Brits have named their all-time top 20 theme-park attractions – and it’s Alton Towers’ Nemesis that’s No.1.
The Stoke-on-Trent park’s famous roller coaster – which first opened in March 1994 – tops a ranking produced by a survey of 2,000 people who were asked to reveal their favourite attractions from around the world.
After closing for an extensive makeover in November 2022, Nemesis reopened in March last year as Nemesis Reborn.
The ride now includes four full inversions, ‘hair-raising corkscrews’ and ‘nerve-shredding drops’, along with speeds of 50mph and G Forces of 3.5 – plus new audio-visual technology has been implemented, plunging thrill-seekers into an ‘immersive experience from the outset’, according to Alton Towers.
The Staffordshire-based ride comes out on top thanks to 12 per cent of those polled picking it as their favourite, but it was the only UK attraction in the top 10.
Unsurprisingly, Orlando in Florida, known as the theme park capital of the world, dominates the rest of the top 10 – including taking the silver and bronze positions – along with California, the other major spot in the USA for adrenaline junkies.
In second place is Space Mountain at Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal’s Island of Adventure in third place.
Indoor roller coaster Space Mountain opened in 1975, proving theme-park enthusiasts are keen for nostalgia. Through numerous twists and turns, and a 39-degree drop, the ride is designed to make riders feel like they’re being launched into outer space.
Brits have named their all-time top 20 theme-park attractions – and it’s Alton Towers’ Nemesis (pictured) that’s No.1
Space Mountain (above), located at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, in Florida, comes second. The space-themed indoor coaster is one of six Orlando-based rides in the top 10
Meanwhile, Forbidden Journey, based on Harry Potter movie scenes, became an instant hit when it opened in 2010.
Set inside a massive replica of Hogwarts, and using virtual reality and simulation, the ride offers fans of the spellbinding films the chance to feel like they’re actually flying on a broomstick through the air.
The popularity of the ride even birthed a Universal area dedicated to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that was extended in 2012, replacing the park’s iconic Jaws ride.
However, despite having been closed for more than a decade, Jaws still comes a respectable sixth.
The boat ride was based on Steven Spielberg’s 1975 movie, with passengers gently travelling along the harbour of the film’s fictional Amity Island before getting ‘attacked’ by a great white shark.
Orlando is also where the coasters in eighth, ninth and 10th place are located – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Splash Mountain (which recently reopened as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) at Magic Kingdom; and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
California’s top-rated attraction is Jurassic World: The Ride, at Universal Studios Hollywood (fourth), a water-themed experience based on Spielberg’s 1993 dinosaur film and its sequels.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal’s Island of Adventure comes third
California’s top-rated attraction is Jurassic World: The Ride, at Universal Studios Hollywood (fourth)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, found at Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris, France (above), comes seventh
The state’s next most popular attractions are in Disneyland Park – Pirates of the Caribbean (fifth) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (seventh, also in Disneyland Paris).
While the USA dominates the top ten, there are two Surrey-based coasters that just miss out, coming 11th and 12th – The Swarm at Thorpe Park and Vampire at Chessington World of Adventures.
‘It’s great to see the UK topping the poll,’ said Natalie Sexton, at Ocean Florida, which commissioned the survey. ‘National loyalty and local familiarity clearly play a role in shaping responses to favourite attractions.
‘However, the overwhelming presence of US attractions – particularly in Florida – highlights its status as the global epicentre of theme park entertainment.
‘With the opening of Universal Studios’ Epic Universe in 2025, Florida’s position as the world leader in this industry looks set to remain unchallenged for the foreseeable future.’
