8 Central Florida Theme Parks nominated in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Theme Parks Awards!
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8 Central Florida Theme Parks nominated in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Theme Parks Awards!

Everyone knows that Central Florida is the theme park capital of the world, so it's no surprise that in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Theme Parks Awards, out of the 20 US Theme Parks nominated, 9 are here in Central Florida.


10Best asked a panel of amusement park and family travel experts to nominate their 20 favorite parks across the United States. Now, they need you to vote to crown the winners.


Cast your ballot once per day until voting ends on Monday, April 24 at noon ET. The 10 winning parks, determined by your vote, will be announced on Friday, May 5.


Read on for which Central Florida Theme parks have been nominated!


8 Central Florida Theme Parks nominated in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Theme Parks

CENTRAL FLORIDA BEST THEME PARK NOMINEES

Best Theme Park

Most famous as a marine zoological park, SeaWorld Orlando has made a name for itself in the world of high-octane thrill rides as well, including Manta – one of the only coasters of its kind in the world – and Mako, a hyper coaster with deep dives, high speeds and thrills aplenty. Young visitors can now walk down Sesame Street and interact with their favorite furry friends.


Best Theme Park

While Busch Gardens is most famously known as an amusement park filled with thrill rides, the Tampa location is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and offers abundant animal encounters as well. Visitors can board an open-air touring vehicle on a Serengeti Safari, where it’s possible to spot giraffes, zebras, ostriches and other African animals living in wide open spaces.


Best Theme Park

The Magic Kingdom, the Florida version of the original Disneyland, was the first Walt Disney World park to open. It's divided into six themed "lands" with some of the same attractions that have made Disney a household name when it comes to theme parks: Space Mountain, It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise, among others. Newer attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run showcase the ongoing creative efforts of Disney's Imagineers.


Best Theme Park

Originally the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT offers 305 acres of amusements and attractions divided into two main areas: Future World and the World Showcase. The World Showcase, a world's fair-like park, takes visitors on a tour of 11 countries around the world, where they can participate in Oktoberfest in Germany, visit Elsa and her Frozen friends in Norway or get a 360-degree view of China. With Spaceship Earth (the iconic golf ball-like landmark) at its center, Future World is where to find Epcot's thrill rides and interactive attractions.


Best Theme Park

Disney's Animal Kingdom has taken the best elements of a zoo and a theme park and blended them seamlessly into one unified experience. The massive park has over a dozen shows and attractions divided among seven major "lands," so guests won't lack in things to see and do. Innovative landscaping, friendly and informative cast members and a focus on the park's animal residents reward guests willing to slow down and savor the park at a leisurely pace.


Best Theme Park

Yes, the quirky British cartoon character Peppa Pig now has her very own theme park in central Florida. "This new park was created perfectly for the little ones (although the older kids will love it too)," says expert Nikky J. A near neighbor of Florida's LEGOLAND park, the Peppa Pig Theme Park is a mix of mild thrill rides, like Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure and Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster that draw their themes from the TV show, and attractions, such as a carnival midway with all-free games and the George's Fort maze. There's also a cinema where families can take a break from the sun to watch their favorite episodes of Peppa Pig on the big screen.

Best Theme Park

Universal Studios Florida has changed drastically since its debut in 1990, with only a couple of attractions remaining in their original form. While live filming doesn't happen here anymore, the park still offers a thrilling cinematic experience, with attractions and sections of the park dedicated to Minions, Transformers and Men in Black (among others).


Best Theme Park

Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando is a feast for the eyes, divided into themed zones featuring high-tech, high-octane thrills around every turn. What started out as a little sister park to Universal Studios Florida truly became a destination in itself with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where visitors are immersed in a land inspired by J.K. Rowling's creations, including Hogwarts Castle and the shops of Hogsmeade.



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