Disney has 11 worldwide theme parks at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Please note that while this list is only a few years old, it was pre-Shanghai Disneyland, and before other significant changes. As such, check out our for a more current look at how each park stacks up.
While each of these resorts has a Disneyland/Magic Kingdom style park, not all of these parks are of the same quality, and their second gates and beyond are all fairly different. Some of you have been asking me to rank all of the Disney Parks for a while, and while this technically won’t do that since it’s leaving one off to fit within the “Top 10” format, it really will since it’s only leaving one off.
Think of this list as like my ‘power rankings’ for the Disney Parks. It’s my attempt at objectivity in ranking the parks, but my personal biases and most recent impressions undoubtedly will creep in a little. Like power rankings, my actual rankings could vary month to month or even week to week depending upon maintenance, new attraction announcements, seasonal improvements, and a litany of other variables. It’s all very scientific. 😉
Keep in mind that this list is all in good fun. Like sports fans, most Disney fans have strong allegiances towards their home park and take offense when they feel it’s slighted. Although I view the parks of Walt Disney World as my “home” parks, I don’t really think I have allegiance to these parks that prevents me from seeing their faults (although I do have admittedly strong nostalgia for 3 of the 4 parks).
In any case, remember that this is one random dude’s opinion on the internet. At the end of the day, it doesn’t impact your enjoyment of your “favorite” park if I rank it at number 8, nor does my opinion matter (at all) in the grand scheme of things.
With that said, here are my rankings of every Disney Park, minus the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris…
10. Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Even in its present state of closed attractions, disjointedness, and construction walls for Star Wars Land & Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios still manages to surpass the Walt Disney Studios Park in France, even if the La Place de Rémy Ratatouille mini-land opening did improve the Paris park significantly.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios still has great theming in its Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and Echo Lake areas. The park still has an excellent version of Tower of Terror and Great Movie Ride is a classic. Other attractions like Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but it needs more. Thankfully, it’s getting exactly that. We suspect that come 2020 or so, this park will be much higher up the list.
9. Hong Kong Disneyland
I don’t quite feel right putting Hong Kong Disneyland in the #8 spot on this list. Since its opening less than a decade ago, it has taken a lot of grief from fans who criticized it for opening on the cheap and bringing nothing original to the table. There was undoubtedly some validity to these remarks at first, but since its expansion concluded with the opening of Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, and Mystic Point, that hasn’t been the case. This expansion included Mystic Manor and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, two of the best attractions in the world, which really helped the park shed its stigma.
These new areas, plus great dining, plus a beautiful natural environment serving as a backdrop to the park, plus impeccable maintenance all make my opinion of Hong Kong Disneyland very high. Although I’m not the biggest fan of the park’s new Disney Paint the Night parade, it is another step in the right direction, and hopefully the same will prove true of the Iron Man Experience set to open in Tomorrowland. All in all, I think Hong Kong Disneyland has a very bright future, and is on the right trajectory to be an elite Disney theme park by its 15th anniversary.
8. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The largest gap on this list is between the #9 and #10 spots. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has improved a lot in the last few years. If you’ve read my I Was Wrong About Animal Kingdom article, in which I praised the park, you know it has grown on me.
Relative to how I used to feel about the park, Animal Kingdom has moved up a lot. Its themed design is mostly first-rate, and the lands transport you to a different time and place. It’s an interesting departure from the normally romanticized versions of real places that Disney does, but it’s impressive theming, nonetheless. In terms of attractions, there are some standouts, especially those that are hybrids of zoological exhibits and theme park offerings.
Animal Kingdom loses points in that it arguably skews too much towards the zoological side, and in that the number of “regular” attractions is too low. Animal Kingdom’s future is a big question mark: based upon what we’ve seen, I think Pandora: World of Avatar will be the ‘fantasy’ area the park needs. If it’s light on substance, design, or feel too much like a land dedicated to poor-fitting intellectual property, Avatar Land could detract from the overall theme of the park.
7. Disney California Adventure
I could not contain my excitement for Disney California Adventure after Disney pulled the curtain back on the “2.0” version of the park. Now, over two years since then, no noteworthy subsequent projects have been commenced nor are any in the (announced) pipeline. It seems the Phase 2 plans for the park have all been abandoned, with nothing substantial happening until Cars Land runs out of gas in terms of driving new business.
This is unfortunate, and not because I’m any less enamored with the park than I was. I still think the overhaul was a brilliant success, and I love just spending time at the park. Cars Land is wonderfully immersive, Buena Vista Street is a proper park “opening act,” and Grizzly Peak does a great job of recreating California’s natural beauty.
However, the park still has plenty of room for improvement, especially in Paradise Pier and Hollywood Land, where areas still feel like circa-2001 DCA, or have become the dumping grounds for random junk that doesn’t fit elsewhere.
6. Epcot
Despite having its original mission statement and vision largely decimated, Epcot still has numerous bright spots, almost all of which are holdovers from its early years. While I am not a fan of its current direction, when viewed as a whole, Epcot still has a lot to offer.
World Showcase, although peppered with temporary kiosks, is still gorgeous. Spaceship Earth remains an awe-inspiring icon and pretty good attraction. Newer attractions in Future World haven’t always hit the mark, but some are quite solid. I firmly believe Epcot is not as good of a park today as it was in 1993, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a good park.
5. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is simultaneously the most beautiful Magic Kingdom-style park ever built, and the park with the most squandered potential. Disneyland Paris is a love it or hate it place. I’m firmly in the “love it” camp. The detail and the design made me fall in love with the place, and it’s somehow simultaneously charming and large scale. This is best embodied by Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, far and away Disney’s top castle, and like an attraction unto itself. The story and design of Frontierland (Thunder Mesa) also help Disneyland Paris’ cause, as does its Discoveryland and Adventureland, both substantial departures from the norms of these lands.
As far as criticism goes, I’ve never quite understood the complaints about other guests and Cast Members, but I do agree with concerns about maintenance, food quality, and a lack of new attractions. Still, with attractions like Phantom Manor, Pirates of the Caribbean (the best version in the world), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and more, the park has a solid attraction roster. I view it as the perfect locals park, as there are so many quiet corners and intimate little spots to go and relax.
4. Magic Kingdom
Since I last sat down and thought of my rankings, the Magic Kingdom is probably the biggest mover on this list. In that time, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Festival of Fantasy parade have both opened, and construction has concluded. Many fans have been underwhelmed by New Fantasyland, and while I can understand that reaction, I love New Fantasyland as a whole. I find it to bring some charm and beauty to this part of the park, and something otherwise completely missing from the tent style of Fantasyland.
Maybe the Magic Kingdom is benefiting from my nostalgia here, but I think it’s looking better than it has in years. Its mix of classic and contemporary attractions scores it points, with personal favorites like Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, and the Peoplemover all adding to its appeal, even if they are underrated. While it lacks the charm of Disneyland, it makes up for that in grandeur, and has plenty of charm of its own.
3. Disneyland
The original. The only park Walt Disney walked. Now, I am not one of those people who believe there’s a certain “magic” to this park or that you can somehow “feel Walt’s presence” here (the only ghost I want to make contact with is Slimer). However, I think by virtue of the park’s age and its origins, Disneyland has a different tone than every other Disney park. Some of this is due to the many things that haven’t changed over the years, from the quirky details to the intimate spaces.
This sense of intimacy and quaintness wouldn’t mean anything if the substance of the park weren’t up to snuff. Fortunately, it is. It has an impressive roster of attractions, including castle park standards and non-standards like Indiana Jones Adventure and the Matterhorn. It has engaging live entertainment and good food. Its nighttime shows are the best anywhere. It oozes nostalgia and probably could do pretty well resting on its laurels and tugging at the heartstrings of guests, but fortunately, it keeps people coming back not just for the nostalgia, but for its solid substance. Disneyland is pretty much the complete package.
2. Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland arrives in the #2 spot not thanks to impressively original themed design, a surplus of brilliant original attractions, or a ton of charm. It really doesn’t have any of these things. Its attraction lineup is mostly a mix of the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland (with a few brilliant surprises, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt). Its design is a bit of a hodgepodge in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (thankfully, much of this will be fixed soon with the addition of the Beauty and the Beast expansion). On paper, it doesn’t seem superior to Disneyland or Magic Kingdom. In fact, it could even be criticized as being a coldly-assembled “greatest hits” park. (I don’t agree with that assessment, but I can see how some people might think that.)
Think of Tokyo Disneyland as the sports team that wins not because of its lineup of superstars, but because it executes on all of the fundamentals, not making any mistakes. While Westernland, Critter Country, and Adventureland are excellent, it’s not these lands that make Tokyo Disneyland shine. Maintenance, attention to detail, show quality, dining, Cast Members, entertainment, and more are all unsurpassed in the Tokyo parks. Plus, if it is a “greatest hits” park, that does mean the attraction lineup is pretty solid!
1. Tokyo DisneySea
I would hazard a guess that 99% of people who say “[blank] is the best Disney theme park!” with [blank] being a park other than Tokyo DisneySea do so only because they have not been to Tokyo DisneySea. Now, this is not to say that no reasonable person who has been to Tokyo DisneySea can still think another Disney theme park is superior, but…well…I’d be curious to hear their reasoning. Let’s just leave it at that.
I have already dedicated an entire article to the Top 10 Reasons Tokyo DisneySea is Disney’s Best Park, so I’ll just defer to that. Succinctly, I view Tokyo DisneySea as Disney’s best theme park in the world, and it’s not even a remotely close call.
Hope you enjoyed my look at the top 10 worldwide Disney theme parks. I really do love all of the parks that made the list, as it’s fun for me to compare and contrast all of the different parks. It’s like a hobby, of sorts.
Looking for Disney trip planning tips? Make sure to read our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide and Disneyland Trip Planning Guide. For updates on Walt Disney World, the latest news, discount information, and tips, sign up for our free monthly newsletter!
Your Thoughts…
How would you rank the Disney Parks you’ve visited? It doesn’t matter how many parks you’ve been to, I’m still interested in knowing! Do you think I mis-ranked any parks, or made any poor choices? If you have any other questions or comments, please leave them below.
FAQs
Top 10 Disney Theme Parks? ›
A: The three best Disney World parks are: #1 – Magic Kingdom, #2 – EPCOT, #3 – Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios comes in at fourth on our list because it is very busy with long lines and better suited for teens.
Which is the best Disney theme park? ›A: The three best Disney World parks are: #1 – Magic Kingdom, #2 – EPCOT, #3 – Animal Kingdom. Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios comes in at fourth on our list because it is very busy with long lines and better suited for teens.
Which Disney World park is most popular? ›Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom
In addition to being the most popular theme park from among all Disney-affiliated parks, the Magic Kingdom park is also the most widely visited theme park in the world.
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
The reason is that these two parks are known to be the most popular in Disney World as they have the best attractions, so they are sure to give you a great time.
A Magic Kingdom itinerary is simply a must if your family only has one day at Disney World. The main reason being the Magic Kingdom Park is by far the most-visited theme park in the world.
Is Epcot or Hollywood Studios better? ›EPCOT vs Hollywood Studios Summary
EPCOT has great thrill rides, but so does Hollywood Studios, but HS does have a few more. For restaurants, EPCOT has more venues, a better variety, and better quality, but Hollywood Studios has the Hollywood Brown Derby. Both parks are great for kids, with a few drawbacks.
Magic Kingdom is Disney World Resort's best theme park and the single most popular theme park in the world. It opened in 1971 as Walt Disney World's first theme park and, today, is more popular than ever before. If you love the classic rides, then you'll love Magic Kingdom.
Which is the least busy Disney park? ›As a general matter, Animal Kingdom is the park that requires the least strategy and is the easiest place to beat the crowds in all of Walt Disney World. It doesn't require Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lanes, and is pretty easy to knock out everything–and then some–if you stay for a full day.
Which is the least popular Disney park? ›The COVID pandemic has messed with theme park attendance since 2020, but the least-visited Disney park in 2019 was Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, with 5,245,000 visitors.
Is Animal Kingdom worth it? ›As much as I enjoy Disney's Animal Kingdom, it ranks behind the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios for me right now. However, it does appear Disney is gearing up for some more major improvements in the park that could sway things. If you have four or more days, you probably shouldn't skip the park.
Which Disney World park should I repeat? ›
Six Days at Walt Disney World
Determine which two parks you want to see twice. I will always recommend that Magic Kingdom be your first duplicate visit, but you should really take the time to determine which other park gets your second double-up visit. Are you all about taking in more world culture? Then it is EPCOT.
Epcot – Epcot is a widely considered to be the most adult theme park of the four at the Walt Disney World Resort, and with good reason. Not only are there attractions here that appeal to adults (Soarin', Mission: SPACE and Test Track), but the entire World Showcase is full of things for adults to see, taste and do.
Which Disney parks need 2 days? ›If you really just want to do theme parks every single day of your trip, then I'd suggest 2 full days at Magic Kingdom, 1 or 2 full days at Epcot, and then one day at each Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
Can you do all 4 Disney parks in 1 day? ›So yes, it's entirely possible to visit four Disney parks in one day, even with kids in tow. All you need is a hopper ticket and a lot of enthusiasm.
How do you get all 4 Disney parks in one day? ›If you pick one to two of your favorite rides per park, you can definitely get all four parks done in one day. By utilizing Disney Genie+ and/or Individual Attraction Selection, it will also save you a lot of time. I would recommend starting the day with either Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.
Can you do EPCOT in half a day? ›EPCOT is arguably the least family-friendly park at Walt Disney World, so you may not need more than a few hours to do everything of interest if you have small children. With that said, a full day at EPCOT is highly recommended for first-timers.
Which Disney park should you do first? ›Many guides suggest that you start with Magic Kingdom first, followed by Epcot and then Hollywood Studios. This leaves Animal Kingdom as the last Disney theme park to visit on your trip.
Is EPCOT a must? ›If you're into rides more than general theme park merriment and atmosphere, we suggest skipping Epcot, as it doesn't offer as many thrills. However, families, foodies and world's fair enthusiasts will likely enjoy their time at this concept park. Featured image courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Which Disney park has the most walking? ›- Animal Kingdom. Animal Kingdom is the largest Walt Disney World theme park as far as land goes, but a large portion of that acreage is safari land. ...
- Epcot. Epcot has the most walking paths (as measured by miles) the is second-largest park by acreage.
Our pick for the scariest ride at Disney World is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, located at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This ride encompasses so many different elements of fear that it's likely to find at least one way — if not multiple ways — to unnerve everybody who rides it.
Is Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom better? ›
Movie Magic or Amazing Animals
Animal Kingdom has animal-inspired shows, food, rides, and attractions. If your little ones will be thrilled seeing a live Gorilla or a giraffe on Kilimanjaro Safaris, this Park is a must-see. Hollywood Studios is all about tapping into the glamour and glitz of the movie industry.
Just like there are more expensive times, there are also times of the year when it is cheaper to go to Disney World. As a rule, January, February, August, and September are the cheapest seasons, as long as you avoid any holidays in those months.
Which Disney park can you skip? ›If you only have a few days to visit Disney World, you may be wondering which park you should skip. The answer is Epcot. I know, I know, Epcot is a beloved park but trust me, I have some really good reasons as to why it's the Disney park to skip when you simply don't have enough time to visit each one.
What is the slowest month at Disney World? ›September is the best overall month to visit Disney World. Other than Labor Day, there are no holidays to bring in crowds and most families have returned home for the school year. This is therefore the least crowded time of year to visit Disney World.
What age is Animal Kingdom best for? ›Disney's Animal Kingdom – Best for Ages 6 to 12
This allows you to go at your own pace, explore the side trails, and take in the scenery. Animal Kingdom is home to some of Disney's best rides for kids, including Kilimanjaro Safaris (wildlife safari with live animals) and Avatar Flight of Passage.
Disney's Animal Kingdom may be closing permanently. This is due to high costs and low revenue with it being the least visited Disney Park.”
Is Animal Kingdom a full day? ›Is Animal Kingdom a Full Day Park? Animal Kingdom can be a full day park if you plan on seeing everything and riding all the attractions. With the shows, rides, and animal exhibits you can spend a full day at Animal Kingdom.
Which of the 4 Disney World parks is best? ›- Magic Kingdom. Without question, Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World Resort's best theme park. ...
- Animal Kingdom. In many ways, Animal Kingdom is Disney World's best theme park. ...
- Hollywood Studios. ...
- Epcot.
A: The busiest day at The Magic Kingdom tends to always be Monday. This is because many families plan a week long vacation to Disney World, and typically receive the best deals by traveling Sunday or Monday.
Can you do all 4 Disney World parks in 2 days? ›Nevertheless, with only two days to tour, it is entirely possible to see all of the highlights of all four gated theme parks.
Which Disney park has most thrill rides? ›
Although each park has something “thrilling”, we think Hollywood Studios is the best for adrenaline junkies. Not only does it have the most thrill rides overall, the ones it does have are some of the most intense of any in the parks. What is this?
Which Disney park should I take my kids to? ›By far, Magic Kingdom has the most toddler-friendly attractions of all the Walt Disney World parks. If you only have one day to visit Disney World with toddlers, the Magic Kingdom park will provide the most fun.
What day is Magic Kingdom least crowded? ›We have learned that the least busy days in Magic Kingdom tend to be Tuesdays. The main reason is many families find that they need an entire week for a Disney vacation, and they will usually arrive on a Saturday or Sunday.
What day is best to visit Animal Kingdom? ›The best day of the week to visit Animal Kingdom is usually Wednesday. Both over the past four years and since Lightning Lane was introduced, Wednesdays at Animal Kingdom have had the shortest wait times. Wednesdays have had the shortest wait times five out of the last twelve months.
What is the busiest day at Magic Kingdom? ›Based on the Disney World Crowd Calendar, besides major events and holidays, Saturday is the busiest day at Magic Kingdom and with it being a weekend, that's hardly surprising. Those from out of the area are visiting for the weekend whilst locals are not at work or school and also heading to Walt Disney World.
Is Epcot worth a full day? ›While EPCOT is certainly different to Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, it still has a lot to offer guests of all ages. As such we would recommend reserving either half a day or a full day to visit this park when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.
How many parks can you hop in Disney? ›In Disney World, the standard Park Hopper Option allows you to visit more than one theme park on the same day. This means that you can enter up to four parks on the same day, as long as you abide by the current park hopper rules.
Can you do Animal Kingdom and Epcot in the same day? ›Sure, you can park at EPCOT and hop the bus to Animal Kingdom Theme Park (and back); however, it will involve transferring busses, which could cut into the time you could enjoy at each theme park.
Is Hollywood Studios a full day? ›I used to think of Hollywood Studios as a half-day park, but it has earned the right to have a full-day touring plan! My only issue with Hollywood Studios is that there are too many great attractions, including Rise of the Resistance and Rock N Roller Coaster.
How many hours does it take to see Magic Kingdom? ›Admittedly, to truly see and do it all at Magic Kingdom, you do need to spend at least two days. However, by skipping over the things that don't interest you, you can save a bunch of time and, hopefully, accomplish most of the attractions on your to-do list in just a day.
What is better Animal Kingdom or Epcot? ›
Epcot or Animal Kingdom? – The Short Answer. Epcot is best for adults and for guests who love eating, drinking, and experiencing cultures from around the world. Animal Kingdom is best for guests who love animals, rides, and live stage shows.
How do you skip wait times at Disney World? ›- Learn About Genie and Lightning Lane. Let's start with the basics. ...
- Get A Disney World Hotel Room. ...
- Get A Park Pass Reservation. ...
- Go Early. ...
- Ride During Non-Peak Times. ...
- Stay Late. ...
- Splurge on a VIP Tour Guide.
Currently, Magic Key holders who are a no-show for 3 reservations in any 90-day window, even if their pass has been upgraded or renewed during that time, will be unable to make new park reservations for 30 days. Existing park reservations at that time will not be cancelled.
How many rides at Magic Kingdom in one day? ›It would be very difficult to ride all the rides at Magic Kingdom in one day because there are more than 20 rides. Using Genie+ and Lightning Lane can allow you to minimize your wait times and enjoy as many rides as possible.
Is Disney World or Disneyland better? ›With double the theme parks and two water parks, Disney World offers more attractions overall than Disneyland. Guests can find details on all the attractions and experiences available at Disneyland and Disney World on their respective websites.
Which is better Disneyland Paris or Florida? ›Which Disney Resort Is Best - Disneyland Paris or Walt Disney World Florida? 2023 Guide. The short answer: Walt Disney World in Florida is much bigger and gets better reviews than Disneyland Paris. However, Disneyland Paris is much easier to reach from the UK.
Which is cheaper Disney World or Disneyland? ›In general, ticket prices at Disney World cost slightly more than at Disneyland. At both parks, the per-day cost of tickets decreases when you buy a multi-day ticket.
Should I go to Disneyland or Disney World first? ›If you're looking for history and nostalgia, Disneyland is the way to go. That's because it was Walt Disney's very first theme park, which opened its doors on July 17, 1955. At the time, the park only had a few areas, including Main Street, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.
Is Epcot better than Disney World? ›If you want those quintessential Disney rides and experiences, the Magic Kingdom is your pick. If you want to experience some of the newest attractions Disney World has to offer, then EPCOT is your spot.
Is it worth it to go to Epcot? ›The bottom line
If you're into rides more than general theme park merriment and atmosphere, we suggest skipping Epcot, as it doesn't offer as many thrills. However, families, foodies and world's fair enthusiasts will likely enjoy their time at this concept park. Featured image courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Is Disneyland Paris expensive? ›
Disneyland Paris Is Cheaper Than US Disney, But...
How much cheaper varies by when you go. Depending on the day you visit, one day/one park tickets can go as low as $63/day. Even peak tickets will run you $101. By comparison, tickets at Disney World start at $109 and go up to $129 on peak days.
We've found that Disneyland Paris is best suited to children between the ages of 3 and 10. This age allows the child to meet the height restrictions for the majority of the rides while also still believing in the magic of Disney.
Is Disney Paris worth it for adults? ›Although aimed at children more than the major theme parks in the UK, Disneyland Paris can certainly be just as fun for adults. The bigger rides (Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Tower of Terror, etc.) are perfect for thrill-seekers and a nice change from the slower-paced attractions kids enjoy.