The Manta Ray Rollercoaster at Sea World Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando got more votes than any of the Disney Parks, and more votes than any of the Universal parks. In a USA Today 10 Best Poll, Sea World in Orlando beat out all the rest to claim the Best Amusement Park in the United States. According to USA Today, what set SeaWorld ahead of all the competitors was “Most famous as a marine zoological park, SeaWorld Orlando has made a name for itself in the world of high-octane thrill rides as well, including Manta – one of the only coasters of its kind in the world – and Mako, a hyper coaster with deep dives, high speeds and thrills aplenty. Young visitors can now walk down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends.”

Their polling methodology was for the editors to create a list of great amusement parks and then let their readers choose their favorite. It was no surprise to see 3 Florida parks on the list, but one suspicious omission. Universal Orlando did not make the top 10.  And in other amusement park news, SeaWorld may look to further dominate the top 10. SeaWorld already owns the Busch Gardens parks on this list and just last week (2/1/2022) SeaWorld made an offer to buy Cedar Fair who own such parks as King’s Island near Cincinnati, and Cedar Point in Sandusky. Both of those parks also made this list of Top 10.

 

Here’s the 10 that made it. I’ve been to 6 of these on the list. How many for you?

  • 10. Knott's Berry Farm - Buena Park, Calif.

    Montezuma's Revenge

    Montezuma’s Revenge

  • 9. Disney's Magic Kingdom - Orlando

    Disney World

    Disney World entrance

  • 8. Hersheypark - Hershey, Penn.

    The Lightning Racer

    The Lightning Racer

  • 7. Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio

    Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance and Maverick coasters

    Millennium Force, Steel Vengeance and Maverick coasters

  • 6. Busch Gardens Tampa - Tampa

    Cheetah Hunt

    Cheetah Hunt

  • 5. Dollywood - Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

    Dollywood

    Dollywood

  • 4. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Williamsburg

    Tudor Village

    Tudor Village

  • 3. Kings Island - Mason, Ohio

    Diamondback

    Diamondback

  • 2. Silver Dollar City - Branson, Mo.

    Silver Dollar City

    Silver Dollar City

  • 1. SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando

    Manta Ray Rollercoaster

    Manta Ray Rollercoaster

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