6 FL Amusement Parks Among 20 Best In U.S. In New Ranking

Families looking for a weekend getaway can enjoy the thrills of amusement parks, and Florida is home to some of the best, according to a new ranking.

Tripadvisor, an online travel research and review company, recently announced its Travelers’ Choice Awards based on a high volume of “above-and-beyond reviews and opinions” over the past 12 months.

Of 8 million listings, fewer than 1 percent achieve the “best of the best” milestone, according to TripAdvisor.

Those in Florida are:

Magic Kingdom Park, Bay Lake, No. 2: “The most magical place on Earth” is part of Walt Disney World Resort and offers popular attractions, such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise and Cinderella Castle.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake, No. 4: Also part of Walt Disney World Resort, visitors of Hollywood Studios can ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or the Aerosmith-themed Rock 'n' Roller coaster.

Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, No. 5: “Superheroes and magical creatures” can be found at Universal Islands of Adventure, Tripadvisor said. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Velocicoaster are featured at the park.

Fun Spot America, Kissimmee, No. 6: Fun Spot America offers retro rides, such as go-karts and the ferris wheel. Carnival eats is available to visitors at the affordable park.

Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, No. 8: Universal Studios mirrors Universal Islands is offering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Diagon Alley and Escape from Gringotts.

Busch Gardens, Tampa, No. 12: In Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens features attractions centered on Africa and Asia on 335 acres.The family-friendly park can be educational, Tripadvisor said.

Dollywood, the brainchild of singer Dolly Parton who grew up in the surrounding Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, topped the elite list. Here’s the full ranking:

1. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
2. Magic Kingdom Park, Bay Lake, Florida
3. Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake, Florida
5. Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
6. Fun Spot America, Kissimmee, Florida
7. Legoland California, Carlsbad, California
8. Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, California
9. Silver Dollar Studios, Branson, Missouri
10. Whale’s Tale Waterpark, Lincoln, New Hampshire
11. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California
12. Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida
13. Noah’s Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
14. Universal Studios California, Los Angeles
15. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, Erie, Pennsylvania
16. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
17. Legoland New York Resort, Goshen, New York
18. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
19. Carowinds, Charlotte, North Carolina
20. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita, California