By Kimberly Dijkstra
There’s nothing more exciting for kids than a trip to an amusement park. The rides, the characters, the carefree atmosphere ー it doesn’t get better than that.
...Or does it?
When you don’t have to leave the park at the end of the day and all of your meals are among the festivities, it’s like a party that never stops. A handful of theme parks around the country offer package deals that include everything you need to have to have the action-packed family vacation of your dreams.
Here are the top 5 all-inclusive amusement parks in the US.
Walt Disney World
The quintessential all-inclusive theme park is Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. A stay at one of Disney’s 34 resorts puts you right in the middle of the magic. You can’t beat the proximity to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, or Disney Springs.
Each resort has its own personality with themed rooms, pools, poolside activities, character dining experiences, and more. Plus, when you book a room and ticket package, you’ll also receive some ‘magical extras’, including discounts on dining, entertainment, and shopping.
Universal Orlando Resort
If the House of Mouse is not your scene, its thrill-filled cousin is just down the road. Universal Orlando offers next-level vacation experiences to guests seeking pop culture, epic adventure, and world-class entertainment.
Choose from eight hotels located conveniently near Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, the theme parks, Volcano Bay, the water park, and CityWalk, the bustling entertainment district. By bundling your hotel stay with park admission, you’ll save on both and receive early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay.
Cedar Point
Thrill-seekers know all about Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world. The amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. With 18 phenomenal roller coasters, dozens of rides, family-friendly attractions, and a waterpark filled with plunging slides and pools of every depth, it has something for everyone.
There are several options for lodging at Cedar Point. The beachfront resort Hotel Breakers is just steps away from the park so you can wake up in the middle of the action. Lighthouse Point offers cottages, cabins, and RV sites alongside Lake Erie.
Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark & Hotel is temporarily closed for renovations. When it reopens next year, guests can get back to enjoying the tropical themed paradise and all of the amenities that come with it. Resort guests get early access to the park and other exclusive benefits. Add on a dining plan to take the guesswork out meals.
Dollywood
If anyone should have a theme park named after them, it is country music legend, shrewd businesswoman, and humanitarian Dolly Parton. In addition to the thrill rides, Dollywood is known for its high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining, and friendly park atmosphere right along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Guests of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa get priority access to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, early entry on Saturdays, complimentary TimeSaver passes, and door-to-door transportation between attractions on the DreamMore Trolley.
Don’t miss out on Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the dinner show featuring horseback riders, music, and special effects, Craftsman’s Valley, or the entertainment megastar’s humble Tennessee Mountain Home replica.
LEGOLAND California Resort
A Lego lover’s paradise in Carlsbad, California, Legoland has more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions. With a hands-on, interactive theme park, water park, aquarium, and a calendar packed with seasonal events, it is the perfect vacation destination for families with young children.
Choose from the Legoland Resort Hotel and Legoland Castle Hotel, both located conveniently at the entrance to the park. Package deals include free breakfast, nightly themed kids’ entertainment, and exclusive early access to Legoland. From burger stands to ramen restaurants, dining options abound.
If your travels have taken you to the east coast, Legoland in Goshen, New York, recently reopened with an on-site hotel.