Water park attendance patterns differ worldwide. According to the 2023 TEA/AECOM Theme Index, many of the larger water parks in Asia have nearly returned to pre-pandemic visitor levels, while smaller aquatic venues are still lagging behind 2019 figures.
In the Americas, particularly in Latin America, water parks are reported to be stable and thriving. The EMEA region also saw positive outcomes in 2023, driven by increased attendance in Dubai, as well as the emergence of new water parks such as Rulantica in Germany and Therme Bucharest in Romania.
Overall, the report indicates that water parks continue to be a robust and dependable attraction globally.
In this context, blooloop highlights the 18 leading water parks worldwide, ranked by visitor numbers. The attendance statistics and rankings provided below are sourced from the 2023 TEA/AECOM Theme Index, which is available for download.
1. Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou, China
Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou emerged as the most popular water park globally shortly after its opening in 2007. This aquatic venue boasts vibrant slides and tubing rides, along with music and dance performances. WhiteWater was responsible for supplying slides, including the first Family Python in China.
Tony Sze, senior counselor for Guangzhou Chimelong Group, remarked, “WhiteWater’s capability to design, manufacture, and oversee the installation of both Chimelong Guangzhou and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom surpassed our expectations from the initial concept to project completion.”
Chimelong Water Park is part of a larger resort that includes two hotels, as well as Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Safari, and the International Circus.
Su Zhigang established the original theme park of the Chimelong Group in 2006, making the company the leading owner and operator of entertainment resorts in China.
2023 attendance – 2,807,000
2022 attendance – 1,620,000
2. Thermas dos Laranjais, Olimpia, Brazil
Thermas dos Laranjais is recognized as the most frequented water park in Latin America and ranks as the second most popular globally as of 2023. Since its opening in 1987, it has become home to Brazil’s largest collection of exhilarating waterslides.
1. Typhoon Lagoon, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is a prominent water park that opened its doors in 1989. It is one of the two water parks at the resort, following the earlier establishment of Disney’s River Country, which ceased operations in 2001.
Designed to evoke a tropical paradise, Typhoon Lagoon features decor elements such as ships, fishing gear, and surfboards. Its counterpart, Blizzard Beach, welcomed visitors in 1995.
The park offers a variety of attractions, including thrilling waterslides like Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Bay Slides, and Storm Slides. Additionally, guests can enjoy a lazy river named Castaway Creek, family-oriented water rides, and the largest wave pool in North America.
Attendance figures for 2023 reached 1,898,000, while in 2022, the park recorded 1,915,000 visitors.
3. Atlantis Aquaventure
situated on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is a premier tropical water park that opened in 1994. It is recognized as the top aquatic attraction in the area according to
The park features notable attractions such as the Mayan Temple, which includes a variety of rides and slides, as well as a river ride that offers waves, rapids, tidal surges, steam, and waterfalls. Additionally, it houses Dolphin Cay, an exhibit dedicated to the park’s cetaceans.
There are three Atlantis Aquaventure parks globally, located in the Bahamas, China, and the UAE. In 2025, a California-based real estate development firm acquired oceanfront property in Hawaii to establish a $2 billion Atlantis resort, marking the first of its kind in the United States.
In 2023, the park’s attendance was recorded at 1,891,000, compared to 1,751,000 in 2022.
4. Therme Erding,
recognized as the largest water park, thermal bath, and spa complex in the world, is located near Munich, Germany, and attracts around 4,000 visitors daily. Launched in 1999,
Therme Erding spans an impressive 185,000 square meters and is one of three German parks featured among the world’s top water parks.
The complex boasts 27 indoor and outdoor slides that collectively extend over 2.7 kilometers. Most of these attractions were provided by Wieg.
5. Therme Erding, located near Munich, Germany
is recognized as the largest water park, thermal bath, and spa complex in the world, attracting around 4,000 visitors each day. Spanning an
impressive 185,000 square meters, Therme Erding opened its doors in 1999 and is one of only three German parks featured among the globe’s premier water parks.
The facility boasts a total of 27 indoor and outdoor slides that extend over 2.7 kilometers, with the majority designed by wiegand.waterrides, a prominent provider of water attractions. Notably, Therme Erding was among the pioneers to introduce a virtual reality (VR) waterslide experience.
In 2024, Therme Erding was acquired by Therme Group. Robert Hanea, the founder and CEO of Therme Group, stated, “As we expand globally, we are not just growing our portfolio – we are redefining how cities can integrate spaces that prioritize health, connection, and inclusion, making urban wellbeing accessible to all.”
Attendance figures for 2023 reached 1,860,000, compared to 1,700,000 in 2022.
Volcano Bay, situated at Universal Orlando in Florida, USA, opened its doors in 2017, taking the place of the former Wet ‘n Wild on International Drive. Adjacent to Universal’s Cabana Beach Bay Resort, Volcano Bay spans 25 acres and features over 30 attractions and experiences, including body slides, raft rides, a multi-directional wave pool, and a hydro-magnetic waterslide coaster.
Tom Williams, the former CEO and chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences, remarked, “Universal’s Volcano Bay sets a new standard on every level. It provides our guests with spectacular entertainment experiences and innovative technology that helps them enjoy more of what matters most – connecting with each other and having an amazing time together.”
In 2024, the water park introduced its inaugural nighttime event, Universal Volcano Bay Nights, which features live performances, interactions with DreamWorks characters, and complimentary island delicacies such as Spicy Island Shrimp and Cheesy Cliffside Seashell Pasta.
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