Theme parks have been a staple for many families every year, with vacations planned around their favorite theme park. Others pack up the car to drive to the best theme park in their area.
However, the pandemic halted people from attending theme parks for the past two years, which has had a detrimental effect on them. Even some of the most famous and frequented theme parks in the industry globally, such as Disney, have not been able to escape the impact of the pandemic.
While the pandemic isn’t over just yet, there’s hope that theme parks could see a comeback. While the future is hard to predict, there are some glimmers of hope that we can make the journey to our favorite theme park again by the time the warmer weather comes around.
Theme parks have seen an impact globally
Globally, the biggest theme parks have seen a downturn during the pandemic. Even Disney has not been immune to the impact of COVID-19 and its various restrictions, which have been lifted and reset numerous times over the last two years. For example, even when it was advised that it was generally safe to revisit Disney theme parks, especially for vaccinated folks, people were still wary of visiting what is usually a jam-packed theme park.
Some are hopeful that Disney will come out on top this year. This is especially true for those who monitor the stock market. During the pandemic, Disney plummeted on the stock market, but Bank of America has predicted that they will see a resurgence in stock interest – see the link to learn more.
With loosening restrictions regardless of vaccination rates or mask mandates, it’ll be interesting to see what the future has in store for Disney theme parks.
Additionally, with more people being allowed to go to theme parks, combined with the increasing frustration about restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, it’s possible that more people will be happy to revisit their favorite theme park regardless of the risk, or with protective protocols such as physical distancing and masks.
It’ll also depend on what happens this winter, with Omicron variant wreaking havoc on the general population due to its ease of transmission. However, if it’s possible to curb the spread before the weather gets warmer, people may begin flocking to theme parks again.
Theme parks ramp up attractions in US and overseas
When looking at which Disney theme parks you might want to visit when it’s safe to do so, it’s worth considering DisneySea in Tokyo. Not only does it give you an excuse to visit Japan, one of the most exciting countries in the world, but it also allows you to experience one of the most innovative Disney theme parks.
Furthermore, DisneySea prices are much more affordable in Tokyo. Tickets for one-day admission come in at only $68, and there are many places to stay in the area, so you don’t have to walk very far to get to the park. In addition, DisneySea offers rides and sights that you won’t find at any other Disney Park.
While you’re in Japan, you might as well make your way down to Osaka, where you can visit Universal Studios Japan. Universal Studios Japan has some well-loved attractions that feature some of Disney’s most modern series. For example, Nintendo World has a ride that lets you play Mario Kart in real life.
There are also attractions at Universal Studios Japan based on the beloved Harry Potter series, the popular Spider-Man superhero, and even Jaws.
Another destination you could consider if you’re planning on traveling this year is Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi. You’ll find attractions from beloved series such as Batman and The Flintstones, as well as an excellent Acme-themed ride that lets you interact with beloved characters like Wile E. Coyote.
The Netherlands also boasts a unique Disney theme park, perfect for anyone who loves princesses and fairy tales. The Efteling park transports visitors to a Fairytale Forest, where they will be able to see scenes from some of their favorite fairy tales come to life through various installations.
There are also some exciting interactive rides at Efteling, such as a dark ride that you can enjoy on a boat, inspired by One Thousand and One Nights.
Some new theme park attractions will come to life in 2022, so it may be worth planning your next trip around them. For example, various SeaWorld theme parks have been working on new roller coasters since the beginning of the pandemic. Though they have experienced many delays, they are hopeful that 2022 will see them finally launched.
Some SeaWorlds are set to launch new roller coasters, including SeaWorld Orlando and San Diego. SeaWorld San Diego is also expected to open their Sesame Street Sesame Place attraction in 2022.
Sesame Place is set to feature some exhilarating water, and other traditional theme park rides with designs inspired by some of your favorite Sesame Street characters. In addition, SeaWorld Orlando and San Antonio are also expected to have some new Sesame Street-themed rides.
Your young kiddos are sure to get excited about the new Peppa Pig Theme Park that is set to launch in 2022 in Legoland, Florida. The theme park area based on the adored Peppa Pig and their family will be relatively small but will feature more than enough to excite your young ones.
Legoland Florida is also working on new ways to make its theme park more accessible. This will allow more visitors to enjoy this top-rated theme park.
While it’s not confirmed whether it will be ready to open in 2022, a new theme park might be opening in Iowa this year. There will be a unique theme park called Lost Island Theme Park that is supposed to be built in Waterloo, Iowa.
It is expected that they will have some unique rides with a darker theme and different realms for visitors to explore. Follow the link to read more.
This summer, the Epcot theme park is expected to open a Guardians of The Galaxy attraction. The theme park, which hasn’t seen a lot of innovation since the 1980s, is expected to build a massive roller coaster inspired by the popular Marvel film.
It is hoped that the opening of such a modern attraction will be precisely what Epcot needs to gain a desperately needed rise in popularity.
Final thoughts
Theme parks seeing a comeback is something worth hoping for, being that it’ll most likely mean we’ve gained some headway in terms of lessening COVID-19’s impact on the world. These places that have offered so many laughs and fun memories may not be able to afford to be shuttered for another year.
Hopefully, when the world starts to open back up, all the new rides and attractions being built at many famous theme parks will be exactly what brings people flocking to the parks. But, regardless of what happens, if you plan on visiting any theme park this year, be sure to do so safely.
