Whether it’s for some fun in the sun this summer or a family vacation a little further down the road, 10Best readers have very strong opinions about which amusement parks and water parks are the very best. We asked our readers to tell us their favorites, as well as their top picks for park hotels, restaurants and entertainment. After four weeks of voting, the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best Amusement Park: SeaWorld Orlando in Florida
Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is just one of many reasons that 10Best readers voted SeaWorld Orlando the best amusement park — Photo courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando
Most famous as a marine zoological park, SeaWorld Orlando has made a name for itself in the world of high octane thrill rides as well, including Manta – one of the only coasters of its kind in the world – and Mako, a hyper coaster with deep dives, high speeds and thrills aplenty.
Plus, young visitors can now walk down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends.
Full list of winners: Best Amusement Park »
Best Amusement Park Entertainment: Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia
For five years now, 10Best readers have voted Celtic Fyre as the best amusement park entertainment — Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Celebrate the Celtic tradition of storytelling through dance at this incredibly popular, high-energy show at Busch Gardens Williamsburg that will have you laughing and clapping to the beat of festive music. Animals native to Ireland make appearances and audience participation provides another fun angle. Guests leave the show with a newfound or rekindled love for all things Irish.
Full list of winners: Best Amusement Park Entertainment »
Best Amusement Park Hotel: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa — Photo courtesy of Dollywood
Inspired by the pillars of togetherness, storytelling and family, Dollywood‘s DreamMore Resort and Spa offers parkgoers a welcoming place to kick back and relax in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee just minutes from the theme park. Amenities include an interactive splash pad, zero-entry pool, door-to-door transportation to the park and Dolly touches throughout.
Full list of winners: Best Amusement Park Hotel »
Best Amusement Park Restaurant: Aunt Granny’s Restaurant in Dollywood
Aunt Granny’s Restaurant — Photo courtesy of Dollywood
Aunt Granny’s restaurant is a sit-down dining restaurant located in Rivertown Junction at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Guests choose from a variety of comfort-food meats and sides, such as fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, which are constantly refilled at the table so each guest can help themselves to as much as they want. Bread and desserts are also included to round out the meal.
Full list of winners: Best Amusement Park Restaurant »
Best Indoor Water Park: DreamWorks Water Park in East Rutherford, New Jersey
DreamWorks Water Park is part of the American Dream shopping and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and is the largest indoor water park in North America. Attractions include a hydro-magnetic roller coaster, a wave pool, a lazy river and an eight-lane racing slide.
Full list of winners: Best Indoor Water Park »
Best Outdoor Water Park: Aquatica Orlando in Orlando, Florida
Play in the water alongside aquatic life at Aquatica Orlando — Photo courtesy of Aquatica Orlando
SeaWorld’s first and most popular water park, Aquatica Orlando, draws 1.5 million visitors per year while seamlessly integrating sea life into rides. Its signature attraction, Dolphin Plunge, is an enclosed tube slide that passes through a pool of playful black and white Commerson’s dolphins.
Guests can also take a leisurely raft ride down Loggerhead Lane, passing through colorful exotic fish. Aquatica’s South Seas theme is further enhanced by 60,000 lush, tropical plants covering its 60 acres.
Full list of winners: Best Outdoor Water Park »
Best Roller Coaster: Mako in SeaWorld Orlando
Not only was SeaWorld Orlando voted the best amusement park, but their flagship Mako won best roller coaster — Photo courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando
Guests looking for thrills at SeaWorld Orlando will find them aboard one of the park’s rollercoasters, Mako. Orlando’s tallest, longest and fastest coaster gets its name from one of the world’s fastest sharks – appropriate for a thrill ride reaching speeds of 73 miles per hour.
Full list of winners: Best Roller Coaster »
Congratulations to all these winning nominees! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in all of our Readers’ Choice contests.
