What’s the Most Visited Theme Park in the World?
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom once again claimed the crown as the most visited theme park in the world.
The Florida park welcomed more than 17.8 million guests in 2024, according to the Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) latest Global Experience Index.
Close behind was California’s Disneyland Park, drawing more than 17.3 million visitors. Rounding out the top five were Universal Studios Japan, Shanghai Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland.
The report shows that Disney and Universal continue to dominate the industry, holding 14 of the top 15 spots worldwide.
Disney Parks Still Lead the Pack
When it comes to Disney theme park attendance in 2024, the numbers tell a clear story. The company’s mix of nostalgia, innovation, and major new investments continues to attract record-breaking crowds.
Disney’s portfolio includes the top four parks in North America and seven of the world’s ten most-visited destinations.
Magic Kingdom is also holding steady, thanks to its attraction updates and steady post-pandemic recovery.
Meanwhile, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios both saw solid attendance increases, while Animal Kingdom rounded out Florida’s top performers.
Universal Theme Parks Climb Higher
Universal also had a banner year, climbing the global charts with strong showings in both the United States and Asia.
Universal Studios Japan remained one of the world’s busiest parks, boosted by the success of its Jurassic World attractions and Super Nintendo World.
In North America, Universal’s Florida parks performed particularly well, with Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure landing sixth and seventh on the list.
Indeed, the company’s growing lineup of immersive lands and thrill rides continues to attract young families from all over the world.
North America’s Top 20 Parks
The TEA’s report for North America shows just how concentrated the market remains around two regions: Central Florida and Southern California.
Here’s how the top 10 stacked up:
Magic Kingdom: Florida
Disneyland Park: California
Epcot: Florida
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Florida
Disney California Adventure: California
Universal Studios Florida: Florida
Universal Islands of Adventure: Florida
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Florida
Universal Studios Hollywood: California
Knott’s Berry Farm: California
Rounding out the top 20 were other favorites like SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Dollywood in Tennessee.
Global Theme Park Rankings Reflect Familiar Trends
Although Disney and Universal dominated the global theme park rankings, one exception stood out: Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China, which held the sixth spot worldwide.
Its marine exhibits and family attractions continue to draw millions each year, making it the top non-Disney or Universal entry on the list.
Industry analysts say 2024 was a strong rebound year, overall, with worldwide attendance up across most major parks. New attractions, improved infrastructure, and pent-up travel demand all contributed to the surge.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With Universal’s Epic Universe set to open in Orlando next year, competition is about to intensify. Experts predict it could bring millions of additional visitors to Central Florida, potentially reshaping next year’s rankings.
For now, though, the most visited theme parks of 2024 tell a familiar story: Disney’s storytelling power and Universal’s blockbuster attractions continue to set the standard for theme park entertainment around the world.
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