Disney World sure isn’t the only theme park in the United States, but we’re kind of partial to thinking it’s pretty great — we are Disney Food Blog, after all.
And although Florida isn’t the only spot in the United States where thrill-seekers can go to test their limits — it looks like another Orlando theme park has been voted the best in the country according to an online poll. So, let’s find out which park took the top spot!
According to News 6, SeaWorld Orlando has been named the Best Theme Park in the United States based on a new USA Today online popularity poll.
A panel of experts and USA Today editors chose the initial list of nominees and readers then voted on which parks deserved to be in the top ten. So take the ratings with a grain of salt since not every theme park was included.
Not only was SeaWorld Orlando voted number one, but its new rollercoaster, Ice Breaker, received the most votes for Best New Attraction as well. SeaWorld executives shared, “Our goal is to provide fun and inspirational experiences for families and friends through our parks’ up-close animal encounters, thrilling attractions and innovative educational entertainment, designed to insure guests of all ages celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world around them.”
So, how did Disney parks do in this poll? Well, not too great. Neither Disney World nor Disneyland were included in the top ten, which you can see here:
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SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando, FL
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Silver Dollar City – Branson, MO
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Kings Island – Mason, OH
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Williamsburg, VA
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Tampa, FL
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Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH
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Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, TN
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Six Flags Magic Mountain – Valencia, CA
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Holiday World – Santa Claus, IN
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Hersheypark – Hershey, PA
You may noticed that Universal is also missing from this top 10 list. For the latest theme park news and more, be sure to stay tuned to DFB!
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Have you been to SeaWorld Orlando recently? Let us know in the comments!
Tracey says
Interesting. I am 45 minutes from Hershey Park and 15 hours from Disney World. Given all the lost magic at the “happiest place on earth” maybe I should frequent my home park more often!
Kirsten Mayor says
Our family loves SeaWorld parks. We are from the UK and bought APs this year, we intend to renew our Universal APs once our complimentary tickets are used up (we couldn’t use our APs again following purchase Feb 2020). We aren’t returning to DisneyWorld for the foreseeable future. We’re sick of hearing reports of how expensive everything is as well as how crowded, guest relations going downhill and Disney’s interference in Florida’s politics. The sting of Genie+ Being introduced hasn’t gone away either.
We have APs for Disneyland Paris and get our Disney fix there now instead. I’m looking forward to returning one day to WDW but there are so many other theme parks around that we’re going to explore them while WDW sorts itself back out.
Fiona64 says
I’ve been to King’s Island. All I can say is “You’ve got to be kidding.” (Admittedly, it was more than 30 years ago, but still.)
We live one exit away from the West Coast analog of King’s Island and never go. OTOH, I’m on my way tomorrow for my second Disneyland trip since January and was just at EPCOT last week. Make of this what you will.
Tony Adler says
I should probably read the article but I’m lazy. I’m guessing price was a heavy factor in rating these parks. A family could afford to visit these parks without saving for years.
Charlie says
The fact that WDW is not on this list clearly demonstrates that it is “home cooked.”
Jabroniville says
DOLLYWOOD? Really? A the average USA Today reader 970 years old?
Ron Liston says
Continuous price spikes, lame perks for being a passholder, overcrowding, getting rid of the old fastpass system, (SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER) infesting guardians with a bunch of screens, continuously pushing the tron & epcot finish dates back …why should I return to Disney? There are plenty of better amusement & theme parks across the United States that are cheaper and deliver far better thrills (with a fraction of the wait time XD)
Johnny says
The only thing sus about that list is the missing Islands of Adventure. VelCo and Hagrid’s put it at least number 5.
Jess says
I would be curious to know if they were considering value as well as outright quality of the park. Disney has raised prices and cut out perks so dramatically with complete disregard to the patrons and the level of loyalty of those patrons. I wonder if these negatives could have contributed to their lack of appreciation/votes for these parks. Though the parks are great, I wouldn’t disagree with these critiques and have myself considered other destinations because of them.
Kelsey says
I remember going to WDW in 2nd grade. I told everyone I preferred Kings Island and had season passes. 😂 guess i wasn’t alone. I love Disney now as an adult, but still love my local theme parks for rides alone.
CanuckPrincess626 says
I wonder how “scientific” the poll was and if SeaWorld paid for it??? Disney may be losing the magic but Universal usually hits the top of lists too.
Bill Henderson says
Disney brought this on themselves. My wife and I have had yearly passes for 5 years to WDW—not anymore. I’m done.
Abbie says
How stupid!!! They must have not been on the poll because six flags literally isn’t even a theme park it is an amusement park. We know who’s really the best and hey, if all the disney crowds want to hop over to sea world be our guest! Lol
Ken says
This is huge if it is valid. The King is Dead… they finally jumped the shark and lost the crown. Bob Iger and The new ceo have hurt the Mouse big time. Disney is just too expensive and lost its guest focus.
Richard Porqueddu says
It’s not a surprise really, when you alienate half of the country by promoting hot button political topics rather than focusing on your core competencies – the result is obvious.
Pris says
Not surprised about this. Disney did it to themselves.
Adam says
This doesn’t shock me with how the Disney Executives have been running this place lately.
They need a wake up call on how they’re running things currently so hopefully they’ll get the proper shock to there system throughout the course of these next 2-3 Years.
I want Disney to succeed, but they for sure need to go back to what made them the best in the world for a reason with Walt’s original vision and creating magical moments for EVERYONE.
Noel Javier says
Disney USA parks may not be on this best theme park list but definitely are in the highest money-making theme parks list. I have Disney “AP’s” for Florida and California so those parks are at the top of my best theme park list.
AnnEliza says
Could it be that Disney has priced itself out of being accessible to the average family? And that even if a family does get there, they may not get to ride the rides, eat the meals, meet the characters and generally get the magical experience they were hoping for? Even if I could afford it right now, is it worth the money to potentially not be able to have the vacation I would love to have and expect for my hard earned dollars?? I say this as someone who loves Disney, wondering what others think as it relates to Disney not making the list
Sally says
Good! Then stop going to WDW so it can be less crowded… and I can enjoy it all to myself
Edward Jackson says
Neither Universal or Disney are on the list? I am thinking whoever made the list has an agenda. I guess the millions and millions of people going to those parks aren’t having any fun.
Tara A says
People are sick and tired of the cost (per experience) and crowds of the other parks. I’ve been three times in 3 years, spent a future and left with anything but that magical feeling. The executives of Disney and Universal need to think long and hard about what this means for the future. It’s not an anomaly.
Doug Kohl says
This appears to be a “best thrill ride park” poll, especially if you’re a roller coaster aficionado. None can match the guest service, storytelling, dining, technology and overall experience. We just returned from WDW 5 days ago and we wonder what all the fuss is with Genie+. Smart use of the features – however more expensive – guaranteed we never waited in a line more than 15 minutes. Universal Studios is so much more expensive than Disney.
Matthew says
Most of those on the list aren’t Theme Parks but Amusement Parks. It’s a complete farce. Disneyland would be the #1 Theme Park from any objective standpoint.
Ron says
Disney these other parks were impacted by the Pandemic also but they did not react with multiple price increases as Disney did. Disney, please begin by eliminating the costly Genie Plus and the Individual Attraction and bringing back the FREE FAST PASS.
Brian D says
As fun and wonderful as WDW is, I suspect that like most folks, I’ve been turned off with WDW because the total cost of visiting and staying at their parks has become so obscenely, outrageously expensive that I am at the point where the cost to go is just too high. I am going this summer with my wife, children, and grandchildren (a once in a lifetime generational event) but this will be my last visit to WDW. Just not worth it or justifiable for the cost. There are just way too many other places to spend my hard-earned vacation dollars on. After August, so long Disney, it’s been fun.
Nelson says
Gee, if maybe Disney stayed out of politics and didn’t offend half of their visitors the rankings would have been different. Just saying.
Jon Masters says
lol, this list is bogus. Me and my family went to 2 of those in the last 2 years and were bored to tears because we were use to lots to do and the Disney experience. This list is not for over all experience.
Mike Vatter says
You shouldn’t be surprised. Everything has been monetized. Everything requires reservations and advanced planning. Then add the price increases and lost magic. That all equals a hard pass.
Christine says
SeaWorld is a great theme park for everyone of all ages. They are no where near as strict as Disney is and far more family friendly.
Cathy Valleau says
I’m not entirely sure what they base their ratings on, but I live within 6 hours to Dollywood, Kings Island, Hersheypark, and Cedar Point so I go to one or more of them a couple of times a year and NONE of them hold a candle to either Universal or WDW. The parks are not as clean, the service, not as good, and the restaurants are not as varied or as good. Also, these are much smaller parks and shouldn’t even be compared to the larger parks.
Purpledoc says
I don’t know what kind of idiots are making up this list but there is no way that Holiday World or Dollywood, although nice parks, can even remotely compete with Disney, nor can kings island.
Sherri G says
I have to agree with your comments Kirsten Mayor. My family has been going to WDW and staying at the Polynesian since 1984 when the kids were little and we had even started taking our granddaughter too. We too won’t be returning to WDW until they return to the values of entertainment and not their political wokeness. There are too many other theme parks we will be exploring and spending our hard earn cash at and it won’t be WDW! So Disney, sort it out!!!!
Eloni says
Seaworld is pretty awesome. Went for the first time last year. The employees were much more helpful and friendly than Disney cast members. We really enjoyed it and can’t wait to go back. We live an hour from Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Passholders for decades.
Greg says
Come to think of it, I do not recall any of the theme parks on that Top Ten z list wading into politics
Mike says
Not a surprise at all. Pay admission price nearing $150/day and then pay extra to be able to ride the most popular rides.
Disney has become to greedy and now only affordable to the upper class.
Walt must have become dizzy from all the recent spinning in his grave
Ronjon says
Best theme park or the worst theme park, Disney parks are still going to rake in Billions every year no matter what.
Dennis Wiblin says
Disney World has done this to themselves. They have priced themselves out of range for the people the Walt Disney created the park for to begin with. Chapek put his big nose where it didn’t belong when he took on the new law in Florida. There is no magic any more. You can’t just go and say hey let’s go here today. everything has to be planned ahead of time down to the last detail. That is not fun. That is not a family vacation that is enjoyable. Disney is too money hungry. I have been to Disney over 100 times through the years. What has happened in the past few years is very sad. All the perks are gone. You even have to pay to park at a hotel. Food portions are smaller but prices higher.
Richard A Widmaier says
I’m not really surprised, even though I’m a huge fan of Disney World, it seems that the big parks are pricing themselves out of reach of the average family. When you have to save for years to go to the “Happiest Place on Earth” the cheaper options begin to grow more appealing. They have already priced staying in park off of my list … we’ll stay at Disney Springs partner hotels, where you can get almost 5 star service for the price of a moderate resort. I’m not even complaining about once I get inside the park, that’s just a normal aspect of all theme parks or sporting events. Things you’d pay $1 for will cost you $5 in park. In my opinion, things will get worse before they get better
Mark Sturman says
“Snubbed” is not the correct word to use. “Lost there way” would be better. Their original vision was a place where parents and children could have fun. Together. The fun has been replaced by greed and shaming a huge part of there fan base.
Mary Ellen says
Hershey park has been a family favorite forever (we live within 2 hours) but I am more curious about what parks were included in the initial survey, and the order of the options.
KellyO says
Well I hope this makes Bob Chapek take note – people don’t appreciate the changes with Genie + and huge price increases while services and perks decrease. Wake up Bob!!
ANNE FARINA says
DISNEY WORLD AND DISNEYLAND AND UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA ARE IN A CLASS BY THEMSELVES. THE TOP TEN ARE GREAT PARKS BUT THEY CAN ALL BE DONE IN A DAY. CONGRATS TO THE TOP TEN.
Don Andrews says
The Disney top brass won’t believe this survey. They can’t see the forest thru the trees.
Jesse says
I agree Kirsten, dismal customer service, extreme lack of cleanliness, skyrocketing price increases, less perks, dismal genie+, really I could go on, Disney has lost that magic that made going a way to escape.
We just went a week ago, I took photos of the absolute filth in the parks, bathrooms were wretched, trash along the buildings, trash in the landscaping, actually listened to a cast member tell a customer “what the hell is wrong with you?” My daughter looked at me in shock! I just told her, this isn’t Walt’s place anymore. These were just a few of the things we encountered on our last visit. It’s so disappointing. But we just have to hope that someone will take up Walt’s mantle and get Disney back to Disney, Walt’s Disney.
Carol says
Am I upset Disney isn’t on the list? Not at all. We’re less than 2 hours from both Kings Island and Cedar Point. I would classify them as amusement parks not theme parks. There’s a difference. Actually, most of the places on the list sound like amusement parks, not theme parks.
I haven’t been to either park in Ohio in the 9 years we’ve lived here. If more people go to the other parks, that leaves people like me a better chance of getting a park reservation at Disney World. I’m guessing the list is pretty subjective anyway. Everyone’s opinion is different.
Robin G says
My annual pass for Cedar Point was $99 and that included the Water Park. I’d put it in the top ten for that reason alone. I don’t need to sell a kidney to take my family.
Sundogg says
To continue with my previous comment: Disney remains at the forefront of theme parks, they are unchallenged in the field of imagination, theming, creativity and immersion. When you were in a Disney World park you were all encompassed and completely removed from the day-to-day world and this is where Disney has recenty failed. Now with Disney’s Genie+ and the absolute necessity of having your phone and being tethered to your apps for everything from rides to food to lodging and purchasing Disney has brought the outside world into the parks. The once magical separation from the real world has vanished. The recent ideological blunders have only further alienated guests. All in all the poll doesn’t illustrate the quality of the theme parks but the anger Disney guests feel about what seems to be a betrayal by Disney executives.
Mike M says
I’ve been attending WDW for over forty years…I can honestly say that even with the Park’s significant improvements over the years, the high prices including petty pricing policies, the complicated and complex rules in making hotel reservations and accessing the attractions, the decreasing service and responsiveness of its customer relations, and Disney’s political activism dampened my interest in the parks. Time to take a break from Disney…Management has gotten too big and woke for its britches.
Keith says
I don’t find WDW enjoyable anymore its just too overcrowded.