What is that one childhood memory that never fails to bring you joy? For me, it is the unforgettable summer weekend spent with my family inside the most magical place on Earth: Disneyland theme park in California. From taking photos with Mickey Mouse to escaping the massive rolling boulder in the Indiana Jones Adventure ride, It was a time when my imagination came to life for an entire weekend.
Nowadays, the best amusement parks can be found around the world where once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable adventures are waiting to unfold. After taking a look at our list of the best theme parks in the world, you might just be tempted to update your travel itinerary.
Here are the best amusement parks in the world
Best amusement parks in Asia
- Caribbean Bay – Yongin-si, South Korea
- Legoland Malaysia – Johor, Malaysia
- Tokyo Disneyland – Tokyo, Japan
- Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore
- Chimelong Paradise – Guangzhou, China
Best amusement parks in the US
Best Amusement parks in Europe
What are the best amusement parks in Asia?
Caribbean Bay – Yongin-si, South Korea
Spanning just over 200 square kilometres in the outskirts of Seoul, Caribbean Bay is the largest indoor and outdoor water park in the world. Adrenaline junkies can test their courage tube-sliding down an extreme 90-degree angle slope at Tower Boomerang Go.
Less adventurous guests can find ultimate relaxation in the Aquatic Center where saunas and hot springs are available. Snaking across the massive water park is “Lazy River”, the longest streaming pool in the world.
Legoland Malaysia – Johor, Malaysia
Open year-round, this fascinating theme park is a Lego-lover’s dream come true. With only five other Lego-themed amusement parks in the world, Legoland Malaysia is Asia’s very first.
Over forty interactive rides and shows are offered across its vast 76-acre location, including the world’s first Lego virtual reality roller coaster.
READ MORE: Discover our Malaysia Travel Guide
Tokyo Disneyland – Tokyo, Japan
As the first Disney theme park to open outside of the USA, Tokyo Disneyland is located just 15 kilometres from Tokyo. Inside the 115-acre park, you will find the same magical attractions as the USA Disney Parks, such as “Peter Pan’s Flight” and the famous “Cinderella Castle”, in addition to its own unique Disneysea park, which explores nautical adventures with underwater rides and attractions.
With over 33 million visitors in 2019, Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most visited theme parks in the world.
READ MORE: Check out our Japan Travel Guide
Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore
Enter Universal Studios Singapore and you will be teleported to seven different zones exploring movie and entertainment-themed attractions. Meet Marilyn Monroe strolling Hollywood Walk of Fame in the New York City Zone, witness massive dinosaurs roaming in the Lost World Zone, and explore space in the Sci-Fi Zone.
As the top theme park in Southeast Asia, Universal Studios Singapore offers a total of 21 exhilarating attractions.
READ MORE: Explore our Singapore Travel Guide
Chimelong Paradise – Guangzhou, China
Ranked by the Chinese government as one of the most important and best-maintained tourist attractions in the country, Chimelong Paradise is the largest amusement park in China.
Offering seven themed areas, such as “Phantom Zone” and “Whirlwind Island’, and 5 hair-raising roller coasters, including the record-holding 10 Inversion Roller Coaster, turning riders upside down a dizzying 10 times.
What are the best theme parks in the US?
Six Flags Magic Mountain – California, USA
Are you a roller coaster fan? You might want to make your way to Santa Clarita, California. This world-record-holding amusement park boasts an incredible 19 roller coasters, the most in the world.
From movie-inspired rides such as “Batman: The Ride” to one of the world’s highest free-fall drops, “Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom”, roller coaster fanatics will not be disappointed at Magic Mountain.
Schlitterbahn – Texas, USA
If any list of the world’s best water parks excludes Schlitterbahn, stop reading. Named the best water park for 13 years straight, Schlitterbahn offers thrilling water adventures at two Texas locations: Galveston and New Braunfels.
Visit the Galveston park for “MASSIV”, the world’s tallest water coaster, which accelerates riders through an astonishing 25-metre water slide filled with light shows and false drops.
Kings Island – Ohio, USA
With more than 3 million visitors per year and over 100 attractions, including 14 roller coasters, Kings Island is among the most visited amusement parks in the USA. Children will fall in love with the park, especially “Snoopy Island’.
Named the best kids’ area in the world for 18 consecutive years, “Snoopy Island” is an imagination-filled wonderland where kids can take a log ride on “The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure”, shoot lasers at ghosts and monsters on “Boo Blasters on Boo Hill”, and soar at 42 kilometres per hour on the family-friendly roller coaster “Flying Ace Aerial Chase”.
What are the best theme parks in Europe?
Tivoli Park – Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli Park offers 25 attractions that have entertained guests since its opening in 1843, one of which is among the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world: Rutschebanen.
Aside from the thrill rides, this timeless amusement park offers numerous children’s rides, musical and theatre performances, and even a weekly rock concert.
Disneyland Paris – Paris, France
With 12 million visitors a year, Disneyland Paris is not only the most visited theme park in Europe, but is the most visited place in Europe. Owned completely by the Walt Disney Company, it also is the largest Disney park outside of the USA.
Inside its 19 square kilometre area, the incredible park offers 2 theme parks, 8 resort hotels, a large shopping mall, a golf course, and a high-speed rail station.
Electronic fans will delight in the annual EDM festival that had past guest appearances from Steve Aoki and Armin Van Buuren.
From the USA to France to Japan, incredible amusement parks can be found in almost every country in the world. Not only do they bring excitement for the whole family, but they also explore the imaginative realms of reality and fantasy. Whether it is an underwater nautical excursion or a walk through a haunted mansion, amusement parks are experiences that cannot be missed.
