USA Today released its Best Theme Park list for 2026 yesterday, April 29, and neither Disney nor Universal parks are on it. The nominees are chosen by a panel of experts and then voted on by USA Today readers.
Best Theme Parks
The theme parks chosen by the experts were decided based on “a range of attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to family-friendly rides, as well as top-notch dining and entertainment options,” according to USA Today.
The winners for 2026, in order, are:
- Silver Dollar City
- Knoebels
- Lost Island Themepark
- Kennywood
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Kings Island
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- Holiday World
- Cedar Point
- Hersheypark
The last park to make it to the Top Ten between Universal and Disney was Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 2021, which was 9th place. Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park both made the 2017 list at 7th and 10th place, respectively.
Going back to 2014, there have not been any Universal Studios parks mentioned.
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