Historic Amusement Park Ranks as America's Favorite Over Giants

WHO:

NY Post - Knoebels Amusement Resort is a century-old amusement park in Pennsylvania.

Fox News - Brian Knoebel is the owner of Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Fox News - Eric Bowman is the editor-in-chief of TravelPulse.

WHAT:

NY Post - Knoebels Amusement Resort has been named America's favorite amusement park, surpassing Disney and Universal parks.

Fox News - Knoebels ranked No. 1 in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Fox News - The rankings are based on traveler reviews submitted between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026.

Fox News - Knoebels is America's largest free-admission amusement park, allowing guests to pay only for rides.

Fox News - Dollywood earned the No. 2 spot on Tripadvisor's list.

Fox News - Magic Kingdom was named the highest-rated Disney park in the United States.

Fox News - Universal Islands of Adventure completed the top five rankings.

WHERE:

NY Post - Knoebels Amusement Resort is located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania.

WHEN:

Fox News - Knoebels Amusement Resort first opened on July 4, 1926.

Fox News - Knoebels is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - The park's free-admission model and affordability likely contributed to its top ranking.

Fox News - Eric Bowman noted that cost is playing a major factor in the rankings.

HOW:

Fox News - Knoebels operates on a free-admission model, allowing guests to purchase tickets only for the rides they want to experience.

(UPDATED July 1, 2026 19:40 UTC)

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, has been named America's favorite amusement park, surpassing well-known destinations like Disney and Universal parks, according to Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The park, which operates on a free-admission model allowing guests to pay only for rides, ranked No. 1 based on traveler reviews submitted between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Dollywood took the No. 2 spot, while Magic Kingdom was recognized as the highest-rated Disney park in the United States, with Universal Islands of Adventure rounding out the top five.