Williamsburg-based theme park Busch Gardens Europe was named “World’s Best Theme Park” Monday by Theme Park Insider, an online consumer guide for theme park enthusiasts. Busch Gardens — which draws much of its attendance from the Washington area and the entire mid-Atlantic region — beat out the country’s bigger parks, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., for the annual award.

“This is a tremendous honor for Busch Gardens Europe and all of its employees because it acknowledges not only our great rides and shows, but also our beauty, theming, dedicated world-class guest service and overall park experience,” Donnie Mills, general manager of Busch Gardens, said in a statement.