Jose Sanchez
Research expert covering society, economy, & politics for Latin America
Amusement and theme parks in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Amusement and theme parks are a huge part of American culture. From thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly rides and entertainment, these parks can entice anyone from adrenaline junkies to those just seeking casual fun. Many of the biggest global amusement and theme park brands are based in the United States. In particular, Disney’s U.S. parks are some of the most visited in the world.
For many parks across the country, their success is evidenced by their longevity. In 2024, the oldest U.S. amusement park operating in the same location was Lake Compounce in Connecticut, having first opened in the mid 1800s.
Whether visitors are there for the roller coasters or the atmosphere, the U.S. amusement park industry doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon. Not only are these parks famous worldwide, they are also domestically enjoyed, with a majority of Americans saying they liked amusement parks in 2024.
How big is the U.S. amusement and theme park industry?
The U.S. amusement park industry is a significant contributor to the economy and, after the hit it took during the coronavirus pandemic, has seen growth in recent years. In 2023, the market size of the amusement park sector in the U.S. reached 28.4 billion U.S. dollars, representing a growth of roughly 17 percent over the previous year. The competitiveness of this industry is also shown in the number of U.S. amusement and theme park establishments, which totaled over 600 in 2023.What are the leading amusement and theme parks in the U.S.?
Walt Disney World Resort, nestled in central Florida, has earned its place as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. This iconic attraction comprises of multiple parks, including Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Epcot, all of which placed highly in a ranking of the most visited amusement and theme parks in the world. Only one can claim the top spot though, and in 2023, Magic Kingdom was the most visited amusement and theme park in both North America and globally, drawing over 17.7 million visitors.For many parks across the country, their success is evidenced by their longevity. In 2024, the oldest U.S. amusement park operating in the same location was Lake Compounce in Connecticut, having first opened in the mid 1800s.
What are the fastest and tallest U.S. roller coasters?
Roller coasters in the U.S. reached new heights in 2024, both literally and figuratively. While it may not be the most visited park, Six Flags Great Adventure Park, New Jersey, is home to Kingda Ka, the reigning king of roller coasters. Not only does Kingda Ka hold the record for the highest roller coaster in the U.S. at a towering 456 feet, it also wins the title of the fastest U.S. roller coaster, launching riders at a speed of 128 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds.Whether visitors are there for the roller coasters or the atmosphere, the U.S. amusement park industry doesn’t look to be going anywhere soon. Not only are these parks famous worldwide, they are also domestically enjoyed, with a majority of Americans saying they liked amusement parks in 2024.
