The World's 10 Best Theme Parks (Outside the United States)

Everyone knows about Disney World — it's the best place on the planet, hands down (whatever you may hear about it). And if you live in the US, you’re probably also familiar with Universal Studios and Six Flags (Magic Mountain 4 lyfe, y’all!). But if you’re a theme park junkie, there are parks all over the world you might not even know about that you NEED to visit. Leaving Disney parks out of it (with one exception, which you’ll see later), here are ten of the absolute best theme parks outside of the United States. Start writing your bucket list now.

1.Efteling - The Netherlands

Efteling is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. It opened in 1952 and its rides are based on fantasy, myths, legends, and fairy tales. It’s situated in the middle of a pine tree forest and features lots of ponds and gardens, making it a more serene, natural environment than most theme parks. Any park that mixes crazy roller coasters and enchanted wilderness has to be pretty awesome.

2.Europa-Park - Germany

Europa-Park is separated into different “countries” like Italy, Greece, and Switzerland. There’s a roller coaster that goes into a diamond mine and landmarks of all the represented countries. Europa-Park also makes their own roller coasters and is still family-owned.

3.Nagashima Spa Land - Japan

There are huge roller coasters, a giant ferris wheel, and a water park. I was really hoping with a name like “Spa Land” there were going to be insane hot tubs, extreme massages, and high-velocity mani-pedis, but I guess visitors have to make do with rides like Steel Dragon 2000, the longest steel roller coaster in the world.

4.Lotte World - South Korea

Lotte World is the largest indoor theme park in the world. There’s a roller coaster called the Giant Loop and that’s all it is, just one huge 360-degree loop. Another ride called Pharaoh’s Fury takes you through Ancient Egypt in a Jeep — just the way Ancient Egypt was always meant to be experienced.

5.Tokyo DisneySea - Japan

In general I’m staying away from including Disney parks on this list because everyone already knows about them, but I had to include DisneySea because it’s so different from any other Disney park in the world. DisneySea has a nautical exploration theme, with seven ports of call — Mediterranean Harbor (a recreation of Venice), Mysterious Island (based partly on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), Mermaid Lagoon (from The Little Mermaid), the Arabian Coast (from Aladdin), Lost River Delta (based on the Indiana Jones franchise).

American Waterfront (based on 1940s New York), and Port Discovery (a future-themed port). It’s designed for more of an adult audience, which is perfect for people like me who want to live at Disneyland but wonder at what age people will start finding that to be really weird. DisneySea is for adults! Let’s go!

6.Dyrehavsbakken - Denmark

The oldest amusement park in the world opened in 1583. FIFTEEN EIGHTY-THREE. Bakken is on a natural spring, and back in the 1500s, that was good enough to bring people from all over. “Ooh, good water! Cool!” everyone said. Then, in 1932, the Rutschebanen roller coaster opened and kicked Bakken up a notch. Rutschebanen is still in commission today, which is pretty awesome. Come to Bakken for some timeless adventures!

7.Ferrari World - Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World is one of the biggest indoor theme parks in the world and is home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster on earth at 150mph (240km/h). Oh, and not only is it the fastest, but it hits that speed in SIX SECONDS. Ferrari World has special interest to racing fans but was developed for families and visitors of all ages. Looks like I better start saving my money now because I NEED to go on that roller coaster.

8.PortAventura Park - Spain

PortAventura is split into the Mediterranean, the American Old West, Mayan Mexico, China, Polynesia, and Sesame Street — all the important parts of the world, you know. It also has a Caribbean-themed water park and is developing a Ferrari Land to give Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World a run for its money. But most importantly, you can go visit Elmo’s farm and that’s all I really care about.

9. Beto Carrero World, Brazil

Beto Carrero world is the biggest theme park in Latin America. There’s a zoo, roller coasters, shows, and everyone says it’s impossible to see everything in one day. There’s also a show based on the Fast and Furious movies and something called “Horse World”.

10.Alton Towers - England

Alton Towers is the most popular theme park in the UK and is known for pushing the limits in inventing new types of roller coasters. The coaster The Smiler goes upside down FOURTEEN TIMES.

Alton Towers isn’t afraid to be scarier than Disney parks, as evidenced by areas like Forbidden Valley, a post-apocalyptic landscape. The newest roller coaster Thi3teen has a vertical free-fall into complete darkness. It’s the #1 place to go in England if you want to throw up your mince pies and bangers and mash (if the food alone doesn’t do it).