These are the Most Attended Theme Parks in the World

As some of the most popular tourist spots in the world, theme parks have long been a great place to visit. Fun for families and adults, theme parks are now self-contained resort complexes that offer everything you need and then some. You’ll now find as many dining options as rides and activities. 

With this in mind, let’s look at the most attended theme parks in the world so parents can start planning today. It’s important to note that 2023 attendance numbers won’t be out until later this year, so the Theme Index Report uses 2022 numbers.

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that Magic Kingdom is the world’s most attended theme park. The crown jewel in Disney’s theme park lineup, Magic Kingdom features six different lands. Across Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland, there is always something to do. In 2022, more than 17.13 million people visited Magic Kingdom in the U.S.

Arguably the world’s first modern amusement park, Disneyland California was officially opened by Walt Disney on July 17, 1955. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland offers incredible attractions like Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In 2022, Disneyland had 16.8 million visitors, a 97% increase over 2021.

Hosting more than 12.3 million visitors in 2022, Universal Studios Japan is the third most-visited theme park in the world. Planning for the 130-acre park began in December 1992 with opening day held on March 31, 2001. The Japanese location includes 10 different areas including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Hollywood, WaterWorld, and Sesame Street.

With over 12 million visitors in 2022, Tokyo Disneyland is the fourth most attended theme park in the world. A 115-acre park right outside Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney location built outside the U.S. With an opening on April 15, 1983, Tokyo Disneyland is not owned by Disney. Instead, it’s owned by The Oriental Land Company, which licenses Disney’s intellectual property.

Located in Orlando Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is part of the Universal Studios experience. The park is believed to be a journey of exploration with a variety of different themed islands. The property includes many popular experiences including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, and Skull Island. More than 11.02 million people visited in 2022.

Delivering an awesome experience to 10.9 million visitors in 2022, Hollywood Studios makes it look easy. Located in Orlando, Florida, Hollywood Studios opened up on May 1, 1989. The third of four theme parks Disney operates in Orlando, Hollywood Studios is divided into seven unique areas. Both Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have become huge hits since their openings in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

With 2022 attendance hitting a four-year high of 10.75 million people, Universal Studios Florida is a major attraction. First opened to the world on June 7, 1990, the park is owned and operated by NBCUniversal. Along with its multiple rides, the park also includes a sister park next door and CityWalk, an outdoor entertainment and dining area.

Opening up on September 4, 2001, The Oriental Land Company owns Tokyo DisneySea. Similar to Tokyo Disneyland, all of Disney’s intellectual property is licensed for use in the park. Of course, the 10.1 million visitors in 2022 just focus on seeing Disney magic regardless of the owner. Across the area, there are a total of seven different themed lands including Mysterious Island, Arabian Coast, and Mermaid Lagoon.

The second of Disney’s major experiences in Orlando, Epcot was the last park Walt Disney worked on before his death. Walt Disney’s vision was for Epcot to be an experimental concept for the city of tomorrow. While Epcot didn't quite become a city, it did see more than 10 million people come through in 2022. The park is currently broken up into two distinct areas: Future World and World Showcase.

Hosting 9.93 million visitors in 2022, Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris opened its doors in April 1992. The first of two Disney locations, the layout of Disneyland in Paris is almost the same as Disneyland in California. Across 140 acres, the area is almost completely dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters. While it’s the 10th most attended park in the world, it’s number one in all of Europe.