How Many Disney Theme Parks Are There and What Makes Each One Unique?
Disney theme parks are some of the most iconic and magical destinations in the world. As of 2025, there are 12 Disney theme parks spread across 6 resorts worldwide.
A visit to Disneyland Paris is perfect for both kids and kids-at-heart
From the OG Disneyland in California to the latest Shanghai Disney Resort in China, these parks offer a variety of themed lands, attractions, and experiences that bring Disney magic to life. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey around the world to explore each Disney park and what makes each one unique.
Overview of Disney Parks Around the World
Disney Park | Themed Lands |
|---|---|
(9) Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | |
(8) Avengers Campus, Buena Vista Street, Pixar Pier, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Cars Land, Paradise Gardens Park and San Fransokyo Square | |
(6) Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland | |
(4) World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase | |
(7) Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | |
(7) Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A and Rafiki’s Planet Watch | |
(5) Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland, Frontierland | |
Walt Disney Studios Park (France) To be rebranded as Disney Adventure World in 2026* | (5) World Premiere Plaza, Worlds of Pixar, Marvel Avengers Campus, Front Lot, World of Frozen (opening in 2026) |
(7) World Bazaar, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country, Westernland and Toontown | |
(8) Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mysterious Island, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, Fantasy Springs | |
(8) Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, World of Frozen | |
(8) Mickey Avenue, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Gardens of Imagination, Toy Story Land, Zootopia |
1) Disneyland Resort (California, USA)
- Opening Year: 1955
- Parks: Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure Park
- What's Special: The original Disney park, where Walt Disney himself walked—and home to classic attractions that started it all.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is where the magic began. As the very first Disney park, it's full of charm, nostalgia, and history. There are two parks: the classic Disneyland Park and the newer Disney California Adventure.
There’s something special about seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle up close, knowing it was part of Walt Disney’s original vision. We love how compact and walkable the park is—you can hop between Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland within minutes.
Some must-dos here include Indiana Jones Adventure, Haunted Mansion, and Matterhorn Bobsleds—a Disneyland original. You’ll also find Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge here, and the vibe is just as epic as the one in Florida.
Credit: Disneyland Resort
Over at California Adventure, the vibe is more modern and laid-back. Cars Land is one of our favourite themed areas ever—it looks just like the movie. Radiator Springs Racers is super fun, especially at night. And don’t skip Pixar Pier for a taste of California boardwalk nostalgia.
If you only have a couple of days and want a well-rounded Disney experience, this is the perfect spot.
2) Walt Disney World Resort (Florida, USA)
Credit: Walt Disney
- Opening Year: 1971
- Parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- What's Special: Largest Disney resort in the world. A massive resort with four theme parks and a variety of immersive experiences, including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar.
If you want the ultimate Disney experience, Walt Disney World in Orlando is it. This sprawling resort is basically its own city—with four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and endless things to do.
Each park has its own personality. Magic Kingdom is where you'll find Cinderella Castle and all the classic rides. EPCOT blends future and culture with attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and a beautiful World Showcase featuring 11 countries.
Our jaw dropped when we entered Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. It’s fully immersive—you can build your own lightsaber, fly the Millennium Falcon, and even grab a drink at Oga’s Cantina. Oh, and Rise of the Resistance? Hands down one of the best Disney rides ever created.
Stepping into Disney’s Animal Kingdom is like stepping into the jungle! Credits: Kyle DeSantis on Unsplash
Then there’s Animal Kingdom, where you can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar. Floating mountains, glowing plants, and Flight of Passage (a breathtaking flight simulator on a banshee) make this park feel like you’ve stepped into another planet.
Walt Disney World is a destination in itself—ideal for multi-day trips, families, and fans who want it all.
3) Disneyland Paris (France)
Celebrate your romance at the Happiest Place on Earth! Credits: Klook
- Opening Year: 1992
- Parks: Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios Park
- What's Special: A storybook version of Disneyland with Europe’s unique flair, and home to Ratatouille: The Adventure
Disneyland Paris brings fairytales to life—with a European twist. Located just 40 minutes from central Paris, the resort includes Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, and feels both familiar and refreshingly different.
The first thing you'll notice? The Sleeping Beauty Castle here is truly stunning, with its elegant pink towers and French gothic design. You can even walk underneath it to see an animatronic dragon—a feature unique to this park!
Our must-do attraction here is Ratatouille: The Adventure, a 4D trackless ride that shrinks you down to the size of a rat in Gusteau’s kitchen. It’s playful, immersive, and a perfect example of how Disneyland Paris blends Pixar magic with Parisian charm.
We also loved Big Thunder Mountain, which is built on an island and is easily one of the best versions of the ride globally. Walt Disney Studios Park is smaller, but expanding fast—especially with the upcoming World of Frozen and Avengers Campus additions.
What’s especially exciting is what’s coming soon:
- 🎢 In 2026, World of Frozen is set to open in Walt Disney Studios Park, letting you explore the kingdom of Arendelle and meet Anna and Elsa in an immersive, snowy setting.
- 🦁 A Lion King-themed land is also on the horizon, promising vibrant African landscapes, music-filled experiences, and new rides inspired by the beloved film.
4) Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan)
- Opening Year: 1983
- Parks: Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea
- What's Special: Home to Tokyo DisneySea, widely considered the most beautiful and immersive Disney park in the world.
If you're only going to visit one Disney resort in Asia, Tokyo Disney Resort should be at the top of your list. It’s made up of two parks: Tokyo Disneyland, which delivers all the Disney classics, and Tokyo DisneySea, a one-of-a-kind park that’s exclusive to Japan.
We were honestly blown away by Tokyo DisneySea—it's unlike anything we've ever seen. Themed around myths and legends of the sea, it features lands like Mysterious Island, Arabian Coast, and the American Waterfront. The level of detail is incredible—it feels more like stepping into a cinematic universe than a theme park.
Our top pick here? Journey to the Center of the Earth. It’s an original attraction with thrilling twists and an amazing final surprise (no spoilers, but trust us—it’s worth the wait). We also loved exploring the Venetian-style canals of Mediterranean Harbor—it’s so beautiful at night.
Tokyo Disneyland, the sister park, feels similar to the original Disneyland but with thoughtful upgrades. Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, for example, is an adorable, trackless ride that’s completely unique to Tokyo and was way more fun than we expected.
Plus, the Japanese hospitality makes every interaction feel special—from the cast members to the themed snacks (we’re still dreaming about the alien mochi balls).
5) Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (Hong Kong)
Get welcomed by Mickey Mouse at Hong Kong Disneyland. Credits to @kelvinyan
- Opening Year: 2005
- Parks: Hong Kong Disneyland Park
- What's Special: First Disney park to incorporate Asian culture with exclusive attractions like Mystic Manor and the Iron Man Experience
Don’t let the size fool you—Hong Kong Disneyland might be the smallest Disney resort, but it’s packed with charm, heart, and some of the most unique Disney experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
One of the park’s biggest highlights is the Castle of Magical Dreams, which replaced the original Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s the first Disney castle dedicated to all princesses, with beautiful architecture blending Eastern and Western design. It’s also incredibly photogenic—especially during the evening light shows!
Our absolute favourite ride here is Mystic Manor. It’s a park-exclusive attraction with no ghosts, no doom buggies—just a mischievous monkey, enchanted artifacts, and an original storyline that’s pure Disney creativity. The ride system is trackless, and the special effects are next-level. It’s honestly one of the best Disney dark rides we've been on.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!
If you’re a Marvel fan, don’t miss the Iron Man Experience—a high-tech motion simulator where you fly over Hong Kong with Iron Man himself. There’s also the newer Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!, which is a fun, interactive shooter ride that’s great for both kids and adults.
What makes this park stand out is how it blends classic Disney magic with local cultural touches, making it feel familiar yet distinctly Hong Kong. Plus, the crowd levels are usually lighter compared to other parks, which means shorter wait times and more time to explore
6) Shanghai Disney Resort (China)
- Opening Year: 2016
- Parks: Shanghai Disneyland Park
- What's Special: The newest Disney park, featuring the largest Disney castle and exclusive, next-gen attractions
If you’re looking for a Disney park that blends familiar magic with futuristic thrills, Shanghai Disney Resort is the one to visit. It's home to the Enchanted Storybook Castle—the tallest and most interactive Disney castle in the world, dedicated to all the Disney princesses. You can even explore inside with walk-through exhibits and a boat ride underneath!
One of our favourite rides in the entire Disney universe is here: TRON Lightcycle Power Run. You board a sleek motorbike-style ride vehicle, lean forward, and launch into a glowing digital world. It’s fast, smooth, and totally adrenaline-pumping—a must-do for thrill seekers.
Another standout is Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It’s not your typical boat ride—think massive screens, jaw-dropping animatronics, and seamless special effects that completely pull you into the story. It’s honestly one of the most impressive Disney attractions we’ve experienced.
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