Disney Around the World: The Different Theme Parks
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Magic Kingdom, Tokyo DisneySea, Disneyland Paris… The Disney Parks Worldwide are far more numerous and varied than one might think. In 2026, Disney manages 12 theme parks spread across 6 destinations on 3 continents, in addition to 8 cruise ships and 2 private islands. This guide covers each destination, with 2026 new attractions, up-to-date prices, and the best ways to access them with your credit cards and loyalty points.
6 Disney Destinations Worldwide: 12 Parks
Each Disney destination blends the brand’s magic with local culture. This is what makes each park unique, and the complete list far more surprising than it seems. A seventh destination is in the works: Disneyland Abu Dhabi, on Yas Island (United Arab Emirates), announced on May 7, 2025 by Disney and Miral, which will build and operate it. No opening date came with the announcement.
| Destination | Country | Parks | Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World Resort | 🇺🇸 United States (Florida) | 4 theme parks + 2 water parks | 1971 |
| Disneyland Resort | 🇺🇸 United States (California) | 2 theme parks | 1955 |
| Disneyland Paris Resort | 🇫🇷 France | 2 theme parks | 1992 |
| Tokyo Disney Resort | 🇯🇵 Japan | 2 theme parks | 1983 |
| Hong Kong Disneyland Resort | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | 1 theme park | 2005 |
| Shanghai Disney Resort | 🇨🇳 China | 1 theme park | 2016 |
1. Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida
The largest Disney complex in the world: 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, over 30 on-site hotels, and an area larger than the city of San Francisco. For a Canadian family, it’s often the first Disney destination, and the easiest to finance with points.
The 4 Theme Parks
- Magic Kingdom: The classic park with Cinderella’s Castle, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and iconic characters. The most visited in the world.
- EPCOT: Technology, global gastronomy, and international cultures. The Food & Wine and Flower & Garden festivals attract thousands of Canadian families every year.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Star Wars universe (Galaxy’s Edge), Toy Story Land, and Animation Courtyard, reimagined in 2026 around the Walt Disney Studios lot (The Walt Disney Studios), with The Magic of Disney Animation announced for September 14, 2026.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Live safaris, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and, under construction, the Tropical Americas area with an Encanto attraction, scheduled to open in 2027.
New Attractions for 2026 at Walt Disney World
- Renovated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom, opened April 8, 2026): new vehicles, interactive targets, “Buddy” robot, and unlimited scores.
- Soarin’ Across America (opened May 26, 2026): new version of the Soarin’ attraction to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – major update (May 22, 2026): new scenes with the Mandalorian and Grogu, new planets (Tatooine, Cloud City, Endor).
- Free Dining Plan for Kids 2026: children eat free in reserved packages, an offer for families to watch out for.
- Under construction: Encanto attraction (Animal Kingdom), Monsters Inc. Coaster (Hollywood Studios), Cars Land + Villains Land (Magic Kingdom, 2029-2030 horizon).
Magic Kingdom
The most iconic park at Disney World. Cinderella’s Castle and the evening fireworks make it a unique experience. Five zones converge on Main Street, U.S.A.: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Adventureland.
EPCOT
Often overlooked, EPCOT is nevertheless one of WDW’s richest parks. Four neighborhoods—World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery—and festivals that return every year. Children have their place there with Kidcot Fun Stops and the Luminous The Symphony of Us nighttime show.
Animal Kingdom
Often cited as the favorite among WDW parks. Thousands of animals, a real safari, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and Expedition Everest. Six themed zones: Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora, Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A.
Hollywood Studios
Transformed by the arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, this park has gained appeal for the whole family. Nine zones including Sunset Boulevard, Echo Lake, and Pixar Place.
Disney Springs
Not a theme park, but a cluster of shops, restaurants, and entertainment divided into four districts: Town Center, The Landing, West Side, and Marketplace. Free access, no ticket required.
2026 Ticket Prices (WDW)
Prices vary by date and park. Per person (10+ years), per day, before taxes:
| Park | Minimum price | Maximum Price |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | 139 USD | 209 USD |
| EPCOT | 129 USD | 199 USD |
| Hollywood Studios | 134 USD | 204 USD |
| Animal Kingdom | 119 USD | 189 USD |
Getting to WDW with Points
Walt Disney World is one of the destinations best covered by Canadian loyalty programs. Aeroplan points cover flights to Orlando (from 10,000 points per direction from Montreal in economy class under the Aeroplan reward chart, or 20,000 points round trip; Air Canada flights use dynamic pricing, with a median of 15,000 points per direction for this distance according to Air Canada). TD Travel Points work well for off-season ticket deals. For accommodation, Marriott Bonvoy has several hotels on the WDW site, including the Swan & Dolphin.
The American Express Cobalt Card remains the best card for accumulating points quickly: 5 points per dollar at grocery stores, transferable to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. A family spending $800 on groceries per month can accumulate up to 48,000 Aeroplan points per year, enough for two round-trip tickets to Orlando at the starting price of the Aeroplan reward chart (20,000 points each). Aeroplan credit cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card also offer one free checked bag per person on the booking (up to 8 people), perfect for bringing back Disney souvenirs.
2. Disneyland Resort: Anaheim, California
This is the original park, which Walt Disney himself inaugurated on July 17, 1955. Disneyland Resort is more compact than Walt Disney World, but also more accessible for Canadians making a stop on the West Coast. Two days are enough to enjoy both parks.
The 2 Theme Parks
- Disneyland Park: The original. Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion. Nine themed zones, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Disney California Adventure: Californian culture, Cars Land, Avengers Campus, and the World of Color evening show. A must-see for Marvel fans.
New Attractions for 2026 at Disneyland
- Soarin’ Across America (Disney California Adventure, opened in 2026): same update as at EPCOT for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – update (May 22, 2026): new Mandalorian and Grogu scenes, identical to Walt Disney World.
2026 Ticket Prices
Between 104 USD and 224 USD per person per day depending on the date. Days at 104 USD can be found on weekdays during the off-season. Disneyland is well-served from Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
3. Disneyland Paris Resort: Marne-la-Vallée, France
The most accessible Disney destination from French-speaking Canada thanks to direct Montreal–Paris flights. In 2026, Disneyland Paris went through its biggest transformation since its opening: on March 29, 2026, the second park changed its name and appearance.
Sleeping Beauty Castle remains, in my opinion, the most beautiful castle of all Disney parks. The attention to detail at Disneyland Paris is in a league of its own.
The 2 Theme Parks
- Disneyland Park: The historic park with Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street U.S.A., and classic Disney attractions. New nighttime show since January 2025.
- Disney Adventure World (formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, renamed March 29, 2026): completely redesigned park with three immersive worlds already open and a fourth in development.
Disney Adventure World: The New Worlds
- World of Frozen (opened March 29, 2026): life-size Arendelle, the new Frozen Ever After attraction, a meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa in their castle, shows on Viking longships, and the Rapunzel Tangled Spin ride.
- Worlds of Pixar: Pixar universes brought together in a dedicated zone.
- Marvel Avengers Campus: Interactive Marvel experiences.
- Lion King World (coming soon): the park’s 4th world, in development.
Other New Attractions for 2026
- New Tower of Terror queue area (opened March 23, 2026): covered, themed outdoor area recreating the remains of a 1930s celebrity hotel.
- Disney Cascade of Lights: new nighttime spectacular on Disney Adventure World’s central lake.
- Adventure Way: new themed promenade with 14 culinary experiences according to Disneyland Paris, including the Regal View Restaurant & Lounge.
- Disney Sequoia Lodge Hotel: progressive renovation of all 1,010 rooms starting in 2026, the hotel remains open.
Prices and Access from Canada
2-park tickets (Disneyland Park + Disney Adventure World) are sold by the day or as multi-day packages. For a family of 4, expect between 4,500 and 7,000 CAD for a complete stay (flights, hotel, tickets, meals). Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée, 32 km east of Paris, accessible by RER A (Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station).
4. Tokyo Disney Resort: Urayasu, Japan
Many consider it the best Disney complex in the world in terms of execution quality and cleanliness. Tokyo Disney Resort is managed by Oriental Land Company (not directly by Disney). The Japanese attention to detail elevates every attraction, every show, every parade into a league of its own.
Tokyo Disneyland
The Japanese version of the classic park, with exclusive attractions like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monster Inc Ride & Go Seek. A new Space Mountain is under construction for 2027 (budget: approximately 500 M USD).
Tokyo DisneySea
Unanimously hailed as the best Disney park in the world. No castle here; the volcano of Mysterious Island dominates the center of the park. Seven themed ports, including the world of Jules Verne (Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), and since June 2024, an eighth port: Fantasy Springs.
Fantasy Springs: Opened June 2024
The largest expansion of Tokyo Disney Resort since DisneySea opened in 2001. Built for approximately 2.2 billion USD, Fantasy Springs includes three themed zones:
- Frozen Kingdom: A reimagined Arendelle, with brand-new attractions.
- Peter Pan’s Never Land: Captain Hook’s island in full immersion.
- Rapunzel’s Forest: Rapunzel’s tower and the enchanted forest.
- Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel: luxury hotel integrated directly into the park, with exclusive access via a private entrance.
Since April 1, 2025, access to Fantasy Springs attractions operates via standard queue or Disney Premier Access (paid).
Prices and Access
An adult 1-Day Passport costs from ¥8,900 (approximately 80 CAD), depending on the date (official Tokyo Disney Resort price, as of October 2026). The resort is accessible from central Tokyo in 15 minutes via the Disney Rail Line monorail from Maihama Station.
5. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The smallest Disney park in the world, but not the least charming. Ideal for a day or two during a broader trip to Asia. Short queues, relaxed atmosphere, and a cult attraction found nowhere else.
What Makes It Unique
- Mystic Manor: Motorized chair ride through Lord Henry Mystic’s manor. Considered one of the best Disney attractions in the world by connoisseurs.
- Grizzly Gulch: Western zone unique to Hong Kong, with the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.
- Easy to visit in English: Chinese and English are Hong Kong’s two official languages, and the park uses both. You don’t need to speak Cantonese to find your way around.
A 1-Day Ticket (general admission) costs HK$669 (approximately 121 CAD) per adult (official Hong Kong Disneyland price, as of October 2026). The park is directly connected to Hong Kong International Airport by MTR in 35 minutes, convenient for a layover.
6. Shanghai Disney Resort
The newest Disney park (opened in 2016) is also one of the most modern. Shanghai Disneyland offers exclusive attractions found nowhere else, starting with Tron Lightcycle Power Run, one of the fastest roller coasters in any Disney park worldwide. No Main Street here: a Mickey Avenue replaces the classic entrance.
Exclusive Attractions
- Tron Lightcycle Power Run: one of the fastest and most spectacular roller coasters of all Disney parks.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure: a technologically much more advanced version than the classic.
- Zootopia Land (opened in 2023): exclusive themed zone based on the animated film.
- MARVEL Land: with Avengers Campus attractions.
A 1-Day Ticket costs from ¥475 (approximately 100 CAD) per adult, depending on the date (official Shanghai Disney Resort price, as of October 2026). The park is accessible from downtown Shanghai in about 40 minutes via Metro Line 11.
7. Disney Cruise Line: Disney Magic at Sea
For those who want to combine the Disney universe with a cruise, Disney Cruise Line is a distinct option, and one of the highest-rated fleets in the world across all categories.
The Fleet in 2026: 8 Ships
| Ship | Class | Passengers | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Magic | Magic Class | 2 400 | Europe and East Coast |
| Disney Wonder | Magic Class | 2 400 | West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii |
| Disney Dream | Dream Class | 4 000 | Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas |
| Disney Fantasy | Dream Class | 4 000 | Western Caribbean, Mediterranean |
| Disney Wish | Wish Class | 4 000 | Bahamas, Castaway Cay |
| Disney Treasure | Wish Class | 4 000 | Caribbean, Adventure and Exploration |
| Disney Destiny | Wish Class | 4 000 | Marvel: maiden voyage Nov. 2025 |
| Disney Adventure | One-of-a-kind ship, the largest in the fleet | 6 700 | 3- or 4-night cruises from Singapore (since March 2026) |
Coming soon: the Disney Believe (2027, Wish class) and 4 other ships by 2031. The total fleet will reach 13 ships by 2031.
Private Destinations
- Castaway Cay (Bahamas): 400-hectare private island, exclusively reserved for Disney passengers. Beaches dedicated to adults, families, and children, water activities, beach barbecue.
- Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Eleuthera, Bahamas): new private destination opened in 2024, on 240 hectares of preserved nature.
Main Itineraries
- Bahamas and Caribbean (3 to 7 nights). Departing from Port Canaveral, Miami, or New York. Ideal to combine with a stay at WDW.
- Mediterranean and Europe (7 to 14 nights). Departing from Barcelona, Rome, or Copenhagen. Perfect before or after Disneyland Paris.
- Alaska (7 nights). Departing from Vancouver or Seattle. A unique option for Western Canadians.
- Pacific Coast and Hawaii. Departing from Los Angeles or San Diego.
8. The Best Alternatives to Disney Parks
Disney is magical, but there are other world-class theme parks worth visiting, especially if you are in Europe or Asia.
Europa-Park: Rust, Germany
Germany’s largest theme park and one of Europe’s best. 95 hectares, 20 themed zones inspired by European countries, 13 roller coasters including Silver Star (73m) and Blue Fire Megacoaster. A 1-hour flight from Paris or Frankfurt. Ideal for extending a stay at Disneyland Paris.
Efteling: Netherlands
A fairytale park often described as “European Disney.” Based on fairy tales and European folklore myths. Meticulous decor, unique atmosphere. 1 hour 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
Universal Studios Japan: Osaka
Asia’s most popular park after Tokyo Disney Resort. Two exclusive global attractions: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (the most complete in the world) and Super Nintendo World (Mario, Donkey Kong). Combine with Tokyo DisneySea for a memorable Japan itinerary.
Universal Orlando Resort: Florida
Walt Disney World’s direct competitor, a 20-minute drive away. Since the opening of Epic Universe in 2025 (Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters zones), Universal Orlando has become a serious contender. A Universal + WDW multi-park pass is conceivable for a 10-day stay in Orlando.
Accessing Disney Parks with Your Points
No matter which park you’re aiming for, your loyalty points can cover a large part of the trip.
For Flights
No matter which Disney destination you’re aiming for, your loyalty points can cover a large part of the trip.
Aeroplan (Air Canada) is the most versatile program for reaching all Disney resorts. In economy class from Montreal, the Aeroplan reward chart starts at 10,000 points per direction to Orlando, 12,500 points to Los Angeles (for Anaheim) and 32,500 points to Paris, plus taxes and fees. Air Canada flights use dynamic pricing and often cost more in peak season. Aeroplan’s partner airlines include United, Lufthansa, Swiss and ANA, the latter being handy for reaching Tokyo.
Amex Membership Rewards Points can be transferred to Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, or Air France-KLM Flying Blue, very useful for Paris and Hong Kong.
NBC Rewards Points can be used as travel points on any flight. Handy for deals to Europe. The National Bank World Elite Mastercard also offers travel credits and strong insurance coverage as a bonus.
TD Rewards are ideal for deals on cash fares, especially to Orlando in the off-season with the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card.
For Hotels
- Marriott Bonvoy: hotels near several Disney resorts (Swan & Dolphin at WDW, Courtyard in Anaheim). Marriott’s Cruise with Points program can also book Disney cruises with points, but only for members who live in the U.S. and have a U.S. billing address (Marriott terms).
- World of Hyatt: hotels near WDW and Disneyland Paris.
For Tickets and On-Site Expenses
Disney gift cards, purchased online or at grocery stores, allow you to pay for tickets, Disney hotels, and on-site meals. The American Express Cobalt Card offers 5 points per dollar on grocery purchases where gift cards are sold. Consult our complete guide on Disney gift cards.
- Annual fee
- $191.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $255
- Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
- Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers one free checked bag per person on the booking (up to 8 people), perfect for bringing back Disney souvenirs with no extra fees.
Featured
- Annual feeNo annual fee the first year
- $0 $139
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,139
- Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months
- Up to 50,000 points
Apply Now
on TD's website
Combining Multiple Parks on the Same Trip
Aeroplan prices flight rewards by zone and by the actual distance flown. A stopover of more than 24 hours (up to 45 days) adds 5,000 points, with one stopover allowed per direction, in a city outside Canada and the U.S. (Air Canada terms). To visit the three Asian parks in one trip:
- Segment 1: Montreal – Shanghai (stop) – Hong Kong (destination)
- Segment 2: Hong Kong – Tokyo (stop) – Montreal (destination)
Each direction covers between 7,501 and 11,000 miles (about 7,830 miles outbound and 8,270 miles on the return). Under the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart in effect since June 1, 2026, economy class starts at 50,000 points per direction on Air Canada and Select Partners, or 65,000 points with other partners, plus 5,000 points for the stopover. The full trip therefore starts at about 110,000 points (up to 140,000 points with other partners), plus taxes and fees.
eSIM
Before you head out to explore Disney parks around the world, think about your Internet connection on the ground. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that install in just a few minutes directly on your compatible phone—no need to hunt for a physical SIM at the airport or pay high roaming fees.
One of the most popular providers is Holafly, known for its coverage in over 250 destinations. All its plans include unlimited data, handy for using Disney apps, checking wait times, and managing your reservations in real time. Holafly offers eSIMs by city, country, region, or worldwide, tailored to multi-destination itineraries.
The eSIM is purchased and installed before departure, then activated upon arrival. Compatible with most recent phones, tablets, and smartwatches. 24/7 customer support via chat, email, or WhatsApp.
Conclusion
12 theme parks. 6 destinations. 3 continents. The list of Disney parks around the world is longer than you might think, and each destination has something unique to offer. Tokyo DisneySea for the ultimate experience. Disneyland Paris for the beauty of its settings. Walt Disney World for how complete it is. And Shanghai or Hong Kong for the surprises.
With the right loyalty programs, a Disney trip becomes accessible for a Canadian family. The key: start accumulating early, choose the right credit card, and consult the best credit cards to maximize every dollar spent.
Disney Parks Worldwide – Frequently Asked Questions
How many Disney parks are there in the world in 2026?
As of April 2026, Disney operates 12 theme parks across 6 destinations: Walt Disney World (4 parks), Disneyland Resort (2 parks), Disneyland Paris (2 parks), Tokyo Disney Resort (2 parks), Hong Kong Disneyland (1 park), and Shanghai Disney Resort (1 park). Additionally, there are 8 Disney Cruise Line ships. A seventh destination, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, was announced in May 2025 and is in the works.
Which is the best Disney park in the world?
Tokyo DisneySea is consistently ranked as the best Disney park in the world for the quality of its attractions, its level of architectural detail, and its culinary experience. For Canadian families, Walt Disney World in Orlando remains the most complete and accessible destination thanks to the many loyalty points offers available.
Which Disney park is the cheapest from Canada?
Disneyland Paris is often the most economical, as Montreal–Paris flights are easily found with Aeroplan or Flying Blue points. For Western Canadian families, Disneyland Anaheim is very accessible and less expensive than Walt Disney World.
What is Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris?
Disney Adventure World is the new name for Walt Disney Studios Park since March 29, 2026. The park has been completely redesigned with three immersive worlds: World of Frozen (opened March 29, 2026), Worlds of Pixar, and Marvel Avengers Campus. A fourth world inspired by The Lion King is in development.
What is Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea?
Fantasy Springs is the largest expansion ever undertaken at Tokyo Disney Resort, opened on June 6, 2024. It includes three zones (Frozen Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Never Land, Rapunzel’s Forest), 4 attractions, 3 restaurants, and a luxury hotel integrated directly into the park. The project cost approximately 2.2 billion USD.
How many Disney Cruise Line ships in 2026?
In 2026, the fleet has 8 ships: Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, Wish, Treasure, Destiny (launched in November 2025), and Disney Adventure (maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, 2026). The fleet is expected to reach 13 ships by 2031, including the Disney Believe planned for 2027.
Can you visit multiple Disney parks on the same trip?
Yes. A trip to Asia can combine Tokyo DisneySea + Hong Kong Disneyland or Shanghai Disneyland from about 110,000 Aeroplan points in economy class, with one stopover in each direction (based on the Aeroplan reward chart). In Europe, Disneyland Paris can be extended with Europa-Park in Germany. In the United States, Orlando and Anaheim are about a 4-hour flight from each other.
Which credit card to finance a Disney trip?
The American Express Cobalt Card is ideal for quickly accumulating Aeroplan points (5 points per dollar at grocery stores). The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers one free checked bag for up to 8 people on the booking. Consult our best credit cards page to compare all options.
Which credit card should you choose for your travels?
If you travel regularly, the choice of credit card makes all the difference – travel insurance, points accumulation, access to airport lounges, or no foreign transaction fees. Use our credit card comparator to filter among 200+ Canadian offers according to your needs, or consult our top travel credit cards directly, updated monthly.
