As families look to make the most out of their summer, we’re revealing the holidays most likely to deliver the happiest memories. From sunshine favourites like Universal Orlando Resort to European classics like Disneyland Paris, the combination of immersive attractions and high-energy experiences are the ones that truly keep kids entertained.
Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, has given his thoughts on the Happy Holiday Index’s results:
"The findings show that happiness on holiday comes from a combination of factors. While sunshine plays a role, it's the emotional connection we form with the experiences we have that makes a holiday truly unforgettable. Destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, The National History Museum, Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Walt Disney World Resort have that magic combination of excitement and bucket-list appeal."
Top 20 Holidays Most Likely to Deliver the Happiest Memories this Summer
Holiday Name | Average Online Review Score | Sunshine Hours Score | "Happy" Review Score | "Perfect" Review Score | "Magic" Review Score | Search Volume Score | Total Ranking Score out of 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Universal Studios Hollywood (California, USA) | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 28.5 |
Central Park (New York, USA) | 4.75 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 27.8 |
Eiffel Tower (Paris, France) | 4.65 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 27.7 |
Walt Disney World (Florida, USA) | 4.55 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 27.6 |
Universal Studios Orlando (Florida, USA) | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 27.5 |
Disneyland Paris (Paris, France) | 4.2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 27.2 |
Warner Bros Studio Tour (London, UK) | 4.8 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 26.8 |
Discovery Cove (Florida, USA) | 4.75 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 26.8 |
Legoland Windsor (Berkshire, UK) | 3.65 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 26.7 |
Top of the Rock (New York, USA) | 4.65 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 26.7 |
Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park (Hampshire, UK) | 4.6 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 26.6 |
Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark) | 4.4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 26.4 |
Alton Towers (Staffordshire , UK) | 4.1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 26.1 |
Acropolis of Athens (Greece) | 4.7 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 25.7 |
The Louvre (Paris, France) | 4.65 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 25.7 |
Longleat Safari Park (Wiltshire, UK) | 4.6 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 25.6 |
Marmaris Bay Resort (Marmaris, Turkey) | 4.55 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 25.6 |
Natural History Museum (London, UK) | 4.55 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 25.6 |
Dragon Cave (Paphos, Cyprus) | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 25.5 |
Siam Park (Costa Adeje, Spain) | 4.4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 25.4 |
Note: Multiple destinations share the same score, so the list extends beyond 20 entries in practice.
The UK’s top attractions rank among the world's happiest
6 UK attractions feature in the top 20, proving that memorable holidays don’t always require a passport. From Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (26.8) to Legoland Windsor (26.7), Britain’s best loved attractions continue to create happy memories alongside some of the world’s biggest tourist hotspots.
Theme parks make the happiest of memories
Family attractions dominate the rankings, with 6 of the top 10 spots comprising world-class theme parks. According to the analysis, Universal Studios Hollywood (28.5) ranks highest overall, while Walt Disney World (27.6), Universal Studios Orlando (27.5) and Disneyland Paris (27.2) also feature near the top. UK attractions are well represented too, with Alton Towers (26.1), Legoland Windsor (26.7) and Peppa Pig World (26.6) all ranking among the top 20 happiest holiday experiences.
The US continues to be a major draw for British holidaymakers
The US takes four of the top five spots in the Happy Holiday Index, with Universal Studios Hollywood (28.5) taking the number one spot, followed by Central Park in New York (27.8), Walt Disney World (27.6) and Universal Studios Orlando (27.5). The results suggest that big-name US attractions continue to be a major draw for British holidaymakers looking to create unforgettable summer memories.
Looking to create the happiest memories on your next holiday?
Start planning your own holiday today with some of the top spots featured in our Happy Holidays Index. You can find exclusive deals and expert-approved packages for key destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Disneyland Paris right here at AttractionTickets.com.
