USA TODAY 10Best
Maximize your theme park experience with a stay at one of these top 10 hotels
Best Theme Park Hotel (2024)
A day at a theme park is undeniably fun, but it can be exhausting as well. Staying at a hotel in the park means all your favorite attractions lie practically right outside your front door, and getting back for an afternoon swim in the pool or to crash in the evening is easier than ever. Book your next stay at one of the 10 best theme park hotels in the United States.
- Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort - Orlando, Florida
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando - Orlando, Florida
- Disney's Beach Club Resort - Orlando, Florida
- Disney's Polynesian Village Resort - Orlando, Florida
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge - Orlando, Florida
- Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point - Sandusky, Ohio
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Orlando, Florida
- Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- The Hotel Hershey - Hershey, Pennsylvania
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
No. 10:
This resort feels right out of the '50s and '60s, complete with architecture reminiscent of the era. Guests at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort enjoy retro-style rooms, zero-entry pools with a lazy river, a bowling alley, and a variety of on-site food options. The resort also offers family suites with kitchenettes that can sleep six.
Photo courtesy of Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
No. 9:
Staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you'd swear you were in Italy — except for the fact that you're smack in the middle of Universal Orlando Resort. This European-inspired resort features cobblestone streets, Italian cypress trees, a waterside piazza, several restaurants and lounges, three pools, and a waterslide.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
No. 8:
Disney's Beach Club Resort is a charming waterfront retreat nestled along the shores of Crescent Lake within Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It offers luxurious accommodations with a coastal-inspired theme, providing guests with a relaxing and immersive experience that includes outdoor water fun and even complimentary outdoor screenings of some Disney favorites.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
No. 7:
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort celebrates the spirit of the South Pacific with lush, palm-shaded grounds and themed restaurants. Rooms, suites, and bungalows offer comfortable accommodations, and the resort's great location allows guests to take the monorail directly to Magic Kingdom. Between park visits, check out the Lava Pool, which features a towering volcano and 142-foot-long waterslide, plus a zero-depth entry point that's perfect for little ones.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
No. 6:
Inspired by America's Great Northwest, Disney's Wilderness Lodge features nature trails through pine forests, a roaring fireplace, and rocking chairs overlooking a gently flowing creek. Guests can choose between two pools — one with a 67-foot waterslide — as well as bike and boat rentals, an arcade, campfire activities, and movies under the stars.
Photo courtesy of Cedar Point
No. 5:
Located within steps of both Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores, guests of the beachfront Hotel Breakers enjoy comfy rooms and suites — many with waterfront views of Lake Erie. Visitors can also take advantage of a full-service beachfront bar, two outdoor pools, an outdoor water playground, fire pits, and beach games.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
No. 4:
It’s in Orlando, but it may feel more like Africa because over 200 hoofed animals (zebras, gazelles, giraffes) and birds live across four savannas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. And as if that isn’t enough to wow the kids, the 11,000-square-foot pool area complete with a waterslide and children’s water playground will certainly put this resort at the top of their list.
Photo courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
No. 3:
From spacious rooms and suites to amenities like two pools, restaurants, and outdoor fire pits, Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort provides the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for an unforgettable Great Smoky Mountains getaway. With its rustic yet modern design, the resort offers guests a cozy and inviting atmosphere to unwind after a day of adventure at the Dollywood theme park.
No. 2:
Inspired by the pillars of togetherness, storytelling, and family, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa offers parkgoers a welcoming place to kick back and relax in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, just minutes from the theme park. Amenities include an interactive splash pad, zero-entry pool, door-to-door transportation to the park, and Dolly touches throughout.
Photo courtesy of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
No. 1:
The Hotel Hershey is a sweet spot to lay your head, whether you're in town to take the Hershey's Chocolate factory tour, check out Hersheypark, or you're just in the mood for a little pampering with a cocoa-infused spa treatment. A member of Historic Hotels of America, the four-star Hotel Hershey is an elegant retreat that references its chocolate town roots without drowning guests in cloying fudge. Best of all, the hotel has a wide range of sports and recreation facilities where you can work off all those tasty treats, including a fitness center, golf, tennis, hiking trails, and a pool with waterslides.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Alex Ojeda
Alex Ojeda, known as @AlexOjeda, is a... Read More
Alex Ojeda, known as @AlexOjeda, is a Mexican-American short-form video creator renowned for his captivating content centered around the world's most exhilarating travel experiences. With an audience of over 13 million followers across various social media platforms, Alex’s content does over 2 billion views annually across social media.
Alex Ojeda
Alex Ojeda, known as @AlexOjeda, is a Mexican-American short-form video creator renowned for his captivating content centered around the world's most exhilarating travel experiences. With an audience of over 13 million followers across various social media platforms, Alex’s content does over 2 billion views annually across social media.
Derek Perry
Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the... Read More
Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the world's largest ride enthusiast group, American Coaster Enthusiasts. Derek first joined ACE as a kid with his parents and twin brother on a roller coaster-riding road trip after unexpectedly being at a park the same day as an ACE event. In addition to his love of travel, he is one half of The Perry Twins, a DJ and music production duo with his brother, Doug. They have written, produced and remixed many songs, including their original songs that topped Billboard Magazine’s dance chart. He has been lucky to combine his love of amusement parks with traveling for DJ gigs and has ridden over 1,200 unique roller coasters around the world and share their adventures on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Derek Perry
Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the world's largest ride enthusiast group, American Coaster Enthusiasts. Derek first joined ACE as a kid with his parents and twin brother on a roller coaster-riding road trip after unexpectedly being at a park the same day as an ACE event. In addition to his love of travel, he is one half of The Perry Twins, a DJ and music production duo with his brother, Doug. They have written, produced and remixed many songs, including their original songs that topped Billboard Magazine’s dance chart. He has been lucky to combine his love of amusement parks with traveling for DJ gigs and has ridden over 1,200 unique roller coasters around the world and share their adventures on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Francis Dominic
I sleep more in planes than I do my own bed.... Read More
I sleep more in planes than I do my own bed. Probably visiting your local theme park! I am an emotional Aries, with a big love of fantasy-romance books, and continually immersing myself in film and television. I love to live life in color because the world can use a lot of it. And I live it unapologetically! It's okay to continually choose yourself! Connect with Francis on Instagram. TikTok and Twitter.
Francis Dominic
I sleep more in planes than I do my own bed. Probably visiting your local theme park! I am an emotional Aries, with a big love of fantasy-romance books, and continually immersing myself in film and television. I love to live life in color because the world can use a lot of it. And I live it unapologetically! It's okay to continually choose yourself! Connect with Francis on Instagram. TikTok and Twitter.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She... Read More
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jessica Gardner
Jessica Gardner, aka Jessica The Theme... Read More
Jessica Gardner, aka Jessica The Theme Parkette, is a Los Angeles-based theme park aficionado who shares her tried-and-true travel tips, fun facts, and coaster appreciation as @themeparkette on TikTok and Instagram. She is the co-host of the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ official podcast, “Ride With Us” and “The Theme Parkettes” podcast. Jessica is also a working actor whose credits include the hit shows NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, Grace and Frankie, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, and many more.
Jessica Gardner
Jessica Gardner, aka Jessica The Theme Parkette, is a Los Angeles-based theme park aficionado who shares her tried-and-true travel tips, fun facts, and coaster appreciation as @themeparkette on TikTok and Instagram. She is the co-host of the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ official podcast, “Ride With Us” and “The Theme Parkettes” podcast. Jessica is also a working actor whose credits include the hit shows NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, Grace and Frankie, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, and many more.
Nikky J
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The... Read More
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
Nikky J
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
Robb Alvey
Robb Alvey is the owner of ThemeParkReview.com,... Read More
Robb Alvey is the owner of ThemeParkReview.com, started in 1996 and one of the longest running and largest theme park fan sites with over 3 million followers. Robb travels to theme parks all over the world each year including Europe, Asia, Australia, and all around the Americas, has visited hundreds of different parks and ridden about 2,000 different roller coasters. His background in theme parks started as a cast member for Disneyland when he was 17 years old and has continued more than 30 years later.
Robb Alvey
Robb Alvey is the owner of ThemeParkReview.com, started in 1996 and one of the longest running and largest theme park fan sites with over 3 million followers. Robb travels to theme parks all over the world each year including Europe, Asia, Australia, and all around the Americas, has visited hundreds of different parks and ridden about 2,000 different roller coasters. His background in theme parks started as a cast member for Disneyland when he was 17 years old and has continued more than 30 years later.
Robert Niles
Robert Niles is the founder and editor of Read More
Robert Niles is the founder and editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, an online consumers' guide to the world's leading theme and amusement parks, read by more than 400,000 people each month. It has been named the top theme park site on the Internet by Forbes and Travel + Leisure magazines and was a Webby Award finalist and winner of the Online Journalism Award, presented by the Online News Association and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Robert is a former Walt Disney World cast member and has worked as a reporter, editorial writer, columnist and website editor for several newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register.
Robert Niles
Robert Niles is the founder and editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, an online consumers' guide to the world's leading theme and amusement parks, read by more than 400,000 people each month. It has been named the top theme park site on the Internet by Forbes and Travel + Leisure magazines and was a Webby Award finalist and winner of the Online Journalism Award, presented by the Online News Association and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Robert is a former Walt Disney World cast member and has worked as a reporter, editorial writer, columnist and website editor for several newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register.
Taylor Bybee
Taylor Bybee is the founder of Coaster Studios, a... Read More
Taylor Bybee is the founder of Coaster Studios, a roller coaster and theme park youtube channel with over 200,000 subscribers. Taylor has ridden over 1,000 roller coasters now across all 6 habitable continents, constantly scouting the latest and greatest thrill rides. Coaster Studios has been around for over 10 years now, providing a wide variety of high quality videos within the amusement industry, including reviews, analyses, vlogs, documentaries, and more. Taylor can be followed on Twitter @coasterstudios and on Instagram via @coaster_studios.
Taylor Bybee
Taylor Bybee is the founder of Coaster Studios, a roller coaster and theme park youtube channel with over 200,000 subscribers. Taylor has ridden over 1,000 roller coasters now across all 6 habitable continents, constantly scouting the latest and greatest thrill rides. Coaster Studios has been around for over 10 years now, providing a wide variety of high quality videos within the amusement industry, including reviews, analyses, vlogs, documentaries, and more. Taylor can be followed on Twitter @coasterstudios and on Instagram via @coaster_studios.
Victoria Wade
Victoria is a writer for the esteemed theme park... Read More
Victoria is a writer for the esteemed theme park hipster and has been visiting theme parks for over 20 years. Sharing updates on all the thrills is her one true love. You can find her opinions of all things theme park related on her Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
