Theme parks provide something for everyone, whether you’re a family organizing a fantastic holiday full of fun for parents and kids alike or a thrill-seeking solo traveler searching for the world’s most intense roller coasters. This list of the best entertainment parks in the world showcases some of the most stunning, exhilarating, and simply enjoyable places to visit worldwide, ranging from classic European locations to Middle Eastern parks that break records. Disney and Universal top the list with their well-known theme parks both domestically and overseas. Still, localized options in remote locations also provide distinctive rides, experiences, and themes that you won’t find anywhere else.
best amusement parks in the world
Tokyo DisneySea, Japan
For many fans of Disney theme parks, Tokyo Disney Resort is at the top of their must-visit list. Tokyo DisneySea is unlike any other theme park with its maritime motif, magical realms, and stunning portions inspired by the Mediterranean, Arabian, and American coasts. It is comparable to Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.
Disneyland Park, United States
The statement that the 1955 launch of Disneyland Park in California permanently impacted American pop culture and the travel industry is not hyperbole. Disneyland, the first theme park in the ever-growing Disney empire (and the only one completed under Walt Disney’s supervision), is still brimming with nostalgia and history, enticing audiences with numerous original attractions that date back to the park’s opening day.
Epcot, United States
At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Epcot is a permanent world’s fair that honors global cultures, technology, and human progress. World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery comprise the park’s front half, while World Showcase Lagoon and 11 national pavilions comprise the park’s back half. Epcot offers family-friendly attractions and character meet-and-greets, just like all Disney parks. However, adult visitors who enjoy sampling international delicacies, wines, beers, and cocktails will find Epcot entertaining.
Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
In the center of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, is a must-see sight. With its rides, theaters, and restaurants dispersed among its picturesque grounds and gardens, the park was established in 1843. The park is especially magical around the holidays because of its yearly festival, which is when the surroundings are decked out with decorations.
Universal Islands of Adventure, United States
From kid-friendly Dr. Seuss to well-known Harry Potter, Universal Islands of Adventure, the second theme park of Universal Orlando in Florida, features regions spanning a broad spectrum of themes. Highlights of the park include the immersive The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and exhilarating attractions like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Jurassic World VelociCoaster, to mention a few.
Efteling, Netherlands
The largest and one of the most popular amusement parks in Europe is Efteling, located in the Netherlands. Dutch mythology and fairy tales are the focus of its inventive rides, gardens, and attractions, which include a 15-acre Fairytale Forest with more than two dozen sceneries. Those seeking extreme experiences, for instance, can queue up for a thrilling ride on the Flying Dutchman water coaster.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, United States
For thrill-seekers, a visit to this theme park, which is outside of Los Angeles, is essential. Six Flags As Magic Mountain boasts the most significant number of roller coasters of any theme park worldwide (20), it’s reasonable to argue that it has earned the moniker “Thrill Capital of the World.” Wonder Woman Flight of Courage is the park’s newest coaster, a single-file attraction that will lift you thirteen stories into the sky.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, United States
This Disney World attraction is entirely devoted to real and imaginary animals, alive and extinct. It is a hybrid of a zoo and an amusement park. Avatar Flight of Passage in the fantastical continent of Pandora, the exhilarating Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris, which lets visitors see live creatures like elephants, giraffes, and zebras from a safari vehicle, are just a few of the park’s top attractions at Disney World. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is distinguished by its gorgeously designed lands, informative exhibits, and various attractions for visitors of all ages.
Europa-Park, Germany
Europa-Park, the largest theme park in Germany, is precisely what it sounds like: an amusement park with a European theme with over 100 attractions and 18 themed areas, 15 dedicated to different European countries and regions. Keep an eye out for Disney influences in the architecture and features of the park (that geodesic dome looks a little familiar).
Dollywood, United States
Dolly Parton owns it. In a stunning Smoky Mountain backdrop, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge offers dozens of rides, live music, comfort food, and Dolly Parton memorabilia. Dollywood is a distinctive, family-friendly theme park that honors the essence of Tennessee. For extra enjoyment, it holds four festivals a year.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, United States
At this theme park in Williamsburg, Virginia, you may experience a taste of Europe with sections dedicated to Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, and Germany. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the country, this park offers a variety of exciting coasters, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and international cuisine dispersed across the best attraction park in the world themed regions.
Universal Studios Japan, Japan
Some of the world’s top theme parks may be found in Japan. In addition to incorporating motifs and attractions from its American equivalents, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is home to the first Super Nintendo World, a section with rides and dining options devoted to Mario and friends.
Astérix Park, France
There are several sizable theme parks in France, some well-liked and only a day’s drive from Paris. Astérix Park, which features 42 attractions and is based on the French comic book title “Astérix,” provides a distinctively French theme park experience.
Magic Kingdom, United States
The World’s Most Visited Theme Park is Magic Kingdom. Disneyland Park inspired its design, motifs, and attractions in California. Still, some unique features set it apart, such as the magnificent Cinderella Castle in the heart of the park and the well-known It’s a Small World and Dumbo the Flying Elephant rides.
PortAventura Park, Spain
Situated on the shoreline around sixty minutes south of Barcelona, PortAventura Park features six themed lands—China, Polynesia, Mexico, the Mediterranean, the Far West (imagine the American Old West), and Sesame Street—as well as an abundance of family-friendly rides.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
For those who enjoy cars and thrills, this mostly indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi is modeled after Ferrari. The Formula Rossa roller coaster, which can reach 149 mph, is located there. Please take advantage of the driving opportunities while you’re there, as well, as they allow you to drive a Ferrari around Yas Island.
Universal Studios Hollywood, United States
From humble beginnings as a studio tour in 1915, it has grown to become one of the most well-known theme park corporations worldwide. Although Universal Studios Hollywood was the first theme park resort opened by Universal Parks & Resorts, the studio tour is still one of the park’s most recognizable features.
Everland Theme Park, South Korea
The most prominent theme park in South Korea, Everland, is in Yongin. It features themes such as Global Fair, Zootopia, European Adventure, Magic Land (ideal for youngsters), and American Adventure. Every spring, the park also holds a tulip festival that is a sight to behold.
Alton Towers Resort, England
Nestled in the rural heart of Staffordshire, Alton Towers boasts a centuries-old heritage as a private estate. This UK theme park still offers thrilling coasters and fun rides for youngsters, in addition to the towers and gardens now filled with attractions.
Shanghai Disneyland, China
Shanghai Disneyland is the world’s newest international Disney theme park, opening for business in 2016. This implies it is the location of some of Disney’s newest and most thrilling attractions, such as the coaster with a “Tron” motif and a creative twist on the best theme parks in the world, traditional Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride.
