Disney Parks are dream destinations for children and adults from all over the world. These magical places offer an unforgettable experience, with their attractions, shows and encounters with the emblematic characters of the Disney universe. But where are these enchanted parks? In this article, we guide you through the world of Disney parks.
The origin of the Disney parks: Disneyland in California
The first Disney theme park was created in 1955 by Walt Disney himself. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is often referred to as the original theme park. With its iconic Sleeping Beauty castle, this is where it all began. Disneyland comprises two distinct parks: classic Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Disneyland
Disneyland is divided into themed areas such as Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Visitors can enjoy many popular attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain.
Disney California Adventure
Adjacent to Disneyland is Disney California Adventure, celebrating the history and culture of California. The park features attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Radiator Springs Racers and Soarin’ Around the World. The Pixar Pier area is also dedicated to Pixar animated films, with attractions such as Toy Story Midway Mania! and Incredicoaster.
Walt Disney World in Florida: the largest Disney complex
Following the success of Disneyland in California, the Disney Company decided to expand its empire by opening the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, in 1971. This gigantic complex boasts four theme parks, two water parks, numerous hotels and entertainment areas. It is the largest Disney-branded leisure site in the world.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is often compared to the original Disneyland park, as it also features the iconic Cinderella Castle. Visitors can experience classic attractions such as It’s a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
EPCOT
EPCOT is a unique park focusing on technological innovation and international culture. The park is made up of two sections: Future World, which features futuristic attractions, and World Showcase, which celebrates the cultures of 11 different countries.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This park pays homage to the golden age of cinema and offers attractions linked to the film industry, such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge zone offers fans an immersive experience in the universe of the saga.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the resort’s largest park, dedicated to the preservation of flora and fauna. Visitors can admire exotic animals, take part in safaris and enjoy attractions such as Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest.
Disney parks around the world
The success of the American parks has led Disney to open theme parks in other countries. There are parks in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the first Disney park in Europe, opened in 1992. The complex comprises two theme parks: Disneyland Park, similar to Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, and Walt Disney Studios Park, which focuses on behind-the-scenes cinema and is inspired by Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Tokyo Disney Resort
In Japan, the Tokyo Disney Resort offers two parks: Tokyo Disneyland, similar to Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, and Tokyo DisneySea, an original park with themed areas based on maritime legends and Disney films linked to the ocean. Tokyo DisneySea is often considered to be one of the most beautiful Disney parks in the world.
Hong Kong Disneyland
In China, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers a mix of classic and new, with iconic attractions such as “it’s a small world” and “Jungle Cruise”, as well as a unique area based on the animated film “The Lion King”.
Shanghai Disney Resort
Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort is Disney’s newest park. It is the first Disney park in mainland China and offers brand new attractions such as TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.
Dream destinations for Disney fans
With theme parks on three different continents, Disney offers a magical experience to visitors from all over the world. From their Californian origins to new adventures in Asia, Disney parks have continued to amaze young and old for more than six decades.