Who can resist the thrill of a roller coaster’s loops or the delightful aroma of theme park treats? Our collective love for amusement parks can be traced back to 1583, when Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park, opened in Denmark. Fast forward to today, and millions still flock to these wonderlands yearly. But the journey hasn’t been without its hiccups.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, theme parks across North America experienced a shutdown or drastic reductions in attendance. By 2021, as restrictions began to ease, parks started to roll back into action, but attendance was nowhere near pre-pandemic levels until 2022. That year saw attendance spikes of 40-50% in many parks, with some even experiencing over 500% increases, signaling the industry’s robust recovery.
So, which parks are riding this wave of popularity? Stacker utilized data from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM to reveal the 13 North American amusement parks with the most significant growth in visitors from 2021 to 2022. The industry’s bounce back can be attributed to new rides, dazzling shows, and other enticing experiences introduced to lure visitors back through the gates.
Stacker’s findings include Disney World and Disneyland, both seeing a surge in visitors due to their innovative attractions and timeless magic. These Disney parks have been pivotal in leading the rebound, showcasing a relentless commitment to delivering joy and wonder.
What are your thoughts on this thrilling revival? Did you visit a park during this period? Which new attraction took your breath away? Share your experiences and favorite theme park memories in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this story with your fellow thrill-seekers and theme park lovers!
**Source: Stacker and Themed Entertainment Association**
