Presented in November 2021, this guide surveys major theme parks across the United States designed for family visits. The country hosts two Disneyland parks in Anaheim, California, and four in Orlando, Florida, alongside three Sea World facilities in San Diego, California; Orlando, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas. These attractions combine aquariums and rides suited to visitors of all ages.
Disneyland Parks
The Disneyland Park in Anaheim, originally called simply “Disneyland,” opened in 1955 as the first theme park of the Disneyland Resort and remains the only park designed and built under Walt Disney’s direct supervision. Anaheim also hosts the Disney California Adventure Park. In Orlando, four additional Disney parks operate: Magic Kingdom, the largest Disney park, features the Hall of Presidents where all U.S. presidents come to life. EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) combines Disney attractions with a world exposition theme covering travel on the planet, sea, and space. Hollywood Studios reveals behind-the-scenes content from films and television, while Animal Kingdom functions as a hybrid between a zoo and amusement park.
Sea World and Marine Attractions
Sea World parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio feature large aquariums with water shows, including dolphin performances, alongside conventional theme park attractions. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in San Francisco, featured prominently in the 1986 film “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” actually houses sharks, which can prove both emotionally compelling and somewhat frightening for children, though the film’s depiction of whales at the facility was fictional.
Travel Planning Essentials
All family members require either a visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the United States. The ESTA, more economical and simpler to obtain than a traditional visa, can be requested entirely online for the entire family and is issued within 72 hours via email. Passport data must match exactly with information in the ESTA application; errors in name, birth date, passport number, gender, or passport issuance and expiration dates render the ESTA invalid and prevent flight check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Disneyland parks located in the United States?
Two Disneyland parks operate in Anaheim, California, while four Disney parks are located in Orlando, Florida. The original Disneyland in Anaheim, opened in 1955, was the only park designed under Walt Disney’s direct supervision.
What documentation do families need to travel to the United States?
All family members, including children, must obtain either a visa or ESTA to enter the United States; a passport alone is insufficient for air travel. The ESTA can be requested online for the entire family and is typically issued within 72 hours.
How many Sea World parks exist in the United States?
Three Sea World parks operate across the country: one in San Diego, California; one in Orlando, Florida; and one in San Antonio, Texas. Each combines large aquariums with water shows and theme park attractions.