Theme parks’ best new rides for 2022 from Alton Towers to Walt Disney World

What’s new in theme parks for 2022 including new rides and attractions at UK theme parks like Alton Towers and Paultons Park, as well as the likes of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and a Peppa Pig theme park

Theme parks are giving thrill-seekers plenty to get excited about in 2022 with a whole array of new rides and attractions opening.

We’re talking new attractions at UK theme parks such as Alton Towers and Paultons Park, while those planning Florida holidays won’t be disappointed with heaps of highlights at the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Oh, and families will want to leave space on the itinerary for a brand new Peppa Pig theme park that’s sure to be a hit with little ones.

To give you a helping hand we’ve highlighted some of the best new rides, parks and attractions not to miss including the new UK theme park openings you’ll want on your radar.

What’s new in UK theme parks?

Alton Towers

Alton Towers has announced three new attractions in CBeebies Land will open in spring 2022.

There will be a new Hey Duggee themed play and adventure land for kids complete with appearances from Hey Duggee himself, a brand new JoJo & Gran Gran At Home attraction with fun activities such as a garden maze, and a brand new live and interactive show, Andy’s Adventures Dinosaur Dig, where families can discover plenty of prehistoric sights and sounds in the immersive experience.

Also new for 2022 at Alton Towers will be some colourful Bing-themed bedrooms in the CBeebies Land Hotel.

Paultons Park

Paultons Park opened brand new land Tornado Springs last year, and now the exciting addition has an extra ride for little thrill-seekers to discover.

New rollercoaster ‘Farmyard Flyer’ offers a chance to “take to the skies”, and will offer a plane-themed train with carriages that are ideal for children looking to take on their first rollercoaster rides.

More UK theme park updates for 2022

Chessington World of Adventures doesn’t have any new rides for 2022, but the theme park submitted plans for an Amazon Land last year, with proposals including a new rollercoaster and two children’s rides. If successful, construction is expected to begin later this year.

Thorpe Park has a similar situation; although no new rides are planned for 2022, the resort is currently in a public consultation period following a proposal for a new rollercoaster which would be tipped to become the tallest rollercoaster in the UK.

Meanwhile, Legoland isn’t opening new attractions this year but there’s plenty to explore for families as last year the resort opened a huge new land inspired by mythical creatures complete with new rides – and the UK’s first flying theatre ride.

What’s new in the Disney theme parks for 2022?

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is going all out for 2022 as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Marvel fans can soon take on brand new rollercoaster Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, a storytelling attraction that includes a 360 degree rotation and the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.

Meanwhile Star Wars fans won’t want to miss out on the brand immersive hotel experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser which is due to open in March 2022. The hotel will offer up two-night stays on board the ‘Halcyon starcruiser’ where guests get immersed into their own Star Wars story, interacting with characters and enjoying themed rooms, food and entertainment.

As for the 50th anniversary celebrations? Expect dazzling shows, iconic landmarks such as Cinderella Castle being transformed into a one of four Beacons of Light, and 50 golden statues celebrating iconic characters hidden across the four theme parks. There’s heaps to explore – so we’ve rounded up the best bits to give you a helping hand.

Disneyland Paris

Superheroes in the making are going to want to head to Disneyland Paris this year, with plenty of exciting additions to the theme parks.

For a start there’s the newly-opened Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a four-star hotel decked out to look like a ‘New York art gallery’ filled with one of the largest collections of Marvel artwork in the world. Oh and yes – there are superhero themed suites too of course.

Meanwhile, in summer 2022 Walt Disney Studios Park will welcome a brand new Avengers Campus complete with new attractions, restaurants and “heroic encounters”. (We’ve got a wider guide with everything we know so far you may want to check out).

Disneyland Paris will also mark its 30th anniversary with special celebrations kicking off in March, although it’s remained tight-lipped so far about exactly what guests can expect. (However, we have already had a peek at the Sleeping Beauty Castle’s big transformation ahead of the anniversary!).

More theme park updates for 2022 to get excited about

Universal Orlando just opened a thrilling new Jurassic World ride in late 2021, and it’s one of the theme park’s best new additions to check out for 2022. Located in Islands of Adventure, the VelociCoaster boasts 360-degree inversions, an 80-degree drop and steep inclines, and catapults riders 155ft into the air. Oh, and the braver souls can get close up to animatronic Velociraptor dinosaur with its mouth in a cage…

Meanwhile, families planning Florida holidays may want to check out the brand new Peppa Pig theme park opening at LEGOLAND Florida in February 2022, complete with SIX child-friendly rollercoasters and rides, themed playgrounds, fun fair rides, an indoor cinema, character shows and even a water play area with ‘muddy puddles’.

It’s not just Florida which has new theme park openings.

In Europe, the Efteling theme park in the Netherlands will be celebrating its 70th anniversary. The fairytale-themed resort has transformed two existing attractions into a new Sinbad the Sailor themed offerings, named Archipel and Sirocco. There will be plenty of surprises for guests throughout the year for the milestone anniversary, including a pop-up fairytale in the heart of the park.

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