Ten of America’s Favorite Theme Parks and Ways to Save

Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is now home to the world's first rock 'n' roll theme park, the Hard Rock Park. The 55-acre park boasts more than 50 attractions for the wanna-be rocker in each of us, divided among six different "rock environs" with rides and shows themed to a particular genre of music. Come climb the stairway to heaven on the park's signature roller coaster, Led Zeppelin-The Ride. Adult tickets will cost $54.30. (Photo: Hard Rock Park)

Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida

Step through the silver screen at Universal Studios Florida, where you'll be treated like the star of your own film. And now you can even join the Simpsons on a wacky and fun-filled animated journey through Krustyland.

One-day-one-park adult admission costs $71 at the gate, but you can save by purchasing tickets online. The best value, however, is the two-parks-unlimited ticket for $81.18, which allows you access to both Islands of Adventure and the Studios for seven consecutive days. (Photo: Universal Studios Orlando)

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World encourages everyone to come be a kid again at the Magic Kingdom, where you can interact with all of your favorite Disney characters. Head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios, and take a heart-stopping ride on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which was recently named the "Best Ride in America" by Theme Park Insider. Then tour the world's cultures and foods at Epcot.

Tickets can be expensive if you want to see a lot or stay for a long period of time. However, you can tailor them to fit your needs and budget. You can also save by staying at one of the participating resorts, which offers perks to the parks. (Photo: Walt Disney World)

Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa, Florida

You can travel to another continent without leaving North American soil by visiting Busch Gardens Africa, where you're sure to encounter lions, monkeys, and hippos (they sneak in a few species from other continents, too, like tigers). The family adventure park offers an array of activities, rides, and attractions based on African culture, including the recently opened Jungala.

Tickets for adult admission at the gate cost $64.95, but you can save up to $10 by purchasing online. Plus, all Busch Gardens tickets come with a free second day to be used within seven days of your first entry. (Photo: Busch Entertainment Corporation)

Great America, Santa Clara, California

A fun-filled day awaits you about an hour south of San Francisco at California's Great America theme park. While here, you can play with Nickelodeon characters, catch a thrill on one of the many death-defying roller coasters, and splash about in Boomerang Bay.

Adult admission at the gate costs $51.99, but you'll only pay $39.99 if you purchase tickets online at least three days in advance. The "Pay Once, Visit Twice" ticket is also a great value for $59.99, because it allows entrance to the park for two separate days during the season. (Photo: Cedar Fair Entertainment Company)

SeaWorld, San Diego, California

Come get up close and personal with marine life at SeaWorld San Diego, where finned and flippered critters entertain and amaze you with incredible feats and comical performances. Discover Atlantis; say hello to Shamu; and feed dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays all in the same day.

One-day adult admission costs $59, but you can save by purchasing a SeaWorld Fun Card before June 30. For the price of a single-day ticket, the card allows you unlimited entrance into the park for the rest of 2008, with only a few blackout dates, as well as a ticket for one of the rides. (Photo: Busch Entertainment Corporation)

Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

Set against the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri, you'll find Silver Dollar City, an 1880's-themed living-history craft village that also features thrill rides, festivals, and family activities. The theme park offers more than 30 different rides and attractions to keep you and your family entertained, including a Giant Swing that flings guests through a barn and into the air.

Adult admission costs $51.59. You can save a little by entering the park after 3 p.m., which will give you the next day free. (Photo: Silver Dollar City)

Disneyland, Anaheim, California

It may be a small world, but Disneyland Park is big on fun, where you can still see the familiar faces of your childhood, as well as a few new ones. While you're here, you can drink tea with the Mad Hatter, swing by Tarzan's Treehouse, accompany Indiana Jones on an adventure, or touch the skies on Space Mountain.

Since tickets are based on length and the number of parks you visit, plan wisely to tailor your ticket to meet your overall needs. You can save money by staying at one of the affiliated hotels. (Photo: Disneyland)

Six Flags Great America, Chicago, Illinois

Ranging in intensity from mellow to perilous, the rides at Six Flags Great America will satisfy any level of courage. You can soar with Superman, prowl with Batman, and soon glide through the shadows with the Dark Knight, opening spring 2008.

General adult admission costs $54.99 for tickets purchased at the gate. However, if you buy online, you can save $15. (Photo: Six Flags Theme Parks Inc.)

Kings Dominion, Doswell, Virginia

Just outside Richmond, Kings Dominion takes your average thrill ride and loops it, spins it, twists it, and sends it soaring to new heights. The park offers rides that will leave you screaming for more, including its newest addition, the Dominator. If having your stomach in your throat isn't for you, the park also offers tamer family rides, live shows, and a water park.

The price of an adult ticket purchased at the gate is $51.95, but you can save almost $12 by buying your tickets online in advance. The "Pay Once, Visit Twice" ticket is also a great value for $51.95, because it gives you two days for the price of one. (Photo: Cedar Fair Entertainment Company)