Embarking on an adventure to a theme park is like stepping into an alternate universe, a place where fantasies become reality, adrenaline rushes are the norm, and unforgettable memories are made. With a staggering array of roller coasters, live shows, immersive experiences, and more, theme parks offer a unique blend of thrill and magic that appeals to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for the world’s most intense rides, a family pursuing a fun-filled vacation, or a die-hard fan of certain franchises, there’s a theme park out there just for you.
If you’re wondering which one to visit, we’ve got you covered. We’ve analysed a multitude of articles and compiled a list of the best theme parks in the world. Our list includes a variety of parks, each offering unique experiences, from hair-raising roller coasters and immersive fantasy worlds to water slides and live entertainment.
Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA
The original and often still the best, the Walt Disney World Resort is a colossal amusement park complex that offers a dream-like experience for Disney fans. It is home to four separate parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park boasts an array of exciting rides, shows, and attractions featuring beloved Disney characters and stories. The parks also offer numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it easy for visitors to spend days exploring the wonders of Disney.
Why is it one of the best?
The Magic Kingdom, with its iconic Cinderella Castle, is the most-visited theme park in the world. Its layout, themes, and attractions, inspired by Disneyland Park in California, offer unforgettable experiences. It’s home to some of the most iconic rides like It’s a Small World and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Epcot, on the other hand, is a unique celebration of human progress, technology, and international cultures. It’s divided into two sections: World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery, and the World Showcase, which features 11 country pavilions.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers visitors a chance to dive into the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. One of its major attractions is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an immersive land that transports guests to the planet of Batuu.
Last but not least, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a blend of a theme park and a zoo dedicated to the beauty and diversity of animal life. It’s home to some of the best rides at Disney World, including Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest, thus solidifying it as one of the best theme parks in the world.
Opening Times and Prices
Walt Disney World Resort is open 365 days a year. However, operating hours vary by park and season. It’s recommended to check the official website for the most accurate information.
As for the prices, a standard one-day ticket to one park costs between $109 and $159, depending on the date and the park. Multi-day and park-hopper tickets are also available. Note that Disney has introduced a new system, Disney Genie, which offers additional services like Lightning Lane access for skipping the line at popular attractions for an extra fee.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida, USA
Part of the sprawling Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure, is a park that takes guests on a journey through various iconic films and stories. The park boasts a wide range of themed areas, from the enchanting Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the prehistoric Jurassic Park. Each area is filled with immersive attractions, thrilling rides, and unique experiences.
Why is it one of the best?
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is renowned for its immersive theming and groundbreaking attractions. The park’s crown jewel is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, which allows guests to step into the magical world of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Here, fans can ride the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, take a spin on the Flight of the Hippogriff, and enjoy a refreshing Butterbeer.
The park also offers a variety of thrilling coasters, like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Moreover, unique attractions like Skull Island: Reign of Kong and the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man combine state-of-the-art technology with engaging storytelling to create unforgettable experiences.
Opening Times and Prices
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is open daily, with operating hours typically starting at 9 a.m. and extending into the evening. Closing times can vary based on the day and the season.
A one-day ticket to Islands of Adventure starts at $109 for adults and $104 for children. However, prices can vary depending on the date and whether you choose a park-to-park ticket, which allows access to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California, USA
With two parks teeming with attractions, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is a dream destination for Disney lovers and often thought of as one of the best theme parks in the world. Disneyland Park, the original Disney theme park, and Disney California Adventure Park both offer a plethora of rides, shows, and attractions for visitors to explore.
Why is it one of the best?
Disneyland Park, also known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” is where it all began. The park is divided into eight themed lands, each offering its unique collection of attractions. From the classic Sleeping Beauty Castle and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island to the fan-favourite Space Mountain and Splash Mountain, Disneyland Park is a treasure trove of Disney magic.
On the other hand, Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the beauty and diversity of the Golden State. The park is divided into seven themed lands, including Cars Land and Pixar Pier, each filled with attractions inspired by Disney and Pixar films.
Opening Times and Prices
Disneyland Resort is open every day of the year. The opening times can vary depending on the season and the park, but generally, the parks open between 8am and 10 a.m. and close between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Standard one-day, one-park tickets range from $104 to $154 for adults, depending on the date. Park Hopper tickets, which allow you to visit both parks on the same day, are also available at an additional cost.
Universal Studios, Osaka, Japan
Universal Studios Japan offers guests a chance to experience Hollywood magic up close. This theme park in Osaka features several movie-themed areas, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park. Each area is packed with a variety of rides, attractions, and shows that bring popular films and TV shows to life.
Why is it one of the best?
Universal Studios Japan is known for its high-quality attractions that perfectly replicate scenes from famous movies and TV shows. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for instance, guests can wander through the streets of Hogsmeade, drink Butterbeer, and even step inside Hogwarts Castle.
The park’s commitment to creating immersive experiences extends to its other areas as well. In Jurassic Park, guests can embark on a thrilling river adventure where they encounter lifelike dinosaurs. Meanwhile, Minion Park, the world’s largest Minion-themed area, offers a variety of fun rides and attractions inspired by the lovable characters from the Despicable Me franchise.
Opening Times and Prices
Universal Studios Japan is open every day, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, hours can vary depending on the season and special events, so it’s best to check the official website for the most accurate information.
A one-day ticket for Universal Studios Japan costs ¥8,200 ($74) for adults and ¥5,400 ($49) for children. Express Passes allow guests to skip the regular lines for certain attractions and are available at an additional cost.
Europa Park, Rust, Germany
Europa Park is not only the largest theme park in Germany but also one of the most popular in Europe. The park features 15 themed areas, each representing a different European country, with attractions inspired by each location. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to charming family rides, Europa Park offers a diverse array of experiences.
Why is it one of the best?
Europa Park’s dedication to theming sets it apart from many other theme parks. Each themed area is meticulously designed to represent a particular European country’s architecture, culture, and spirit.
In the Iceland area, for instance, guests can ride the Blue Fire Megacoaster, a high-speed roller coaster that mimics the power and unpredictability of volcanic activity. Meanwhile, in the Greece area, guests can embark on a mythical journey on the Pegasus roller coaster or experience a high-flying adventure on the Flight of Icarus.
Opening Times and Prices
Europa Park is open from late March to early November and then reopens for a winter season from late November to early January. The park typically opens at 9 a.m., with closing times varying between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
A one-day ticket for Europa Park during the summer season costs €55 ($65) for adults and €47 ($55) for children. During the winter season, tickets are slightly cheaper, costing €49.50 ($58) for adults and €42.50 ($50) for children.
Disneyland Paris, France
Just a short trip from Paris, Disneyland Paris is the European version of the iconic Disney theme park. The resort is home to two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Each park offers a plethora of rides, shows, and attractions that bring the magic of Disney to life.
Why is it one of the best?
Disneyland Park, with its iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, offers guests the chance to step into a magical world filled with beloved Disney characters and stories. The park is divided into five themed lands, each offering a unique collection of attractions.
Walt Disney Studios Park, on the other hand, offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at the world of filmmaking. The park is divided into four studio lots, each filled with attractions inspired by Disney and Pixar films.
Opening Times and Prices
Disneyland Paris is open every day of the year. However, park hours can vary depending on the season and the day of the week. It’s best to check the official website for the most accurate information.
Prices for a one-day, one-park ticket range from €56 to €87 for adults and from €51 to €80 for children, depending on the date. Multi-day and park-hopper tickets are also available.
Cedar Point, Ohio, USA
Known as “America’s Roller Coast,” Cedar Point in Ohio is a mecca for thrill-seekers. This 364-acre amusement park is home to a record-breaking number of roller coasters, making it a must-visit destination for coaster enthusiasts.
Why is it one of the best?
Cedar Point is renowned for its extensive collection of roller coasters. The park currently boasts 17 coasters, including several record-breaking rides. For instance, the Top Thrill Dragster was once the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, reaching heights of 420 feet and speeds of 120 mph.
Aside from its thrilling rides, Cedar Point also offers a variety of other attractions, including a water park, live entertainment, and numerous dining options.
Opening Times and Prices
Cedar Point typically opens from early May until the end of October, with varying operating hours depending on the season and the day of the week.
Ticket prices for Cedar Point can vary greatly depending on the date and the type of ticket. A standard one-day ticket typically costs around $50 when purchased online, but prices can be higher at the gate or during peak times.
Universal Studios, Hollywood, California, USA
Universal Studios Hollywood in California is a must-visit for movie lovers. This park combines the magic of film production with the thrill of a theme park, offering guests a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
Why is it one of the best?
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a unique blend of movie-themed rides, shows, and attractions. One of the park’s highlights is the famed Studio Tour, which takes guests behind the scenes of a real working movie studio.
The park also features several immersive lands, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the recently opened Super Nintendo World. Each land offers a variety of rides and attractions that bring beloved films and video games to life.
Opening Times and Prices
Universal Studios Hollywood is open every day, typically from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, hours can vary depending on the season and special events.
A one-day ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood starts at $109 for adults and $103 for children. However, prices can vary depending on the date. Express Passes allow guests to skip the regular lines for certain attractions and are available at an additional cost.
If you’re looking to visit one of the best theme parks in the world, you won’t go far wrong taking a trip to one of these mentioned in this post.