Best Theme Parks in the World That You Just Can't Miss!

Jaw-dropping fireworks and enchanting light displays with ultimate Disney's famous themes like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Light year's Astro Blasters are just a few of the highlights at Disneyland Paris. You will be greeted with many unlimited surprises once you enter Disneyland, one of the most amazing theme parks in the world. Disneyland, Paris is also known to be the most visited theme park in all of Europe, all thanks to the never-ending entertainment it offers. The grand park offers huge entertainment complexes, musical tours of world attractions, roller coaster rides, shopping, and much more.

Address: 77777, Marne- La- Vallee, France
Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 55

Universal Studios blends fantasies of Hollywood with the thrill of a theme park and Bam! One of the greatest experiences of all time is brought to life. A trip to California is always incomplete without visiting Hollywood's Universal Studios. Right from rides, shows and a tour of a real working movie studio to behind-the-scenes and sets of some of your favourite movies, it is definitely heaven for all movie and TV lovers. Enter the reel world of movies like Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Transformers™: The Ride-3D and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter through rides.

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 132

Encountering your favourite Disney characters in the magical world of your childhood will surely get your spirits lifted and bring the sweet memories to life. Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, the Cinderella Castle takes you on a dreamy ride through the carnivals of exploration and adventure. Inaugurated in 1971, this magical world then grew into a resort covering 11,000ha and 30 hotels and resorts, four theme parks, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom - two water parks and even a camping resort! Justifying the very reason for calling it a 'World'.

Address: Walt Disney World Resort, 1180 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Bay Lake, FL 32830, USA
Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 96

A fascinating mini-land and a wonderful world made of LEGO bricks welcome in Malaysia. The first of its kind in Asia, Legoland has over 70 rides, shows, and attractions, making it one of the kids most favourite places in the country. Legoland Malaysia is split into 8 zones - The Beginning, Lego Ninjago World, Miniland, Imagination, Lego Technic, Lego Kingdom, Land of Adventure and Lego City. With so many things to do and places to see, Legoland Malaysia makes for a perfect family vacation.

Address: No 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 60

Sharing one of the top spots in the list of the best theme parks around the world, Aquaventure Waterpark brings an amazing experience to the table. With the thrilling water slides, adrenaline-pumping rides, and amazing carnivals, the waterpark is considered one of the must-visit places in Dubai. Also, you can witness awesome marine life in their habitat, go on a shopping spree and later enjoy your dinner after a terrific day!

Address: Atlantis The Palm - Crescent Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 25

Yet another destination to relive your childhood is Disneyland in Hong Kong. Housing around seven themes like Toy Story Land, Fantasy, Adventure, Tomorrowland, Mystic Point, and Grizzly Gulch, the park also showcases more than 30 attractions and rides. Hong Kong's Disneyland is also ranked among the biggest amusement parks in the world.

Address: Lantau Islands, Hong Kong
Timings: 10:30 AM - 8 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 600

Hello Kitty Town Malaysia in Johor Bahru is the first Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park outside of Japan. Located at a short distance from the Singapore-Malaysia second link, Hello Kitty is a dreamland for little girls. With all pastel decor, the areas are built to create interactive spaces for kids. Games, rides and various Hello Kitty characters, cookie making sessions, jewellery making and many other things attract the crowds. Enjoy their wonderful events and performances at the Hello Kitty Town 'Purrfect' Stage. And hey, guess what! You can even choose to dress up in your favourite Hello Kitty attire.

Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 19

Take on the world-class rides, attractions and shows and meet some of your favourite stars at Australia's number one Theme Park, Warner Bros. Movie World. Its HyperCoaster is the tallest, longest and fastest in the Southern Hemisphere. Movie World welcomes you to a world of Imagination, action, drama and all things cinematic. Experience power-packed performances and ultimate rides exactly where your favourite movies were shot. Get on the thrilling rides like DC Rivals HyperCoaster and more. Enjoy shows like Hollywood Stunt Driver 2 and Looney Tunes 4D.

Address: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 56

With more than 60 thrilling rides like Recoil, a roller coaster ride that defies gravity at 80 km/h and other rides like Korneto, Insanity, Maverick, Y-scream, Boomerang, Harakiri and Twisters. Located in Bangalore, this is one of the best theme parks in the world as it is known to be one of the loudest, craziest and the most amazing parts of the city and families love creating unforgettable moments while sharing big wonders at Wonderla.

Address: 28th Km, Mysore Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Timings: 11 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fee: Around USD 19

Universal Studios, Singapore is the sole theme park of Universal Studios in South- East Asia. If you are an anime lover, nothing in the country can delight you more. Go for a spin on the Madagascar adventure ride, feel the Shrek 4D adventure, immerse your heart and soul in The Lake of Dreams, which is a choreographed display of light, water and fire. If these do not gratify you, dine amidst popular anime characters and gift yourself the time of your life. If the 'Party- at- home' no longer excites you, choose a spot here, plan, customize and make it happen because aren't parties supposed to be exciting?

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore
Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: USD 56.45

Happy Valley is a chain of amusement parks scattered in the cities of China like Shenzhen, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Wuhan, Tianjin, Chongqing and Nanjing. These sites are hot spots amongst tourists. Get drenched in the water park, enjoy the live performances and the Golden Mask Dynasty show in the OCT theatre. Themes of every mood lightened up these parks such as Happy Times, the Ant Kingdom which is a favourite among kids, Shangrila Woods, Typhoon Bay.The Dessert Kingdom has rides and attractions shaped as which ice creams, cookies, etc and is based on the Chinese cartoon character Sheriff Biscuit. The Christmas Village is one creepy place that has been abandoned throughout the year only to be re-opened during Christmas. 

Address: Beijing- Xiaowujibei Road, Dongsihuan, Chaoyang, Beijing
Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: For Adults USD 31.01 to USD 36.65, For Children USD 23.26 to USD 27.49

Wingardium Leviosa! Are you a muddle who secretly fantasizes to be a witch or a wizard? Do you wish to get sorted into Gryffindor or Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff? Do you wish to be a part of the Yule Ball? Pottermaniacs, the gates of Universal Studios, Japan are open for you. Get enrolled in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Wizarding World of 'the boy with the scar' which is the talk of the park. Get yourself a wand and go along chanting magic spells and don't forget to dine at the 3 Broomsticks. You can also step into the Hollywood Dream Ride and get chased by zombies. Peter Parker wannabes can have fun at the amazing adventures of Spiderman or go for a swirl on the Jurassic Park flying roller coaster. Grab a butterbeer and gulp it on the go because the drink too is one of a kind.

Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-Ku, Osaka 554-0031 Osaka Prefecture
Timing: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM ( Tue to Fri)
9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Sat to Mon)
Entry fee: For Adults USD 68 to USD 80, For Children USD 47 to USD 54

A visit to Shanghai Disneyland is always a good idea because it has something captivating for everyone. Unlike the other Disneylands, it is a concoction of the modern and the traditional. A drop in here would be incomplete without a ride on the Tron, Soaring Over the Horizon and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Ride till you drop down because there is the Blur Frog, Wolfgang Puck and Cheesecake Factory where you can halt and have your fill at affordable rates. While you are at it, get into The Enchanted Storybook Castle. The fireworks with live 3D Disney characters will be a sight worth treasuring.

Address: Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai China
Timing: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee:  Adults USD56 to USD76

Efteling, the jewel of the Netherlands is a theme park based on fairytales. You will be bewitched by the Droom Vlucht, Symbolica, Land Van Laaf, the fairytale village, etc. Characters will be seen wandering around delighting onlookers. The park welcomes all regardless of age, throughout the year. Don't let the rain or the sun get in your way because the park holds enchanting spectacles according to the season. The Loonsche Land is a tree-house worth taking shelter in. Take your little one into this tiny cabin, surrounded by woods, you will be provided with everything that you will ever need.

Address: Europalaan 1,5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Timing: 11 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: USD 39.53 onwards, Free for kids from age 0 to 3

Disney's Hollywood Studios is the setting where the bewitching magic and spellbinding scenes of Hollywood movies get real. There is no way you will see and feel the whole of the park in one day, but you must not by any means miss the Toy Story Mania because it is one of the park's most famous rides. Get transformed into a toy and get acquainted with Woody, Jessie and the others of the Toy Story characters. You will find yourself among larger than life blocks and games. Take the opportunity to become one with The Incredibles and live in your favourite movie for a while.

Address: 351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States.
Timing: 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free for children under the age of 3.

Treat your kids to the United Kingdom’s only Nickelodeon Land. Let them go for a spin at the marvellous rides and have their photographs taken with their favourite characters. Adults can enjoy the world’s most idiosyncratic sights as Pleasure Beach has two floors solely for the exhibition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not. While you are at it, don’t skip the Pepsi Max Big One, because this remains to be the tallest coaster in the UK and the scariest of the scary in Paradise Beach. If this doesn’t scare you, nothing will. This theme park has adopted the wristband system. However, you should book it in advance if you want to get it at a lower price.

Address: 525 Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool FY41EZ, England.
Timing: 11 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Adults USD 48.49, Children USD 41.03, Children: Age 2 and under- free with unlimited access to some attractions.

The greatest amusement park in the United Kingdom, Alton Towers is known for its world-class roller coasters such as the Nemesis, Europe’s first inverted roller coaster or the Oblivion.The park has attractions befitting people of all ages. Thrill-seekers can have a go at the vertical drop or go through the darkest histories of Staffordshire. You can also take your kids to the waterpark or meet some of CBeebies’ characters or board the Runaway Mine Train. Elderly people can play golf or go for a stroll through the gardens or have a good time at the spa. The park also holds numerous special events throughout the year, one of which is Alton Towers Scarefest, the exclusive Halloween event of the park. The park provides drinks which you can refill in any of the refill shops, free of cost.

Address: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, United Kingdom
Timing: 10 AM to 5PM/ 4PM ( on some days).
Entry Fee: Adult USD 72.35, Children (3 to 11 yrs) USD 59.88

Europa Park, the largest in Germany is also the second most popular theme park in Europe. It has been titled the world’s best theme park by the Golden Ticket Awards. Bring over your kids and let them live in Grimm’s Enchanted Forest, Adventure Land for hours. Baby care rooms are scattered throughout the park and you can even rent strollers. Don’t leave out your dog because this park is pet friendly. You can travel to your favourite European countries and check out the stunning architecture without getting jetlagged. Weekdays are a better option to chill here. Be ready to devote at least 3 hours if you want to have the best in the park. Cuisines and drinks are available at fair prices. However, if you want to gorge up the whole park, you can stay overnight in some of the top-notch hotels.

Address: Europa-Park- Strabe 2 77977 Rust, Baden- Wurttemberg, Germany
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM (summer), 11 Am to 7 PM (winter)
Entry Fee: Adult USD 61, Children USD 52, Senior Citizen USD 52

The resort has Gardaland sea life, Gardaland Park, Gardaland hotel, etc.  Gardaland has some of the most extreme roller coasters. Try the Kung Fu Panda and the Blue Tornado if you want your body and soul to be shaken up. Those who want to go easy can enjoy the aquarium, the Colorado boat ride or take a stroll through Peppa Pig Land. The park provides hygienic drinking water in various parts of the park. You should opt for e-tickets if you want a discount. What's so great about this park is that you can go on a different date if you fail to make it on the day you booked the ticket for. 

Address: Via Derna,4, 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda VR, Italy  
Entry Fee: USD 54.52 onwards

Six worlds in a single destination, PortAventura is the most popular theme park and aquatic centre of Spain. It has a little something for everyone. Your kids will fall in love with the Cookie Monster Ride, Bubble Bao and Mystery Resurrection and hey! car enthusiasts can have their time too because the park has a Lamborghini Land. You cannot take your food package inside but that's not an issue because good foods are available at good prices inside.

Address: Avinguda del Batlle Pere Molas, s/n Vila-seca, 43840 Salou Spain
Entry Fee: USD 46.72 onwards

Great for families to have a brief holiday. The best time to hit the place would be around Halloween. You will be greeted and scared out of your wits by zombies and blood tainted murder victims and there are haunted houses inside to add to the thrill. Unlike other theme parks, you won't be stuck for long at the line. You don't need to take in food and drinks as they are readily available inside the park. 

Address: Boulevard de l’Europe 100, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
Entry Fee: USD 55.61 onwards

This theme park near Mt. Fuji is for adrenaline junkies. The coasters here are legendary and out of the world. However, the queues tend to be longer, but if you are willing to spend more you can get the priority pass. Tourists love this park as  they can dress up samurais and geishas. Mornings are a good time to visit because the lines tend to be shorter. The highlight of this place is that everything can be done while enjoying the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.  

Address: 5 Chome-6-Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan.
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: Free

Prater Wein was constructed in 1897. The fact that it featured in the film 'The Third Man' speaks volumes in terms of greatness and popularity. The best-known attraction of this place is the iconic Wiener Riesenrad Giant Ferris Wheel. This monster wheel, unlike others, goes slowly, giving riders the best and an entirely different perspective of Vienna. The park also has terrifying ghost trains, carousels, shooting galleries, etc. This is an ideal place for tourists because eateries with Viennese cuisine are scattered all over the park and souvenir shops light up the corners. December is the best month to visit as the park holds a special Christmas market every year. Calafati is the mascot of the place, a 9-metre tall sculpture of a Chinese man.

Address: Prater 7/1 Riesenradplatz 1, Vienna 1020 Austria.
Timing: Open round the clock.
Entry fee: Free

Gronalund is a theme park that is constructed on an island. To get to the place you have to take a ferry. The place is comparatively small in area as it stands on an island. However, the compact structure is heaven-sent for those who desire to enjoy everything without much walking. If you are planning a visit here you should try The Snake, Magic Carpet, and Catapult. Also, make it a point to drop into Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum. Halloween is the ideal time to explore the island because the whole area will be flooded with skeletons, jack-o-lanterns and artists lingering around in the most realistically terrifying costumes, popping out of nowhere and scaring the wits out of people. The ambience will be made more intense by The House of Nightmare. Indeed, Gronalund in Halloween is one terrifying spectacle, yet captivating at the same time. Special events, especially music concerts are held throughout the year and performed by artists around the world. The park has a bar area and a terrace where you can rest and charge your phones and cameras.

Address: Lilla Allmanna Grand 9, 11521 Stockholm, Sweden
Timing: Opens at8 AM/9 AM
Entry fee: USD 24.83, Free for senior citizens

Everland has 5 different themes- Global Fair, Zootopia, European Adventure, American Adventure and Magic Land to brighten up your various moods. From beautiful landscapes to thrilling roller coasters to real animals to safari, the park has all. It is home to the iconic T- Express, which is the largest roller coaster in the country and the tenth fastest in the world. If you are with kids, head to the Zootopia first because it is a must-see and they close down earlier than the rest. The safari features lions, tigers, bears, pandas, giraffes, hippopotamuses, etc. There are butterfly farms and a panda house too, where pandas can be seen up close. Everland is Korea's first family park. As it is an outdoor park, you must check the weather before you let the excitement get the better of you. Another thing that stands out is the lush greeneries and colourful blooms. During the spring season, the place is a paradise, with the most breath-taking sights of cherry blossoms and tulips colouring up the whole area. To add to the natural beauty, the park plays amazing fireworks at night.

Address: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do        17023, South Korea.
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Entry fee: USD 45.92 ( Adults), USD 36.08 ( Children)

Roller Coaster fanatics! Search no more because this very place is meant for you. An action-packed park with coasters of all types, both new and old. Try their New Revolution, Full Throttle, The Tatsu, Riddler's Revenge, Log Jammer, Twisted Colossus, Ninja, Viper, Batman, Déjà vu, Goliath, West Coast Racer Roller, etc. and you will be left with a whole new roller coasting experience, quite unlike the ones that you had had before. Their floorless coasters are sure to leave an indelible impression.

Address: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, United States.
Timing: Depends on the date.
Entry fee: USD 92.99 (age 3 and above), USD 59.99 (for children under 48 inches)

20 minutes away from the OR Tambo airport, Gold Reef City is the biggest theme park in South Africa. It is more than a theme park because it is a premier hub of information and entertainment. Part of the park is reminiscent of a mining town. You can take a tour through gold mines and learn about the extraction and processing of gold. The park exhibits insights to the country and you will be enlightened with endless knowledge with regards to South Africa. With the old historical houses and the world-famous Apartheid Museum, somewhere down the lane, Historians will have the most pleasant time inside. The science emporium is fun-filled and educational. The 4D shows, The Tower of Terror, The Anaconda and Golden Loop are some of the most popular attractions. The state of the art casinos remains the highlight of the place attracting thousands of people daily. 

Address: Cnr Northern Parkway & Data Crescent, Johannesburg 2159   South Africa.
Timing: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: USD 7.31 onwards

The Kingdom of Dreams is India's first and foremost platform of live entertainment. Culture Gully, which is beautifully hidden inside the Kingdom of Dreams is the country's first skydome with numerous stalls that meticulously lay out the art and culture, cuisine and customary things of 14 diverse states. Needless to say, this indoor street is a beautifully designed dome covered area with air conditioning. From folk dances to ethnic to décor stores, this area can be very well called a part of the multicultural country under a single roof. Tourists will enjoy this place because it represents a large portion of India to a certain degree. Bollywood fans will certainly fall in love with this place. All in all, this has been called The Kingdom of Dreams since the sights and spectacles inside incline more towards a dream than the real world with the incredible combination of heritage, arts and culture, entertainment, fun shows, restaurants and cafes with lip-smacking food items.

Address: Auditorium Complex, Near IFFCO Metro Station, Sector 29,
Timing: 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM ( CLOSE on Mondays)
Entry fee: USD  7.95 onwards (weekdays)