The World's Most Unusual Amusement Parks

These theme parks take themes to a whole new level. From rides inspired by construction equipment to a park just for wine, check out some of the more alternative parks around the world.

By: Deanne Revel

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Sanrio Puroland, Japan

This is the land for some of Sanrio’s most popular characters, especially Hello Kitty. Diehard fans make the trip to Tokyo for exclusive merchandise and a chance to tour Hello Kitty’s house. Look out for Renaissance-style portraits of Hello Kitty’s family and objects in her home shaped like her face.

La Cité du Vin, France

If France wasn’t already associated with wine, it has a theme park to prove it now. Meaning “The City of Wine,” the Bordeaux museum/theme park hybrid celebrates wine culture and offers attractions such as interactive boat rides and, of course, wine tastings.

Cirque du Soleil Theme Park, Mexico

While the Puerto Vallarta park won’t open until 2018, we can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the Cirque du Soleil world. The entertainment is a given, but the first phase will include a water park and interactive experiences geared toward adults. Learn more about the plans on Roam, The Travel Channel blog.

Rush Mountain Adventure Park, South Dakota

Located close to Mount Rushmore, this theme park has something most parks don’t: a real cave. After you’ve tried the new Rushmore Mountain Coaster, don a headlamp and explore the stalactite-filled caverns for more adventure.

BonBon-Land, Denmark

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this park is for you. With a mini candy factory and candy-themed attractions, it’s a family favorite despite some interesting toilet and adult-themed humor throughout.

Land of Oz, North Carolina

This once closed theme park opens once a year to give visitors a chance to follow the yellow brick road. While the abandoned venues and rides that used to attract urban explorers and photographers are no more, the park gives children a chance to meet Dorothy and friends.

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

This is the park for chocoholics. The candy park continues its theme right down to the height requirements for each ride, labeling heights as different candies from Hershey’s Minis to Jolly Ranchers. Visit the giant charts when you get there to see which candy you are.

Ferrari Land, Spain

Car fanatics will love Ferrari Land’s celebration of one of the most iconic car brands and racing teams on the planet. The new addition to PortAdventura is about one hour from Barcelona and will open this year. One of the new rides, Red Force, will have the highest and fastest accelerator in Europe.

Salina Turda, Romania

The former salt mine converted into a recreation and amusement park is half creepy-underground-alien-base and half breathtaking-underground-oasis-with-dreamy-floating-lights. Put Turda, Romania on your bucket list to experience one of the coolest underground attractions on the planet.

Diggerland, England

If operating heavy machinery sounds fun, this is the park for you. Not only can you drive dump trucks and diggers, but you can ride thrill-rides like the Spindizzy, where you hop in a giant bucket and let a JCB Excavator spin you around. Can’t afford a flight across the pond? There’s another Diggerland in New Jersey.

Suoi Tien, Vietnam

While most of the rides might be geared for children, the themes of this park may hit home with adults as the park depicts scenes of Buddhist heaven and hell. One ride through “Unicorn Palace,” which shows sinners being punished through the 18 gates of Buddhist hell, might make you consider some of your life choices.

Bollywood Parks, United Arab Emirates

The world’s first Bollywood theme park opened in 2016 in Dubai and features more than a dozen cinematic rides, themed restaurants and dozens of shows inspired by Bollywood blockbusters.

Mini Europe, Belgium

Knock out your European landmarks in one afternoon with a tour of tiny versions of architectural wonders from the Eiffel Tower to the windmills of Holland. Even the Queen of England visited to admire the replicas.

Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park, China

Basically, this is fake Disneyland. The borderline copyright infringement park might look a little too familiar, from the park’s castle to the characters. And with the slogan “Disney is too far to go, please come to Shijingshan!” we think they might be aware of the similarities.

Wunderland Kalkar, Germany

This theme park was built on a site intended for a nuclear power plant that was never finished. (No radioactive chemicals were delivered to the site, and the plant was far from completion.) Today the park’s looming silo features a spinning swing high in the sky. It’s creepy, cool or both.

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The World's Most Unusual Amusement Parks

Related To:

Sanrio Puroland, Japan

La Cité du Vin, France

Cirque du Soleil Theme Park, Mexico

Rush Mountain Adventure Park, South Dakota

BonBon-Land, Denmark

Land of Oz, North Carolina

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

Ferrari Land, Spain

Salina Turda, Romania

Diggerland, England

Suoi Tien, Vietnam

Bollywood Parks, United Arab Emirates

Mini Europe, Belgium

Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park, China

Wunderland Kalkar, Germany

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