Looking for the best theme and amusement parks outside the United States? This guide is for you. It’s perfect for families, friends, and thrill-seekers. You’ll find travel tips, fun facts, and planning help. Whether you’re after wild rides or peaceful gardens, you’ll find it here.
We’ve listed top spots around the world. Plus, you’ll get advice to make the most of your trip. Let’s dive into the best theme and amusement parks the world has to offer.
Read also our post about 6 Amusement and Theme Parks in Europe + 1 Bonus
Why Explore Theme Parks Beyond the U.S.?
When people think of theme parks, places like Disneyland or Universal Studios often come to mind. But the world is full of spectacular parks that rival—and in some ways surpass—the U.S. giants. If you love immersive worlds, record-breaking roller coasters, family adventures, or just discovering something new, it’s time to look beyond borders.
This guide gives you everything you need: top international theme and amusement parks, what makes each one special, how to get there, where to stay, when to go, and what not to miss. Whether you’re planning a big family vacation, a couples’ getaway, or a solo thrill ride tour, you’ll find inspiration and practical help right here.
A Quick History of Theme Parks Outside the U.S.
Theme parks outside the U.S. have a long and rich history. One of the earliest and most famous is Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, which opened way back in 1843. Its beautifully designed grounds, gentle rides, and live entertainment laid the groundwork for modern amusement parks worldwide—Walt Disney himself even cited Tivoli as a major influence on Disneyland.
We have a travel post about What to do in Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark – Travel Guide and Tips
As time went on, Europe and Asia saw a surge in parks built around local folklore, fantasy, and cutting-edge technology. From fairy-tale forests in the Netherlands to mega parks in Japan and South Korea, international parks offer creative themes and cultural depth you won’t find anywhere else.
Today, many of these parks are global tourist destinations, welcoming millions each year with expanded attractions, live performances, seasonal events, and world-class hospitality.
List of Amusement Parks Outside the United States
No matter where you go, the best theme and amusement parks outside the United States offer unforgettable experiences. Plan ahead, pick the right time, and enjoy the magic. Each park has something unique—be it wild rides, fairy tales, or cultural stories.
Find the best deals and options for flights and airport transfers to your hotel.
Which one will you visit first?
Europa-Park – Germany’s Premier Adventure
Location: Rust, in southwest Germany, close to the French border
How to Get There: Fly into Strasbourg, France, then take a train to Ringsheim and a shuttle to the park
Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are lighter
Website: https://www.europapark.de/de
Where to Stay:
- Inside the park at one of six themed hotels
- In Rust village—guesthouses and B&Bs offer local charm at great prices
What Makes It Special:
Europa-Park is Europe’s second-most visited theme park after Disneyland Paris. It’s made up of 15 different “country zones,” each themed to a European nation. You can eat Spanish tapas, ride a Greek water coaster, and stroll through an English garden—all in a single afternoon.
Top Attractions:
- Silver Star: One of Europe’s tallest roller coasters
- Wodan Timbur Coaster: A wooden thrill ride with epic speed
- Voletarium: A flying theater ride that gives you a bird’s-eye view of Europe
- Arthur – In the Minimoys Kingdom: A family-friendly dark ride
- CanCan Coaster: A high-speed coaster through a Moulin Rouge-inspired world
Efteling – The Netherlands’ Magical Fairytale Park
Location: Kaatsheuvel, southern Netherlands
How to Get There: Fly into Amsterdam or Eindhoven, then take a train and bus combo directly to the park
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and manageable crowds. Winter is extra magical, with lights and snow turning the whole park into a wonderland.
Website: https://www.efteling.com/de
Where to Stay:
- Efteling Hotel – steps from the main entrance, perfect for families
- Holiday Park Bosrijk – fairy-tale themed houses just outside the park
What Makes It Special:
Efteling is all about fantasy and folklore. Think of it as the Netherlands’ answer to Disneyland, but with a deeper connection to European myths, legends, and fairy tales. It’s peaceful, imaginative, and ideal for families.
Top Attractions:
- Baron 1898: A dive coaster themed around a cursed gold mine
- Symbolica: A trackless dark ride through a royal palace of wonders
- Droomvlucht: A dreamy suspended ride through enchanted forests
- Joris en de Draak: A racing wooden coaster with a medieval story
- Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest): A charming walk-through area with animatronic fairy tales
Tokyo Disney Resort – Where Disney Meets Japanese Perfection
Location: Urayasu, just outside of Tokyo
How to Get There: Ride the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station
Best Time to Visit: March–May or September–November for the most comfortable weather and lower crowd levels
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html
Where to Stay:
- Tokyo Disneyland Hotel or Hotel MiraCosta for full Disney immersion
- Nearby options in Urayasu or Tokyo Bay for better rates with easy access
What Makes It Special:
Tokyo Disney Resort is home to two separate parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. DisneySea is often rated the best Disney park in the world thanks to its storytelling, theming, and attractions that are exclusive to Japan. Everything is clean, efficient, and operated with the legendary hospitality Japan is known for.
Top Attractions:
- Journey to the Center of the Earth: A unique ride you won’t find at any other Disney park
- Pooh’s Hunny Hunt: A trackless, interactive adventure
- Soaring: Fantastic Flight: A beautifully themed flying experience
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: A dark ride with immersive underwater visuals
- Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage: A charming boat ride with original music
PortAventura World – Spain’s Theme Park Powerhouse
Location: Salou, Catalonia (about an hour from Barcelona)
How to Get There: Take a train from Barcelona or fly into nearby Reus Airport
Best Time to Visit: May to June or September to avoid the extreme summer heat and big crowds
Website: https://www.portaventuraworld.com/en
Where to Stay:
- On-site hotels give early park access and easy returns for rest
- Salou offers more affordable lodging with beach town vibes
What Makes It Special:
PortAventura is made up of multiple parks, including a main theme park, a Caribbean-themed water park, and Ferrari Land. The roller coasters here are among the tallest and fastest in Europe. The park also features detailed themed zones—Polynesia, China, Mexico, and the Wild West.
Top Attractions:
- Shambhala: One of Europe’s tallest coasters
- Dragon Khan: Known for its 8 inversions
- Furius Baco: A high-speed launch coaster
- Templo del Fuego: A live-action fire-and-effects show
- Angkor Boat Adventure: A water ride with interactive surprises
Lotte World – South Korea’s Urban Park Paradise
Location: Seoul, South Korea
How to Get There: Easy access via the subway—just take Line 2 to Jamsil Station
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) for the best weather and fewer crowds
Website: https://www.lotteworld.com/gate.html
Where to Stay:
- Lotte Hotel World – luxury and location in one
- Jamsil area hotels are budget-friendly and walkable
What Makes It Special:
Lotte World is both an indoor and outdoor theme park, which makes it perfect year-round. It’s a unique mix of classic rides, modern attractions, Korean pop culture, and shopping, all rolled into one convenient city location.
Top Attractions:
- Atlantis Adventure: Part coaster, part water ride
- Gyro Drop: A massive free-fall tower
- French Revolution: An indoor roller coaster with loops
- Magic Island: The outdoor park set on an artificial island
- Pharaoh’s Fury: A high-tech dark ride through ancient tombs
Key Travel Tips for Visiting Parks Abroad
- Book tickets online ahead of time—many parks offer early-bird discounts and skip-the-line options.
- Use the official park apps to navigate, check wait times, and find show schedules.
- Get there early—you’ll ride more before the crowds pick up.
- Pack light but smart: sunscreen, refillable water bottle, phone charger, and light snacks.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do.
- Avoid weekends and school holidays for a better experience.
- Stay nearby so you can rest mid-day or be first in line the next morning.
The world is full of amazing theme parks that go beyond what you’ll find in the U.S. These parks bring together thrill rides, culture, stories, food, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re riding through a magical forest in the Netherlands or diving into Jules Verne’s imagination in Japan, international parks add a new layer of wonder to travel. You always can find the Best Theme and Amusement Parks Outside the United States.
General International Travel Tips
For general travel tips, be sure to check out:
- The best Travel Quotes to motivate your trip on an adventure!
- Tips for using Google Flights and buying the best airfare
Where to Travel Next?
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