Top 10 Theme Parks in the U.S.

Unacast

Published on:

April 4, 2022

Last updated:

June 30, 2024

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Theme parks are go-to destinations for Americans during spring and summer breaks. Most amusement and theme parks in the U.S. were fully operational by 2021, after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. With the summer of 2022 fast approaching, people are once again booking their trips to America’s top theme parks.

We analyzed consumer visits at theme parks in 2021 and, using foot traffic data, we curated a list of the most popular theme parks across the U.S.

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10. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA

Busch Gardens is a popular tourist destination in Virginia. This theme park features European-themed attractions, interactive animal experiences, and family-friendly shows.

9. Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park, CA

This popular theme park in Buena Vista began as a berry stand operated by Walter Knott in 1920. Knott’s Berry Farm, now operated by Cedar Fair, has four different family-friendly attractions: Camp Snoopy, The Boardwalk, Fiesta Village, and Ghost Town.

8. Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH

Cedar Point is the second oldest theme park in the United States. With its selection of 17 roller coasters spanning 364-acres on a peninsula in Lake Eerie, this park is fondly known as “America’s Roller Coast.”

7. Universal Studios Hollywood – Universal City, CA

Universal Studios Hollywood, the sister theme park of Universal Orlando, became a theme park on July 15, 1964. One of its biggest attractions is the Studio Tour, which provides visitors with a tour behind the movie magic.

6. Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN

Dollywood is a theme park owned by legendary country singer Dolly Parton. As you’d expect, this park has great rides and shows, but it also has show-stopping food options, including the 25-pound Apple Pie.

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5. Disneyland – Anaheim, CA

Disneyland, not to be confused with Walt Disney World, opened in 1955 in Anaheim. Today, the park boasts nine “lands”: Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, Fantasyland, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Critter Country, New Orleans Square, Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Frontier Mountains.

4. Seaworld – Orlando, FL

Seaworld is an ocean-inspired theme park in Orlando, Florida. When one thinks of Seaworld, orca and dolphin shows come to mind, but that’s not all that this aquatic theme park offers. Thrill-seekers can ride roller coasters and kids can enjoy a walk down Sesame Street.

3. Busch Gardens – Tampa, FL

This Busch Gardens is a Safari-themed amusement park with some sections named after countries in Africa. The park features over 200 species of animals and is considered to be the biggest zoo in Tampa. In addition to animal exhibits, Busch Gardens Tampa has 10 roller coasters, including the popular Iron Gwazi and SheiKra.

2. Universal Orlando – Orlando, FL

Universal Orlando contains three major sections for park guests to explore: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. This Orlando theme park is known for its film-themed rides and its spooky Halloween Horror Nights.

1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL

Walt Disney World, which opened in 1971, is Florida’s most popular tourist attraction. What keeps people coming back to Disney World? It’s probably the Magic Kingdom, home of Cinderella’s Castle, and Disney Springs, an outdoor mall for all things Disney.

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