2. Tokyo Disney Resort

Image: DisneyLike I said, I knew what the top two would be before I started writing this article. Choosing the favorite was a difficult exercise, as I absolutely believe that Disney owns the four best theme parks in the world. They don’t operate Tokyo Disney Resort, though.

The Oriental Land Company makes the decisions here. Based on the comments above, that sounds like a problem. In execution, however, they’re the company that honors the Disney brand the best out of all non-Disney licensees…and I don’t just mean theme parks. These strategists embrace the legacy of Mickey Mouse and co. in admirable fashion. They also have added a distinctly Japanese touch to the proceedings, leading to the most adorable food on Earth.

Image: DisneyTokyo Disney Resort has masterfully constructed and honed two themed gates, both of which are amazing. TokyoSea in particular is in the conversation for best park in the world. And some of its rides are the greatest ones outside the United States.

Tokyo Disney Resort doesn’t win for a couple of reasons. The first is that crowding is a constant issue, one that park officials have been slow to address. And that problem bleeds into the second concern. The theme park is behind the times in interactive tech. Fans begged for smartphone app support for years before the company announced in early 2018 that they would finally embrace the future. These two situations aren’t significant in the greater scheme, but when something else is perfect, you have to be in order to keep up…

1. Walt Disney World

Image: DisneyAnd yes, I do view Walt Disney World as a perfect theme park. It has everything that a theme park tourist could possibly want. You have your pick of a much larger Disneyland equivalent, a zoo with rides, a small park with ridiculously good rides, or a combination park and functional World’s Fair. Plus, there’s one of the nicest entertainment districts you’ll ever see at a theme park and even a sports stadium onsite.

As for the attractions, Walt Disney World is the gold standard. They were place where Space Mountain started, and they’ve maintained a track record of excellence all the way up to the latest themed lands, Pandora – The World of Avatar and Toy Story Land. The campus even has the best food that you will ever see at a theme park, with several Top Chef Masters and Michelin Star chefs onsite.

Importantly, Walt Disney World has also revolutionized theme park technology. Starting with Magic Bands, they’ve made it possible to enter a theme park, pay for goods and services, and start photographs in an online digital locker easily and efficiently.

Image: DisneyThe My Disney Experience app has improved the park experience with its maps and information. It’s also added Mobile Ordering so that guests can choose their meals and pay for them right from their phone, streamlining counter service meals. This place is the gold standard for technology and innovation out of all Disney theme parks right now, which is why fans of all the other Disney locations loudly ask why their park doesn’t have the convenience that Walt Disney World does.

While I’m aware of the various criticisms of Walt Disney World and have made more than a few of my own over the years, compiling this list has crystallized something for me. This park is the embodiment of theme park excellence. There’s no such thing as a bad Disney theme park, but there IS a clear winner. It’s the one in Orlando, Florida.