The best theme parks in the world, ranked

Europa-Park near the German/French border is the second-most-visited park in Europe and has won the Golden Ticket for World's Best Theme Park more than any other. Themed European lands include Italy, Iceland, Switzerland and the new Croatia, with the Rulantica indoor water park and seven on-site themed hotels making it a full destination.

Tokyo Disney Resort is operated under licence by Oriental Land Co. and is widely considered the best-run Disney resort in the world. Tokyo Disneyland is a near-twin of Magic Kingdom; Tokyo DisneySea — themed to the myths of the sea — is unique to Japan and consistently tops fan rankings of the best theme park ever built. The new Fantasy Springs port opened in 2024.

Walt Disney World in Florida is the world's largest and most-visited theme park resort. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom span 25,000 acres and around 50 attractions, plus the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks and Disney Springs dining district. UK families typically build a 10–14 day trip around it.

Universal Epic Universe opened in 2025 as the third Universal park in Orlando. It's anchored by Celestial Park and four immersive lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Headline rides include Stardust Racers, Mine-Cart Madness and Battle at the Ministry.

Opened in 1955, Disneyland is the only Disney park Walt himself walked. Disneyland Park and the adjacent Disney California Adventure can be combined into a single 3–4 day trip, with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Cars Land and the new Avengers Campus among the headline lands.

Universal Orlando packs Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and (from 2025) Epic Universe into one resort, joined by the Volcano Bay water park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans both original parks via the Hogwarts Express; Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and the Hulk are the standout coasters.

Efteling in the southern Netherlands is one of Europe's oldest theme parks (1952) and known for its lush gardens and elaborate fairytale theming. Symbolica, Baron 1898, Fata Morgana and the new Danse Macabre are some of the best-themed rides in the world.

Cedar Point on the shores of Lake Erie has held the title of America's coaster capital for decades, with 17 coasters including Steel Vengeance, Millennium Force, Top Thrill 2 and Maverick. Founded in 1870, it's also one of the world's oldest operating amusement parks.

Shanghai Disney Resort opened in 2016 with the largest Disney castle ever built (the Enchanted Storybook Castle) and the most ambitious Pirates of the Caribbean ride to date. Tron Lightcycle Power Run was so successful here that it was rebuilt at Magic Kingdom in Florida.

Disneyland Paris combines Disneyland Park (Sleeping Beauty Castle, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain) with Walt Disney Studios Park, currently mid-rebuild around the new Disney Adventure World concept and the Frozen and Tangled lands. Direct Eurostar from London makes it a popular UK long-weekend break.

PortAventura World on Spain's Costa Daurada combines the original PortAventura Park (Shambhala, Dragon Khan), the Formula Rossa-style Ferrari Land (Red Force is Europe's tallest and fastest coaster) and the Caribe Aquatic Park. Easy to combine with a Salou beach holiday.

Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 in central Copenhagen and is the inspiration that Walt Disney famously cited for Disneyland. The 1914 Rutschebanen wooden coaster still runs alongside modern attractions like Vertigo and Aquila, with concerts, gardens and lights making it as much a city park as a theme park.