The Top 10 Theme Parks That Aren't Disney or Universal

Great list. A little bummed out Dollywood didn't make the cut, but Dolly don't need no affirmation as long as Jolene don't take her man.

Isn’t Six Flags an amusement park and not a theme park though? ??

Efteling and Europa Park have gotten my attention recently. I'm starting to blue sky a trip to North-Central Europe to check these places out. They seem worth it. I'm still a ways away from that but I'll definitely keep an eye on their developments.

Nice list! I'm a little surprised Hersheypark, Holiday World, and/or Knoebels didn't make the cut, but I guess when you're looking internationally rather than just at the US they might not make it. Still, I'd take any of those three over a couple on this list *cough* SeaWorld Orlando *cough*. Something else worth noting, especially this year when people may not want to spend the money or time to travel to Orlando, is that most of the bigger Six Flags and Cedar Fair parks (particularly Kings Island, SFGAdv, and SFGAm) can rival Disney and Universal for enjoyment if you just want a day out at a theme park and don't care about specific IP attached to the experience.

I’d like to also throw in Warner Brothers Movie World in Gold Coast, Australia. It’s definitely not on the level of Universal, but the DC themed coasters are all top notch, and while it could use some updating, the level of theming is pretty great. One of my favourites bits of theming is the recreation of Rick’s Cafe Americain from Casablanca in the main plaza (the only shame is the food is a not super great pizza buffet. The food is better at Dirty Harry’s Bar which serves tacos for some reason.) However, I would like to see more dark rides. The Scooby Doo Coaster and Justice League dark ride are both great, but apparently there was Looney Tunes river ride that was really spectacular that is now defunct.

Dennis O'Brien Six Flags does theme their various sections, even if it's not up to the standards of even Busch Gardens, let alone Disney or Universal. But they definitely do theme.

I have to agree with Rob on Dollyworld. And with AJ that it could easily outpace Sea World. I haven't been to either, but I've heard great things about Dollyworld.

I have to agree on how I always thought Six Flags and Cedar point more "amusement" park than "theme park. I know there's always been that tricky criteria yet they bill themselves as amusement parks more.

In my opinion, the following 3 should be in the list, for a more worldwide appeal -

1. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen - For its history, the inspiration it gave to Walt and its current status as one of Europe's most popular theme parks.

2. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom - Signature park in populous China, significant world ranking, massive rides. Main aquarium holds 5 world records.

3. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - Formula Rossa alone should be enough reason!

Dollywood. Phantasialand.

I’ve always found Knott’s to be a bit overrated. It’s not bad, but It wouldn’t make my Top 10 list.

I’m not sure I’ll ever go back there, as I can no longer justify using a day of a SoCal trip to go there. I used to get out there annually, so found time, but now I only manage to get out there more like every 4 or 5 years.

That one launch coaster left a lasting impression, but aside from that, I don’t really have an itch to return. If I lived in the area, I’d probably feel much differently.

BGT is a great park, we have visited there 4 times and had a great time.

The only thing that is difficult is the drive back to Orlando\Lake Buena Vista area after a full day in the hot sun...

Also we interested in Carowinds and Hersey Park.

I would add to this list from the European parks ;

Puy du fou & Parc Asterix, (France)
Phantasialand, Tripsdrill and Heide Park (Germany)
Port Aventura (Spain)

Any list like this is going to have some misses, but I do find it strange that SDC rates higher than Dollywood. While I've never been to the Branson, MO park, everything I've read comparing the two always places Dollywood ahead.

I can't comment on any of the international parks except for Tivoli. While it may have been the park to originally inspire Walt, and has a rich history, it still exists in a niche that's more like an amusement park than a theme park - mostly because of its size and urban location.

Rob I'll love a top 10 theme parks for Toddlers! Maybe some of the folks here can help me out. My son turns 5 in a few weeks and the plan was to hit Lego Land, Story Land, Thomas Theme Park (near Boston)and Enchanted Forest(Oregon) this summer. But due to Covid 19 that most likely won't happen. My question is, by next summer when he turns 6 will he be considered too big for those theme parks? I know there is a huge transition age between 6 and 8 when they are considered too big for those theme parks. Any suggestions or thoughts?

Wait, the (SF) park that dump a rollercoaster in the parking lot is on a top theme park list? Yikes. Lol While no list is perfect, I too agree that Knotts is very forgettable. As far as theming i can't see how CP elapsed Dolly.

I would have to echo the sentiments of others who think that Dollywood should be included. While both Silver Dollar City & Dollywood are great parks, Dollywood is the more beautiful of the two. Also conspicuously missing is Alton Towers.