The Disney theme park dynasty was born amid the orange groves of Anaheim, but it’s since grown into a worldwide phenomenon. You can visit Disney resorts around the globe, enjoying a unique experience at each destination. If you’re wondering which park to aim for on your next visit, here are a few details to help you make your choice.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Image: fortherock, Flickr (license)
Ticket Price:
- 2-Day Adult Ticket: $117.12
- 2-Day Junior Ticket (Age 12-17): $102.04
- 2-Day Child Ticket (Age 4-11): $76.31
Size: Two Parks
- Tokyo DisneySea: 176 acres
- Tokyo Disneyland: 115 acres
Experience:
Tokyo DisneySea is regularly lauded as the best of Disney’s theme parks. It offers distinctive perks throughout, from gondola water transportation to the distinctive location of Hotel Miracosta right in the park. DisneySea’s Tower of Terror puts a distinct spin on the classic while offering its own rich storyline, while Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage brings a cast of more than 100 characters to life. You can easily fill several days here, but this is only part of Tokyo’s Disney delights.
Tokyo Disneyland is one of Disney’s “Magic Kingdom-style” parks. It offers classics like Tom Sawyer Island and Splash Mountain as well as innovative imaginings. Pooh’s Hunny Hunt in particular redefines the classic dark ride with the playful track-free ride system.
Disneyland Resort
Ticket Price:
- 2-Day Adult Park Hopper: $244.00
- 2-Day Child Park Hopper (Age 3-9): $232.00
Size: Two Parks
- Disneyland: 85 acres
- Disney California Adventure: 72 acres
Experience:
Though these parks are among the smallest in the Disney lineup, they’re an unbeatable option if you’re after authentic Disney lore. This is truly where it all began. Disneyland is the only completed theme park that Walt Disney himself ever saw. For nostalgia, this is a top pick.
Attractions here skew toward the classics with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disneyland Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and the Enchanted Tiki Room solidly ensconced in Disneyland. Disney’s California Adventure has some more distinctive options. As it’s free from the Marvel restrictions on Walt Disney World, this park can offer highlights like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! And Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.
Disneyland Paris
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
Ticket Price:
- 2-Day Adult Ticket: From $170.00
- 2-Day Child Ticket (age 3-11): From $150.00
Size: Two Parks
- Disneyland Paris: 126 acres
- Walt Disney Studios, Paris: 62 acres
Experience:
Disneyland Paris puts a fresh spin on time-honored classics. Its Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain attractions are standouts among their global counterparts. Phantom Manor, the park’s take on the Haunted Mansion, takes a darker twist and ties its storyline in with Big Thunder Mountain. The Walt Disney Studios Park highlights film, cartoon, and television production with attractions like the Art of Disney Animation.
Walt Disney World
Ticket Price:
- 2-Day Adult Park Hopper: $259.00
- 2-Day Child Park Hopper: $247.00
Size: Four Parks
- Magic Kingdom: 105 acres
- Epcot: 300 acres
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 135 acres
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 403 acres
Experience:
Walt Disney World is by far the largest of the worldwide Disney resort complexes. With four theme parks, it offers a vast range of attraction and experiences. For diversity, you can’t do better. Take a wild safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, take a playful spin through Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and travel around the world through Epcot’s World Showcase. Magic Kingdom brings the classic fairytale experience to life with all the beloved features you’d expect from the Mountains to Tom Sawyer Island.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Image: Sam Lavy, Flickr (license)
Ticket Price:
- 2-Day Adult Ticket: $83.10
- 2-Day Child Ticket (Age 3-11): $59.03
Size: One Park
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 68 acres
Experience:
With just one park covering only 68 acres, this is by far the smallest of the worldwide Disney resorts. The park features Adventureland, Fantasyland, Grizzly Gulch, Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land. You’ll find classics like the Jungle River Cruise, “it’s a small world,” and a railroad. Other attractions are only a slight deviation from the American versions, like Tarzan’s Treehouse rather than Tom Sawyer Island.
If you’re in the area for other travel experiences, this will round out your tour of Disney parks. However, if you can only afford to visit one destination, this isn’t a top choice for most travelers.
Shanghai Disney Resort
Image: Xiquinho Silva, Flickr (license)
Ticket Price:
- 2-Day Adult Ticket: $55.77
- 2-Day Child Ticket: $42.20
- 2-Day Senior Ticket: $42.20
Size: One Park
- Shanghai Disneyland: 963 acres
Experience:
At more than 11 times the size Anaheim’s Disneyland, this is by far the largest Disney resort. It’s also the newest park, having opened in June, 2016. The park has six themed lands: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, and Treasure Cove. You’ll find your favorites, like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and a fresh take on Pirates of the Caribbean. There are also some exciting original options like the TRON Lightcycle Power Run roller coaster. If you want a taste of the latest Disney resort innovation, this is the spot.
No matter where you go, you’ll find distinct Disney highlights. With so many options, it’s easy to find a one-of-a-kind Disney experience for your next vacation.
