European theme park is rated 'better than Disneyland' with tiny queues

This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group might make a commission on anything purchased.

For some people, going on holiday is all about lying by a pool, eating endless packets of crisps and drinking cocktails.

For others, it’s about chilling on cruise ships and visiting different cities.

And then for a select group of holiday goers, it’s all about the thrill – going to theme parks, of course.

Yeah, sure, we’ve got the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park in the UK, but it’s just not the same as getting rushed around on a rollercoaster in another country.

But while you might usually opt for the classic Disneyland trip, there’s a place in Europe rated better than the land of Mr Mickey Mouse.

In the north-east of Spain, the popular destination is found in Salou, not too far from Barcelona.

PortAventura

Really providing those theme park holiday vibes, PortAventura World sits not too far from the coast, so when you’re reaching those coaster peaks you’ll be able to look out to sea before the screams begin.

The mega complex is a particular favourite with Brits and features not only PortaVentura theme park but the famed Ferrariland and a water park.

It’s said it attracts about a third of the visitors Disneyland Paris does and doesn’t have those famously long queues.

Over on Tripadvisor, some guests say it’s ‘Spain’s Disney’, with teenagers saying it’s ‘more immersive than Disney’ thanks to its themes.

PortAventura World

One even put: “The end of night show was like Disney or Olympics opening – very impressed.”

Others echoed: “I found that this park was better than some of the Disney and British theme parks I had been to.”

While one put: “We love going here when we don’t want to travel to Disney/Universal in Florida.”

Portaventura - which can be booked via Tui and OnTheBeach - boasts all sorts of thrilling roller coasters, like the eight loop-the-loop’d Drzgon Khan, Uncharted with the ‘first lateral drop in Europe’ and the once tallest ride in Europe – the Shambhala.

Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In Ferrari Land, you should ‘feel the adrenaline of Formula 1’ with themed rides for younger and bigger kids. Red Force zooms from 0 to 180 kmh in just five seconds and you can even go on simulator rides to experience the rush of the racetrack.

And particularly popular with tourists – you must have seen this on your Insta at least one summer – Caribe Aquatic Park boasts 16 attractions and pools.

There’s ‘free fall’ slides, raft slides and races amongst ‘beaches’.

Obviously, PortAventura World can get pretty busy during school holidays and peak months, but queues are said to be very short in off-peak times.

The resort can be booked via Tui and OnTheBeach.