5 Theme Parks Green Families Can Feel Good About Visiting

This post is sponsored by Attraction Tickets Direct.

Good news for the kids: green theme parks do exist! If you’re considering a theme park vacation this holiday season or in the new year, eco-conscious families have many to choose from.

1. Universal Studios

Even while still at home, families can help Universal go green by participating in social media projects at Green is Universal, a site dedicated to everyday green solutions. At the parks (both in California and Florida), guests can recycle their glass and plastic, choose organic menus, and opt for compostable, disposable dinnerware. Universal Orlando’s vehicles now use alternative fuels that include B-20 Biodiesel in diesel-powered vehicles and E-10 Ethanol in all gasoline vehicles. Universal Studios tickets are easy to order online before arriving.

2. The Disneyland Resort

Disney parks have ‘made the magic more sustainable’ at Disneyland by converting the five railroad trains that circle the property to a soy-based biodiesel. The Mark Twain Riverboat burns a blend of cooking oil, and succulents and native plants that require minimal water populate the landscape. You’ll also find recycling cans throughout the resort, and all those treats along Main Street? They’re created in an eco-friendly central bakery that utilizes Energy Star-rated equipment and keeps waste out of landfills by recycling products such as expired baked goods and leftover dough for livestock feed.

3. Walt Disney World

Not only are the WDW theme parks practicing sustainable measures similar to Disneyland Resort’s, but their corporate side has gone green, too. Disney’s conservation of paper and paper products in their offices is industry-leading, and many of their resort properties have earned hotel environmental awards as well. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for their wildlife conservation and participation in the Wildlife Conservation Fund.

4. Hershey Park:

The sweetest place on earth got sweeter when Hershey Entertainment and Resorts became dedicated to energy conservation, recycling and waste management, wildlife and habitat protection, and environmental education. Hershey Park’s environmental policy statement demands that suppliers be green as well, and the Hotel Hershey is Silver Leed Certified.

5. SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld is already known for their commitment to wildlife conservation, of course, but in addition, SeaWorld parks take measures for sustainable park practices. No plastic bags are sold in SeaWorld gift shops, and food waste is recycled whenever possible. All seafood served in the park is sourced from sustainable fisheries, including the food the animals eat. Manure waste (you can imagine there’s a lot of it) is recycled into park fuel.

Will you be visiting a green theme park in 2013? Which is your family’s favorite?

Photo credit: Joao Carlos Medau

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