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Which park has the most well-rounded ride selection in terms of quality?

Matt N

TS Member
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Mako (SeaWorld Orlando)
Hi guys. I know that most people on this forum tend to care about coaster selection over most other factors in a theme park, but my question to you today is: in your opinion, which park has the most well-rounded ride selection overall? Which park has a really strong ride in each category?


I know my answer might be slightly controversial, but I'm actually going to nominate Islands of Adventure as my choice out of the parks I've visited. Now, on the face of it, Islands of Adventure does not really have that many rides. However, in my opinion, they have at least one incredibly strong ride in most categories. For example, Spider-Man is probably my favourite dark ride I've done, and Forbidden Journey isn't far off either. Bilge-Rats and JPRA are easily my two favourite water rides I've done, and I'd imagine Dudley Do-Right would also rank very highly if I ever get to ride it. Even though I wouldn't say it's quite as strong among coasters as the other rides are in their respective categories, I'd still say Hulk is a really good, solid coaster, and Hagrid's also looks like a very strong ride experience from what I've seen of it. Even in the flat rides department, which is definitely IOA's weakest department in my eyes, Doctor Doom's Fearfall is pretty good as far as shot towers go, if you ask me! Combine all of this with the wonderful theming and atmosphere and you make what is probably my favourite theme park at present, but that's a story for another thread!


But what would you say is the most well-rounded ride selection in terms of quality?
 
I agree. IOA has a great selection of rides and I prefer it over universal studios. Many folk will disagree but Skull Island blew me away and is one of my favourite rides there. Managed to ride when it soft opened and the atmosphere was electric. Have ridden again on several visits and I still love it.

RIP Dragon Challenge
 
Phantasialand is up there. Solid B&M Invert, innovative spinning coaster, a very very good mine train, world class log flume and rapids, hilarious Chinese themed ghost train, unique drop tower, shooting mice with chocolate ride... And Taron.

Obviously let down slightly by Hollywood Tour and Temple of The Night Dork but I'd say that's a very high average overall.

Europa Park is also well up there in terms of consistent 'pound for pound' quality.
 
Alton Towers deserves a shout for this. Sure, the almost complete lack of support rides hinders the park, but the coaster selection is unbeaten in Europe and runs from good to world class. They have no duffers masquerading as headliners, and they also have Hex, which is entirely it's own thing and unlike any other Mad House in the world.

But I would agree, IOA is probably the best rounded lineup as well as the most thoughtful fusion of thrills and theming. Disneyland is also pretty great, over in California. All of the E-tickets are classics and it's difficult to run out of things to ride.

Europa Park are probably lacking a really outstanding, original dark ride and another thrill coaster to match Blue Fire and Wodan, but certainly, the quality is pretty high. I would agree that Phantasialand's core rides are better than those at EP.
 
Knotts Berry Farm, for me.

Some fun, but not necessarily outstanding* coasters, of varying sizes and styles. Two great water rides. Two cool dark rides. Lots of support rides, from spinning thrill rides to a full size steam train plus a wealth of entertainment and food options.

(and you're only an hour's drive from Disney and Magic Mountain).

*Edit - bar post-rehab Ghost Rider.
 
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I think Dollywood gets a shout from me, particularly with the addition of Wildwood Grove. There's a consistent old school charm throughout the park with immaculate presentation. None of the coasters are dreadful, with Lightning Rod serving a place on the stage of the world's best. Plus I'd argue Dollywood easily has the best park train of any.

I'd love to say Europa as well, but some of the dark rides simply struggle to meet the masterclass of experiences found elsewhere in the park.
 
I think Dollywood gets a shout from me, particularly with the addition of Wildwood Grove. There's a consistent old school charm throughout the park with immaculate presentation. None of the coasters are dreadful, with Lightning Rod serving a place on the stage of the world's best. Plus I'd argue Dollywood easily has the best park train of any.

I'd love to say Europa as well, but some of the dark rides simply struggle to meet the masterclass of experiences found elsewhere in the park.
Can't wait to visit dollywood and silver dollar city next year. Probably my most anticipated two parks in the world
 
Knotts Berry Farm, for me.

Some fun, but not necessarily outstanding* coasters, of varying sizes and styles. Two great water rides. Two cool dark rides. Lots of support rides, from spinning thrill rides to a full size steam train plus a wealth of entertainment and food options.

(and you're only an hour's drive from Disney and Magic Mountain).

*Edit - bar post-rehab Ghost Rider.

Good shout. Although imagine not finding out about one of said dark rides until a couple of months after your trip...!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg deserves a mention I feel. Some brilliant thrill and family coasters, three water rides, decents flats (especially now that they have the S&S Screamin' Swing) and if it wasn't for the removal of DarKastle there would be two pretty good dark rides.
 
Voyage to the Iron Reef, which looks like it is being re-themed for 2020.
Ah yes, it is quite an unassuming building. Indeed, a reimagined Beary Tales is making a return. A shame in some ways because I think Iron Reef is a pretty good ride, but it really demonstrates the power of that type of ride system to a park wanting to change things up.

I thought you might have meant Mystery Lodge!
 
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