A visit to Disneyland is top of the bucket list for kids and big kids alike. Experiencing the world of Disney for yourself is not something you want to miss in your lifetime. But which are the best Disneyland resorts to visit? And where are they in the world? Let’s take a look.

Discovering Disney

A little history of Disney theme parks from across the world

Walt Disney thought of Disneyland after seeing other amusement parks with his daughters during the 1930s and 40s. Originally, he thought of creating a tourist attraction next to his own studio in Burbank, but soon realised the place was too small. He later bought land in Anaheim in 1953 and unveiled the first Disneyland Resort Anaheim in California on 17th July in 1955. The Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida was the second theme park built and unveiled on October 1, 1971.

Walt Disney World is one of the most visited holiday resorts in the world, with nearly 58 million people visiting in a year, excluding Disney’s own staff of 80,000 and other contractors.

Since there are many Disney parks dotted around the globe, we’ve picked out the best five to get you excited about the magic of Disney.

5 Disneyland locations from around the world

Embrace the magic

These days Disney theme parks are in countries right across the globe. Whether you want to go all-out classic with the original in California, travel to France or sample Disney in Tokyo, here are five of the best locations from around the world.

1. Disneyland Anaheim, California

The original classic

One of the oldest, largest and most enchanted theme parks, Disneyland Anaheim, was the first to be built by Walt Disney himself. It’s for this reason some say it’s the best Disneyland in the world. After all, you can’t beat the original.

Unveiled on 17th July 1955 this park has nine different themed zones, where a day to explore is not enough. Check-in to one of the luxurious Disney resorts and hotels for the whole Disney experience or make sure you get a daily pass for rides and tours if you’re short on time. The best time to visit Disneyland in California is between March and May or September and October. Try and avoid major holidays if you can.

2. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Fairytale fun in the Florida sun

The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is the second theme park Walt Disney built. This incredible theme park is home to infinite charms that can keep your children busy and happy while you indulge in a much-needed spa session and other fun services. There are four different theme parks inside and two incredible water parks, which surpass all your expectations. We love Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom when it comes to theme parks, and we can’t get enough of the wet and wild theme parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Of course, make sure you get a taste of fine dining with fairies accompanying you. The best time to visit is between January and March or mid-August to December.

3. Disneyland Paris, France

Visit Sleeping Beauty in the City of Love

The City of Love is home to another holiday attraction, Disneyland Paris. Be ready to be serenaded by Disney characters when you enter the park. Experience 19th-century America at Main Street USA and ride on horse carts and vintage cars. You can visit Alice and the Hatter in Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty in her castle. Enjoy a ride on the Big Thunder Mountain, which is one of the most famous rides here.

After the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland is the most visited attraction in Paris. For a combination of fewer crowds and weather that’s good enough to stroll around the park, visit Disneyland Paris between January and June. Mid-week is ideal to avoid long lines for rides.

4. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Japan

The first Disneyland to open outside the USA

Tokyo is home not only to Disneyland but also to DisneySea. The park has seven different harbours that resemble different topographical areas leaving you with a lot of options to explore. Look for Ariel at the Mermaid Lagoon, or journey to the centre of the earth at the Mysterious Island.
With the combination of both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, it’s the third most visited Disney park in the world. Watch out for the Quacky Celebration show, celebrating the legend that is Donald Duck, and Sky Full of Colours for epic fireworks.

The best time to visit Tokyo Disneyland is between January and February and at the start of June for the lowest crowds. It’s also a great time to explore the rest of Tokyo too.

5. Disneyland Hong Kong, China

One of the smallest Disney parks

Unveiled in 2005, Disneyland Hong Kong is one of the smallest parks, yet it manages to attract thousands every year for its imaginative themed attractions and entertainment. Toy Story Land with its larger than life toys, is a must-see. The Festival of the Lion King show and fireworks in the evening are sure to enthral your children too.

Wow, what a magical holiday a trip to Disney is. The hard part now is deciding which of these incredible Disneyland countries to visit.