If youβre mapping out Orlando adventures today, there’s a mix of surprising rankings, valuable discounts, and important news to help plan a perfect family getaway.
Even though Central Florida is the epicenter of theme parks, Dollywood in Tennessee just topped Tripadvisorβs 2025 Travelersβ Choice Best of the Best Awards as the No. 1 theme park in the U.S., surpassing even Magic Kingdom and Universal spots. For Orlando travelers curious about other parks, itβs a reminder of the growing strength and appeal of regional family destinations.
Still planning your Disney or Universal days? A huge Fall 2025 discount sale is live right nowβmulti-day Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal tickets are deeply discounted and bundle offers are available. Itβs a smart way to save if youβre booking ahead for holiday or fall break trips.
Meanwhile, Universal Orlando is rolling out new haunted houses for Halloween Horror Nights (launching August 29), including immersive themes like Five Nights at Freddyβs and WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks. Families with older kids and teens, this is your season!
Lastly, marking an important industry milestone: the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) has announced it will hold its 39th Annual Safety Seminar in Orlando from Januaryβ―25β30,β―2026. If you’re in the industry or curious about themeβpark safety, it’s a notable commitment to best practices in ride operations.
Planning Thoughts:
- Take advantage of the current fall ticket discounts for Universal or Disney travelβbundling can offer big savings.
- If your family is visiting this fall, plan early for Halloween Horror Nightsβreserve event tickets or buy Express Passes in advance.
- For younger kids, consider sticking to dayβtime admission at Universal; spooky haunted houses are better suited for older children or teens.
- Ensure you enter park areas through official entrances and report any suspicious behaviorβpark security takes guest safety seriously.
This mix of award-winning park news, seasonal offers, event previews, and safety updates gives you a well-rounded snapshot of Orlando themeβpark life today.
Sources:
- Dollywood Ranked No. 1 Theme Park in the U.S. β NY Post
- Disney Discount Double-Check for Fall 2025 β Disney Tourist Blog
- Theme Parks News Hub β ClickOrlando
- Whatβs Coming to Universal in 2025 and Beyond β Orlando Informer
- NAARSO Announces 39th Annual Safety Seminar in Orlando β Amusement Today