TripAdvisor®, the travel site that helps you find the latest reviews and lowest prices, today announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice® awards for Amusement Parks and Water Parks. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
“The Travelers’ Choice award-winning parks deliver thrill-filled excitement and splashy entertainment for those travelers seeking ideas for where to go for summer fun,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “The best part is that TripAdvisor allows travelers to discover the most popular rides, book admission and even purchase skip-the-line tickets so they can get to the fun faster.”
Repeat Faves: Universal’s Islands of Adventure & Siam Park Are Tops Again
For the third year in a row, Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando is the World #1 for Amusement Parks. The park comprises eight individually themed islands. Siam Park, a Thai-themed aquatic paradise, tops the Water Parks list for the fourth consecutive year.
Top 10 Amusement Parks in the U.S.:
1. Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
Adventures at this perennial winner include favorites from Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “Universal’s Islands of Adventure is exactly what you need when looking for thrills and excitement, with everything from roller coasters to simple rides.” Travelers can buy the Universal Orlando 3-Park Ticket on TripAdvisor for $279 offering unlimited admission to three Universal parks over seven consecutive days.
One-day admission: Adult – $124, Child – $119
2. Discovery Cove – Orlando, Florida
Discovery Cove’s all-day, all-inclusive experience offers relaxation, adventure and exploration in an ocean paradise. One TripAdvisor reviewer raved, “After the hustle and bustle of all the other parks and rubbing shoulders with crowds, the peace and quiet here is unreal.”
One-day admission: All – $249
3. Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
This American classic still enchants visitors who want to see Cinderella’s Castle and meet Mickey, Minnie and other beloved characters. “Revisit your childhood or watch the magic in your kids’ eyes with a trip to the most magical place on earth,” a TripAdvisor reviewer recommended.
One-day admission: Adult – $124, Child – $118
4. Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
You can go behind the cinematic scenes on Universal Studios Hollywood’s legendary backlot tour, then go into the movies on one of the thrilling movie rides, from Harry Potter to Jurassic Park. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “We didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be one of our favorite days: We met Homer Simpson, the Minions and a velociraptor!” Visitors who buy Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood for $179 on TripAdvisor will receive priority access and will not have to wait more than 15 minutes for any ride, show or attraction.
One-day admission: Adult – $116, Child – $110
5. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida
At Universal Studios Florida, travelers can costar with Jimmy Fallon, King Kong or the Simpsons on interactive rides covering popular films and television shows. “Our group ranged from 25 to 72 years, and we all had a fabulous time; there are rides for all ages and every taste,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer. Travelers can use the Universal Orlando 2-Park Ticket for $214 on TripAdvisor to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
One-day admission: Adult – $124, Child – $119
6. Epcot – Orlando, Florida
Travelers can take a trip around the world and into the future at Epcot, where the rides, shows and displays mix education with excitement. For one TripAdvisor reviewer, Epcot was “a one-of-a-kind experience to meet and converse with people from all over the world in one place at one time.”
One-day admission: Adult – $119, Child – $113
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
Animal Kingdom showcases Walt Disney’s love of nature and belief in conservation with elaborate displays and exciting rides, including Pandora, the brand-new Avatar adventure. According to one TripAdvisor reviewer, it’s not only an “awesome place to have fun for kids, but this place made feel like a kid again.”
One-day admission: Adult – $119, Child – $113
8. SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando, Florida
SeaWorld Orlando features Orlando’s longest, tallest and fastest roller coaster among many exciting rides and adventures. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted that SeaWorld offers “excellent rides, excellent shows, manageable wait times and good food—a great place for all the family.”
One-day admission: All – $79.99
9. Disney California Adventure Park – Anaheim, California
Celebrate the history, geography and filmography of the Golden State at Disney’s California Adventure, where travelers go strolling on the boardwalk and “Screamin'” on the roller coaster. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The park is beautifully themed, depicting various scenery typical to California, with rides that cater to both children and thrill-seekers.”
One-day admission: Adult – $124, Child – $118
10. Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
The “Happiest Place on Earth,” built in 1955, remains a classic park, drawing visitors hoping to relive childhood memories or experience modern thrills. One TripAdvisor reviewer advised, “There’s always something new or different to experience, or even something we missed on a previous visit. Wear your favorite mouse ears and enjoy the show!”
One-day admission: Adult – $124, Child – $118
Top 10 Water Parks in the U.S.:
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Orlando, Florida
- Aquatica Orlando – Orlando, Florida
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Orlando, Florida
- Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana
- Water Country USA – Williamsburg, Virginia
- Noah’s Ark Water Park – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
- Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort – Erie, Pennsylvania
- Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks – Wildwood, New Jersey
- Waldameer Park & Water World – Erie, Pennsylvania
- Water World – Federal Heights, Colorado
Top 10 Amusement Parks in the World:
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
- Discovery Cove – Orlando, Florida
- Europa-Park – Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
- Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
- Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
- Le Puy du Fou – Les Epesses, France
- Beto Carrero World – Penha, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida
- Epcot – Orlando, Florida
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
Top 10 Water Parks in the World:
- Siam Park – Tenerife, Spain
- Beach Park – Aquiraz, State of Ceara, Brazil
- Waterbom Bali – Kuta, Indonesia
- Aquaventure Waterpark – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Thermas dos Laranjais – Olimpia, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Orlando, Florida
- Hot Park – Rio Quente, State of Goias, Brazil
- Wild Wadi Waterpark – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Aquatica Orlando – Orlando, Florida
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
For the complete list of the 2017 Travelers’ Choice Attractions winners, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, go to: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Attractions.
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