Theme and amusement parks are not only centers of fun and entertainment but also massive global attractions that captivate millions each year. In 2022, the top 85 parks across 23 countries saw 334 million visitors, and this number jumped by 19% in 2023, reaching an impressive 410.6 million.
Beyond just physical visits, these parks also drive significant online interest, with over 75 million searches annually, 56 million Instagram hashtags, and 5.4 million Google reviews, highlighting their widespread popularity and engagement.
This study aims to dive deeper into the global theme park landscape, examining both the physical and digital footprint of these entertainment hubs. We explore which regions, countries, and cities see the most attendance, and which operators dominate in both attendance and online popularity.
By looking at key metrics such as annual attendance, search volume, social media tags, and reviews, we provide a comprehensive ranking of the top theme and amusement parks globally and within each region.
With these insights, we hope to uncover the growing influence and appeal of theme parks across the world, offering a fresh perspective on what drives their popularity and how they shape the entertainment industry.
Key Insights
- Global Growth: In 2023, global theme park attendance hit 410.6 million, a 19% increase from 2022, with Asia-Pacific leading at 164.9 million visitors (40.2%) and North America close behind with 161 million (39.2%).
- Country and State Leaders: The USA led globally with 157.7 million visitors (38.4%), followed by China with 87.7 million and Japan with 50.9 million. In the U.S., Florida led with 76.9 million visitors, while California attracted 51.3 million.
- Top Operators: Disney’s 12 parks drew 140 million visitors (34% of global attendance), while Universal Studios’ 6 parks attracted 57 million (13.9%).
- Top 3 Global Parks: The world’s top 3 parks were Magic Kingdom (17.7M visitors), Disneyland Paris (10.4M), and Tokyo Disneyland (15.1M).
- Regional Bests:
North America: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Universal Studios Hollywood.
Latin America: Beto Carrero World, Six Flags Mexico, Hopi Hari.
EMEA: Disneyland Paris, Efteling, Puy du Fou.
Asia-Pacific: Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea.
Ranking the Global Amusement and Theme Parks, 2024 (Table)
Global Amusement and Theme Park Attendance by Region
Theme parks are magical destinations that bring joy to millions, and the numbers tell a story of where the magic happens around the globe. Let’s take a closer look at how theme park attendance is spread across four major regions.
Asia-Pacific tops the chart with an impressive 164.9 million visitors, making up 40.2% of global attendance. With 27 parks, including world-famous destinations in Japan and China, this region holds the largest share of the global theme park audience.
Not far behind, North America welcomed 161 million visitors, contributing 39.2% of the total attendance across 25 parks. With iconic parks in the United States, this region remains a heavyweight in the theme park world.
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) drew 72.3 million visitors, which accounts for 17.6% of global attendance. This region may not be as large as Asia-Pacific or North America in terms of visitors, but with 23 parks, it still plays a significant role in the global theme park scene.
Lastly, Latin America saw 12.4 million visitors across its 10 parks, contributing 3% of the global total. While smaller in comparison, this region still shows that theme parks hold a special place for millions of people.
Global Theme Park Attendance by Country
When we shift our focus from regions to individual countries, the United States emerges as the clear leader in global theme park attendance. With 157.7 million visitors across 24 parks, the U.S. alone accounts for an impressive 38.4% of total global attendance.
Following closely is China, which draws 87.7 million visitors across 16 parks, making up 21.4% of the total. Together, these two giants dominate the global theme park scene, reflecting their massive infrastructure and long-standing popularity in the industry.
Other notable players include Japan, with 50.9 million visitors, and European countries like France and Germany, which collectively contribute over 30 million visitors annually. While Latin America has fewer parks, countries like Brazil and Mexico still attract millions of visitors each year, demonstrating that theme park enthusiasm is truly global. This diverse distribution of attendance highlights how each country contributes uniquely to the worldwide theme park experience, from Asia-Pacific to Europe and beyond.
Now, let’s zoom in on the United States–the top contributor to global attendance.
U.S. Theme Park Attendance by State
When it comes to theme park attendance in the U.S., Florida stands at the top, attracting a massive 76.9 million visitors in 2023 across 8 parks. Florida’s most popular destinations, including Magic Kingdom (17.7M visitors) and EPCOT (12M visitors), play a significant role in maintaining its lead.
Meanwhile, California follows closely behind with 51.3 million visitors across 7 parks. Iconic parks like Disneyland (17.25M visitors) and Universal Studios Hollywood (9.66M visitors) help the state secure its second-place ranking.
Other states, such as Ohio and Tennessee, contribute to the U.S. theme park landscape but on a smaller scale, with Dollywood in Tennessee and Cedar Point in Ohio attracting millions of visitors. Despite their smaller park counts, these states still boast major attractions that keep them competitive on the national stage.
Top 10 Theme Park Operators Worldwide, 2024
The top 85 theme parks around the world are operated by more than 25 companies, but the top 10 operators dominate the landscape. These leading operators, with a combined 55 parks, attracted 333 million visitors in 2023, accounting for 81% of the total 410.6 million global annual attendance. Notably, Disney’s 12 parks alone captured over 34% of global attendance, making them the undeniable leader in the theme park industry.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 theme park operators:
1. Disney Experiences
With 140 million visitors across 12 parks, Disney holds an unrivaled 34.1% share of global theme park attendance. Its iconic parks such as Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and EPCOT continue to be the most visited and beloved destinations worldwide, showing a 15% growth from 2022.
2. Universal Destinations & Experiences
Universal’s 6 parks drew in 57 million visitors, representing 13.9% of global attendance. Known for parks like Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, the company experienced a 14.2% increase in attendance from the previous year, driven by its popular movie-themed attractions.
3. Fantawild Group
China-based Fantawild operates 7 parks and welcomed 31.2 million visitors in 2023, accounting for 7.6% of total attendance. With a 48.3% surge in visitors, Fantawild’s rapid growth highlights its rising influence in the global theme park market.
4. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags, with 9 parks, saw 28.8 million visitors in 2023, making up 7% of global attendance. Known for its thrilling roller coasters, Six Flags experienced a 9.1% rise in visitors compared to the previous year.
5. Merlin Entertainments
Operating 9 parks, Merlin Entertainments drew 19.2 million visitors in 2023, accounting for 4.7% of global attendance. The operator of LEGOLAND and other attractions saw a 6.8% growth in attendance.
6. Chimelong Group
Chimelong Group, based in China, brought in 18.1 million visitors across its 4 parks, contributing 4.4% to global attendance. Notably, Chimelong experienced a significant 63% growth from 2022, marking it as a fast-rising player in the industry.
7. United Parks & Resorts
With 15.7 million visitors spread across its 4 parks, United Parks & Resorts captured 3.8% of total attendance. The company continues to grow, with a 6.3% increase in visitors in 2023.
8. Overseas Chinese Town Enterprises
Operating 3 parks, this Chinese operator attracted 9.7 million visitors, accounting for 2.4% of global attendance. Their attendance saw a substantial 32.7% increase, solidifying their presence in the market.
9. Herschend Family Entertainment
With 2 parks and 7 million visitors, Herschend contributed 1.7% of global attendance and showed a solid 20% growth from 2022. Known for parks like Dollywood, Herschend remains a significant regional player.
10. Mack Family
The Mack Family, which operates Europa-Park in Germany, saw 6 million visitors in 2023, accounting for 1.5% of global theme park attendance. Europa-Park is widely recognized as one of Europe’s top theme park destinations, and the park experienced a 10% increase in visitors compared to 2022.
Top 10 Amusement/Theme Parks Worldwide
The world’s top 10 theme parks are spread across multiple countries, drawing millions of visitors annually and generating immense online interest. These parks rank based on a combination of key metrics: annual attendance, global online search volume, Instagram hashtags, and Google reviews. Let's dive into the highlights of each park:
1. Magic Kingdom, Florida, USA
Magic Kingdom drew 17.72 million visitors in 2023, reflecting its unmatched popularity. With 1.6 million global searches, it's clear that the park remains a dream destination for many. Magic Kingdom’s magic extends to social media too, with 8.2 million Instagram tags from visitors eager to share their experience. Additionally, the park boasts 227.1K Google reviews, a testament to the memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year.
2. Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France
As Europe’s leading theme park, Disneyland Paris welcomed 10.4 million visitors in 2023, cementing its status as a top global destination. Its charm extends beyond the gates, with 726K global searches reflecting its appeal to travelers around the world. On Instagram, the park has been tagged in 7 million posts, as visitors capture and share their magical moments. With an impressive 293.9K Google reviews, Disneyland Paris continues to win over visitors with its enchanting experiences.
3. Tokyo Disneyland, Chiba, Japan
Drawing 15.1 million visitors in 2023, Tokyo Disneyland stands as a top attraction in Asia. Its 486K global searches show strong international interest, and its popularity on Instagram is clear with 8 million tags, as visitors love to capture the magic. With 106.9K Google reviews, the park’s reputation for creating unforgettable experiences is well-earned, continuing to charm both locals and tourists.
4. EPCOT, Florida, USA
Known for blending innovation with global culture, EPCOT attracted 11.98 million visitors in 2023. Its strong online presence is evident with 2.4 million global searches, and visitors frequently share their experiences with 5.1 million Instagram tags. The park’s reputation is reinforced by 145.3K Google reviews, showcasing its ability to captivate visitors with unique, futuristic experiences.
5. Universal Studios Hollywood, California, USA
With 9.66 million visitors in 2023, Universal Studios Hollywood remains a favorite for movie enthusiasts. It enjoys a massive online presence, with 8.1 million searches and a remarkable 841.4K Instagram tags. Its 157.9K Google reviews speak to the lasting impressions this park leaves on its guests, thanks to its thrilling, movie-themed attractions.
6. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan
Universal Studios Japan saw 16 million visitors in 2023, making it a major player in the global theme park industry. While its 486K searches are notable, the park’s vibrant atmosphere shines on Instagram with 2.4 million tags. Backed by 122.1K Google reviews, the park continues to deliver unforgettable moments for millions of visitors each year.
7. Disneyland Park, California, USA
As the original Disney park, Disneyland Park in California drew 17.25 million visitors in 2023. It remains a beloved destination, with 594K global searches and 719.4K Instagram tags reflecting its deep cultural impact. Visitors consistently share their experiences through 115.8K Google reviews, keeping Disneyland at the heart of the theme park world.
8. Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo, Japan
With 12.4 million visitors, Tokyo DisneySea continues to be a standout in the global theme park scene. The park garnered 516K global searches and was tagged in 5.5 million Instagram posts, showing its appeal to both locals and tourists. Its 89.7K Google reviews further affirm its reputation for delivering a magical experience.
9. Universal Studios Florida, Florida, USA
Attracting 9.75 million visitors in 2023, Universal Studios Florida remains a top choice for thrill-seekers. The park generated 2.1 million global searches and received 226.5K Instagram tags, as fans eagerly shared their adventures. With 141K Google reviews, Universal Florida continues to offer action-packed fun that keeps visitors coming back.
10. Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Efteling, with its fairy-tale charm, drew 5.56 million visitors in 2023. The park’s magic extends online, with 731.0K Instagram tags and 121.2K Google reviews reflecting its beloved status in Europe. Its 5.1 million global searches further emphasize its growing international appeal, making it a unique gem in the global theme park landscape.
Top 10 Theme Parks in North America
North America is home to some of the most iconic theme parks on the planet, and it's no surprise that the top 10 parks in the region are all in the U.S. Out of the 25 parks in North America, these 10 are the true standouts. What’s more, five of these parks also made it onto the global top 10 list, reinforcing the U.S.'s dominance in the theme park world.
1. Magic Kingdom, Florida, USA
It’s no shock that Magic Kingdom takes the crown, not just in North America but globally. With 17.72 million visitors in 2023, this park holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. Whether it’s the iconic castle or the enchanting rides, people flock here from all over the world. With 1.6 million online searches and 8.2 million Instagram tags, it’s clear the magic isn’t limited to the park itself—Magic Kingdom is a digital sensation too. And with 227.1K Google reviews, it’s clear visitors have a lot to say about their unforgettable experiences.
2. EPCOT, Florida, USA
Also sitting high on the global stage (#4), EPCOT drew 11.98 million visitors who came for the blend of futuristic innovation and global culture. EPCOT isn’t just a hit in-person—it’s got serious online clout too, with 2.4 million searches and 5.1 million Instagram posts showcasing its beauty. And don’t forget the 145.3K Google reviews, proving that EPCOT delivers experiences that visitors love to talk about.
3. Universal Studios Hollywood, California, USA
Universal Studios Hollywood (ranked #5 globally) pulled in 9.66 million visitors in 2023, and it’s clear people can’t get enough of the movie magic. With 8.1 million global searches and 841.4K Instagram tags, this park is as much a star online as it is in Hollywood. It’s backed up by 157.9K Google reviews, where guests rave about their time in this action-packed park.
4. Disneyland Park, California, USA
The original Disneyland Park in California (also #7 globally) welcomed 17.25 million visitors in 2023. Its 594K searches and 719.4K Instagram tags show that people can’t stop talking about the place where the magic began. With 115.8K Google reviews, Disneyland’s classic charm is still winning hearts.
5. Universal Studios Florida, Florida, USA
Universal Studios Florida, ranked #9 globally, drew 9.75 million visitors in 2023. People love its immersive movie-themed rides and attractions, resulting in 2.1 million online searches and 226.5K Instagram tags. The park also gathered 141K Google reviews, proving it’s a top choice for thrill-seekers year after year.
6. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Florida, USA
With 10.3 million visitors in 2023, Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to captivate guests with its Hollywood-themed rides and attractions. The park was searched 516K times and tagged in 333.8K Instagram posts. With 134.8K Google reviews, visitors clearly can’t get enough of its blend of Disney magic and Tinseltown glam.
7. Universal Islands of Adventure, Florida, USA
Universal Islands of Adventure welcomed 10 million visitors who came for the heart-pounding rides and adventures. It was searched 594K times and tagged in 874.4K Instagram posts. With 96.9K Google reviews, it’s a park that thrill-seekers continue to rave about.
8. Disney California Adventure Park, California, USA
Drawing 10 million visitors, Disney California Adventure adds its own touch of magic to the West Coast. It was searched 408K times and tagged in 1.2 million Instagram posts. And with 69.6K Google reviews, it’s clear that this park leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA
With 8.77 million visitors, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers something truly unique—combining the magic of Disney with the wonder of wildlife. The park was searched 118.8K times, tagged in 300K Instagram posts, and reviewed over 129.2K times on Google, reflecting how much visitors cherish their time here.
10. Dollywood, Tennessee, USA
Rounding out the top 10 is Dollywood, which saw 4.3 million visitors in 2023. This park is a fan favorite, drawing 4.4 million global searches and 367.3K Instagram tags. With 51K Google reviews, it’s clear that Dollywood has a devoted following, thanks to its Southern charm and unique attractions.
Top 10 Theme Parks in Latin America
Latin America offers a unique mix of vibrant and exciting theme parks that draw millions of visitors each year. From Brazil to Mexico and beyond, these parks combine culture, adventure, and family fun, captivating both locals and tourists alike. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 theme parks in the region.
1. Beto Carrero World, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Leading the pack is Beto Carrero World, with 2.79 million visitors in 2023. It’s not just popular in Brazil; the park also attracted 10.6K global searches and was tagged in 394.5K Instagram posts. With 201.2K Google reviews, Beto Carrero continues to deliver thrilling experiences that visitors can’t stop talking about.
2. Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
Six Flags Mexico drew 2.02 million visitors in 2023, making it the most visited park in Mexico. It’s also a major online sensation, with 780K searches and 125.5K Instagram tags. The park has racked up 159K Google reviews, proving it’s a top destination for adventure lovers.
3. Hopi Hari, Vinhedo, Brazil
With 1.04 million visitors, Hopi Hari stands out in Brazil’s theme park scene. The park saw 2.5 million global searches and was tagged in 298.5K Instagram posts, while its 62.3K Google reviews reflect its growing popularity.
4. Xcaret Park, Cancun, Mexico
Xcaret Park in Cancun attracted 1.64 million visitors in 2023. It’s also a major online destination, with 636K searches and 129K Instagram tags, while 107.6K Google reviews show that visitors consistently have memorable experiences.
5. Parque de la Costa, Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Argentina, Parque de la Costa drew 617K visitors. The park also garnered 924K searches, making it one of the most searched parks in the region. With 58K Instagram tags and 72K Google reviews, it continues to entertain families and thrill-seekers alike.
6. Fantasilandia, Santiago, Chile
Fantasilandia in Chile welcomed 961K visitors in 2023. It enjoyed strong online engagement, with 504K searches and 129K Instagram tags. The park’s 50.3K Google reviews reflect its place as a top destination for family fun in Santiago.
7. Theme Parque Nacional del Café, Quindío, Colombia
With 845K visitors, Parque Nacional del Café is a favorite in Colombia. It saw 39.6K searches and 92.2K Instagram tags, with 64.8K Google reviews highlighting the unique coffee-themed attractions and beautiful landscapes.
8. Parque Mundo Aventura, Quindío, Colombia
Another Colombian favorite, Parque Mundo Aventura, saw 1.02 million visitors. The park had 300K searches and was tagged in 30.8K Instagram posts, while its 40.2K Google reviews show strong visitor engagement.
9. El Salitre Mágico, Bogotá, Colombia
El Salitre Mágico attracted 610K visitors in 2023. With 33.6K searches and 30.4K Instagram tags, the park continues to capture attention. The park also received 48.3K Google reviews, a testament to its wide appeal in Bogotá.
10. Mundo Petapa, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Rounding out the top 10 is Mundo Petapa in Guatemala, which drew 912K visitors. Though smaller in scale, the park generated 25.2K searches and 5K Instagram tags, along with 23.7K Google reviews, showing its local charm and appeal.
Top 10 Theme Parks in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
EMEA is home to some of the most magical and unique theme parks, attracting millions of visitors from across the globe. From enchanting Disney experiences to local European gems, these parks offer a diverse range of attractions. Notably, two parks from this list, Disneyland Paris and Efteling, also ranked in the global top 10 theme parks.
1. Disneyland Paris, Vallée, France
As the #1 park in EMEA and #2 globally, Disneyland Paris welcomed 10.4 million visitors in 2023, making it the region’s crown jewel. The park continues to captivate imaginations, drawing 726K global searches and receiving 7 million Instagram tags. With an impressive 293.9K Google reviews, Disneyland Paris remains the go-to destination for European families and tourists alike.
2. Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Ranked #2 in EMEA and #10 globally, Efteling drew 5.56 million visitors in 2023. Its fairy-tale magic resonates online as well, with 5.1 million global searches, 731K Instagram tags, and 121.2K Google reviews, proving its immense popularity across both visitors and social media.
3. Puy du Fou, Les Epesses, France
With 2.5 million visitors, Puy du Fou is one of France’s most unique parks, offering historical reenactments and performances. It generated a whopping 6.5 million global searches, showing strong international interest, while also amassing 222K Instagram tags and 87.8K Google reviews, highlighting its growing appeal.
4. Europa Park, Rust, Germany
Europa Park, Germany’s top theme park, drew 6 million visitors in 2023. With 79.2K global searches and an impressive 752.5K Instagram tags, it remains one of Europe’s top attractions. The park’s 172.4K Google reviews further emphasize its reputation as a must-visit destination.
5. Parc Walt Disney Studios, Paris, France
Next door to Disneyland Paris, Parc Walt Disney Studios saw 5.7 million visitors in 2023. This park is also popular online, generating 12K searches and 74.5K Instagram tags. With 77.1K Google reviews, visitors continue to enjoy its movie-themed experiences.
6. PortAventura World, Tarragona, Spain
PortAventura World attracted 3.98 million visitors in 2023. Its online presence includes 93K Instagram tags and 107.8K Google reviews, reflecting the park’s status as Spain’s top destination for theme park lovers. It was searched 12K times globally, showing its appeal across Europe and beyond.
7. Gardaland, Verona, Italy
With 3.07 million visitors, Gardaland is Italy’s premier theme park. It drew 34.8K searches and was tagged in 462K Instagram posts, while its 116.2K Google reviews highlight its popularity among Italian and international visitors.
8. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
A charming park with a rich history, Tivoli Gardens saw 4.03 million visitors in 2023. The park also garnered 177.6K searches and 161.1K Instagram tags, while 81.5K Google reviews reflect its place as a beloved European destination.
9. Thorpe Park, Surrey, England
With 1.62 million visitors, Thorpe Park is a thrill-seeker’s dream in the UK. It was searched 2.7 million times globally and tagged in 292.5K Instagram posts, with 34.2K Google reviews backing up its reputation for adrenaline-pumping attractions.
10. Parque Warner, Madrid, Spain
Rounding out the top 10 is Parque Warner in Madrid, which welcomed 2 million visitors in 2023. It’s a hit online as well, with 1.1 million global searches and 109K Instagram tags. With 79.1K Google reviews, it’s clear that Parque Warner is a favorite for families and tourists in Spain.
Top 10 Theme Parks in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is home to some of the world’s largest and most popular theme parks, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Three of these parks—Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and Tokyo DisneySea—also ranked in the global top 10, highlighting the region's influence in the global theme park industry. Let’s dive into the top 10 theme parks in Asia-Pacific.
1. Tokyo Disneyland, Chiba, Japan
Ranked #1 in Asia-Pacific and #3 globally, Tokyo Disneyland brought in 15.1 million visitors in 2023. The park also garnered 486K searches and was tagged in 8 million Instagram posts, showcasing its wide online appeal. With 106.9K Google reviews, this iconic park remains a must-visit destination for both local and international guests.
2. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan
Ranked #2 in Asia-Pacific and #6 globally, Universal Studios Japan attracted 16 million visitors in 2023. It received 486K searches and 2.4 million Instagram tags, cementing its place as a top attraction. The park also earned 122.1K Google reviews, underscoring its popularity and ability to deliver a world-class experience.
3. Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo, Japan
Another favorite from Japan, Tokyo DisneySea, ranked #3 in Asia-Pacific and #8 globally, drawing 12.4 million visitors in 2023. The park was searched 516K times, with 5.5 million Instagram tags capturing the magical experiences it offers. It also received 89.7K Google reviews, making it a standout destination for fans of Disney’s water-themed park.
4. Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai, China
Shanghai Disneyland welcomed 14 million visitors in 2023, making it a major player in the region. The park saw 348K searches and was tagged in 661.2K Instagram posts. Although it only garnered 1.4K Google reviews, it remains one of the top destinations in China, drawing massive crowds.
5. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, Guangdong, China
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom attracted 12.52 million visitors in 2023, showcasing its growing presence. With 22.8K global searches and 7.8K Instagram tags, the park is still gaining momentum online, while its .02K Google reviews show it’s beloved by many in the region.
6. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland saw 6.4 million visitors, with 145.2K searches reflecting its popularity. The park was tagged in 1.5 million Instagram posts and has garnered 55.7K Google reviews, making it a beloved choice for both tourists and locals.
7. Universal Studios Beijing, Beijing, China
With 9 million visitors, Universal Studios Beijing is rapidly establishing itself as a major attraction in China. It was searched 97.2K times online and tagged in 13.5K Instagram posts, with visitor engagement continuing to grow. However, Google reviews remain unavailable for this park, likely due to regional restrictions.
8. Everland, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
South Korea’s top theme park, Everland, drew 5.88 million visitors. The park’s online presence includes 79.2K searches and 480.5K Instagram tags, while 62.4K Google reviews reflect its charm and appeal for visitors of all ages.
9. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World welcomed 5.19 million visitors, making it another major draw in South Korea. The park saw 118.8K searches and was tagged in 343K Instagram posts, with 46K Google reviews underscoring its continued popularity.
10. Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Rounding out the list is Ocean Park with 4.29 million visitors in 2023. The park received 145.2K searches and 540.8K Instagram tags, with 30.9K Google reviews showcasing its appeal as a top choice for Hong Kong residents and tourists alike.
Methodology
In this study, we analyzed over 200 amusement and theme parks globally, ultimately selecting 85 parks for which sufficient data was available. Our objective was to explore the popularity and rank the best theme parks worldwide using four key indicators: Annual attendance, global online search volume, Instagram hashtag count, and Google Business reviews.
Selection Process:
We focused on 85 theme parks from 23 countries, grouped into four regions: North America, Latin America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), and Asia-Pacific. These parks were chosen based on the availability of reliable data for analysis.
Key Indicators:
For our ranking, we analyzed the parks using four key indicators that reflect both actual attendance and online popularity:
- Annual Attendance: This metric represents the number of visitors each park received in 2023, which is a direct measure of the park's popularity.
- Annual Global Search Volume: This reflects the number of times people searched for each park by name on global search engines, offering a window into the broader interest in the parks.
- Instagram Hashtag Count: This metric indicates how many times visitors tagged the park on Instagram, representing social media engagement and on-site experiences.
- Google Map/Business Reviews: This refers to the number of reviews left by visitors on Google Maps, providing insight into how many people have interacted with the park and felt compelled to leave feedback.
These indicators were chosen because they provide a mix of real-world attendance data and online interest, giving a well-rounded perspective on a park's popularity both in-person and online
Scoring Method:
To rank the parks, we applied a weighted scoring method that assigns different importance levels to each key indicator. The weight distribution is as follows:
- Annual Attendance: 40% (highest weight, as it reflects actual foot traffic)
- Annual Global Search Volume: 20%
- Instagram Hashtag Count: 20%
- Google Map/Business Reviews: 20%
Parks with the highest cumulative score out of 100 were ranked higher in the study. This method ensures that parks with strong attendance numbers as well as a robust online presence are ranked favorably.
Data Sources:
- THEME INDEX & MUSEUM INDEX by TEA – Provided 2023 attendance data for most parks.
- Wikipedia – Supplemented attendance data for select parks.
- Ahrefs and SEMRush – Used to assess global search volume.
- Manual searches – Conducted for Instagram hashtag counts and Google Business reviews.
- Internal analysis – Completed by our team to compile and interpret the data.
Limitations:
Our study is limited to 85 parks, which may not represent the entire global landscape. Some parks may have been excluded due to unavailable data. In particular, Chinese parks were disadvantaged in our rankings because platforms like Instagram and Google are not widely used in China, resulting in incomplete data for those metrics.
Additionally, for some parks where 2023 attendance data was unavailable, we forecasted a 25% increase over 2022 attendance. These parks include:
- Nagashima Spa Land
- Dollywood
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- Carowinds
- Motiongate Dubai
- Silver Dollar City
- Legoland California
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Fuji Q Highland
- Ferrari World
- Dreamworld
- Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
- OCT Happy Valley
- Window of the World
