As global tourism rebounds from the pandemic, theme parks are experiencing remarkable growth. The World Economic Outlook Report reveals a 3% increase in 2023 and a 2.9% rise in 2024 for the sector.
The Theme Index Report by TEA and AECOM highlights Disney's dominance, with eight of the top ten most-visited parks operated by the entertainment giant. Theme park attendance surged 23% in 2023, reaching over 240 million visitors. Notably, Chinese parks saw dramatic increases due to eased COVID-19 restrictions, with Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Shanghai Disneyland seeing substantial boosts.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi also entered the top 25, reflecting the rising appeal of Middle Eastern attractions. List of most-visited theme parks in the world Rank Theme park Location Attendance (in millions) 1 Disney's Magic Kingdom Orlando, Florida, USA 18 2 Disneyland Park Anaheim, California, USA 17 3 Universal Studios Japan Osaka, Japan 16 4 Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo, Japan 15 5 Shanghai Disneyland Shanghai, China 14 6 Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Zhuhai, China 13 7 Tokyo DisneySea Tokyo, Japan 12.
4 8 EPCOT Orlando, Florida, USA 12 9 Disneyland Paris Marne-la-Vallee, France 10.4 10 Disney's Hollywood Studios Orlando, Florida, USA 10.3 World’s top ten theme parks Disney's Magic Kingdom Location: Orlando, Florida, USA Attendance: 18 million Disney's Magic Kingdom, the crown jewel of Disney theme parks, is renowned for its enchanting experiences and iconic Cinderella Castle.
Visitors are drawn to its classic attractions, such as Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. As the most-visited theme park globally, Magic Kingdom offers a blend of timeless charm and magical moments. Disneyland Park Location: Anaheim, California, USA Attendance: 17 million Disneyland Park, often called "The Happiest Place on Earth," features a variety of themed lands including Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
Celebrated for its rich history and innovation, Disneyland Park was the original Disney park, introduced by Walt Disney in 1955. Its attractions, such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the original It's a Small World ride, continue to captivate visitors. Universal Studios Japan Location: Osaka, Japan Attendance: 16 million Universal Studios Japan brings Hollywood magic to Osaka, featuring thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows.
Highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which immerses guests in J.K. Rowling’s magical universe, and attractions based on franchises like Jurassic Park and Minions.
The park is known for its dynamic entertainment and cutting-edge attractions. Tokyo Disneyland Location: Tokyo, Japan Attendance : 15 million Tokyo Disneyland offers a unique blend of Disney magic with a Japanese twist. Celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and cultural integration, the park features beloved attractions like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Tokyo Disneyland, along with its sister park, Tokyo DisneySea, is a cornerstone of Disney’s international expansion. Shanghai Disneyland Location: Shanghai, China Attendance: 14 million Shanghai Disneyland combines traditional Disney charm with Chinese cultural elements. The park’s notable features include the impressive Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle in the world, and innovative attractions such as the TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
Shanghai Disneyland represents Disney's latest innovation in theme park design. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Location : Zhuhai, China Attendance : 13 million Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is one of the largest marine-themed parks in the world. It offers a blend of oceanic experiences and thrilling rides, including the park’s signature roller coaster, the King Cobra.
The park’s extensive aquariums, dolphin shows, and animal exhibits make it a top destination for family entertainment. Tokyo DisneySea Location: Tokyo, Japan Attendance: 12.4 million Tokyo DisneySea offers a unique experience with its nautical-themed attractions.
The park’s distinct appeal lies in its elaborately themed ports of call, such as Mediterranean Harbor and Mysterious Island. Tokyo DisneySea is known for its sophisticated theming and captivating rides, including the Journey to the Center of the Earth and Indiana Jones Adventure. EPCOT Location : Orlando, Florida, USA Attendance : 12 million EPCOT, standing for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, is renowned for its focus on technology, culture, and innovation.
The park features two main sections: Future World, with attractions like Spaceship Earth, and World Showcase, which includes pavilions representing various countries. EPCOT’s educational and cultural experiences make it a unique Disney park. Disneyland Paris Location: Marne-la-Vallee, France Attendance: 10.
4 million Disneyland Paris, also known as Euro Disney, offers a European twist on Disney magic. The park includes Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, featuring classic Disney attractions alongside unique European-themed elements. Highlights include Sleeping Beauty Castle and popular rides like Space Mountain: Mission 2.
Disney's Hollywood Studios Location : Orlando, Florida, USA Attendance : 10.3 million Disney’s Hollywood Studios focuses on movies, television, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy attractions based on popular franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, and Toy Story.
Key highlights include the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. The park’s immersive experiences and live shows cater to fans of film and television. Also read: The inspiring histories of world famous American businesses.
