Which U.S. State Has The Most Amusement Parks?
From thrilling roller coasters to fun-filled water parks, amusement parks offer entertainment for people of all ages. If you’re looking to visit the state with the most amusement parks in the country, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Florida has the most amusement parks of any U.S. state, with Orlando being dubbed the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore which states have the highest numbers of amusement parks and theme parks. We’ll break down the top contending states by the total number of parks, attendance numbers, and most popular flagship theme parks.
Overview of States With the Most Amusement Parks
Florida
When it comes to amusement parks, Florida is undoubtedly the reigning champion. Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” the Sunshine State is home to some of the most iconic and beloved amusement parks in the United States.
From the magical world of Walt Disney World Resort to the thrill-seeking adventures of Universal Orlando Resort, Florida offers a wide range of attractions that cater to all ages and interests. Other popular amusement parks in Florida include SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
With its warm climate and diverse range of parks, Florida continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
California
Another state that boasts a significant number of amusement parks is California. With its rich entertainment industry, it’s no surprise that California is home to some of the most famous parks in the country.
Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, is one of the most visited amusement parks in the world. It offers two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, providing endless fun and entertainment.
Additionally, California is home to other notable amusement parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. These parks offer thrilling rides, live shows, and immersive experiences that make California a top destination for amusement park enthusiasts.
Ohio
Ohio may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about amusement parks, but it is certainly a contender in this category. The Buckeye State is home to Cedar Point, often referred to as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.”
This park boasts an impressive collection of roller coasters, including some of the tallest and fastest in existence. In addition to Cedar Point, Ohio is also home to Kings Island, another popular amusement park known for its thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
These parks, along with others like Coney Island and Zoombezi Bay, make Ohio a hidden gem in the world of amusement parks.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may not have the same level of recognition as Florida or California when it comes to amusement parks, but it certainly holds its own. The Keystone State is home to Hersheypark, a beloved amusement park located in Hershey, the “Sweetest Place on Earth.”
Hersheypark offers a combination of amusement park rides, water attractions, and live entertainment, making it a popular destination for families. Additionally, Pennsylvania is home to other notable parks such as Kennywood, Dorney Park, and Sesame Place.
These parks offer a variety of experiences, from thrilling roller coasters to interactive attractions based on beloved children’s characters.
New York
New York may be famous for its bustling city life, but it also offers a fair share of amusement parks. The Empire State is home to Coney Island, a historic amusement park that has been entertaining visitors for over a century.
Coney Island is known for its iconic Cyclone roller coaster and the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Additionally, New York is home to other notable amusement parks such as Six Flags Great Escape and Luna Park.
These parks offer a mix of thrilling rides, games, and live entertainment, providing a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.
Breakdown of Flagship Theme Parks By State
Walt Disney World (Florida)
When it comes to amusement parks, Florida is truly the king of the castle. Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, is the largest and most visited theme park in the United States. With its four iconic parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – it offers an unparalleled experience for visitors of all ages.
From meeting beloved Disney characters to thrilling rides and spectacular shows, Walt Disney World truly has something for everyone. It’s no wonder why millions of people from around the world flock to Florida every year to experience the magic of Disney.
For more information about Walt Disney World, visit their official website here.
Disneyland (California)
While Walt Disney World may take the crown for size and popularity, Disneyland in California holds a special place in the hearts of many. As the original Disney theme park, it has a rich history and a unique charm that can’t be replicated.
Located in Anaheim, Disneyland offers two main parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park – both filled with iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or a first-time visitor, Disneyland is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a magical experience.
For more information about Disneyland, visit their official website here.
Cedar Point (Ohio)
While Disney parks may dominate the conversation, there are other noteworthy amusement parks across the United States. One such park is Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio. Known as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point boasts an impressive collection of thrilling roller coasters that will leave even the bravest of thrill-seekers breathless.
With over 70 rides, including 18 roller coasters, Cedar Point offers a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping attractions, family-friendly entertainment, and beautiful waterfront views of Lake Erie.
For more information about Cedar Point, visit their official website here.
Hersheypark (Pennsylvania)
For chocolate lovers and coaster enthusiasts alike, Hersheypark in Pennsylvania is a dream come true. Located in Hershey, the sweetest place on Earth, this park offers a delightful combination of chocolate-themed attractions and thrilling rides.
From the iconic Hershey’s Chocolate World to the exhilarating roller coasters like the famous Great Bear and the Lightning Racer, Hersheypark provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
For more information about Hersheypark, visit their official website here.
Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey)
Last but certainly not least, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. Located in Jackson Township, this park is home to some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters, including Kingda Ka and El Toro.
With a wide range of attractions for all ages, including water rides, shows, and live entertainment, Six Flags Great Adventure offers an adrenaline-filled day of fun for the whole family.
For more information about Six Flags Great Adventure, visit their official website here.
Attendance Numbers for Top Theme Park States
When it comes to amusement parks, some U.S. states have a reputation for being home to a large number of these thrilling attractions. Let’s take a look at the attendance numbers for the top theme park states, based on the latest available data.
1. Florida
It’s no surprise that Florida takes the top spot on this list. With world-renowned parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, the Sunshine State attracts millions of visitors each year. In fact, according to the Themed Entertainment Association, Florida’s theme parks collectively draw in over 80 million visitors annually.
That’s an astonishing number, making Florida the undisputed theme park capital of the United States.
2. California
Coming in at a close second is California, home to iconic parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. While California doesn’t quite surpass Florida in terms of overall attendance, it still boasts an impressive number of visitors.
According to the same Themed Entertainment Association report, California’s theme parks welcome over 50 million guests each year. That’s no small feat, and it solidifies California’s status as a major player in the amusement park industry.
3. Texas
While Texas may not immediately come to mind when you think of amusement parks, the Lone Star State has its fair share of thrilling attractions. From Six Flags Over Texas to Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Texas offers a diverse range of experiences for park-goers.
While exact attendance numbers for Texas parks are not readily available, they consistently rank among the top states for theme park visitors. Texans and tourists alike flock to these parks to beat the heat and enjoy some adrenaline-pumping fun.
4. Ohio
Ohio may surprise some people with its inclusion on this list, but it’s actually home to several notable amusement parks. Cedar Point, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is often referred to as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” and draws in visitors from near and far.
Additionally, Ohio is home to Kings Island and the indoor water park, Kalahari Resort. While Ohio’s attendance numbers may not rival those of Florida or California, it still holds its own in terms of popularity among theme park enthusiasts.
5. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania rounds out our list of top theme park states. With parks like Hersheypark and Kennywood, Pennsylvania offers plenty of options for those seeking a day of fun and excitement. While not as well-known as some of the other states on this list, Pennsylvania’s theme parks still see a significant number of visitors each year.
Whether it’s indulging in chocolate-themed attractions or enjoying thrilling rides, Pennsylvania’s amusement parks provide entertainment for the whole family.
Other Notable Amusement Parks By State
While some states may have more amusement parks than others, there are several notable amusement parks across the United States that are worth mentioning. These parks offer a wide range of thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and family-friendly attractions for visitors of all ages.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these amazing parks:
California
California is home to several world-renowned amusement parks, including Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles. These parks offer immersive experiences, with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and beloved characters that bring joy to millions of visitors each year.
Florida
When it comes to amusement parks, Florida is hard to beat. Orlando, in particular, is a hotspot for theme parks, with Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando being the main attractions.
These parks offer a combination of thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and interactive experiences that make for unforgettable vacations.
Ohio
Ohio is another state that boasts several notable amusement parks. Cedar Point, located on a peninsula in Lake Erie, is often referred to as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” due to its impressive collection of thrilling coasters.
Kings Island, another popular park in Ohio, offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides and family-friendly attractions.
Texas
Texas is home to several noteworthy amusement parks, including Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels. These parks offer a variety of rides and attractions, from heart-pounding roller coasters to relaxing water slides, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for its rich history and natural beauty, but it’s also home to some fantastic amusement parks. Hersheypark, located in Hershey, offers a combination of thrilling rides and chocolate-themed attractions.
Kennywood, located near Pittsburgh, is another beloved park that has been entertaining visitors for over a century.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about amusement parks, but it is home to one of the best water parks in the country. Noah’s Ark, located in Wisconsin Dells, offers a vast array of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, providing endless fun for water enthusiasts.
These are just a few examples of the many notable amusement parks across the United States. Each state has its own unique offerings, ensuring that no matter where you are in the country, there’s a thrilling and entertaining park nearby to visit.
Conclusion
In summary, Florida takes the top spot for having the most amusement parks of any U.S. state largely thanks to Orlando’s domination as the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’. California comes in second with world-famous parks like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.
And states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York all have globally-known theme parks that draw millions annually.
No matter which state you choose to visit to get your amusement park fix, you’re sure to find thrills, entertainment, and lasting memories for theme park lovers of all kinds.
