These Are the Most-visited Theme Parks in the World, According to a New Study

A recent study conducted by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM revealed the most visited theme parks in the world. And the list contains regional gems and world-renowned favorites alike, including Disney and Universal Parks.

Each year, the index recognizes the top theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, and museums across the globe. And one thing’s for sure: theme park fans are visiting in record numbers. The top 25 theme parks worldwide received 244.6 million visitors in 2023, up from 198.7 million in 2022.

From Epcot at Walt Disney World to Universal Studios Japan, here is a breakdown of the 10 most-visited theme parks in the world.

1. Magic Kingdom Theme Park

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

The most visited (and photographed) castle park happens to be “the most magical place on Earth.” Here, Disney fans can live out the familiar fairy tales of their childhood aboard classic attractions, like Peter Pan’s Flight. After a stroll down picturesque Main Street, U.S.A., or a Dole whip float, Disney’s most famous attractions await, like the 999 happy haunts of Haunted Mansion and thrilling Space Mountain. The park particularly comes alive during the holidays with the addition of stunning decor during the Halloween and Christmas seasons.

2. Disneyland Park

Anaheim, California

Walt Disney’s original park raised the bar for themed entertainment as we know it today. Disney’s masterpiece maintains its charm with iconic Main Street, U.S.A., and classic attractions like Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. As the industry leader, it holds its history close while also pushing the envelope, like with pioneering Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will use the latest in audio-animatronics for an unprecedented level of immersive storytelling.

3. Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan

The first Universal Studios to open outside of the U.S., the park brings to Asia some familiar attractions as well as unique rides that can only be found here. Of its various lands, its most popular includes a version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the world’s first Super Nintendo World, which would later be replicated at Universal Studios Hollywood and at the upcoming Epic Universe. It’s also home to the last remaining version of an attraction based on Jaws, a thrilling boat ride through the fictional coastal town of Amity Island.

4. Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo

Tokyo Disneyland is a unique partnership between Disney and Oriental Land Company that’s similar to other castle parks, like Disneyland in Anaheim. But here, boundaries have been pushed with the latest advancements and some of the biggest budget attractions ever created. One of its newest attractions, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, is a breathtaking trackless dark ride based on the animated film. Classic attractions can also be found, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. Tokyo Disneyland Resort is known for its wide range of unique snacks, like inventive flavors of popcorn, melon bread, and various buns.

5. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai

Disney’s newest theme park resort property, Shanghai Disneyland, opened in 2016 and features the largest Disney castle ever created, the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Tapping into culture, the park is centered around a collection of Chinese zodiac gardens. Instead of Main Street, U.S.A., parkgoers enter Mickey Avenue, inspired by Disney’s most famous characters and films. Of its unique attractions, Voyage To The Crystal Grotto is the first ride ever to take guests into a castle while Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure is the most advanced version of the classic attraction.

6. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom

Zhuhai, China

Considered the world’s largest ocean theme park, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is a must for nature lovers. With many record-breaking facilities, including the largest aquarium window and the largest underwater viewing dome, it houses dozens of species of animals from the land and sea. The park is a mix of traditional marine parks and amusement parks, with several animal exhibits, themed lands, live shows, and rides. A favorite of visitors is Polar Bear Village, which is home to the fascinating creatures set amongst snow and ice. Impressively, the park has received multiple Guinness World Records, including its recognition for over 75 million liters of water tanks making it the world’s largest aquarium.

7. Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo

Known as the crown jewel of Disney parks globally, the mouse pulled out all of the stops for Tokyo DisneySea. Centered around a towering mock volcano that erupts with a thunderous roar periodically, it’s recognized for Walt Disney Imagineering’s high levels of thematic design and attention to detail. The park’s theme embraces nautical and exploration, and it’s divided into eight lands, known as ports of call. Unique attractions abound, like the Jules Verne-themed Journey To The Center of the Earth. Its newest land, Fantasy Springs, opened this summer and features the most technologically advanced version of a Peter Pan attraction alongside rides themed to “Frozen” and “Tangled.” This is also the home of Duffy & Friends, a beloved group of Disney characters that has exploded in fandom throughout Asia.

8. Epcot

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

The product of Walt Disney’s ambitious vision, Epcot is a celebration of the past, present, and humanity’s amazing achievement across industries. It’s centered by the unique World Showcase, a sort of World’s Fair-esque land that depicts the culture and traditions of 11 global nations. The park is home to a myriad of fan favorite attractions, including Frozen Ever After and one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Disney flexes its culinary muscles with a number of award-winning annual Food & Wine festivals that up the ante of the park’s already eclectic (and delicious) offerings.

9. Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris

Marne-La-Vallee, France

As one of Disney’s most scenically beautiful parks, the magic of Mickey is given a distinctive French twist. Here, you can sip champagne on Main Street beside towering Sleeping Beauty Castle before indulging in local treats, like a croque monsieur. Iconic attractions can be found here, like Big Thunder Mountain, as well as twists on familiar favorites, like a unique version of Haunted Mansion known as Phantom Manor. The park is attached to the newly reimagined Disneyland Hotel making for a truly unique theme park vacation.

10. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney World’s third theme park has evolved throughout the years — including a name change — but its heart remains the same as a celebration of the greatest films of our time and the allure of old school Tinseltown. Here, you’ll find some of Disney’s most iconic attractions, like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, as well as the groundbreaking Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, home to the never-before-seen near 20-minute long Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. It’s a favorite for kids with an entire whimsical land dedicated to “Toy Story.”