We’ve all been there – that dream holiday that looked incredible online but felt underwhelming in real life. Some destinations just don’t live up to the hype (hello, Paris Syndrome). To find out which places truly wow families, the team at AttractionTickets.com analysed review scores and sentiment data from over 40 global destinations. The result? A top 20 ranking of the spots families can’t wait to revisit.
Click through this gallery to discover the destinations that EXCEED visitors' expectations...
One of the reasons visitors love Germany's largest theme park is its incredible themed areas – Scandinavia has fresh fish and fjords, Italy has a miniature St Mark’s Square and pizzeria, while the Netherlands has picturesque canals.
For adrenaline junkies, the park’s biggest roller coaster Silver Star has top speeds of 79 miles per hour (127km/h), and for the budget-conscious, entry costs around a third less than tickets for Disneyland Paris.
Offering elaborate shows depicting historical events, Puy du Fou is regularly voted France’s favourite theme park, with visitors mesmerised by the backdrops, stunts and special effects.
It’s not every day you get to watch a Viking ship set on fire or a mermaid swim by. For a little extra, you can also buy the Puy du Fou Emotion pass, which gives you reserved seating in the seven major shows.
Like many of the Paris Syndrome-proof spots on this list, Warner Bros Movie World on Australia’s Gold Coast is built around fun rather than photo ops.
The theme park has Looney Tunes attractions for young kids, hi-octane roller coasters for adults, plus shows and shaded areas with lots of seating for families. There are also a few DC Comics-themed surprises to keep everyone entertained.
Located next to the original Lego factory and Denmark's second-busiest airport, Legoland Billund opened way back in 1968. Families can hop aboard the Lego Canoe, hurl themselves from the Eagle Rock, or take a trip on thin ice with penguins.
If you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, you can explore the park from above in the Legotop. But the best thing is that much of Legoland is built from or inspired by the iconic toy bricks that generations of kids and adults have come to love.
Tropical rainforests are the most diverse and breathtaking habitats on Earth. They are our planet’s oldest living ecosystems and as education is at the forefront of Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden’s mission, visitors can’t help but be inspired.
The 40-acre valley on the Big Island’s scenic Hamakua Coast is a museum of living plants, home to more than two thousand species. Nature trails meander through the tropical rainforest, which crosses bubbling streams, passes beautiful waterfalls and offers exciting Pacific Ocean vistas.
The resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first President of the Turkish Republic, is a fascinating place. If you've ever been to Athens, you'll notice that the opulent tomb bears a similarity to the Parthenon, due to the massive columns at the entrance.
One thing that surprises tourists about the complex is its size, and as you enter via the huge brass doors, you will instantly appreciate Ataturk's significance. Some of his personal items, wardrobe and gifts he received are on display.
The first Universal Studios theme park on the list is located within Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, and is made up of seven themed zones around a lagoon.
Although you may have to queue for a while to get on it, the Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon ride is a must for thrill seekers – it's the world's tallest double coaster, standing at 139 feet (42.5m) tall.
Heralded by some as the best water park in the world, Siam Park opened in 2008 and boasts world-class water slides, outstanding theming and gorgeous beaches.
Admittedly, the lines to get in can be long and the signage isn’t great, but visitors to Tenerife’s top attraction seem to forget all about that once they’re floating down the Mai Thai River, attempting to stay on their feet at the Wave Palace, or throwing themselves down the Tower of Power.
Much of the enjoyment and fulfilment of a Big 5 safari depends on whether you actually get to see Africa’s five most iconic animals – the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo.
But even if you don’t spot them all, the excellent service, accommodation and hosts, as well as just spending time out in the bush, exceeded expectations for many safari-goers in this region.
Many visitors believe that Tokyo Disneyland is as good, if not better, than the House of Mouse’s other parks. It blends classic Disney charm with innovative tech (this is Japan, after all), and the use of mobile apps and advanced systems helps manage the queues.
What also sets this independently-run destination apart is its exclusive and affordable food offerings and the one-of-a-kind merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else.
Super Nintendo World is a standout at the original Universal Studios park, with astonishing attention to detail. Purchasing a Power-Up Band unlocks interactive features, letting you complete challenges and collect digital coins throughout the land. And while Hollywood’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is smaller than the Orlando version, it’s every bit as enchanting.
Located on the outer edge of Atlantis, The Palm, this sprawling water park is a firm favourite with families, thanks to its mix of lazy rivers, white-sand beaches, splash zones for little ones and high-octane rides for thrill seekers.
Spanning 42 acres, it’s home to the UAE’s longest lazy river, the heart-pounding Atlantean Flyer Zipline, the wave-generating Torrent River and the Tower of Poseidon, where riders are dropped through a trapdoor into a near-vertical plunge.
Regularly ranked among the world’s top theme parks, this enchanting fairytale wonderland is a favourite with families in search of fantasy and folklore. With shorter queues, longer rides, a helpful app and surprisingly affordable tickets, it consistently impresses visitors.
Efteling’s attention to detail is apparent from the moment you arrive. Younger children adore gentle rides like Droomvlucht, Symbolica and Max & Moritz, as well as exploring the whimsical Fairytale Forest. For thrill-seeking teens, the plunging Baron 1898 delivers serious excitement.
Orlando’s dominance in these rankings is not surprising. The self-proclaimed ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ is not only home to some of the world’s most iconic parks, the infrastructure around them – hotels, entertainment and dining – is solely designed for visitor satisfaction.
The most famous theme park resort in the world, Walt Disney World includes the iconic Magic Kingdom, as well as Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is at the top of many families’ bucket lists.
Although not one of the largest aquariums in the US, SEA LIFE Orlando still offers a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles and colourful fish, with the 360-degree ocean tunnel being a highlight.
From the music to the lighting, the attraction is completely immersive and relaxing. There are areas dedicated to different oceans and regions, with sustainability and education high on the aquarium’s agenda.
When planning a trip to Florida, don't be afraid to venture further afield than Orlando. Just over an hour’s drive south is Busch Gardens, a haven for coaster enthusiasts. Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, Cobra’s Curse, SheiKra, Montu, Kumba and Iron Gwazi are the highlights.
But Busch Gardens doesn't just have traditional theme park rides, it’s also one of the largest and most highly accredited zoo facilities in the US, home to more than 12,000 animals.
Spending a day in Universal Studios and its sister park Islands of Adventure is like being on a film set or inside a cartoon. Its most popular area is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which straddles both parks.
Universal is set to become even more popular with the opening of Orlando’s first new theme park in nearly three decades. Universal’s Epic Universe is made up of five worlds: the Wizarding World’s Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and Celestial Park.
Queuing is part and parcel of any theme park visit, but compared to Orlando’s other water parks, the lines at Aquatica are refreshingly manageable. Add in affordable admission, meandering lazy rivers, a massive wave pool and plenty of shaded loungers, and it’s easy to see why this 59-acre park often surpasses expectations.
Thrill seekers aren’t left out either – adrenaline-pumping rides like Reef Plunge, Omaka Rocka, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls and KareKare Curl keep the excitement levels high.
Regarded as one of, if not the best, waterpark in Asia, Waterbom offers a perfect mix of excitement, relaxation and family fun. As well as The Climax, with its near-vertical drop, there is a 1,640-foot (500m) long Lazy River, as well as colourful kids’ area Funtopia.
Waterbom is accessible from most popular hotels in the area, but even in the height of peak season, the queue times are a matter of minutes per ride. The dining options are also surprisingly good for a waterpark.
It’s often said that parents need a holiday after taking the kids to Orlando – but just off International Drive, there’s a serene escape from the theme park chaos. At Discovery Cove, you can swim with dolphins, snorkel alongside rays and colourful tropical fish, or simply unwind on a lounger.
With limited daily capacity, it never feels crowded, and since it’s all-inclusive, food and drink are taken care of – making it one of the most relaxing days out in Orlando. It’s no surprise, then, that it was ranked number one on this list.