Buckle Up: New Study Reveals The World’s Most Physically Demanding Theme Parks

New research by PureGym has analysed some of the world’s most famous theme parks, to discover which adrenaline-fueled destinations are the most physically demanding days out to experience.

A trip to a theme park is always both fun and tiring in equal measure, especially for parents spending their days chasing their kids as they dash between attractions to try and navigating queues to squeeze in as many rides as possible. With this in mind, researchers analysed more than 60 popular theme parks from around the world, to take a closer look at the elements that can make a trip to the theme parks such a workout.

Factors such as the total size of each park, as well as the average temperature, number of rides and attractions, maximum G-Force experienced on any single ride and the average time visitors can expect to spend queuing were analysed, before the five were scored to give the parks an overall ‘exertion’ score.

Universal Orlando Is The Most ‘Exhausting’ Theme Park To Visit

The study found that Universal Orlando, in the USA’s Sunshine State of Florida, is the world’s most physically demanding theme park, that may leave visitors with some aches, as well as lots of memories, from the high-octane thrills on offer as it ranks top with a total exertion score of 83.0/100. Covering a huge 541 acres and including multiple worlds such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World and the Simpson’s hometown of Springfield, there’s plenty of ground to cover to explore this park to its fullest. Not to mention, the Florida heat can make things even more tiring, particularly when it comes to queuing in the beating sun.

Following closely behind with a score of 82.1/100 is Hong Kong’s Ocean Park. With a huge range of activities on offer from thrill rides to shows, there’s plenty to keep both adults and children occupied for the day, while the park’s setting is often touted as one of the most beautiful of any theme park in the world, thanks to the panoramic bay views on offer.

Completing the top three most physically demanding theme parks to visit is Disney’s Animal Kingdom, also found in Florida, with a score of 80.4/100. Another Orlando destination, Animal Kingdom is among the largest theme parks on Earth, and one with a huge variety of attractions to explore; from safari drives to 3D cinemas and thrilling rides that are sure to get hearts racing, there’s a lot to pack in, and is sure to leave visitor relieved to put their feet up at the end of such an exhilarating day.

The 20 Most Physically Demanding Theme Parks in the World

Rank
Theme Park
Location
Continent
“Exertion” Score /100
1
Universal Orlando
United States of America
North America
83.0
2
Ocean Park
Hong Kong
Asia
82.1
3
Disney Animal Kingdom
United States of America
North America
80.4
4
Beto Carrero World
Brazil
South America
80.2
5
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada
North America
79.9
6
Energylandia
Poland
Europe
79.5
7
Six Flags Magic Mountain
United States of America
North America
79.3
8
Dream World
Thailand
Asia
79.0
9
Imagicaa
India
Asia
79.0
10
Universal Studios Japan
Japan
Asia
79.0
11
Gumbaya World
Australia
Oceania
78.8
12
Six Flags Great Adventure
United States of America
North America
77.6
13
Hansa Park
Germany
Europe
77.4
14
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
United States of America
North America
77.1
15
Epcot – Walt Disney World
United States of America
North America
76.8
16
Chimelong Paradise
China
Asia
76.5
17
Wonderla Bangalore
India
Asia
76.4
18
Lotte World
South Korea
Asia
76.3
19
Parque Warner
Spain
Europe
76.0
20
Cedar Point
United States of America
North America
75.8
21
Dreamworld
Australia
Oceania
75.7
22
Alton Towers
United Kingdom
Europe
75.3
23
Six Flags Over Georgia
United States of America
North America
75.1
24
Shanghai Disneyland
China
Asia
75.1
25
Thorpe Park
United Kingdom
Europe
74.9

Both North American and Asian theme parks perform strongly in the top 20, with eight and seven theme parks apiece in the top rankings. In North America, Canada’s Wonderland joins Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Universal Orlando in the global top five, scoring 79.9 on the ‘exertion’ score, with Six Flags Magic Mountain placing in seventh. With 100 attractions to explore, Six Flags Magic Mountain places second overall on this metric, highlighting just how much there is to see during a visit.

Alongside Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, Dream World in Thailand, Imagicaa in India and Universal Studios Japan all score 79.0, completing the final three places in the top 10 thanks to their vast park sizes and high intensity rides.

Just two UK parks make it into the top 25 in the form of Alton Towers (22nd) and Thorpe Park (25th) with scores of 75.3 and 74.9 respectively. UK theme parks are quite small in comparison many other countries but are often more compact and can feel just as tiring to those who go. For those who aren’t as big fans of high-octane thrills and spills, or who have younger children, the likes of Treetop Walks and CBeebies Land rides within these larger parks are still sure to provide plenty of excitement and make for a happy (but tired) family on the journey home.

While they didn’t make the podium, notable mentions must also go to Energylandia in Poland, which tops the charts for the most attractions at 133, and Six Flags Over Texas, which has the highest G-Force ride thanks to the back to back loops on the Shock Wave rollercoaster, which can deliver a mammoth 5.9G – a force equivalent to that experienced by fighter jet pilots and astronauts during re-entry! For those who aren’t a fan of standing still, Germany’s Hansa Park may be best avoided, as it takes the top spot for average queue times at a huge 60 minutes across all attractions.

Personal Trainer Claire Phippen from PureGym Norwich says that anyone planning a theme park visit can ensure the day is more fun than it is a toll on their body, with some simple considerations:

“For anyone concerned about how tiring an entire day spent on their feet exploring and queuing could be, adding more movement into their days in the lead up to this can go a long way.

Lunchtime walks, using the stairs instead of the lift, and walking instead of driving to the shop are both great ways to prepare. I’d also recommend adding in some leg strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges, and calf raises 1-2x a week for a few weeks before. For the trip itself, it’s also worth considering the following:

Hydration: Drinking water is always important, but it becomes even more important during a hot day spent on your feet. Pack a large reusable bottle and sip regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Try to avoid excessive sugary drinks and take advantage of the free water refill stations.
Nutrition: Don’t let all the fun make you forget to eat, as you’ll likely burn out before seeing everything. Prioritise protein for muscle recovery and carbohydrates to keep that energy up – consider packing healthy snacks like nuts, fruits and protein bars so you don’t rely on park food and eat a large protein rich meal at the end of the day to help with recovery.
Take breaks and stretch: Exploring a 500-plus acre park can take more of a toll on your legs than you might think, so take plenty of breaks to rest your feet and legs and use this time for some light stretching. Stretching your hamstrings, quads, glutes and calves before getting into bed will help to ease any soreness.
Sleep: Good sleep is essential for recovery, but also your energy levels, so make sure to get a good sleep before and after your big theme park trip! If possible, plan a recovery day for the day after to allow your body more recovery time.”