Find your Fantasy!

7 magical theme parks to discover around the world

If this were a popularity contest, Disney properties would dominate our list from top to bottom. But since we know that the biggest isn’t always the best, we gave special consideration to theme parks that offer guests something truly special. From spectacular worlds of adventure dedicated to film, nature, fairy tales, the sea, and everything in between, here are

7 theme parks around the world worth planning your next trip around…

1. Walt Disney World

Orlando, U.S.A.

Perhaps this is a case where bigger really is better. The Disney brothers’ sprawling masterpiece in the heart of Florida truly is a kingdom, covering an area the size of San Francisco and welcoming almost 20 million guests per year. Walt Disney World boasts the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios under its umbrella, each offering a unique, fully immersive escape from the real world. But be prepared: you’ll have to share the magic with over 50,000 visitors on any given day.

That's the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up." - Walt Disney

2. Europa-Park

Rust, Germany

The second-most visited theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park near the city of Freiburg, sees around 5.5 million visitors pass through its gates every year. What makes this park unique are 14 individually themed sections that each capture the spirit of a European country. In »Switzerland«, for example, you’ll find the Matterhorn Blitz rollercoaster, while »Russia« boasts attractions based on the Mir Space Station. Grimm’s Enchanted Forest, which lets you explore replica settings of Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood, among others, is an especially notable treasure.

3. Canada’s Wonderland

Toronto, Canada

Simply put: there is no better place on earth for rollercoaster aficionados. The park’s main draw is the 91-meter leviathan, which roars at speeds up to 150 km/h. Canada’s Wonderland is also home to behemoth, a snaking coaster that drops at a 75-degree angle, the thrilling inverted coaster flight deck and two bone-rattling wooden coasters that could very well be older than you are.

Insider Tip: save your appetite for a funnel cake, a deep-fried serving of batter topped with powdered sugar, fruit, chocolate, ice cream and pretty much anything your heart desires.

4. DisneySea

Tokyo, Japan

How fitting that the brand that introduced us to The Little Mermaid’s catchy »Under the Sea« also boasts an entire amusement park dedicated to the theme. DisneySea opened with an astonishing price tag of around three billion euros, which certainly paid off – it welcomed 10 million visitors in its first 307 days after opening. Highlights of the 176- acre park include a re-creation of a bustling Mediterranean harbor, the city of Venice, the Arabian coast, New York City harbor, and the lost river delta of Indiana Jones fame. A walk through Mysterious Island, based on narratives by author Jules Verne, takes you both on a »Journey to the center of the Earth« and »20,000 Leagues Under the Sea«.

5. Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen, Denmark

In case the name wasn’t implicit enough, Tivoli Gardens is a blooming oasis of natural wonder with a plethora of attractions sprinkled throughout that range from thrill to chill. Bumper cars from the mid-1920s, a 63-metre drop tower, a scenic railway, fireworks and virtual reality experiences are just some of the activities that await within Tivoli’s green walls. That the park has been open for 173 years is testament to its excellence.

6. Universal Studios

Hollywood, California

No trip to Hollywood is complete without a stop at Universal Studios. The ultimate playground for movie buffs, this 102-year-old movie studio and theme park really does live up to its billing as »The Entertainment Capital of LA«. Over six million guests a year take in Universal Studios’ life-size odes to big screen entertainment, including film-inspired rides, set tours, stunt shows, celebrity likenesses and kitschy souvenirs. The Simpsons, Jurassic Park and Transformers rides are especially beloved.

7. Efteling

Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands

Calling all fans of fairytales, myths, legends, folklore and fables: this is your Fantasyland. Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in the world and is twice as large as the original Disneyland in California, though its appeal is decidedly more niche. It stands out in the world of theme parks for its outstanding architecture and quality of attractions, the marvel of which is a double loop rollercoaster by the name of Python. Fun fact: In 1971, Efteling was the first theme park to receive Europe’s highest tourism award, the Pomme d’Or.

Text: Christian Näthler