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Ohio wins for Amusement parks, Orlando wins for Theme parks. Ohio has two really world class parks (Cedar Point, King's Island), but they're more or less a hodgepodge of rides. The parks in Orlando are true Theme parks.
Ohio wins for Amusement parks, Orlando wins for Theme parks. Ohio has two really world class parks (Cedar Point, King's Island), but they're more or less a hodgepodge of rides. The parks in Orlando are true Theme parks.
Good point. It depends what your are looking for. Cedar Point and King's Island are so awesome, went to both about 5 years ago or so. I will admit I am more into theme parks. Just the whole sensory experience and kind of feeling you are in another place that is totally unique is such a cool and memorable experience.
I have been to many regional theme parks like Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Magic Mountain, King's Island, Cedar Point, Carowinds and a couple of others and the park themselves don't create that experience like you get in Orlando. Rather they are more about thrills but the parks themselves feel generic.
If we are including both Disneyland and Six Flags Magic Mountain in the discussion for LA, then we must include Busch Gardens Tampa when discussing Orlando. The distance between the two parks is about the same.
Busch Gardens Tampa has one of the best collections of thrill rides in the country...especially with the addition of Cheetah Hunt this year. Cheetah Hunt will be along the lines of Maverick at Cedar Point...3 launches, loads of airtime. When BGT is included, as it should, then Orlando as a vacation destination pretty much has something for everyone within an easy drive including the hardcore thrill seeker. The only thing missing from Central Florida is a massive hypercoaster. I am hoping that some day we will have one. I would still give the edge to LA in the thrills department even with including BGT. Between Knotts and SFMM you are really in a thrill seekers paradise comparable to Cedar Point.
As for theme parks though, there is so much more to Disney World than Disneyland. Sure Disneyland itself might trump the Magic Kingdom alone, and California Adventure is getting a lot better, but they are a long way from the complete vacation Disney World offers. The grounds and surrounding resorts are really an attraction in themselves. Each resort has signature restaurants (some of which are excellent) so if you stay there part of the fun is going to each resort to dine or walk around...some have entertainment areas like Boardwalk. Add in the parks, AND the two beautiful waterparks...there is more to do to fill up a whole week of escapism than anywhere else. You could say the same for Universal Orlando compared to Universal Hollywood...there is just more in Orlando's version. Add in Seaworld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Wet n Wild, and soon Legoland in Lakeland, it's kinda crazy how many theme parks are within reach.
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