Amidst ongoing inflation, Quassy Amusement and Waterpark in Middlebury, Connecticut, has been recognized as the most affordable theme park in the United States, according to a report by HomeToGo. The HomeToGo Theme Park Index evaluated 40 theme park locations across 20 states, considering admission prices, parking costs, and average nearby accommodation expenses.
Quassy Amusement Park offers a total experience cost of $76.43, which includes a $33 admission fee, $9.40 for parking, and average per-person-per-night accommodations of $34.03. This ranking positions Quassy significantly lower in cost compared to other popular amusement destinations.
"Being named the #1 most affordable amusement park in the country by HomeToGo means a lot to us: it reflects our commitment to making great memories accessible to every family, not just some of them," said Eric Anderson, president of Quassy Amusement Park and Waterpark, in comments to People magazine. He added that the park, which opened in 1908, strives to remain accessible while honoring its community roots.
The park features over 20 rides and attractions, including the Wooden Warrior roller coaster, which debuted in 2011 and was recognized in a 2012 poll as one of the top 25 wooden roller coasters globally. Quassy also allows guests to bring their own food and coolers, further reducing costs for visitors.
In contrast, Fun Spot America Themepark in Orlando, Florida, ranked second for affordability with a total cost of $117.56, despite offering free admission and parking. This model operates on a pay-per-ride system. Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix, Arizona, took the third spot at $129.63.
The study also highlighted the significant cost disparities with major theme park resorts. A trip to Quassy is approximately $255 cheaper than a visit to Disney California Adventure Park, which was identified as the least affordable park with an average total cost of $331.03. This comes as single-day ticket prices for Disney World are projected to reach peak levels later in the year.
Separately, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, a park also with over a century of history, received top honors in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards for overall guest satisfaction. Dollywood in Tennessee secured the second spot in the Tripadvisor awards. These recognitions are based on traveler reviews submitted between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026.