The 40 Best Theme Parks in the World | 2024 (with Photos)
As people worldwide seek thrilling, fun-filled experiences, theme parks have become increasingly popular as a source of world-class entertainment.
From roller coasters to water rides, theme parks offer something for everyone, making them an ideal vacation spot for families and couples.
In this article, we will highlight the best theme parks in the world, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Table of Contents
1. Walt Disney World Resort - Florida, USA
Walt Disney World Resort (commonly known as Disney World) in Florida, United States, is a world-famous theme park and entertainment resort that spans over 25,000 acres of land, making it one of the largest theme parks in the world.
This theme park first opened its doors in 1971 and has since expanded to include four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and a variety of other attractions. You can find these below.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is a world-renowned theme park. Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Magic Kingdom is divided into different themed areas, including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland, each with its exhilarating rides and experiences.
Epcot
Epcot is a unique theme park that is divided into two distinct areas: Future World, which focuses on technology and innovation, and World Showcase, which features a global fair of different countries and cultures from around the world.
While at Epcot, make sure to stop by the American Adventure to see a retelling of the nation's history.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom is a popular wildlife park home to over 2,000 animals from around the world that features a variety of attractions, rides, and shows, all centered around the theme of wildlife and conservation.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of the best theme parks in the world, and it's easy to see why. You can explore the streets of Hollywood Boulevard and watch live performances by talented singers and dancers.
Or perhaps you'd like to venture into the world of Star Wars at Galaxy's Edge, where you'll find yourself immersed in an otherworldly adventure unlike any other. Disney's Hollywood Studios is the best park if you want to explore different themes throughout the day.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is a popular water park also inside of Walt Disney World Resort that features a variety of water attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
Typhoon Lagoon has a tropical island theme, with a variety of waterfalls, palm trees, and sandy beaches. One of the park's main attractions is the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which creates six-foot waves that are perfect for surfing.
Disney's Blizzard Beach
Disney's Blizzard Beach is designed to look like a ski resort that has melted into a winter wonderland, with attractions and a theme to match.
Blizzard Beach features a variety of water attractions, including water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. One of the park's main attractions is Summit Plummet, a thrilling water slide that sends riders plunging down a 120-foot drop at speeds of up to 60 mph.
2. Alton Towers Resort - Staffordshire, England
Alton Towers Resort, an amusement park located in Staffordshire, England, is one of the best theme parks in the world with over 40 rides and attractions.
One of the highlights of Alton Towers is its roller coasters. The resort has some of the best coasters in Europe, including Nemesis, Galactica, and Omblivion.
Kids will also love CBeebies Land, which features rides and experiences based on popular children's TV shows like In the Night Garden and Postman Pat.
3. PortAventura Park - Catalonia, Spain
PortAventura Park is a theme park located in Catalonia, Spain. It first opened in 1995 and has since become one of the best theme parks in the world. The PortAventura Park fantasy land is unmissable if you are in the area.
The park is divided into several themed areas, including Mediterrània, Polynesia, China, Mexico, Far West, and Sesame Street. Some of the most popular rides and attractions include the Dragon Khan roller coaster, Shambhala: Expedition to the Himalayas, and Furius Baco.
4. Disneyland Resort - California, USA
Disneyland Resort is a popular destination located in Anaheim, California, United States, and is considered one of the best theme parks in the world. It consists of two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. You'll find more information on these below.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and is the original Disneyland theme park that started it all when Walt Disney created it. Today, it is one of the most famous theme parks in the world, although there are several Disney parks you can find worldwide.
The amusement park is divided into several lands, including Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and more, each with its own unique attractions and experiences.
Disney theme park fans love the thrill rides, which include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle River Cruise, and It's a Small World.
With its classic Walt Disney charm, timeless attractions, and innovative technology, Disneyland Park remains a beloved destination for families and Disney fans alike making it one of the best amusement parks in the world and one of the most visited amusement parks.
Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park opened in 2001 and features attractions and experiences inspired by California's culture, landmarks, and history, as well as beloved Disney stories and characters.
The park is divided into several themed areas, including Buena Vista Street, Hollywood Land, Pixar Pier, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, and more.
Some of the most popular attractions include the Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, and Soarin' Around the World. It is one of the best amusement parks in California.
5. Universal Studios Japan - Osaka, Japan
Universal Studios Japan is a popular theme park located in Osaka, Japan. It first opened its doors in 2001 and has since become one of the most visited theme parks in Asia, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The park is divided into several zones, each with its own unique attractions and experiences inspired by popular movies and TV shows like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions.
Some of the park's most popular attractions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Hollywood Dream coaster, and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride.
With its thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and impressive technology, Universal Studios Japan is one of the best amusement parks in the world.
6. Tivoli Gardens - Copenhagen, Denmark
With over 175 years of history, Tivoli Gardens is one of the most beloved and oldest amusement parks in Europe.
Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens offers a unique blend of classic rides like roller coasters and carousels as well as modern attractions like virtual reality experiences.
One of the highlights of Tivoli Gardens is its nightly illumination display where thousands of lights transform the park into a magical wonderland.
7. Hong Kong Disneyland - Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland is a popular theme park located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. It opened in 2005 and has since become a favorite destination for families and Disney fans in Asia.
Alongside your favorite Disney characters, you can spend a magical day at the best amusement park. Some of the most popular rides and attractions include the Iron Man Experience, Mystic Manor, and the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.
With its magic land, world-class attractions, and unique blend of Disney and Chinese culture, this park is a must-visit theme park for visitors to Hong Kong.
8. Ferrari World - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a theme park located on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. It is the first Ferrari-branded theme park in the world and covers an area of over 86,000 square meters.
This Ferrari Land features numerous attractions and rides, including the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which accelerates to a top speed of 240 km/h in just 5 seconds. Ferrari World also includes exhibitions and interactive experiences that showcase the history and evolution of the iconic Italian car brand.
With its thrilling rides, world-class entertainment, and immersive experiences, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
9. Disneyland Paris - Paris, France
Disneyland Paris, also known as Euro Disney Resort, is a theme park and entertainment resort located just outside Paris, France. It first opened in 1992 and has since expanded to include two theme parks, several hotels, a shopping and entertainment district, and a golf course.
The two parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park offer a wide range of attractions and experiences inspired by classic Disney stories and characters as well as new and exciting franchises like Marvel, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars.
Some of the park's most exciting attractions include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Ratatouille: The Adventure. With its unique blend of Disney magic and French culture, Disneyland Paris offers visitors an unforgettable experience and a European adventure in the heart of Europe.
10. Universal Studios - California, USA
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie-themed entertainment park located in California, United States.
It first opened in 1964 and has since expanded to include several attractions, rides, shows, and experiences inspired by popular movies and TV shows produced by Universal Studios.
Universal Studios Hollywood is divided into several areas, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons, and more.
11. Six Flags Magic Mountain - California, USA
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a thrilling amusement park in Valencia, California, United States. Six Flags Magic Mountain opened in 1971 and has since become known as the "Thrill Capital of the World" for its numerous roller coasters and other adrenaline-pumping rides.
Six Flags Magic Mountain features over 19 roller coasters, including the tallest roller coaster and some of the world's fastest rides like the Superman: Escape from Krypton and the Full Throttle coaster.
In addition to roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain also offers a variety of other attractions and experiences, including water rides, live shows, and special events throughout the year.
12. Europa Park - Rust, Germany
Europa Park is a popular theme park located in Rust, Germany. Europa Park is the largest theme park in the country and is home to over 100 attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.
Europa Park is divided into different themed areas that showcase the culture, architecture, and food of various European countries, such as Italy, Spain, and Greece.
13. Universal Orlando Resort - Florida, USA
Universal Orlando Resort is a world-class destination located in the heart of Florida, United States. It is one of the best amusement parks in the world because of all the activities it has to offer.
This park has seven distinct islands, each with its own unique theme and experience. With its stunning attractions and thrilling rides, Universal's Islands of Adventure is undoubtedly one of the most popular theme parks at the resort.
Apart from thrilling rides and attractions, Universal's Islands of Adventure also offers live entertainment such as shows featuring Marvel superheroes like Spider-Man and Doctor Strange.
14. Tokyo Disneyland - Tokyo, Japan
Located in the heart of Japan's bustling capital city, Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most popular tourist attractions for both locals and visitors from around the world.
With its colorful attractions and exciting rides, this magical kingdom captures the spirit of Disney like no other. From classic favorites like Space Mountain to new additions such as Frozen Fantasy, there's something for everyone at Tokyo Disneyland.
15. Everland Theme Park - Yongin, South Korea
Everland Theme Park is one of the best theme parks in Asia. With a variety of thrilling rides, exciting shows, and beautiful scenery, it's no wonder why millions of visitors flock to South Korea each year.
One of the highlights of Everland is T-Express, one of the world's steepest wooden roller coasters. This ride will take your breath away with its sharp drops and heart-pumping turns.
If you're looking for something less intense but still fun, try out the Amazon Express water rapids ride or the Safari World tour where you can see exotic animals up close.
16. Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Lancashire, England
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a historic amusement park in Lancashire, England. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and features a variety of rides and attractions, including some of the oldest and most iconic roller coasters in the world.
This park is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world, and the park has undergone significant expansion and renovation in recent years to offer even more exciting experiences.
17. Busch Gardens Williamsburg - Virginia, USA
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a theme park located in Virginia, United States. The park is known for its European-themed attractions, which include thrill rides, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg is divided into different sections that represent different European countries, such as Italy, France, and Germany. The park also features a variety of live shows, including musical performances, acrobatic shows, and animal shows featuring wolves, eagles, and other creatures.
18. Universal Studios Singapore - Sentosa, Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located on Sentosa Island in Singapore. It opened in 2010 and is a park that is divided into several themed zones, each with its own unique attractions and experiences inspired by popular movies and TV shows produced by Universal Studios.
Some of the most popular attractions in Universal Studios Singapore include the Battlestar Galactica dueling roller coasters, the Transformers: The Ride, and the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. The park also features several live shows, street performances, and character meet-and-greets.
With its thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and exciting atmosphere, Universal Studios Singapore is one of the best amusement parks to visit when in Singapore.
19. Caribe Aquatic Park - Vila-Seca, Tarragona
If you're looking for the best theme parks in the world to visit this summer, look no further than Caribe Aquatic Park in Vila-Seca, Tarragona.
This fantastic water park is the perfect place to spend a hot day with family and friends, and it's sure to be a highlight of your summer vacation. The Aquatic Park boasts an impressive array of attractions that are sure to thrill visitors of all ages.
With over 50,000 square meters of water-based fun, there's something for everyone at this amazing park. Whether you want to relax on a lazy river or blast down thrilling water slides, this amusement park has got you covered.
20. Carowinds - North Carolina, USA
Carowinds is a popular amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. With over 400 acres of space, Carowinds features a variety of rides and attractions, including water rides and thrill rides for all ages.
In addition to the park's regular attractions, Carowinds hosts special events throughout the year, such as Halloween Haunt, WinterFest, and the Taste of the Carolinas food festival. Carowinds is a fun and exciting destination for families, friends, and thrill-seekers alike.
21. EsselWorld - Mumbai, India
EsselWorld is a popular amusement park in Mumbai, India. It is one of the largest amusement parks in the country, offering a wide range of rides and attractions to visitors of all ages.
Some of the most popular rides include roller coasters, water rides, and thrilling adrenaline-pumping attractions. The park also has a dedicated section for children, with age-appropriate rides and activities.
22. Berjaya Times Square Theme Park - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This massive indoor amusement park boasts over 14 different rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The park's interior design is whimsical, featuring cartoon mascots and colorful displays that can make you feel like a kid again.
One of the main draws of Berjaya Times Square Theme Park is its roller coaster, which drops at speeds that will make your heart race. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, there are plenty of other options such as bumper cars and teacup rides for those who don't like heights.
23. Aquaventure Waterpark - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Aquaventure Waterpark is a popular water park located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the largest water parks in the region, offering a variety of water attractions and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
The park features numerous water slides, including some of the tallest and fastest in the world, as well as a lazy river, wave pool, and a dedicated children's play area.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a range of other activities such as snorkeling in the park's aquarium, interacting with dolphins, or relaxing on the park's private beach.
24. Astérix Park - Plailly, France
Astérix Park is a popular amusement park in Plailly, France. The park is themed around the popular French comic book series Astérix and Obélix and offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
Some of the most popular rides include roller coasters, water rides, and interactive shows. Astérix Park is a great destination for families and anyone looking for a fun day out in the beautiful French countryside.
25. Legoland - Billund, Denmark
Located in Billund, Denmark, Legoland has something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters to creative Lego masterpieces.
One of the most impressive features of Legoland Billund is its attention to detail. All of the attractions are designed with exquisite detail that will leave you amazed.
You cannot help but appreciate the creativity that goes into building these life-size Lego models that bring characters like pirates, princesses, and superheroes to life. This park is one of the most creative and unique amusement parks in the world.
26. Dreamworld - Queensland, Australia
Dreamworld is Australia's biggest amusement park. This iconic destination offers an array of rides and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. From exciting rides to family-friendly shows and exhibits, Dreamworld has it all.
In addition to thrilling rides, Dreamworld also features a range of animal encounters that allow visitors to get up close with exotic creatures from around the world.
27. Hershey World - Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey Park is one of the most visited theme parks in the country, offering a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Visitors can also tour the adjacent Hershey's Chocolate World attraction, which offers interactive exhibits on the history and production of chocolate, as well as the opportunity to create and taste your own chocolate treats.
Hershey Park is a popular destination for families and chocolate lovers, and it's a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Pennsylvania.
28. Lost World Amusement Park - Perak, Malaysia
Lost World Amusement Park is a special kind of park because it not only offers attractions during the day but also comes alive at night.
The park has a luminous forest, hot springs, a petting zoo, and a street with local cuisine to choose from.
29. Gardaland Park - Verona, Italy
Gardaland Park is a popular theme park in Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy. It is one of the largest theme parks in the country, offering a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Visitors can also explore the park's themed areas, each with its own unique attractions and experiences, such as the Fantasy Kingdom and Egyptian Adventure.
30. Ocean Park - Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
This iconic attraction has been entertaining visitors since 1977 and continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the city. With exciting rides, world-class animal exhibits, and stunning ocean views, Ocean Park is a must-visit for any adventurous people.
One of the highlights of Ocean Park is its impressive collection of marine animals. From playful dolphins to majestic whales, visitors can get up close with some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures.
31. Lotte World - Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World is one of the best theme parks in the world. Located in Seoul, South Korea, it offers a unique experience that blends both indoor and outdoor activities.
One of the highlights of Lotte World is its Magic Island, which features a variety of exciting rides and attractions such as Atlantis Adventure and Gyro Drop.
You can take a leisurely stroll through the park's gardens or catch one of its fantastic parades featuring colorful floats and cheerful performers.
32. SeaWorld Orlando - Florida, USA
One of the things that set SeaWorld Orlando apart from other theme parks is its incredible array of marine life. It is one of the most amusing water parks in Orlando.
From majestic whales to playful dolphins, there's no shortage of amazing creatures to see and learn about at this incredible park.
33. Kings Island - Ohio, USA
King's Island is a popular amusement in Ohio, USA. It was opened in 1972 and is now owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. The park covers an area of approximately 364 acres and offers more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Some of the most popular rides at Kings Island include Diamondback, Mystic Timbers, The Beast, and Banshee. Other attractions include the Soak City Waterpark, Dinosaurs Alive!, and live shows like Gravity and Cirque Imagine.
34. Djurs Sommerland - Nimtofte, Denmark
Djurs Sommerland has over 60 rides and attractions that cater to all ages. For adrenaline junkies, Djurs Sommerland offers some of the most exciting rides in Europe.
The Piraten coaster, for example, features a drop of over 30 meters and reaches speeds up to 90 kilometers per hour.
35. Ramoji Film City - Hyderabad, India
This massive film studio and theme park is one of the best in India and offers visitors an incredible array of attractions and entertainment options.
With over 2,000 acres of land, Ramoji Film City is the largest integrated film city in the world.
One of the highlights of Ramoji Film City is its stunning gardens and landscapes. The park boasts over 5 million plants and flowers from all around the world, making it a true paradise for nature lovers.
36. Efteling - Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands
Efteling has been entertaining visitors since 1952 and is one of the best theme parks in Europe. With a mix of classic rides, fairy tale attractions, and thrilling coasters, there's something for everyone at this magical destination.
Step into a world of enchantment as you explore Efteling's many themed areas. Take a ride on the iconic Flying Dutchman or brave the twists and turns of Baron 1898.
37. Paultons Park - Hampshire, England
Paultons Park is home to Peppa Pig World, which is a themed area within the park based on the popular children's television show, Peppa Pig.
Peppa Pig World features several rides and attractions, including Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride, Grandpa Pig's Little Train, and George's Dinosaur Adventure. There is also a Peppa Pig-themed play area, where children can climb, slide, and explore.
38. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom - Zhuhai, China
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is a theme park and aquarium in China. It opened in 2014 and is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
The park features a variety of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea lions. Visitors can enjoy several themed areas, including the Polar Adventure, Ocean Beauty, and Hengqin Ocean.
39. Phantasialand - Bruhl, Germany
Phantasialand first opened in 1967 and has since expanded to become one of the most popular theme parks in Europe. The park features a variety of themed areas, including Fantasy, Berlin, Mexico, and China Town, each with its unique rides, attractions, and shows.
Phantasialand is known for its impressive theming and attention to detail, with each area designed to transport visitors to another world.
40. Thorpe Park - London, England
Thorpe Park, located in Surrey, England, is a renowned theme park that has earned its place among the best in the world. With an exhilarating array of rides, attractions, and entertainment, it offers an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers of all ages.
The park boasts a collection of world-class roller coasters, including Stealth, one of Europe's fastest and tallest coasters. Its intense, adrenaline-pumping rides like The Swarm and Saw - The Ride provide heart-stopping excitement.
In addition to its impressive coaster lineup, Thorpe Park features immersive themed areas, live shows, and unique experiences.
With its thrilling rides, immersive atmosphere, and commitment to innovation, Thorpe Park truly stands out as a must-visit destination for thrill enthusiasts worldwide.
FAQs About the Best Amusement Parks Around the World
Let's look at some frequently asked questions relating to the best theme parks in the world.
What is the best attraction park in the world?
There are many great attraction parks in the world, but the best one depends on personal preference. Some of the most popular ones include Walt Disney World in Florida, Universal Studios in California, and Europa Park in Germany.
What makes an amusement park the best?
A great park should have a variety of attractions, including thrill rides, family rides, and shows. It should also be well-maintained, have friendly staff, and offer a great overall experience for visitors.
How much does it cost to visit the best amusement parks in the world?
The cost of visiting a park varies depending on the park and the time of year. Some parks offer discounted tickets for online purchases or for visitors who purchase multi-day tickets. Generally, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a single-day ticket to a major amusement park.
What should I bring to an amusement park?
When visiting a park, it's important to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. You may also want to bring a small backpack or bag to carry snacks, a camera, and other essentials.
Summing up: The Best Theme Parks in The World
Whether you are a seasoned theme park enthusiast or someone looking for a fun day out with family or friends, there are countless amusement parks around the world, each offering its unique attractions and experiences.
Parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and Cedar Point are well-known for their impressive collections of rides and attractions, while parks like Europa Park and Phantasialand offer visitors a unique immersive experience with their themed areas.
Meanwhile, parks like Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Paultons Park offer a combination of thrilling rides and animal exhibits, making them perfect for families with young children.
So, don't hesitate to plan your next adventure and experience the excitement and wonder of the best theme parks in the world.
