The United States is home to some of the most iconic and beloved theme parks on the planet — and millions of visitors agree. Whether you’re into Disney magic, Hollywood action, or extreme coasters, these parks draw tens of millions of guests every year with immersive experiences and unforgettable attractions.
In this article, we break down the most visited theme parks in the US, highlighting the heavy-hitters and a few regional stars that consistently pull strong numbers.
Top 10 Most Visited Theme Parks in the US
1. Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World, Florida)
Still the undisputed champion, Magic Kingdom attracts over 17,7 million visitors annually (based on pre-2020 numbers). Home to Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and nightly fireworks, it’s the most visited theme park in the world.
2. Disneyland Park (California)
The original Disneyland, located in Anaheim, draws around 17,2 million visitors per year. With iconic lands like Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it’s a must-visit for Disney fans.
3. EPCOT (Walt Disney World, Florida)
EPCOT sees roughly 12 million guests annually, offering a mix of futuristic attractions and global culture. With World Showcase, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and seasonal festivals, it’s grown into a top-tier destination.
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World, Florida)
Thanks to the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, this park has seen a major rise in popularity, reaching nearly 11 million annual visitors.
5. Universal Studios Florida (Orlando)
One of the main draws at Universal Orlando Resort, this park welcomes around 10 million guests per year. It’s known for Diagon Alley, Transformers, and movie-themed rides.
6. Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Orlando)
With VelociCoaster, Hogsmeade, and Marvel Super Hero Island, this thrill-heavy park brings in about 9.5 million visitors annually.
7. Disney California Adventure (Anaheim)
Often overshadowed by its older sibling next door, this park still draws around 9 million visitors per year, thanks to Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and Cars Land.
8. Universal Studios Hollywood (California)
This unique hybrid of studio tour and theme park entertains about 9 million guests yearly, with major draws like Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Studio Tour.
9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Walt Disney World, Florida)
This nature-focused park hosts about 8,8 million visitors per year. From Expedition Everest to Pandora – The World of Avatar, it’s a stunning mix of rides and real wildlife.
10. SeaWorld Orlando (Florida)
A consistent top-10 performer, SeaWorld Orlando attracts over 4 million visitors per year, blending animal encounters with high-thrill rides like Mako and Ice Breaker.
Most Visited Regional Theme Parks in the US
While Disney and Universal dominate the top of the list, several regional parks attract millions of visitors annually and play a major role in the US theme park landscape:
- Six Flags Magic Mountain (California) – ~3.3 million visitors
- Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey) – ~3.5 million visitors
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Florida) – ~4 million visitors
- Hersheypark (Pennsylvania) – ~3 million visitors
- Dollywood (Tennessee) – ~3 million visitors
- Cedar Point (Ohio) – ~2.5 to 3 million visitors
Why These Parks Dominate
- Brand recognition – Disney and Universal are global brands with iconic characters and franchises.
- Location – Parks in Florida and California benefit from tourism hubs, warm weather, and international airports.
- Ride technology – Many of these parks are known for introducing industry-leading coaster designs and immersive experiences.
- Events and seasonal offerings – From Halloween and Christmas festivals to food and wine events, these parks stay fresh year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people visit Disney World every year?
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida sees over 58 million visitors annually across its four parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios).
What is the most visited non-Disney theme park in the US?
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are the top non-Disney parks, each pulling in around 9 to 10 million guests per year.
Are regional parks like Six Flags and Cedar Point in the top 10?
They usually fall just outside the top 10 nationally but are leaders in their regions. Parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain, Cedar Point, and Busch Gardens Tampa regularly exceed 2 to 3 million visitors annually.
Which water park is the most visited in the US?
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach consistently rank among the most visited, followed by Volcano Bay (Universal Orlando) and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels in Texas.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a dream vacation or curious about where Americans love to ride, this list of the most visited theme parks in the US highlights the best of the best, from coast to coast. For detailed park profiles, ride guides, and planning tips, explore the full directory here on TopThemeParks.com.
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