Fans explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure. (AP)
TripAdvisor has just announced the winners of its annual Travelers' Choice awards for the world's best amusement parks and water parks.
For the second year in a row, Universal’s Island of the Adventure in Orlando nabbed the top spot as reviewers' favorite theme park. The Florida hotspot received top marks for its movie-themed islands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Later this summer, the park is set to open the highly anticipated thrill ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong-- which takes riders deep into the jungle home of the silver screen's most infamous primate.
Orlando also retained its title as America's theme park mecca boasting seven of the top 10 parks.
Discovery Cove, with aquatic explorations like “Wind-Away River,” ranks second on the list and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom-- which is the world's most visited theme park-- rounds out the top three.
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is the world's most visited theme park with almost 20 million visitors in 2015. (AP)
Want to visit one of these winning parks but need more info? TripAdvisor has also compiled a list of the average one-day admission passes as well as local hotel room rates.
Top 10 US amusement parks, ranked by TripAdvisor users
1. Universal's Islands of Adventure – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $100
2. Discovery Cove – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult and child – $359
3. Magic Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $110, Child – $104
4. Universal Studios Florida – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $100
5. Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $99
6. Disney's Hollywood Studios – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $102, Child – $96
7. Disneyland Park – Anaheim, California
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $99
8. Disney California Adventure Park – Anaheim, California
One-day admission: Adult – $105, Child – $99
9. SeaWorld Orlando – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult and child – $79
10. Disney's Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
One-day admission: Adult – $102, Child – $96
When to go?
(Courtesy TripAdvisor)
Based on average hotel prices from month to month, TripAdvisor also identified the most affordable time to travel to these popular parks. The travel site found that visitors can usually save around 20 percent by visiting these cities in the early fall season versus the scorching summer months. September generally offers tourists the lowest hotel rate.
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