Amusement parks have started playing a whole new ball game. Gone are the days of the local funfair. Now we’re offered some of the most extraordinary amusement parks that provide wonderfully themed lands, exciting world-renowned shows, incredibly immersive ride experiences, and bigger than life roller coasters. To celebrate their excellence, here are some of what we think are the best amusement parks around the world.

Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida

As the sister park of Orlando’s Universal Studios, this six-land park offers rides like no other, all taking you on a journey through the worlds of some of your favorite film and TV characters. Take a ride on the Incredible Hulk roller coaster, splashdown on Popeye’s barge rapids, or even encounter a dinosaur from the terrifying Jurassic Park.

PortAventura Park, Catalonia, Spain

The PortAventura resort in Catalonia offers you the perfect mix of gorgeous sun, incredible roller coasters, and refreshing waterslides. What more could you want? It’s one of the most visited amusement parks in the world with over 5 million guests per year. What are you waiting for? Be one of them!

Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, Florida

Busch Gardens is an African-themed zoo and amusement park all in one, offering the perfect day out by combining thrilling roller coasters and exciting animal encounters. You can visit some of Africa’s most beautiful animals on a safari including the Big Five, and then take an exhilarating ride on the park’s many huge roller coasters including the 200ft Sheikra or the multi-launch Cheetah Hunt!

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Regarded as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point is the second oldest amusement park on the planet. It offers you 17 different roller coasters, including six that are over 200ft! The rides Top Thrill Dragster, Millenium Force and Valravn all beat the world’s record for the fastest, tallest and longest roller coaster of its kind when they opened. Need we say anymore?

The USA is often considered to have the best innovative amusement parks in the world, and for good reason too! However, there are plenty of parks around the globe which take a good shot at bettering America’s world-leading parks. Check out our other favorites too...Germany's Europa Park, England’s Thorpe Park, and the Netherlands Efteling.