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List: The Top 10 Amusement Parks In the United States

By Melanie Day

The US is home to so many incredible theme parks. We’ve got Carowinds and some incredible roller coasters right here in our backyard. Every kid (and many adults) dreams of going to one of the 6 Disney Parks. Cedar Point is known for having some of the biggest and best rides. Six Flags is a major chain with locations across the country. With so many unique and exciting theme parks to try, which ones are the best? A recent TripAdvisor ranking tackled the Top Amusement Parks in the US. And you may not have guessed what came in at the top of that list. If you think Disney or Universal or even Sea World, well you’re wrong.

The rankings are part of TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best awards for amusement parks in the U.S. It’s probably no surprise that 50% of the top ten are in Florida. But there are some surprises from outside the Sunshine state as well. In fact, some of these it was my first time hearing of them.

According to Trip Advisor: The Best of the Best Things to Do Awards are calculated based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for experiences, tours, activities, and attractions on Tripadvisor.

Top 10 Amusement Parks In The United States According To TripAdvisor

  • 10. Busch Gardens (Tampa, Florida)

    Located in Florida, like much of this list, is Busch Gardens Tampa. The park blends high thrills with animal exhibits including an award-winning Serengeti safari. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast or want rides that are fun for the whole family this is the perfect park.  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida’s best roller coasters & thrill rides including Iron Gwazi, Tigris, and SheiKra.

  • 9. Santa’s Village (Jefferson, Hew Hampshire

    Channel your inner Buddy the Elf with Christmas every day at Santa’s Village. This surprise (to me) entry on this list is a holiday-themed New Hampshire amusement and water park. The park is home to classic rides such as a Ferris wheel, train, bumper cars, log flume, and more. And of course the big guy himself!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkIsR-sva7/

  • 8. Fun Spot America (Kissimmee, Florida)

    The second Florida destination on this list calls Kissimmee home. Fun Spot America features a variety of rides and games for kids and adults alike. From the classics, like Bumper Kars, the multi-level go-kart tracks, or the thrills of the WORLD’S tallest Skycoaster at 300 feet. 

  • 7. Funland (Rehoboth Beach, Delaware)

    Coming in at number 7 is your classic beach amusement park. Funland, located in Rehoboth Beach Delaware celebrates a rich history dating back 60+ years. The park features 17 rides such as a carousel and other kid friendly rides. But there are also some high thrills including the Superflip 360.

  • 6. Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)

    The Ozark Mountains are home to unique adventures and world-class entertainment in the form of Silver Dollar City Attractions. This Branson, Missouri theme park plays host to record-breaking coasters and festival entertainment. All at the 1880s theme park—Silver Dollar City- featuring over 40 rides. There are also water-filled thrills at White Water and live performances with dinner and a cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. 

  • 5. Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, Florida)

    The top 5 has us returning to Florida and one of the known heavy hitters in the theme park industry. This time, Universal Studios Florida. Universal is home to one of the best themed “lands” I’ve ever seen in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley. It also has a solid lineup of coasters including The Mummy, Rip Ride Rocket, and Escape From Gringotts. Plus kids will love the Minions-themed ride.

  • 4. Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City, CA)

    The California version of this park ranks one spot higher than Orlando’s. The top attraction? Probably the Studio Tour. It also hosts Hogsmede Village from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a Jurassic World ride, and some of the same rides as Universal Studios Florida. The biggest difference though is that this one is still a working studio. Giving it the obvious edge!

  • 3. Magic Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)

    I have to say I’m shocked this is the only Disney Park to make the list. I would have actually put Disneyland over Magic Kingdom even though the parks are similar. But the nostalgia, classic rides, and cultural phenomenon that is Magic Kingdom speaks for itself. Whether you love classic dark rides such as The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of The Caribbean, or family thrills like Splash Mountain or Space Mountain, it’s hard to not have fun at any Disney Park.

  • 2. Islands of Adventure (Orlando, Florida)

    This is our last Florida theme park. Yes, the top spot came from neither the Sunshine state nor California. Islands of Adventure is home to some of the best rides in the country. Thrilling coasters such as the Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Incredible Hulk, and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure. There is also the kid-friendly Seuss Landing oh and three water rides that will leave you drenched!

     

  • 1. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

    The top spot on this list is the closest to home. Pigeon Forge Tennesee is the home of Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park. And it’s Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best award winner for amusement parks in the U.S. Experience world-class shows and thrill rides such as Lightning Rod, Mystery Mine, and the Tennessee Tornado. 

  • 11-25 Rankings

    11. Disneyland Park (Anaheim, CA)

    12. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Orlando, FL)

    13.  Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (Orlando, FL)

    14. Storyland (Glen, NH)

    15. Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks (Wildwood, NJ)

    16. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA)

    17. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort (Erie, PA)

    18. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (Orlando, FL)

    19. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

    20. Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA)

    21. Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)

    22. LEGOland California (Carlsbad, CA)

    23. Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park (Pigeon Forge, TN)

    24. Kings Island (Mason, OH)

    25. Legoland Florida Resort (Orlando, FL)

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