TripAdvisor announces top picks for amusement, water parks

Survey found 67% of Americans visit parks in July, August

Jacksonville, FLA – As many Americans will be attending amusement and water parks this and next month, TripAdvisor has identified the nation's top amusement and water parks in the country based on millions of reviews and opinions.

"Travelers in search of outdoor entertainment should look no further than the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Amusement Parks and Water Parks," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "There is a wide variety of activities to appeal to all ages at these top-rated parks across the globe."

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Travelers' Choice awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Award winners were determined by the quantity and quality of reviews for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered by reviews over a 12-month period.

Florida was recognized significantly in the Top Amusement Parks, taking seven of the top 10. Five of the Orlando theme parks are also among the top ten internationally, with Discovery Cove taking the top spot. Along with it, Universal's Islands of Adventure (3rd Internationally,) Magic Kingdom( 4th Internationally,) Disney's Hollywood Studios (5th Internationally,) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (10th Internationally.) 

Amusement Parks Top Ten - United States

1. Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida
2. Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
3. Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
4. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida
5. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California
6. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
7. SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
8. Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky, Ohio
9. Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
10. Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida

Florida was also dominant in the Top Water Parks as well, taking four of the top 10. Three of Orlando's water parks also made it on the top ten international list. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park took the number three spot internationally, followed by Typhoon Lagoon (4th Internationally) and Aquatica (9th Internationally)

Top Ten Water Parks - United States

1. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Orlando, Florida
2. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Orlando, Florida
3. Aquatica, Orlando, Florida
4. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana
5. Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Virginia
6. Morey's Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, Wildwood, New Jersey
7. Noah's Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconson
8. Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
9. Wet 'n Wild, Orlando, Florida
10. Cedar Point - Soak City, Sandusky, Ohio

For the complete list of winners from the 2014 Travelers' Choice Amusement Parks and Water Parks, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, visit here for amusement parks, and here for water parks.