So today, I'd like to get your feedback on international theme parks. Which of the Disney and Universal theme parks outside the United States would you most like to visit some day? (Eventually, I'd like to increase coverage of other non-US parks that attract at least two-million-plus English-speaking visitors a year, but we're starting with the Disney and Universal parks because they have the largest existing following on the site.)
We've got five choices today. In making your decision, let's ignore cost. Yeah, I know that's the big barrier to actually visiting these parks, but let's look at this as an opportunity for American readers to send a message about what kind of attractions, development and experiences you'd most like to see replicated in the U.S. theme parks.
Here are our candidates:
Disneyland Paris includes two theme parks, Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios. Like all multi-theme park resorts not named "Walt Disney World," the parks are located within easy walking distance of each other, a shopping plaza, and several on-site themed hotels.
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Hong Kong Disneyland is Disney's newest theme park, and in the middle of a major expansion plan, with a Toy Story land opening last year, a Frontierland-style "Grizzly Gulch" land opening this year, and "Mystic Point," featuring a Haunted Mansion-type dark ride, debuting next year.
Tokyo Disney Resort, located on Tokyo Bay, includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, the only non-US theme park to the win the Theme Park Insider Award for Best Theme Park.
Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka, in the southern part of the country, and is the last place on Earth where you can still ride Back to the Future and a stand-alone Jaws ride. And there's the trippy Space Fantasy indoor roller coaster, too.
Universal Studios Singapore is part of the Resorts World Sentosa development, standing just a few yards away from one of the world's most popular casinos, and includes several attractions not found in Universal's parks in the US.
Time to vote!
I'd love to hear your thoughts about these parks (especially if you have visited), as well as take questions you might have about them. The comments are open (for the next few days, at least....) As always, thank you for reading Theme Park Insider and have a great weekend!
Next in the list is Disneyland Paris and if all goes well, I'll be there in October!! I've been to Paris but for some reason didn't get to go to the parks...
And one day... in a remote future... Hong Kong!!
It is a great time to see Disneyland Paris!!
How about Ferrari World?
That said, The Winnie the Pooh ride at Tokyo Disneyland really is awesome! There is no comparison to the Florida version.
Our most recent visit to Disney (been 3 times now) was last Thanksgiving. When you stay on site in a Disney hotel, ticket are included free!
Disneyland Paris: Disney Dreams looks amazing. We need to have a show like this in the states.
Hong Kong Disney: When the expansion gets done, I don't see how any kingdom version can compete.
I am also really excited for Shaghai!
I've been to Tokyo Disney Sea and wasn't that impressed.
At least we have 4 years or so for see the wonderful things of disneyland paris.
I would also consider these non Disney/Universal theme parks.
Europa Park
Efteling
Alton Towers
Phantasialand
PortAventura
I would love to see the Universal Studios Singapore park because of the madagascar attraction and Battlestar Galactica. They both look awesome and I like both francises very much.
But I ended up choosing Tokyo Disney Resort because I would love to see Tokyo DisneySea. I think it´s the best Disney park in the world. It looks beautifull and is so different compared to everything I have ever seen. The cost of the park will be enormes but you can see where they have put the money. Wish Disney would put this park in Disney World one day.
I´ve been many times to Efteling and want to warn you not to compare it to Disney or Universal. The standard is much lower as is the theming, music, food and friendlyness
Maybe we could do another vote that doesn't include only two different companies. Why would Americans even go to most of these parks, they have better versions at home?
I voted for Tokyo Disneyland, having been to Disneyland Paris, if you've seen either of the US parks you will probably be disappointed.
I've been lucky enough to have been to some of the other parks, the best by far is Tokyo Disney Sea, an awesomely constructed park, with "Journey to the Center of the Earth", being the best ride outside of Universal's IOA. The service here is amazing. Disneyland Paris is a great park, with the best version of space mountain. Across the way (california style!), from DLP is perhaps Disney's worst park, Disney's Hollywood Studios. Imagine the original DCA without the lake! It has a couple of great rides "crush's coaster" and "Rock & Rollercoaster avec Aerosmith"(better version than Florida!) and the DCA version of Tower of Terror. The recent Toy Story additions are very popular and there's some decent shows; but this is a park that lacks detail, care and that wow factor. The tram tour is lamest thing of all.
Most Disney Resorts have at least one awesome park and a disappointing/half day one- sadly for the people of Hong Kong, they only have the latter. This park is seriously tiny, lacking most of the key ingredients of a Disney "kingdom park" - no pirates, splash or thunder mountains. Its getting bigger - but Disney should never have opened such an under built park.
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