Top 20 Best Theme Parks in the World

A day at the amusement park is a guaranteed good time, unless you happen to run into unexpected bad weather. Dubais IMG Worlds of Adventure circumvents this issue entirely, thanks to being located entirely indoors. Since opening in 2016, theyve quickly expanded their offerings, with dozens of stores and rides to explore. Step inside and let yourself be whisked away to six different sections teeming with world-class attractions. Whether you want to channel your inner hero in the Marvel section or become immersed in a digital universe filled with your favorites from Cartoon Networks classic line-up, theres something here for everybody to enjoy. So if you ever get the chance, dont pass up the opportunity to visit your inner child will thank you.

Before Alton Towers officially became a theme park in 1980, it served as a publicly-available country estate for over a century. Over time, the balloon festivals and clowns expanded into one of Englands most beloved carnivals. It houses eleven jam-packed sections and even a water park, with some truly mind-bending rides that will appease even the most staunch thrill-seekers. If traditional thrills arent your speed, dont worry they have plenty of festivals and shows to attend as well. They even play into their own history, with guests being able to view the grave of the developer or delve inside the ruins of the once-grandiose home.

This is a movie-lovers paradise. With plenty of opportunities to involve oneself in the world of the silver screen, its clear to see why Universal Studios Hollywood is still considered the entertainment capital of Los Angeles. Guests get the privilege of diving into their favorite flicks and experiencing the stories they loved watching in real life, with thrilling rides, shows, and cuisine to enjoy. They can even get a peek behind the curtain with an interactive tour of the backlot, getting an inside look into how some of the industrys most iconic films were created. If youre not on the West Coast, dont worry Universal Studios Florida has everything you need and more to live out your movie-star dreams!

Come for the gorgeous array of flowers and stay for a day full of fun for the family. Opened in 1976, South Koreas largest theme park has no shortage of options for people of all ages. Stroll down to Zootopia to marvel at a vast variety of animals, including the lion-tiger hybrid called a liger, and even an elephant that mimics speech. If youre looking for a thrill, then Magic Lands selection of roller coasters and other fast-paced rides will be more than enough to scratch that itch. What truly sets it apart from the rest is its annual tulip festival where they put over a million blossoms on display and in recent years, it has also featured Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty.

This Florida-based park is the perfect outing for the environmentalist in your life. Since opening in 1998, this largest theme park in the world has been a champion for those fighting for the conservation of endangered species and nature as a whole. With several sections dedicated to both real and fictional lands, its the perfect blend of escapism and reality. The crown jewel is the Kilimanjaro Safari, where guests can get a glimpse at some of the 2,000 animals that freely wander through replicas of their original habitats. Dont worry, though theres still plenty of intense rides to keep you entertained the entire day. If you come here, youre guaranteed to leave with a smile and a newfound appreciation for the world around you.

#15: Tivoli Gardens

Opened in Denmark in 1843, its one of the oldest amusement parks still in operation today, and its easy to see why people keep coming back. Originally, it was designed to distract everyday people from their political woes. More than 180 years later, its still succeeding in its mission. If their selection of exciting rides including one of the worlds first roller coasters doesnt take your breath away, then the live entertainment certainly will. From pantomime to pop, they have performances suited to any and every taste. No matter how much they continue to evolve, they still stay true to their traditional appearance and values which has ensured that long-time fans and first-time visitors will both leave happy at the end of the day.

It may not be the biggest the world has to offer, but that doesnt make it any less exciting. Based on a comic series by the same name, Parc Astérix is 83 acres of pure bliss. Since opening their gates in 1989, theyve been dedicated to maintaining their cartoon aesthetic. The result is a series of attractions that are just as fun to look at as they are to experience. Theyve also become known for their dedication to showcasing different cultures through various rides, from Ancient Egyptians to the Gauls of the Iron Age. Coming here gives you the opportunity to learn something new and make memories that will last a lifetime. Who could ask for anything more?

Theres a reason its been one of Europes most beloved fairgrounds since it first opened its gates back in 1995. Spains PortAventura Park located inside a much larger resort of the same name is known worldwide for their dedication to flawless entertainment and attractions. Theyve won several awards for their shows, and have broken nationwide and even global records for the sheer height and speed of their rides. Theyre scattered throughout the locations six different areas, each one stylized after different civilizations. So whether you want to go back in time to the Wild West or wander the streets of Polynesia, then this is the place for you.

Dont let the name and theme fool you. Despite being centered around a variety of traditional recreations of European villages, this Virginia-based park is home to just under a dozen of some of the most intense roller coasters youll ever experience, along with a bevy of slightly tamer history-inspired rides. They serve as the perfect juxtaposition to the live entertainment they offer, many of which are inspired by the glitz and glam of Broadway productions. They even have wildlife reserves but their Tampa Bay location offers an even more exotic array of animals to observe and enjoy. No matter your age or propensity to thrills, theres something here for everyone to enjoy.

One of Americas most fabulous celebrities deserves a location of the same caliber. Co-owned and centered around the icon Dolly Parton, this Tennessee fairground is the perfect tribute to her and her home state. In 1986, she used her magic touch to transform an existing park into Dollywood, and the rest is history. There are eleven different sections to explore, with several of them being dedicated to the beauty and history found in Appalachia. Its also home to the United States first winged roller coaster, which is nestled amongst a variety of unique rides that will have you wanting to come back again and again. Much like the slogan suggests, youll Love Every Moment youre here, and then some.

This is where all the magic began. What started out as simple visiting ground for Walt Disneys studios quickly spiraled into one of the most iconic theme parks in the world. Since opening in 1955, its entertained millions of guests from all around the globe. Each attraction is inspired by an iconic movie from the studios catalog, which are all infused with the perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement. If rides arent your thing, then dont worry their parades, fireworks shows, delicious food, and appearances from your favorite Disney characters will be more than enough to keep you satisfied. Its completely earned the reputation of being the happiest place on Earth, and we dont see that changing anytime soon.

It may be brand new, but its already cemented itself as one of the most captivating fairgrounds in the world. Universal is known for their interactive experiences, but their latest offering, the Epic Universe, takes it to a whole new level. Theyve hand-selected a series of properties from classic cinema to modern-day video games. Entering at Celestial Park, fans can choose which universe to enter and experience. Whether it's the Isle of Berk to train their own dragon or a spin on the race-tracks of Super Nintendo World, theyre bound to have the time of their lives. What makes it more exciting is the use of futuristic technology to check everyone in meaning the days of hanging onto a ticket are no more.

Though there have been others inspired by European locations, this is a perfect tribute to the continent as a whole. Germanys Europa-Park first opened in 1975, and demand for their unique experiences hasnt dwindled one bit since then. Guests can explore several sections modeled after Western European countries by ground or by air. From dark rides to virtual flying theaters, theyve found a way to showcase every nook and cranny of their countrys most iconic landmarks. It doesnt end there. They also host a variety of festivals, from cultural events like Midsommar to competitions to find the next Miss Germany. They even host an annual multi-day dance festival, where viewers become participants in their own choreographed shows.

Have you ever wanted to travel around the globe? This is the perfect place to start. Since opening in 1982, Disneys Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow or EPCOT for short has distinguished itself among the companys many parks. Attendees wander across a variety of countries and continents, where they can learn more about the culture and indulge in a few themed drinks and menu items. Besides exploring the globe, they can even travel through time to Future World, where they can celebrate the genius and tenacity behind human innovation. Its a love letter to both the world we currently live in and the one to come, and that optimism keeps people coming back for more.

If youve ever wanted to escape between the pages of a fantasy novel, then this Netherlands park is the destination for you. Efteling first started as a playground mainly catering to children in 1952. In the decades since, theyve expanded into a full-on amusement park that caters to the magical fascination of people of all ages. Each attraction is designed to be as fantastical as possible, with some even allowing guests to choose their own journeys. Even if you arent familiar with the characters or stories, the effects are so well done that youll leave feeling like you grew up with them yourself. Whether youre in your youth or just want to relive it, this is the place to go.

It may just seem like another variant of the American classic, but theres so much more than meets the eye. Tokyo DisneySea is unlike any variant you may have visited before. Opened in 2001, its nautical theme alone is enough to set it apart from its contemporaries, and thats only scratching the surface. They have a perfect fusion of reality and fiction. Guests can walk the beautifully re-imagined streets of Venice one minute and find themselves in a simulated underwater lagoon the next. The attractions are somehow even more immersive, with some allowing patrons to walk-through and create adventures of their own. It may have cost billions to create, but each day it proves that it was worth every last cent.

Calling all roller coaster aficionados this is the place for you! With up to twenty of the fast-paced thrill rides in operation, Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has more than any other theme park. With the sheer amount to choose from, its no surprise that so many have set multiple records. As one of the first locations with a coaster reaching up to 100 miles per hour and another being the worlds first fourth-dimensional variant, theyve become some of the greatest innovators in the industry. For a slightly less intense experience, Six Flags Great Adventure has a wide variety of slightly calmer attractions that are fun for everybody of any thrill level.

You know a theme park is going to be good when all of their attractions come with a tested thrill level. Even those on the lower end of the scale at Cedar Point are still guaranteed to be a good time. It first opened in 1870, making it one of the oldest in the game. In this case, age is just a number and its advanced years have only meant theyve had ample time to perfect their craft. Their coasters alone are teeming with inversions, sharp drops, and unbelievably fast speeds, making it the perfect getaway for anyone seeking a rush. Beyond that, its also an incredible historic site, allowing visitors to learn and have fun all at once.

Why limit yourself to watching your favorite movies when you could join them instead? While Universal Islands of Adventure cant make literally entering a movie possible, they can do the next best thing. Opened in Florida in 1999, each hub in the park is dedicated to recreating several fan-favorite properties. Visitors can create their own stories within these hubs, whether its saving the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or helping their favorite heroes from Marvel Comics. Simply follow the call of Pharos Lighthouse, and allow yourself to be lost in one or more of seven fleshed-out stories. No matter which path you take, one things for sure youre bound to have the time of your life.

#1: Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom

In some ways, its become the face of the brand, and its clear to see why. When one thinks of Disney, theres a good chance they automatically think of Magic Kingdom. All it takes is entering and seeing that gorgeous castle welcoming visitors from around the globe. Since opening in 1971, its become home to a host of fan favorite rides, shows, and delicious, mouse-shaped cuisine some of which have stuck with guests for decades. Not to mention, its hard to name a more enchanting experience than getting to meet iconic characters like Mickey and his gang of friends. Just one day here is all youll need to understand why its the most magical place on Earth.

Which theme park do you have the most fond memories of? Let us know in the comments below!