12 Things Brits Would Find Surprisingly Different About Going to a Theme Park in America

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If you’re a Brit planning a trip to an American theme park, you might be in for a few surprises! The scale and style of US theme parks can be quite different from what you’re used to back home. From the sheer size of the resorts to the way folks plan their visits, there’s a lot to take in. So, whether you’re a theme park newbie or a seasoned roller coaster enthusiast, here’s what you might find different stateside.

1. Some resorts are large enough to fill an entire holiday

Imagine a theme park so big that you could spend your whole holiday there and not get bored. That’s often the case in America where parks like Disney World spread across 27,000 acres. It’s not just about the rides either – these massive resorts offer everything from hotels and water parks to golf courses and shopping areas. This can be quite a shock if you’re used to smaller UK parks, where you can often see and do everything in one day.

2. Guests may plan rides weeks before travelling

In the US, it’s common for visitors to start planning their theme park trips weeks or even months in advance. Many parks offer reservation systems for their most popular attractions, and if you don’t book a slot early, you might miss out. This level of planning might seem a bit much, especially if you’re used to more spontaneous park visits in the UK, where you can typically decide which rides to go on when you arrive.

3. Parking areas can be enormous

Ever felt frustrated trying to find a spot in a busy car park? Multiply that feeling, and you’ve got an idea of what parking can be like at American theme parks. The parking lots are huge, often so big that you might forget where you parked at the end of the day. This is something you might not think about when visiting smaller UK parks, where parking is often more straightforward.

4. Reaching the entrance can require a tram, shuttle or long walk

Once you’ve parked your car, getting to the park entrance can be an adventure in itself. Many large American theme parks use trams, shuttles, or require a long walk from the car park. This is quite different from most UK parks, where the entrance is usually a short walk from the parking area.

5. Food portions can be huge

Ready to eat? American theme parks are known for their generous food portions. From giant turkey legs to massive slices of pizza, you might find the serving sizes surprisingly large compared to what you’re used to in the UK. It’s all part of the experience, and sharing with family or friends can make it more fun.

6. Families may wear matching shirts

Don’t be surprised if you see entire families wearing matching shirts. It’s a popular trend at many US parks. This can help groups stick together and adds a fun, unified look to holiday snaps. While you might see this occasionally in the UK, it’s much more common in the States.

7. Hotels can be part of the theme-park experience

In America, staying at a hotel on the theme park property isn’t just about convenience, it’s part of the whole experience. These hotels often feature themed rooms and offer special early access to the parks. UK parks might offer hotel stays, but they’re typically not as integrated into the theme park experience as they are in the US.

8. Seasonal Halloween and Christmas events can completely change the parks

American theme parks often go all out for Halloween and Christmas, transforming the entire park with decorations, special shows, and themed attractions. These events can completely change the look and feel of the park, making it worth a special trip. While UK parks might have seasonal events, the scale and impact might not be as extensive.