I've visited every Disney park. Here's the best of the best
I recently crossed an item off of my bucket list: visiting all 12 Disney parks worldwide. With six parks in the U.S., two in Europe and four in Asia, it wasn't an easy feat. As a Disney World guidebook author, I have some bias, but I was surprised to reflect upon how many of my favorite Disney experiences are not in Orlando. After seeing it all, I have compiled my votes for the best of the Disney-verse.
Best castle: (Tie) Parc Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland's Enchanted Storybook Castle is both the newest and the largest in the Disney Kingdom. It's also the only castle that showcases more than one princess. The castle features a four-story-high atrium and details that make you slow down and take them in. However, I think Parc Disneyland's Le Château De La Belle Au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty's Castle) is prettier. Shanghai's castle is more like a fortress, but Paris' castle pays homage to its European home by being both distinctive and whimsical.
Related: 8 things a first-time Disneyland Paris visitor should know
Both the Paris and Shanghai castles allow you to explore both above ground and underneath. I prefer Parc Disneyland's version where you can visit Maleficent the dragon, who is locked up in the castle's dungeon. That said, the Crystal Grotto under Shanghai Disneyland's version is visually stunning and accessible by boat, so it's really a matter of taste.
Best individual park: DisneySea
My favorite Disney castle is actually neither of the above: It's Triton's Castle at DisneySea in Tokyo. Triton's Castle anchors Mermaid Lagoon, which is one of the seven lands ("ports of call") represented at DisneySea. The idea of a nautical-themed park bounced around Disney Imagineers in the U.S. for years but it took crossing the Pacific ocean to make the park a reality.
You'll find some rides from other parks: notably Toy Story Mania, and others based on things you'll recognize. For instance, Journey to the Center of the Earth is similar to Epcot's Test Track or California Adventure's Radiator Racers. The Arabian Coast port of call feels a bit like Adventureland.
That said, DisneySea is like no other Disney park and or other theme park in the world. It's built around a volcano, but what makes it distinctive is how the Imagineers managed to make every single port of call look both unique and integrated in a way that makes sense when you see a large mountain in the background. It must be seen to be believed.
Related: Why you should visit Tokyo Disney Resort — even if you’re not a huge Mickey fan
Best individual ride: Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland is better known for it's Tron Lightcycle coaster, which is amazing, but that pales in comparison to the sheer intensity of Pirates. The ride shares nothing but its name with the tamer counterparts at other Disney parks. Shanghai's Pirates is both physically darker and a lot more intense. The technology is next-level; your boat is pummeled by a typhoon, plummeted down to the depths of the sea, chased by a Kraken and inserted into an intense naval battle.
Honorable mention goes to Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom. The attraction is the best of Disney: an immersive experience that offers both thrills and an escape from ordinary life. The entire land of Pandora is lovely and I even like Na'vi River Journey, which many Disney lovers dismiss as an alien It's a Small World. Avatar Flight of Passage, however, makes it worth visiting Animal Kingdom just on its own merits.
As you know, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is now open. While it is a game-changer, I am not including it in these rankings because it is so new.
Related: A review of the Park Hyatt Shanghai
Best stage show: Mickey and the Magician, Walt Disney Studios
If it weren't for Mickey and the Magician, I would advise most casual tourists to skip Walt Disney Studios during a Disneyland Paris visit. However, the show is worth the Park Hopper ticket. "Mickey et le Magicien" is performed seamlessly in French and English, but the real language is Disney Magic. Combining beloved songs, special effects and an engaging story, Mickey and the Magician is the rare show that captivates the adults in the audience as much as the children.
Honorable mention goes to Triton's Concert at Tokyo DisneySea. The show is held in the captivating King Triton's Castle and features the music we all know and love from The Little Mermaid -- but that's not what puts the show on my list. Triton's Concert offers a uniquely Japanese take on the classic story: Ariel is very naughty because she missed her performance in Dad's concert. Ariel comes home and apologizes to her father and assures him it will never happen again. That's it. No legs, no Eric, no Ursula, just Ariel promising to be a better daughter. The first time we saw the show, we thought the end was intermission but everyone got up and left!
Related: How to use points for Disney tickets
Best Thunder Mountain: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars at Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong's version of the classic Disney mountain coaster takes Thunder Mountain and adds the technology of Expedition Everest from Animal Kingdom. Just when you think the ride is over, your mine car repeats the entire ride in reverse. I recommend not telling your kids what to expect: mine freaked out (in a good way) when we started going backwards.
Related: Best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Best Space Mountain: Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Parc Disneyland
Hyperspace Mountain is best described as "upside-down Star Wars Space Mountain." Hyperspace Mountain is also at Hong Kong Disneyland, but the Parc Disneyland version of Disney’s iconic roller coaster has three loop-de-loops and shoots you straight into a battle where you fight for the Resistance. I know the Star Wars overlay upsets some Disney traditionalists, but I think it's beautifully executed and takes the 45-year-old roller coaster into the 21st century.
Worst ride: Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
This abomination, located at Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, combines the vomit-inducing spinning action of the Teacups with a psychedelic yet un-entertaining dark ride that reminds me more of Space Jam than anything Disney would create. You could not pay me to ride this again.
Best unique experience: Snowy Disney
I had the pleasure of visiting Parc Disneyland during a snowstorm and it showcased the park in an entirely new way. The castle sparkled with snow that reminded us of pixie dust. Rides remained open, including Thunder Mountain. If you don't have "riding a roller coaster in snow," on your bucket list you need to add it ASAP. You could also visit Tokyo Disneyland during the winter and if you're lucky might catch a flurry or two. Best of all, most tourists stay away in this kind of weather, so the intrepid guests who brave the snow are rewarded with an entirely empty park.
Bottom line
After sifting through all of my data, I can offer some advice:
- If you can only visit one park in Asia, it has to be Tokyo Disney. If you only have one day, it has to be DisneySea.
- If you have four days or more, Disney World is the place to go. Disneyland and Tokyo Disney are best in three days, but can be done in two if necessary. The others can be done in one, although I would recommend a Park Hopper ticket if you only do one day at Disneyland Paris.
Now I'd love to hear your thoughts. What are your best/worst Disney experiences?
Want to learn more about Disney's parks around the world? We've got you covered:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.