Theme parks have something to offer everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeking lone traveller looking for the world’s most extreme roller coasters or a family planning a lovely trip packed with excitement for parents and kids alike.

This list of the finest amusement parks in the world showcases some of the most stunning, exciting, and just enjoyable places to visit throughout the world, ranging from ancient locations in Europe to record-breaking parks in the Middle East.

With their well-known theme parks in the United States and internationally, Disney and Universal lead the list, but regional alternatives in far-flung locations provide distinctive experiences, rides, and themes that you won’t find anywhere else.

Disney, Universal, and more of the world’s top theme parks are listed here:

Epcot, United States

A type of perpetual world’s fair, Epcot is situated at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and honours advancements in technology, global cultures, and human development.

World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery are placed in the park’s front half, while 11 nation pavilions are scattered around World Showcase Lagoon in the parks rear half.

Like other Disney parks, Epcot features family-friendly activities and character meet-and-greets, but adult visitors who enjoy sampling local food as well as international beers, wines, and cocktails will find Epcot to be exceptionally enjoyable.

Efteling, Netherlands

The largest amusement park in the Netherlands and one of the most popular in all of Europe is Efteling. Dutch mythology and fairy tales serve as the inspiration for its innovative rides, gardens, and attractions, which include a 15-acre Fairytale Forest with more than two dozen sceneries.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, United States

This Disney World attraction is split evenly between a zoo and an amusement park, and it is entirely devoted to animals, both real and imagined, extant and alive.

The park is home to some of Disney World’s top rides, including the exciting Expedition Everest, the fantasy-themed Avatar Flight of Passage, and the Kilimanjaro Safaris, which allows visitors to view live animals from a safari vehicle, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other species.

Animal Kingdom is unique because it offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages, informative displays, and exquisitely designed regions.

Europa-Park, Germany

The largest theme park in Germany, Europa-Park, is exactly what it sounds like: an amusement park with more than 100 attractions and 18 themed zones, 15 of which are devoted to different nations and regions of Europe. Look for Disney influences in the park’s architecture and attractions (doesn’t that geodesic dome look a bit familiar?).

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, United States

In Williamsburg, Virginia, visit this theme park for a taste of Europe. It contains sections dedicated to Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, and Germany.

This park, which is frequently named among the most beautiful in the country, offers a variety of exhilarating coasters, family-friendly activities, live shows, and foreign cuisine across the themed zones.

Universal Studios Japan, Japan

Some of the world’s top theme parks are in Japan. Along with other themes and attractions from Universal Studios America, the first Super Nintendo World is there. This is a section of the theme park that is dedicated to Mario and his buddies and has rides and eateries. These kinds of theme parks are commonplace in Osaka.

Magic Kingdom, United States

Currently commemorating its 50th anniversary of opening as the original Disney Globe theme park in Florida, Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park in the whole world.

Its design, themes, and attractions were modelled after those of Disneyland Park in California, although it differs in some small ways, not the least of which is the magnificent Cinderella Castle that occupies the heart of the complex.

PortAventura Park, Spain

On the Spanish coast, around an hour’s drive from Barcelona, lies a theme park named PortAventura Park. Its six sections cover a variety of subjects, including Sesame Street, China, Polynesia, Mexico, the Mediterranean, and the Far West.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

For fans of cars and thrills, a trip to Abu Dhabi’s mostly indoor Ferrari-themed amusement park is highly recommended. Along with other attractions, it also offers Ferrari driving experiences and the fastest roller coaster and tallest loop ride in the world.

Universal Studios Hollywood, United States

What began in 1915 as a studio tour has grown into one of the most well-known theme park industries in the world. Universal Parks & Resorts presently manages a number of theme park resorts across the world, including Universal Studios Hollywood, the company’s first and still most recognisable destination.

Everland Theme Park, South Korea

The largest amusement park in South Korea is called Everland, and it’s in the city of Yongin. It has a lot of exciting themes, such Global Fair, Zootopia, European Adventure, Magic Land (ideal for kids), and American Adventure. Each spring, the park also has a tulip festival that is bursting with colours.

Shanghai Disneyland, China

The newest Disney theme park in the world, Shanghai Disneyland debuted in 2016. As a result, it is home to some of Disney’s newest and most thrilling attractions, such as a roller coaster with a “Tron” theme and a fresh twist on the traditional Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride.