As the global tourism industry continues its recovery from the pandemic, theme parks worldwide are experiencing significant growth. The sector grew by 2.9% in 2024 and 3% in 2023, according to the World Economic Outlook Report.

The latest data from the Theme Index Report by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM Economics & Advisory highlights Disney’s continued dominance in the theme park industry. Disney operates eight of the top 10 most-visited parks globally for the 2023-24 period.

Leading the pack, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando retained its title as the most-visited theme park, drawing 17.7 million guests. Disneyland Park in Anaheim followed, with just under 17.2 million visitors. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka ranked third with 16 million attendees, while Tokyo Disneyland came fourth, hosting 15 million visitors.

Overall, theme park attendance surged by 23% in 2023, with over 240 million visitors, marking a notable increase from the previous year. The top 10 theme parks alone contributed significantly to this rise, with the combined total for the top 10 theme park operator groups reaching 512.3 million visitors.

World’s 10 most-visited theme parks in 2023-24:
 Rank Theme Park                    Location                           Attendance (in millions)

Disney’s Magic Kingdom         Orlando, Florida, USA            17.7
Disneyland Park    Anaheim    California, USA                       17.3
Universal Studios Japan         Osaka, Japan                          16.0
Tokyo Disneyland                  Tokyo, Japan                             15.1
Shanghai Disneyland            Shanghai, China                       14.0
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom   Zhuhai, China                          12.5
Tokyo DisneySea                   Tokyo, Japan                            12.4
EPCOT                                 Orlando, USA                             12.0
Paris Disneyland Park         Marne-la-Vallee, France              10.4

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, USA                              10.3

Chinese theme parks saw dramatic increases in attendance due to eased Covid restrictions. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom saw a 184.5% rise in visitors, Zigong Fantawild Dino Kingdom saw a 178% increase, Shanghai Disneyland experienced a 164% boost, Chimelong Paradise observed a 142% uptick, and Universal Studios Beijing saw a 109% gain.

In a historic first, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi entered the global top 25 theme parks, securing the 17th spot with 1.75 million annual visitors, underscoring the growing appeal of Middle Eastern attractions.

Ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who moved to the United States from an orphanage in conflict-ridden Sierra Leone and graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, died aged 29. Her death was announced on her personal Instagram page by a family spokesperson, though the cause of death has not been disclosed. 

“Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours,” her family shared in a statement, describing her death as “sudden.” Her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince, expressed her devastation, stating, “I am in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here.”

Tributes from the ballet world and beyond have poured in, with American ballerina Misty Copeland writing, “Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas,’ she remained determined and made big strides.” DePrince’s life and career shattered barriers for dancers of colour, challenging stereotypes in the ballet community.

Born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, DePrince’s early life was marked by tragedy. She lost both parents during the country’s civil war and was sent to an orphanage at age three, where she was mistreated due to her vitiligo. DePrince was later adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, where her adoptive mother nurtured her love for ballet. She went on to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and performed in Beyonce’s Lemonade.

In 2021, she joined Boston Ballet as a second soloist and appeared in Dancing with the Stars at just 17. DePrince was also a dedicated humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict.

Her spokesperson said her artistry “touched countless hearts” and her life was defined by “grace, purpose, and strength.” DePrince’s legacy, they added, will continue to inspire future generations.

DePrince’s family is also mourning the loss of their mother, Elaine DePrince, who passed away around the same time.