r/Themepark 4h ago

got diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, to be told while at Disneyland on a phone call that I had a major spinal issue instead needed to immediately go to the hospital, in line for guardians of the Galaxy.

17 Upvotes

so this is a wild story, last December I walked into my general practitioners complaining of numbness in my fingers on my right hand, they got me a referral to a neurologist, they also ordered an MRI (it was the wrong MRI). neurologist told me it was the wrong guy but they had other tests they needed to do before they could order a second MRI.

everything kind of pointed towards carpal tunnel syndrome because there were no other symptoms until I was past physical therapy past cortisone shots and getting ready to chop open my wrist for surgery, then you're all just looked at me once again and saw my reflexes were all out of whack and ordered a new cervical spine MRI

me and my kid have always had passes for Disneyland and every once in awhile we get passes for knots or six flags, last year for Christmas I decided to add universal since we hadn't been in a while and they were on sale at Costco, then we saw Six flags went on sale and that got us into knots to so we got those two

so with my spine in this condition I visited on a constant universal studios Six flags of magic mountain that's very farm Disneyland in California Adventure.

even doing all those parks in the same day in an epic challenge day that we put together ourselves (coasters at each park with one snack) all on the same day.

come to last Friday where my neurologist calls me personally on her cell phone to tell me that I should not get on any rides and immediately drive to a hospital cuz I could be paralyzed if something happens.

that day we did Space mountain matter on thunder mountain rise of resistance soaring over America and we're ready to get on guardians.

I'm really lucky and everything turned up perfectly with the surgery over the weekend. walking into the surgery I expected this my neurosurgeon to tell me that I will never be on roller coaster again, after the surgery I asked him and he said you have titanium discs now once you're healed you're fine and good to go.

I guess the moral of the story is enjoy the ride, and take care of yourself.


r/Themepark 27m ago

Roller coaster idea for lost island waterpark/themepark

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Upvotes

I’ve been thinking about this for a while and figured I’d throw the idea out there.

Since Lost Island Theme Park and the Waterpark are right next to each other, what if they eventually built some kind of roller-coaster-style transportation system that actually connects the two?

I’m not imagining another huge, intense coaster like Fire Runner. The idea would be more of a transportation ride that’s still fun. Maybe it could reach around 40 mph and have a few hills, turns, and other elements, with the tallest parts being somewhere around 70 feet. It would need to be pretty smooth, especially since people could be coming from the Waterpark.

I’m picturing a station at each park with tracks going in both directions. The Waterpark-to-Theme-Park side could be a little more exciting, while the Theme-Park-to-Waterpark side could be more relaxed and scenic. It wouldn't need to be insanely rough or intense to still be a fun way to travel between the parks.

There could also be some kind of day-use storage area near the stations. Since the two parks have separate parking areas, this could give people somewhere to keep towels, clothes, backpacks, or other stuff they don't want to carry around all day. For example, if you parked at the Theme Park but planned on going to the Waterpark later, you could leave your waterpark stuff near the station and grab it when you need it instead of having to walk all the way back to your car.

The trains could also have small secured zippered pouches for things like phones, wallets, glasses, or other small items. Bigger stuff would stay in the lockers rather than being taken on the ride.

The system going both ways would also be important. If someone wanted to ride it as an attraction, they wouldn't have to end up at the other park with no convenient way back.

I think this could work really well with the combo pass they already have. The stations could scan your ticket or wristband so only guests with access to both parks could use the connection.

Obviously there would be a lot to figure out with things like wet guests, bags, loose articles, operations, and the exact design. I’m not an engineer, so I have no idea what the final version would actually look like. This is more of a concept that I think could be really interesting if Lost Island ever wanted to connect the two parks in a more unique way.

Lost Island already has two parks right next to each other, so instead of just building another normal coaster, why not make the connection between them part of the attraction?

Would you rather see something like this eventually, or would you rather they just build another conventional roller coaster?


r/Themepark 3h ago

The original Leslie Opryland

1 Upvotes

Did anyone go to ride CHAOS at Opryland during its first Halloween festival. If so do you remember what the black light Leslie looked like?


r/Themepark 8h ago

What are the best and worst times of year to go to the Orlando theme parks (Universal, Disney, Seaworld)?

0 Upvotes

My criteria is:

• Not too hot (nothing that makes you feel like you’re in a pot of boiling water) but not too cold (nothing that makes want to wear 15 layers)

• Short-ish wait times


r/Themepark 1d ago

Why Gardaland is a failure?

0 Upvotes

Some parks like Efteling in Netherlands energylandia in Poland and europa park in Germany are success every parks are good but there is failure in 2025 Gardaland celebrate 50th anniversary it opened animal treasure island a dark ride pirate ship of old icorsari in 2024 it closed for refurbishment when reopened in April 2025 it was renamed to animal treasure island fans are very pissed off on videos on comments are completely negative but why it prefer old i corsari are better than animal treasure island on every summer park is empty in same year at movieland it opened k6 a re themed of old u571 because are good in same year it opened Nickelodeon land at Mirabilandia it opened 10 rides are very good in just year later Gardaland and Mirabilandia no new rides just new shows and events some parks in Italy movieland it opened new area bugs town and leolandia it opened new coaster reversum are some parks magicland getting a wooden coaster next year it got some big problems of construction movieland got some problems Gardaland caused fire twice and etnaland waste illegal dumpings and park was closed forever etnaland is now defunct


r/Themepark 2d ago

What is going on with the car park entrance logic at PortAventura World?

9 Upvotes

​We recently visited PortAventura World and Caribe Aquatic Park near Tarragona, and the parking situation was absolute mayhem both times we went.

​As you approach, it splits into about 8 lanes with a completely random set of signs. There is a division for "Automatic" and "Manual" lanes, but no description whatsoever of what that actually means. (Is it for card vs. cash? Pre-booked tickets vs. paying on arrival? Car types?) We tried both options on different days, and they seemed to lead to the exact same bottleneck. ​Having to pay at the entry kiosks slows everything down to a crawl, and once you get past them into the general car park, it's pure chaos. There were zero parking attendants guiding traffic, resulting in people just parking wherever they wanted in all sorts of crazy places. ​Is this standard operation for the park? Has anyone actually figured out how the entrance system is supposed to work?

​PortAventura desperately needs better lane signage, clearer road markings, and a few staff members directing cars, even if it's just for the morning rush. It feels crazy that one of Europe’s largest theme park resorts is running a parking operation this chaotic.


r/Themepark 2d ago

How many credits is “a lot of credits”

0 Upvotes

I used to think it was 100-150 but the more and more enthusiasts I talk to who “only have like 45 credits” I am wondering what is considered a lot and what is considered a small amount of credits usually


r/Themepark 2d ago

Holiday World Thanksgiving Music

2 Upvotes

Question, has anyone that has frequented Holiday World and Splashin' Safari through the years noticed the change of music in Thanksgiving? Every time I've been since 2007ish they've played like instrumental hymns, which made sense to me as the traditional way they portray thanksgiving with Quakers and Puritans, they would've sang a lot of those traditional hymns. When we went in I think 2022, MAAAAYBE 2021, the hymns were gone and now it's just random instrumental music.

Any idea of the reason for the change?

Also, and maybe more importantly, does anyone know how to find out the playlist they used to use, or albums or whatever in case I wanted to listen to it on my own?


r/Themepark 3d ago

Children’s books and stories for theme park portfolio?

8 Upvotes

Hey yall! I’m applying to college next fall and I’m looking to build my portfolio. I want to go to SCAD or UCF for their theme park design programs, so if anyone has book, movie, or story ideas to design as theme park rides or attractions, let me know please!! Preferably non-Disney so I can use them in my job applications after graduating :)


r/Themepark 2d ago

arie force one relocation guesses

0 Upvotes

guess... mine is frontier city in the extended property on the other side of coltrane rd


r/Themepark 3d ago

Energylandia 50% Promotion only for polish people?

0 Upvotes

My wife and I are planning to go to Energylandia in a few days. We wanted to book tickets in advance and saw the 50% promotion deal. That sounds great and we would like to book that. However in the Terms and conditions paragraph 2 section 1 it says that only people from Poland may do so. Is that true or is it simply written in a confusing manner?


r/Themepark 3d ago

Why don't we see more interactive LED installations in public parks?

1 Upvotes

I recently came across a post showing an LED slide, and the response to it was pretty positive.

It made me wonder why we don't see more interactive or illuminated features in everyday public parks. They seem like a natural fit for spaces that people use in the evening, especially when the installation itself becomes part of the experience.

Is the main barrier maintenance and cost? Or is it more about safety standards, vandalism, weather exposure, accessibility, or getting projects approved in the first place?

Curious to hear from anyone who's worked on parks, playgrounds, landscape projects, or public-space installations.


r/Themepark 3d ago

What are the best universal utube channels

5 Upvotes

Not food related and in English


r/Themepark 3d ago

Summer 2027 California itinerary for week

1 Upvotes

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions about the trip I’m planning for next summer. It will be me and my 5 year old.

We will be flying into John Wayne bc we can get a direct flight there. I am renting a car.

Day 1: fly in around 2pm. Drive to Carlsbad. Check into Hilton MarBrisa. Relax in pool, maybe go to the beach. Have an early night.

Day 2: LEGOLAND (walking distance from hotel)

Day 3: Check out of hotel. Store luggage in car
—>LEGOLAND. —-> Drive to Knotts hotel check in

Day 4: Knotts Berry Farm

Day 5: Check out of hotel—> beach day, maybe downtown Disney or Hello Kitty cafe —> Check into hotel near Disney

Day 6: DCA

Day 7: Disneyland

Day 8: Check out, go to airport, fly home.

Notes: Three hotels in 7 nights feels like a lot, but I’m trying to stay close to the theme parks so we can relax during the day & possibly take a nap.


r/Themepark 5d ago

Six Flags rollercoaster lands two women in hospital with alarmingly similar brain injury

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403 Upvotes

Two women suffered severe brain hemorrhages after riding the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain, leading to emergency brain surgery. Despite numerous reports of similar injuries over nearly two decades, the park and state regulators allowed the ride to operate. The X2 coaster, known for its extreme design and rotating seats, has been linked to life-altering disabilities, comas, and fatalities. 🎢🏞️


r/Themepark 4d ago

[Parc Astérix] late September

3 Upvotes

I’m planning a one-day visit to Parc Astérix with 2 kids (14 and 12). We've already booked the Filotomatix, but keen for advice on how to structure the day.

Some questions:

  • Which rides would you recommend doing first thing in the morning?
  • Are there any rides/areas that are particularly worth prioritising, or that tend to build the longest queues?
  • With the Filotomatix, is there a particular order you’d recommend for the major coasters?
  • How would you structure the day to fit in the best rides, shows/other attractions and lunch without feeling too rushed?
  • Are there any rides that people often overlook but are really worth doing?
  • My son has coeliac disease. Are there decent gluten-free food options in the park, and how good is the staff knowledge around cross-contamination? Is there anywhere in particular you’d recommend eating?
  • What's the weather like in late September? If it rains, will rides still operate?
  • Is there anything else you wish you’d known before your first visit?

We’re particularly interested in coasters, but obviously want to experience as much of the park as possible.

Thanks in advance for any tips — especially if you’ve done Parc Astérix as a one-day visit with the Filotomatix.


r/Themepark 5d ago

Is it a good idea to take a 4 year old to enchanted forest

0 Upvotes

r/Themepark 5d ago

Tinkaboo Town Throne Unveiling

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4 Upvotes

Join us for the unveiling of the Tinkaboo Town Throne after its restoration, being put back on public display for the first time since Pleasure Islands closure back in 2016.

Monday 31st August (bank holiday) at 10:30AM in the foyer of Parkway Cinema Cleethorpes.

The throne will be accompanied by hundreds of photographs and memory’s from throughout the parks lifetime and even more surprises!


r/Themepark 6d ago

A timelapse tribute to Dollywood

86 Upvotes

In honor of Dolly Parton, I wanted to share about one of her favorite projects and its history.

Tucked in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is a celebration of Appalachian culture. The park originally opened in 1976 as Silver Dollar City Tennessee. Dolly bought a stake in the property in 1986 and rebranded it as Dollywood because she had a much bigger vision for the place. You can see the expansion between the 1983 and 1987 aerials. If you've ever been there, you remember it feels incredibly homegrown and warm, blending right into the surrounding green hills of the mountains.

This was a deeply personal project for Dolly. She grew up in a small cabin in nearby Sevier County. She had always promised herself that if she ever found success, she would come back and bring jobs and stability to her hometown. Dollywood was her way of keeping that promise. The park brought massive economic growth to the region. She cared deeply for the people who worked there, treating them like family and setting up programs to pay for their college tuition.

Dolly stayed heavily involved over the years. She would drop by to kick off the spring season, put on performances, or just spend time with the community. She even left a gift for the future: Locked inside a time capsule at the park is a secret, unreleased song she recorded, with strict instructions that it cannot be opened until 2045. What an amazing thing that we can all look forward to!

This theme park was Dolly's way of sharing the home she loved with the rest of the world, and her spirit is a permanent part of it.


r/Themepark 6d ago

Hollywood Drift Theming, Dark Universe Ride Breaks Ground, & Poseidon's Fury Demo -Universal Orlando

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3 Upvotes

r/Themepark 6d ago

[Lake Winnie] Tour Train

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6 Upvotes

Does anyone know why their website has a picture of the Tour Train that very clearly says “Knoebels” on the side of it? Is this an AI slop situation, or is there some kinda story here?


r/Themepark 6d ago

A question for Western Disney Parks fans: Do the parks feel like an "escape to a magical world" to you, or more like an extension of everyday life?

20 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’m a Japanese fan who has visited Tokyo Disneyland a few times. To me, the park is truly a magical escape—a completely otherworldly place where I can step away from reality.

However, it made me curious: **Do Disney parks feel like an unreal, magical fantasy world to people in Western countries?**

My perspective might be a bit unique because when I was a kid, looking at traditional or old Japanese streetscapes didn't excite me at all; it just felt like my boring everyday life. Since Disney parks are fundamentally built on Western architecture, aesthetics, and culture, do Westerners view them more as a familiar extension of everyday life rather than a foreign, magical fantasy?

would love to hear your thoughts on how you perceive the atmosphere of the parks!


r/Themepark 6d ago

will derian lake and frontier city join the enchanted parks chain after their management lease with six flags is up?

0 Upvotes

for contexfrontier city was my first home park and darian lake is my close second.


r/Themepark 7d ago

Royal Shakespeare Company backs plan for £600m theme park near Bicester

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18 Upvotes

r/Themepark 7d ago

Is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Florida worth it or overhyped?

14 Upvotes

Hello. I'll be attending Halloween Horror nights at Universal for the first time in October. I've been to Knotts Scary farm which I think is an amazing event, and I've experienced quality haunt events at other parks like Kings Island where I was able to do the Conjuring beyond fear, which for me, to date, is the most immersive, interactive and well themed haunted house experience I've ever done. I love Universal, been to all three Florida parks MANY times, and I'm just curious as to whether or not HHN is worth the hype and the additional expense? I've heard people who have done the Conjuring beyond fear houses at Kings Island, Cedar Point and Carowinds say that the quality of that haunt experience is just as good as a house at Halloween Horror nights if not better because of the small groups allowed in at a time. What are your thoughts?