It’s boiled down to this. One poll to rule them all. Over the past few weeks we’ve been conducting our annual Thrill Weekly Polls to see which parks would stand as Park of the Year. We divided the country into 4 Regions. The two parks that received the most votes would move on to the finals. After four long weeks, we have finally gotten down to our eight top parks. All eight will battle it out for the coveted title of Park of the Year.
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-Pigeon Forge, TN
- Discovery Cove-Orlando, FL
Dollywood won the park of the year last year, and this year they had the nation’s first Wing Rider coaster, so it’s no surprise they were able to claim a spot in the finals again. Discovery Cove is coming off of a two year rehab that has completely changed the face of the park 100%. If you haven’t been in the past three years, it’s a completely different experience. Many of you questioned whether or not Discovery Cove should be in the Best Theme Park category, but honestly not many other parks gives you as much of an escape as Discovery Cove.
Region 2
- Idlewild-Ligonier, PA
- Sesame Place-Langhorne, PA
It comes down to voting, and spreading the word. Two little parks from Pennsylvania did just that to stand against the big parks. Sesame Place is all about family fun, while Idlewild has something for not only family, but thrill seekers alike.
Region 3
- Kings Island-Kings Mill, OH
- Cedar Point-Sandusky, OH
It’s a one-two punch for Ohio’s two favorite theme parks. Both parks have had great years, with Cedar Point adding a brand new show experience and Dinosaurs Alive.
Region 4
- Disneyland-Anaheim, CA
- SeaWorld San Diego
Disneyland resort has had a huge year with the completion of Cars Land and a billion dollar renovation at sister park California Adventure. Disneyland continues to be the original “Happiest Place on Earth”. SeaWorld San Diego also had a huge renovation with the opening of Manta. While it takes the concept that SeaWorld Orlando started, and mixes sea life with a one of a kind experience, you couldn’t ask for two completely different coasters or animal experiences.
Those are the top eight 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 in January. The poll will be open until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 2nd, 2013.
Good luck and have fun!
