America's best theme park revealed – and it isn't Disneyland!

The best theme parks across America have been revealed, with a surprising winner coming out on top.

From towering rollercoasters and epic entertainment to luxury hotels and oasis-sized pools, theme parks in the United States are known to go all out. And with so many, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.

But there’s no need to panic. A new study by the Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal has revealed the top 10 best amusement parks across the country, so you can pick the best for your next thrill-seeking holiday.

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of America’s best theme parks.

Westgate Palace Hotel at Universal analysed every theme park in the United States based on three key factors. These were Instagram hashtags, monthly Google search volume and the percentage of ‘excellent’ reviews on TripAdvisor – the top review you can receive out of five. These factors were then combined into an index to give each amusement park a total score out of 100. This index revealed the cream of the crop.

With almost every state in America boasting a theme park, deciding where to seek your thrills can be overwhelming. From places that are perfect for coaster chasers or pop culture enthusiasts to family-focused parks with kid-friendly rides, there are just so many to choose from.

The Jurassic World VelociCoaster sends riders into an inverted zero-gravity stall.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

Coming in at number one is Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. This park is known for its sheer size, insane rollercoasters and epic attractions. From The Incredible Hulk Coaster that shoots you upwards of 45 metres to the Jurassic World VelociCoaster that sends riders into an inverted zero-gravity stall, thrills are definitely served hot here.

Ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster, if you dare.

But one of the park’s biggest highlights is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Travel to places like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade or ride through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

Board the Hogwarts Express. Cheer on students at the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Choose a wand at Ollivanders. No matter what you get up to, you’ll feel the wizarding magic long after you leave. And that’s only part of the reason this unparalleled place scored first.

Wander through the magical Diagon Alley. (Image: Aditya Vyas)

2. Magic Kingdom

Coming in at number two is Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Magic Kingdom is one of the best theme parks in the country. With a whopping 8,012,859 posts, Magic Kingdom holds the highest number of Instagram hashtags of any theme park worldwide, making it the most Instagrammable park in the world. And it’s not hard to see why.

Magic Kingdom is the most Instagrammable theme park in the world. (Image: Kaleb Tapp)

You’ll be enchanted around every corner, from graceful Disney characters wandering about to musical parades and classical architecture. It’s known to be a favourite among both young and young at heart, with first birthday trips intertwining with proposals and even weddings. Talk about magic.

Meet some of your favourite Disney characters at Magic Kingdom. (Image: Hector Vasquez)

3. Disney California Adventure Park

In third place, we’re heading cross-country to Anaheim, California with Disney California Adventure Park. It’s one of two parks at Disneyland Resort, one of Southern California’s coolest hot spots.

Sprawling across 29 hectares, this is where you’ll witness your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories come to life.

Witness your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories come to life at Disney California Adventure Park.

Explore Cars Land, dine at Aunt Cass Cafe and attend Goofy’s Sky School. Meet Mickey Mouse, Jessie from Toy Story and even Monsters, Inc.’s Mike Wazowski. Owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, it’s the place to be Disney fanatics of all ages.

Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land is the most popular attraction in Disney California Adventure Park.

The top 10

Cedar Point in Ohio came in fourth place, followed by Silver Dollar City in Missouri rounding out the top five.

Missouri’s Silver Dollar City came in fifth place. (Image: Christin Noelle)

Animal Kingdom in Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park both in California, Dollywood in Tennessee and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Florida make up the top 10.

Animal Kingdom in Florida made the top 10. (Image: David Roark)