iStockphoto
If you don’t visit at least one amusement park or water park a year can you even really call yourself an American? I’m not sure that you can. (No, Jeff Kent’s magical home doesn’t count.) And if you are going to visit an amusement or water park the true American way to do it is to go big or, well, stay home.
To help us to indeed go big, TripAdvisor just announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice awards for best amusement parks and water parks. The winners of the awards 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.
“Featuring adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, thrilling rides and stirring water slides, these amazing theme parks that have been ranked best in the world by travelers around the globe are the perfect next adventure that should be on your ‘to do’ list ,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor. “In addition to providing traveler insights about these popular parks, TripAdvisor also provides easy access to book admission and skip the line passes in advance to let travelers maximize their time playing instead of waiting.”
This year Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando with its eight themed islands took home the best amusement park title for the fourth year in a row, while Siam Park in Tenerife, Spain was named the world’s top water park for the fifth consecutive year.
Check out the rest of the parks to to TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards below.
TOP 10 AMUSEMENT PARKS IN THE U.S.
1. Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
2. Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
3. Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
4. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
6. The Island in Pigeon Forge – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
7. SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando, Florida
8. Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
9. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Orlando, Florida
10. Disney California Adventure Park – Anaheim, California
TOP 10 WATER PARKS IN THE U.S.
1. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Orlando, Florida
2. Aquatica Orlando – Orlando, Florida
3. Shipwreck Island Waterpark – Panama City Beach, Florida
4. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Orlando, Florida
5. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana
6. Water Country USA – Williamsburg, Virginia
7. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort – Erie, Pennsylvania
8. SplashDown Beach Water Park – Fishkill, New York
9. Waldameer Park & Water World – Erie, Pennsylvania
10. Enchanted Forest Water Safari – Old Forge, New York
TOP 10 AMUSEMENT PARKS IN THE WORLD
1. Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
2. Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
3. Le Puy du Fou – Les Epesses, France
4. Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
5. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida
6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
7. Europa-Park – Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
8. Tivoli Gardens – Copenhagen, Denmark
9. The Island in Pigeon Forge – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
10. Disneyland Park – Marne-la-Vallee, France
TOP 10 WATER PARKS IN THE WORLD
1. Siam Park – Tenerife, Spain
2. Waterbom Bali – Kuta, Indonesia
3. Beach Park – Aquiraz, State of Ceara, Brazil
4. Thermas dos Laranjais – Olimpia, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
5. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Orlando, Florida
6. Aquapark Istralandia – Novigrad, Croatia
7. Wild Wadi Waterpark – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
8. Makadi Water World – Hurghada, Egypt
9. Eco Parque Arraial d’Ajuda – Porto Seguro, Brazil
10. WetSide Water Park – Hervey Bay, Australia
For the complete list of the 2018 Travelers’ Choice Amusement Parks and Water Parks winners including reviews and traveler photos, visit TripAdvisor.com.