Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Anaheim, United States of America - October 23, 2016: Legendary Disney castle of sleeping beauty in Disneyland
Anaheim, United States of America - October 23, 2016: Legendary Disney castle of sleeping beauty in Disneyland

Best Theme Parks in the USA

1. Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Los Angelos, California, USA - September 07, 2018: World famous park Universal Studios in Hollywood. Ball with the inscription at the entrance to the park.

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov

  • Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in Los Angeles County
  • It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use
  • It is the first of many full-fledged Universal Studios theme park resorts located across the world
  • As of 2021, Universal Studios Hollywood contains ten rides, seven shows, and two play areas
  • Each lot features a collection of rides, shows and attractions as well as food, beverage, and merchandise shops

Featured in The Best of California

#17 in Best Theme Parks in the World

2. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge, TN: December 28, 2019: Dollywood theme park in the city of Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is a major tourist attraction in Tennessee.

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Dollywood is a theme park that is jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton
  • It is located in the Knoxville metropolitan area in Pigeon Forge, near the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains
  • Dollywood is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, and has won many international awards
  • In addition to standard amusement park thrill rides, Dollywood features traditional crafts, food, and music of the Smoky Mountain area
  • The park hosts a number of concerts and musical events each year, including appearances by Dolly Parton and her family as well as other national and local musical acts
  • The theme park is the anchor of Parton's Dollywood amusement destination, which also includes the sister water park Dollywood's Splash Country, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction

Featured in The Best of Tennessee

#8 in Best Theme Parks in the World

3. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida. January 11, 2019 Entrance Arch of Walt Disney Theme Parks at Lake Buena Vista area .

Best time to visit: March-May

  • The Walt Disney World Resort is an entertainment resort complex located about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Orlando
  • Opened in 1971, the property covers nearly 25,000 acres (39 sq mi; 101 km2), of which half has been developed
  • Walt Disney World contains numerous recreational facilities designed to attract visitors, including four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, conference centers, a competitive sports complex and a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex - Additionally, there are 19 Disney-owned resort hotels and one camping resort on the property

Featured in The Best of Florida

#25 in Best Attractions in the World

#12 in Best Attractions in the USA

4. Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania

Elysburg, PA June 24 2018: Knoebels is a free-admission amusement park for families.
  • Knoebels Amusement Resort is an amusement park located in Elysburg
  • Established in 1926, it is known as America's largest free-admission amusement park
  • The park features over 60 rides and attractions, offering a mix of rides, including coasters, kid's rides, and water attractions, as well as a swimming pool

Featured in The Best of Pennsylvania

5. Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

Singapore - May 2, 2018: Universal Studios with luminous globe in Sentosa island at blue hour with pink lights. Universal Studios Singapore is southeast Asia's first Hollywood movie theme park.

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Universal Islands of Adventure is a theme park located in Orlando, opened in 1999
  • Islands of Adventure is modeled after a journey of exploration, where guests embark on an adventure to visit a variety of themed islands
  • The park features eight islands: Port of Entry, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing

Featured in The Best of Florida

#9 in Best Theme Parks in the World

6. Fun Spot America, Orlando, Florida

A ferris wheel is lit up in multi colour at night at Fun Spot America (Old Town) in Kissimmee near Orlando, Florida.

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Fun Spot America Orlando is an amusement park located in Orlando
  • The park is known for its thrilling rides, including: The White Lightning, Orlando's only wooden roller coaster; The Freedom Flyer, a family suspended steel coaster; Two of the tallest Skycoasters in the world, offering experiences akin to skydiving and hang gliding
  • The park also features multi-level go-kart tracks that cater to various age groups and skill levels

Featured in The Best of Florida

7. Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida

ORLANDO FL, USA - JANUARY 9, 2019: Universal Studios globe located at the entrance to the theme park. Universal Studios Orlando is a theme park resort in Orlando, Florida, USA

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Universal Studios Florida is a theme park located in Orlando, that opened in 1990
  • The park features numerous rides, attractions, and live shows that are primarily themed to movies, television, and other aspects of the entertainment industry
  • Universal Studios Florida features eight themed areas all situated around a large lagoon
  • The themed areas are: Minion Land on Illumination Ave, New York, San Francisco, London/Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, DreamWorks Land, and Hollywood

Featured in The Best of Florida

8. Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, Florida

Orlando, Florida USA - November 13, 2022: Spectacular fireworks display on the castle at Magic Kingdom. Centered view of the castle.

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Magic Kingdom Park is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, opened in 1971
  • The park layout and attractions are dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters
  • The park icon is Cinderella Castle, inspired by the fairy tale castle featured in the 1950 animated film
  • The park has become a cultural touchstone and symbol of modern American pop culture
  • Magic Kingdom is divided into six themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland

Featured in The Best of Florida

#13 in Best Theme Parks in the World

#33 in Best Attractions in the USA

9. Disneyland, Anaheim, California

Anaheim, United States of America - October 23, 2016: Legendary Disney castle of sleeping beauty in Disneyland

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • Disneyland is a theme park at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, and was the first theme park opened by the Walt Disney Company
  • It is the only theme park designed and constructed under the direct supervision of Walt Disney, which opened in 1955
  • Disneyland Park consists of nine themed "lands" and a number of concealed backstage areas
  • The themed lands are: Adventureland, Bayou Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Main Street, U.S.A., Mickey's Toontown, New Orleans Square, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Tommorrowland

Featured in The Best of California

#21 in Best Attractions in the World

#3 in Best Theme Parks in the World

10. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Orlando Resort), Florida

Orlando, USA - Feb. 12, 2021: Fire breathing dragon on top of Gringotts bank at Harry Potter World

Best time to visit: March-May

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando
  • Among the area's flagship rides is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride that takes riders on a journey in and around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
  • The area is a re-creation of Hogsmeade and also features Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a multiple-launch steel roller coaster, and Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster

Featured in The Best of Florida

11. Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

Photo of Silver Dollar City

Best time to visit: Jan, March-May, Sept-Dec

  • Silver Dollar City is a renowned theme park located in Branson, in the scenic Ozark Mountains
  • The park showcases the culture and lifestyle of the Ozarks during the late 19th century, featuring over 100 craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills such as glass blowing, blacksmithing, and pottery
  • Silver Dollar City boasts more than 40 rides and attractions, including several world-class roller coasters
  • The park features around 40 live shows daily, showcasing music, comedy, and other performances that reflect the area's heritage

Featured in The Best of Missouri

12. Universal Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida USA 1November 03 2021. Welcome to Universal Orlando Resort, entrance sign

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Universal Orlando Resort is an entertainment complex located in Orlando
  • It features a variety of attractions, including multiple theme parks, hotels, dining, and entertainment options
  • Included in Universal Orlando Resort is Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk

Featured in The Best of Florida

13. The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

PIGEON FORGE, TN, USA - AUGUST 1, 2022: The Island in Pigeon Forge features stores, wineries, distilleries, and rides for all ages.

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular entertainment complex located in Pigeon Forge
  • Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of over 80 dining and shopping options
  • The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that serves as a centerpiece for the complex
  • The venue hosts various performances and events throughout the year, including a multi-million dollar fountain show that features light and music productions

Featured in The Best of Tennessee

14. Epcot, Bay Lake, Florida

ORLANDO, USA - JULY 2nd, 2017 - EPCOT Center Walt Disney World, Sphere Entrance Gate

Best time to visit: March-May

  • EPCOT is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake
  • Opened in 1982, the park is often referred to as a "permanent world's fair"
  • EPCOT is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, particularly technological innovation and international culture and is known for its iconic landmark Spaceship Earth, a geodesic sphere

Featured in The Best of Florida

#5 in Best Theme Parks in the World

15. Gatlinburg SkyLift, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee - OCT 21 2020: Skylift carrying people up a mountain side on a sunny fall day

Best time to visit: Sept-mid-Oct

  • The Gatlinburg SkyLift is an attraction located in Gatlinburg, that offers visitors views of the Smoky Mountains
  • The SkyLift transports guests from downtown Gatlinburg up to 1,800 feet above sea level
  • At the top of the lift, visitors can walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which is 680 feet long and holds the title of the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America

Featured in The Best of Tennessee

16. Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 7, 2018: Celebrating Pixar fest happening at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park. One of the biggest Pixar celebration ever to come to Disney Parks.

Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct

  • Disney California Adventure is a theme park at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim
  • The park is themed after Disney's interpretation of California, by the use of Disney, Pixar and Marvel properties
  • Disney California Adventure is divided into nine themed lands; Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, Avengers Campus, Cars Land, San Fransokyo Square, Performance Corridor, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens Park, and Grizzly Peak

Featured in The Best of California

CHICAGO - AUGUST 26: Chicago´s number one tourist attraction, the Navy Pier, in Chicago on August 26, 2011. The Navy Pier is 3,300 ft long and built in 1916 at a cost of $4.5 million.

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long (1,010 m) pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, located in Chicago
  • The Pier encompasses shops, restaurants, live theaters, family attractions, parks, gardens, and exhibition facilities
  • Completed in 1916, it is one of the most visited attractions in the entire Midwest
  • It is also home to Offshore, recognized as the world's largest rooftop venue, providing panoramic views of the skyline and lake

Featured in The Best of Illinois

#38 in Best Attractions in the World

18. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake, Florida

Photo of Disneys Hollywood Studios

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando
  • The park is themed to an idealized version of Hollywood, California, and is dedicated to the imagined worlds from film, television, music, and theatre, drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood
  • Disney's Hollywood Studios is divided into seven themed areas inspired by romanticized iterations of either existing locations found in Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles, or imagined worlds from Hollywood-born stories

Featured in The Best of Florida

19. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Photo of Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is a mountain coaster located in Pigeon Forge, opened in 2013, and was the first mountain coaster to be built in the Smoky Mountains
  • Unlike a conventional roller coaster, the cars are equipped with hand brakes, which allow the riders to control their speed
  • Additionally, the carts themselves have a magnetic braking system to prevent the cart from going too fast
  • The ride also has LED lighting for night rides, with over 300,000 lights

Featured in The Best of Tennessee