As the amusement and theme park season begins to ramp up across North America, coaster fans have a new reason to celebrate: the return of Park Mania, the annual fan-driven bracket contest from Coaster101 that asks one simple question—which amusement/theme park is the best?

Now in its 10th year, Park Mania invites fans to vote for their favorite parks in a 64-park NCAA-style elimination bracket, turning the world of roller coasters, dark rides and midway food into its own version of March Madness.

For amusement and theme park enthusiasts, it’s not just a contest—it’s a friendly rivalry fueled by nostalgia, regional pride and the passionate fan bases that parks have built over decades.

A Bracket Built for Amusement and Theme Park Fans

Each year, 64 parks from across North America are placed into four regions and seeded randomly. Parks then compete head-to-head in elimination matchups, with fans casting their votes online to determine which parks advance to the next round.

The concept mirrors the excitement of college basketball brackets but swaps buzzer beaters for roller coasters, family attractions and park loyalty.

Voting takes place directly on the Coaster101 website, with each round lasting several days before the next set of matchups begins. The winning park ultimately claims the Park Mania trophy, a tangible prize that organizers say looks particularly good on a marketing or communications office shelf.

Past Winners Include Some of the Industry’s Biggest Names

Over the years, Park Mania has crowned several well-known parks as champions, reflecting the enthusiasm of their fan communities.

Previous winners include:

• Silverwood Theme Park
• Hersheypark
• Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
• Carowinds
• Kings Dominion
•  Indiana Beach

The defending champion heading into 2026 is Kings Island, which captured the title in 2025 and is also a two-time overall Park Mania winner.

Social Media Plays a Big Role

While the voting happens on Coaster101’s website, social media often determines which parks advance.

Many parks actively encourage fans to participate by sharing the bracket, posting reminders to vote, and even engaging in playful banter with their opponents. In past years, parks with highly engaged fan communities have rallied large numbers of voters to push them deeper into the tournament.

For fans, the contest adds another layer of fun to the early weeks of the theme park season.

2026 Park Mania Voting Schedule

The tournament unfolds over several rounds, culminating with the championship vote in early April:

• Vote-In Round: March 16–18
• Round One: March 19–22
• Round Two: March 23–25
• Regional Semifinals: March 26–29
• Regional Finals: March 30–April 1
• National Semifinals: April 2–4
• Championship Round: April 5–7
• Winner Announced: April 8

Each round begins at 7 a.m. Eastern on the first day and closes at 8 p.m. Eastern on the final day.

A Fun Way to Celebrate the Start of Amusement and Theme Park Season

Park Mania arrives at the perfect moment on the calendar. Many seasonal parks are reopening for spring operations, while others are preparing for major new attractions and events in 2026.

For fans, the contest is less about determining a definitive “best park” and more about celebrating the places that have created their favorite memories—whether that means riding a first roller coaster, spending a summer evening on the midway, or returning year after year with family and friends.

And in the spirit of March Madness, one thing is certain: brackets will be busted and loyalties will be tested before a champion is crowned.

Fans can follow the tournament and vote in each round at the Coaster101 website.

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