When someone says “Disneyland,” most people think of magic, fairy tales, and childhood dreams. But Disneyland is more than just a theme park. It is a world full of imagination, iconic characters, thrilling rides, and unforgettable moments.
The idea of Disneyland was created by Walt Disney himself. He wanted to build a place where both kids and adults could have fun together. That dream turned into reality in 1955 with the first Disneyland in California. Since then, Disney parks have spread across the globe.
People love Disneyland because it brings their favorite stories to life. You can walk through Cinderella’s castle, meet Mickey Mouse, fly through space, or go on a pirate adventure. The parks are also known for their clean environment, friendly staff, and magical attention to detail.
If you are planning a Disney trip, you do not have to go to the U.S. There are six Disneyland resorts around the world. Each one offers a unique experience with local culture, food, and design. Let us take a closer look at all of them.
Here’s a Quick Look at All 6 Disneylands
| Disneyland Resort | Location | Starting Ticket Price (1-Day Adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Resort | Anaheim, California, USA | ~$119 USD (₹9,900) |
| Walt Disney World | Orlando, Florida, USA | ~$109 USD (₹9,000) |
| Tokyo Disney Resort | Tokyo, Japan | ~¥8,900 (₹5,100 / ~$57 USD) |
| Disneyland Paris | Marne-la-Vallée, France | ~€72 (₹6,400 / ~$78 USD) |
| Hong Kong Disneyland | Lantau Island, Hong Kong | ~HK$639 (₹6,800 / ~$82 USD) |
| Shanghai Disney Resort | Shanghai, China | ~¥475 (₹5,500 / ~$65 USD) |
Prices may vary based on season, weekend/weekday, or if you pick multi-day or park-hopper tickets.
1. Disneyland Resort – Anaheim, California (USA)
Opened: 1955
Parks: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure
This Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, California, is the first Disneyland opened back in 1955.. This Disneyland was personally supervised by Walt Disney and still has that old-school charm. It is smaller than some of the newer parks, but full of nostalgia. You will find classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World.
Right next door is Disney California Adventure, a newer park that celebrates the spirit of California with attractions like Cars Land, Avengers Campus, and Pixar Pier.
Best for: First-timers, Disney history lovers, short family trips.
Best Time to Visit: Late January to early March and mid-September to mid-November.
Must-Try Snack: The original Dole Whip
Fun Fact: Walt Disney had a hidden apartment above the fire station and the lamp in the window stays lit in his memory.
2. Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida (USA)
Opened: 1971
Parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom
This is not just a theme park. It is a full-blown vacation kingdom. This is the largest Disney resort globally, with four theme parks. It is about the size of San Francisco. Magic Kingdom is similar to the original Disneyland, but bigger. EPCOT is all about innovation and world cultures. Hollywood Studios features Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, while Animal Kingdom brings nature and wildlife into the Disney universe, including Pandora – The World of Avatar.
There are also water parks, over 25 Disney hotels, and a shopping area called Disney Springs.
Best for: Long vacations, big families, people who want it all.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to early March, and late April to early June.
Must-Try Snack: Mickey Pretzels + Blue Milk in Galaxy’s Edge
Fun Fact: It has more than 30 on-site resorts and even its own transport system!
3. Tokyo Disney Resort – Japan
Opened: 1983
Parks: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea
This is the first Disneyland outside the USA and is known for its clean environment, well-behaved crowds, and amazing customer service. Tokyo Disneyland feels familiar but polished. It offers unique versions of classic rides and lands. But the most notable is Tokyo DisneySea, a park you will not find anywhere else. It is themed around oceans, myths, and exploration, with rides like Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
DisneySea is often called the best Disney park in the world by fans and travel experts.
Best for: Unique rides, immersive themes, Disney veterans.
Best Time to Visit: Late March to May (spring) or late September to November (autumn).
Must-Try Snack: Green Alien Mochi
Fun Fact: DisneySea is often ranked as the best Disney park in the world.
4. Disneyland Paris – France
Opened: 1992
Parks: Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park
Just 40 minutes from Paris, this resort blends Disney magic with European style. The castle here, Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant), is one of the most beautiful of all parks. The landscaping, architecture, and food also have a French twist.
Walt Disney Studios Park, the second park, has attractions like Ratatouille: The Adventure and a newly added Avengers Campus. More expansions are also in progress, including a Frozen-themed land.
Best for: European travelers, couples, and Disney with a French flair.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to March or mid-May to June. You can also visit during the Christmas season for festive magic.
Must-Try Snack: Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich
Fun Fact: The Sleeping Beauty Castle here is inspired by real French castles and fairy tales.
5. Hong Kong Disneyland – China
Opened: 2005
Parks: Hong Kong Disneyland
This is the smallest Disney resort, but do not let that fool you. Over the years, it has grown and added unique attractions. It is the only park where you will find Mystic Manor, a ride similar to Haunted Mansion but without ghosts. The park also features Iron Man Experience, the first Marvel-themed ride at any Disney park.
Recently, it opened the World of Frozen, bringing the kingdom of Arendelle to life. The park also celebrates Chinese New Year and other local festivals in Disney style.
Best for: Short, family-friendly trips with Disney charm.
Best Time to Visit: November to early January or March to May.
Must-Try Snack: Mickey-shaped Dim Sum
Fun Fact: This park celebrates Chinese festivals with exclusive shows and parades.
6. Shanghai Disney Resort – China
Opened: 2016
Parks: Shanghai Disneyland
This is the newest Disneyland, and it feels like the future. The park was built for modern visitors, with larger spaces, newer rides, and a strong blend of Chinese culture. The Enchanted Storybook Castle here is the biggest and most interactive of all.
The TRON Lightcycle Power Run is one of the most popular rides and will soon be available in Florida, too. The Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure ride here is also a fan favorite and completely different from the original.
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers, thrill-seekers, and new-age Disney fans.
Best Time to Visit: March to May or late September to November. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays for shorter wait times.
Must-Try Snack: Zaocha-style Chinese tea & pastries
Fun Fact: The entire park was designed with local Chinese culture in mind.
Tips for Visiting Disney Parks Around the World
- Plan your trip in advance and keep checking ticket prices. Look for packages with hotel + ticket deals.
- Public transport is easy in most places. If you are not getting a tour guide, you need to check transport details in advance.
- Each party has the official Disney app. It helps with maps, wait times, food orders, and showtimes. So, don’t forget to download the app.
- Each park sells items you will not find anywhere else. For example, Tokyo has cute seasonal goodies and unique popcorn buckets. Paris is big on Disney fashion.
- English is spoken in all Disney parks. But you need to install a translation app to break the language barrier.
- Do not forget to carry a power bank. You will be clicking a lot of photos, and your phone’s battery will drain fast.
- You can carry water bottles and snacks. Don’t forget to carry enough items. You can also make food reservations using the Disney app.
- You will walk a lot. So, weak comfy shoes.
Wrap Up
All Disneylands have their unique offerings. From futuristic rides to old-school charm, from churros to dim sum, Disney parks are not just about cartoons. They are about global culture, creative design, and joyful escapes. If you want to see the original magic, go to California. Florida is the best for people who want to do everything in one place. Tokyo’s Disneyland has the most unique rides. Paris offers fairy-tale vibes with a French twist. Hong Kong has a compact and fun park. The Disneyland in Shanghai offers modern design and tech. Now you have to decide what is good and easily accessible for you.
It is important to note that you will have to walk a lot. So, always carry comfy shoes.
