The US is blessed with a wealth of tourist attractions, thought not all are create equal.
From overpriced tickets to long lines to terrible views, tourists in America have all kinds of gripes with well-known attractions.
Now a study from FloridaRentals.com has analyzed TripAdvisor reviews to identify the biggest offenders when it comes to tourist traps.
‘Any tourist wants to experience good value for money, especially when vacations are becoming less affordable,’ a spokesman for the study said.
‘By studying traveler sentiment, this study highlights which attractions visitors have complained about the most.
‘The key, that these attractions need to consider, is creating a good experience and ensuring that it exceeds all expectations.
Here Daily Mail has examined the top five biggest tourist traps per the study and found what visitors really had to say about them.
Space Needle – Seattle, Washington
The Space Needle claims to be ‘Seattle’s #1 most iconic view,’ but tourists were not delighted with the view from the 605-foot attraction
‘It was beyond underwhelming,’ one TripAdvisor user wrote in a two-star review. ‘The views aren’t worth the cost of admission’
The Space Needle claims to be ‘Seattle’s #1 most iconic view,’ but tourists were not delighted with the vista afforded by the 605-foot attraction.
‘It was beyond underwhelming,’ noted one TripAdvisor user in a two-star review. ‘The views don’t justify the price of entry. We waited nearly an hour, only to be squashed into an elevator with 20-25 people with absolutely no space. Completely unimpressed.’
The Needle rotates and visitors said many became ‘weary’ of the attraction while there.
Another said the restaurant was ‘overpriced and mediocre’.
One visitor even advised others to take pictures from the ground, as it ‘free’.
‘I’m aware that recreational marijuana is permitted here, but how exorbitant must the prices be, charging over 40 dollars per person? Seriously, what’s going on here?’ they commented.
The Space Needle made its debut in 1962 at the World Fair, which drew in 2.3million people.
Approximately 1million people visit the attraction each year and it still enjoys a 4.6 TripAdvisor score overall.
Busch Gardens – Tampa, Florida
The gardens encompass a 130-acre amusement park, exuding 17th-Century allure, and are family-friendly, featuring rollercoasters, rides, live performances, and dining options.
‘SeaWorld would never,’ one angry visitor wrote about Busch Gardens. ‘Never again’
Busch Gardens spans 130 acres, offering a 17th-Century ambiance and is designed for families, with attractions such as rollercoasters, rides, live entertainment, and varied food selections.
It has been voted as the World’s Most Beautiful Amusement Park every year since 1990.
But despite that, visitors weren’t happy and the park claimed number two on the list.
‘[It] is in dire need of an update,’ expressed one visitor in June. ‘Having visited multiple times in the past, this visit revealed a park that looked worn out, neglected, and outdated, desperately needing a refresh.’
The visitor also complained that the rides were old and the lines were too long.
‘The Popeye raft ride at Universal is way better,’ he wrote.
Tickets to Busch Gardens start at $109 per person. The park still earns a 4.4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
Colonial Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg stands as the largest living history museum globally, where families can relish horse-drawn carriage rides, indulge in gourmet dining, and witness the expertise of renowned artisans.
But, similar to the other attractions, visitors don’t think they’re getting enough bang for their buck
Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the world.
Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriages, world-class dining, and view the craftsmanship of some of the best artisans.
But, similar to the other attractions, visitors don’t think they’re getting enough bang for their buck.
‘Way overpriced for what it is,’ one parent wrote, who spent more than $130 on a family of four.
‘Be prepared for long walks and closed buildings (that were marked as must-see). Highly overpriced water/drinks, and very few re-enactments/trade shops.’
Another called it a ‘major disappointment’ as a lot of the buildings on the property were closed due to being private residences.
‘Disappointing experience overall, given the history,’ a third wrote. ‘Was expecting more.’
Graceland – Memphis, Tennessee
Graceland is the home of Elvis Presley and fans have been flocking there for years to get a taste of the famous musician
But one particular tourist said ‘Elvis would be ashamed’ of the establishment. Others complained the ticket prices were steep and that the Presley family ‘should be ashamed of themselves’
Graceland is the home of Elvis Presley and fans have been flocking there for years to get a taste of the famous musician.
But steep ticket prices mean that the Presley family ‘should be ashamed of themselves’, one furious visitor wrote.
‘Way too expensive, more than the cost of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and other museums. Makes me want to avoid all things Elvis,’ another added.
Entry to Graceland ranges between $84 and $250 depending on the package chosen.
The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll scores a 4.5 on TripAdvisor overall.
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
The Georgia Aquarium, which lost its long-time shark Taroko this week, has 11million gallons of water holding cool fish and aquatic animals, but many tourists said they hardly get to see anything due to crowd size
‘Watch a nature program with your family on PBS instead,’ one wrote
The Georgia Aquarium, which lost its long-time shark Taroko this week, has 11million gallons of water holding cool fish and aquatic animals.
However, many tourists said they could hardly get to see anything due to crowd size.
‘Watch a nature program with your family on PBS instead,’ one wrote. ‘I was there at a “low occupancy” time and it was still full of people taking photos/selfies.
‘I felt anxious and depressed from the whole experience.’
Another complained the tickets cost too much and visitors should be able to ‘take a fish home for the price’ after it cost him $126 for two tickets.
‘That’s almost $1.50 a minute to visit,’ he wrote. ‘We wanted to visit a dolphin, not buy one.’
