Question of the week: Where are all the Disney Parks located?
The magic of Walt Disney can be found all over the world, not just in Florida and California.
Just in case you did not know, there’s a total of 12 Disney theme parks and 2 water parks across the globe.
In this guide, I’m going answer:
- Where are the 12 Disney Parks
- What’s unique about each one of them
- Where to get your Disney park tickets
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Where are All the Disney Parks Located?
The first Disney park opened in Anaheim, California in 1955 with the newest Disney park opening in Shanghai, China in 2016.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California:
- Disneyland (the original Disney park)
- Disney’s California Adventure
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida:
Tokyo Disney Resort in Tokyo, Japan:
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Tokyo DisneySea
Disneyland Paris in Paris, France:
- Disneyland Paris
- Disney Studios Park
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Hong Kong, China:
- Hong Kong Disneyland
Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China:
- Shanghai Disneyland
Water Parks in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
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What to Know Before You Go to the Disney Parks
As you can see, there’s a lot to accomplish if you plan on visiting all 12 Disney Parks.
Before we go through the breakdown of each one, I want to go through some of the most common questions asked.
How many Disney theme parks are there?
As previously mentioned, there are currently 12 Disney parks plus 2 water parks around the world.
What are the 4 Parks in Disney World?
The four parks located inside the Walt Disney World Resort are:
Which park is the best at Disney World?
The best Disney park in Orlando to me is Epcot. If you’re new to ThemeParkHipster, then you may not understand why I value this theme park so much.
Not only is it innovative and educational, there’s always something new for you to learn and enjoy by touring the countries around World Showcase.
If we’re going strictly off of pure popularity and classic Disney charm, then the Magic Kingdom is definitely the best Disney theme park in Orlando.
How many Disneylands are there internationally?
When you speak of Disneyland you may be thinking of any park with “Disneyland” in the title, but most Disney fans note it as one with a castle inside the park.
Based on those “rules,” there are currently 6 Disneylands:
- Disneyland California
- The Magic Kingdom Theme Park in Florida
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Disneyland Paris
- Hong Kong Disneyland
- Shanghai Disneyland
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Disney World Park Map Location
Comparing the Disney Parks Around the World
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California
The California parks are the foundation to the Disney theme park history. They also have more local visitors than any other Disney park in the world.
Disneyland (the original Disney park)
Disneyland in Anaheim is the original Disney park that opened its gates on July 17, 1955.
Walt Disney was thoroughly involved in the creation of this park as a safe place for families to enjoy all over the world.
It’s the only Disney park that Walt actually walked through (his original Magic Kingdom) and experienced the attractions. Plus, Disneyland in California is one of the most beautifully kept Disney parks.
As we go through each Disney theme park around the world, you’ll notice that there are different highly-themed lands and areas.
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Lands at Disneyland in California
- Adventureland
- Critter Country
- Fantasyland
- Frontierland
- Main Street, U.S.A.
- Mickey’s Toontown
- New Orleans Square
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – NEW
- Tomorrowland
Some of the most popular attractions at Disneyland are Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad.
A unique fact about Disneyland is that The Sleeping Beauty movie was still in production when Disneyland opened in Anaheim.
Disney’s California Adventure
The California Adventure Park was built in Disneyland’s old parking lot on February 8, 2001.
Although the first few years of this park were rough in regards to visitor satisfaction, things have definitely changed for the best in the most recent years.
The theme of Disney’s California Adventure is to take you through the incredible history and natural resources of the state.
You’re also given the adventure to go through the classic Buena Vista Street and famous Hollywood movies which can sometimes make California Adventure not as cohesive in theming as the other Disney Parks.
Some of the newest additions such as Carsland, the Grizzly Peak Airfield section of the park, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, and Pixar Pier have all helped Disney’s California Adventure become a theme park that tourists are now seeking out on their vacation.
Plus, the new Marvel additions will definitely make this one of Disney’s top parks.
Lands at Disney’s California Adventure Park
- Buena Vista Street
- Cars Land
- Grizzly Peak
- Hollywood Land
- Pacific Wharf
- Paradise Gardens Park
- Pixar Pier
Some of the most popular attractions at Disney’s California Adventure are Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Incredicoaster, and Radiator Springs Racers.
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Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida
When most people think of Walt Disney World, they think of the Magic Kingdom Theme Park, but the Disney Resort has way more offerings than you think.
Walt Disney World Resort is the biggest Disney-themed area in the world with four theme parks ―Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, two water parks ― Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
The Florida parks are the most expensive when compared to the other Disney parks. They are also the most visited parks in the Disney family.
Magic Kingdom Theme Park
The Magic Kingdom Theme Park was the first of the Walt Disney World parks built which opened its gates on October 1,1971. It is thought to be the most magical place on earth.
This park is a wonderful starter for those interested in the classic Disney appeal.
This Disney park gives a good variety of thrilling attractions on the milder side with many of the experiences similar to the rides in Disneyland.
Plus, you’re placed in the thick of world-class theme park entertainment with all the shows, parades, and fireworks found in one place.
What you may not know is that the Magic Kingdom is placed on top of on a series of corridors and tunnels used by Cast Members to route throughout the park without being seen.
The lands at the park are centered around the hub, which is Cinderella Castle. This is especially important to note when planning and mapping out your trip.
The Lands at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park
- Adventureland
- Fantasyland
- Frontierland
- Liberty Square
- Main Street U.S.A.
- Tomorrowland
Some of the most popular attractions at the Magic Kingdom are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Happily Ever After fireworks show.
Epcot Theme Park
Disney’s Epcot approach has been to take the present and create the future we want to have.
This has been done through the Epcot Neighborhoods highlighting technological advances of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Whereas World Showcase goal is to highlight learning and living with people of other cultures.
There aren’t many thrill rides here, but the rides at Epcot come with more of a purpose then what you will see in other Disney theme parks.
The classic dark rides, the theatrical entertainment, and the seasonal events are great for a more mature audience.
What you may not know is that there are many changes coming to Epcot.
If you’re new to ThemeParkHipster, then you may not be aware of how much I love and enjoy Epcot.
It’s no surprise that hearing about all of the Epcot attractions coming by 2025, gets me super excited about my favorite theme park.
Epcot’s transformation was a reflection on the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration that’s happening now.
You can read about the 13 Incredible Epcot Attractions Coming by 2025 here!
The Lands at Epcot
- World Celebration
- The World Discovery
- World Nature
- The World Showcase
Some of the most popular attractions at Epcot are Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Test Track, and Soarin Around the World.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios was once known as Disney-MGM Studios when it opened in 1989. It has always been a great half-day theme park for those visiting Walt Disney World solo.
However, it is now a park that is spectacular to discover for over a whole day.
The addition of Toy Story Land and the addition of Star Wars Land, has made Hollywood Studios a competitive theme park.
The Lands at Hollywood Studios in Orlando
- Animation Courtyard
- Commissary Lane
- Echo Lake
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey Avenue
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Sunset Boulevard
- Toy Story Land
Some of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios are Slinky Dog Dash, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day on April 22, 1998. That special day has led many exciting memories of the animal inhabitant theme park.
Animal Kingdom is located in the Orlando area and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has more than 1700 animals on property.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great park to take your time, get lost, and discover so many different creatures of this world.
There are so many unique hidden gems and facts that you’d love learning about as you walk through each highly themed area.
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The Lands at Animal Kingdom
- Africa
- Asia
- Dinoland U.S.A
- Discovery Island
- Oasis
- Pandora – World of Avatar
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Some of the most popular attractions at Animal Kingdom are Avatar Flight of Passage, Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Disney Water Park – Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is Disney’s wintery take on a ski-resort in the middle of Florida complete with Christmas jingles.
The story goes that there was a freak winter storm that hit directly in the Walt Disney World area.
Although the Florida weather returned, you can still see the remnants of the blizzard throughout this water park.
Some of the most popular attractions at Blizzard Beach are Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher.
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Disney Water Park – Typhoon Lagoon
Discover the vastness of the plush island and all of its untold mysteries after the typhoon.
When you’re at the park, you’ll notice that the Placid Palms Resort has been turned upside down by a turbulent storm.
You’ll hear the Miss Tilly shrimp boat in the background as you walk throughout the park.
But beware, Mt. Mayday is always ready to release its volcanic magic in the form of large waves in the wave pool.
Some of the most popular attractions at Typhoon Lagoon are Crush ‘n’ Gusher and Miss Adventure Falls.
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Tokyo Disney Resort in Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo Disney Resort is an absolute Disney bucket list theme park! It’s first park, Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 with Tokyo DisneySea to follow in 2001.
Some of the things you should know about the parks at Tokyo Disney Resort are:
- They’re known for their cleanliness
- The parks in Japan are more affordable Disney parks
- They are targeted for Japanese visitors (most of the attractions are in Japanese only)
- The Japanese Disney parks can be more crowded than the other parks in the family
Tokyo Disneyland
The Tokyo Disneyland park was the third “castle” park was built by WED Enterprises with a similar layout as the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
It was also the first park in the Disney family to be constructed internationally.
Tokyo Disneyland opened on April 15, 1983 and was a top 3 Disney theme park in 2018 with 17.9 million visitors, only to fall behind the Magic Kingdom in Orlando and the original Disneyland park in California.
The Lands at Tokyo Disneyland
- Adventureland
- Critter Country
- Fantasyland
- Mickey’s Toontown
- World Bazaar
- Tomorrowland
- Westernland
Some of the most popular attractions at Disneyland in Tokyo are the Haunted Mansion, Star Wars The Adventure Continues, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain.
What you may not know is that Tokyo Disneyland is most known for its amazing food. Combing traditional theme park food with the incredible Japanese cuisine.
Tokyo DisneySea
As if Tokyo Disneyland wasn’t theme park goals, you’ll be amazed at just how magical and how truly immersive a Disney park can be at Tokyo DisneySea!
Tokyo DisneySea is the blueprint that every theme park should follow.
Here you walk into a sea adventure with a twist of Disney charm and marine-themed ports.
Every attraction in each section of the park are meant to be tied together to give you a complete story.
This is by far the best Disney theme park in the world and my ultimate Walt Disney World bucket list must do!
Tokyo Disneyland opened on September 4, 2001 and was the 4th most visited theme park in 2018 with 14.7 million guests.
Fun Fact: What you may not know is that the Duffy and ShellieMay cuddly bear characters are extremely popular in Tokyo DisneySea with a cult following.
A set of characters that were not too popular at the Walt Disney World parks. Particularly, Epcot where they made their appearances.
The Lands at Tokyo DisneySea
- American Waterfront
- Arabian Coast
- Lost River Delta
- Mediterranean Harbor
- Mermaid Lagoon
- Mysterious Island
- Port Discovery
Fun Facts: Fantasyland in Tokyo Resort underwent a major expansion recently.
Some of the most popular attractions at Tokyo DisneySea are Journey to the Center of the Earth, Tower of Terror, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Raging Spirits.
If you’re thinking about making a trip out to any of the parks at the Tokyo Disney Resort, then be sure to book your vacation here!
Disneyland Paris Resort in Paris, France:
The Parisian park first opened as Euro Disney Resort in 1992. Although reception wasn’t what was expected by the Disney corporation, Disneyland Paris has evolved into one of Disney’s top resorts with more magic expansions to come.
The resort is located in Marne-la-Vallée, France, about 20 miles east from the center of Paris.
Disneyland Paris
Opening on April 12, 1992, Disneyland Paris continues to be one of the most visited theme parks in Europe.
It takes its layout from the traditional Disneyland park in Anaheim, California with a grandiose presentation of the Magic Kingdom theme park in Florida.
The Lands at Disneyland Paris
- Adventureland
- Discoveryland
- Fantasyland
- Frontierland
- Main Street U.S.A.
Disneyland Paris Secrets and Facts:
- Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris is the fastest of the ones in operation and the only one that goes upside-down.
- Disneyland Paris is the only Disney park to have a dragon living under the castle that you can visit
- The Disneyland Paris castle was designed using pink hues because of the constant gray skies in France
Some of the most popular attractions at Disneyland Paris are Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, It’s a Small World, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain.
Walt Disney Studios Park
The Walt Disney Studios Park is themed around a movie studio with a past opening date of March 16, 2002. It’s the only Disney park that’s closely related to Hollywood Studios in Florida.
It is sometimes referred to as the least favorite Disney park, but there is a massive renovation of the park that was set to be finished around 2022.
The Lands at Walt Disney Studios Park
- Backlot
- Front Lot
- Production Courtyard
- Toon Studios
Some of the most popular attractions at the Walt Disney Studios Park are Ratatouille and Crush’s Coaster.
If you’re thinking about making a trip out to any of the parks at the Disneyland Paris Resort, then be sure to book your vacation here!
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Hong Kong, China
There’s one Disney park in the Hong Kong Disneyland resort. Hong Kong Disneyland is smaller in size compared to other Disney parks.
This Chinese theme park is the 5th addition in the Disney family and was opened on September 12, 2005. Hong Kong Disneyland was also the first theme park to be built in Hong Kong.
It was carefully constructed with the highest priority of bringing good feng shui to the park.
Hong Kong Disneyland also takes on similar layout and characteristics to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
The Lands at Hong Kong Disneyland:
- Adventureland
- Fantasyland
- Grizzly Gulch
- Main Street, U.S.A.
- Mystic Point
- Tomorrowland
- Toy Story Land
Hong Kong Disneyland Fun Fact: The movie screen at Hong Kong Disneyland for Mickey’s PhilharMagic is the largest seamless projection screen in the world (150 feet long and 28 feet high).
Some of the most popular attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland are the Iron Man Experience, Mystic Manor, and Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.
New Additions to Hong Kong Disneyland
There’s a massive change in the park that includes a Frozen-themed area and a Marvel Land expansion set to open soon.
If you’re thinking about making a trip out to Hong Kong Disneyland, then be sure to book your vacation here!
Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China
The newest theme park to the Disney family is Shanghai Disneyland which opened on June 16, 2016.
In just two years, it has become the 8th most visited theme park in 2018 with 11.8 million guests walking through its gates.
Shanghai Disneyland takes everything the original Disneyland park does and the Magic Kingdom theme park, it takes it to the max!
It is truly an epic Disney park!
The Shanghai Disneyland park has the tallest Disney castle that is not dedicated to just one princess, but all the Disney princesses from the past!
The Lands at Shanghai Disneyland:
- Adventure Isle
- Fantasyland
- Gardens of Imagination
- Mickey Avenue
- Tomorrowland
- Toy Story Land
- Treasure Cove
- Zootopia
Fun Fact: Shanghai Disneyland is the only Disney park that serves waffles with a silhouette of Donald Duck. Some other Disney parks may serve Donald Duck waffles on rare special occasions, like in celebration of his birthday.
Shanghai Disneyland combines great shows, rides, parades, and unique experiences that makes this park another Disney bucket list item.
Some of the most popular attractions at Shanghai Disneyland are Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, and Voyage to the Crystal Grotto.
If you’re thinking about making a trip out to Shanghai Disneyland, then be sure to book your vacation here!
While planning you trip to any of the Chinese parks, do keep in mind that most attractions in these parks are provided in three languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English).
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My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Perfect Disney Park
The Disney parks are designed to accommodate guests from all over the globe. Each Disney park has its own unique take on the magic of the brand.
Don’t worry if you’re wondering how to get through the cultural barriers and languages of the international parks.
Disney makes sure that their cast members are able to care for visitors fluent in languages from all over the world!
Before we conclude this guide, let’s go over my Disney parks journey below.
Disney Theme Parks I have Visited
- Magic Kingdom – First visit in the Summer of 1994
- EPCOT – First visit in the Fall of 1995
- Hollywood Studios – First visit in the Fall of 1995
- Animal Kingdom – First visit in the Fall of 2010
- Disneyland in California – First visit in Summer of 2014
My Disney Theme Park Bucket List
- California Adventure
- Disneyland Paris
- Walt Disney Studios Park
- Shanghai Disneyland
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Disneyland in Tokyo
- Hong Kong Disneyland
I let you know each time I complete one of the parks on my Disney bucket list.
It’s your turn!
In the comments section below, let me know which Disney parks you’ve visited and which ones are on your bucket list.
Get more of your Disney questions answered below:
- Are Disney pools heated?
- What is the best time of year to go to Disney World?
- How do I eat at Disney World for Free?
- What are ways to do the Magic Kingdom as an Adult?
- How to do Walt Disney World on a tight budget?
- What is the ultimate Walt Disney World bucket list?
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original date March 6, 2018/Updated March 26, 2024)