A series of new parks have opened around the world in the last two years, keeping things fresh with surprisingly understated natural surroundings or just the opposite – jaw-dropping, hair-raising, all-consuming attractions.
From the super subtle and surreal, like Ghibli Park in Japan, to a tidal wave of fun at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Thailand, here's a look at a few of the most noteworthy new theme parks for those unforgettable family memories.
Columbia Pictures Aquaverse
In Asia, one of the most exciting openings of 2022 was Thailand's Columbia Pictures Aquaverse.
Located along the coast near Pattaya, about two hours south of Bangkok by car, the movie-themed water park revolves around rides and experiences inspired by popular films, such as Jumanji, Ghostbusters and Zombieland.
Ghibli Park
If you love Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli animated films, like the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, this new park is for you.
Located outside of Nagoya, Japan, Ghibli Park opened in late 2022.
Within the 17.5 forested ground of the Expo 2005, guests will find five areas that recreate several animated famous scenes with all the whimsy, artistry and attention to detail the studio is known for.
Lotte World Adventure Busan
About three decades after opening its flagship park in Seoul, Lotte World expanded in March 2022 with a second location, Lotte World Adventure Busan, on the country's southeastern coast.
Embodying a colourful fairytale atmosphere, the park showcases tasteful European-inspired gardens, wide-open plazas and handsome fountains, and an array of thrilling rides, games and attractions peppered across six themed zones.
Super Nintendo World
Just over a year after opening at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, Super Nintendo World touched down at Universal Studios Hollywood in February 2023.
Guests enter the Mushroom Kingdom via the game's iconic green pipe.
Once inside, visitors will discover a world of fun experiences, from meeting their favourite characters to dining on "Piranha Plant" caprese, Chef Toad's short rib special and "? Block" tiramisu at Toadstool Cafe.
Fans of the game will appreciate the impressive grounds, featuring recreations of familiar game scenes like Princess Peach's Castle, Bowser's Castle and Mount Beanpole, designed to look like the game's 16-bit graphics.
Peppa Pig Theme Park, Florida
The world's first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened last year in Winter Haven, Florida, and has been delighting children with wholesome fun ever since.
Dedicated to the classic British animated TV show, where little Peppa has everyday adventures with her friends and family, the 4.5-acre park welcomes pint-sized guests with well-designed, multi-sensory activities across six playscapes.
Legoland Korea
On the heels of LEGOLAND New York Resort's debut in 2021, LEGOLAND Korea Resort opened in May 2022.
Like its sister parks, this playful wonderland in Chuncheon, about 1.5 hours east of Seoul, is devoted to all things LEGO, with more than 40 rides and attractions across seven thematic zones.
In the aptly named Bricktopia area, guests can hop on family-friendly rides, visit LEGOLAND Lookout for great park views, and get hands-on with creative workshops and a built-and-test car-racing zone.
The park is designed for 2 to 12-year-olds, so there aren't too many high-octane rides, but the Dragon coaster in the LEGO Castle zone should test your mettle.
Katmandu Punta Cana
Experience the hidden realms of the Himalayas in the middle of the Caribbean at Katmandu Park in Punta Cana.
Opened in March 2023 on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, the park is full of mystery and lore.
One Key attraction is EtherQuest, an interactive walk-through experience where guests use blasters and props to defeat an army of evil mages in the "upside-down house" amid immersive projection technology.
The park has multiple interactive games and rides for visitors to enjoy/
Guests can also check out the Himalaya-inspired mini golf course, a sky-high ropes course, climbing walls and a whimsical carousel for younger adventurers.
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park
Located within Resorts World Genting, about an hour's drive from Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park opened in February 2022.
Across the 26-acre park, which cost $800 million and took nearly 10 years to create, visitors will find 26 attractions across nine areas inspired by movies and explorations, from Rio and Central Park to Andromeda Base and Robots Rivet Town, among others.
The journey begins at Studio Plaza, an art deco-styled building channeling old-world Hollywood, which ushers guests into the park.