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This New Jersey Theme Park Gives You the Best Bang for Your Buck

Author Anne Erickson
Getty Images / coffeekai

A new ranking is out that reveals which theme parks give you the most bang for your buck. Let’s face it: Today, a lot of theme parks are very expensive. If you have a family of four, it can be costly to go to a theme park and enjoy all that park has to offer, from the coasters to the food. But, one New Jersey theme park gives one of the best deals in America.

The ranking, done by JeffBet, gave each theme park a score out of 10. What’s more, that’s based on how much great benefit visitors get for the money they spend. “This involved scaling the online ticket price and parking costs against the number of attractions, visitor ratings, and the park’s typical opening hours,” JeffBet states. Also, they add, “Each theme park’s ticket prices and parking costs were scaled against the total number of attractions, ratings, and typical opening hours.”

Let’s look at some of the worst, first. Universal Studios Florida and Disney California Adventure Park came up as overpriced in the study. Hence, not too cool, Mickey Mouse.

This New Jersey Theme Park Gives You the Best Bang for Your Buck

Now, let’s look at the best. Looking at all of the factors, Cedar Park in Ohio and Hersheypark in Pennsylvania are the theme parks that give visitors the most bang for their buck, according to the study. They each scored 10 out of 10. For Cedar Point, which is ranked No. 1, the study states that the entry fee is $46.99, and parking costs of $25. Also, Cedar Point offers 72 attractions. Next up, at No. 2 is the longstanding Hersheypark, which costs $49.99 for entry and $25 dollars for parking. Moreover, Hersheypark offers 75 attractions. Coming in at No. 3 on the list is Busch Gardens in Williamsburg; followed King’s Island; and, finally, in New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure.

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10 Best Amusement Parks in America

America doesn’t lack for having the best amusement parks. Whether you’re a daredevil and want to ride the tallest, scariest roller coasters in the world or prefer just eating park food, a day at the park can be a super fun experience.

One great thing about theme parks is that you can usually find one within driving distance. This makes amusement parks a reasonable choice for a family vacation or weekend giveaway, especially if money is an issue. Amusement parks are also great for capturing memories for kids. When I was a child, my family took me to several parks in Michigan, California, Ohio and Florida, so I have great memories from those trips.

The best theme parks also have convenient lodging nearby, making the trip truly seamless. That’s not to mention the awesome water parks that are often attached to today’s theme parks. Also, even though theme parks are meant for kids, it’s obvious that adults can have just as much fun at them, too.

Read on for our list of the 10 best amusement parks in America, from Cedar Point to Hersheypark. All of these are famous for their attractions, food and more. What’s your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.

  • 10. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

    Dollywood is a favorite that’s located in the Great Smokey Mountain area. Of course, it’s named after the one and only Dolly Parton. If you’re a country music fan, this is a must-see stop. Even if you aren’t a huge country music listener, it’s a great, traditional amusement park.

  • 9. Kings Island, Mason, Ohio

    Kings Island Theme Park is a little bit off the radar, but it’s a great park. It’s known for not only its amusement park but also its fantastic water park. Kings Island features a range of coasters, Planet Snoopy for the kids and more.

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  • 8. Legoland, Carlsbad, California

    Legoland is simply legendary. Whoever had the idea to make an entire amusement park dedicated to Legos is a genius. The amusement park offers fun rides, live entertainment and more. You’ll find a Legoland Water Park, too.

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  • 7. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia

    Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is one of those parks that you just hear about a lot. I feel like I’ve been hearing about it since I was a little kid, but I’ve never been there. Busch Gardens is known for being extremely beautiful and scenic, which is rare for an amusement park.

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  • 6. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California

    Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another spot that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. When I was a kid, my family took me to California to see my aunt, and we went to not only Disneyland but also Knott’s Berry Farm. The amusement park has more than 165 rides, attractions and more. They also have fun holiday and Halloween events.

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  • 5. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California (and in many other states)

    Six Flags Magic Mountain is another huge name when it comes to parks. The spot, located in Valencia, California, is known for its amazing coasters. What’s cool is that the park offers a mix of scary-type coasters for the big kids (and adults) and tame coasters for the kids (and wimpy adults, like me). Other Six Flags parks also belong here, too, as the chain has lots of locations across America.

  • 4: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California

    If you want that Disney experience but live on the West Coast, then you’re much closer to Disney California Adventure Park, aka “Disneyland,” than you are to Disney World. I’ve actually been to both parks, since my aunt lives near Disneyland, and I went as a kid. The park is super fun for those of any age, and it really gives you that Disney movie experience, but in a park. The park has been updated over the years, but it’s more classic than Disney World.

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  • 3. Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania

    If you’re in the Pennsylvania area, then you absolutely have to go to Hersheypark. The park, which is owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, helps to keep Milton S. Hershey’s legacy alive. Not only do you get chocolate (yum!), but Hersheypark also offers roller coasters, water rides and more fun.

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  • 2. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

    There is something simply classic about Walt Disney World. It should be every kid’s right of passage to go here. I’m fortunate that my parents took me to Disney World twice when I was little. I loved meeting my favorite princesses, but there is plenty to do for adults at the park, too.

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  • 1. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

    Cedar Point is legendary in the Midwest. The park is considered the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” since it has so many fantastic coasters to ride. If you’re looking for major thrills, plus stuff to do for the family, Cedar Point is a great spot. Plus, it’s not as pricey as some of the major parks.

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Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.
Author Anne Erickson
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