2 Florida Theme Parks Make List Of Best In America

Living in Florida, we have access to some of the best thrills and 2 Florida theme parks make a list of the best in America.

When I was growing up in the Chicago area, going to Six Flags Great America was the highlight of many summers. Especially once my friends and I learned to drive, we'd get our season passes and go multiple times a week and just ride and ride and ride. Now, as I've gotten older, my stomach can't quite handle those coasters like I used to, but I still love going to theme parks. Whether it's for the (more low-key) rides, the food or the animals. And living in Fort Myers, we're just a few hours drive away from some of the best in the country.

According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, there are more than 400 amusement parks in North America. But Florida seems to be the state that most think of when it comes to a hub with so many in one place. But interestingly enough, there's only 1 theme park in Orlando that made USA TODAY'S 10 Best list.

On the list, the #1 theme park in the country is Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. There you'll find an old mining town theme with more than 40 rides and attractions, including the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster, Time Traveler.

Coming in at #3 on USA TODAY'S 10 Best list is SeaWorld Orlando. I absolutely love this park, and I haven't been on a single ride there. I go for the animal shows and the food festivals and enjoy every second. At #9 on the list is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This is another park that I enjoy because it's part zoo and part theme park, so it has something for everyone. Every fest I've attended there, be it Bier Fest, Food & Wine, Mardi Gras, etc has been amazing with a wonderful variety of food and drinks available.

Other parks that made the top 5 include Knoebels in Elysburg, PA, Hersheypark in Hershey, PA and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.

You can check out the full list here.

Okay you thrill-seeking adventurers, welcome to the most heart-pounding journey through the roller coasters of Orlando! I have embarked on a daring mission to unearth the crème de la crème of Orlando's roller coasters. So, fasten your seatbelts, keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times. This is gonna get WiLD.

When it comes to roller coasters, Orlando is the undisputed capital of thrills and spills. From the heart-stopping drops to the mind-bending twists, this city is a haven for those who seek the ultimate rush. But what sets Orlando apart from the rest is its ability to inject humor into every loop, every turn, and every hair-raising moment. Orlando's roller coasters not only defy gravity but also tickle your funny bone in ways you never thought possible.

We've scoured the theme parks, braved the steepest drops, and survived the most daring inversions to bring you a list of Orlando's finest roller coasters. And we I say "we" I mean me (Budman) because Marija is not one for high thrill levels. From Universal's Islands of Adventure to SeaWorld Orlando, and from Disney's Animal Kingdom to the hidden gems of Fun Spot America, we've left no loop untraveled in our quest for the perfect blend of thrills and humor.

So, prepare to embark on a roller coaster odyssey unlike any other. Buckle up. Leave your inhibitions at the gate. Then let our list of Orlando's top roller coasters take you on a wild ride that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and with a smile that will last long after the final drop. Unless you're Marija. Then just enjoy the videos.

The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is about to take you on a roller coaster adventure that's truly out of this world! This indoor marvel boasts spinning ride vehicles that will have you twirling like a cosmic tornado. And don't worry about those dark cosmic landscapes—just think of it as a thrilling space tour with mood lighting. Oh, and did we mention the reverse launch? Prepare for an exhilarating blast-off that'll leave you wondering which way is up. So, hold on tight and join Marvel's misfit crew as they save the galaxy in the most pulse-pounding, gravity-defying way possible. Get ready for a cosmic whirlwind that'll have you screaming "I am Groot!" with pure excitement!

Prepare to unleash your inner Hulk and ride the emerald beast of coasters! With heart-pounding launches and mind-bending inversions, this green monster will make you wonder if you've been bitten by a radioactive adrenaline junkie. Hold on tight as you twist, turn, and scream your way through loops and drops that will leave you questioning if you've accidentally stumbled into an Avenger's battle. The only thing more incredible than the ride itself is the face you'll make in those on-ride photos!

Ever wanted to experience the sheer power and grace of a mako shark? Well, strap yourself in and get ready for a ride that'll make you feel like you're swimming with the ocean's most formidable predator. As you dive, twist, and soar through the air, you'll feel the rush of the wind and the laughter bubbling up from deep within. With speeds that'll make even Michael Phelps jealous, Mako will have you yelling, "Fish, I'm coming for you!"

Attention, adventurers! We're about to take you on a journey through the Himalayas that'll leave you gasping for breath (and not just because of the altitude). Climb aboard Expedition Everest and hold on tight as you race through treacherous peaks, narrowly avoiding a ferocious yeti. This coaster combines storytelling and thrills so seamlessly that you'll swear you've stumbled into the set of an action-packed Indiana Jones movie. And remember, when the yeti shows up, just give him a friendly wave and hope he doesn't decide to join you for a cup of tea.

Deep beneath the sea lies an aquatic nightmare known as Kraken—a coaster that'll have you screaming louder than a seagull stealing your French fries. As you flip, twist, and spin through a maze of loops and inversions, you'll find yourself questioning whether you're on a coaster or in the middle of a kraken-themed fever dream. This ride is so intense, it'll make you wonder if you've accidentally signed up for the Kraken Olympics. Pro tip: If you see Poseidon giving you a thumbs-up, it means you're doing it right.

Who's ready to rock 'n' roll with the mouse's favorite band? Prepare to be catapulted into a high-speed concert experience as you race through the dark with Aerosmith's greatest hits blasting in your ears. This coaster is a perfect blend of music, adrenaline, and trying not to spill your soda while you scream the lyrics. Just remember, if you can't find your voice after the ride, blame it on the rock 'n' roll.

Looking for a coaster that'll send chills down your spine, while also tickling your funny bone? Enter the Revenge of the Mummy, where ancient curses and mummy mayhem await. Brace yourself for a hilarious yet spine-tingling adventure as you navigate through the tomb's twists and turns, avoiding falling debris and the dreaded mummy's gaze. Don't forget to give the mummy a thumbs-up as you escape because, hey, even undead creatures need a little love!

This launch coaster is all about speed, agility, and embracing your inner cheetah as you race through the savannah-inspired landscape. With not one, not two, but three powerful accelerations, Cheetah Hunt will have you feeling like you're strapped to a rocket-powered cheetah as it zooms through the grasslands.

In a galaxy far, far away (or more accurately, in the heart of Orlando), lies Space Mountain—an otherworldly coaster experience that'll have you yelling, "Beam me up, Mickey!" As you zoom through the darkness, feeling the exhilarating rush of speed and the anticipation of the unknown, you'll wonder if you've accidentally stumbled into a cosmic disco. Keep your hands up and your intergalactic dance moves in check because this ride is sure to make your heart race at warp speed.

Lights, camera, roller coaster action! On this Hollywood-inspired coaster, you'll not only experience intense drops and twists but also get to choose your own soundtrack for the ride. Pick your favorite tune and become the star of your very own adrenaline-pumping music video. Just make sure to perfect your smoldering gaze before the on-ride camera captures your moment of fame!