April 19, 2025
Our first Disney experience was in Hong Kong Disneyland back in 2008, shortly after it opened. At that time, my youngest was only six, and we were still living in the Philippines. Since Shanghai Disneyland had not yet been built, Hong Kong was our closest Disney destination. We later migrated to Singapore in October 2008, but our love for Disney remained strong, leading us to revisit Hong Kong Disneyland in 2010 and 2012.
In 2013, during our Europe tour, we explored Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park—our second Disney destination. The following year, 2014, took us to Tokyo DisneySea as part of our Japan trip. In April 2016, I and my youngest returned to Japan, this time to experience Tokyo Disneyland.
Later in December 2016, our US trip brought us to the two original Disney parks in Anaheim, California—Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Our love for Hong Kong Disneyland remained, and we visited again, this time with my youngest’s cousins, my brother and my mother seeing the park evolve with new attractions each time.
After the pandemic, in 2022, we finally visited the four Disney parks in Orlando, Florida—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—completing the Walt Disney World Resort experience.
Finally, in May 2024, we visited Shanghai Disneyland during our China trip, marking a special milestone—we had officially visited every Disney park in the world! But the magic didn’t stop there. In January 2025, during our trip to Hokkaido, my husband and I made a nostalgic return to Tokyo Disneyland, reliving the enchantment before heading back home.
Each Disney park has its own unique charm, iconic attractions, and unforgettable experiences, making every visit truly special..
ICONIC WELCOME TO DISNEYLAND
One of the most iconic sights that welcomes guests to many Disney parks around the world is the beautifully manicured Floral Mickey, set right in front of a charming building with a clock tower and train station. This classic entrance design is instantly recognizable and beloved by fans — a perfect photo spot that sets the tone for the magical experience ahead.
The building behind the floral display is typically the Main Street Train Station, part of the Disneyland Railroad, which encircles the park. Above the station, a prominent clock keeps time for all who pass through, and steam trains periodically chug by, adding to the nostalgia and excitement.
But not every Disney park follows this exact layout.
At Disneyland Park in Paris, for example, the setup is even more unique and enchanting. Here, guests pass underneath the luxurious Disneyland Hotel, which spans the entrance gates, before seeing the Floral Mickey arranged just beyond. It’s the only Disney park in the world where the entrance sits directly beneath a grand Victorian-style hotel — giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a fairytale from the very first moment.
Smaller in scale but just as magical, Hong Kong Disneyland’s entrance features a delightful Floral Mickey right under the train station façade, offering a classic Disney welcome against a lush mountainous backdrop.
Hong Kong Disneyland was opened in 2005
A truly unique entrance: guests pass beneath the elegant Disneyland Hotel before seeing the Floral Mickey in the courtyard beyond. The hotel itself forms the gateway into the park — the only Disney park with this magical setup.
Disneyland Park (Paris) was opened in 1992
The original magic kingdom where it all began. Guests are greeted by the Floral Mickey nestled below the Main Street Train Station, complete with a classic clock tower. This timeless entrance has welcomed dreamers since 1955.
Revisited Hong Kong Disneyland in 2017 with the cousins of my youngest daughter, my brother and my mother.
Just like its California counterpart, Magic Kingdom features a bright Floral Mickey right in front of the train station. It’s a cheerful first impression before stepping onto Main Street, U.S.A., with Cinderella Castle in the distance.
The Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida was opened in 1971
Shanghai offers a modern twist. The Floral Mickey sits in front of the Mickey Avenue Train Station, introducing guests to a park that blends tradition with bold new storytelling — it’s familiar, yet fresh.
Shanghai Disneyland was opened in 2016
Just like the original Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland welcomes you with a colorful Floral Mickey in front of the train station — a perfect blend of classic Disney charm and Japan’s attention to detail.
Tokyo Disneyland was opened in 1983
No matter where in the world you are, the sight of Floral Mickey is like a warm Disney welcome — a symbol of magic, joy, and the timeless charm that connects every Disney park. Whether it's beneath a clock tower, a passing train, or even the grandeur of a hotel, each entrance offers its own unique story while honoring the tradition that began with Walt's original park. It’s the perfect start to a day filled with wonder, and a reminder that you're about to step into a world where dreams really do come true.
🎬✨ Beyond the Castle Gates: Disney Parks with Unique Entrances
While the Floral Mickey entrances are iconic symbols of the classic Disneyland-style parks, not all Disney destinations follow this tradition. Some parks invite guests into entirely different worlds — inspired by movie studios, futuristic adventures, or nautical explorations — and their entrances reflect those themes in creative, immersive ways.
These parks skip the floral beds and train stations in favor of bold architectural statements and immersive theming that transport guests from the very first step. Whether it's the sorcerer's fountain at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris or the oceanfront village of Tokyo DisneySea, each of these entrances tells a different story — one rooted in imagination, innovation, and cinematic flair.
Before its renovation in 2024, Walt Disney Studios Park had a very different entrance from the classic Disneyland-style parks. Right after entering, visitors were welcomed by the Fantasia Fountain, with Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, magically guiding streams of water. This was the landmark before its renovation.
Behind the fountain stood Studio 1 — a large building with a golden arch that read "Walt Disney Studios 1". Guests walked through this soundstage to begin their park visit. Inside, it felt like a movie set, with film-themed decorations, shops, and restaurants, all under one roof.
Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris was opened in 2002
When you enter Tokyo DisneySea, one of the first things you see is the AquaSphere, a large rotating globe set in a beautiful fountain. It’s not just eye-catching — it’s also one of the park’s most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the spirit of global adventure and discovery.
Just beyond the AquaSphere, you walk under the elegant arches of Hotel MiraCosta, which forms the park's grand entrance. This leads you into the Mediterranean Harbor, a stunning European-style port that opens up to the rest of the park. From here, you can spot the dramatic Mount Prometheus in the distance — another symbol of DisneySea’s adventurous heart.
Tokyo DisneySea was opened in 2001
As you step deeper into the park, one of the most striking views is Mount Prometheus, an active volcano that towers over the Mysterious Island section of the park. The entire area is designed to evoke the feeling of an adventure into an uncharted, mysterious world. This site is one of the landmarks of DisneySea park.
When you enter Disney California Adventure (DCA), you’re welcomed by Buena Vista Street, designed to look like 1920s Los Angeles — the era when Walt Disney first arrived in California with big dreams. The entrance has a charming, art deco Hollywood feel.
But the most iconic photo spot in the park is by the Pixar Pal-A-Round (formerly Mickey’s Fun Wheel) — a giant Ferris wheel with Mickey Mouse’s smiling face at the center. Beside it is the Incredicoaster, a high-speed roller coaster originally known as California Screamin’. The Ferris wheel features both gentle and swinging gondolas, making it a fun ride and a striking landmark.
This scenic area overlooks the water and comes alive at night during World of Color, the park’s spectacular water and light show. It’s one of the most photographed spots in DCA and perfectly captures the park’s vibrant and playful spirit.
Disney California Adventure was opened in 2001
When you enter EPCOT, the first thing you see is the giant silver sphere called Spaceship Earth. It’s the park’s most famous landmark and a favorite photo spot for visitors.
But this globe isn’t just for show — inside is a slow-moving ride that takes you through the history of human communication, from the Stone Age to the digital age. It’s a unique attraction only found at EPCOT.
The area around it feels open and welcoming, with modern pathways, gardens, and fountains. This giant geodesic sphere is the iconic symbol of the park and the perfect way to start your EPCOT journey.
EPCOT in Orlando, Florida was opened in 1982
When you enter Hollywood Studios in Florida, you don’t see a floral Mickey like at Magic Kingdom. After you walk through a blue art deco-style entrance with the park name above and the gantries below, you step onto Hollywood Boulevard, a street made to look like old Hollywood, with palm trees, vintage buildings, and music from the golden age of movies. In the distance, you can spot the Tower of Terror, one of the park’s big landmarks.
The Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) in Orlando, Florida was opened in 1989
As you walk into Animal Kingdom and pass through the lush Oasis, the first thing that truly takes your breath away is the Tree of Life. Standing tall at the center of the park, this massive tree is the symbol of Animal Kingdom. Its trunk is carved with hundreds of animals, and inside the tree is a fun 3D show called “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!”, inspired by the Pixar film A Bug’s Life. It’s not just a landmark — it’s a tribute to the beauty of nature and wildlife, both inside and out.
The Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida was opened in 1998
In 2010, we visited Hong Kong Disneyland with my mother-in-law. Every time we go to the park, we always stay at the Hollywood Hotel because it’s affordable and offers a great Disney experience. It’s a lovely spot with a retro Hollywood theme and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind after a fun-filled day at the park.
🏰 The Iconic Castles of Disney Parks
Each Disney park around the world has its own castle, a magical centerpiece that symbolizes the dreams, stories, and adventures that Disney brings to life. Though each castle is unique, all of them are inspired by the original Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disneyland California. They serve as the heart of the park, inviting visitors into a world of fantasy and enchantment.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle is the very first Disney castle, located at the heart of Disneyland California. Inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, it was designed to bring the magic of fairytales to life. It is smaller and more compact compared to other Disney castles but still has that iconic charm. It also serves as the main landmark of Disneyland California, greeting visitors as they step onto Main Street, U.S.A.
The original castle at Hong Kong Disneyland (which was identical to the one in California) was reimagined into the Castle of Magical Dreams—a completely new and unique structure that pays tribute to 13 Disney princesses and heroines. I have yet to see the new castle in person, as my last visit to Hong Kong Disneyland was in 2017, before the transformation was completed. The castle stands as the symbolic landmark of the park.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris has a more mystical and fairytale-inspired design. It draws on European castle architecture but isn’t based on any one real castle. This castle features Gothic and medieval elements and has a unique dragon lair underneath, adding a magical touch to the park. The castle stands as the landmark of Disneyland Paris.
The Cinderella Castle in Tokyo Disneyland is quite similar to the one in Florida. Its design is inspired by the Cinderella story, with elegant details and towering spires. The castle stands as a magical, royal symbol of the park and reflects Disney’s classic storytelling. The castle serves as the beloved landmark of Tokyo Disneyland.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World is one of the most recognizable Disney landmarks. Based on Cinderella’s story, this castle draws inspiration from Neuschwanstein Castle but is much larger and grander, standing at 189 feet tall. It’s a symbol of fairy tale royalty and dreams coming true. It’s also the iconic centerpiece and landmark of Magic Kingdom.
Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest and most unique of all Disney castles. Unlike others, it doesn’t represent just one princess but features elements from multiple stories, including Cinderella, Snow White, and others. It’s a grand and storybook-inspired palace, standing at 197 feet tall, making it the tallest Disney castle.
The castle also the central icon and landmark of the park.
Revisited Tokyo Disneyland in February 2025
🌍 Unique Attractions at Disney Resorts Around the World
Each Disney park around the world offers unique attractions and experiences that reflect its culture and creativity. Here's an introduction and a simple narration for each park's distinctive offerings:
🏰 1. Disneyland Resort (California, USA)
🏰 Disneyland Park
The original Disney park, opened in 1955, combines classic charm with innovative attractions.
🎿 Matterhorn Bobsleds: The first tubular steel roller coaster, inspired by the Swiss Alps.
🐍 Indiana Jones Adventure: An immersive ride through ancient temples.
🎷 New Orleans Square: A unique land featuring Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion.
🐸 Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – not found in any other Disney park anymore.
🎠 Disney California Adventure
🚗 Radiator Springs Racers – highly themed Cars ride only in California.
🎡 Pixar Pier – with the Incredicoaster and Mickey’s Fun Wheel.
Matterhorn Bobsleds is he world’s first steel roller coaster, themed after a Swiss mountain, and only found at Disneyland Park (California).
🎢 2. Walt Disney World (Florida, USA)
Walt Disney World has 4 theme parks — each with unique offerings:
🏰 Magic Kingdom
🏍️ TRON Lightcycle / Run – futuristic coaster exclusive to Magic Kingdom in the U.S and in Shanghai
🚝 PeopleMover – A relaxing ride through Tomorrowland that doesn’t exist in other parks.
🦜 Tiki Room: Under New Management (no longer active, but was unique for a time)
🌐 EPCOT
🌐 Spaceship Earth: A journey through the history of communication inside the iconic geodesic sphere.
🚀 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – spinning indoor coaster through space.
🌍 World Showcase – 11 pavilions themed after countries. EPCOT-exclusive.
🎬 Hollywood Studios
🌌 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (with Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — also in Disneyland, CA)
🚂 Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (also in Disneyland CA now)
🐘 Animal Kingdom
🌌🦋 Avatar: Flight of Passage and Pandora – The World of Avatar – only in Florida.
🧗🏔️Expedition Everest: A thrilling roller coaster through the Himalayas.
One of the standout attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar is Avatar Flight of Passage🐉. This exhilarating ride lets you soar through the stunning world of Pandora on the back of a banshee. It's the only Avatar-themed ride in the world and offers a breathtakingly immersive experience that truly feels like flying.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: An immersive land set on the planet Batuu, featuring Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
When we entered Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it felt like stepping into a whole other world. This themed area is set on the planet Batuu, with towering rocky spires and rugged mountains in the background — all built to look like a remote outpost in the Star Wars universe.
The backdrop in our photo shows these dramatic peaks, part of the Black Spire Outpost, and around us were full-size ships, droids, and Star Wars characters walking around.
One of the main attractions here is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where guests get to pilot the famous ship. Another is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a thrilling and immersive adventure that puts you right in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
🏰 3. Disneyland Paris Resort (France)
A blend of classic Disney magic with European flair.
🏰 Disneyland Park
👻 Phantom Manor – a darker version of Haunted Mansion with a Western twist.
🌿🌀 Alice’s Curious Labyrinth – hedge maze walk-through attraction.
🎬 Walt Disney Studios Park
🧀🐭 Ratatouille: The Adventure – ride through Gusteau’s kitchen (now also in EPCOT, but originated in Paris).
🎨 Toon Studio area featuring animation-themed zones.
🦁 Rhythms of the Pride Lands: A live show featuring songs and dances from The Lion King.
🌋 4. Tokyo Disney Resort (Japan)
Tokyo is widely praised for its quality and unique experiences.
🏰 Tokyo Disneyland
🍯 Pooh’s Hunny Hunt – trackless ride system, exclusive to Tokyo.
🌋 Tokyo DisneySea
🌋 Journey to the Center of the Earth – an original E-Ticket ride inside Mount Prometheus.
🐙🌊 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – not a coaster, but a deep-sea adventure.
🚣 Venetian Gondolas – romantic boat ride in a Venice-like setting.
🐻 5. Hong Kong Disneyland (China)
🎶 Mystic Manor – beloved, trackless ride with a new take on Haunted Mansion.
🐻🛤️ Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars is a hybrid coaster like Big Thunder meets Everest.
Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars is a unique roller coaster that you can only find at Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, mixed with exciting surprises similar to Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. Set in the western-themed Grizzly Gulch, the ride takes you through caves, backward drops, and fun twists — all with a story about mischievous grizzly bears.
Mystic Manor, located in the Mystic Point themed land, is a unique and magical attraction, different from the traditional Haunted Mansion found in other Disney parks. It features a mystical adventure with original characters and a music-themed storyline, all inside a spooky and mysterious manor filled with enchanted artifacts. The ride is known for its use of trackless ride technology, which provides a unique experience each time.
6. Shanghai Disney Resort (China)
The newest Disney park, showcasing innovative technology and design.
🏍️ TRON Lightcycle Power Run: A high-speed coaster simulating a lightcycle race.
☠️ Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure: An advanced ride combining screens and animatronics.
🛶 Voyage to the Crystal Grotto
A peaceful boat ride through magical scenes from Disney movies, ending in a stunning crystal cave beneath the Enchanted Storybook Castle — exclusive to Shanghai Disneyland.
🌿 Alice in Wonderland Maze
A whimsical walk-through maze where guests explore paths and meet characters from Alice in Wonderland, only found at Shanghai Disneyland.
🦊 Zootopia Land The only place with a full Zootopia-themed area and the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit ride.
Zootopia is a unique attraction found only at Shanghai Disneyland. It’s the first and only Disney park in the world to have a fully themed Zootopia land, where guests can walk through the vibrant streets of the animal city, meet Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, and ride Zootopia: Hot Pursuit — a state-of-the-art ride you won’t find anywhere else. 🐰🦊
Unlike the spinning teacup rides in other parks, this is a walk-through maze where guests explore whimsical paths, meet characters from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010), and even climb a small tower with views of the park. This version of Alice’s world is exclusive to Shanghai Disneyland.
Disney parks' POPULAR RIDES around the world
🎢 1. Pirates of the Caribbean
A classic boat ride through pirate-infested waters.
Disneyland Park (California)
Magic Kingdom (Florida)
Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
Shanghai Disneyland (features a technologically advanced version)
🚀 2. Space Mountain
An indoor roller coaster through outer space.
Disneyland Park (California)
Magic Kingdom (Florida)
Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland Paris (as "Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain")
Hong Kong Disneyland (as "Hyperspace Mountain")
👻 3. Haunted Mansion / Phantom Manor
A spooky tour through a haunted estate.
Disneyland Park (California)
Magic Kingdom (Florida)
Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland Paris (as "Phantom Manor" with a unique storyline)
Hong Kong Disneyland (features "Mystic Manor," a different take on the haunted house theme)
🐘 4. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
A gentle ride where guests fly in Dumbo-shaped vehicles.
Disneyland Park (California)
Magic Kingdom (Florida)
Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
Hong Kong Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland
🌍 5. "it's a small world"
A boat ride showcasing children from around the world singing in harmony.
Disneyland Park (California)
Magic Kingdom (Florida)
Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
Hong Kong Disneyland
🏰 6. Peter Pan's Flight
A dark ride that takes guests on a journey to Neverland.
Disneyland Park (California)
Magic Kingdom (Florida)
Tokyo Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
Shanghai Disneyland
🦖 7. Avatar Flight of Passage
A 3D flying simulator ride through the world of Pandora.
Disney's Animal Kingdom (Florida)
🏎️ 8. Radiator Springs Racers
A high-speed race through the world of "Cars."
Disney California Adventure (California)
🌀 9. TRON Lightcycle Power Run
A roller coaster ride on lightcycle vehicles.
Shanghai Disneyland
Magic Kingdom (Florida) (opened in 2023)
🌌 10. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
A drop tower ride featuring characters from "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Disney California Adventure (California)
🌠 11. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
A storytelling coaster with rotating vehicles and a reverse launch.
EPCOT (Florida)
🧙 12. Mystic Manor
A trackless dark ride exploring a magical museum.
Hong Kong Disneyland
🧞 13. Journey to the Center of the Earth
A thrilling ride through subterranean landscapes.
Tokyo DisneySea
🐀 14. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
A 4D ride shrinking guests to the size of a rat in Gusteau's restaurant.
Walt Disney Studios Park (Paris)
EPCOT (Florida)
🦊 15. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit
A cutting-edge, trackless dark ride that takes guests on a high-speed chase through the city with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde .
Shanghai Disneyland
Test Track is one of the popular and unique rides at EPCOT in Florida. It offers an exhilarating experience where guests can design their own virtual concept car and then take it on a high-speed test drive through various challenging and exciting environments. While other parks may feature similar rides, Test Track stands out with its distinct theme focused on automotive technology and innovation, making it exclusive to EPCOT.
Here are some rides in other parks that are somewhat similar:
Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure – This ride has a high-speed, car-themed experience, but it’s based on the Cars movies and offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, unlike Test Track, which focuses on automotive testing and innovation.
Cars Quatre Roues Rally at Walt Disney Studios Park, Paris – While not a high-speed ride like Test Track, this is another car-themed ride inspired by the Cars franchise, offering a fun, family-friendly experience.
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida is one of the most iconic indoor roller coasters, taking guests on a thrilling, high-speed journey through outer space.
This ride sends you zooming through a dark, starry galaxy, filled with sharp twists, drops, and unexpected turns, all while being surrounded by vibrant lights and cosmic effects. The enclosed track enhances the suspense and excitement, making every moment feel like an adventure through the unknown.
Although Space Mountain is featured in other Disney parks around the world, the version at Magic Kingdom stands out for its energetic and compact design. It remains one of the park’s top attractions, known for delivering an unforgettable and thrilling experience.
In Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris, Autopia is a fun ride where kids and adults can drive their own little cars along a winding track. The cars look retro-futuristic, and you feel like you're driving through a world of tomorrow — no license needed! In 2013, our daughters had a great time steering around the track in their own car.
The original Autopia opened in 1955 at Disneyland California, in Tomorrowland. It was one of the park’s first attractions and featured classic highway-style driving.
Other versions of Autopia once existed but are now closed:
Tokyo Disneyland (Japan):
Known as Grand Circuit Raceway, it closed in 2017 to make room for new rides like The Happy Ride with Baymax.
Hong Kong Disneyland:
Opened in 2006 and closed in 2016. This version used electric cars and had interactive scenery. It was replaced by part of the Marvel expansion.
This thrilling indoor coaster launches you from 0 to 57 mph in seconds — all to the sound of blasting Aerosmith hits! We strapped in and held on tight as our stretch limo raced through the dark streets of L.A., looping and twisting under neon signs on the way to a backstage concert.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is now a unique attraction to Florida. A similar version once existed in Disneyland Paris, but it was rethemed into a Marvel ride and closed in 2019. While other Disney parks have high-speed coasters like TRON Lightcycle Run (in Florida and Shanghai) and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (at EPCOT), this Aerosmith-themed ride stands out for its rock vibe and adrenaline rush.
From castle dreams in California to futuristic wonders in Tokyo, every Disney park offered its own unique kind of magic — each filled with stories, smiles, and memories we’ll cherish forever. Across continents and cultures, the Disney spirit connects people through imagination, laughter, and heart.
Visiting all the Disney parks around the world wasn’t just about riding attractions — it was about the joy in our daughters’ eyes... for my eyes too 😄, the music that made us dance in the streets, and the magical moments that reminded us why Disney is called the happiest place on Earth.
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