Hello Disney travelers! Now, I consider myself a Walt Disney World Pro. I’m about to hit my 4th visit as a guests and I lived and worked there during my 5 month Disney College Program in 2011. But I have a confession. A dirty little secret.
I’ve never been to Disneyland. Or any of the other parks. Gasp! I know, it’s shameful. I have my reasons though!
- I LOVE WALT DISNEY WORLD and vacationing somewhere else just seems, well, wrong
- Budget people! Sadly, I do not have the finances to jet off to Paris for a magical getaway. If I did, I might never come back because they have croissants.
This got me thinking though. What Disney experiences are there outside of the US that I (and probably many of you) are missing out on? I did some research – let’s take a look and dream a little together.
Disneyland Paris – this one already gets points because it’s located in Paris (well, 20 miles outside of the center of Paris – but close enough!). Originally called Euro Disney Resort, this is the most visited theme park in all of Europe and France. They have very similar attractiosn to Walt Disney World including Phantom Manor (a Euro take on The Haunted Mansion), Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Tokyo Disney – Tokyo Disney is made up of two parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo Disneyland is an extremely comparable to other Magic Kingdom parks, including a replica of Cinderella Castle with several themed lands surrounding it. Tokyo DisneySea is an ocean-themed park that is unique to Japan. The “ports of call” at DisneySea include Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and the Mysterious Island. From the pictures I’ve seen, DisneySea looks like a mix between Epcot’s World Showcase and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
Hong Kong Disneyland – Another Magic Kingdom style park, Hong Kong Disneyland offers many of the same experiences as Disneyland in California. This park can be quite empty during weekdays and in the morning (the park doesn’t open until 10am most days), so if you are thinking of jetting over to China to check it out, plan accordingly. Also keep in mind that there will be culture differences when it comes to waiting in lines, and what food options are available.
Shanghai Disneyland – This highly anticipated Disney destination is set to up in Spring 2016. The park will feature six themed lands including Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland Treasure Cove, with the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Two hotels on property, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel, are sure to be themed incredibly. Another area called Disneytown, sounds like it will be pretty close to Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs) in Florida. It’s never too early to start planning a trip!
Adventures by Disney – If you are growing a little tired of the parks (take a nap and get over it!), but you still want to experience all that Disney has to offer, consider a trip with Adventures by Disney. With Adventures by Disney, all the hassle and worry of planning a trip abroad is taken care of for you. From lodging, to dining, to excursions, your Adventure Guide will take care of everything. Currently you can book an adventure to locations including Asia, Africa, Australia, Central and South American, as well as Europe. There is really a destination for everyone and you can bet a Disney Adventure is on my bucket list!
Disney Cruise – Alright, we’ve explored the world through Disney Parks and we’ve experience new cultures with Adventures by Disney. Now it’s time to relax and take board a Disney Cruise. You can still see the world while enjoying all of the accommodations and ease that cruise travel has to offer with Disney cruises. Sail to the Caribbean (like a true pirate), the Bahamas, Europe, Mexico, or even to the Mediterranean!
Isn’t it great that you can explore the world and still have the magic of Disney with you? I think so! Now if you need me, I’ll be planning my next Disney vacation.
If you had to choose, which Disney experiences outside of the US would you pick to visit first? Let me know in the comments!
Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.
P.S. – Be sure to check out these 2 fun articles why Disney World is better than Disneyland and why Disneyland is better than Disney World. Nothing like a little friendly competition right?
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