8 of the best new theme parks in the world – Yili News

(CNN) — As people in the northern hemisphere enjoy the final days of summer, families flock to theme parks in the U.S. and abroad to squeeze in more fun.

These include a slew of new parks that have opened around the world over the past two years, keeping things fresh with surprisingly low-key natural settings, or quite the opposite – jaw-dropping, creepy, mesmerizing attractions.

From ultra-subtle and surreal theme parks like Japan’s Park Ghibli, to Thailand’s Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse, here are some of the most noteworthy new theme parks to bring back unforgettable family memories.

Opening in March 2023 on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, the park is full of mysteries and legends.

According to legend, explorer Kilgore Goode stumbled upon the “Desirata” gemstone during his expeditions in Nepal, protected by a fierce Yeti. But this discovery turned everything upside down.

Kathmandu Punta Cana immerses visitors in this magical world, skipping the more classic boomerang and twisting coasters and instead focusing on technically-savvy interactive indoor rides.

For example, the 4D dark ride “The Legend of Desirata” chronicles the brand’s origin story – all brought to life through sensory, lighting and projection effects.

Another major attraction is EtherQuest, an interactive walking experience where visitors use blasters and props in immersive projection technology to defeat an army of evil mages in “The Upside Down House.”

Not to be outdone is the Mad Mage’s Challenge, where each guest engages in a blaster duel in a surreal game of chess, while sensations of wind, vibration and fog enhance the experience.

In addition to the immersive rides, guests can also visit the Himalayan-inspired miniature golf course, a high ropes course, a climbing wall and a quirky carousel for young adventurers.

Kathmandu Park, Punta Cana. AV. Alemania, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic. Tickets start at $120 for adults; $85 for one-time passes for children.

Oh yeah! Mario time! Just over a year after opening at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, Super Nintendo World arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood in February 2023.

Visitors enter the Mushroom Kingdom through the game’s iconic green pipe. Once inside, visitors will discover a world of fun-filled experiences, from meeting their favorite characters to savoring “piranha plant” caprese, Chef Toad’s signature short rib and “?”. “Block” Tiramisu at Toadstool Café.

Fans of the game will appreciate the impressive set, which recreates familiar game locations such as Princess Peach’s Castle, Bowser’s Castle, and Bean Stalk Mountain, designed to look just like the game’s 16-bit graphics.

But the standout is “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”

A cross between a video game and a roller coaster, the high-tech ride will take riders through a multi-sensory world as they use augmented reality (AR) to navigate different tracks and try to beat Team Bowser.

Visitors who purchase the Power-Up Band (an add-on wristband that syncs with the park app) can also use AR to play mini-games and “key challenges” throughout the park to unlock the final boss fight with Bowser Jr.

super nintendo world. Universal Studios Hollywood, address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA, US, 91608. Tickets start at $109.

If you enjoyed Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli animated films, such as the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, then this new park is for you.

Ghibli Park is located on the outskirts of Nagoya, Japan, and will open in late 2022. Within the Expo 2005’s 17.5-hectare forest site, visitors will find five zones that recreate famous scenes from animation and are known for the whimsy, artistry and attention to detail for which the studio is known.

There aren’t any creepy rides, but you can enjoy fascinating interactive exhibits.

Guests can watch the cat bus in “My Neighbor Totoro”, explore the antique shop in “Whispers of the Heart”, or climb to the top of the “Laputa in the Sky” tower to enjoy the scenery.

There’s also a movie theater showing short films, several cafes, and family-friendly activities like a Totoro-themed playground and a monorail.

Two more areas, Ghost Village and Witch’s Hollow, are expected to open later in 2023.

Ghibli Park, Expo 2005 Aichi Memorial Park, Ibaragabasama 1533-1, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture. Tickets start at $15 for adults; $7.50 for children.

Following the debut of LEGOLAND Resort New York in 2021, LEGOLAND Korea Resort will open in May 2022.

Like its sister park, this fun wonderland in Chuncheon, about 1.5 hours east of Seoul, is dedicated to showcasing all things Lego, with more than 40 rides and attractions spread across seven themed zones.

In the aptly named Bricktopia area, guests can ride family-friendly rides, visit the LEGOLAND Lookout for views of the park, and participate in creative workshops and a racing zone that’s built and tested.

The park is designed for kids ages 2 to 12, so there aren’t many high-intensity rides, but the Dragon coaster in the LEGO Castle District should test your mettle.

Meanwhile, younger kids will love the wave racing, LEGO airplane, spinner, rock climbing and pirate experience.

For the ultimate experience, you can spend the night in a LEGO-themed hotel room and soak up the decorations of castles, pirates or ninjas. Hotel guests also enjoy exclusive play areas and express park access.

Legoland Korea Resort, 128 Hajungdo-gil, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24240, South Korea. Tickets start at $38 for adults; $30 for children.

In Asia, one of the most exciting opening titles for 2022 is Thailand’s Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse.

Located on the coast near Pattaya, about two hours south of Bangkok, this movie-themed water park features rides and experiences inspired by hits like Jumanji, Ghostbusters and Zombieland Movie.

As the name suggests, Aquaverse is all about water fun – splash, soak, slip, slide, you name it.

You can expect it all, from rainbow-colored slides to the world’s first water dome ride, surf machines, and the “Motel Inn” area with nine slides and over 100 kids’ water rides.

For landlubbers, there’s also go-karts, the “Emoji Movie” miniature golf course and several themed cafes.

In addition to rides and games, the park hosts shows at its Mega Wave Pool, where guests can hang out while enjoying movie screenings, DJ performances and concerts.

Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, 888 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20250, Thailand.Tickets start at $4

About three decades after opening its flagship park in Seoul, Lotte World expanded in March 2022 with the opening of a second land, Lotte World Adventure Busan, on the country’s southeast coast.

The park embodies a colorful fairytale atmosphere, showcasing elegant European-style gardens, spacious squares and beautiful fountains, as well as a series of thrilling rides, games and attractions spread across six themed areas.

At Tinker Falls River Village, visitors can splash around in Orge’s flume ride and meet many of the park’s characters, including giant talking trees and adorable woodland creatures.

From there, they can explore Castle Lowry in the “Queen of Lowry’s Royal Gardens” or ride on the giant swing (up to nearly 150 feet tall) and giant excavator (speeds up to 65 mph) in “The Underworld” The feeling of adrenaline rush. “.

The park also features the low-key children’s ride “Little Farm” and Korea’s first “roller coaster” restaurant. Dubbed the Food Drop, the restaurant serves steaks, burgers and pasta via an overhead revolving track system.

At night, the various attractions and fountains in the park are illuminated, followed by a dazzling display of lights, music and dance.

The world’s first Peppa Pig theme park opened last year in Winter Haven, Florida, and it’s been delivering a healthy dose of fun to kids ever since.

Themed after the classic British animated TV show about Peppa’s daily adventures with friends and family, the 4.5-acre park welcomes little visitors with curated, multi-sensory activities in six play landscapes.

Kids will love “Peppa’s Pedal Bike Tour,” centered around camp-style trails, action-packed mud puddles and interactive shows from Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena.

For those who are ready for their first roller coaster ride, the “Daddy Pig” tour will take the family on a windy road in the show’s red car.

They can also sail on Grandpa Dog’s pirate ship, enjoy a dinosaur tour, see what Grandpa Pig is growing in the greenhouse, or play games at the playground.

Since the park is adjacent to LEGOLAND Florida theme park and LEGOLAND Water Park, guests can easily combine visits to all three parks for a fun-filled family vacation.

Looking forward to another Peppa Pig theme park opening next year in Dallas, Texas.

Genting Skyworld Theme Park is located in Resorts World Genting, about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and will open in February 2022.

The 26-acre park cost $800 million and nearly 10 years to create, and visitors will discover 26 attractions across nine areas inspired by film and adventure, from Rio de Janeiro and Central Park to Andromeda Base and Robot Rivet Town and more.

The tour begins at Studio Plaza, an Art Deco building that connects with old-world Hollywood, leading visitors into the park.

For thrill seekers, there are plenty of attractions, including a roller coaster ride through the winding peaks of Eagle Mountain, the 3D “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” adventure at Liberty Lane, and the space-themed “Independence Day: Revolt” ride in Central Park. OK.

For younger visitors, “Ice Age: Thin Ice Expedition” offers a leisurely journey through frozen caverns, while “Bigweld’s Zeppelin” invites families to soar in slow motion.

A dedicated app allows guests to check ride wait times, book ride slots and get personalized activity recommendations.

In addition to the outdoor park, the integrated resort also has an indoor area called Skytropolis, which includes a movie theater, bowling alley, virtual reality experience hall, playground and seven hotels.

Genting Sky World. Genting Highlands, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. Tickets start at US$34 for adults; US$29 for children.

CNN connection
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. all rights reserved.