Disney World excluded from top 5 of the US’ most beloved theme parks — here’s the hidden gem that takes top spot

New York Post - Apr 3rd, 2025
Open on New York Post

A recent study conducted by Nieuwe Casinos has revealed a surprising shift in America's theme park preferences. The research analyzed reviews from Google and Tripadvisor to determine the top-rated amusement parks across the country. Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive resort in Orlando, Florida, emerged as the favorite, with over 85% of its visitors awarding it a perfect five-star rating. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Tennessee followed closely behind. Disney parks, which are often synonymous with theme park excellence, did not claim the top spot, with Disney California Adventure ranking fifth.

The study highlights a growing trend where visitors are opting for unique experiences over traditional favorites. Discovery Cove, known for its marine attractions, offers an immersive experience that differs from the typical theme park ride. The findings suggest that factors such as affordability and diverse entertainment options are becoming increasingly important to visitors. For instance, Disney parks, once seen as the pinnacle of theme park experiences, are now perceived by some as prohibitively expensive, with a two-day trip for a family of four costing nearly $3,000. This shift in consumer preference may prompt the industry to rethink how it appeals to its audience, prioritizing value and distinct experiences over high-profile branding alone.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an intriguing look at theme park rankings, challenging the common perception that Disney parks are the most beloved. While it is timely and addresses a topic of public interest, the article's reliance on a single, unverified source limits its accuracy and source quality. The lack of transparency regarding the study's methodology further undermines its credibility. However, the article is clear, readable, and likely to engage readers interested in travel and leisure. To enhance its impact and balance, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and a deeper exploration of the factors influencing the rankings.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims about the rankings of theme parks based on a study by Nieuwe Casinos. It states that Discovery Cove in Florida topped the list, with over 85% of guests giving it a perfect 5-star rating. However, the story lacks direct citations or links to the study, making it difficult to verify these claims directly. The accuracy of the ratings for Knoebels Amusement Resort and Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster also requires verification through actual review data from Google and Tripadvisor. The claim about Disney's cost is based on a Wall Street Journal report, which adds credibility, but specific numbers should be cross-checked for precision. Overall, while the article presents a coherent narrative, the lack of direct evidence and detailed methodology from the study limits its factual accuracy.

5
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the rankings of amusement parks, with an emphasis on those that outrank Disney parks. This creates a narrative that might appear biased against Disney, especially when mentioning the high cost as a reason for its lower ranking. There is little exploration of other factors that might contribute to the rankings, such as visitor demographics or seasonal variations. The article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including insights from Disney representatives or industry experts to provide a broader view of the theme park landscape.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to read, with a straightforward structure that lists the top-ranked theme parks and provides brief descriptions of each. The language is accessible, and the tone is neutral, which aids comprehension. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of the criteria used for rankings and the significance of the findings. Despite these minor issues, the overall clarity is sufficient for a general audience.

4
Source quality

The primary source of the rankings is a study by Nieuwe Casinos, a name that might not be widely recognized for authority in the theme park industry. The article does not provide details about the organization or its expertise in conducting such studies. Additionally, there is no direct link to the study or its methodology, which undermines the credibility of the source. The mention of the Wall Street Journal adds some credibility, but overall, the article relies heavily on a single, unverified source.

3
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several key areas. There is no explanation of the methodology used by Nieuwe Casinos to determine the rankings, nor is there any disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. The absence of a direct link to the study or its findings makes it difficult for readers to assess the basis of the claims. Transparency could be improved by providing more context about how the data was collected and analyzed, as well as any limitations of the study.

Sources

  1. https://sdlccorp.com/post/the-race-for-new-yorks-2025-casino-license-coney-island-citi-field-and-hudson-yards-compete/
  2. https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=397526Andycanuck
  3. https://www.covers.com/industry/economic-development-will-impact-new-york-casino-licenses-jan-6-2025
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=369755http%3A%2F%2Facecomments.mu.nu%2F%3Fpost%3D369755
  5. https://gothamist.com/news/high-stakes-nyc-casino-race-heats-up-as-projects-vie-for-approval-in-2025