This is it, the final showdown. At the beginning of the season, hundreds of parks were vying for the chance to be crowned “Park of the Year”. Now, after weeks of polling each section of the country, only eight parks remain. Voting started several weeks ago as we divided part of the country into four separate regions. The top two of each region are here today, each to battle it out in one last fight of the year. Which park is the park of the year? That’s for you to decide!
It’s been a very interesting run of Thrill Weekly Polls this year, as the unexpected could and often did happen. The parks that were perrenial favorites weren’t guaranteed a spot in the Park of the Year this year, as several parks made the push for park of the year in their respective regions.
This year’s finalists are:
Region 1
- Dollywood-Tennessee
- Universal Studios Florida
Both Dollywood and Universal Studios Florida have had amazing years this year. They each have made huge announcements, and have had great new attractions. Dollywood is coming into the finals for the third straight year, after winning it for two years running. Universal Studios Florida, however has brought the worlds of Transformers and Simpsons to life in their park this year, with Harry Potter on the horizon.
Region 2
- IdleWild&Soak Zone-Pennsylvania
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg-Virginia
IdleWild and Soak Zone and Busch Gardens Williamsburg are both family friendly parks, giving guests so much for the whole family. IdleWild made a huge push into the finals last year, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg is once again going for the title.
Region 3
- Silver Dollar City-Missouri
- Cedar Point-Ohio
Silver Dollar City is coming off of a record breaking year, quite literally. The park opened the gates to the titanic new coaster, Outlaw Run which destroys many records held by wooden coasters. Cedar Point, not being a stranger to record breakers, opened the world’s tallest, longest, fastest Wing Rider coaster with Gatekeeper. America’s Roller Coast isn’t stopping there with all new attractions and renovations coming in 2014.
Region 4
- Universal Studios Hollywood-California
- Disneyland-California
Disneyland is an American icon, and Universal Studios Hollywood is the movie park that started it all. Together they are an essential part of theme park history. For the first time ever these two Southern California giants face off against each other. Disneyland has had some of the most successful events in the “Limited Time Magic” while introducing new shows and experiences. Universal Studios Hollywood has been very busy with the announcement of Despicable Me, the renovation of their entrance area, plus the announcement of the all new Universal Evolution. It’s a very exciting time to be in Southern California!
Those are the top eight theme parks as voted by you! Now it’s time to choose the best of the best!
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Congratulations to all of the nominees! We recommend that all nominated parks and fans share on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media outlets. This poll will determine the Park of the Year in Region Two and which two parks will move on to compete in our Finals for Park of the year for our annual “Thrill Weekly Awards” which are to be announced on January 6th, 2014. The poll will be open until 11:59 p.m. EST on December 15th, 2013.
Good luck and have fun!
