Both children and adults have always been attracted by amusement parks, either for the thrill of the rides or just to see their favorite fairy tales and stories come to life. The top 5 most visited amusement parks are all Disney-related, and together they gather over 126 million visitors per year. And it is not hard to understand why: children can go to the lands of their dreams and meet their favorite characters, while adults have the chance to become children again for a couple of hours. Amusement parks are the perfect getaway.
5. Disneyland Park
Visitors: 10 million per year
Location: Marne-la-Vallée, France
The first of the most visited amusement parks is also the most popular in Europe. Initially named Euro Disney, the park contains five sections: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland, and 49 attractions. Even though the name Euro did work for American visitors, Europeans tended to associate it with a business medium since their currency is also called Euro. Thus, the name was changed, but the most iconic building is still standing tall: the castle of Sleeping Beauty. Other popular attractions include the Pirates of the Caribbean tour, Big Thunder Mountain and It’s a Small World. Next to this park is the Walt Disney Studios Park that opened in 2002 and is dedicated to Disney movies.
4. Tokyo DisneySea
Visitors: 12 million per year
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Even though our next two entries are named Disney, they do not belong to the Disney Corporation. The Oriental Land Company leased the rights to feature the locations and characters from Disney and thus create two of the most visited amusement parks in Asia. DisneySea is divided into seven parts: the Mediterranean Harbor, the Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, the Arabian Coast, the Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and the American Waterfront. The Mysterious Island also features a wonderful artificial volcano named Mount Prometheus. Lastly, the amusement park has been given a dedication from the head of Disney himself, Michael D. Eisner.
3. Tokyo Disneyland
Visitors: 14 million per year
Location: Tokyo, Japan
The other park we previously mentioned is Tokyo Disneyland, which has the same touch as the U.S. and European counterparts. Featuring the symbolic castle of Sleeping Beauty, the park includes seven areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland. Many of its attractions can also be found in The Magic Kingdom and Disneyland California.
2. Disneyland: California
Visitors: 14 to 16 million per year
Location: California, United States
The next on our most visited amusement parks list is the parent of all Disney themed parks. Disneyland California opened its gates when Walt Disney was still alive in 1955. During its history, more than 650 million visitors have enjoyed its features. Apart from the iconic castle, the park also has eight lands similar to the other parks. However, its special areas are the New Orleans Square and Mickey’s Toontown. Guests are greeted by characters from their favorite fairy tales and can end their visit by watching the grand spectacle of fireworks, sometimes graced by the presence of Tinkerbell or Dumbo.
1. The Magic Kingdom
Visitors: 17 million per year
Location: Florida, United States
The Magic Kingdom is part of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks group that also includes Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and The Animal Kingdom. This time, the park is set around the castle of Cinderella, which is made to look much higher than it actually is. The Magic Kingdom features some of the same lands as previous parks, but it also has its original areas like Liberty Square and the two parts of Fantasyland: Storybook Circus and the Enchanted Forest. The park is circled by the Walt Disney World Railroad that can take you quickly to the desired land.
