The Most Popular Amusement Parks In North America

Amusement parks serve as recreational venues for the entire family. These parks host a number of attractions like rides and games and various entertainment events. Amusement parks today are mostly theme parks whose structures and attractions are based on one or more themes. They transport the guests into a different world once they enter such themed areas. Amusement parks in North America are among the oldest, largest, and most visited in the world. The first Disneyland Park was also opened in North America. All of the 10 most visited amusement parks in North America are located in the US. They are as follows:

10. SeaWorld Orlando - 4,402,000

This theme park, located in Florida's Orlando, is operated by the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. It also hosts a marine zoological park and is part of a bigger complex, the SeaWorld Parks, and Resorts Orlando. The park attracted 4,402,000 visitors in 2016, making it the 10th most visited North American amusement park.

9. Universal Studios Hollywood - 8,086,000

The ninth most visited North American amusement park is also located in the US. The Universal Studios Hollywood operates as both a theme park and a film studio. It is located in California’s San Fernando Valley. The park received 9,362,000 visitors in 2016.

8. Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort - 9,295,000

The eighth most visited amusement park in North America, the DCA is located in Anaheim, California. The theme of the park focuses on California’s history and culture. The park has been operating since 2001. Guests to the park can explore its seven themed lands as well as enjoy the live performances and meet Disney characters.

7. Universal's Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort - 9,362,000

This theme park is located in Orlando, Florida. The park was opened on May 28, 1999m and offers an ‘adventurous’ journey through its numerous themed islands filled with exciting attractions and surprises. The guests depart the main port to embark on a journey of exploration. There are a total of eight themed islands in the park with the latest addition, the Skull Island, operating since 2016.

6. Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort - 9,362,000

With a visitor count of 9,998,000, Universal Studios Florida ranks as the sixth most visited North American theme park. It is located in Orlando Florida. The park was opened on June 7, 1990. Like the previously mentioned amusement parks, this park’s theme is also inspired by the entertainment industry. Numerous attractions, including live shows, draw a large number of visitors to the park.

5. Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort - 10,776,000

This amusement park is also located in Bay Lake, Florida. It was opened on May 1, 1989. The design of the park, as the name suggests, is inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age. The park is dedicated to the world of cinema, television, theater, and music. At the time of its opening, Disney's Hollywood Studios operated not just as a theme park but also as an operating production studio. The park is the fifth most visited amusement park in North America.

4. Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort - 10,844,000

The fourth most visited amusement park in North America, the Disney's Animal Kingdom, is a zoological theme park. It was inaugurated on the World Earth Day (April 22) in 1998. The park promotes wildlife conservation and is themed entirely around nature and conservation. The 145-ft tall 'Tree of Life' serves as the icon of this park. There are seven themed areas in the park that hosts wildlife representing the particular theme. For example, the themed area of Asia houses wildlife found in the continent like tigers, Komodo dragons, flying foxes, blackbucks, etc. Jungle trails and safaris take the visitors on exciting adventures through these themed areas to observe the wildlife and experience proximity to nature.

3. Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort - 11,712,000

The Epcot theme park is also a part of the Walt Disney World Resort and is located in Florida’s Bay Lake. The Epcot was opened on October 1, 1982. It has two sections, the 'World Showcase' and the 'Future World'. The former has 11 themed areas representing different world nations while the latter has 8 pavilions. A geodesic sphere named the Spaceship Earth serves as the symbol of the park. The various pavilions in the Future World host their own attractions which exhibit the latest feats in science and technology. The themed areas of the 'World Showcase', on the other hand, displays landscapes, shops, attractions, restaurants, etc., representing different nations of the world.

2. Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort - 17,943,000

The Disneyland Park is North America’s second most visited theme park. Located in Anaheim, California, this park was opened on July 17, 1955. There are eight themed areas in the park. These areas artificially simulate real and fantasy lands like an exotic tropical place in Adventureland, a typical Midwest town in Main Street, U.S.A., and more. These areas host a number of rides and other attractions. Live entertainment programs like parades and fireworks are also offered to guests visiting the park.

1. Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort - 20,395,000

The Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in North America. It is located in Bay Lake, Florida, and is part of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Magic Kingdom was opened on October 1, 1971. In 2016, the park received 20,395,000 visitors, making it the most visited amusement park in the world. The entire park is divided into six themed areas. The layout of the park is arranged in the form of a wheel with the hub located near the Cinderella Castle that serves as the park's icon. Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, Main Street, U.S.A., and Adventureland are the six themed areas in the amusement park. Each has their specific attractions and activities.