The 16 Best Theme Parks in the World
The definitive list of unmissable theme parks from around the world
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Whether it’s trying to hold back your lunch on a high-intensity hypercoaster or keeping the family happy with their favorite characters, theme parks are a quick easy route to a magical adventure for kids of all ages.
We’ve collected our selection of the best theme parks in the world, including record-setters, family favorites and all-rounders that deliver a balance of intense thrills and unforgettable experiences.
From Disney’s famous US parks to one of the Middle East’s newest and most unique theme parks, we’ve broadened our selection to include as many places around the world as possible. However, we’ve gone firmly for quality over diversity, so some places do miss out – for now.
So if you’re wondering which is the best theme park, we’ve answered that one and more. Dive in and see which theme parks made it onto the list.
1. Disneyland Park, California
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The OG Disneyland was always going to make the top spot in this list. Walt Disney’s vision for a magical world in what was then a dusty plain near Los Angeles has transformed the theme park industry forever.
Home to the original Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain and Jungle Cruise rides, Disneyland Park has welcomed guests since 1955. Since then, the park has evolved and expanded to include now iconic facets of other Disney parks worldwide, acting as both a blueprint and inspiration for the Magic Kingdoms found in Florida, Paris and Shanghai.
Disneyland California is eternally busy thanks to its fame and popularity, so advance tickets, parking packages and skip-the-line upgrades are actively encouraged. You’ll want to bear the Californian weather in mind too, with hot and sunny days requiring extra sunblock and shade breaks.
2. Magic Kingdom, Florida
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Disney’s presence in Florida is so extensive that an entire town was built, with Walt Disney’s ideal and vision at its core. But the remake of Disneyland Park in California remains the centerpiece, and to this day the most visited theme park on earth.
Magic Kingdom in Florida takes the already epic Disneyland features to the extreme, with each ‘land’ carefully crafted to create a seamless experience that is as close to fantasy as possible. Rides and public areas are carefully landscaped to make you feel like you’re really on a runaway mine train, or shooting through the stars.
And don’t forget the food! The Magic Kingdom has become famous for its over-the-top treats, ranging from giant donuts to mammoth portions of wings and fries, all draped in the ears of the famous mouse himself.
However, it’s the opportunity for families and Disney fans to get close to their favourite characters and pretend they’re in their favourite movie that keeps visitors coming back to Disney’s largest single park. You can do it in a day, but we’d recommend at least a couple of days to experience everything – and to factor in the time spent waiting in line!
3. PortAventura World, Spain
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Spain’s biggest and best theme park complex, located in Salou not too far from Barcelona, is a huge theme park with huge ambitions. At one point a record holder for the eight-loop Dragon Khan, the park has continued to develop and expand, adding a new Ferrari Land experience in 2017.
The park section of PortAventura World features five themed zones:
Mediterrània, a representation of a small Spanish town
Polynesia, complete with jungle and lake
China, including a replica of the Great Wall of China
México, featuring a pre-Colombian step-pyramid
SésamoAventura, a Sesame Street themed land aimed at younger children
Among the main attractions are world-record beating coasters including at one point the fastest roller coaster in Europe, Shambhala. The Furius Baco ride, reaching over 80 miles per hour, is reason enough to grab a ticket to PortAventura World.
4. Tokyo DisneySea, Japan
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Alongside the tried-and-tested Magic Kingdom formula part of the wider Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney took a gamble by building a gigantic additional park with an entirely nautical theme. The gamble paid off, and Tokyo DisneySea is one of the most unique DIsney parks in the world.
Featuring replicas of Venice, the Arabian Coast and the New York harbor, the park blends shopping, dining and rides to create a park that’s not only great fun, but gorgeous to look at.
Families need to visit Mermaid Lagoon, packed with fun rides for kids and of course plenty of time with Ariel, Flounder and the rest of the characters from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Aladdin fans will be right at home in the Arabian Coast section of the park too, so leave plenty of time to hop on a themed version of ‘It’s a Small World’ that tells the story of Sinbad the Sailor.
5. Epcot, Florida
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Part theme park, part science project, Epcot is a type of world’s fair. Broken into four main areas, the park is all about celebrating planet earth, including places, cultures and people. Epcot has grown to become one of Disney’s most popular parks and the geodesic sphere has become an icon of the Florida landscape.
World Celebration acts as the entrance to the park and covers themes like imagination, creativity and communication. Alongside exhibitions, the area also includes the main gift shop and food and drink outlets.
World Discovery is dedicated to science and exploration, notably space travel. Here you'll find some of the more exciting rides, like Mission: Space and the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster.
World Nature focuses on human interaction with the world around us. Topics including agriculture, horticulture, ecology and travel are covered, alongside an excellent aquarium that also hosts famous water-loving Disney characters from Crush the turtle to Moana.
World Showcase has 11 ‘pavilions’, ranging from a typical German town to a faithful recreation of a traditional Japanese settlement. Naturally, you can sample foods from the 11 countries portrayed, including fish and chips in the British pavilion and Pizza and Pasta in the Italian pavilion.
Epcot is part of Walt Disney World in Florida, and you can buy an all-access ticket that includes other Disney parks in Florida, including the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and more.
6. Universal Studios, Japan
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Japan’s version of the original Universal Studios parks in Hollywood and Florida features all of the typically popular characters, movies and IP and ramps it up a notch. Located in Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, the park opened in 2001 and continues to grow and expand.
Without a doubt, the most popular section of Universal Studios Japan is the epic Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including faithful recreations of Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and of course Hogwarts Castle. You can sip butterbeer, find your perfect wand and zip around on the Flight of the Hippogriff, a cute rollercoaster.
Beyond the world of Harry Potter, the park also includes brilliant Jurassic Park and Jurassic World themed areas and rides, a Hollywood-themed area and the fantastic Super Nintendo World. This area of the park is dreamland for fans of Super Mario, and of course you can try your hand at real-life Mario Kart.
7. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
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Tivoli Gardens, the world’s third-oldest theme park, has gained a special place in the heart of Copenhageners (even with the terrible traffic and weekly fireworks) and visitors alike, retaining the charm of an Italian landscape garden (the original Tivoli is in Rome) despite the addition of thrill rides.
Located right in the heart of Copenhagen, the rides, themed areas, stores and restaurants weave in and out of woodlands and landscaped gardens, making it a small and pretty theme park that still packs a punch.
The Mountain Coaster, first opened in 1914, is the park’s most famous ride and is still operating, albeit a little slower and safer than when it first opened. To contrast with this cute original, The Demon, a high-octane looping coaster, was added in 2004 to attract more visitors and bring the park into the 21st century.
Ever-popular, advance tickets are almost always recommended, and we recommend visiting on Saturdays. Yes, it’s the busiest day by far, but you get to experience the fabulous weekly firework display that lights up the park and surrounding area once a week.
8. Efteling, Netherlands
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Tucked away in the woods of the Southern Netherlands, Efteling is an imaginative and enchanting theme park that includes elements of Dutch folklore and popular fairy tales to bring its rides and attractions to life.
Lose yourself in the 15-acre Fairytale Forest or hop aboard the aptly-named Flying Dutchman water coaster for thrills, spills and the sudden need for a dry set of clothes.
Efteling, while very popular (Europe’s second most-visited), isn’t typically as chaotic as other European parks like Disneyland Paris or Europa-Park mainly thanks to its layout and scale, making it an excellent option for families with young children. Consider staying nearby in the lodges or at the park’s campsite, both offering easy access to the park.
9. Europa-Park, Germany
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Germany’s largest theme park, located not too far from the Black Forest and right by the River Rhine and the French border, doesn’t do things by halves. Epic in scale and featuring over 100 rides in almost 20 themed areas, Europa-Park lives up to its name by including famous European places within its sections. Take a bobsled down a Swiss Mountain, catch a show at London’s ‘Globe Theater’ or fly over Paris on any of the roller coasters and thrill rides which mimic famous European places.
Europa-Park is so huge a multi-day visit is a must. Consider staying at one of the cool themed hotels on-site, with Andalusian, Roman and New England-style theming. We recommend camping at the tipi village if the weather permits for a more memorable experience.
Naturally, the park is exceptionally well-connected to both Germany and France’s high speed rail systems, making this a great stop for those Interrailing across Europe or wishing to visit from another city.
10. Universal Studios, Hollywood
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If you love Hollywood movies, then this legendary LA theme park needs to be first place on your list. Operating as a movie studio since 1912, and welcoming guests since 1964 as a theme park, you can still catch scenes being shot if you’re lucky. However, it’s the world-famous backlot tours, and now themed rides, that make Universal Studios Hollywood so incredibly popular.
You’ll find pretty much anything vaguely popular from Universal Studios’ mammoth collection of franchises and films, ranging from the Simpsons to Jurassic Park to Harry Potter. One minute you can be watching Transformers battling it out, the next you’re racing against Bowser in a real-life game of Mario Kart.
Thanks to the truly diverse range of rides and attractions, those who proclaim to live under a rock will recognize something from popular culture when they visit, especially on the original attraction, the Studio Tour.
Themed to resemble a famous movie lot golf buggy, this mini tram winds its way through some of Universal’s most famous sets, including the house from Psycho and the clock tower from the Back to the Future films. The tour hots up, with interactive sets that include shark and dinosaur attacks (Jaws and Jurassic Park), a flash flood and even an earthquake.
11. Alton Towers, United Kingdom
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The United Kingdom’s most famous theme park, located in Staffordshire in the Midlands, has overcome various challenges to become not just a favorite domestically, but internationally. Built on the grounds of a former hall, local planning regulations meant that any roller coasters or structures couldn’t exceed the existing tree height.
This resulted in some seriously innovative roller coaster design, including carving the track of the park’s notorious roller coaster Nemesis Reborn (which pulls G forces similar to space travel) into the bedrock. The equally exhilarating Oblivion, which includes a near 90 degree drop, dips into a tunnel to extend the height without breaking the rules.
Innovative design has led to equally innovative ride design, with TH13TEEN, Hex and the Wicker Man all deploying immersive and mind-bending elements to make each ride even more thrilling.
Kids are covered too, with plenty of rides suitable for little ones and of course the sprawling Cbeebies Land, including dozens of characters and experiences from BBC’s children’s channel waiting to greet little visitors.
Alton Towers is easily the UK’s busiest theme park so consider booking as far in advance as possible.
12. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
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Built to coincide with the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Formula One circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, built inside a gigantic hall with outdoor elements, is dedicated to – you guessed it – all things Ferrari. Alongside exhibits, VR and simulator rides and mini Ferrari rides for youngsters, there’s the main attraction – the world’s fastest roller coaster.
Formula Rossa hits maximum speeds of 149.1 mph. The ride is so fast, riders are required to wear protective safety glasses to stop any sand particles or insects from causing eye damage! Even though Formula Rossa hits some serious speeds, the ride isn’t over too quickly – it stretches around 1.29 miles, making it the second longest steel roller coaster in the world.
You’ll likely spend most of your time riding this one as many times as you can, but there are five other Ferrari-themed coasters to check out too.
Even if you’re not that big on F1 or Ferrari, this theme park is great fun and includes plenty for families too. A hang glider ride, drop tower and karting academy all offer an extra element that means you can turn up not knowing a thing about motoring and still have a great time.
13. Busch Gardens, Florida
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Competing with the epic parks near Orlando is no mean feat, but Busch Gardens goes above and beyond with one of Florida’s best theme parks.
The park is a unique blend of zoological garden and high-thrill theme park, with 2,700 animals and almost 30 rides and attractions. Since its opening in the 1950s, the park has carried a distinct African theme, including an entire Serengeti Plains area and themed rides to match.
Each of the park’s themed areas carries an African theme too, with Congo, Jungala, Stanleyville, Morocco, Egypt and Nairobi section, among others.
Famous roller coasters include SheiKra, a dive coaster, Falcon’s Fury, a free-standing drop tower, Iron Gwazi, a hypercoaster, and the record-breaking Montu, once the tallest and fastest inverted roller coaster.
14. Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
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If roller coasters are your thing, then look no further than this epic theme park near Los Angeles. Six Flags Magic Mountain has been named the ‘thrill capital of the world’, and for good reason. There are 20 (yes 20) high-speed, high-intensity coasters in the park’s borders, some of which have broken records (Goliath, X², Superman: Escape from Krypton and others).
Although firmly aimed at thrill seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain still offers plenty for families and less adventurous visitors, with slower-paced rides, gardens and more across 11 themed areas. Bugs Bunny World is the ideal spot for youngsters, with Looney Tunes theming and rides suitable for all ages.
If you like superheroes, then Six Flags Magic Mountain is a great option, with Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman themed coasters to check out. It’s easily one of the best theme parks in the world, never mind California.
15. Cedar Point, Ohio
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Competing with Six Flags Magic Mountain on the record-breaking front, Cedar Point in Ohio has transformed from a picturesque Lake Erie resort into a thriving theme park that held publication Amusement Today’s ‘Best Amusement Park in the World’ title for 16 consecutive years.
Cedar Point stands out mainly because of its epic roller coasters. The park is the only in the world with five over 200 feet in height, including the once tallest and fastest in the world, the iconic Millenium Force. That record was broken by another Cedar Point Coaster, Top Thrill Dragster, now known as Top Thrill 2. But even in the 1980s, Cedar Point was already setting records, with Magnum XL-200 being the first in the world to surpass 200 feet, giving birth to the term ‘hypercoaster’. Even after you’ve taken a ride on these record-setters, there are 17 coasters in total to keep you busy.
And that’s before you get stuck into the thrill rides, with over 20 attractions to check out, earning Cedar Point a spot on our list of the best theme parks in the world.
16. Disneyland Paris
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The famous mouse’s first foray into Europe wasn’t exactly smooth. EuroDisney, as it was known at launch, received stiff opposition in France and especially in Paris. It also took a long time for the park to make any money, but things have vastly improved to deliver one of the best Disney experiences on earth, ideally located in one of Europe’s most important cities
Disneyland Paris is actually two parks; a Magic Kingdom-style park that includes favorites like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World, and Walt Disney Studios, similar to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and California.
Disneyland Paris is your typical Disney experience, with Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, familiar themed-areas and classics like the Haunted Mansion, but naturally there are elements of France and Europe everywhere. Space Mountain, for example, is adorned with Jules Verne’s storytelling, as is the submarine themed ride next door. Many of the ride’s names are in French too, including the Star Wars and Ratatouille rides.
Every age from 0 to 99 and beyond is covered, like any Disney Park, but the big thing to consider is the time you’ll spend at Disneyland Paris. The two parks are designed to be seen fully on a weekend (weekend breaks are still very popular in Europe), so consider at least one overnight stay. Like Disney in Orlando, there are several themed hotels at different price points, so check the most suitable and book as far in advance as you can!
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