Universal’s Islands of Adventure Named
#1 Amusement Park in the U.S. and World
Siam Park #1 Water Park in the World,
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Tops in the U.S.
NEEDHAM, Mass., June 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice™ awards for Amusement Parks and Water Parks. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
“From relaxing lazy rivers to thrilling roller coasters, these Travelers’ Choice award-winners offer amazing entertainment options for visitors young and young at heart,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “With school out and hot summer days upon us, people will be flocking to the parks. Travelers looking to save can book multi-day passes on TripAdvisor before their visit to maximize their budget and fun at these exciting parks.”
For those planning to visit a winning amusement park or water park this year, TripAdvisor has provided the cost of one-day admission and top-rated multi-day passes available on TripAdvisor, as well as the average bookable accommodation rates for summer for people who need to travel to visit one of these winning parks.1 Orlando is home to seven of the top 10 U.S. amusement parks and the top three U.S. water parks – travelers planning to stay in the city this summer will find hotels bookable on TripAdvisor for $153 per night on average.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Siam Park Top Global Lists
Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando is a theme park offering a variety of exciting rides, shows and attractions and has been named the number one amusement park in the world for the second consecutive year. Featuring a blend of thrilling water slides and relaxing water features, Siam Park in Adeje, Spain is the world’s top water park for the third year in a row.
Top 10 Amusement Parks in the U.S:
- Universal's Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
The immensely popular park features themed "islands” including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Marvel Superhero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing and Lost Continent. Those who visit this summer will be the first to experience Skull Island: Reign of Kong, a new ride that immerses riders in a thrilling expedition through King Kong's island home. “Islands of Adventure is a personal favorite of mine, we visit every year and absolutely love it. There is something for everyone at this park, from small kids at Seuss Landing and thrill rides such as the Hulk and Dragon Challenge,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer. Travelers looking for value can save 42% by purchasing the Universal Orlando 3-Park Unlimited Ticket, which grants unlimited admission to the three Universal parks over fourteen consecutive days.2
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $100 - Discovery Cove – Orlando, Florida
Discovery Cove offers travelers an exclusive day of aquatic exploration, education and relaxation. Travelers recommend the popular Wind-Away River, which features gentle currents that guide visitors along pristine beaches, a lush rain forest, powerful waterfalls and an exciting underwater cave. Added a TripAdvisor reviewer, “We loved our day at Discovery Cove and did things we might never ever have done: swam with dolphins, snorkeled with tropical fish and stingrays, saw eels and sharks underwater, and relaxed in the water and on the sand.”
One-day admission: Adult and child – $359 - Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
From “it’s a small world” to Space Mountain, Disney’s Magic Kingdom offers more than 40 beloved attractions. Thrill seekers recommend Splash Mountain, an exciting log flume ride that culminates with a five-story drop down a raging waterfall. “The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is just that...magical. No matter how many times I go there, I am never disappointed,” raved a TripAdvisor reviewer. Travelers who want to visit all four Disney World parks during their trip can purchase Disney’s 5-Day Magic Your Way Ticket, which allows guests to transfer between multiple parks a day and offers savings of 38% compared to a single-day pass.
One-day admission: Adult – $110, Child – $104 - Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida
Universal Studios Florida immerses visitors in delightful behind-the-scenes experiences of their favorite movies and shows. Revenge of the Mummy is one of the more popular rides at the park thanks to its lifelike mummies, impressive pyrotechnics and 45 mile per hour speeds. “The rides here are always great fun and the themes are fantastic. The Mummy is a personal favorite as well as the magical world of Harry Potter which is the most amazing addition to the park yet,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $100 - Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
With thrilling rides, exciting shows and a real working movie studio, Universal Studios Hollywood provides the quintessential Hollywood experience. Fans of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” won’t want to miss the park’s newest year-round attraction, which opens next week and pits visitors against real-life “walkers.” Added a TripAdvisor reviewer, “Had the best time at Universal Studios. The rides are out of this world. The Studio Tour is a must as it takes you through real filming locations and also takes you on King Kong and Fast and Furious which were really good fun.”
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $99 - Disney's Hollywood Studios – Orlando, Florida
Stars from the silver screen come alive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an entertaining theme park separated into seven unique sections. Newly added Star Wars attractions transport visitors to a galaxy far, far away with behind-the-scenes experiences, rides and live shows. A TripAdvisor reviewer shared, “Personally, this is my favorite of the Disney parks, and with the acquisition of the Star Wars franchise, the park has just gotten better! Plenty of photo opportunities with characters and scenery, highly recommended!”
One-day admission: Adult – $102, Child – $96 - Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
Since opening in 1955, Disneyland Park has welcomed more than 650 million guests. While it shares many rides with its sister park in Orlando, Indiana Jones™ Adventure is one of the only rides unique to Disneyland. The fast-paced thrill ride takes visitors through the various dangers of the mysterious Temple of the Forbidden Eye. “I have been coming to Disneyland since the 60s with my parents. Brought my children in the 80s, and today enjoying the park with my grandchildren. It never gets old. The rides are still fun, and the look of amazement in the kids eyes are worth the journey,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer. Travelers who want to make the most of their visit to Anaheim can save 19% by purchasing the 3-Day Disneyland Resort Ticket to gain admission to both Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure Park.
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $99 - Disney California Adventure Park – Anaheim, California
Popular movies like Cars, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story come to life at Disney California Adventure Park. Radiator Springs Racers, one of the newest rides in the park, takes visitors on a fast-paced race through the desert – keep an eye out for popular Cars characters along the course. Added a TripAdvisor reviewer, “We were so impressed with this park! The rides are so great and Cars Land is adorable. The lines move quickly with a Fast Pass and the employees are so helpful. The World of Color show is beautiful and a great way to end the day.”
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $99 - SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando, Florida
SeaWorld Orlando offers a wide variety of ocean-inspired rides, attractions and activities. Mako, the theme park’s newest ride, features multiple tall hills and high speeds, achieving near weightless “air time.” The nearly one-mile-long coaster reaches up to 73 miles per hour and has a peak height of 200 feet, making it Orlando’s longest, fastest and tallest roller coaster. “We had one day to do an Orlando theme park and I’m glad we chose SeaWorld! My teenager loved the large roller coasters and my younger children loved the kid-friendly rides,” raved a TripAdvisor reviewer.
One-day admission: Adult and child – $79 - Disney's Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
With more than 2,000 animals across 300 species, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the largest animal theme parks in the world. With its surprising twists, 80-foot drop and lifelike Yeti, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is one of the park’s most popular rides. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “One of my favorite Disney parks! On Expedition Everest, there is so much to see waiting in line to pass the time. The ride was amazing and I didn’t want to leave!”
One-day admission: Adult – $102, Child – $96
Top 10 Water Parks in the U.S:
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $60, Child – $54 - Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $60, Child – $54 - Aquatica – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult and child – $48 - Holiday World & Splashin' Safari – Santa Claus, Indiana
One-day admission: Adult and child – $45 - Noah's Ark Water Park – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
One-day admission: Over 48” – $39, Under 48” – $29 - Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks – Wildwood, New Jersey
One-day admission: Over 48” – $45, Under 48” – $37, Children under 3 – $5 - Water Country USA – Williamsburg, Virginia
One-day admission: Adult – $52, Child – $45 - Kahuna Laguna – North Conway, New Hampshire
One-day admission: Adult and child – $40 - Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort – Erie, Pennsylvania
One-day admission: Over 42” – $40, Under 42” – $30, “Spectator” – $15 - Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
One-day admission: Adult – $48, Child and Senior – $43
Thrilling Hotel Savings
To help travelers plan their summer trips to these winning parks, TripAdvisor has also identified the most affordable month to visit, during which visitors can save around 20% compared to the peak summer period. For travelers willing to visit during the shoulder season, September generally offers the lowest prices.
| City | Average Bookable Hotel Rates on TripAdvisor for Summer | Most Affordable Month to Visit | ||
| Orlando, Florida | $ | 153 | August – $144 | |
| Los Angeles, California | $ | 208 | November – $186 | |
| Anaheim, California | $ | 170 | September – $152 | |
| Santa Claus, Indiana | $ | 96 | September – $80 | |
| Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin | $ | 159 | September – $121 | |
| Wildwood, New Jersey | $ | 177 | September – $131 | |
| Williamsburg, Virginia | $ | 137 | August – $141* | |
| North Conway, New Hampshire | $ | 167 | November – $141 | |
| Erie, Pennsylvania | $ | 137 | September – $122 | |
| Pigeon Forge, Tennessee | $ | 126 | August – $113 | |
For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards for Amusement Parks and Water Parks, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, go to: http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Attractions-cAmusementParks
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Attractions-cWaterParks
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site**. Travelers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at: www.tripadvisor.com.
Notes to editors:
1Average seasonal nightly rates of all bookable accommodations in each destination are based on TripAdvisor pricing data for July 1 through September 30, 2016, aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.
2Percent savings calculated by comparing cost of single one-day admission to cost of single multi-day pass.
*Least expensive month to visit while the park is open.
About TripAdvisor
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*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, February 2016
**Source: TripAdvisor log files, Q1 2016