Disney Fans Are Calling It: These Are the Best (and Worst) Parks in the World

Walt Disney broke ground on what would become a global phenomenon in 1955 when Disneyland opened its gates. Featuring 35 attractions, rides, and exhibits, Disneyland introduced America’s first single-rail transportation system: the monorail.

The sweeping success of Disneyland spurred a sibling on the east coast when the Walt Disney Company launched an ambitious “Florida Project.” In 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort was born. Evolving into Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, the sprawling property grew into the most popular theme Park in the world.

Beyond the World Showcase

Although EPCOT’s World Showcase opened in 1982 at the Disney World Park, featuring nine country pavilions, Disney envisioned expanding its brand beyond its domestic reach. Expand Disney did, extending across four countries on three continents.

Launching Disney’s global presence was Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, followed by these expansions:

• Euro Disneyland Park (Disneyland Paris) in 1992
• Tokyo DisneySea in 2001
• Walt Disney Studios Park (Paris) in 2002
• Hong Kong Disneyland Park in 2005
• Shanghai Disneyland in 2016

The authenticity and meticulous details have spoiled stateside Disney Guests on display at The World Showcase, and international flights aren’t cheap. However, with inflation and ever-increasing prices at Walt Disney World, the prospect of a global Disney destination is more palpable than ever. But which Disney theme Park is worth the trip? Which one can be skipped? Disney experts took to a viral thread to share the answer.

The World’s Best Disney Park

Sparked by a Disney enthusiast on Reddit, die-hard Disney fans reached a consensus about Disney’s reigning global champ. Initiated in a comment by u/Autoganz, this was the answer:

Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea. I feel that they’re the purest expression of the brand, and most true to Walt’s vision of customer service. The cast members and park goers are always super excited, and it makes a difference in elevating the overall experience. Everything in the parks looks like love was put into it. You feel valued as a park guest every moment you’re there. 

The first international Disney Park to open to the public, Tokyo Disneyland is lauded by Disney Guests worldwide for its cleanliness, Cast Members, and updated attractions. Owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses intellectual property from The Walt Disney Company, Tokyo Disneyland and its sibling Tokyo DisneySea deliver on the Disney experience.

They’re also the last Disney Parks to offer a free line-skipping service. Although recently transitioning to a complimentary Priority Pass, the FastPass was alive and well at these Resorts until this summer. The Oriental Land Company also recently broke ground on a 400 million-dollar revamp of Tomorrowland and Space Mountain at Tokyo Disney, set to open in 2027.

The World’s Worst Disney Park

The word “worst” is a bit harsh in this context, considering all Disney Parks bring magic, attentive Cast Members, and all-star attractions. However, u/PastramOnRye drew up another consensus about the global Park to skip:

Walt Disney Studios in Paris is the worst park

Although the Parisian Park houses fan favorites like the French take on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney fans say the layout is its downfall. Despite featuring an Avengers Campus, there’s little to see and do in the comparatively small Park, leading to longer queues. However, Disneyland Paris is renowned for its performances, introducing a highly-anticipated Pixar show on July 15.

All the global Disney Parks in between are praised for the caliber of service and theming Disney enthusiasts have come to love, so you can’t really go wrong in your international travels. In the meantime, we’ll hopefully see ya real soon at The World Showcase!