Whether you're a thrill-seeking solo traveler looking for the world's most intense roller coasters or a family planning a magical vacation filled with fun for parents and kids alike, theme parks truly have something for everyone. As Travel + Leisure's resident theme park expert, I've curated this list of the world's best amusement parks, highlighting some of the most beautiful, thrilling, and downright fun spots to visit across the globe — from historic European destinations to record-setting parks in the Middle East. Disney and Universal dominate the list with their famous theme parks in the U.S. and abroad, but regional options in far-flung destinations offer unique experiences, rides, and themes that you won't find anywhere else.

Here are 20 of the best theme parks in the world.

Tokyo DisneySea, Japan

Tokyo Disney Resort tops the must-visit list for many Disney theme park fans — including myself. I finally visited Tokyo DisneySea last year after dreaming of its adorable snacks and one-of-a-kind rides for over a decade, and it was everything I hoped and more. Tokyo Disneyland is very similar to Magic Kingdom in Florida or Disneyland Park in California, but Tokyo DisneySea is totally unique with its nautical theme, fantastical lands, and beautiful sections inspired by the Mediterranean, Arabian, and American coasts.

Best Rides: Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure 

Disneyland Park, United States

It's not an exaggeration to say that the 1955 opening of Disneyland Park in California forever impacted the tourism industry and American pop culture. The first theme park in the ever-expanding Disney empire (and the only one finished under the supervision of Walt Disney), Disneyland is still packed with nostalgia and history, with many original attractions dating from the day the park opened its doors still drawing crowds.

Best Rides: Indiana Jones Adventure, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean 

Epcot, United States

Epcot, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, is a permanent world's fair of sorts, celebrating human progress, technology, and international cultures. The front half of the park is made up of World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery, while the back half features 11 country pavilions located around World Showcase Lagoon. Like all Disney parks, Epcot has family-friendly attractions and character meet and greets, but it's especially fun for adult guests who love trying snacks, beer, wine, and cocktails from around the world in each country.

Best Rides: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Test Track

Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

One of the world's oldest operating amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit attraction in the heart of Copenhagen. The park dates back to 1843, and it has rides, theaters, and restaurants spread across its charming grounds and gardens. During the holidays, the park is extra magical with its annual festival when the scene lights up with decorations.

Best Rides: The Roller Coaster, The Flying Trunk, The Demon 

Universal Islands of Adventure, United States

The second theme park at Universal Orlando in Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure has lands spanning a wide range of themes — from kid-friendly Dr. Seuss to ever-popular Harry Potter. Park highlights include thrilling rides like Jurassic World VelociCoaster, as well as the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade.

Best Rides: Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Efteling, Netherlands

Efteling is the Netherlands' largest and one of Europe's most-visited amusement parks. Its imaginative rides, gardens, and attractions are themed to Dutch folklore and fairy tales, including a 15-acre Fairytale Forest with more than two dozen scenes. Adrenaline-seekers can line up for a thrill ride on the Flying Dutchman water coaster.

Best Rides: The Flying Dutchman, Symbolica, Droomvlucht

Six Flags Magic Mountain, United States

This theme park, located outside of Los Angeles, is a must for thrill seekers. Six Flags Magic Mountain has the most roller coasters of any amusement park in the world (20), so it's safe to say that it has earned its title as the "Thrill Capital of the World." The newest coaster in this park is Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, a single-file ride that will take you 13 stories up into the sky.

Best Rides: X2, Tatsu, Twisted Colossus 

Disney's Animal Kingdom, United States

This Disney World destination is half zoo and half amusement park, wholly dedicated to animals — both real and fictional, living and extinct. The park has some of the best rides at Disney World, including Avatar Flight of Passage in the fantasy land of Pandora, thrilling Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris, which allows guests to spot live animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras, from a safari truck. Diverse experiences for guests of all ages, educational exhibits, and beautifully themed lands make Disney's Animal Kingdom stand out.

Best Rides: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris 

Europa-Park, Germany

Germany's largest theme park, Europa-Park, is exactly what it sounds like — a Europe-themed amusement park with more than 100 attractions and 18 themed areas, with 15 representing different countries and regions around Europe. Look out for some Disney inspiration throughout the park design and attractions (doesn't that geodesic dome look a little familiar?).

Best Rides: Silver Star, Wodan, Pirates in Batavia

Dollywood, United States

Dolly Parton-owned Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is packed with dozens of rides, live music, comfort food, and of course, Dolly Parton memorabilia, all in a beautiful Smoky Mountain setting. Dollywood is a unique, family-focused park that celebrates the Tennessee spirit, and it hosts four annual festivals for added fun.

Best Rides: Big Bear Mountain, FireChaser Express, Lightning Rod

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, United States

Get a taste of Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia, at this theme park, which has areas devoted to Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, and Germany. You'll find a mix of thrilling coasters, kid-friendly attractions, live performances, and international eats spread across the themed lands at this park, often ranked among the most beautiful in the United States.

Best Rides: Pantheon, Verbolten, DarKoaster

Universal Studios Japan, Japan

Japan is home to some of the best amusement parks in the world. Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, incorporates themes and attractions from its U.S. counterparts, but it's also home to the first Super Nintendo World, an area with rides and restaurants dedicated to Mario and friends.

Best Rides: The Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream, Mine Cart Madness

Disneyland Park, France

France has several large theme parks, with a few popular options just a day trip from Paris. Disneyland Paris is home to two parks; Disneyland Park (which is similar to Magic Kingdom in Florida) is the best of the two with new takes on classic attractions and the most beautiful pink castle. I especially loved Phantom Manor, this park's version of the Haunted Mansion, and the perfectly themed lands.

Best Rides: Phantom Manor, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

Magic Kingdom, United States

Magic Kingdom is the most-visited theme park in the world. Its layout, themes, and attractions were based on Disneyland Park in California, but some nuances distinguish it, including the impressive Cinderella Castle that sits at the center of it all and the iconic rides.

Best Rides: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron Lightcycle/Run 

Tokyo Disneyland, Japan

The first Disney park in Japan, Toyko Disneyland is another incredible example of a Disney "castle park," with its own version of the Cinderella Castle right in the middle. Sure, many of the attractions have American counterparts in the U.S. parks, but thanks to unique food and beverage offerings, entertainment, and more, it feels totally different. Don't miss Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast — this family-friendly attraction is filled with breathtaking moments.

Best Rides: Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Splash Mountain 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

This primarily indoor Ferrari-inspired theme park in Abu Dhabi is a must-visit for car and thrill lovers. It's home to the world's fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 149 miles per hour. When visiting, make sure you also take advantage of the driving experiences, on which you can go cruising around Yas Island behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

Best Rides: Formula Rossa, Mission Ferrari, Viaggio in Italia 

Universal Studios Hollywood, United States

What started as a studio tour in 1915 has evolved into one of the world's most recognizable theme park companies. Universal Parks & Resorts now has several theme park resorts around the world, but Universal Studios Hollywood was the first, and the studio tour lives on as one of its most iconic attractions.

Best Rides: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Studio Tour, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

Everland Theme Park, South Korea

Everland, located in Yongin, is South Korea's largest amusement park, and it's home to a fun variety of themes, including Global Fair, Zootopia, European Adventure, Magic Land (best for kids), and American Adventure. The park also hosts a tulip festival filled with blooms each spring.

Best Rides: T-Express, Safari World, Amazon Express

Alton Towers Resort, England

Located in the Staffordshire countryside, Alton Towers was once a private estate with a history dating back hundreds of years. Guests can still explore the towers (now filled with attractions) and gardens, as well as experience thrilling coasters and delightful kids' rides, at this U.K. theme park.

Best Rides: Wickerman, The Smiler, Nemesis Reborn 

Shanghai Disneyland, China

Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016, making it the newest Disney theme park in the world. And that means it's home to some of Disney's newest and most exciting attractions, including the "Tron"-themed coaster and an innovative take on the classic Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride.

Best Rides: Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Peter Pan’s Flight, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit