Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 1
Knoebels Tops Tripadvisor’s 2026 Park Rankings With Free Admission, Beating Disney and Universal
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 1

Knoebels Tops Tripadvisor’s 2026 Park Rankings With Free Admission, Beating Disney and Universal

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 1

Summary

  • Tripadvisor named Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, the No. 1 U.S. amusement park for 2026, elevating the family-owned park above Disney and Universal rivals.
  • 1926-founded Knoebels has kept its free-admission model for nearly 100 years, letting visitors pay only for rides they use — a value proposition TravelPulse said likely drove this year’s results.
  • Feb. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026 traveler reviews determined the rankings, with Dollywood placing second and Magic Kingdom the highest-rated Disney park at No. 3.
  • The result highlights how affordability is resonating with travelers as major destination parks face higher costs, giving a century-old regional park an edge in Tripadvisor’s latest awards.

Insights

As a free park beats Disney, is the era of the expensive mega-park ticket ending?
Can classic charm and wooden coasters compete with the industry's high-tech, billion-dollar future?