There’s always lively debate about which Disney World theme park is best, but year after year, one park seems to sprinkle the most pixie dust.
The best Disney theme park in 2025 is still Magic Kingdom! As Walt Disney World Resort’s very first park, Magic Kingdom is pure nostalgia and Disney magic rolled into one. From its iconic castle to its classic rides, nowhere else captures that unforgettable, Disneyesque feeling quite like this park does
Let’s examine which Disney World theme parks will be the best for your family.
| Park | Theme & Vibe | Best For (Ages/Groups) | Ride Highlights | Restaurant Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | Classic fairytale, nostalgic Disney magic | All ages, especially families | Pirates, Space Mountain, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion | Be Our Guest, Columbia Harbour House, Main Street Bakery |
| Epcot | Futuristic innovation & world cultures | Adults, foodies, culture lovers, school-age kids | Spaceship Earth, Soarin’, Frozen, Test Track | Le Cellier, Via Napoli, World Showcase Pavilions |
| Animal Kingdom | Exotic adventure, nature, wildlife | Animal lovers, families, explorers | Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Avatar Flight of Passage, Dinosaur | Satu’li Canteen, Yak & Yeti, Flame Tree BBQ |
| Hollywood Studios | Hollywood glitz, movies, Star Wars excitement | Movie buffs, thrill-seekers, teens, tweens | Rise, Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway | Sci-Fi Dine-In, Hollywood Brown Derby, Woody’s Lunch Box |
Determining the Best Disney World Theme Park
As you plan your Disney World vacation, you’ll quickly realize that doing everything in one trip is impossible. That’s why your touring plans should prioritize the Disney theme parks that your family will enjoy the most. Once you’ve figured out which theme parks to focus on, you can begin to create your in-park itinerary with the rides, restaurants, and experiences you wish to do.
Disney World has four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Each park offers something for people of all age groups. That said, some parks are better for toddlers and younger children, while others are more appealing to tweens, teens, and adults.
Before we get to our list… we acknowledge that a lot of this comes down to personal preference. With that in mind, we’re keen to offer you a second opinion from our favorite Disney YouTuber channel, The Vacationeer!
Now that we’ve shared their choices, let’s dive into ours! Here’s a rundown of each Disney theme park, ranked in order of highest priority to lowest priority. Remember, this is just my opinion and your choice may be totally different than mine!
1. Magic Kingdom
Without question, Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World Resort’s best theme park.
It opened in 1971 as Disney World’s original theme park. Today, Magic Kingdom remains Disney’s crown jewel and the single most popular theme park in the world. They must be doing something right!
Love the classics? You’re in the right place! Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World’s most nostalgic and “Disney-esque” park. It’s home to legendary rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain, plus beloved favorites like Hall of Presidents, Country Bear Musical Jamboree, and Carousel of Progress.
This is also the best park for toddlers and kindergartners. They’ll be able to enjoy plenty of attractions (with no height requirement) like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Peter Pan.
Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. is always buzzing with excitement, and you’ll find everything from the cozy Columbia Harbour House (Quick Service) to the legendary Be Our Guest Restaurant (Table Service).
Starting Summer 2025, don’t miss the brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, which lights up Main Street with dazzling floats and fan-favorite characters. And of course, the iconic Cinderella Castle continues to set the stage for magical fireworks and those must-have family photos.
Did I mention the characters? Everyone’s favorite Disney characters are everywhere you look in Magic Kingdom, and they’re ready to meet and greet your little ones.
Yes, the park may feel a bit dated, but I’d argue that THIS type of dated is a good thing. Disney nostalgia abounds.
The rumors are true – there are HUGE crowds and long lines. That’s just the price of being at “The Most Magical Place On Earth” – everyone wants a part of it!
Magic Kingdom is the most magical of all Disney parks and, hands down, the best park for kids. Adults love it, too!
Learn More About Magic Kingdom
For more information, please see our Best Magic Kingdom Rides, Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants, and Magic Kingdom Secrets pages.
2. Animal Kingdom
In many ways, Animal Kingdom is Disney World’s best theme park. It has spectacular rides, fantastic food, and plenty of exotic experiences. But what really distinguishes Animal Kingdom from other theme parks is its theme.
The 500-acre area is Disney’s largest theme park and the largest animal-themed park in the world. Animal Kingdom is devoted to educating people about wildlife and the natural world. It’s home to over 250 animal species and 1700 animals (wildlife biologists actually conduct research at the park). Yes, it still has the adventurous and exciting aspects like the other theme parks, but no other park is quite like Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom will appeal to anyone who loves animals. Onboard the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, you’ll be able to get up close to lions, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, tortoises, and more species. Kids and adults alike will love the “Finding-Nemo: The Musical” and “Festival of the Lion King” stage shows.
Some of my favorite rides are here, including Expedition Everest (one of Disney’s best roller coasters) and the two Pandora—The World of Avatar rides (Na’vi River Journey and Avatar: Flight of Passage).
There are a few shortcomings. Animal Kingdom doesn’t have the classic Disney feel that Magic Kingdom (or even the other two parks) has. It could also use more rides, especially a family-friendly dark ride.
That said, Animal Kingdom is still pretty spectacular, and it should be a top priority in everyone’s touring plans.
Learn More About Animal Kingdom
Please see our Best Animal Kingdom Rides, Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants, and Animal Kingdom Secrets pages for more information.
3. Hollywood Studios
With the recent addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has jumped from #4 to #3 over the last year (in my book). Adding to its ascent is the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction. All this comes on the heels of the recent opening of Toy Story Land, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, and Grand Avenue. There’s been a lot going on at Hollywood Studios in the last few years.
Yes, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge does live up to the hype, and it should definitely be a top priority on every Star Wars fan’s touring plans. Rise of the Resistance is considered by many to be one of Disney’s best attractions, and Millennium Falcon—Smugglers Run isn’t too shabby either.
Despite its excellent movie and TV-based attractions, thematic elements, and retro 1950s feel, Hollywood Studios still has a way to go. I’d argue that the park could benefit from even more attractions and entertainment offerings. Furthermore, tweens and teens will enjoy rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ’n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and Slinky Dog Dash, but this isn’t the best park for toddlers and kindergarteners (except for the must-see “Frozen” sing-along show).
It’s still not on par with Magic Kingdom, but Hollywood Studios is undoubtedly making a name for itself these days.
Learn More About Hollywood Studios
For more information, please see our Best Hollywood Studios Rides, Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants, and Hollywood Studios Secrets pages.
4. Epcot
Disney’s Epcot opened in 1982 as Disney World’s second theme park (after Magic Kingdom). With roughly 300 acres, it is twice the size of Magic Kingdom, although it’s still considerably smaller than Animal Kingdom.
Epcot is now organized into four neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
World Showcase continues to celebrate international culture and cuisine, with a 1.3-mile-long path connecting 11 country-themed pavilions, each showcasing its native cuisine and souvenir shops. It’s a foodie paradise where you can sip, snack, and savor your way around the world, meeting Cast Members from the actual countries represented.
Be sure to check the festival schedule, as Epcot is known for its amazing seasonal events, such as the Flower and Garden Festival and the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which introduce even more culinary delights.
World Celebration offers gardens and entertainment. World Discovery highlights science, technology, and innovation. World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the natural world.
Epcot’s unique atmosphere and attractions make it a must-do for adults and couples. Families with school-age children will also find plenty to enjoy, from the educational exhibits to the interactive experiences. And the smaller crowds can be a welcome change of pace, allowing you to explore at your leisure.
However, if your family craves thrill rides, Epcot might feel lacking in excitement. While it is definitely worth a visit and a must for food lovers, it may not be the top choice for active young families planning their theme park itinerary.
Learn More About Epcot
For more information, please see our Best Epcot Rides, Best Epcot Restaurants, and Epcot Secrets pages.
Get Free Help Booking Your Disney World Vacation
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There are plenty of reasons to use a Disney travel agent such as The Vacationeer, especially if it’s your first-ever visit to Disney World or if you haven’t been in quite some time:
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We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to decide which Disney park is best for you (even if you disagree with our rankings!)
For more information about Disney, see our Disney World Map, Planning a Disney World Vacation, Disney World Cost Calculator, and Disney Crowd Calendar pages. Enjoy your trip!
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