America's Best Theme Parks Revealed - International Traveller

The best theme parks across America have been revealed, with a surprising winner coming out on top.

From towering rollercoasters and epic entertainment to luxury hotels and oasis-sized pools, theme parks in the United States are known to go all out. And with so many, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.

But there’s no need to panic. A new study by the Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal has revealed the top 10 best amusement parks across the country, so you can pick the best for your next thrill-seeking holiday.

Universal Studios Hollywood globe at entrance — Universal Studios Hollywood is one of America’s best theme parks.

Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal analysed every theme park in the United States based on three key factors. These were Instagram hashtags, monthly Google search volume and the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews on TripAdvisor – the top review you can receive out of five. These factors were then combined into an index to give each amusement park a total score out of 100. This index revealed the cream of the crop.

With almost every state in America boasting a theme park, deciding where to seek your thrills can be overwhelming. From places that are perfect for coaster chasers or pop culture enthusiasts to family-focused parks with kid-friendly rides, there are just so many to choose from.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando — The Jurassic World VelociCoaster sends riders into an inverted zero-gravity stall.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

Coming in at number one is Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. This park is known for its sheer size, insane rollercoasters and epic attractions. From The Incredible Hulk Coaster that shoots you upwards of 45 metres to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster that sends riders into an inverted zero-gravity stall, thrills are definitely served hot here.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando — Ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster, if you dare.

But one of the park’s biggest highlights is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Travel to places like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade or ride through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Board the Hogwarts Express. Cheer on students at the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Choose a wand at Ollivanders. No matter what you get up to, you’ll feel the wizarding magic long after you leave. And that’s only part of the reason this unparalleled place scored first.

Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida — Wander through the magical Diagon Alley. (Image: Aditya Vyas)

2. Magic Kingdom

Coming in at number two is Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Magic Kingdom is one of the best theme parks in the country. With a whopping 8,012,859 posts, Magic Kingdom holds the highest number of Instagram hashtags of any theme park worldwide, making it the most Instagrammable park in the world. And it’s not hard to see why.

Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida — Magic Kingdom is the most Instagrammable theme park in the world. (Image: Kaleb Tapp)

You’ll be enchanted around every corner, from graceful Disney characters wandering about to musical parades and classical architecture. It’s known to be a favourite among both young and young at heart, with first birthday trips intertwining with proposals and even weddings. Talk about magic.

3. Disney California Adventure Park

In third place, we’re heading cross-country to Anaheim, California with Disney California Adventure Park. It’s one of two parks at Disneyland Resort, one of Southern California’s coolest hot spots.

Sprawling across 29 hectares, this is where you’ll witness your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories come to life.

The Incredicoaster and Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel in Pixar Pier — Witness your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories come to life at Disney California Adventure Park.

Explore Cars Land, dine at Aunt Cass Cafe and attend Goofy’s Sky School. Meet Mickey Mouse, Jessie from Toy Story and even Monsters, Inc.’s Mike Wazowski. Owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, it’s the place to be Disney fanatics of all ages.

cars racing at the scenic landscape in Cars Land Disney Adventure Park — Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land is the most popular attraction in Disney California Adventure Park.

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The top 10

Cedar Point in Ohio came in fourth place, followed by Silver Dollar City in Missouri rounding out the top five.

Silver Dollar City in Stone County, Missouri — Missouri’s Silver Dollar City came in fifth place. (Image: Christin Noelle)

Animal Kingdom in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park both in California, Dollywood in Tennessee and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Florida make up the top 10.

Animal Kingdom in Disneyworld Florida — Animal Kingdom in Florida made the top 10. (Image: David Roark)

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

America’s best theme park revealed – and it isn’t Disneyland!

The best theme parks across America have been revealed, with a surprising winner coming out on top.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

2. Magic Kingdom

3. Disney California Adventure Park

The top 10

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