Ranking the Best Disney Parks From Personal Experience

Kristina
Disney
Disney

People are serious about their Disney . Whether you’re an annual pass holder or a Disney movie aficionado, everyone has an opinion about the best that Disney has to offer. As someone who has been to all of the Disney parks around the world, I have a few opinions of my own, including which is the best Disney park.

Every Disney park has their own magical experience attached, but some are just… better experiences. Be it rides, atmosphere, things to do, or the overall day you can expect to have there, some parks simply outrank the others.

Here is our ranking of the best Disney parks in the world!

7. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland

Possibly the easiest park to navigate, Hong Kong Disneyland is only 68 acres. Hong Kong is unique as it has many Chinese elements in its architecture and construction. For example, a bend is in the entrance walkway so good qi energy won’t flow into the South China Sea.

However, there’s not too much else to it. Though that might change as the Frozen , Marvel , and castle expansion happen in the next few years.

Pros: Shorter lines, can accomplish everything in a day. Disney Lite.

Cons: Small and honestly a touch boring if you’re looking for a Disney experience.

6. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland ParisSpace Mountain is my favorite Space Mountain, launching at high speed for a more roller coaster type feel. However, that’s probably my only highlight at Europe’s go at a Disney park. It is clean for its 25th anniversary, but it’s in need of a revamp to compete with any of the other parks.

Pros: Beauty and the Beast’s castle, aka the best castle.

Cons: Lacks a certain charm, and things tend to break down quite frequent here.

5. Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai’s park is massive, in fact it’s the largest Disney park in the world at a sprawling 963 acres. That’s three times the size of Hong Kong Disney. With new additions like the pirate themed Treasure Cove, it tries to stand out. Yet, the magic is somewhat lost due to its day-to-day operations and missteps.

The Pros: The Tron Lightcycle Power Run is honestly worth a trip to Shanghai Disney alone (though it’s announced for Walt Disney World). This inside and outside steel coaster whips you around and is one of the best rides I’ve ever been on. Likewise, the Pirates of the Caribbean : Battle for the Sunken Treasure ride is a religious experience.

The Cons: Line cutters. Endless. And litter. Combine the two and it’s enough to make you lose your cool. And you will, because there is very little shade in this sprawling park that suffers from hot, humid Shanghai weather.

4. Disneyland

Disneyland

Many may cry foul that the original isn’t higher on this list, but I say it requires more than being the first to be the best. There is an intimate charm to Disneyland in Anaheim. A classic magic, if you will.

Upgrades have started to change the park, and hopefully for the better, as it is due for an update. Cars Land is one of the best themed areas of any park, but the rest of California Adventure lacks the cohesion our top three have.

Pros: Cars Land and the food choices are great. Lots of older rides that have a cute charm to them (though mind the bruises from The Matterhorn), a great community among regular attendees.

Cons: Difficult to navigate for the uninitiated and lacking some modern touches.

3. Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland

Lavish in detail, glorious in atmosphere, and delightful in its operation. Tokyo Disneyland is the original Disneyland sprinkled with actual fairy dust. Disney magic combined with Japanese hospitality makes this a great experience all-around.

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt is one of the best rides in any Disney park, and the parades here are second to none.

Pros: The atmosphere, themed popcorn based on which land you’re in, and the parades.

Cons: Navigation can be a bit clunky.

2. Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort

The grandness of the Walt Disney World Resort trumps the quaintness of many of the other parks; and we’re not just talking size here. There is just so much to enjoy and explore, from Animal Kingdom to The Magic Kingdom ,

Walt Disney World continues to create and make magical experiences for its guests in terms of attractions and themed areas. It is the variety here that rounds out why it’s such a great Disney Park.

Pros: The number of parks in the resort, the amazing rides and themed experiences, frankly, the amount you can do here.

Cons: Long lines, hot weather, and perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed.

1. Tokyo DisneySea

Tokyo DisneySea

The indisputable winner. There is simply no contest. Tokyo DisneySea is the best Disney park.

The first thing you need to understand about Tokyo DisneySea is that it is unlike any other Disney Park. There is no castle; there’s a volcano. This park isn’t about magical kingdoms, it’s about adventure.

Routinely referred to a the Disney park for adults, it’s just as kid friendly as others, but has a different feel. There’s The Tower of Terror, an entire Steampunk area devoted to the works of Jules Verne, and Indiana Jones. Plus there is a recreation of Italy at its center, complete with gondolas.

The Pros: Very unique rides and atmosphere, plus themed popcorn for each land (like Tokyo Disneyland). Journey to the Center of the Earth is a killer of a ride, and the water shows at night are genuinely spectacular. Also it’s the last standing Tower of Terror.

The Cons: If you’re looking for a more traditional Disney experience, you won’t find it here.

What do you think of our Disney park ranking? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know your favorite park on social @getFANDOM.

Kristina
Tea loving sound nerd with a travel addiction. Founder of The Baker Street Babes and The Nerdventurists. Really loves her dog.