Share
How do you decide which Disney Park to visit first? Visiting a Disney theme park is all about diving into the magic of make-believe – it’s a chance to meet beloved Disney characters, enjoy fun-filled live performances and enjoy the exhilaration of some of the world’s most iconic theme park rides. Park staff (known in Disney-speak as ‘cast members’) will go out of their way to ensure that every aspect of your visit is infused with Disney magic.
With six locations and twelve park experiences around the world to choose from, we’re here to help you decide which one is right for you:
Disneyland Resort – Anaheim, California
Disneyland Park is the OG Disney park experience, and therefore it retains a special place in the hearts of Disney devotees worldwide. From the moment you stroll past the Mickey Mouse flower bed and into the park, you’re sure to be caught up in the magic of imagination that has made this the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ since the park opened in 1955. Browse the charming shops and eateries on Main Street, U.S.A., then journey through Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland. Whether you’re soaring through the skies on Space Mountain, sailing with pirates in the Caribbean, or meeting old friends like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella, every moment is filled with joy and excitement. The nightly character parade and fireworks display is a highlight of any Disney experience, and seeing the iconic façade of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle illuminated by a pyrotechnic extravaganza delivers peak Disney bliss.
Across the Esplanade from those iconic green gates stands the entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, which is designed to deliver an immersive journey through all things California. From the bustling boardwalk of Paradise Pier to the majestic peaks of Grizzly Peak, the park is a thrill-seeker’s paradise of rides that are guaranteed to get your pulse pounding. When you need a break from all those scream-inducing freefalls and high-speed turns, you can learn how the Disney animators work their magic at a sketch workshop or meet your favourite Marvel characters at Avengers Campus.
This vast resort complex is home to four incredible Disney parks as well as two water parks, two mini-golf courses and four golf courses. Magic Kingdom Park provides the classic Disney experience, with landmarks like Cinderella’s Castle and Main Street and favourite rides such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. At EPCOT, a giant geodesic sphere (which houses the Spaceship Earth ride) welcomes you to embark on a journey of discovery through science and technology, culture and cuisine, imagination and adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the largest fully enclosed roller coasters in the world – it’s a must-do for fans of the franchise.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers an immerse opportunity to explore the Earth and encounter its wild inhabitants. Meet gorillas and lions on an African safari adventure, ride a roller-coaster through the Himalayas and conclude your visit with the spectacular Rivers of Light experience, which combines water, light and music in a breathtaking display.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a celebration of the magic of movies, television, and entertainment. Hop on a ride inspired by a favourite film and show such as The Twilight Zone and Toy Story, then dive into the history of Disney animation and Imagineering at a live-action show or behind-the-scenes experience like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and Walt Disney Presents. Choose from twenty-one Disney-operated resorts to serve as your home base, then get ready to enjoy the astonishing variety of attractions and experiences that are designed to delight Disney enthusiasts of all ages.
While Tokyo Disneyland shares many similarities with other Disney parks around the world, it also offers unique experiences that can only be found in Tokyo. Fan favourites such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain sit alongside local specialities like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and The Happy Ride with Baymax: a whimsical journey through the fictional imaginary city of San Fransokyo, which fans will recognise from the movie, Big Hero 6.
Stroll across a short walkway to Tokyo DisneySea: a collection of seven fantasy ports of call inspired by different regions and cultures around the world where you can immerse yourself in a variety of memorable movie moments. Take an Indiana Jones-inspired roller coaster adventure or a horse-drawn carriage ride along the historic waterfront of the American Waterfront. There’s a wide range of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences on offer, all infused with Japanese flair for creativity, colour and fun.
Disneyland Paris – Marne-la-Vallée, France
At Disneyland Park, the classic Disney experience is infused with touches of uniquely French flair. You’ll still get to enjoy the most iconic Disney rides, characters and landmarks, from the madcap fun of the Mad Hatter’s Teacups to the grandeur of Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (aka Sleeping Beauty’s Castle). Other attractions are unique to the Paris park, such as Phantom Manor, which offers a unique twist on the classic Disney Haunted Mansion.
The neighbouring Walt Disney Studios Park lets you into the world of filmmaking and animation, showcasing the artistry and technology that’s involved in making your favourite Disney movies. Ratatouille: The Adventure is a 4D dark ride that shrinks you down to the size of a rat and takes you on a culinary adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant. You can even dine at Bistrot Chez Rémy, where the illusion continues thanks to oversized props and furniture – you may even meet the expert chef himself! The park has seven unique Disney hotels to choose from, from the luxurious Disneyland Hotel located right at the park’s entrance to the wilderness charm of the Davy Crockett Ranch wood cabins.
The park is located on tranquil Lantau Island, just half an hour from the hustle of downtown Hong Kong, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the shimmering waters of the South China Sea. If you’re a fan of the Marvel Universe, you’ll love exploring the Stark Expo where you can immerse yourself in the world of Marvel superheroes and join Iron Man on a mission to defend Hong Kong against the forces of evil.
The park’s layout, orientation and architecture were designed according to feng shui principles so that it aligns with traditional Chinese beliefs about harmony and balance. The diversity of the city is reflected in the park, which combines classic Disney experiences with unique cultural influences in its attractions, entertainment, and dining options. Throughout the year, Hong Kong Disneyland also hosts a variety of special events and celebrations that highlight Chinese festivals and traditions, with themed decorations, entertainment and activities designed to provide a unique cultural experience.
The first Disney park in mainland is also the newest in the Disney global collection: it opened its gates to the public in 2016. Fusing Disney magic with Chinese culture, you’ll find traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping throughout the park, as well as events and celebrations that incorporate Chinese festivals and traditions. Disney’s immersive style of storytelling brings to life all your favourite characters and stories as you journey through themed lands like Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Added to these are the spectacular live shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars for which Disney parks are renowned – how could you not sing along to the Broadway musical stylings of Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration? And in the spirit of “try everything,” the first Zootopia-themed land opened at Shanghai Disneyland in December 2023, so you can join a wild police chase through Tundra Town, explore the different habitat neighbourhoods and snap a selfie with Officer Judy Hopps.
Or perhaps you want to consider a magical voyage like no other aboard the Disney Wonder. We believe it’s a holiday experience that every Disney fan should try at least once in their lives. You’ll be treated to iconic character experiences and incredible live shows every night, as well as mouthwatering dining options and family-friendly staterooms. Our cruise experts can help you to plan a dream Disney cruise in a variety of unforgettable destinations ranging from Alaska to New Zealand.
Whether you choose a Disney holiday with a touch of old-school American charm or one with a little added cultural fusion, every park offers its own unique blend of fantasy and wonder. From park ticket entry options and opening hours to personalised character dining experiences, having one of our Disney experts by your side will ensure that you have the inside scoop.
Your personal travel manager may not have a magic wand, but they can help you make your Disney holiday dreams come true.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
