Most Beautiful Theme Park?

[Slothman23]

I was in Busch Gardens Europe this past weekend and they advertise that it has been voted "Most Beautiful Theme Park" 15 years a row! Anyone know who votes on this or how this is decided? It also said that it was voted "Best Theme Park" four years running...thought that was a little crazy. Really nice park, great rides and beautiful grounds, but is it that much nicer than Animal Kingdom? As far as best theme park, you have to go with MK or Disneyland park...just wanted to know what you guys thought...thanks.

 

[ChrisFL]

BGE has a lot of natural landscape that's been unchanged for a long time, and I think it is quite a beautiful park. I guess it depends on what you deem to be beautiful.

 

[All Aboard]

BGE is the most beautiful theme park I've seen, IMO.

They did a fantastic job preserving the landscape, as shown here with the way they built Big Bad Wolf into the forest:

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I don't think that it is the most beautiful. I think it is better than others, but not better than some of the Disney parks.

 

[larry_poppins]

My vote goes to Tokyo DisneySea. Nothing else like it on Earth!
Next trip 2008 for Tokyo's 25th anniversary.

 

[Condorman]

I second that vote for Tokyo DisneySea. It is second-to-none.

 

[Dsnyfam]

We visited this park twice, but not for about 8 years now. It was beautiful, and is more of a "coaster" park IMHO. It has beautiful landscaping, very tropical and lush. The family loved the horses (budweiser ones), and everyone had a great time. It was storming the last time we were there, and they close all the rides if lightning is even close to the area. I guess they have problems with all the coasters attracting strikes? We especially enjoyed the bumper cars and other silly kids rides, etc. It is a great park. Is the other park (some other "gardens" park) still open? It was one where they used to "water ski" and do a lot of tricks like stacking people atop one another on skis, etc.? Does anyone recall this park? We went once a long, long time ago. It was really nice, with girls dressed in southern gowns, and everything. I hate it when my memory goes!

 

[ChrisFL]

We visited this park twice, but not for about 8 years now. It was beautiful, and is more of a "coaster" park IMHO. It has beautiful landscaping, very tropical and lush. The family loved the horses (budweiser ones), and everyone had a great time. It was storming the last time we were there, and they close all the rides if lightning is even close to the area. I guess they have problems with all the coasters attracting strikes? We especially enjoyed the bumper cars and other silly kids rides, etc. It is a great park. Is the other park (some other "gardens" park) still open? It was one where they used to "water ski" and do a lot of tricks like stacking people atop one another on skis, etc.? Does anyone recall this park? We went once a long, long time ago. It was really nice, with girls dressed in southern gowns, and everything. I hate it when my memory goes!

Any time or place there are thunderstorms, coasters will be shut down...even rain sometimes since rain at 60mph hurts like a.... (I know, I've experienced it)

The park you're thinking of is Cypress Gardens, Busch sold it back to the original owners several years ago, it closed, then was bought by another company and re-opened with more amusement park rides, small coasters and kiddie rides.

 

[LOLA2]

I would love to go to Disneysea but scared about language barrier. Do they spaek English at all over there, like in the hotels on site and taxis and such?
What is the cost compared to here? More or less expensive.

I did see pictures and it looks quite beautiful.

 

[Condorman]

LOLA2...

When it comes to Disney, there is no language barrier. They own the concept but it is a mostly privately funded endeavor. Everything in Tokyo is labeled in both Japanese and English. It's really amazing how easy it is to get around and communicate. And when it comes to the Disney parks, it's almost as if they are slighting the Japanese just to cater to the English-speaking visitors. Every sign, every menu and every employee in the parks speak both languages. As far as expense, it is costly. Not as much as it was in the late 80's or early 90's when the Japanese were buying everything up and owning everything else. It's much more reasonable now. But if you ever get the chance to go, you will not regret it.

 

[mattsdragon]

I'm a huge WDW fan, but having grown up in VA, and having lived 15 minutes from the gates of BG for a while(I remember it being called "The Old Country"), I have to admit, it is the most beautiful park. I grew up with that and King's Dominion, and there was no comparison.

I just wish they never closed DrachenFire. . .great ride.

 

[NeverEnufWDW]

Been to WDW many times and BGE several times.

I have to say that BGE has the most pleasing setting. Lots of trees and foliage, water features, etc. It is put together really well.

 

[ChrisFL]

I would love to go to Disneysea but scared about language barrier. Do they spaek English at all over there, like in the hotels on site and taxis and such?
What is the cost compared to here? More or less expensive.

I did see pictures and it looks quite beautiful.

I have a DVD of ThemeParkReview.com's 2004 trip to Japan where they went to about 15-20 parks, and many of them had english signs but I dont know about the employees.

I do know there's a lot of english being taught in Japanese schools, as they often hire Americans to go to Japan for several months to teach the english language (the JET program)

 

[Dsnyfam]

Any time or place there are thunderstorms, coasters will be shut down...even rain sometimes since rain at 60mph hurts like a.... (I know, I've experienced it)

The park you're thinking of is Cypress Gardens, Busch sold it back to the original owners several years ago, it closed, then was bought by another company and re-opened with more amusement park rides, small coasters and kiddie rides.

Yes Chris, that was the name of that park! So, the old Cypress Gardens is now reopened? Does it still have all the gardens, the girls dressed in long flowing southern-style gowns, and the water-ski show (which was incredible with towers of people skiing fast around the lake)? Do you have a link, or any information about the new place (such as a name, prices, etc)? I do not recall where it's located in Florida either (it's been ages since I visited with my own parents and siblings). Is there a hotel you could recommend to stay in while visiting this part of Florida? We would consider a couple days away from WDW to visit these places, if they are all close to one another with a decent family type of hotel nearby. Also, when is the least "rainy" season in Florida? Thank you for any help.

Condorman--I have the same fears about the park in Paris as LOLA2 does about DisneySea! I have often wondered if they all speak english well enough to understand them without any problems or stress. The park in Japan looks amazing--even prettier than the one in Paris. It is obvious you have been there (lucky!). Can you please offer a relative rounded-out "cost" for such a trip? I would love to go too. How long was your flight, and which airline do you suggest using? Thanks for any help.

 

[ChrisFL]

Yes Chris, that was the name of that park! So, the old Cypress Gardens is now reopened? Does it still have all the gardens, the girls dressed in long flowing southern-style gowns, and the water-ski show (which was incredible with towers of people skiing fast around the lake)? Do you have a link, or any information about the new place (such as a name, prices, etc)? I do not recall where it's located in Florida either (it's been ages since I visited with my own parents and siblings). Is there a hotel you could recommend to stay in while visiting this part of Florida? We would consider a couple days away from WDW to visit these places, if they are all close to one another with a decent family type of hotel nearby. Also, when is the least "rainy" season in Florida? Thank you for any help.

Condorman--I have the same fears about the park in Paris as LOLA2 does about DisneySea! I have often wondered if they all speak english well enough to understand them without any problems or stress. The park in Japan looks amazing--even prettier than the one in Paris. It is obvious you have been there (lucky!). Can you please offer a relative rounded-out "cost" for such a trip? I would love to go too. How long was your flight, and which airline do you suggest using? Thanks for any help.

Well it's still called Cypress Gardens and at the moment it's still open, but FYI they just declared bankruptcy last week, something about never getting insurance money from the 3 hurricanes that hit in 2004.

http://www.cypressgardens.com

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Here are the awards the OP is refering to. Information about the "Most Beautiful Park" award can be found at www.NAPHA.org.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has been voted the world's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" for sixteen consecutive years by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) and named the world's "Favorite Theme Park" for the fourth year in a row.

Additionally, Busch Gardens has ranked highly in Amusement Today's international "Golden Ticket Awards" survey in the categories of "Best Food," "Best Shows" and "Cleanest Park." The European-themed park took the top honors for "Best Landscaping" again this year, as well as winning the new category of "Most Beautiful Park."

Busch Gardens was also named the “World’s Best Theme Park” in the 2006 Theme Park Insider Awards. The win is a first for Busch Gardens, though the park's “Curse of DarKastle” ride won Theme Park Insider's “World’s Best Theme Park Attraction” award in 2005. The Theme Park Insider Awards are given each year based on votes casted on their website. Only the site's 12,000 registered members -- theme park fans from all 50 U.S. States and 80 countries -- are eligible to cast ballots.

In 2003, Busch Gardens received the prestigious Applause Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and Amusement Business Magazine. The Applause Award is given in honor of a park's "management, operations and creative accomplishments that have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development."

 

[Dsnyfam]

Well it's still called Cypress Gardens and at the moment it's still open, but FYI they just declared bankruptcy last week, something about never getting insurance money from the 3 hurricanes that hit in 2004.

http://www.cypressgardens.com

Thanks for the info and link. How sad. We were planning a visit in the spring/early summer. Now, it may be closed by the time we visit. I recall hearing rumors that Disney was thinking of obtaining this park, was there any truth to this one?

Dave--thanks for the awards information. I had no idea BG won so much "beautiful theme park" acclaim. I always presumed WDW built AK park to compete directly with BG in Tampa.

 

[ChrisFL]

Thanks for the info and link. How sad. We were planning a visit in the spring/early summer. Now, it may be closed by the time we visit. I recall hearing rumors that Disney was thinking of obtaining this park, was there any truth to this one?

Dave--thanks for the awards information. I had no idea BG won so much "beautiful theme park" acclaim. I always presumed WDW built AK park to compete directly with BG in Tampa.

I dont think Disney was going to buy Cypress Gardens itself...but back in the day, HBJ owned Boardwalk & Baseball, Sea World and Cypress Gardens, and they sold them, at the time both Busch and Disney put in bids AFAIK and Busch eventually won. That was almost 20 years ago.

I dont know if AK was built to compete with BG in Tampa (if it was they need more rollercoasters at AK!!) but Williamsburg is a totally different park and much more beautiful landscape wise. I love BG Tampa also, go there constantly but Williamsburg is European themed where BG Tampa is African themed. And Williamsburg doesnt have a zoo portion.

 

[Dsnyfam]

I dont think Disney was going to buy Cypress Gardens itself...but back in the day, HBJ owned Boardwalk & Baseball, Sea World and Cypress Gardens, and they sold them, at the time both Busch and Disney put in bids AFAIK and Busch eventually won. That was almost 20 years ago.

I dont know if AK was built to compete with BG in Tampa (if it was they need more rollercoasters at AK!!) but Williamsburg is a totally different park and much more beautiful landscape wise. I love BG Tampa also, go there constantly but Williamsburg is European themed where BG Tampa is African themed. And Williamsburg doesnt have a zoo portion.

Hi Chris, You certainly are a walking book on this stuff! Who is HBJ? I know it's not Walt, but believe it has something to do with "Busch" (the B in there). What is "Boardwalk and baseball?" It sounds like fun! Is this park still operating in Florida? How far is the Williamsburg park from Orlando? We rent a car while in WDW, and could drive there if it is not too far. We have often heard of this park, and how amazing it is. Thank you for describing the differences between the two (as we always thought they were exactly the same parks!). I'm sure most people believe this---which is why they only visit the one in Tampa while in Florida. I also had no idea one of them has no zoo.

We have never visited GATORLAND, but have driven past it many times. Is it worth visiting? As a Floridian, and someone who obviously knows the area--can you recommend any other hidden parks or treasures we should not miss on our next visit to your state? We have heard about "fresh water springs" where manatees live, and the everglades too. Yet, we have no idea how/where to go to begin these trips from Orlando.

I only heard a few rumors during the building of AK about Disney competing with Busch Gardens over that park. I know Busch Gardens is viewed as a serious "coaster" park over Disney's Animal Kingdom (more of a preservation park). It's almost like the six flags parks. We have visited Sea World, which seems more on the lines of AK than Busch Gardens. There are not a lot of rides, and there are more animals and shows than Busch Gardens (or it seems so).

Which beach do you recommend to visit? We have no idea, and want to visit a clean, white sand, not-too-crowded beach on one of the coasts. People at the hotels have urged us for years, as many have gone while visiting--and returned to tell us about it. I guess the drive is not far from WDW (to either coast), and worth the trip. I just prefer getting the inside from someone who lives there, and knows the area. Thanks for the help.

 

[ChrisFL]

Hi Chris, You certainly are a walking book on this stuff! Who is HBJ? I know it's not Walt, but believe it has something to do with "Busch" (the B in there). What is "Boardwalk and baseball?" It sounds like fun! Is this park still operating in Florida? How far is the Williamsburg park from Orlando? We rent a car while in WDW, and could drive there if it is not too far. We have often heard of this park, and how amazing it is. Thank you for describing the differences between the two (as we always thought they were exactly the same parks!). I'm sure most people believe this---which is why they only visit the one in Tampa while in Florida. I also had no idea one of them has no zoo.

We have never visited GATORLAND, but have driven past it many times. Is it worth visiting? As a Floridian, and someone who obviously knows the area--can you recommend any other hidden parks or treasures we should not miss on our next visit to your state? We have heard about "fresh water springs" where manatees live, and the everglades too. Yet, we have no idea how/where to go to begin these trips from Orlando.

I only heard a few rumors during the building of AK about Disney competing with Busch Gardens over that park. I know Busch Gardens is viewed as a serious "coaster" park over Disney's Animal Kingdom (more of a preservation park). It's almost like the six flags parks. We have visited Sea World, which seems more on the lines of AK than Busch Gardens. There are not a lot of rides, and there are more animals and shows than Busch Gardens (or it seems so).

Which beach do you recommend to visit? We have no idea, and want to visit a clean, white sand, not-too-crowded beach on one of the coasts. People at the hotels have urged us for years, as many have gone while visiting--and returned to tell us about it. I guess the drive is not far from WDW (to either coast), and worth the trip. I just prefer getting the inside from someone who lives there, and knows the area. Thanks for the help.

Living around Orlando theme parks all my life has its perks. Actually HBJ is a book publishing company and is now going by a different name. It was Harcourt Brace Jovanovich or something. How a publishing company owned the parks I have no idea. Busch was not related to HBJ they just bought the parks from them.

Boardwalk and Baseball was a nice park between Orlando and Lakeland near Haines City, it was called Circus World back in the early 80's, then it was changed to Boardwalk and Baseball, and they started to have spring training games with the KC Royals. The park was quite nice, but it wasn't anything really unique, well done boardwalk style with carnival rides and some slides and a big wooden coaster called the Hurricane. I was pretty young when it closed (about 10 or so) so I dont remember too much. the entire area is just a mound of dirt, but the hotels and restaurants are still there.

Williamsburg is in Virginia, quite a drive from Orlando You'll probably want to visit buschgardens.com for more info on the differences.

Honestly I've never visited Gatorland either, but I guess being a near native, Gators arent that rare and I've seen enough around anyway.

As for other hidden parks, there's not many anymore, although a quite small place I enjoy visiting is Old Town in Kissimmee, they started as just some shops but now they have a lot of rides and carnival style games, plus every Saturday night they have a classic car show.

Cocoa Beach and Daytona are nice in the off-season, as long as you're not at Daytona during bike week, Biketoberfest or Spring Break it really isn't that bad from what I've seen and heard. Both are less than 1 hour from Orlando. Those are both on the east coast. I live right near Clearwater beach but it does get pretty crowded a lot and traffic can be really tricky. It's much more of a drive too, probably 2.5 hours.