Get set, go: exciting new theme park experiences await in the US
It's just one of the highlights at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. For thrill-seekers, the self-styled rollercoaster capital of the world is a compulsory stop on a road trip from New York to Chicago – but for theme park-lovers heading elsewhere in the US, there are scores of incredible options to choose from. Some are about the adrenalin rushes, some major in nostalgia and old-time atmospherics and others provide immersive storytelling.
Crucially, the US's theme parks are always evolving to bring something new, different and exciting. This year's new openings and anniversary celebrations, however, offer a bumper crop for those ready to ride…
High octane thrills
In Ohio, Cedar Point's newest test of nerve is the innovative tilt coaster Siren's Curse. After climbing a 160ft-tall lift hill, Siren's Curse comes to a halt at a dead end, then tilts directly downwards to connect to the rest of the track. Cedar Point is also unleashing Top Thrill 2 – the world's highest rollercoaster, which shoots up a 420ft-high tower, then descends at a whopping 120mph.
New thrill coasters elsewhere include the Wrath of Rakshasa at Six Flags Great America between Chicago and Milwaukee. This starts with a climb to 180ft, then a few seconds of white-knuckle suspense, hanging over a precipice. Once released, the Wrath of Rakshasa drops at high speed before launching into five upside-down inversions.
At the Kings Dominion theme park just north of Richmond, Virginia, wing coaster Rapterra is the new lure. This one is all about the sensation of dangling legs as the ride swoops, dives and twists at speeds of up to 65mph and reaches heights of up to 145ft.
In New Jersey, meanwhile, Six Flags Great Adventure has unveiled The Flash: Vertical Velocity. The point of difference here is that you're sent one way through the loops and turns, then climb a dead-end track and drop down to do it all again, only this time backwards.
Movie magic
The Flash: Vertical Velocity is a tie-in to the DC Extended Universe movies, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise given that the US's theme parks are a magnet for film fans.
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is the best-known of the movie-linked parks. Its new offerings for 2025 include the light-adorned floats of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away after-dark parade.
There are also two new shows in the Hollywood Studios section of the complex. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure provides the wholesome fun, while Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After indulges the darker side with Cruella de Vil and Maleficent et al.
But the biggest big screen boost in 2025 comes courtesy of nearby Universal Orlando, in the shape of the newly opened Universal Epic Universe. Experiences here include magical time-travelling adventures in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, as well as Dark Universe, an area dedicated to scary movie characters such as Dracula and Frankenstein's monster. The spooky Curse of the Werewolf rollercoaster is a highlight not to be missed.
The park also appeals to gamers, with family-friendly rides at Super Nintendo World based around Mario, Yoshi and other Nintendo favourites.
The classics reimagined
The great American theme park experience isn't all about the new, however. Several long-standing parks brim with pedigree, charm and tangible heritage.
Of these, the original Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, set the template for the modern theme park. It celebrates its 70th anniversary this year with a series of new launches. These include the Tapestry of Happiness show that takes a journey through that 70-year history and the animated projections, lights and fireworks of the Paint the Night parade.
In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, another classic theme park is celebrating a birthday too. Dollywood – founded by country music legend Dolly Parton – is hosting a series of festivals and live music concerts for its 40th anniversary, while the new Dolly Parton Experience offers a warm look at the Jolene singer's life and hits.
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