Since Walt Disney broke ground in Anaheim, California in 1954, Disney theme parks have been a regular vacation destination for travelers.

Disneyland

Disneyland, located in mild southern California, was the brainchild of Walt Disney. Disney wanted to create a place where children and adults alike could have let their imaginations take flight whether through the fanciful imaginings of Disney’s famous cartoon characters or via high energy thrill rides through fantastic landscapes, all designed by the entertainment industry’s ingenuity.

Disneyland is designed around eight lands. There are Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street U.S.A, to name a few. All were designed to give a completely unique experience to the visitor.

Today, outside the gates of the world-famous theme park, the Disney ideal has expanded into expansive shopping venues and full-fledged resort complexes.

Disney World

Not to be outdone, the eastern half of the United States received its bit of Disney magic in 1971. Disney World resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most visited theme parks in the world. Visitors from every corner of the globe seek the thrill and spectacle of Disney World.

The Disney World experience is divided into themed parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney/MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There are also Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon waterparks for more summertime enjoyment.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo, Japan premiered its own Disneyland in 1983. Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park to open outside the United States. Since that time the name has been revised to Tokyo Disney Resort to include the more recent addition of Tokyo Disney Sea Park nearby and Ispiari, a popular Disney shopping district. The design of the resort closely resembles that of its American counterparts. Budget and upscale resort hotels are also located nearby, as they are with any of the Disney resorts.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris opened in 1992 under the name Euro Disney. Not only is Paris one of the most popular European destinations, but the locale surrounding Paris was chosen for a Disney theme park because of its convenience to most of western Europe. Once again, the general design mimics the themes of both California and Florida’s themeparks. After some financial setbacks and resort alterations, Euro Disney was renamed Disneyland Paris in 1994.