Skip the Mouse: North America's Largest Theme Parks You Need to Visit

The Biggest Amusement Parks in North America (Excluding Disney)

Disney might dominate the conversation, but it isn’t the only player in the amusement park game. North America has a stacked lineup of mega parks filled with record-breaking coasters, immersive worlds, and unforgettable rides. For thrill-seeking Gen Zers planning summer trips, these parks bring serious vibes.

Universal Orlando Resort (Florida)

Universal Orlando stands as the biggest Disney alternative, and honestly, it’s a universe of its own. With two full parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) plus Volcano Bay water park, it’s a giant playground for adrenaline junkies and pop culture nerds alike.

Harry Potter fans lose their minds here because of the Wizarding World. Walking through Diagon Alley with a butterbeer in hand feels like stepping inside your favorite movie. Add in iconic rides like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and you’ve got a destination that rivals Disney on scale and storytelling.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (California)

Located just outside Los Angeles, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known as the “Thrill Capital of the World” for a reason. With more roller coasters than any other park in the world (20 at last count), this place is basically a bucket list for coaster fans.

Rides like Twisted Colossus and X2 push physics to the limit. If you’re into that stomach-dropping, scream-till-you-lose-your-voice energy, Magic Mountain delivers. I still remember nearly backing out of X2 because it flips you headfirst at insane speeds, but once you’re strapped in, there’s no turning back.

Cedar Point (Ohio)

Cedar Point isn’t just an amusement park. It’s a rite of passage for roller coaster lovers. Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, this park has 17 coasters, including legends like Millennium Force and Steel Vengeance.

The whole place has an old-school, all-American summer vibe but with rides that break records. Millennium Force was the first coaster over 300 feet tall, and it still draws massive lines. If you’re looking for pure coaster culture, this is the mecca.

Canada's Wonderland (Ontario)

Just outside Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is the biggest amusement park in Canada and one of the largest in North America. With more than 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters, it’s a powerhouse destination.

Leviathan, one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world, defines the skyline. Then there’s Yukon Striker, the world’s longest, tallest, and fastest dive coaster. Canada’s Wonderland has the perfect mix of family-friendly rides and adrenaline rushes, making it a go-to for both casual visitors and hardcore fans.

Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey)

If you’re on the East Coast, Six Flags Great Adventure is your spot. Located in Jackson, New Jersey, it’s one of the biggest theme parks in the country.

The park is home to Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world at 456 feet. Launching from zero to 128 mph in under four seconds, it feels like getting shot out of a cannon. I swear the first time I rode it, I didn’t even scream—my brain was too busy processing survival mode.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Florida)

Busch Gardens combines thrilling rides with a legit zoo, making it feel different from other parks. It’s massive, with nine roller coasters and a wildlife collection that rivals actual animal parks.

Iron Gwazi, the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, is the star here. It’s a wooden and steel masterpiece that flips every expectation of what a coaster can be. Between the rides and the animals, Busch Gardens delivers a one-of-a-kind mix.

Knott's Berry Farm (California)

Often overshadowed by Disney and Universal, Knott’s Berry Farm deserves serious credit. It’s California’s oldest theme park and still one of the biggest. With over 40 rides, including GhostRider, one of the longest wooden coasters in the world, Knott’s balances thrills with nostalgia.

The park started as a literal berry farm and grew into a theme park empire. There’s something charming about its mix of history and high-tech rides. Plus, the boysenberry food festival is legendary—think funnel cakes, milkshakes, and fried everything.

Why These Parks Matter to Gen Z

Disney is iconic, sure, but part of Gen Z’s vibe is finding alternatives that feel fresh, thrilling, and unique. These parks bring that energy. Whether you’re a coaster fanatic, a pop culture stan, or someone who just wants the ultimate summer adventure, there’s a massive park outside the Disney bubble waiting for you.

The best part? Each one has its own personality. Cedar Point is pure adrenaline. Universal is movie magic. Canada’s Wonderland is a flex for sheer size. And Six Flags parks are built for record-breaking thrills.

Theme parks outside Disney aren’t just backups, they’re bucket-list destinations in their own right. Whether you’re braving Kingda Ka in Jersey or sipping butterbeer in Orlando, these parks prove the magic isn’t exclusive to the mouse.

Stay connected with more epic adventures and lifestyle insights from the Gen Z world at Woke Waves Magazine.

#AmusementParks #ThemeParks #CedarPoint #UniversalOrlando #GenZTravel

‍