FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – HomeToGo released its annual 2023 Theme Park Index, revealing this year’s top 44 theme parks across North America. To help thrill seekers plan fun-filled summer getaways at any budget, HomeToGo examined the continent’s most popular theme parks based on affordability and the number of active roller coasters and attractions.
“We know a lot travelers have been dreaming of funnel cakes, loop de loops, and the excitement of taking a trip to the theme park,” said Mike Pearce, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert, “We also know that travelers are paying close attention to their budgets this summer, which is why we created this index, looking at where thrill-seekers can get the most fun for their money. As international travel continues to make a rebound, we are delighted to open up our index beyond the mainland U.S. to highlight parks in Canada and Mexico and give travelers even more parks to add to their bucket lists!”
Based on the cost of a one-day adult admission ticket, parking and HomeToGo’s own data for nearby accommodations, as well as the number of roller coasters and attractions, here’s a look at the top rankings from the 2023 Theme Park Index:
Top Theme Parks in North America Overall for 2023
Theme Park
State
Country
Affordability Score
Attraction Score
Overall Score
Cedar Point
OH
USA
15.31
20.00
35.31
Canada’s Wonderland
Ontario
Canada
16.18
18.67
34.85
Hersheypark
PA
USA
14.91
18.00
32.91
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
TX
USA
16.02
14.67
30.69
Six Flags Darien Lake
NY
USA
20.00
10.00
30.00
Most Affordable Theme Parks in North America Based on Price for 2023
Theme Park
State
Ticket
Daily Parking Rate
Median Nightly Accommodation Per Person
Total Cost Per Day
Affordability Score
1. Six Flags Darien Lake
NY
$39.99
$20.00
$26.54
$86.53
20.00
2. Six Flags Mexico
CT
$39.79
$16.89
$34.12
$90.80
19.68
=3. Tropic Falls at OWA
AL
$26.99
Free
$90.16
$117.15
17.70
=3. Fun Spot America Themepark – Orlando
FL
$59.95
Free
$57.13
$117.08
17.70
5. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
IN
$62.99
Free
$60.20
$123.19
17.24
Top Theme Parks in North America Based on Number of Attractions for 2023
Theme Park
State
Country
Roller Coasters
Total Attractions
Attraction Score
1. Cedar Point
OH
USA
16
65
20.00
2. Canada’s Wonderland
Ontario
Canada
17
61
18.67
3. Hersheypark
PA
USA
13
59
18.00
=4. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
TX
USA
11
49
14.67
=4. Six Flags Great Adventure
NJ
USA
14
49
14.67
Additional key takeaways from this year’s Theme Park Index include:
Best Park for Thrill-Seekers: The park with the highest number of operating roller coasters (20) in this year’s ranking is Six Flags Magic Mountain, CA.
Most Affordable Park to Visit and Stay Nearby: Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida has the most affordable vacation homes nearby with median nightly prices at just $17.51 per night.
Most Affordable States: Amusement parks in New York, Alabama, Indiana and Iowa climb to the affordable peak of this year’s ranking, whereas world-renowned parks in Florida and California are on the pricier side.
Average Entry Price Across North America: This year, the average price for an adult entry ticket is $77.71 per person. Disneyland Park, CA (#31) and Disney California Adventure Park, CA (#32) boast the highest price ticket at $169, whereas Tropic Falls at OWA (#19) in Alabama is best for budget-savvy travelers with an entry fee of $26.99.
Average Number of Attractions and Roller Coasters: When looking at all of the theme parks in this year’s index, the average number of roller coasters at each park is around 7.3. The total number of attractions, however, is much higher at an average of 33 per park.
Dual Rankings: Highlighted as top destinations in both the overall and attraction-based rankings, Cedar Point, Canada’s Wonderland, Hersheypark and Six Flags Fiesta Texas have solidified their status as premier destinations this theme park season, blending an array of attractions and an overall affordable amusement park experience.
