New Study Reveals the Best (and Worst) Value U.S. Attractions

Warwick, Rhode Island, 2025-Nov-24 — /Travel PR News/ — Nobody wants to think, ‘this isn’t worth it’ when traveling to a new tourist destination, especially when they’ve spent their hard-earned money on a vacation.

With this in mind, travel insurance comparison site, InsureMyTrip analyzed the latest available data and reviews to reveal which of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S. are worth the price (and which are not). Ranking factors included popularity, review ratings, the cost of general admission and the percentage of reviews containing  ‘overpriced’.

Of the 47 U.S. tourist attractions analyzed, Six Flags America Great Adventure is ranked as the most overpriced tourist attraction. Closely following are Busch Gardens in Florida (3.5) and Disney’s Magic Kingdom (3.8), in second and third places respectively. While these parks scored low for value, the data also highlights attractions offering the best bang for your buck.

Six Flags America Great Adventure has a reputation as a family-friendly theme park, however its average rating of 3.8/5 is the lowest of the tourist attractions studied. The park once boasted one of the tallest roller coasters in the world, Kingda Ka, which was permanently removed from the park in early 2025, potentially contributing to visitors’ disappointment. At $39 per adult, tickets are cheaper than many competitors, but some guests still didn’t feel they got their money’s worth, with 129 of its 3,754 reviews specifically calling it “overpriced.”

Busch Gardens in Florida takes second position. While its overall score of 3.5 is slightly better, value remains a concern for many park-goers. With an admission price of $146.99, it stands among the most expensive theme parks in the study. The park scored well for average reviews (4.2/5), though 196 of its nearly 19,000 reviews indicated the experience felt overpriced.

Earlier this year, the park announced $40 million in upgrades, including new animal habitats and ride experiences, all intended to enhance visitors’ experience.

Similarly, Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida ranks as the third most overpriced tourist attraction, with an overall score of 3.8. Despite drawing millions annually thanks to its iconic rides and classic Disney experiences, even its impressive 4.4/5 rating couldn’t prevent 739 of its 70,000 reviews from mentioning it was “overpriced.” With tickets at $210 per adult, it stands as the most expensive attraction in this study.

On the opposite end of the ranking, Disneyland (7.1) is recognized as the tourist attraction offering the best value. Coming in close behind are the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor (6) and Morning Glory Pool (5.8), taking second and third places respectively.

Notably, six of the 10 most reasonably priced tourist attractions in the study are U.S. National Parks. According to the National Park Service, more than 330 million people visited national parks in 2024 – proof that enjoying these parks remains one of America’s best-value travel experiences. However, the U.S. government shutdown is currently impacting park operations, so it’s best to check relevant park sites to make sure the trip is uninterrupted.

Disneyland ranks highest for overall value among the tourist destinations studied. With over 28,000 reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.4/5, Disneyland offers an experience that visitors believe is worth the cost. While the average ticket price per day of $149 is among the most expensive in the study, reviews for the destination are overwhelmingly positive, with just 456 reviews stating it’s overpriced.

Opened in 1955 as Walt Disney’s original theme park, Disneyland now features nine themed ‘lands,’ including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey’s Toontown.

The Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor in Hawaii comes in second position for the most reasonably priced tourist attractions.  Tickets cost $29.99 for an adult ticket and the museum boasts an average review of 4.4/5.  The museum recently announced its newest exhibit, Timeline on the Terrace, honoring key moments in aviation history.

In third place is Morning Glory Pool, located in Yellowstone National Park, which scored 5.8/10. The dazzling hot spring, renowned for its vivid colors, draws thousands of visitors each year. However, park rangers recently warned that visitors throwing coins into the hot spring have altered its natural coloring, reinforcing the importance of respecting natural landscapes.

The low cost of entry ($20) is one factor supporting its high ranking in the study. Coupled with an average review of 4.9/5, this attraction is among the highest rated. However, its low popularity (1.5/10) helps explain why it ranks just behind Disneyland and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Sara Boisvert, Director of Marketing at InsureMyTrip commented: 

“We conducted this study to help travelers make more informed decisions about how and where to spend their money when exploring popular destinations. In today’s economy, value matters more than ever. We hope these insights empower travelers to plan trips that deliver memorable experiences, without the regret of feeling like it wasn’t worth the cost.”

To view the full study, click here