For decades, Disney has been considered the gold standard of family entertainment, but a new study reveals that American theme park visitors have had enough of sky-high prices, woke corporate politics, and overcrowded parks.
A recent analysis by Nieuwe Casinos examined Google and Tripadvisor reviews to determine which theme parks are truly beloved by guests—and the results were a wake-up call for the House of Mouse. Disney didn’t take the top spot. In fact, it was beaten by a Florida competitor that delivers fun without the outrageous costs and political baggage.
The study found that Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, was America’s most highly rated amusement park, with a staggering 85% of visitors giving it a perfect 5-star rating. Owned by SeaWorld, Discovery Cove offers an all-inclusive, family-friendly experience with marine life attractions and resort-style amenities—without the endless price gouging that has become the norm at Disney parks.
Coming in second was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania, a hidden gem that maintains a strong reputation for thrilling rides and affordability. Unlike Disney, Knoebels has free admission and allows guests to purchase ride tickets individually—a refreshing alternative to the overpriced “Magic Kingdom” experience.
In third place was Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, where visitors can enjoy the second-longest downhill track in America on a ride that lasts nearly eight minutes. A far cry from the long wait times and bloated costs associated with Disney’s recent “Genie+” line-skipping scheme, this attraction provides good old-fashioned fun without a corporate agenda.
Rounding out the top five were Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Florida, known for its high-quality rides and movie-themed attractions like Jurassic Park and Harry Potter, and Disney California Adventure, which has more adult-focused attractions compared to Disneyland.
Disney’s absence from the top of the rankings is a sign of growing frustration with what was once the happiest place on Earth. The company has alienated a large portion of its customer base by prioritizing left-wing social messaging over the magic and wonder that made it famous. Meanwhile, its relentless price hikes have made a Disney vacation unaffordable for many families.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the cost for a two-day trip to a Disney park for a family of four now hovers around a staggering $3,000—and that doesn’t even include airfare or lodging! Compare that to parks like Knoebels, where admission is free, or Discovery Cove, where a ticket includes food, drinks, and even snorkeling with tropical fish.
Here’s the full list of theme parks that guests actually love:
1. Discovery Cove, Florida
2. Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pennsylvania
3. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Tennessee
4. Universal Islands of Adventure, Florida
5. Disney California Adventure, California
6. Magic Kingdom, Florida
7. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Florida
8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida
9. Universal Studios Florida, Florida
10. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana
The results are clear: American families are looking for fun, affordability, and entertainment without an agenda. Disney may still be a major player in the theme park industry, but it’s no longer untouchable.
As long as Disney prioritizes corporate activism over customer experience, families will continue taking their hard-earned money elsewhere—to places that actually care about their guests, not just their bottom line.
