The world’s best amusement parks have been named by TripAdvisor in its 2019 Travellers’ Choice awards – and it’s theme parks in Florida that dominate the top spots.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando is ranked the best by the travel review site ahead of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, which comes second, Universal Studios Florida in third and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in fourth. The top-rated attraction in the UK is Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, which has claimed the title for four years running.
TripAdvisor also ranked water parks and Siam Park in Tenerife took the top spot for a sixth consecutive year. It is followed by the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai in second and WetSide Water Park in Hervey Bay, Australia, in third. The annual rankings are determined by an algorithm that takes into account both the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered over 12 months. Amusement parks
The Toon Lagoon area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, which has been ranked the best amusement park in the world by TripAdvisor for the fifth year in a row
The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, pictured, which came second on the list of the best amusement parks in the world
The entrance to Universal Studios Florida, which was named the third-best amusement park in the world
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, pictured, which is also part of Walt Disney World in Florida, came fourth in the ranking
Globally, Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando is the favourite amusement park among travellers for the fifth year in a row.
One of the attraction’s most popular rides is The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a motion-based 3D ride. It is also home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which includes a replica Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.
Second-placed Magic Kingdom is the world’s most visited theme park, attracting 20.8million visitors last year. Its most popular attractions include the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Third-placed Universal Studios Florida is the sister park of top-ranked Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Famous rides here include Men in Black Alien Adventure, The E.T. Adventure and Revenge of the Mummy.
The top-rated attraction in the UK is Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World, pictured, which has claimed the title for four years running
The Milky Way Adventure Park in Devon, pictured, – a space-themed attraction – comes second as well as being ranked 10th in Europe
One of the roller coasters at the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The attraction came third on the list of the top amusement parks in the UK
Following fourth-placed Animal Kingdom in the global ranking of amusement parks is Le Puy du Fou in France, which has a history theme.
In sixth place is Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles followed by Tivoli Gardens, a theme park based in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
The top ten is rounded off by Europa-Park in Germany in eighth place, The Island in Pigeon Forge, located in Tennessee, in ninth, and SeaWorld in Orlando in 10th.
The UK’s No1 amusement park, Paultons Park, has over 70 rides and attractions including the world’s first Peppa Pig World, boasting nine Peppa-themed rides. There is also the dinosaur-themed Lost Kingdom, which is home to the Flight of the Pterosaur suspended roller coaster.
The Milky Way Adventure Park in Devon – a space-themed attraction – is the second best amusement park in the UK as well as being ranked 10th in Europe.
It is followed by the historic Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which is ranked third in the UK and 11th in Europe.
Clifton Park in Rotherham, known for its ‘toon train’ and log roller coaster, is fourth in the UK followed by Sundown Adventureland in Retford, which is especially for children under 10, in fifth.
The rest of the UK top 10 comprises Adventure Island, Southend on Sea (sixth), Crealy Family Theme Park in Exeter (seventh), Brighton Palace Pier (eighth), Harbour Park in Littlehampton (ninth) and Alton Towers (10th).
Water parks
Siam Park water park continues to thrill visitors to Tenerife, Spain, with its Thai architecture, winding rivers and free-fall slides
The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai, which boasts over 65,000 marine animals, is named as the second-best water park in the world
The WetSide Water Park in Australia is ranked as the third-best water park in the world and is the only Australian entry on the list
The No1 water park, Siam Park, is known for its Thai architecture, winding rivers and free-fall slides. Its thrill rides include Naga Racer – a six-lane mat racing slide – while four people can climb aboard a raft to ride the Mekong Rapids.
Second place Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is Dubai’s largest aquarium and water park. It is set across 42 acres and harbours water coasters and shark-filled lagoons. One ride, Leap of Faith, requires guests to climb a nine-storey structure before they are shot at high speed through a temple’s core, before bursting into a clear tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon.
Third place WetSide Water Park is on Australia’s Queensland coast and visitors to the park enjoy free entry. The park has a special area dedicated to under fives. Visitors can also enjoy a light show display featuring a combination of music, water fountains, and coloured illuminations on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Eco Parque Arraial d’Ajuda in Brazil is fourth while Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in Florida is fifth.
Also making the top ten are Beach Park (sixth) and Thermas dos Laranjais (seventh), both in Brazil, Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai (eighth), Blizzard Beach in Orlando (ninth) and Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya, Thailand (10th).
Hayley Coleman, senior communications manager for TripAdvisor, said: ‘Thanks to our TripAdvisor travellers for submitting the reviews that helped us select these Travellers’ Choice winners, ranked best in the world for amusement parks and water parks.
‘Let our travellers guide you this summer and plan your next adventure to these TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners.’