From towering roller-coasters and epic entertainment to luxury hotels and oasis-sized pools, theme parks in the United States are known to go all out.
And with so many, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.
But there’s no need to panic. A study by the Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal has revealed the top 10 best amusement parks across the country, so you can pick the best for your next thrill-seeking holiday.
Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal analysed every theme park in the United States based on three key factors. These were Instagram hashtags, monthly Google search volume and the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews on TripAdvisor – the top review you can receive out of five.
These factors were then combined into an index to give each amusement park a total score out of 100. This index revealed the cream of the crop.
With almost every state in America boasting a theme park, deciding where to seek your thrills can be overwhelming.
From places that are perfect for coaster chasers or pop culture enthusiasts to family-focused parks with kid-friendly rides, there are just so many to choose from.
1. Universal Islands of Adventure
Coming in at No.1 is Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. This park is known for its sheer size, insane rollercoasters and epic attractions.
From The Incredible Hulk Coaster that shoots you upwards of 45 metres to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster that sends riders into an inverted zero-gravity stall, thrills are definitely served hot here.
Ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster, if you dare. Photo: Universal
But one of the park’s biggest highlights is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Travel to places like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade or ride through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Visitors flock to the Harry Potter recreations. Photo: Universal
Board the Hogwarts Express. Cheer on students at the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Choose a wand at Ollivanders. No matter what you get up to, you’ll feel the wizarding magic long after you leave. And that’s only part of the reason this unparalleled place scored first.
2. Magic Kingdom
Coming in at No.2 is Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Magic Kingdom is one of the best theme parks in the country.
With a whopping 8,012,859 posts, Magic Kingdom holds the highest number of Instagram hashtags of any theme park worldwide, making it the most Instagrammable park in the world. And it’s not hard to see why.
The Magic Kingdom is highly Instagrammable. Photo: Getty
You’ll be enchanted around every corner, from graceful Disney characters wandering about to musical parades and classical architecture.
It’s known to be a favourite among both young and young at heart, with first birthday trips intertwining with proposals and even weddings. Talk about magic.
Splash Mountain is an iconic ride. Photo: Getty
3. Disney California Adventure Park
In third place, we’re heading cross-country to Anaheim, California with Disney California Adventure Park. It’s one of two parks at Disneyland Resort, one of Southern California’s coolest hot spots.
Sprawling across 29 hectares, this is where you’ll witness your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories come to life.
Pixar classic Cars comes to life. Photo: Getty
Explore Cars Land, dine at Aunt Cass Cafe and attend Goofy’s Sky School. Meet Mickey Mouse, Jessie from Toy Story and even Monsters, Inc.’s Mike Wazowski.
Owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, it’s the place to be for Disney fanatics of all ages.
A must for Disney fanatics. Photo: Disney
The top 10
Cedar Point in Ohio came in fourth place, followed by Silver Dollar City in Missouri rounding out the top five.
Silver Dollar is a lesser-known gem. Photo: Silver Dollar
Animal Kingdom in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park both in California, Dollywood in Tennessee and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Florida make up the top 10.
Animal Kingdom is yet another member of the Disney family. Photo: Getty
The article first appeared in International Traveller. Read the original here.
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