5. Epcot

Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
2012 attendance: 11.06 million
2013 attendance: 11.23 (up 1.5%)

Walt Disney World's second theme park may not have lived up to Disney's original vision of a living, working city, but it still aims to celebrate international culture and showcase cutting-edge technology. Epcot is like a permanent "World's Fair", split across two main areas: Future World (which shows off new technology) and World Showcase (which hosts 11 pavilions dedicated to different countries around the globe).

The park's rides lack the magical characters and storylines that are the major feature of Disney's other parks, but make up for it with their scale and ambition. The recently-updated Test Track sees guests racing around in mock prototype cars, while Mission: Space sends them on a trip that NASA can currently only dream of.

Don't miss: The chance to tour World Showcase on a balmy Florida evening. The area's restaurants are world-class, and the scenery is incredible.

4. Tokyo DisneySea

Location: Tokyo, Japan
2012 attendance: 12.66 million
2013 attendance: 14.08 million (up 11.3%)

Tokyo DisneySea was the most expensive theme park ever built when it opened in 2001, costing an eye-watering $4 billion. The level of detail on show in the nautically-themed park's six themed ports is astonishing, and the park is packed with impressive, original attractions.

The park is home to unique versions of the Tower of Terror and Indiana Jones Adventure, along with its own take on the Fantasmic! pyrotechnic show concept. The headliners, though, are the Journey to the Center of the Earth dark ride, the StormRider simulator and the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine ride.

Don't miss: Journey to the Center of the Earth, which takes the ride system from Epcot's Test Track and uses it in a completely different, and brilliant, way.

3. Disneyland

Location: Anaheim, California, USA
2012 attendance: 15.96 million
2013 attendance: 16.20 million (up 1.5%)

Walt Disney's first theme park remains immensely popular, and still employs the legendary animator's original layout. Guests are drawn to the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, passing down the quaint Main Street, USA on their way. From there, they can reach Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown and Tomorrowland.

Many of the park's original attractions remain, such as Peter Pan's Flight and the Disneyland Railroad. Disneyland has never stood still, though, adding further classics such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion over the years.

Don't miss: Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye, opened in 1995, employs an enhanced motion vehicle system to take guests on a journey that is stunningly realistic.

3. Tokyo Disneyland

Location: Tokyo, Japan
2012 attendance: 14.85 million
2013 attendance: 17.21 million (up 15.9%)

 

It may lack the originality of Tokyo DisneySea, being essentially a clone of Florida's Magic Kingdom, but Tokyo Disneyland still outstrips its sister park in the popularity stakes. First opened in 1983, it has since been expanded significantly by its ambitious owners, the Oriental Land Company.

Sprawling across a 115-acre plot in Urayasu, Tokyo Disneyland borrows the layout of the original Disneyland with its themed lands including Adventureland, Westernland (the park's version of Frontierland), Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country and Toontown. It hosts versions of classic Disney rides including Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.

Don't miss: Pooh's Hunny Hunt, which is a unique twist on classic Disney dark rides. Its "trackless" ride system operates as if by magic, enabling a new level of freedom.

1. Disney's Magic Kingdom

Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA
2012 attendance: 17.54 million
2013 attendance: 18.58 million (up 6.0%)

It may be a clone of the original Disneyland, but Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom has surpassed its sister park in popularity. It is essentially a larger version of the California park, although, disappointingly, its versions of some of Disneyland's best rides, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, are inferior.

The Magic Kingdom still boasts an amazing roster of attractions, though, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain. Disney has invested millions to expand the park's Fantasyland, adding dark ride Under The Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Don't miss: Splash Mountain, which turns a standard log flume ride into a heavily-themed journey that ends with a thrilling 5-storey splashdown.

Which park is your favorite?

The Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park in the world, but is really the best? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.