As summer vacation plans heat up, families and thrill-seekers across the U.S. are locking in their next theme park adventure. If you’re wondering which parks are capturing the nation’s attention, a new report has just dropped — and it might surprise you.
The Best Value Theme Park Report by money.co.uk ranks the most-searched theme parks in America, based on annual online search volume. Whether you love record-breaking coasters or magical movie moments, here’s where the buzz is strongest right now.
Cedar Point Takes the Crown in Ohio
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, earns the No. 1 spot with 6.3 million annual searches. As the second-oldest amusement park in the U.S., it’s a magnet for adrenaline lovers thanks to 18 rollercoasters, an expansive water park, and lakefront views.
Residents in Columbus and Chicago are fueling much of the online interest, with summer travel plans likely focused on this Midwest hotspot.
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Ranks Second
Coming in at No. 2 is Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with over 5.5 million searches. This park blends thrill rides and water slides with Appalachian charm and Southern hospitality. A standout attraction? Dolly’s personal tour bus — now a walk-through exhibit.
The park remains a favorite among visitors from Nashville, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
California Theme Parks Dominate the List
California theme parks hold three spots in the top ten:
- Knott’s Berry Farm (#3 – 4.7M searches): Known for its family-friendly vibe and Mrs. Knott’s famous fried chicken.
- Universal Studios Hollywood (#4 – 4.5M searches): Features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and action-packed rides like Jurassic World and King Kong 360.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (#7 – 2.5M searches): Offers 19 rollercoasters and year-round thrills in Valencia, CA.
These parks attract strong attention from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas users.
Orlando Still a Theme Park Powerhouse
Florida’s Universal Studios Florida (#5 – 3.8M searches) and Discovery Cove (#10 – 1.6M searches) make the cut, solidifying Orlando’s reputation as a family vacation hub.
Universal’s film-themed rides and Diagon Alley adventures appeal to fans in New York, Houston, and Chicago, while Discovery Cove offers relaxing, up-close experiences with dolphins and marine life — a favorite among Jacksonville residents.
Midwestern and Southern Parks Hold Strong
Other top contenders include:
- Kings Island, Ohio (#6 – 3.6M searches): Features the towering Orion coaster and kid-favorite Planet Snoopy.
- Silver Dollar City, Missouri (#8 – 2.1M searches): Offers a 19th-century Ozarks theme, thrill rides, and artisan crafts.
- Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA (#9 – 2M searches): Combines European flair with high-speed rides and animal attractions.
These parks remain strong in digital interest thanks to their mix of unique experiences and regional appeal.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing thrills or planning a family getaway, these theme parks are drawing major attention online and across the country. If your favorite made the list, now might be the time to book those tickets.
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This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
