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The Top 10 Most Popular Amusement Parks in The United States According to TripAdvisor

amusement parks

(Photo by Sheri Lowen/Universal Orlando Resort via Getty Images)

Some amusement parks are built for thrill seekers, some are more family oriented. But one thing most everyone can agree on - the best ones are here in Florida. Orlando, actually. So how do you choose? Family vacations experts at Family Destinations Guide analyzed TripAdvisor data on the 20 most visited amusement parks in North America. They calculated the percentage of “excellent” reviews for each to find the most popular.

Taking the top spot is one of our faves. Universal's Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. The one in Florida, boasting 52,180 total reviews on TripAdvisor.  38,582 (73.9%) of those reviews marked “excellent”. The park is renowned for its six themed islands: Marvel Super Hero Island, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, Toon Lagoon, and Skull Island.

Cedar Point is the only amusement park on this list that’s neither in Florida nor California. It’s in Sandusky, Ohio. And Cedar Point was my favorite summer vacation as a kid in Ohio. I loved the "Corkscrew" so much I had to have the souvenir shirt. CP ranked at fourth place with 9,186 total TripAdvisor reviews.  5,930 (64.6%) of those reviews were “excellent”. The park, which is  one of the biggest amusement parks worldwide, is home to over 70 attractions, including 17 roller coasters.

This Top 10 ranking is based on Trip Advisor reviews. One interesting thing to note, the Florida parks tend to rank higher than what should be identical parks in California. Universal Orlando ranks higher than Universal in California. Disney World > Disneyland. Finally, let's get to the rankings based on Total Percentage of "Excellent" Reviews.

10. SeaWorld Orlando

9. Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort Florida

8. Universal Studios Hollywood California

7. Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

6. Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort

5. Disneyland Park - California

4. Cedar Point - Ohio

3. Disney California Adventure Park

2. Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

1. Universal's Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort

Here's how they made the rankings

Name 

Location 

TripAdvisor Reviews (Total) 

TripAdvisor Reviews (Excellent) 

Total Percentage of "Excellent" Reviews 

Universal's Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort 

Florida, US 

52,180 

38,582 

73.9 

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort 

Florida, US 

69,284 

47,937 

69.2 

Disney California Adventure Park 

California, US 

15,682 

10,524 

67.1 

Cedar Point 

Ohio, US 

9,186 

5,930 

64.6 

Disneyland Park 

California, US 

27,817 

17,755 

63.8 

Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort 

Florida, US 

40,919 

25,319 

61.9 

Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort 

Florida, US 

34,659 

21,245 

61.3 

Universal Studios Hollywood 

California, US 

37,016 

22,541 

60.9 

Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort 

Florida, US 

29,571 

17,721 

59.9 

SeaWorld Orlando 

Florida, US 

33,610 

19,981 

59.4 

My take

There's not a bad one on this list. Each park has it's strengths. Some have more and bigger coasters. Some are better if you have small children. Do your research and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.