{"id":6583,"date":"2018-05-04T01:00:46","date_gmt":"2018-05-03T19:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/answers\/?p=6583"},"modified":"2018-05-28T14:56:04","modified_gmt":"2018-05-28T09:26:04","slug":"top-20-best-amusement-parks-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/answers\/united-states\/top-20-best-amusement-parks-us\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the top 20 best amusement parks in the US?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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\"Infographic<\/a><\/p>\n

The United States has some of the best amusement parks in the world. Each park boasts its own unique theme and entertainment options for all ages. Most come with hotels and resorts within the park, making each a complete holiday destination for the family.<\/p>\n

The Top 20 Best Amusement Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Magic Kingdom<\/strong>, Walt Disney World Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Bay Lake, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 20,395,000<\/p>\n

Owned by the Walt Disney Company and operated by the Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom was conceived by Walt Disney and inaugurated on October 1, 1971. One of the four theme parks built around popular Disney characters, the Magic Kingdom, holds the world record for the most visitors for the 11th<\/sup>\u00a0year running. For the last seventeen years, it has been North America\u2019s most visited amusement park.<\/p>\n

Disneyland Park<\/strong>, Disneyland Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Anaheim, California
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 17,943,000<\/p>\n

This was one of the two original theme parks conceived by Walt Disney and opened on July 17, 1955. Over the years, the resort has evolved around several themes and has expanded the range of entertainment options. The Disneyland Park is divided into eight themed parks \u2013 Main Street, USA; Fantasyland; Frontierland; Tomorrowland; Critter Country; Adventureland; Mickey\u2019s\u00a0Toontown<\/span>; and New Orleans Square.<\/p>\n

EPCOT<\/strong>, Walt Disney World Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Bay Lake, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 11,712,00<\/p>\n

Epcot offers the Permanent World\u2019s Fair, where the latest technological innovation blends with dazzling creativity to offer wholesome entertainment to all. Visiting Epcot is like going on a world tour. Travel through China\u2019s Forbidden City, a British Village, Japan\u2019s World Showcase Lagoon with its distinct Torii Gate, the Aztec Temple of Mexico, or simply go under the sea with Nemo, or catch NASA\u2019s Space Shuttle, Epcot has it all and more.<\/p>\n

Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom<\/strong>, Walt Disney World Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Bay Lake, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 10,844,000<\/p>\n

It\u2019s one Animal Kingdom you would never want to leave. A world of magical rides, fantasy travels and Jungle Treks where one can come face-to-face with popular jungle characters everyone loves. \u00a0The nights in this kingdom are as dramatic as the ones during the day, perhaps even better. Nights come alive with color, dazzle, and sounds of the jungle. There\u2019s plenty of music, dance and entertainment with the Discovery Island Carnivals, Light and sounds of the River of Light show, and many more.<\/p>\n

Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios<\/strong>, Walt Disney World Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Bay Lake, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 10,776,000<\/p>\n

Disney\u2019s Hollywood fantasyland comes alive with popular character-inspired themes. This year, the famous and very popular movie Toy Story Land comes alive in June. This is in addition to other popular theme-based attractions like\u00a0StarWars<\/span>\u00a0Launch Bay, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt show, the Muppet Show coming alive in 3D, among many others.<\/p>\n

Universal Studios<\/strong>, Universal Orlando Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Orlando, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 9,998,000<\/p>\n

Universal Orlando opened in 1990 with Universal Studios Florida and later in 1995, the Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Florida is all about cinema and fantasy. It was built to compete with Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios and remains very popular with a large number of visitors heading there.<\/p>\n

Universal\u2019s Islands of Adventure<\/strong>, Universal Orlando Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Orlando, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 9,362,000<\/p>\n

Islands of Adventure is part of Disney Orlando and was opened in 1999 along with CityWalk. Visitors get to experience adventure journeys to eight fantasy islands that are themed on characters, cartoons, dinosaurs, and superheroes, including Harry Potter. The amusement park remains one America\u2019s popular entertainment destinations for the family.<\/p>\n

Disneyland California Adventure Park<\/strong>, Disneyland Resort
\nLocation:<\/strong> Anaheim, California
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 9,295,000<\/p>\n

Visitors get to experience fantasy rides on a wide variety of Disney\u2019s popular characters. Children love the Grizzly River Runs, adrenalin-triggering\u00a0Soarin<\/span>\u2019 Around the World, and joining the singing and dancing with Timon and the lovable pets. Disneyland California Adventure Park continues to remain among Disney\u2019s popular amusement destinations.<\/p>\n

Universal Studios Hollywood<\/strong>, Universal City
\nLocation:<\/strong> Los Angeles, California
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 8,086,000<\/p>\n

Universal Studios is where one can take the famous World-Famous Studio Tour, walk through the mysterious castle of Harry Potter, get creepy, spine-tingling sensations at the world of The Walking Dead, get the wet experience in Universal\u2019s most popular\u00a0WaterWorld<\/span>\u00a0action, or wait for the finale ride \u2013 Fast & Furious. All crafted to have you wanting more.<\/p>\n

SeaWorld<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Orlando, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 4,777,000<\/p>\n

Experience the best of an aqua world coming up close with some of the most exotic creatures of the sea. Don\u2019t miss out the gut-wrenching tall drop at Infinity Falls \u2013 an attraction this year along with some of Orlando\u2019s longest, fastest and most exciting roller coasters. This is one of the best of sea-themed amusement parks in America.<\/p>\n

Busch Gardens, Florida<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Tampa Bay, Florida
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 4,169,000<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay\u2019s star sea world attraction draws people with its complete package of family entertainment. Choose from exciting roller coaster rides or come up close and personal with over 12,000 animals from over 300 species, or simply catch up with some of the best live-entertainment shows that everyone in the family is going to love.<\/p>\n

Knott\u2019s Berry Farm<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Buena Park, California
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 4,014,000<\/p>\n

Owned by Cedar Fair, Knott\u2019s Berry Farm offers 35 exciting rides, including water and historic rides for children and family. In May 2018, the park launches\u00a0HangTime<\/span>, California\u2019s first and only Dive Coaster Ride. The Knotts Berry Theme Park, Water Park, and Hotel together make a wonderful experience for all in the family.<\/p>\n

Cedar Point<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Sandusky, Ohio
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 3,604,000<\/p>\n

The 364-acre property located on Lake Erie in Sandusky, OH first opened in 1870, making it the second oldest in the United States. Since then, the park has evolved with the latest attractions making it a complete amusement and entertainment destination. Cedar Point offers 72 rides making it the largest in the world. In May 2018, Steel Vengeance became the park\u2019s latest roller coaster attraction.<\/p>\n

SeaWorld<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> San Diego, California
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 3,528,000<\/p>\n

Owned by the City of San Diego and operated by SeaWorld Entertainment, SeaWorld offers entertaining shows and presentations that brings everyone delightfully close to the beautiful living world under the sea.<\/p>\n

King\u2019s Island<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Mason, Ohio
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 3,384,000<\/p>\n

The 364-acre King\u2019s Island first opened in 1972, 24 miles outside Cincinnati, OH. Visitors get to choose from a variety of attractions including Coney Mall, Action Zone, Planet Snoopy, Rivertown, Soak City and many more. It remains Ohio\u2019s most popular amusement park.<\/p>\n

Six Flags Magic Mountain<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Valencia, California
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 3,332,000<\/p>\n

The park initially opened as Magic\u00a0Mountian<\/span>\u00a0in 1971 and was bought by Six Flags in 1979 and was renamed Six Flags Magic Mountain. Presently, the 262-acre property is divided into eleven-differently themed areas, each having its own set of coaster rides, amusement and dining options. The park boasts of Twisted Coaster \u2013 the world\u2019s longest and most innovative hybrid ride.<\/p>\n

Hersheypark<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Hershey, Pennsylvania
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 3,276,000<\/p>\n

Owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, the 126-acre Hersheypark offers a total of 76 different rides including 14 water rides, and 13 roller coasters. One can also get to see over 200 animals that are part of\u00a0ZooAmerica<\/span>\u00a0within the park.<\/p>\n

Six Flags Great Adventure<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Jackson, New Jersey
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 3,220,000<\/p>\n

Popular attractions include Main Street, Fantasy Forest, Safari Kids, Adventure Seaport, Movietown, Lakefront, BugsBunny National Park, among many others.<\/p>\n

Six Flags Great America<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Gurnee, Illinois
\nAttendance (2016):<\/strong> 2,950,000<\/p>\n

The 304-acre property was originally owned by Marriott Corporation before Six Flags took it over in 1984. The 20-acre Hurricane\u00a0Harbour<\/span>\u00a0is very popular for its water rides. Other attractions include Hometown Square, Southwest Territory, Country Fair \u2013 the largest section in the park, among others.<\/p>\n

Busch Gardens<\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Williamsburg, Virginia
\nAttendance (2015):<\/strong> 2,780,000<\/p>\n

Virginia\u2019s largest water parks offer season-based experiences from Halloween to the 360\u00b0 Battle for Eire in Virtual Reality; there is so much and more. Roller coaster rides, animal shows, dining and beer festivals, something is happening all the time at Busch Gardens.<\/p>\n

Visit the following to learn more about the USA:<\/strong><\/p>\n