennes, a town known for its historic château and lively local markets, and just minutes from a Metro station with connections to the city’s best-known sights. Vincennes also has an RER A station, with trains to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy for Disneyland Paris. Rooms range from studios to three-bedroom suites, and there’s a sauna for unwinding after a day out.

Europa-Park Regularly Tops the Best Theme Parks in the World

We’ll wrap up our tour with Germany’s largest theme park. Europa-Park sits in the town of Rust, and it invites you to “experience Europe in a single day.” That’s a tall order, but with over 100 attractions and shows, it comes close. Not to mention, it has its own water park, Rulantica. Moreover, Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards named Europa-Park Best Park in 2026. That’s its eleventh win, so it’s safe to call it one of the best theme parks in the world.

Ready for some speed? Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac opened in 2024, and the park calls it the “world’s steepest launch.” It also flips riders through seven inversions. Then there’s Blue Fire Megacoaster, which rockets from 0 to about 62 mph in 2.5 seconds. Of course, Silver Star is no slouch either, at about 240 feet tall. And if you’d rather ride a wooden coaster, Wodan – Timburcoaster has you covered.

Ferienclub Erlenbruck Hinterzarten

After Europa-Park’s coasters, Ferienclub Erlenbruck offers a change of pace. The resort sits in a nature reserve above Hinterzarten, a recognized health resort town in Germany’s southern Black Forest. Its fully equipped vacation apartments sleep one to six people. If you’re still in the mood for a little excitement, there’s a swimming pool and a giant water slide, plus a sauna afterward. The resort is RCI-affiliated, so RCI members can request it through exchange.

Find a Timeshare Near the Best Theme Parks in the World

From Walt Disney World to Europa-Park, every stop on this tour is more fun with a comfortable place to stay. So whether you want to buy near your favorite park or rent for a single trip, we can help. Browse resale and rental postings on Timeshares Only, then use our built-in form to contact the owner. It couldn’t be easier!