Ranked: the top 25 theme parks in the world

The top 25 theme parks and why millions visit

Fasten your seatbelts: it's time to explore the world's most popular theme parks! Using the latest available data from the Theme and Museum Index, compiled by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM, we've ranked the parks in order of the number of visitors they receive each year.

From timeless Disney magic to adrenaline-pumping adventure, read on to discover the 25 most visited theme parks in the world today and find out why millions of thrillseekers are flocking to them. 

All dollar amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

25. Ocean Park, Hong Kong: 1.4 million annual visitors

Ocean Park is a marine-themed animal park in Hong Kong that first opened its gates back in 1977. Spanning approximately 226 acres, it's the country's second-largest theme park after Disneyland. The park boasts an array of attractions, including animal shows, thrill rides, and family-friendly entertainment.

Faced with a challenging time after Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005, Ocean Park received an overhaul thanks to a HK$5.5 billion ($703m/£554m) development plan in 2014. This initiative added 30 new attractions, including a water park and a shark aquarium. As a result, Ocean Park drew an impressive 1.4 million visitors in 2022, securing its position as the 25th most visited theme park in the world.

24. Chimelong Paradise, China: 2.3 million annual visitors

Chimelong Paradise opened in 2006 and is mainland China's largest amusement park. It caters to a diverse audience, with attractions ranging from family-friendly rides to white-knuckle roller coasters. In 2022, it welcomed 2.3 million visitors.

The park's standout ride is undoubtedly the 10 Inversion Roller Coaster (pictured). The ride once held the world record for having the most inversions on a coaster, an accolade it shared with Thorpe Park's Colossus in England. The record has since been smashed by Our Journey to the Stars at Jinling Happy World in China, which boasts 11 inversions, and Smiler at Alton Towers in England, which has a stomach-churning 14. Regardless, the still-thrilling 10 Inversion Roller Coaster remains a huge draw for daredevils.

23. Disneyland, Hong Kong: 3.4 million annual visitors

Since its grand opening in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has claimed the title of the region's largest theme park, attracting an impressive 3.4 million visitors a year. What sets it apart from other Disney destinations around the world is its incorporation of traditional Chinese design principles, with a feng shui master consulted during the park's meticulous planning process.

Guests enter the park via a central plaza featuring a fountain that symbolises good fortune. Winding paths, reminiscent of traditional Chinese gardens, replace straight lines, while doorways are strategically positioned to enhance the flow of positive energy. Every detail, even down to the placement of cash registers for prosperity, reflects a thoughtful blend of Disney magic and ancient Chinese principles.

22. Happy Valley, China: 3.7 million annual visitors

Happy Valley in Beijing, China opened its gates in 2006. Since then, it's become one of the world's most popular amusement parks, attracting around 3.7 million visitors annually, according to the latest data.

Happy Valley boasts a variety of distinct landscapes and themes, and the towering Crystal City, based around the mythical lost city of Atlantis, is undeniably the park's focal point. There are over 40 attractions, including 10 extreme rides, making it a must-visit destination for thrillseekers.

21. Nagashima Spa Land, Japan: 4.2 million annual visitors

Nagashima Spa Land, the largest amusement park in Japan, welcomes an impressive 4.2 million people each year. Established in 1966, the park is part of the sprawling Nagashima Resort, which boasts additional attractions such as a water park, hot springs complex, shopping mall, and flower gardens.

The theme park has over 60 attractions, though the standout is arguably the Steel Dragon 2000. This pulse-racing ride is the world's longest roller coaster, clocking in at a staggering 8,133 feet (2,479m).

20. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom: 4.4 million annual visitors

China's Chimelong Ocean Kingdom opened in 2014 and is among the world's largest marine-themed parks. Its diverse range of attractions, which include marine and animal exhibits and rides that cater to families and thrillseekers, saw it pull in a healthy 4.4 million visitors in 2022.

The park has earned an impressive five Guinness World Record titles, including World's Largest Aquarium, with a total water volume of 48.75 million litres (10.72m UK gallons/12.87m US gallons) of salt and fresh water. It's also set records for having the largest underwater viewing dome, the largest aquarium tank, the largest aquarium window, and the largest acrylic panel!

19. Lotte World, South Korea: 4.5 million annual visitors

Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea opened in 1989 and comprises two main areas: an indoor theme park named Lotte World Adventure and an outdoor amusement area called Magical Island. While the outdoor section features adrenaline-pumping rides like the Bungee Drop, it's the indoor area that's truly remarkable.

Lotte World Adventure is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, spanning four fun-filled levels. It features attractions such as an ice rink, family-friendly amusement rides, and a giant loop roller coaster. Located within a dome-like climate-controlled environment, it ensures visitors can enjoy a year-round theme park experience, regardless of the weather. The diverse park welcomed 4.5 million visitors in 2022.

18. Walt Disney Studios Park, France: 5.3 million annual visitors

Walt Disney Studios Park is one of the two theme parks at Disneyland Paris. Since opening its doors in 2002, it's firmly established itself as one of the most beloved parks in the world, drawing around 5.3 million visitors in 2022 alone.

Its most popular rides are themed around hit Pixar movies, including Crush's Coaster, based on Finding Nemo, and Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, inspired by Toy Story. In July 2022, the park unveiled its highly anticipated Marvel Avengers Campus, showcasing an array of superhero attractions. Among them are the thrilling Avengers Assemble: Flight Force roller coaster and Stark Factory, a restaurant inspired by the Iron Man franchise.

17. Shanghai Disneyland, China: 5.3 million annual visitors

Shanghai Disneyland was the first Disney theme park in mainland China when it opened in 2016. Swiftly cementing its status as a hotspot destination, it welcomed 5.3 million visitors in 2022.

The expansive park features distinct themed lands, including Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, and Tomorrowland, with the Enchanted Storybook Castle standing at the heart of the resort. In December last year the park introduced its newest draw, the City of Zootopia, based on the beloved animated film.

16. De Efteling, Netherlands: 5.4 million annual visitors

Located in the Netherlands, De Efteling opened its doors in 1952, making it one of the world's oldest theme parks. Seven decades later its still drawing vast crowds, welcoming more than five million visitors in 2022.

De Efteling is famed for its unique fairytale theme, inspired by folklore, myths, and classic fables. While the park offers a diverse array of rides and roller coasters that cater to both families and thrillseekers, its standout feature is the enchanting Fairytale Forest. This 15-acre woodland area immerses visitors in scenes from beloved fairytales, magically brought to life thanks to animatronics.

15. Everland, South Korea: 5.7 million annual visitors

Everland is South Korea's largest theme park and welcomed 5.7 million visitors in 2022. Launched in 1976, the park is operated by Samsung C&T Corporation, a subsidiary of the Samsung Group.

The park offers a diverse range of attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and live shows. However, it's most famed for its T-Express wooden roller coaster, which was officially the country's tallest, fastest, and steepest roller coaster until 2018. While it's no longer the tallest or fastest, it still retains its status as the longest roller coaster in South Korea.

14. Europa-Park, Germany: 6 million annual visitors

Germany's Europa-Park opened in 1975 and remains one of Europe's largest theme parks. The park is divided into 19 themed areas, with 16 representing various European countries, including Italy, Spain, and Germany itself, and three fantasy-inspired zones. With over 100 attractions (including 13 roller coasters) and an impressive selection of more than 60 restaurants and bars, it's little surprise that the park welcomed six million visitors in 2022 alone.

This year, the park will launch a new heart-pounding roller coaster, Voltron Nevera. Boasting seven inversions, four launches, 2.2 seconds of continuous weightlessness, and already holding the world record for the steepest launch, it will undoubtedly be a huge draw for coaster lovers around the globe.

13. Universal Studios Hollywood, California: 8.4 million annual visitors

Universal Studios Hollywood in California opened its doors back in 1964 and has since become a major tourist draw, drawing around 8 million visitors each year.

One of its standout attractions is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, inspired by JK Rowling's book series and the subsequent films. This magical section of the park, which launched in 2016, features locations such as Hogwarts Castle and Ollivanders Wand Shop for fans of the franchise to explore. Last year, the park also unveiled its highly anticipated Super Nintendo World zone, based on the popular gaming console and its franchises.

12. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Florida: 9 million annual visitors

Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It opened its doors in 1998 and, according to the latest data, welcomes around nine million visitors annually.

Focusing on the conservation of nature and wildlife, the park is divided into several themed lands and boasts a mix of attractions, including thrill rides, live shows, and animal exhibits. A noteworthy attraction is Pandora – The World of Avatar, an area themed around James Cameron's hit Avatar franchise, which features rides such as Avatar Flight of Passage and the Na'vi River Journey.

11. Disney California Adventure Park, California: 9 million annual visitors

Disney California Adventure Park opened its doors to the public in 2001 and played host to around nine million visitors in 2022. Themed around the various diverse regions of California, the park celebrates the state's rich history and culture. It also features several magical areas and attractions inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar movies, including Cars, The Incredibles, Toy Story, and The Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From exhilarating rides to live events and character meet-and-greets, Disney California Adventure Park offers an array of experiences for all ages. Among its standout attractions are the exhilarating drop ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: Breakout! and the Incredicoaster, a thrilling superhero-themed roller coaster.

10. Disneyland Park Paris, France: 9.9 million annual visitors

When Disneyland Park Paris opened in 1992, it was the second Disney resort to launch outside of America (Tokyo Disney Resort was the first). The park is themed around the classic Disney staples of enchantment and magic, with five captivating zones brimming with rides, restaurants, and character meet-and-greet opportunities. The resort welcomed 9.9 million visitors in 2022.

Standout rides for thrillseekers include Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and the ever-popular Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle is the undeniable centrepiece of the park, with spectacular firework displays exploding into life above it each night.

9. EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida: 10 million annual visitors

EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Since opening its doors in 1982, it's become one of the world's most popular parks, attracting 10 million visitors in 2022. It's split into four main sections: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.

World Showcase features pavilions representing 11 nations around the globe, with each providing a glimpse into their culture, cuisine, and architecture. The most iconic attraction in the park is the Spaceship Earth geodesic sphere at the entrance of EPCOT, which offers guests a captivating ride through the history of human communication, from ancient times to the modern era.

8. Tokyo DisneySea, Japan: 10.1 million annual visitors

Tokyo DisneySea opened in 2001 and is the second theme park at Tokyo Disney Resort, alongside Tokyo Disneyland. The park, which welcomed just over 10 million visitors in 2022, is famed for its unique nautical aesthetic. It's divided into seven themed ports, which blend Disney magic and cultural influences, while the imposing Mount Prometheus volcano serves as a dramatic backdrop.

Standout attractions include the Mermaid Lagoon, inspired by the Disney classic The Little Mermaid, and the Arabian Coast, which is influenced by Aladdin and boasts family-friendly rides like Jasmine's Flying Carpets and Sinbad's Storybook Voyage.

7. Universal Studios, Florida: 10.8 million annual visitors

Universal Studios Florida first opened its doors in 1990 and welcomed 10.8 million visitors in 2022. Its attractions are based on popular TV shows and movies, including high-speed roller coaster Revenge of the Mummy, inspired by the Mummy film franchise, and Springfield, USA, a themed area based on the fictional town from The Simpsons.

The star attraction is undoubtedly The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, home to Diagon Alley, where guests can explore iconic locations such as Ollivander's Wand Shop and The Leaky Cauldron. The zone also boasts a pulse-racing roller coaster called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

6. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Florida: 10.9 million annual visitors

A must-visit destination for music and movie lovers alike, Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida is themed around the entertainment industry. Its most popular attractions include the live-action show Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a high-speed indoor roller coaster inspired by the legendary rock band's music.

One of the park's biggest draws is undeniably Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which debuted in 2019. This area is based on the lore of the Star Wars franchise and features rides like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. According to the latest data, this action-packed park was visited by just under 11 million people in 2022.

5. Universal's Islands of Adventure, Florida: 11 million annual visitors

Universal's Islands of Adventure in Florida opened in 1999 and features a thrilling mix of rides and family attractions, all inspired by beloved film franchises. Top draws include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Marvel Super Hero Island, with both playing a key role in attracting an impressive 11 million visitors in 2022.

One of the park's most recent additions is the Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure roller coaster, which opened in 2019. This family-friendly ride takes guests on an enchanting journey through the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter magical creatures from the Harry Potter series.

4. Tokyo Disneyland, Japan: 12 million annual visitors

Since its opening in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland in Japan has become one of the world's most renowned theme parks, with around 12 million people visiting in 2022.

Cinderella Castle sits at the heart of the resort, which features classic Disneyland attractions such as It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. However, Tokyo Disneyland also boasts unique attractions that set it apart from other Disney parks, including Pooh's Hunny Hunt, which takes guests on a magical venture through the Hundred Acre Wood.

3. Universal Studios, Japan: 12.4 million annual visitors

Since opening its doors in 2001, Universal Studios Japan has become the country's most visited theme park. Standout attractions, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic Park: The Ride, have contributed to the site's ability to attract more than 12 million visitors each year.

In 2021, the park launched Super Nintendo World, an area dedicated to the franchises around the beloved game console. The flagship attraction is the augmented reality racing game Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, based on the hugely popular Mario Kart video game series.

2. Disneyland Park, California: 16.9 million annual visitors

Disneyland Park in California has been welcoming visitors since 1955 and has grown to become the world's second-most popular theme park, welcoming around 16.9 million visitors in 2022 alone. Numerous attractions can be found at the park, including rides inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, as well as the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The park has developed and expanded over the years, with notable recent additions including the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge zone and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, the park's first-ever ride to feature the beloved mouse duo.

1. Magic Kingdom, Florida: 17.1 million annual visitors

Magic Kingdom, the flagship attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida claims the top spot as the world's most visited theme park. The park opened in 1971 and is renowned for its classic attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Its newest ride is TRON Lightcycle / Run in the Tomorrowland section of the park. Based on the futuristic TRON franchise, it's one of the fastest roller coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

With attractions both old and new keeping guests coming back for more, it's hardly surprising that the park hosted more than 17 million visitors from around the world in 2022.