Top New Attractions to Visit in 2024
In 2024, there has been a delightful array of new attractions 2024 catering to all interests, from thrilling theme park rides and innovative museums to entirely new themed lands and cruise ship launches.
Roller coaster enthusiasts have been particularly spoiled this year, with the unveiling of the UK’s fastest and tallest coaster, Hyperia, at Thorpe Park, alongside Voltron at Europa-Park in Germany, and Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando. Disney also made waves with the introduction of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, while Universal launched Dreamworks Land and Knott’s Berry Farm celebrated the debut of Camp Snoopy.
Adventures have also extended to the seas and underwater realms, with exciting new attractions 2024 like the Aquascope indoor water park at Futuroscope, Disney’s latest cruise ship, Disney Treasure, and the inaugural voyage of Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.
On the museum front, one of the most eagerly awaited projects, the Grand Egyptian Museum, finally opened its doors to visitors with a soft launch. Other notable additions include La Nube Children’s Museum in Texas, the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam, and The Nintendo Museum in Tokyo.
Continue reading for our curated list of the best new attractions 2024, organised by their opening dates.
Valley of Witches at Ghibli Park
In March, Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Japan, the only Studio Ghibli theme park, launched its fifth and final area, Valley of Witches. This enchanting section draws inspiration from beloved anime films such as Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle, featuring a life-size replica of Howl’s Moving Castle.
The new area also showcases the witch’s house from Earwig and the Witch and introduces Ghibli Park’s first amusement park-style rides, including a merry-go-round and an aerial carousel. Additionally, Valley of Witches features Kiki’s bakery and various eateries, enhancing the immersive experience.
National Holocaust Museum
The National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam was inaugurated in early March by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. This significant institution opened its doors as the country began a year of commemorations marking 80 years since its liberation from Nazi occupation.
After nearly two decades of planning, the museum stands as the first and only establishment dedicated to narrating the history of Jewish persecution throughout the Netherlands.
Visitors can explore various galleries across three floors, showcasing 2,500 objects, including photographs and films that depict the daily lives of Jews before the Second World War and the subsequent persecution they faced.
Showtown
Next on our list of the best new attractions 2024 is the £13 million Showtown museum in Blackpool, UK, which opened in March 2024. This museum delves into the history, legacy, and future of Blackpool’s vibrant entertainment scene, covering topics from circus acts to magic shows and dance.
With six interactive and family-friendly galleries, the museum aims to attract over 200,000 visitors annually, contributing to Blackpool’s economy through job creation and tourism.
Nemesis Reborn
The new Nemesis Reborn coaster debuted at Alton Towers in March 2024, following an extensive 18-month transformation of the original Nemesis attraction.
During this period, the coaster’s 250-tonne, 716-metre-long track was replaced, now featuring a striking design with red veins. Nemesis Reborn incorporates new storytelling elements and a reimagined mythical beast, enhanced by state-of-the-art audiovisual technology.
Cadbury Chocolate Quest at Cadbury World
Late March saw the launch of Cadbury Chocolate Quest at Cadbury World near Birmingham, UK. This innovative ride takes aspiring chocolatiers on a quest to gather ingredients for a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar.
The indoor trackless ride includes nine Cadbury cars, where visitors can aim lasers at the desired ingredients, culminating in a sweet treat at the end. The experience is enriched with 3D-themed sets, virtual screens, and sensory elements, creating an engaging atmosphere.
Perth Museum
Perth Museum in Scotland opened its doors at the end of March 2024 after a £27 million redevelopment project.
The museum features the Stone of Destiny, a significant historical artefact, which has returned to Perthshire after over 700 years. Alongside this, the museum showcases notable loans and exhibitions from the UK and beyond.
Fire in the Hole at Silver Dollar City
March was a bustling month for new attractions 2024, with Fire in the Hole, the largest indoor family coaster in the Midwest, opening at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
Developed by Rocky Mountain Construction, this $30 million ride includes 14 show scenes and three thrilling drops, concluding with a spectacular water splashdown.
Voltron Nevera at Europa-Park
Europa-Park introduced its new Voltron Nevera attraction, the longest multi-launch coaster in Europe, in April 2024. This impressive ride spans 1,385 metres and features seven inversions and four launches.
Set within Europa-Park’s new Croatia-themed area, the coaster promises an exhilarating experience with a 105-degree launch, the steepest in the world, and multiple LSM launch tracks reaching speeds of 55.9 mph.
The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True
The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True, an interactive fan attraction inspired by Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, opened in Miami in April 2024. Developed by Primo Entertainment and Moment Factory, this immersive experience allows visitors to explore Messi’s life through interactive activities.
Tír Na nÓg at Emerald Park
In May 2024, Ireland’s Emerald Park opened its €22 million Tír Na nÓg land, featuring Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill coasters. This fully themed area includes the ‘Na Fianna Force’ and ‘The Quest’ coasters, both crafted by Vekoma Rides.
Hyperia at Thorpe Park
One of the standout attractions of the year, Hyperia, the UK’s fastest and tallest coaster, opened at Thorpe Park in May 2024. Reaching a maximum height of 236 feet and speeds exceeding 80 mph, it has claimed the title of the fastest coaster in the UK.
SAGA City of Light
The highly anticipated SAGA City of Light experience opened in May in Shanghai, China. This immersive show features seven dynamic platforms that transport guests back to the 1930s to explore historical Shanghai.
teamLab Borderless Jeddah
In June, the Middle East’s first teamLab Borderless museum opened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This collaborative initiative with the Saudi Ministry of Culture features interactive artworks that immerse visitors in a three-dimensional environment.
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea
Fantasy Springs, Tokyo DisneySea’s new themed port, opened its Tangled, Peter Pan, and Frozen experiences to visitors in June 2024. This $2.2 billion area represents the largest development in Tokyo DisneySea’s history.
DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida
Also in June, DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida opened to visitors, featuring areas inspired by Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda. The new land includes rides, character meet and greets, and interactive play areas.
Cosm Los Angeles
Cosm, a global technology company, opened its first venue in June, located in Hollywood Park. This experiential venue features an 87-foot diameter 8K+ LED dome, transforming live sports and entertainment.
Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm
At the end of June 2024, the new Camp Snoopy land at Knott’s Berry Farm opened, featuring four new attractions, including a family-friendly coaster and a giant swing.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World and Disneyland
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Walt Disney World in Florida in June and at Disneyland in California in November. This ride celebrates Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, featuring Tiana and Naveen as they prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration.
With numerous audio-animatronic figures and a fresh soundtrack, the attraction promises an engaging experience for guests.
The Adventure Play at Windsor Great Park
Creating Adventurous Places (CAP.Co) won a Thea Award for The Adventure Play at Windsor Great Park, which opened in July 2023. This new attraction offers visitors two acres of play with handcrafted walkways, slides, and treehouses.
