The 25 most visited theme parks across the world

Magic Kingdom, the most magical theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, opened to guests in 1971. Disney’s first theme park in the state has six themed lands, offering iconic rides and attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. Its newest ride is TRON Lightcycle / Run – the fastest Vekoma coaster at the park, and one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

At D23 in 2024, Disney announced a new villains land for Magic Kingdom. Construction is due to begin soon. The land is part of a major expansion of Magic Kingdom and will feature two new attractions, and retail and dining experiences.

“Since the beginning, our Disney villains have given us endless possibilities to tell new stories,” says Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s theme parks and experiences division. “In this new land, you’ll see storytelling on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver.”

2023 attendance – 17,720,000

2022 attendance – 17,133,000

Part of Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland opened as the first Disney theme park in July 1955. The destination is expanding, as the $1.9 billion DisneylandForward expansion plan received final approval from Anaheim City Council in May 2024. Through this multi-decade proposal, Disneyland will create new attractions, hotel and retail outlets on its existing space, like parking areas and unused land.

The plan includes potential experiences based on Frozen, Tangled, Peter Pan, Zootopia, Toy Story, Black Panther, Coco and Tron, as well as an Avatar land and an Encanto experience.

Disneyland president Ken Potrock said in a statement: “We’re ready to build on decades of innovation, creativity, and storytelling to bring new, exciting experiences for our guests. The possibilities are boundless, and I can’t wait to see what our Disney Imagineers dream up next.

“We’re honored to partner with Anaheim on this historic project and excited to move into this next chapter together.”

2023 attendance – 17,250,000 

2022 attendance – 16,881,000

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka opened in 2001. Like Universal’s US parks, it houses iconic lands such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Jurassic Park and Amity Village. In addition, the world’s first Super Nintendo World opened at the park in March 2020. It was the first of four Nintendo expansions in Japan, California, Singapore and Orlando.

Super Nintendo World is a gamified experience with groundbreaking rides and attractions. The land in Japan is already expanding to include the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed area. This will include the Mine Cart Madness coaster, as well as interactive experiences, and themed retail and F&B. 

“In Super Nintendo World you can jump like Mario, punch blocks, collect digital coins and battle on Rainbow Road,” said Brian Robinson, executive VP and chief creative officer at Universal Destinations & Experiences.

“In Donkey Kong Country, we’ve greatly expanded interactivity and gameplay. And just as we brought a first-of-its-kind augmented reality attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge to Super Nintendo World, we are bringing that same level of innovation to Donkey Kong Country with a first-of-its-kind thrilling family coaster.”

2023 attendance – 16,000,000

2022 attendance – 12,350,000

Launched in April 1983, Tokyo Disneyland in Japan is the flagship theme park at Tokyo Disney Resort. The 126-acre destination houses more than 40 attractions and nearly 50 retail outlets across seven themed lands. The largest expansion in Tokyo Disneyland’s history opened in 2020. The project covered Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Toontown.

Tokyo Disneyland’s current version of Space Mountain and the surrounding area in Tomorrowland are being transformed in a ¥56 billion ($408 million) project. The coaster, which has been a popular attraction at the park since opening day, will offer “enhanced performance” and “immersive special effects”.

2023 attendance – 15,100,000 

2022 attendance – 12,000,000

Shanghai Disneyland is jointly operated by Shanghai Shendi Group and Disney. It opened in June 2016 in Pudong, Shanghai and is part of Shanghai Disney Resort. This also includes the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, as well as the Disneytown shopping and dining district.

The theme park has now expanded to include a Zootopia land, its eighth themed land and the first Zootopia-themed zone at a Disney destination. The mammalian metropolis is home to innovative technologies, immersive theming, and a trackless dark ride called Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. 

Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, told blooloop: “It is the first trackless ride system in mainland China that we have and that new experience frees the boundaries of storytelling. We also have state-of-the-art audio-animatronic figures that are a part of that experience, so it feels very lifelike as you move from scene to scene and develop the story.”

2023 attendance – 14,000,000

2022 attendance – 5,300,000

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin, Zhuhai opened in 2014. It was designed by PGAV, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. This marine animal park offers rides, shows and animal exhibits in eight themed zones. Owned by Chimelong Group, Ocean Kingdom is part of Chimelong International Ocean Resort.

New to the resort is Chimelong Spaceship, which launched in 2023. This park has already set seven Guinness World Records, including the world’s largest indoor theme park and the world’s largest aquarium.

Su Zhigang founded Chimelong Group’s first theme park in 2006. The company is now one of the world’s top theme park operators. In 2023, Chimelong Group welcomed more than 36 million visitors to its sites.

2023 attendance – 12,520,000 

2022 attendance – 4,400,000

Tokyo DisneySea in Japan opened to the public in September 2001. The 121-acre park is themed to the myths and stories of the sea. Instead of lands, it houses different ports providing rides, live entertainment, retail and F&B.

The newest port at Tokyo DisneySea is the $2.2 billion Fantasy Springs. Inspired by magical springs leading to a Disney fantasy world, Fantasy Springs boasts three areas – Frozen Kingdom, Rapunzel’s Forest, and Peter Pan’s Never Land. It also includes the Fantasy Springs Hotel. Fantasy Springs is Tokyo DisneySea’s largest development to date.

2023 attendance – 12,400,000 

2022 attendance – 10,100,000

Epcot opened in October 1982 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The park is home to attractions, themed festivals, international cuisine and live entertainment. Epcot has been undergoing a multi-year transformation in recent years, which was completed in 2024 with the launch of the CommuniCore Hall events space and CommuniCore Plaza. This historic project at Epcot included new experiences like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Journey of Water.

Cosmic Rewind is Epcot’s first-ever coaster, and the longest fully enclosed coaster in a Disney theme park, while Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a motion-based trackless 3D dark ride. Journey of Water is the first Disney parks attraction inspired by Moana.

In summer 2024, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District unanimously approved a $17 billion development deal with Disney that would allow the company to spend the money on its Disney World parks over the next 10 to 20 years. It will also permit Disney World to build a fifth major theme park and two minor theme parks. 

Disney is to spend $30bn on its theme parks over the next decade as part of a total $60bn investment in its parks, experiences and products division.

2023 attendance – 11,980,000

2022 attendance – 10,000,000

Disneyland Park is the flagship property at Disneyland Paris, which also includes Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World), as well as seven themed hotels and the Disney Village shopping and dining complex. Disneyland Park opened in France in 1992. It’s spread across five themed lands, offering shows, rides, attractions and parades.

Disneyland Paris is Europe’s leading tourist destination with more than 375 million visits since it opened. On the resort’s recent development, Disneyland Paris présidente Natacha Rafalski told blooloop: “We have already accomplished so much in recent years, notably the refurbishment of Sleeping Beauty Castle and refreshing many attractions, reopening first Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2021 and Disneyland Hotel in January, introducing innovative new entertainment offerings and more. 

“We are entering a new era of immersive storytelling and unforgettable experiences.”

2023 attendance – 10,400,000

2022 attendance – 9,930,000

Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 at Walt Disney World in Florida. Iconic rides and attractions in this park include Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre Star Wars-themed expansion, opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019. The land is home to two major attractions – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now getting a new land inspired by Pixar franchise Monsters, Inc. In this land will be Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster. Construction starts in 2025.

“The power of friendship and laughter is at the heart of so many Disney stories – especially Monsters, Inc.,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s theme parks and experiences division, at D23 in 2024. “Now we’re giving fans a whole new way to experience this world in a Disney theme park and connect with the characters they love.”

2023 attendance – 10,300,000

2022 attendance – 10,900,000

Part of Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and opened in 1999, Islands of Adventure boasts rides like Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure, the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Lands include Jurassic Park and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

Universal Orlando’s flagship park is Universal Studios Hollywood. This, alongside Islands of Adventure and the Volcano Bay water park, will be joined in May 2025 by Universal Epic Universe – the resort’s fourth gate. Epic Universe is the company’s biggest theme park in the US. Its lands are inspired by Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, Universal’s classic monsters, and celestial things.

2023 attendance – 10,000,000 

2022 attendance – 11,025,000

Disney California Adventure joined Disneyland Park at the original Disney resort in California in 2001. It houses Cars Land and Pixar Pier, as well as the new Avengers Campus. The immersive Marvel land features an animatronic Spider-Man flying through the air, and Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy rides. Since 1955, Disneyland Resort has welcomed more than 800 million guests.

Disney California Adventure is developing new experiences themed to Marvel, the Avatar franchise, and Coco, as revealed at Disney’s D23 fan event in August 2024. The Marvel attractions will double the size of the existing Avengers Campus. The new Avatar land will provide an innovative experience, and work on the first-ever Coco ride in a Disney park starts in 2026.

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s theme parks and experiences division, said at D23: “Disney Experiences is embarking on an accelerated path of ambitious growth and innovation. With so many great Disney stories to tell, we’re excited to bring an unprecedented number of new projects to life in the near future.”

He added: “Today we unveiled an extensive slate of new experiences that only Disney can deliver. Work is well underway on all of the new projects we announced, and fans will start to see them come to life in the near future.”

2023 attendance – 10,000,000 

2022 attendance – 9,000,000

Opened in June 1990, Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando is owned and operated by Comcast NBCUniversal. It includes the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and the new DreamWorks land, as well as rides including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Simpsons Ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Revenge of the Mummy.

The DreamWorks land offers rides and attractions, character meet and greets, interactive play areas, and a live show. In the Shrek-themed area, guests can explore the ogre’s swamp and eat ‘Shrekzels. The ‘Trollercoaster’, a Caterbus-style attraction, is a highlight in the Trolls area. Kung Fu Panda-themed offerings include a digital experience.

Universal is expanding its family-friendly footprint. In Frisco, Texas, it’s building Universal Kids Resort, which includes a hotel and a theme park.

2023 attendance – 9,750,000

2022 attendance – 10,750,000

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film and TV-inspired theme park that brings the world of Hollywood to life. Launched in 1964, the destination in California boasts world-class rides, attractions and events, including the Simpsons Ride in the immersive Springfield area, Jurassic World – The Ride, and Halloween Horror Nights.

The first Super Nintendo World in the US opened in early 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Its signature attraction is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which is enhanced through cutting-edge augmented reality (AR), projection mapping technology and set pieces.

In 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood will open its new Fast & Furious-themed coaster, which is named ‘Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift’ and described as the park’s first-ever high-speed outdoor coaster.

In a press release, Universal Destinations & Experiences said the ride “will elevate the guest experience with innovative and technological achievements never previously employed in a roller coaster”.

2023 attendance – 9,660,000 

2022 attendance – 8,400,000

Universal Studios Beijing opened as the first theme park of Universal Beijing Resort in 2021. The Chinese park also includes two hotels, as well as Universal CityWalk Beijing. The opening came after 20 years of planning and building work.

Universal Studios Beijing covers seven themed lands, including Universal’s first Kung Fu Panda land and the first Transformers-themed land in the world. Officials are already planning Universal Beijing’s second phase of construction. The project is expected to expand the attraction by 2.2 square kilometres, adding five new hotels to the resort.

2023 attendance – 9,000,000 

2022 attendance – 4,300,000

Walt Disney World’s fourth gate, Animal Kingdom, opened in April 1998. It’s Disney’s largest theme park, covering an area of 500 acres. Experiences in this animal-inspired park range from animal encounters (it’s home to 1,500 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians) to elaborate stage shows.

In major news, Animal Kingdom is constructing a new land called Tropical Americas. This is based on a village in the heart of the rainforest and features a new Indiana Jones attraction set inside a mysterious Maya temple. The 11-acre land, opening in 2027, will also boast the first Encanto attraction at a Disney park.

“With Tropical Americas, we’re bringing huge projects to life for generations of fans. This is the type of signature storytelling that our Disney Imagineers have been creating for 70 years,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s theme parks and experiences division.

2023 attendance – 8,770,000 

2022 attendance – 9,027,000

Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island opened in 2005. Disney’s smallest theme park, at 310 acres, includes three hotels. After the opening of the new World of Frozen land in December 2023, the park comprises eight themed lands. The rest are: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land and Main Street, USA.

World of Frozen is the world’s first Frozen land. It boasts two new attractions – Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs. It also offers retail and dining experiences, and a unique interactive show.  

“The Frozen franchise is one of the most successful in Disney history and it’s a testament to the power of great storytelling, which is the foundation of the Walt Disney Company,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger in an opening ceremony. 

“World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together.”

2023 attendance – 6,400,000 

2022 attendance – 3,400,000

Europa-Park in Germany was founded in 1975 by Roland Mack and his father Franz. The family-owned theme park showcases innovative rides designed and built by Mack Rides across themed lands representing different European nations and stories. Europa-Park’s 14th coaster, Voltron Nevera, opened in the new Croatia-themed area in 2024. This features the steepest launch (105 degrees) and most overhead elements (seven) of any launch coaster in the world

Germany’s busiest theme park now offers six hotels. Europa-Park managing partner Thomas Mack told blooloop: “I think it was the right decision to start the hotel business and use our imagination. Because when they are themed, you always stay in the fantasy world.”

2023 attendance – 6,000,000 

2022 attendance – 5,400,000

Everland opened in 1976 in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Operated by Samsung C&T, Everland is the country’s largest theme park, and houses five themed zones. These are Global Fair, ZooTopia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure. Additionally, the Everland resort has a water park called Caribbean Bay, opened in 1996.

2023 attendance – 5,880,000 

2022 attendance – 5,770,000

Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris in France is undergoing a major development, becoming Disney Adventure World when the new World of Frozen land opens in 2026. The rebrand is part of an ongoing €2 billion transformation of the park, which will nearly double in size. The project includes a new attraction and immersive area inspired by The Lion King (1994).

Natacha Rafalski, présidente of Disneyland Paris, told blooloop: “We’re overhauling more than 90 percent of the park. We will roughly double its footprint when the work is done, including a new creative vision that will echo in every space.

“Disney Adventure World will be the culmination of an ambitious creative vision, evolving from what we call ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theatres and adventures that come to life in immersive areas. The park concept has continued to evolve – we’ve been adding large-scale, immersive projects since 2007 – and this will really be the next big leap.”

Walt Disney Studios Park is the second gate at Disneyland Paris. It opened in 2002.

2023 attendance – 5,700,000 

2022 attendance – 5,340,000

Chimelong Paradise in Guangzhou is owned by the Chimelong Group. It was founded by Su Zhigang in 2006 as the company’s first theme park. Chimelong Paradise is part of the Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort, which includes two hotels, Chimelong Water Park, Chimelong Safari and International Circus.

Chimelong Group also operates Chimelong International Ocean Resort in Zhuhai, which features Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. This theme park opened in March 2014 and includes rides, shows and animal exhibits across eight themed zones. Chimelong Spaceship is the newest destination at the Zhuhai resort.

2023 attendance – 5,580,000

2022 attendance – 2,300,000

Since opening in the Netherlands in 1952, Efteling has grown to become one of the largest theme parks in Europe. Efteling comprises the fairytale theme park, as well as two hotels and two holiday resorts. Coming to the destination soon is the Efteling Grand Hotel, and the new Danse Macabre attraction. This is opening on Halloween and boasts a unique ride system by Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides.

Efteling has welcomed more than 130 million visitors to date. Coming in 2025 is the park’s 31st fairytale, ‘The Princess and the Pea’.

2023 attendance – 5,560,000

2022 attendance – 5,430,000

South Korea’s Lotte World is located in Seoul and operated by Lotte Group. It provides indoor and outdoor areas named Lotte World Adventure and Magic Island. Family-friendly rides and attractions can be found at Lotte World Adventure, while thrilling rides and coasters are on offer to Magic Island visitors.

A separate park, Lotte World Busan, opened in March 2022. The 25-acre destination was designed with Legacy Entertainment, a leading theme park and resort design company. During its first year, the Busan site welcomed 1.4 million visitors.

“For over thirty years, Lotte World has set the gold standard for family entertainment in South Korea. Our entire team feels very fortunate and humbled to help Lotte World write its next chapter in Busan,” said Legacy’s managing director for Korea, Yaeli Chung.

2023 attendance – 5,190,000 

2022 attendance – 4,520,000

Fantawild Holdings opened Fantawild Dino Kingdom in 2022. Located in Sichuan, China, the park covers more than 400,000 square metres and can accommodate more than 3 million annual visitors. Themed to dinosaurs, as the name suggests, it houses around 40 indoor and outdoor attractions, in addition to restaurants and shops.

Fantawild is known for its use of advanced technology within its parks in China, and Dino Kingdom is another example of this. “The company has developed many unique track rides, vehicles, stages, special effects facilities, robot designs, smart control systems and other interactive entertainment facility systems,” Daisy Chang, executive president of Fantawild Holdings, told blooloop in 2019.

2023 attendance – 4,860,000 

2022 attendance – 1,749,000

Mianyang Oriental Heritage is a theme park developed by Fantawild Holdings, a leading one-stop solution provider in the theme park industry. It opened to guests in July 2020. The first Fantawild theme park in Sichuan province is a co-investment between Fantawild and Jiangyou city. The 165-acre park merges state-of-the-art technology and interactive attractions with local culture.

Fantawild Holdings has more than 10 Fantawild theme park brands and operates more than 30 parks in total. Its destinations include Fantawild Adventure and Fantawild Dreamland.

“Fantawild’s rapid growth in recent years is down to its competitiveness,” Daisy Shang, executive president of Fantawild Holdings, told blooloop in a 2019 interview. “Fantawild explores different cultures and presents them to visitors using advanced technology, providing audiences with a unique and immersive experience.”

2023 attendance – 4,620,000 

2022 attendance – 2,611,000