The world’s best theme parks: our top 100

Liseberg – Sweden’s leading amusement park and one of the world’s top theme parks – welcomed its first guests back in May 1923. Rides include Europe’s longest dive coaster and highest free-fall ride.

As part of the park’s 100th anniversary in 2023, Liseberg introduced the Grand Curiosa Hotel and Luna coaster. Liseberg’s new €110m Oceana water park will be rebuilt after a huge fire broke out at the new attraction.

Liseberg enjoyed 2.95 million visits in 2019, pre-Covid.

Located on Yas Island and opened in 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first-ever Ferrari-branded indoor theme park. Rides and attractions include the world’s fastest roller coaster. Mission Ferrari, billed as the world’s most immersive ‘mega coaster’, opened in January 2023.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is operated by Miral Experiences. The park is owned by Miral, the company responsible for the development and management of Yas Island. Other parks on the island are Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Covering 110 acres in Mexico City’s Tlalpan forest, Six Flags Mexico is the top theme park in Latin America, according to visitor numbers.

Operated by Six Flags, the attraction welcomed 2,803,000 guests in 2019, pre-pandemic. CraZanity, the world’s tallest pendulum ride, launched at Six Flags Mexico in 2021. Six Flags Mexico first opened in 1982 as Reino Aventura.

Universal Studios Beijing launched as part 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. Officials are already planning Universal Beijing’s second phase of construction. 

Also in our list of the best theme parks in the world is Legoland Deutschland. Opened in 2002 in Germany, Legoland Deutschland is part of Merlin Entertainments.

Located in Günzburg, the European park boasts more than 55 million Lego bricks and 64 attractions. Rides include the Great Lego Race and Fire Dragon coasters. The resort is home to several themed hotels, including three Legoland Castles, as well as the Pirate Island Hotel. 

Walt Disney World Resort’s fourth theme park is Animal Kingdom, opened in April 1998. The animal-inspired park features exotic animals, exciting attractions and elaborate stage shows across 500 acres. It is home to 1,500 specimens of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Highlights include an African safari, two Broadway-style musical shows based on Disney films, and Pandora – The World of Avatar. Additional lands are Africa, DinoLand U.S.A., Discovery Island and Asia.

Walt Disney Imagineering is working to transform Dinoland U.S.A. into a new land featuring attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Happy Valley Shenzhen opened back in 1998 as OCT Group’s first Happy Valley park. Covering an area of 350,000 square metres, Happy Valley Shenzhen attracted nearly four million guests in 2019.

The theme park is spread across nine themed areas, one of which is the Playa Maya Water Park.

Dreamworld is a theme park and zoo on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Launched in December 1981, it boasts 50 rides and attractions, including Australia’s tallest and fastest thrill rides. Dreamworld is also home to Tiger Island, the world’s largest interactive tiger facility.

Owned by Ardent Leisure, Dreamworld is opening a new land called Rivertown in late 2024 as part of an A$50 million investment in new attractions and upgraded areas. The land will include a new coaster, Jungle Rush. In 2023, Ardent Leisure submitted plans for a major expansion of Dreamworld.

Located in the Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers is part of the Merlin family. It opened in 1980 with Britain’s first double loop roller coaster, the Corkscrew. It is now the largest theme park in the UK, boasting 10 themed areas across 910 acres.

Alton Towers has more than 40 rides and attractions, including 10 record-breaking coasters. The park is part of a resort that includes three themed hotels.

Europa-Park in Germany was founded in 1975 by Roland Mack and his father Franz. The family-owned destination, one of the world’s top theme parks, showcases many innovative rides designed and built by Mack Rides. The park’s 14th coaster, Voltron Nevera, opens in the new Croatia-themed area in 2024.

Europa-Park and the €180m Rulantica water park feature more than 100 attractions spread across themed lands representing different European nations and stories. The resort, which has six hotels, welcomed a record 5.7 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic disrupted attendance.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California is home to animal attractions and wildlife encounters, as well as more than 40 rides and attractions. Among these are 11 roller coasters such as Batman: The Ride, Superman Ultimate Flight, and The Joker.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s sister water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord, is located 20 miles away. The park, which became solar-powered in 2019, opened in 1968.

Wanda Nanchang opened in China’s Jiangxi province in May 2016, just weeks before the launch of Shanghai Disneyland.

Attractions at the 78-hectare Wanda Nanchang theme park include the tallest, fastest and longest wooden roller coaster in China. It was constructed by Wang Jianlin’s Wanda Group with an investment of $3.3 billion.

Operated by OCT Group, Happy Valley Beijing is spread across 560,000 square metres. It opened to the public in July 2006, offering rides, attractions and performances.

Happy Valley Beijing has seven themed areas and more than 300,000 square metres of gardens. It is one of eight Happy Valley attractions in China, with OCT Group the largest theme park developer and operator in China.

Owned by Grupo Xcaret, Xcaret Park has more than 40 attractions amid jungles, caves and underground rivers. It is located in Riviera Maya, a tourism and resort district south of Cancun, Mexico. Grupo Xcaret’s park portfolio includes Xplor, Xenotes, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xel-ha and Xavage.

Xibalbá is a new attraction offering a tour of eight cenotes. The $50 million nature park is located in Valladolid, Yucatán. The original 200-acre Xcaret Park opened back in 1991 after founder Miguel Quintana Pali purchased 12 acres of land and transformed it. In 2019, the park attracted 1,960,000 guests.

Opened in 1971, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California is a 260-acre theme park with 20 roller coasters – more than any other theme park in the world. It also boasts the tallest, fastest and steepest coasters in the world, as well as 100 rides, attractions and games.

Wonder Woman Flight of Courage launched in summer 2022 as the park’s 20th coaster. It is the tallest and longest single-rail coaster on the planet.

Opened in 1964, SeaWorld San Diego in California is owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts, formerly SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Rides include Emperor, the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the state, as well as the Electric Eel and Manta multi-launch coasters. Family-friendly offerings include Tentacle Twirl and Sea Dragon Drop. SeaWorld San Diego added Arctic Rescue, the fastest and longest straddle coaster on the West Coast, in 2023.

Drayton Manor Resort is a theme park and zoo in Staffordshire, UK. The 180-acre park is now owned by the Looping Group. It was previously owned and run by the Bryan family. Drayton Manor opened in 1950 and welcomes around 1.5 million visitors annually.

Its newest land, Frontier Falls, is Wild West-themed. On offer here are rides, a 4D show, and soon, a new coaster.

PortAventura Park is part of PortAventura World Parks & Resort, which also includes Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park. The resort is one of the largest leisure destinations in Europe and has had more than 90 million visits since opening in 1995. Located close to Barcelona, PortAventura features world-class rides and attractions. Attendance in 2019 was 3.75 million.

PortAventura bought its first hotel outside of the resort in 2022. In 2020, the entire resort became carbon neutral.

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida opened in 1971. Disney’s first theme park in Florida boasts six themed lands – Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

The park is home to famous rides and attractions such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion.

In April 2024, Disney confirmed plans for “probably the largest expansion ever” at Magic Kingdom. The project is named ‘Beyond Big Thunder’ because it will expand the park into a wooded area behind the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction.

Until 2022, Sesame Place was the only theme park in the US dedicated to the award-winning TV show Sesame Street. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 14-acre attraction features more than 28 rides, shows, games and activities.

SeaWorld has been Sesame Workshop’s exclusive theme park partner in the US since the launch of Sesame Place in 1980.

This dino-themed park is also referred to as China Dinosaurs Land. Opened back in September 2000, the site is brimming with thrilling rides, prehistoric-themed attractions, and a museum.

In 2019, Super 78 launched an immersive dark ride called Dino Tour at the park. In the same year, China Dinosaurs Park welcomed 4.4 million guests, making it one of the top theme parks in the world in terms of attendance.

Tokyo Disneyland, part of Tokyo Disney Resort, opened in April 1983. Spread across an area of 51 hectares, Tokyo Disneyland is divided into seven themed lands. The largest expansion in the park’s history launched in September 2020 and covers Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Toontown. Space Mountain is now being transformed in a $408 million project.

In 2019, 17.9 million people visited Tokyo Disneyland.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, is home to rides, attractions and shows across six immersive lands and 1.65 million square feet.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi first welcomed guests in 2018, offering an immersive experience that brings to life some of the company’s most popular characters. The WB Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel, was opened on Yas Island by operator Miral in 2021.

In 2022, Miral announced a new Harry Potter-themed land for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, a first in the Middle East.

Chimelong Paradise, owned by the Chimelong Group, was founded by Su Zhigang in 2006 as the company’s first theme park. It’s just one element of Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort. Additional offerings include Chimelong Water Park, Chimelong Safari and International Circus.

The park welcomed 4.9 million guests in 2019.

Six Flags Great America, which made its debut in 1976, can be found between Chicago and Milwaukee. The theme park is home to 17 roller coasters, a 20-acre Hurricane Harbor water park and more than 30 family-friendly rides.

Six Flags has owned and operated the park since 1984. It was originally opened as Marriott’s Great America. Six Flags Great America launched a new DC Universe area in 2022. The water park opened an innovative water coaster called Tsunami Surge in 2021.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a top European-themed park featuring world-class coasters, thrill rides, family-friendly attractions and entertainment.

Pantheon, the fastest multi-launch coaster in North America, debuted in March 2022. The Intamin ride joins the Verbolten launch coaster and Griffon, the world’s tallest dive coaster. Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened to the public in 1975.

In 2023, the world’s first all-indoor straddle coaster, called DarKoaster, opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Situated on 150 acres in New York’s Hudson Valley, Legoland New York opened in 2021 and is the third Legoland theme park in the US. It features seven themed lands with 15,000 Lego models made from 30 million Lego bricks. Legoland New York Resort also includes the Legoland Hotel.

The park is home to the exclusive and state-of-the-art Lego Factory Adventure Ride, created in partnership with Holovis and ETF Ride Systems.

Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando is owned and operated by Comcast NBCUniversal. It is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, 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 theme park, which opened in June 1990, will soon be joined at Universal Orlando by Epic Universe. Universal’s largest theme park to date will include a theme park, as well as three hotels, shops and F&B.

Paultons Park is found on the edge of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, UK. The theme park includes more than 70 rides and attractions, from thrill rides and coasters to family-friendly attractions and play areas. It also features the only Peppa Pig World in the UK.

Paultons Park has been owned and run by the Mancey family since it opened its gates in 1983. In 2021, it launched a multi-million pound land called Tornado Springs, which offers eight rides and experiences. The £1.5m Farmyard Flyer, an aeroplane-themed coaster for younger visitors, opened in 2022.

Created in 1978, Puy du Fou is a unique concept in our compilation of the top theme parks in the world. The historical theme park in Les Epesses, France started life as a standalone performance called Le Cinéscénie. Now home to world-class shows and immersive experiences, Puy du Fou features four period villages, six themed hotels and 22 restaurants.

Puy du Fou España opened in Toledo in 2019. The group is also opening a new show called Saga in Shanghai, and developing a new park in China. Additionally, Puy du Fou is creating a walk-through show about Cherokee history in Tennessee, and is looking for its first UK site. Its latest project to be announced is a new museum in Cambodia called ‘Immersive Angkor’

Zhengzhou Fantawild Adventure is one of the parks on offer at Zhengzhou Fantawild Resort in China. It opened in 2012 and is owned by Fantawild Holdings, a culture and technology theme park developer and operator.

In 2019, the theme park hosted more than 3.8 million visitors.

Launched in 1976, Everland is based in Seoul, South Korea. It is the country’s largest theme park, with five themed zones – Global Fair, ZooTopia, European Adventure, Magic Land and American Adventure. Everland also features a water park called Caribbean Bay.

In 2019, 6.6 million people visited the attraction.

Opened in 2016 as part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, Motiongate Dubai is the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East. Home to 29 rides and attractions, Motiongate Dubai covers 1.9 million square feet. It boasts four zones, which are Lionsgate, Smurfs, DreamWorks Animation and Columbia Pictures.

The Lionsgate zone has expanded to include two new roller coasters based on John Wick and Now You See Me.

Operated by Disney’s theme parks division and the Shanghai Shendi Group, Shanghai Disneyland opened to the public in June 2016. The destination is located in Pudong and is part of Shanghai Disney Resort.

Additional offerings at the Chinese resort include the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, and the Disneytown shopping and dining district. Shanghai Disneyland has expanded with its eighth themed land, an immersive Zootopia zone.

Six Flags Great Adventure is a 510-acre destination in New Jersey. This top theme park is home to the Jersey Devil Coaster – the longest, fastest and tallest single-rail roller coaster in the world.

Opened in 1974, the Six Flags location features award-winning rides such as Kingda Ka, El Toro, Nitro and Zumanjaro: Drop of Doom. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the largest water parks in the Northeastern United States, offering more than 25 attractions.

Located in the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-style park with 40 rides and attractions. It also includes world-class festivals and events. Silver Dollar City opened on 1 May 1960. 

Record-breaking coasters are on offer at the park, aquatic attractions can be found at White Water, and cruises are available aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Fire in the Hole, the largest indoor family coaster in the Midwest, opened at Silver Dollar City in April 2024.

Opened in October 1982 at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot features various attractions, shows and performances.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a family-friendly roller coaster opened at Epcot in 2022. Part of the theme park’s ongoing transformation, it is Epcot’s first coaster, and boasts the first reverse launch for a Disney coaster. New attractions at Epcot also include the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure ride, and the Moana-themed Journey of Water experience.

Since opening in the Netherlands in 1952, Efteling has grown to become one of the largest theme parks in Europe.

In addition to the park, Efteling offers two hotels and two holiday villages. The Dutch theme park is now working on two new projects for 2024 – the Efteling Grand Hotel and the upcoming Danse Macabre attraction.

Efteling welcomed 5.43 million visitors in 2022 – the highest number of guests in its 70-year history.

Legoland Billund in Denmark is the world’s first Legoland theme park, opened to the public in 1968. It started out as a train ride circling the first-ever Miniland, which is now a key feature at all nine Legoland parks.

In 2021, Legoland Billund opened the Lego Movie World expansion, which boasts three rides, including the first flying theatre attraction in Scandinavia. Operated by Merlin Entertainments, the park enjoyed nearly two million visitors in 2019.

Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea, is operated by Lotte Group. The theme park’s indoor area, Lotte World Adventure, offers family rides and attractions. The outdoor element, Magic Island, is home to thrill rides and roller coasters.

Legacy Entertainment celebrated a 10-year partnership with Lotte World in September 2021. The new 25-acre Lotte World opened in Busan in 2022.

Located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is a 310-acre theme park with seven themed lands and three hotels. It was opened in 2005 and is owned and managed by Hong Kong International Theme Parks.

In 2019, pre-Covid, it attracted 5,695,000 guests. Seven themed lands form Hong Kong Disneyland, which is still one of the world’s top theme parks, despite being Disney’s smallest.

Hong Kong Disneyland’s ‘World of Frozen’ land opened in November 2023. The world’s first Frozen-themed land includes two new attractions – Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.

Beto Carrero World – the largest theme park in Latin America – is separated into nine themed areas. Opened in 1991, the park is home to more than 100 attractions, from thrill rides and coasters to live shows and amusement rides.

Its latest addition, in partnership with Hasbro, is the first-ever Nerf-themed land. Nerf Mania is a 14,000-square-metre space offering family-friendly rides, a themed restaurant and a Nerf shop.

Beto Carrero World is located in Penha, a municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The attraction welcomed 2,241,000 guests in 2019.

Part of Legoland Malaysia Resort, this theme park boasts more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions for families and kids.

Legoland Malaysia is made up of eight themed lands, from Lego City to Lego Ninjago World. It opened in September 2012. Other offerings at the resort are Legoland Water Park and a Sea Life aquarium.

Home to over 40 rides and attractions, including 12 roller coasters and the seven-acre Hurricane Harbor water park, Six Flags Over Georgia opened in 1967. The park’s renovated triple looping coaster, the Riddler Mindbender, debuted in 2021.

Nearby, Six Flags White Water boasts more than 24 state-of-the-art waterslides.

SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas offers animal encounters, rides and attractions across 416 acres. The park opened in 1988 and is owned and operated by United Parks & Resorts, formerly SeaWorld Entertainment. Highlights include Texas Stingray – the tallest, fastest and longest wooden coaster in Texas.

The world’s tallest and fastest ‘screaming swing’ ride, Tidal Surge, launched in 2022. 

Home to more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, Kings Island in Mason, Ohio is another park in Cedar Fair’s portfolio. Guests can ride 15 roller coasters, including the world’s longest wooden coaster, The Beast, which broke its own record in 2022.

Other coasters at the 364-acre amusement park include Banshee, Diamondback and Mystic Timbers. Meanwhile, Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park houses more than 50 attractions, including 36 waterslides. 

Part of Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland opened as the original Disney theme park in July 1955. It is indisputably one of the top theme parks in the world and its debut introduced a new concept in family entertainment, launching today’s amusement park industry.

Disneyland’s nine themed lands include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is home to Rise of the Resistance – one of the most ambitious and advanced experiences that Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created. Highlights also include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds and Splash Mountain.

The proposed DisneylandForward expansion was approved by Anaheim City Council in April 2024.

Chessington World of Adventures, part of the Merlin Entertainments family, opened in 1931 as Chessington Zoo. The attraction in Surrey later launched as a theme park and zoo in 1987.

Chessington includes a theme park with more than 40 rides and attractions. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals. Chessington’s new £17m ‘World of Jumanji’ land opened in 2023. The world’s first Jumanji-themed land also boasts the world’s only Jumanji-themed coaster.

Parc Astérix launched in 1989 and was one of the first theme parks to join Compagnie des Alpes. Inspired by the comic book series by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny, the attraction is home to themed attractions, shows and lands.

Parc Astérix has welcomed more than 50 million guests to date. It attracted more than two million visitors in 2019, making it France’s busiest non-Disney theme park.

The park’s €36m ‘Festival Toutatis’ zone, which opened in spring 2023, is anchored by the new record-breaking ‘Toutatis’ roller coaster.

Canada’s Wonderland has been entertaining guests in Ontario since 1981. Located in Vaughan, the amusement park boasts more than 200 attractions, including 17 coasters, two children’s areas, and a 20-acre water park called Splash Works.

Canada’s Wonderland is owned and operated by Cedar Fair, which reported record financial results for 2022.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is a 73-acre marine theme park, opened in 2018 in China. It was developed by the entertainment design company Legacy Entertainment, based in California. More than three million people visited the park annually before the pandemic.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is home to 30,000 marine animals and mammals, as well as pavilions, show venues, rides and attractions.

Ocean Park opened in Hong Kong in January 1977. It is in the process of repositioning itself as a holiday resort and educational destination as part of an HK$6.8bn ($876m) overhaul.

Operated by Ocean Park Corporation, the HK$4bn ($513m) Water World expansion was launched in September 2021. In 2019, 5.7 million people visited Ocean Park, making it one of the top theme parks in the world.

IMG Worlds of Adventure occupies more than 1.5 million square feet in Dubai. It is owned by IMG Group and offers themed lands featuring Cartoon Network and Marvel brands.

Until the launch of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi in 2018, IMG Worlds of Adventure was the world’s largest indoor theme park. The park has roller coasters, thrill rides and family-friendly attractions.

Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is home to 70 rides. These include the family-friendly Snake River Expedition, as well as thrilling coasters such as Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force. Highlights include beach activities, live shows, areas for children and overnight hotels.

Cedar Point, which opened back in 1870, is Cedar Fair’s flagship amusement park. The company is launching a new esports facility at the park and reimagining Top Thrill Dragster, the second-tallest coaster in the world.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie and TV-inspired theme park that brings the magic of Hollywood to life. Opened in 1964, it has remained one of the top theme parks in the world.

The park features world-class rides, attractions and events, including The Simpsons Ride in the Springfield area, Jurassic World – The Ride, and Halloween Horror Nights. The first Super Nintendo World in the US is opened in 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Parks & Resorts is a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

Legoland Windsor in Berkshire is operated by Merlin Entertainments. The theme park offers more than 55 rides and attractions, and the resort includes two hotels.

In 2021, Legoland Windsor launched the £20m Lego Mythica land, which is home to the UK’s first flying theatre ride, Flight of the Sky Lion. Lego Mythica is the biggest investment in the park since it opened to the public in 1996. 

Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark opened in 1843. The amusement park is home to rides, attractions, entertainment, restaurants and gardens. Rides include the Star Flyer, Golden Tower and Vertigo, as well as the Rutschebanen wooden coaster.

In 2019, Tivoli Gardens enjoyed 4.58 million visits. Walt Disney famously travelled to Tivoli Gardens for inspiration.

Disneyland Park is the flagship theme park at the Disneyland Paris resort, which also includes Walt Disney Studios Park, seven themed hotels and the Disney Village.

Disneyland Park opened in France in 1992. It is spread across five themed lands, home to magical shows, rides, attractions and parades. Disneyland Paris celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022. In 2019, the park attracted nearly 10 million visitors.

Previously called Nagashima Spa Land, Nagashima Resort made its debut in 1966. The Kuwana-based attraction boasts roller coasters, thrill rides, family attractions and a water park.

Nearly 6 million people went to the park in 2019, before attendance took a hit amid the pandemic. 

Legoland Japan launched in Nagoya in 2017. It is the first Legoland park in Japan, and was the second to launch in Asia after Legoland Malaysia. Legoland Japan Resort includes a theme park and hotel.

Merlin Entertainments invested around one-third of the funds for this Legoland resort. Family-friendly rides, interactive attractions and Lego experiences are available at the destination.

With shopping, dining and entertainment, Global Village in Dubai is a multicultural festival park. It features 3,500 retail outlets, more than 300 F&B outlets, and 40,000 shows every season.

The destination, which covers 1.6 million square metres, also houses 160 rides, games and arcades. It launched in 1997 with “around 18 kiosks”, according to Bader Anwahi, CEO at Global Village.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas boasts more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. It opened in 1992 and was built on the site of an old limestone quarry. Coasters include Batman: The Ride and Superman Krypton Coaster.

Opened at the theme park in summer 2022 was the world’s steepest dive roller coaster, Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger. It is a custom-designed coaster created by Bolliger & Mabillard. 

The park in San Antonio is opening the world’s first single-rail racing coaster in 2023, as well as a unique esports attraction.

Opened in February 2022, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park is located adjacent to Legoland Florida. Rides include a family-friendly coaster experience for kids called Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, as well as Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, which has accessible ride vehicles.

The new park, operated by Merlin, also offers themed play areas, character shows, an indoor cinema, and lots of ‘muddy puddles’. It is designed to be the ultimate theme park for preschoolers, and is a Certified Autism Center (CAC).

Merlin and Hasbro are opening North America’s second Peppa Pig Theme Park in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2024.

Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia offers 400 acres of family fun, with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, as well as a 20-acre water park, Soak City. This is home to waterslides, wave pools and cabanas.

The park features 13 roller coasters, including Intimidator 305 and Twisted Timbers. Kings Dominion started year-round operations in 2023.

Part of Merlin Entertainments since 2006, Gardaland in Italy features roller coasters, water rides, dark rides and themed attractions across 64 acres. Founded in 1975, Gardaland attracts nearly three million visitors annually.

Resort offerings include the Legoland Water Park, the Sea Life Aquarium and three hotels. In 2022, Gardaland opened the world’s first Jumanji ride, as well as four Jumanji-themed rooms at the Gardaland Hotel.

In 2023, Gardaland is adding a new Jumanji-themed attraction. ‘Jumanji – The Labyrinth’ is based on Sony Pictures’ $2 billion film franchise.

Ningbo Fantawild Oriental Heritage is a technology-driven theme park in Hangzhou Bay New Zone. It launched in 2016 with state-of-the-art offerings such as lasers and special effects.

Fantawild Holdings’ park brands include Fantawild Adventure, Fantawild Dreamland, Fantawild Oriental Heritage and Fantawild Water Park. In 2019, Ningbo Fantawild Oriental Heritage enjoyed more than 3.5 million visitors.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a theme park in Tampa, Florida, owned and operated by SeaWorld. It offers thrill rides, animal encounters and live entertainment. The park, which opened in 1959, is home to nearly 12,000 animals.

The world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi, opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in March 2022. Across the street is the Adventure Island water park. 

Carowinds, also owned and operated by Cedar Fair, boasts more than 60 world-class rides, a water park, live entertainment and special events.

Located in both North Carolina and South Carolina, the 400-acre theme park is home to Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster. The 26-acre water park, Carolina Harbor, has waterslides, wave pools and a three-acre children’s play area.

Legoland California is part of the Legoland California Resort, which also includes the Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Water Park, Legoland Hotel and Legoland Castle Hotel. It is operated by Merlin Entertainments and includes more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, including the new Lego Movie World land.

The theme park, which opened in 1999, includes a cutting-edge Lego Ninjago ride, the Dragon Coaster and Driving School, and more than 30,000 Lego models made from more than 60 million Lego bricks. ‘Lego Ferrari Build and Race’, a new interactive attraction that uses cutting-edge racing technology, opened in 2022. 

Universal Studios Singapore is found at Resorts World Sentosa, an integrated resort (IR) on Sentosa Island. The only Universal park in Southeast Asia is home to 24 rides, shows and attractions.

The site is growing with the addition of both Minion Park and Super Nintendo World, which is part of Genting Singapore’s S$4.5 billion ($2.8bn) expansion of Resorts World Sentosa. In 2019, 4.5 million people visited the theme park.

Launched in January 2009, Happy Valley Chengdu was OCT Group’s third Happy Valley location. It came after theme parks in Beijing and Shenzhen, and is now one of eight Happy Valley attractions and one of the top theme parks in the world.

Before the arrival of the pandemic in 2020, Happy Valley Chengdu attracted more than 3.5 million guests.

Legoland Florida is part of a resort that houses a water park and three themed hotels. It is also adjacent to the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park. Legoland Florida, which launched in 2011, boasts more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

The world’s first Lego Movie World land opened at the park in 2019. Legoland Florida is operated by Merlin, a leader in location-based family entertainment. In 2022, it became the first theme park resort to earn a Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation.

Hersheypark in Pennsylvania was originally created by chocolatier Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of the chocolate factory. Now, the 121-acre theme park boasts more than 50 rides, from thrilling coasters to classic family rides.

The $150m Hershey’s Chocolatetown expansion opened at Hersheypark in 2020. The 23-acre land marked the largest investment in Hershey’s history. It is home to Candymonium, the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster at Hersheypark.

Hersheypark’s new Wildcat’s Revenge wood and steel hybrid coaster is due to open in summer 2023. The original Wildcat was the park’s first coaster.

Also part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, which features Motiongate Dubai and Legoland Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai made its debut in 2016. It is the first theme park of its kind in the world, featuring six immersive zones based on Bollywood films.

Operator DXB Entertainments revealed plans to add 10 new rides to Bollywood Parks Dubai in November 2020.

Six Flags Over Texas, opened in 1961, has over 100 rides, shows and attractions across 10 themed areas. These include world-class coasters such as New Texas Giant and Titan.

Six Flags Over Texas opened a new DC-inspired water coaster in March 2023. Aquaman: Power Wave, the park’s 14th coaster, is manufactured by Mack Rides.

Disney California Adventure joined Disneyland at the resort in California in 2001. It features Cars Land and Pixar Pier, as well as Avengers Campus. The new Marvel land is home to an animatronic Spider-Man flying through the air, and Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy rides.

The park’s Pacific Wharf is now being transformed into San Fransokyo from Disney’s 2014 film Big Hero 6. Since 1955, Disneyland Resort has welcomed more than 800 million guests.

Germany’s Phantasialand opened to the public back in 1967. The family-owned theme park in Brühl attracted more than two million visitors in 2019.

Rides and attractions include the Chiapas log flume and the Maus Au Chocolat dark ride. Coasters include Taron and Raik, as well as the world’s longest flying coaster, called F.L.Y. Phantasialand also features two themed hotels.

Founded as a trolley park in 1898, Kennywood is an amusement park near Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. It boasts thrill rides and classic attractions, including eight coasters, water rides, dark rides and the family-friendly Kiddieland.

Kennywood was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Until it was purchased by Parques Reunidos, Kennywood was a family-owned theme park.

SeaWorld Orlando is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, one of the world’s top theme park and entertainment companies. SeaWorld Orlando, which opened in Florida in 1973, features various rides and roller coasters.

Its latest coaster, Ice Breaker, launched in 2022. In 2023, SeaWorld Orlando is opening Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which has a surfboard-style platform that riders stand on.

SeaWorld’s water park, Aquatica, boasts wave pools and thrilling slides. Discovery Cove is SeaWorld Orlando’s sister theme park.

This Hengqin, Zhuhai-based park, designed by PGAV Destinations, opened to visitors in March 2014. With rides, shows and animal exhibits available across eight themed zones, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is part of Chimelong International Ocean Resort.

The destination is owned by Chimelong Group. It attracted 11.7 million guests in 2019, pre-pandemic. The resort’s second phase involves opening the Zhuhai Chimelong Marine Science Park.

Part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park launched in 2016. With the addition of the region’s first Legoland Hotel, the destination will become Legoland Dubai Resort.

Operated by DXB Entertainments, the water park and theme park boast 60 interactive rides, waterslides, building experiences and shows. The hotel will have more than 1,300 rooms.

Located in California, Knott’s Berry Farm is a popular theme park that started out as a small berry farm. The attraction is now home to world-class roller coasters, family-friendly rides and interactive experiences.

Additional offerings include an 1800s Ghost Town, the Knott’s Soak City Waterpark and Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. The theme park, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, opened in 1920. Knott’s Berry Farm is operated by Cedar Fair.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is part of Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. The theme park opened in 1999 and is home to world-class rides and attractions such as 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 also offers the Volcano Bay water park, Universal Studios Florida, and soon Epic Universe.

Thorpe Park, owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments, opened in 1979. Located in Surrey, the theme park is home to more than 30 rides, including the fastest coaster in the UK. Thorpe Park also features roller coasters inspired by The Walking Dead and SAW.

Additionally, Merlin is planning a new coaster for the attraction, which will be its first since The Swarm launched in 2012.

Walt Disney Studios Park became the second gate at Disneyland Paris in March 2002. Its rides and attractions include the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and a Ratatouille-themed dark ride that has also launched at Epcot in Florida.

Walt Disney Studios Park has started building its new Frozen-inspired land, and the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus expansion launched in 2022.

Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, made its debut in 2001. It features lands and attractions based on Harry Potter IP, as well as Jurassic Park and Minions.

In 2021, Universal Studios Japan became the first Universal park in the world to open a Super Nintendo World. The land is now adding the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed area. In 2019, before the pandemic took its toll on attendance, Universal Studios Japan welcomed 14.5 million visitors. 

Operated by Parque Reunidos since 2007, Parque Warner Madrid in Spain opened in 2002. The attraction was built in partnership with Six Flags and operated as Warner Bros Movie World between 2002 and 2004.

Parque Warner Madrid covers more than 70 hectares. It offers 34 attractions, 10 shops and 28 F&B outlets. Warner Beach, an adjacent water park, opened in 2014. It is the first Warner Bros.-themed water park in the world.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Rides include Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre 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.

Six Flags America can be found near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Featuring more than 100 rides, games, shows and attractions, the Six Flags park is also home to the Hurricane Harbor water park.

Its latest attraction, Harley Quinn Spinsanity, launched in 2021. The giant pendulum ride reaches speeds of up to 70mph. The park opened back in 1974.

Window of the World was a joint collaboration between China Tourism Group and OCT Group. The park in Shenzhen, China features eight lands. Attractions include shows, rides and recreations of famous global locations.

In 2019, close to four million visitors walked through the gates.

Opened in September 2001, Tokyo DisneySea is Tokyo Disney Resort’s second park. The 49-hectare attraction boasts seven themed ports, all offering rides, entertainment, shopping and F&B.

Tokyo DisneySea’s eighth port, Fantasy Springs, is launching in spring 2024 with three themed areas based on Frozen, Peter Pan and Tangled. Rapunzel’s Tower, Neverland and Arendelle Castle will all feature. One of the top theme parks in the world, Tokyo DisneySea attracted a whopping 14.6 million guests in 2019.

Dollywood, a 160-acre theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is owned by both Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. Opened in 1986, the attraction is home to award-winning shows, as well as 40 world-class rides and attractions.

Dollywood’s new Big Bear Mountain roller coaster and the HeartSong Lodge & Resort are nearing completion. These projects are part of Dollywood’s $500m expansion plans.

Situated on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, Warner Bros. Movie World has attracted millions of visitors since it opened in 1991. The theme park boasts rides, roller coasters, parades and attractions.

The biggest individual theme park attraction ever built on the Gold Coast, called the DC Rivals HyperCoaster, launched in 2017. It is the longest, highest and fastest coaster in the Southern Hemisphere. Warner Bros. Movie World is operated by Village Roadshow Theme Parks.

In 2022, the park announced the world’s first The Wizard of Oz-themed area with two family-friendly rides. Opening in 2024, the zone will include a suspended coaster.

Heide Park can be found in Soltau. North Germany’s largest amusement park was founded in 1978 by Hans-Jürgen Tiemann on the site of a former wildlife park.

Now owned by Merlin, Heide Park welcomed 1.7 million guests in 2019. Thrill rides include Colossos – Kampf der Giganten, Flug der Dämonen, Scream, Krake, Limit, Desert Race and Big Loop. Family-friendly experiences include Peppa Pig Land.

Another SeaWorld theme park is Sesame Place San Diego, which opened to the public in 2022. The first Sesame Place location on the West Coast houses18 family-friendly rides and attractions.

The 17-acre park features an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood with the iconic 123 Stoop, as well as an award-winning parade, family-friendly roller coaster, wave pool and lazy river.

Puy du Fou España launched with the ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ nighttime show in 2019. The full 30-hectare park debuted in 2021 with four daytime shows inspired by Spanish history, as well as four period villages.

The shows feature spectacular sets and impressive special effects and stunts. The ‘El Sueño de Toledo’ show takes audiences through 1,500 years of history.

Escape Penang in Malaysia is an adventure theme park, home to climbing zones, zip lines, obstacle courses and waterslides in a natural setting. It is owned and operated by Sim Leisure Group, a Malaysian-owned theme park and leisure company.

In 2022, Escape Penang opened two new attractions to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Malaysia’s first ski slope and the ‘Dead Sea Pool’ experience. Also in 2022, the park launched the world’s longest zip coaster.

Additionally, Sim Leisure Group runs Escape Challenge in Petaling Jaya, which opened in 2020.

Futuroscope was the first amusement park to open in France in 1987. The venue welcomes nearly 2 million visitors every year and features more than 40 attractions. The park’s first roller coaster, Objectif Mars, opened in 2020. Additional offerings include Futuropolis, a city of the future for children.

Futuroscope became part of Compagnie des Alpes in 2011. Futuroscope’s second theme park, known as Futuroscope 2, is set to launch in 2025.

Sea World, operated by Village Roadshow Theme Parks, is Australia’s leading marine park. It covers 55 acres of land on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Opened in 1971, Sea World offers animal interactions with dolphins, seals and sharks, as well as animal exhibits, rides, and presentations and shows. Village Roadshow also operates Wet ‘n’ Wild, Paradise Country and the Australian Outback Spectacular.

Ghibli Park, the world’s first theme park dedicated to Studio Ghibli, made its debut in November 2022. The unique destination in Aichi, Japan is based on anime classics such as Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke.

Ghibli Park is divided into five themed areas, three of which are now open. These are Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. The two remaining areas, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches, will launch in fall 2023 and March 2024, respectively.

Unlike theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan, the $323 million Ghibli Park has no rides or coasters.