Summer is almost here and we want to find the best theme parks and water parks, as well as the best theme park hotels, restaurants and entertainment. That’s why we asked theme park experts and travel writers to join our editors to select the nominees for the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, and within four weeks, readers were invited to vote for their favorites. The result is.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners.
Best Indoor Water Park: Aquatopia Indoor Water Park in Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Aquatopia Indoor Water Park is fun for the whole family – Photo credited to Camelback Resort
Aquatopia at the Camelback Resort in Poconos features 125,000 square feet of water fun with 7 swimming pools (including a wave pool), 13 waterslides, an adventure river and an aquarium with nearly 100 gadgets, interactive devices and 1,000 Water rides with gallon dump buckets. A highlight for thrill seekers is the Storm Chaser, one of the longest uphill water coasters in the United States. Visitors looking to relax can get a tan all year round thanks to Aquatopia’s transparent roof.
Full list of winners: Best Indoor Water Parks »
Best New Theme Park Attraction: Icebreaker at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando opened its first launch coaster this year — Photo courtesy of SeaWorld
This Orlando theme park opened its first launch coaster this year, and it’s going to blow your mind. The Ice Breaker provides plenty of airtime with two forward and two backward launches, including an insane reverse launch at a 100-degree angle to the 93-foot-tall spike (the highest vertical drop in Florida). The track is 1,900 feet long and has a top speed of 52 mph.
Full list of winners: Best New Theme Park Attractions »
Best Outdoor Water Park: Aquatica Orlando in Orlando, Florida
Aquatica Orlando is a great place to cool off— Photo courtesy of Orlando Water Park
SeaWorld’s first and most popular water park, Orlando Waterpark, attracts 1.5 million annual visitors while seamlessly integrating marine life into the rides. Its star attraction, the Dolphin Plunge, is an enclosed tube slide through the black and white Commerson Dolphin Pool. You can also take a leisurely raft ride along Loggerhead Lane, passing colorful and exotic fish. Aquatica’s South Sea theme is further enhanced by 60,000 lush tropical plants spread across 60 acres.
Full list of winners: Best Outdoor Water Parks »
Best Roller Coaster: El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure
These wooden roller coasters offer a completely unique old-school new-school experience. — Photo via Six Flags Great Adventure
This wooden roller coaster in Jackson, New Jersey is nicknamed “The Bull” because of its mighty rocking train. It is also one of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coasters in the world. But this is no ordinary wooden coaster; it’s built with the most advanced engineering that helps create a completely unique old-new-style experience.
Full list of winners: The best roller coasters »
Best Theme Park: SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida
SeaWorld Orlando Named Best Theme Park by Readers — Photo courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando
Best known as Sea Zoo, SeaWorld Orlando has also made a name for itself in a world of thrills, including Manta, one of the only roller coasters of its kind in the world, and Mako, a super coaster with deep dives, high speed and thrills. Younger visitors can now stroll down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends.
Full list of winners: Best Theme Parks »
Best Theme Park Entertainment: Celtic Fyre: Live Irish Dance at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
Readers choose Celtic Fyre: Live Irish Step Dancing as the best theme park entertainment – Photo credits to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Celebrate Celtic storytelling traditions with dance, laughing and clapping to the rhythm of holiday music at this very popular and energetic show at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Animals native to Ireland appear, and audience participation provides another interesting angle. The guests left the show with a newfound or rekindled love for all things Ireland.
Full list of winners: Best Theme Park Entertainment »
Best Theme Park Hotel: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa at Dollywood
The Smoky Mountains are home to the best theme park hotels— Photo credit to Dollywood
Inspired by the pillars of Unity, Storytelling and Family, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa offers parkgoers an intimate place to unwind in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, just minutes from the park theme. Amenities include an interactive wading pool, zero-entry pool, door-to-door transportation to the park, and Dolly Keys throughout.
Full list of winners: Best Theme Park Hotels »
Best Theme Park Restaurant: Confisco Grille at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
The best restaurant in the theme park is at Universal’s Islands of Adventure — Photo by EzumeImages//Getty Images
Offering a menu influenced by Asian, Mediterranean, Greek and other cuisines, this grill is conveniently located at the Islands of Adventure Port of Entry. You’ll have a hard time choosing between French Onion Soup and Pad Thai, Pork Belly or American Burgers, Sticky Ribs and Ahi Tuna Nachos or other delicious options. This relaxed indoor setting is the perfect way to introduce family members of all ages to the tastes of the world.
Full list of winners: Best Theme Park Restaurants »
Congratulations to all the winners! Don’t forget to visit 10Best.com every day to vote in our Readers’ Choice contest.