Disney Dreams

I don’t know about you, but visiting every Disneyland is definitely one for the bucket list. The ‘happiest place on earth’ is the perfect place for not just the little ones but kids of all sizes (that means you adults).

But what is it about Disneyland that makes it so special? Well, there are some definite unique highlights you can’t get anywhere else from the rides like Space Mountain, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the food (Mickey toffee apples, yes please), and of course the shopping.

But it’s not just all these exceptional aspects that make Disney so special. There is a unique aura that Disneyland emanates that you just can’t get anywhere else, with each Disneyland still being unique and special in their own way.

So if you’ve never been to Disneyland or you’re wondering where each one is located, this is the order I would rank each one from around the world.

Disneyland (Anaheim) - The OG Disney

Just like movies, you can’t ever get the same feeling or beat the original. Disneyland in Anaheim is in a league of its own for me when it compares the other Disneys. Its heart and soul is something you just can’t replicate, and so this Disney is a must, must, must!

I would recommend at least 2-3 days to be able to really embrace the whole experience, as there is also California Adventure Park across from Disney with more rides, food and shopping.

If you’re looking for an even more spectacular experience, I would recommend going at either Halloween or Christmas time, as they deck out the entire park and even change the Haunted Mansion ride to be ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ theme.

Disneyworld (Orlando)

Did someone say more Disney and a bigger Disney? That’s right, the U.S. has another Disney, this time located in Orlando Florida, but this time it’s Disneyworld.

Rather than the lands being connected and within walking distance, Disneyworld is like having each land the size of a regular Disneyland. Catching a monorail to the different lands, such as EPCOT, Fantasyland, Animal Kingdom, etc.

I would recommend about a week to be able to immerse yourself in all the lands here.

Euro Disney (Paris)

I visited this Disneyland when I was 10, and it was the first Disney I ever visited. Being outside the U.S., Euro Disney brings different and unique specimens that you can only get at Euro Disney, but it still sticks to the same traditions and has the same highlights as Anaheim, and if you’re a lover of Alice in Wonderland, they have a special area designated for this (unless it’s changed), which was a real highlight.

Hong Kong Disney (Hong Kong)

This is much like Euro Disney, in that it replicates the main aspects of Anaheim, but also brings its own special attributes to make it unique. One such area is one all Frozen fans will love. Arendelle is now its own land at Hong Kong Disney, so making sure you tick this one off your bucket list is a must.

Japan Disney (Tokyo)

Unlike the other Disneyland’s, Japan’s Disney doesn’t fall under the rest of the Disneyland banners, meaning that most of the merch, food, and attractions you find in the other Disney’s aren’t in this one. Instead, they are almost completely separate, but because of this (and perhaps my expectations were too high and I should have just embraced it), I found it a little disappointing.

Although I know my mind would have been changed if I got to go on the Beauty and the Beast ride, which is a whole castle (no other Disney’s have this), unfortunately, this was closed. Another aspect that is uniquely Japan’s that I have not had the chance to see is Disney Sea, which I have heard is quite good.

Shanghai Disney (China)

This is the last Disneyland on my bucket list. I unfortunately have not had the chance to tick this off yet, but to my knowledge, it is a lot like Hong Kong Disney and Euro Disney, but I have yet to discover its unique quirks.