Florida Theme Parks In Running For USA Today 10Best Awards

Tampa FL

10 June, 2021

1:47 PM

Description

TAMPA, FL — Fans of thrills rides, animal safaris and fantastical characters have until noon on June 21 to cast their votes for the country's 10Best amusement parks, including eight Florida theme parks. There are more than 400 amusement parks and attractions in North America, attracting some 375 million visitors annually, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. To help families choose which to visit, USA Today hosts an annual callout to readers to cast their ballots in its 10Best Reader's Choice awards. The 10 amusement parks with the most votes will be announced Friday, July 2. Last year's top 10 winners for Best Amusement Park were: Silver Dollar City - Branson, MissouriCedar Point - Sandusky, OhioBusch Gardens Williamsburg - Williamsburg, VirginiaKings Island - Mason, OhioBusch Gardens Tampa - TampaDollywood - Pigeon Forge, TennesseeKnoebels - Elysburg, PennsylvaniaKennywood - West Mifflin, PennsylvaniaKnott's Berry Farm - Buena Park, CaliforniaHersheypark - Hershey, Pennsylvania The 2021 nominees are: Busch Gardens TampaBusch Gardens WilliamsburgCedar Point in Sandusky, OhioDisney California Adventure in AnaheimDisney's Animal Kingdom in OrlandoDisney's Hollywood Studios in OrlandoDisneyland in AnaheimDollywood in Pigeon Forge, TennesseeEpcot in OrlandoHersheypark in Hershey, PennsylvaniaKennywood in West Mifflin, PennsylvaniaKings Island in Mason OhioKnott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CaliforniaMagic Kingdom in OrlandoSeaWorld in OrlandoSilver Dollar City in Branson, MissouriSix Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CaliforniaUniversal Studios Florida in OrlandoUniversal Studios Hollywood, CaliforniaUniversal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando Some amusement parks will have an opportunity to garner multiple awards. Busch Gardens Tampa, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal's Islands of AdventureEpcot, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom are in the running several categories. In addition to Best Amusement Park, Busch Gardens' Montu, known for its seven thrilling inversions, is a contender for Best Roller Coaster. Montu made history as the first roller coaster to combine both a loop and a roll at the same time. At 104 feet tall, it's one of the tallest inverted coasters you can ride and reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour with a G-force of 3.85. The 104-foot-tall loop will leave your stomach in your throat. Also making the list is SeaWorld Orlando's newest coaster, Mako , billed as Orlando's tallest, longest and fastest coaster reaching speeds of 73 miles per hour. Joining the competition is Universal's Islands of Adventure's coaster designed by Harry Potter film production designer Stuart Craig and art director Alan Gilmore, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This coaster takes thrill-seekers through the Forbidden Forest on the grounds of Hogwarts Castle and features seven launches, more than any other coaster in the world, as well as a free-fall vertical drop. Other contenders for Best Roller Coaster are: Phoenix - KnoebelsLightning Rod - DollywoodFury 325 - CarowindsPhantom's Revenge - KennywoodThe Voyage - Holiday WorldSteel Vengeance - Cedar PointIntimidator 305 - Kings Dominion Readers also have a chance to vote for their favorite Amusement Park Restaurant. Ten Florida theme park eateries made this list: Zambia Smokehouse - Busch Gardens Tampa BayBe Our Guest - Magic KingdomBiergarten Restaurant - EpcotMythos Restaurant - Universal Orlando ResortVia Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria - EpcotLes Chefs de France - Epcot Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' - Disney Springs Tiffins Restaurant - Disney's Animal KingdomTeppan Edo - Epcot Katsura Grill - Epcot Other categories include Best Amusement Park Entertainment, Best Outdoor Water Park, Best Amusement Park Hotel and Best Indoor Water Park.