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From dragon-chasing in Orlando to seaside spins at the Santa Monica Pier, here’s what’s new, now and next in the world of USA theme parks.
Universal Epic Universe – Orlando, Florida
Buckle up, one of this decade’s most anticipated theme park openings arrived in Orlando in May 2025: Universal Epic Universe. The fourth jewel in Universal Orlando Resort’s crown, this shiny addition features five distinct worlds.
Step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™. As soon as you enter, you’ll walk through the streets of 1920s wizarding Paris, where fantastic beasts roam. Spellbinding adventures alongside Ron, Hermione and Harry await inside the anticipated attraction Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™.
In Super Nintendo World™, collect coins, face Bowser and refuel at Toadstool Cafe. Dare to enter the Dark Universe, where monsters lurk in every shadow, soar on a dragon coaster in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk world or get lost in the lush, mystical beauty of Celestial Park.
Disney Land Resort – Anaheim, California
The original magic-maker since 1955, Disneyland Park still draws crowds with iconic rides like Space Mountain, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Indiana Jones Adventure. Right next door, Disney California Adventure Park amps things up with Marvel heroes, Pixar favourites and Cars Land thrills. Both theme parks make up Disney Land Resort. Disneyland Resort celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, kicking off the festivities with a birthday extravaganza on May 16 and continuing the celebration all year long. Expect character-filled cavalcades, the return of Wondrous Journeys fireworks and the dazzling light show Tapestry of Happiness.
Six Flags Great American – Gurnee, Illinois
Powered by amusement park giant Six Flags, this mega-playground promises non-stop excitement just 45 minutes outside Chicago. Joining the impressive portfolio of G-force machines this year is the Wrath of Rakshasa, a dive coaster that will climb 180 feet, linger at the edge, then dive straight down with five upside-down loops. Pro tip: If the USA is your playground for a holiday, and adrenaline is your game, opt for a Gold or Prestige pass with an All-Park Passport add-on, which allows you to access the many Six Flags parks throughout the country.
Pacific Park – Santa Monica, California
This oceanfront park on the Santa Monica Pier is pure boardwalk nostalgia. Expect a mix of thrilling rides, arcade games and the scent of sizzling hot dogs, warm churros and cotton candy. The main attraction? The world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, as featured in films like ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ and ‘Iron Man 2’.
Walt Disney World Resort – near Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida
The largest Disney resort in the world, Walt Disney World, has four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of themed hotels. In the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Castle stands tall with pastel turrets – the closest you’ll get to a real-life version of the Disney logo. Themed around some of Disney’s biggest movie and television franchises, neighbouring Disney’s Hollywood Studios has welcomed two new live shows: ‘Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After’ and ‘The Little Mermaid–A Musical Adventure’.
Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton’s namesake park serves old-school theme park thrills, sprinkled with Southern charm. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, Dollywood marks the milestone with a packed calendar of festivals, live music and the debut of the Dolly Parton Experience – an immersive tribute to the legendary performer’s life and career.
Alongside rollercoasters and family-friendly attractions, you’ll find uniquely regional experiences – like Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, featuring horse-riding stunts, musical performances and a four-course Southern feast. The park has recently expanded Wildwood Grove with a new coaster, Big Bear Mountain, the longest in the park’s history.
Silver Dollar City – Branson, Missouri
Step into an 1880s mining town in the Ozark Mountains at Silver Dollar City, where wooden roller coasters, steam train rides and live blacksmith demonstrations bring history to life. When the weather heats up, the neighbouring White Water park adds slides, waves and a lazy river to the mix. There’s no shortage of things to do in this Ozark Mountain city, so when you’re not chasing thrills, consider the paddlewheel riverboat dinner cruise, Showboat Branson Belle and the Titanic Museum.
LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven, Florida
LEGOLAND Florida has all the building blocks for a fun-filled, hands-on day with young kids. This colourful resort features a theme park, water park and even a dedicated Peppa Pig Theme Park for the littlest visitors. Don’t miss the LEGO Ferrari Build & Race experience, where you can see a life-size Ferrari built from over 400,000 bricks. For a change of pace, hop on a boat ride through the historic Cypress Gardens, a preserved botanical oasis hidden within the park.
Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
Perched on a peninsula extending into Lake Erie, Cedar Point boasts views as thrilling as the screams from its 18 high-speed coasters. Highlights include the record-breaking Steel Vengeance, one of the world’s largest hybrid coasters (made of both wood and metal) and the upcoming Siren’s Curse – set to be one of North America’s tallest, longest and fastest tilt coasters when it opens in summer 2025. The ‘tilt’ name comes from the ride’s key feature – a 160-foot ascent followed by a dead-end pause, before the track tilts downward to send riders plunging.
DreamWorks Water Park – East Rutherford, New Jersey
North America’s largest indoor water park is tucked inside the American Dream shopping complex, just 30 minutes from NYC and open year-round – a reliable option for the colder months. Inside, you’ll find slides and splash zones themed around hit franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar. It also rubs shoulders with Nickelodeon Universe, making it a one-stop family destination.
Feature image: Visit the USA
