Rollercoasters that launch you sky-high, castles that sparkle at sunset, parades bringing you favourite characters to life and popcorn in every flavour. Theme parks might just be the coolest places on Earth.

We’re talking about Japan’s perfectly polished Disney resorts to splash zones in Southeast Asia and scream-worthy loop-de-loops in sunny California. Each one is worth the detour, the flight - or even the whole holiday.

Where is it? Chiba, Japan (20 minutes from Tokyo) Best for: Theme park purists, couples, returning Disney fans Admission price: AU$93

Unlike any other Disney park, Tokyo DisneySea blends Disney storytelling with Japanese imagination and precision. Each ‘port of call’ pulls you somewhere else entirely, from Jules Verne’s subterranean worlds to Mediterranean harbours and the cliffs of Arendelle. From the volcano of Mount Prometheus to Venetian gondolas and newly opened Fantasy Springs, everything here feels extra polished - right down to the popcorn flavours (soy sauce butter, anyone?). It’s just outside Tokyo, but like another universe entirely.

Where is it? Lantau Island, Hong Kong Best for: First-timers, young families, short-haul trips from Southeast Asia Admission price: AU$115

Compact, charming, and easy to navigate, Hong Kong Disneyland is a fan favourite for families wanting the magic without the overwhelm. Set on lush Lantau Island, it’s the most accessible park for many in Asia-Pacific. That’s just 15 minutes by taxi from the airport. Despite its size, it punches above its weight with the brand-new World of Frozen, an immersive Arendelle where Elsa’s palace glimmers above a fjord. Add that to the Iron Man Experience, Mystic Manor, and traditional Disney hits, and you’ve got a park that feels familiar and fresh.

Where is it? Orlando, Florida Best for: Classic Disney fans, multigenerational trips, first-time visitors Admission price: AU$299

The original Walt Disney World park, Magic Kingdom is pure Disney storytelling: big skies, sweeping parades, and childhood favourites brought to life. It’s made up of six lands: wander through the pastel storefronts of Main Street, U.S.A., sail past tiki gods in Adventureland, or ride a riverboat through the Old West in Frontierland. At its centre is Cinderella Castle, glittering above the hub like a storybook come to life. Chase nostalgia or meet Mickey for the first time - there’s something for everyone.

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland Best for: Aussie families, wildlife lovers, rollercoaster seekers Admission price: AU$109

Australia’s biggest theme park, Dreamworld is part thrill ride, part wildlife park, part water wonderland. It’s a full-on day out in Coomera on the Gold Coast, where you can plunge 119 metres on the Giant Drop one minute, then hand-feed a kangaroo the next. There are coasters for the brave, gentle carousels for the littlies, and enough Aussie wildlife to make it feel like a bush adventure wrapped in rollercoaster tracks. 

Where is it? Sentosa Island, Singapore Best for: Families, movie buffs, short-haul getaways from Southeast Asia Admission price: AU$88

Universal Studios Singapore is a smaller park compared to some of the others, but it punches well above its weight. It’s a whirlwind of Hollywood hits, from ancient tombs to futuristic battles, all wrapped in immersive zones like Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, and the newly opened Minion Land. Expect high-tech thrills, splashy water rides, and

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland Best for: Film fans, teens, cartoon-loving kids Admission price: AU$109

Welcome to Hollywood on the Gold Coast. Movie World doesn’t just nod to the movies: it catapults you straight into them. One minute you’re dodging explosions in a live-action stunt show, the next you’re hurtling out of a subway with Superman at your side. It’s louder, glossier, and more cinematic than your average theme park. From high-speed DC coasters to behind-the-scenes backlot feels and Looney Tunes parades for younger kids, this is where big-screen fantasy meets real-world adrenaline.

Where is it? Valencia, California (45 minutes from Los Angeles) Best for: Adrenaline junkies, coaster collectors, West Coast USA tripsAdmission price: US$49 (AU$74)

This one’s for the thrill chasers. Up in the hills north of LA, Six Flags Magic Mountain isn’t about characters or castles. Instead, it’s pure, unapologetic rollercoaster madness. The numbers say it all: 20+ coasters, several world records, and rides that flip, twist, launch, and dive like they’ve got something to prove. This is where you go to test your limits, lose your voice, and come out buzzing.

Where is it? Gold Coast, Queensland Best for: Families with younger kids, marine wildlife lovers Admission price: AU$95

Part marine park, part theme park, Sea World blends gentle thrills with close-up animal encounters - think dolphin dives, penguin colonies, and jet-ski stunt shows by the water. It’s less about loops and more about wonder, with enough rides to keep older kids entertained (yes, there’s a coaster), and plenty of interactive zones for younger ones. Wander between tanks of tropical fish, Arctic-like enclosures and sandy splash zones, all with the Coral Sea breeze in the air. 

Check out all the theme parks and attractions tickets we sell here at Traveloka. From world-famous Disney Parks to home-grown favourites on the Gold Coast, there’s dozens of options that will keep you (and your kids) entertained all day.