best amusement parks in the usbest amusement parks in the us

I agree with Bob. Hampton Inn Gurnee offers friendly service and comfortable accommodations within walking distance of the park. Best Western Plus Toronto North York is a plush hotel close to the park entrance that offers the choice of large family rooms or private suites. 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights; waterworldcolorado.com. From Hamilton: Take Express Toll Route/ON-407 East to Major MacKenzie Drive West/York Regional Road 25 in Vaughan, then take exit 35 from ON-400 North. When the day is done, but you're still craving chocolate, The Chocolatier has you covered with over-the-top desserts and plenty of chocolate-laced cocktails! Home to 16 roller coasters, including Leviathan (the tallest coaster in the country) and Canadas first inverted coaster Flight Deck, the park is perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages. The immersive Star Wars: Galaxys Edge also features hot attractions Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Disneys Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a Disney-themed hotel that combines the flavor of Disney with first-class lodgings, complete with a huge pool and entertainment. The exciting theme park has plenty of attractions themed after candy, including the brand new Jolly Rancher Remix coaster coming to the park this summer. The Karmel Shuttle also services both airports and runs to and from the park several times a day. The parks are ranked based on their 2017 visitor numbers. Part of the world-famous Six Flags chain, Six Flags Great America first opened in 1976 and has grown in size ever since. Best of the West offers big burgers and Chicken Express has a menu packed with Japanese fare, while Grannys Country Kitchen serves up home-fried chicken. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Toledo Express Airport (TOL), and Sandusky County Regional Airport are closest to the park. Top amusement parks in the US For more thrills get in line for Expedition Everest, which is a roller coaster themed to Mount Everest, where you may even encounter the elusive yeti. The nearest airports to Six Flags Magic Mountain are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). While you might instantly be thinking of the big ones like, When youre ready for a day of thrills over a relaxing, Photograph: Courtesy Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort, Photograph: Courtesy Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort, Photograph: Courtesy Six Flags Magic Mountain/Craig T. Mathew, Photograph: Courtesy Universal Orlando Resort/Sheri Lowen, Photograph: Courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure. 2019 Visitors: 10,375,000 2021 Visitors: 9,077,000. Only 30 minutes outside of Toronto, Canadas Wonderland is easy to get to and has good signage for finding the park. There are plenty of opportunities to see Mickey, Minnie, and a host of other characters throughout the park. Use the left 3 lanes to access the Mickey & Friends parking structure. Turn right onto Central Florida Parkway where the entrance to SeaWorld is on your right. The ride was demolished about 10 years ago. Even if you take into account the fact that it moved, it opened at its current location in 1958. From Cleveland: Head west on I-480, then west on I-80 to exit 118 (Sandusky). One thing not to miss is the 50th-anniversary spring rolls near Adventureland, which are filled with pastrami and pepper jack cheese! From Los Angeles: Take I-5 South to CA-39 South/Beach Boulevard in Buena Park, then take exit 116 from I-5 South before driving on to Western Avenue to reach the park entrance. Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. With the 4D interactive family gaming attraction Justice League: Battle for Metropolis alongside rapids rides, go-karts, and traditional kid-friendly attractions, Six Flags Magic Mountain has plenty to keep the whole family busy. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is just 17 miles away from the park itself, while Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is slightly farther away at 38 miles. The second and third most popular amusement parks in the world are Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and Tokyo Disneyland. Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. most popular) ones. Kings Island is situated in the town of Mason, Ohio, and it is easy to get to using several different transportation options. Thanks for reading! There are also plenty more family-friendly rides and attractions throughout the park, including stagecoach adventures, merry-go-rounds, bumper cars, and the Calico Railroad steam engine. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See some of the finest childrens shows in the world, like the World of Color fountain display. Take the children on a Journey Into Imagination with Figment, featuring the cute and lovable dragon character that is the parks mascot, or enjoy an immersive ride on Mission: Space, which simulates astronaut training for a future trip to Mars. Open from May to December, Canadas Wonderland is the largest amusement park in Canada and has plenty to offer everyone in the family. 2019 Visitors: 3,485,000 2021 Visitors: 2,800,000. Holiday World is home to Americas only launched wing coaster, while Splashin Safari Water Park has the worlds longest water coaster. Tickets can be purchased as part of a vacation package, online, or at the gate. From San Diego: Take I-15 to join I-5 until you reach the Magic Mountain Parkway turn-off. Metro Rails Red Line trains will take you to the heart of the studios, and are a cost-effective option for those traveling on a budget. Cedar Point is a 365-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. If youre interested, check out our piece: How to Visit Disney World for Cheap by Using Points and Miles. There are a few thrill rides for younger visitors, but mostly, its a family day out with animals in mind. Both airports offer rental cars, public transportation, taxis, and shuttles to the main resorts. Admission to big parks like Universal Studios Hollywood can be expensive compared to other parks, which is why most visitors buy in advance as part of their vacation package. Go north on I-75 to the Fowler Avenue exit 265, then bear left onto Fowler Avenue. Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. The ticket books allow you to use a ticket to gain entry to rides and are based on a set price per ride. Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point offers beachside fun just moments away from the park and is perfect for kids of all ages. Best Theme Park (2023)May 5, 2023. Themed after 19th-century Africa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers visitors the chance to explore a stunning tropical landscape, see exotic animals,and enjoy thrilling rides. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). You can also share private shuttles using Mears Transportation Group, which offers more shuttles in Orlando than any other provider. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the Marvel Super Hero Island, this addition to the attractions of Orlando is proving vastly popular with visitors from all over the world. It offers rental cars, public transportation, taxis, and shuttle services. From New York City: Follow I-78 West or I-81 South to exit 66 or 67 and take Route 39 to Hershey or Front Street South. Sleep in style close to the park entrance in these top family-focused hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Buena Parkis a modern hotel with a pool and play park close to the park entrance. It has an amusement park and a water park plus on the shores of the largest lake in the USA. The hotel also offers a fitness center, a large indoor pool, and discounted attraction tickets. Traveling East on the 91 Freeway: Take I-5 South and exit on Disneyland Drive toward Ball Road. Guests can enjoy seasonal events, including Halloween-themed fun throughout October and festive events at Christmas time. Hot Tip: Looking for more options? One of the biggest and best-loved theme parks in the world, Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors fun-filled days spent in the heart of the entertainment industry. Disney Beach Club is a New England-style hotel offering swimming pools and a 3-acre water park at Stormalong Bay, complete with a water slide housed within a shipwreck, water guns and fountains, and the lazy river. Christmas and New Year are also magical when spent with the cast and characters of your favorite movies and shows. Six Flags Great America offers family-friendly rides and attractions for all ages. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. For details of time and routes, visit the NJ TRANSIT website. The park is getting ready to open its 20th coaster in the summer of 2022, Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, which will be the longest single-rail coaster in the world. From Orlando: Take I-4 West to exit 74B, then follow the signs to Universal Orlandos main parking garage or one of the resort hotels. The airport offers rental cars, public transportation, taxi, and shuttle services that will take you directly to the park or your hotel. Kids will enjoy Camp Snoopy, which was the first-ever theme park area made just for kids. As for whether some of these parks would or should have made the list, the rankings were based on visitation numbers rather than ride types, themes, or thrill levels. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. Disney California Adventure | Anaheim, CA. The Metropolitan Transport System of San Diego runs buses to and from the city. Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort features 2 massive pools, a lazy river, and a bowling alley, making this hotel the perfect place to keep the kids entertained, even when theyre not at the park. Multi-day tickets with more than 3 days come with a bonus Magic Morning hour of early admission. I tend to agree with Alex here..some of the best and my ultimate favorite amusement parks are the ones who have the best rides, best roller-coasters and Disney/Universal offer a different experience. The best amusement parks in the U.S. are filled with thrilling rides, tasty treats and plenty of fun for everyone. With park closures and restricted capacities in 2020 and 2021, these years were not a true reflection of normal visitor numbers. Mason Comfort Suitesoffers comfortable and affordable rooms and suites in a convenient location, complete with a pool. There is always something special going on at the park, and you wont be missing out no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Most visitors come to see the world-famous Orca Encounter show. From San Diego: Take I-5 North from 1st Avenue and continue until you reach exit 1 from I-8 West. (and Magic Mountain is on the outskirts of it). The park now offers more than 15 roller coasters, 3 specially-themed childrens areas, and the 20-acre Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park. If you want to take in a show at Cedar Point, there is a full program of live music, childrens entertainment,and parties for you to watch and join daily. Its not just the amazing Christmas Town events that visitors come to see. Make a right turn onto US 250 and follow the signs to Cedar Point. Thanks for subscribing! You and your family can choose from Mickeys Mix Magic, the Magic Happens parade, and Fantasmic!, among others. The park offers a wide range of food and drink festivals throughout the year with an emphasis on world flavors. The most magical place on Earth still draws in millions of visitors every year who come to see classic Disney-themed attractions and have their picture taken in front of Cinderellas castle. The number 1 amusement park in the U.S. is the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Explore our in-depth guide on where to stay in Orlando for your Disney vacation. It has won most beautiful theme park in the world for 28 consecutive years and counting. The WildSafariDrive-Thru Adventure is a great way to experience it all, especially with a stop at Camp Aventura to see the smaller animals up close. Monte Carlo Inn Vaughan Suites is just 5 minutes from the park entrance and offers basic but comfortable suites with everything you need for a self-catering vacation. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of your visit. Little ones will enjoy LEGOLAND, near San Diego, and families will also enjoy smaller parks like Knotts Berry Farm in Orange County. Another must-do summer activity is hitting up the very best amusement parks in the U.S. Tickets will always be cheaper purchased in advance or as part of a vacation package. Same goes for Universal parks, but they would probably rank higher than Disney parks, as they are pretty much hybrids between amusement and theme parks, creating a great balance. There are also plenty of raceways, water rafting, carousels, and traditional amusement park rides to enjoy. There is a shuttle bus service that runs to and from the park from various locations throughout Orlando. Enjoy Halloween Horror Nights, Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or even Grinchmas as part of Universals year-long events program. Turn left on McKinley and proceed south on McKinley to parking and the main entrance to the park. Ask at the front desk for details. A casual stroll around Pixar Pier will bring you to some of the most iconic attractions at the park, like the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round. As always, it is usually cheaper to purchase tickets in advance online. Tickets to the Magic Kingdom are usually cheaper when purchased in advance or as part of a vacation package. Its more for kids and or adults who are kids (guilty as charged), and offer a fuller experience that usually has nothing to do with the rides. Themed around nature, animals, and conservation, Disneys Animal Kingdom has been part of the Walt Disney World Resort since 1998. 25 Best Theme Parks in the United States - Travel + Leisure Should have called it top parks by attendance then.because its weak. Kings Island is a staple mid-west amusement park. Im not even from that state but Cedar point is the clear winner. Harry Potter, Transformers, Jurassic World, and many more major blockbusters are all part of the Universal Studios experience. The Best Amusement Parks In America - Ranker Thank you for your comment. Tickets for ages 3-8 and 62 and over start at $52.95, Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure starts at $19.99, Single-day tickets are $44.99 when booked online and $88 at the door, 1-day tickets start at $65 when booked online, Unlimited visit Gold passes start at $140, 1-day tickets for ages 3+ start at $64.99, 1-day tickets start at $95.99 for visitors 3 years and older, 1-day adult tickets start from $59 online, General admission tickets cost $109 per person, 1-day advance standard tickets start at $104, 1-day Park Hopper tickets for same-day entry into Disneyland Park start at $164, 1-day adult tickets for 1 park start at $109, 1-day Park Hopper tickets for same-day entry into Disney California Adventure Park start at $164. The real thrill-seekers in your family will never get bored trying out the amazing rides on offer in the park, like hypercoaster Goliath, the 360-degree spins and loops on X2 and The New Revolution, and the face-down flying coaster Tatsu. If you want to book an experience package in advance, you can eat breakfast with the dolphins or enjoy dinner with the orcas, among other rare treats. From Northwest Florida: Take I-75 South to Floridas Turnpike South (exit 328, old 65) to I-4 West (exit 259) to the Walt Disney World exits, then follow the signs to Disneys Hollywood Studios. Such a disappointing ranking list. 2019 Visitors: 3,451,000 2021 Visitors: 2,913,000. Check out virtual rides of 4 attractions at Disneys Hollywood Studios, including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run! The top 20 is ranked by 2017 visitor numbers. Buses to the park from within Hershey are few and far between. Many of the large resort hotels offer shuttle services to and from the park. I can assure you that the post was not sponsored by Disney. From Daytona: Take I-4 West to Walt Disney World exits. The Firemans BBQ offers steak sandwiches and chicken wings, while the Farm Bakery brings you freshly made sweet treats, all baked on the farm itself. Pace Suburban Buses provides direct service from Schaumburg and Rosemont to Six Flags Great America on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at certain times of the year: from June to Labor Day and every Friday and Saturday in October. The most notable include the 4th of July extravaganza, Mardi Gras festival, and the super scary (yet family-friendly) Fright Fest in October. From the Jersey Shore: Take Route 138 West or Garden State Parkway exit 98 to I-195 West to exit 16, then go 1 mile west on Route 537 to Six Flags. Harrisburg International Airport is just 15 minutes away from the town of Hershey and the park. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creekis a lovely hotel just 2 miles away from the park entrance with plenty of pools and outdoor activities for the kids, including a 3-mile-long lazy river. There are 3 onsite hotels, all of which offer accommodation suitable for families with children: The Hershey Lodge offers comfortable accommodations full of plenty of sweet treats and a pool complex for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for letting up know! The park offers a great day out for the whole family, as well as an opportunity to see wild animals up close and learn about conservation. If youre traveling with kids then youll want to be sure to get over to the Planet Snoopy Play Area, where there are more than 20 Peanuts-themed attractions and live shows. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Both airports offer rental cars, public transportation, taxi services, and shuttle buses for transportation to the park.