12 Most Visited Theme Parks in the World

Nothing beats the feeling of taking those first steps through the theme park gates. That sense of nostalgia, wonder, and anticipation really gets your adrenaline going, and that’s before you’ve even set foot on a rollercoaster! 

It’s probably why tens of millions of people visit theme parks across the globe every year for decades. Bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever before, theme parks are growing and astounding visitors with the latest technologies and innovations, offering unparalleled experiences for all ages. New theme parks are always on the horizon—we’re looking at you, Universal Epic Universe—and promise even more adventures for 2025 and beyond.  

For inspiration on your next theme park adventure, here’s a run-down of the top 12 most visited theme parks in the world according to the latest data available...

1. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida, USA 

With over 17.7 million visitors in 2023, Magic Kingdom dominates the list, cementing its long-standing reputation as the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’. Full of iconic attractions like It’s a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll also find state-of-the-art rides such as the latest thrilling addition, TRON Lightcycle/Run, a high-speed roller coaster that careers through the darkness of the Grid—a world of no horizons from the Disney sci-fi movie, TRON. 

And with the recent announcement of a new Villains Land being constructed, things are about to be shaken up in a big way for your next Orlando holiday! 

2. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California, USA 

The OG. Since its opening day in 1955, Disneyland Park has welcomed more than 800 million visitors and is thriving more than ever with an impressive number two spot in the world. A favourite with young families, foodies, and fans of Star Wars and Disney films, Disneyland perfectly blends uplifting nostalgia and immersive storytelling with up-to-date rides and attractions to create a magical experience for all. 

Ambitious plans for future expansion over the next two decades are set to keep the whole Disney Resort firmly in the forefront of theme park greatness, including a third park and fifteen new attractions and shows. Watch this space! 

3. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan 

Sixteen million people flocked to Universal Studios Japan in 2023, not least in part because of its newest land, Super Nintendo World, which opened in 2020 and was the first of its kind. This totally immersive area of the park features pioneering rides and experiences based around the world’s most famous plumber, Mario, where you can jump, punch yellow blocks, and collect digital coins with your Power Up band in the colourful dreamscape that is the Mushroom Kingdom. 

With other iconic lands such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park, Universal Studios Japan is the ideal destination for gamers and roller coaster enthusiasts seeking a unique theme park holiday.

 

4. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan 

While you’re in Japan’s bustling capital, it would be remiss not to visit the flagship theme park at Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disneyland has been a popular destination since its opening in 1983 and welcomed more than 15 million visitors in 2023 alone. 

The park spans 126 acres and features more than 40 attractions across seven themed lands: the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, and three new additions as of 2020 include Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. 

With all the charm and excitement of its American counterparts, Tokyo Disneyland promises a world of classic rides, iconic shows, exciting restaurants, and great shopping!  

5. Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai, China 

Shanghai Disneyland only opened in 2016 and is the first Disney destination in mainland China, quickly becoming one of the world’s top theme parks. The park features eight incredible areas: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, Gardens of Imagination, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove, and the newest addition: Zootopia. 

Zootopia is the first land of its kind in a Disney Park and boasts the country’s first trackless ride system in the exhilarating Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. This family-friendly attraction takes you on a wild police chase through the dark amid vibrant landscapes from the movie, and features state-of-the-art audio animatronics to add to the immersive experience.  

6. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Zhuhai, China 

You may not be familiar with this world-beating marine-themed park destination, but it attracted more than 12.5 million visitors in 2023 and is growing by the year. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom has been in operation since 2014 and comprises rides, shows, and animal exhibits over eight themed sections that represent a part of the ocean including Dolphin Cove, Amazing Amazon, and Polar Horizon. 

There are plenty of family-friendly rides and roller coasters to explore, plus a host of brilliant animal-themed shows in its theatres and a 5-D cinema. You can also see a range of animals up close like penguins, Chinese white dolphins, polar bears, walruses, and sea lions. Not only that, the recently launched Chimelong Spaceship has already broken the record for being the largest indoor theme park in the world and playing host to the world’s largest aquarium! 

7. Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo, Japan 

This nautical-themed offering is set within the Tokyo Disney Resort and sister park to Tokyo Disneyland but features a slightly different set-up. Instead of ‘lands’, the park is uniquely laid out across eight ports, which include Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, and the new Fantasy Springs, with magical areas dedicated to Frozen, Rapunzel, and Peter Pan. 

Navigating between ports is easy using the DisneySea Transit Steamer or the efficient monorail system, and the park is home to a wide variety of rides, attractions, and shows that appeal to all ages. In true Disney style, you’ll still find many of your old favourites here such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Tower of Terror! 

8. EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA 

Little introduction is needed to this epic theme park, centred by the instantly recognisable sphere that holds the Spaceship Earth ride, EPCOT is geared towards innovation and imagination, attracting almost 12 million park-goers in 2023.  

Opening in 1982 and undergoing huge transformations in that time, EPCOT is home to loads of great attractions, themed festivals, international gastronomy, and live entertainment, making it one of Walt Disney World Resort's most beloved parks. 

In 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened as EPCOT’s first-ever roller coaster, while Moana fans delighted in the beautiful Journey of Water walk-through attraction, inspired by the Hawaiian heroine herself. 

9. Disneyland Park, Disneyland Paris, France 

Europe’s entry into the top 12 list is the iconic Disneyland Park—formerly Euro Disney—that opened in 1992 and spans across five themed lands including Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Discoveryland, and Main Street U.S.A, with all the amazing rides, attractions, parades, and shopping and dining options we know and love.  

As the closest Disney Park to the UK, it’s a great choice for a long weekend break as you can hop on the Eurostar train from London and be there hanging out with your favourite Disney characters within just a few hours! 

10. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA 

The ever-growing Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still drawing in crowds of over 10 million people per year, even as it approaches its fortieth birthday. What makes it so special is its mix of classic rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and the excellent Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a massive park expansion in 2019 that brought with it two colossal rides—Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.  

With a new Monsters Inc.-inspired land due to begin construction in 2025, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this awesome park! 

11. Universal Islands of Adventure, Florida, USA 

Making up one third of Universal Orlando Resort alongside its big sister, Universal Studios, and water park, Volcano Bay, this theme park needs to be on the checklist for the thrill-seekers in your party.  

Home to some of the most adrenaline-charged rides in Orlando, Universal Islands of Adventure boasts the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and many more. It’s no wonder that 10 million muggles visited in 2023 alone! 

12. Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, California, USA 

The younger sibling to the original Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure opened in 2001 and offers all the heartwarming Disney fun you’d expect but is geared towards older kids and teens with a focus on popular Pixar and Marvel movies.  

Its Avengers Campus was launched in 2021 and features an interactive Spider-Man ride and cutting-edge technology to provide an immersive experience for all. Work is well underway for some new themed experiences at the park too, including Avatar, Coco, and more Marvel-inspired attractions to look forward to! 

In May 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will be joined by a fourth park, Universal Epic Universe, which says it all in the name! Set to elevate your Universal Parks experience to epic proportions, this new destination combines five areas that include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo, and How to Train Your Dragon, plus two more immersive worlds. Are you ready? We are! 



With the Magic Kingdom firmly in the top spot year after year, there’s no better reason to get your Orlando holiday booked up today!