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Disney and Universal Shut Out of USA Today’s 2026 Best Theme Park List
In a plot twist worthy of a theme park ride itself, two of the biggest names in the industry did not make the cut. USA Today has released its 2026 Best Theme Park rankings, and neither Disney nor Universal landed a spot in the top ten.
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The list, curated by a panel of experts and voted on by readers, focused on parks that deliver a mix of thrills, family attractions, dining, and entertainment. While that sounds like a description straight out of a Disney or Universal brochure, this year’s winners leaned heavily toward regional favorites and coaster-heavy destinations.
Taking the top spot for 2026 is Silver Dollar City, followed by Knoebels and Lost Island Themepark. Rounding out the list are Kennywood, SeaWorld Orlando, Kings Island, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Holiday World, Cedar Point, and Hersheypark.
Yes, you read that right. No Magic Kingdom. No Disneyland. No Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure. Not even a wizarding world cameo.
This is not the first time Disney and Universal have been missing from the rankings, but it has been a while. The last Disney park to crack the top ten was Magic Kingdom back in 2021, landing at number nine. Before that, both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park appeared on the 2017 list. Universal parks have had an even longer dry spell, with no appearances dating back to at least 2014.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Fall at Walt Disney World 2026
So what gives? Lists like these often favor parks known for intense coaster lineups and regional charm, which can resonate strongly with voters. Meanwhile, Disney and Universal tend to dominate in immersive storytelling and overall resort experiences, categories that may not always translate into a simple ranked list. In short, while this list ranks ‘Theme Parks’, the winners tend to lean more heavily into the amusement park category
Still, it is a surprising omission considering the global popularity and innovation coming out of both resorts, especially with new expansions and experiences continuing to roll out.
Whether you agree with the rankings or think Mickey and Minions were snubbed, one thing is certain… this list is going to spark some serious theme park debates.
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