It’s tough to rank the theme parks because my favorite Walt Disney World park changes by the day. Sometimes, I’m in the mood for delicious food, while other times I want to experience nostalgic rides. So, for this gallery, I’m going to focus on what park I think is generally the best, then I’ll list my top park under specific categories.
#4: Animal Kingdom
In the past, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has had the reputation of a half-day park. While it is now generally open later than in the past, it still does sometimes close earlier than the other theme parks. However, with the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar, this park is worthy of a lengthy visit during the day. In addition to the exotic animals, there are some fantastic rides and attractions.
#3: Hollywood Studios
I love Hollywood Studios, and ranking it three out of four feels inaccurate. But I would still put EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom above it. Hollywood Studios has undergone some big renovations recently, with the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. These lands offer great attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Read more about Hollywood Studios.
#2: EPCOT
EPCOT, Disney World’s second park, is a very close second for me. This park, which was initially developed as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, has evolved to a broader theme. My favorite part of the park is the World Showcase, offering pavilions for eleven different countries. These pavilions offer attractions, shops, entertainment, characters, and restaurants, all in the country’s theme.
#1: Magic Kingdom Park
The best Disney World theme park on my list is the first one that opened in Florida. The Magic Kingdom may not be as flashy as some of the newer WDW parks, but the recent addition of TRON: Lightcycle / Run does add a level of excitement. The Magic Kingdom is where you’ll find Cinderella Castle and Fantasyland, and the most iconic rides: Space Mountain, it’s a small world, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Jungle Cruise. There’s also great shopping, some delicious restaurants, shows and parades, character interactions, and much more.
Best for Thrill Rides
While all four theme parks now have at least one thrill ride, I’d recommend Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the best for thrill rides. With the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, this park is your best option for thrills.
Best for Teens
This can vary depending on your teen’s specific interests. In general, however, I’d recommend Disney’s Hollywood Studios for teens. The thrill rides, combined with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, make this a fun park for thrill-seeking teens.
Best for Nostalgia
No park in Central Florida (the theme park capital of the world) is better for nostalgia than the Magic Kingdom. This original Walt Disney World park offers classic Disney attractions such as it’s a small world, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain. There are also character greetings, character meals, and so much more.
Best for Evenings
My favorite park in the evenings is EPCOT. From dinner to drinks, this park offers so many options. It’s even more fun if you visit during one of the festivals – the International Food and Wine Festival, the Festival of the Arts, or the International Food and Wine Festival.
Best for Dining
I also like EPCOT best for dining. The World Showcase offers so many delicious restaurants, that you could easily go there every night for dinner. Just be sure you get a park hopper ticket so you can visit a different park during the day.