The Most Popular Theme Park in America: Revealing the Top Contender

Choose the theme park you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 23, 2023 09:30)
Get ready for the ultimate rollercoaster ride as we dive into the world of thrilling attractions, magical lands, and jaw-dropping spectacles! Welcome to StrawPoll's quest to crown the most popular theme park in America! With thousands of adrenaline junkies, fun-seekers, and theme park connoisseurs casting their votes, this is your chance to have your say and make your favorite park the talk of the town. Will it be the enchanting world of Disney, the cinematic universe of Universal Studios, or perhaps a hidden gem that deserves more recognition? The power is in your hands! So, buckle up, vote for your top pick, and don't forget to suggest a missing option if you think we've missed out on an American treasure. Join the exhilarating journey and let's uncover the true champion of theme parks together!

What Is the Most Popular Theme Park in America?

  1. 1
    79
    votes
    This is the most visited theme park in America, with over 20 million visitors per year. It features multiple theme parks, water parks, and resort hotels, all with a focus on beloved Disney characters and stories.
    Description
    The Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is a world-renowned theme park that provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. With its magical atmosphere and iconic characters, it offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options that cater to the diverse interests of its guests.
    • Location: Orlando, Florida
    • Size: Approximately 25,000 acres
    • Theme Parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom
    • Number of Attractions: Over 100
    • Resort Hotels: More than 25
  2. 2
    45
    votes
    Universal Studios Hollywood - Los Angeles, California
    林振宇 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This theme park is a popular destination for movie fans, with attractions based on popular films like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Transformers.
    Description
    Universal Studios Hollywood is a renowned theme park located in Los Angeles, California. It offers an immersive entertainment experience where visitors can experience the magic of Hollywood movies. The park features thrilling rides, live shows, interactive attractions, and behind-the-scenes studio tours. It is known for its close association with the film industry and offers visitors a chance to see movie sets, special effects demonstrations, and even meet beloved characters from popular films. Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination for movie enthusiasts and families alike.
    • Location: Los Angeles, California
    • Rides: Over 20 thrilling rides
    • Shows: Live shows and performances
    • Studio Tours: Behind-the-scenes tours of working movie studios
    • Movie Sets: Opportunity to see famous movie sets
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    Disneyland Resort - Anaheim, California
    Cd637 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This was the original Disney theme park and remains a popular destination for families and Disney fans. It features classic attractions like the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Space Mountain, as well as newer additions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
    Description
    The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California is an iconic theme park that has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors since its opening in 1955. Known as the 'Happiest Place on Earth,' it is a magical destination that offers endless fun and enchantment for guests of all ages.
    • Location: Anaheim, California
    • Opening Date: July 17, 1955
    • Size: Approximately 500 acres
    • Parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure
    • Number of Attractions: Over 100
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    Six Flags Magic Mountain - Valencia, California
    Alton · CC BY 3.0
    This park is known for its thrill rides, including the record-breaking coaster, Goliath. It also features multiple themed areas, including DC Universe and Bugs Bunny World.
    Description
    Six Flags Magic Mountain is a popular theme park located in Valencia, California. It offers an exciting and thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. The park is well-known for its wide range of roller coasters, thrilling rides, and family-friendly attractions. It attracts millions of visitors each year with its adrenaline-pumping adventures and entertainment.
    • Location: Valencia, California
    • Opening Date: May 29, 1971
    • Size: Approximately 260 acres
    • Number of Roller Coasters: 19
    • Number of Thrill Rides: 42
  5. 5
    17
    votes

    Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

    George Boeckling
    This park is known as the roller coaster capital of the world, with over 70 rides, including 18 coasters. It also features multiple water rides and family-friendly attractions.
    Description
    Cedar Point is a highly acclaimed theme park located in Sandusky, Ohio. It is commonly referred to as the 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World' due to its world-class collection of roller coasters. With its thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and scenic views of Lake Erie, Cedar Point offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.
    • Location: Sandusky, Ohio
    • Opened: 1870
    • Total Roller Coasters: 17
    • Total Attractions: 70+
    • Total Rides: 150+
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando, Florida
    Tim Ross · Public domain

    SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando, Florida

    SeaWorld Entertainment
    This park is focused on marine life and features attractions like dolphin and whale shows, as well as roller coasters and water rides. It also has a sister park, Discovery Cove, where visitors can swim with dolphins and other marine animals.
    Description
    SeaWorld Orlando is a renowned theme park located in Orlando, Florida. It offers visitors a unique experience centered around marine life and oceanic adventures. The park is part of the SeaWorld Entertainment chain and is one of the most popular theme parks in America.
    • Location: Orlando, Florida
    • Type: Theme Park
    • Theme: Marine Life and Oceanic Adventures
    • Company: SeaWorld Entertainment
    • Size: Approximately 200 acres
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    Busch Gardens - Tampa Bay, Florida

    The Anheuser-Busch Company
    This park features a mix of animal exhibits and thrill rides, with a focus on African wildlife. It also features a water park and live entertainment.
    Description
    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a popular theme park located in Tampa Bay, Florida. It offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, incredible wildlife encounters, and captivating live entertainment. With its mix of world-class roller coasters, diverse animal exhibits, and immersive themed areas, the park provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
    • Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
    • Opened: March 31, 1959
    • Size: 335 acres (136 hectares)
    • Number of Roller Coasters: 9
    • Number of Animal Species: 300+
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Knott's Berry Farm - Buena Park, California
    Phydend at English Wikipedia · Public domain
    This park features classic attractions like the GhostRider wooden coaster and the Calico Mine Ride. It also has a water park and seasonal events like Knott's Scary Farm.
    Description
    Knott's Berry Farm is a popular theme park located in Buena Park, California. It was initially a berry farm owned by Walter Knott and later transformed into an amusement park. Today, it offers a wide range of thrilling rides, entertaining shows, delicious dining options, and unique shopping experiences.
    • Location: Buena Park, California
    • Opening Year: 1920
    • Size: 160 acres
    • Number of Rides: 40+
    • Number of Roller Coasters: 10
  9. 9
    1
    votes
    Hersheypark - Hershey, Pennsylvania
    No producer/author information on card-believe it was the Hershey company. · Public domain
    This park is known for its chocolate-themed attractions, including the Hershey's Chocolate World tour and the Reese's Cupfusion ride. It also features multiple coasters and water rides.
    Description
    Hersheypark is a popular theme park located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is known for its chocolate theme and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. The park offers a mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly shows, and a variety of entertainment options.
    • Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania
    • Opening Year: 1907
    • Total Area: 121 acres
    • Number of Rides: 70+
    • Number of Roller Coasters: 14
  10. 10
    12
    votes
    Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
    Brian Stansberry · CC BY 2.5
    This park is owned by country music legend Dolly Parton and features attractions based on her music and Appalachian culture. It also features multiple coasters and water rides, as well as a sister park, Dollywood's Splash Country.
    Description
    Dollywood is a popular theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It was created by entertainer Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. The park offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality, celebrating the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Dollywood showcases a variety of attractions, shows, and festivals throughout the year, attracting millions of visitors annually.
    • Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
    • Number of Rides: 40+
    • Live Entertainment: Over 20 shows daily
    • Unique Features: Dollywood Express, Smoky Mountain-themed areas
    • Special Events: Festival of Nations, Smoky Mountain Christmas

Missing your favorite theme park?

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Ranking factors for popular theme park

  1. Attendance
    The number of visitors to the park is a key indicator of its popularity.
  2. Ride Variety
    The number and variety of rides and attractions provided by the park. 3. Accessibility: The convenience and ease of attending the park through transportation or distance.
  3. Park Size
    The size and capacity of the park to serve visitors.
  4. Entertainment and events
    The availability of live shows, parades, fireworks, and other events.
  5. Technology
    The advancement of technology and digital experiences, such as virtual reality attractions or mobile apps.
  6. customer satisfaction
    The experience and opinion of the visitors that have attended the park.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular theme park in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or theme park is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1982 views
  • 216 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each theme park once every 24 hours. The rank of each theme park is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular theme park in america

Background Information: Theme parks have become a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. With a wide variety of attractions, from roller coasters to water rides, theme parks offer something for everyone. In America, there are numerous theme parks that attract millions of visitors every year. From the iconic Disneyland in California to the thrilling Universal Studios in Florida, there is no shortage of options for those looking for a fun-filled day out. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which theme park is the most popular in America. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular theme parks in America and try to determine which one takes the top spot.

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