Disneylands Around the World for UAE Residents – How to Plan a Trip

There is a place that everyone wants to visit in their lifetime, and that place is Disneyland. No matter if you are an adult or a kid, the magic of Disneyland attracts everyone. For UAE residents looking for a perfect family vacation packed with magic, thrills, and fairytale moments, there’s nothing better than visiting Disneyland. 

The best part is that there are six spectacular Disneylands across North America, Europe, and Asia. Each Disney park brings unique adventures, stories, and characters to life.

We have curated this guide covering all the Disneyland parks around the world. In this ultimate guide, we’ll help you:

• Choose the best Disneyland for your family
• Understand visa requirements from the UAE
• How to plan your trip with kids

Disneyland is more than just a theme park,  it is an emotion and a storytelling universe. From battling Stormtroopers in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to twirling with Elsa in Frozen World, every moment is part of a larger dream.

History of Disneyland

• Founded by Walt Disney, Disneyland first opened its gates on July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California.
  
• Walt wanted a place where parents and children could enjoy rides together, unlike the typical amusement parks of that era.
  
• Its success sparked a global expansion, giving rise to six international resorts, each reflecting its local culture while staying true to Disney magic.
  

Today, Disneyland is a symbol of joy and storytelling excellence, attracting over 150 million visitors annually worldwide.

Also Read: Best Theme Parks Around the World

• Unmatched Magic: Disneyland transforms fiction into a real experience.
  
• All Ages Welcome: From toddlers to grandparents, everyone is part of the story.
  
• Culturally Inclusive: Halal meals, Arabic-speaking staff, and prayer spaces available in many parks.
  
• Global Access: With simple international visa processes and great airline connectivity, UAE residents are closer to magic than ever before.
  
• Memory-Making: Your kids will never forget hugging Mickey, dancing with Elsa, or seeing fireworks above Cinderella’s Castle.

Every Disneyland has its specialty that makes it different from the other. Here is the list of six Disneylands:

1. Disneyland Resort – Anaheim, California, USA

2. Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida, USA

3. Disneyland Paris – Marne-la-Vallée, France

4. Tokyo Disney Resort – Urayasu, Japan

5. Hong Kong Disneyland – Lantau Island, Hong Kong

6. Shanghai Disney Resort – Pudong, Shanghai, China

Overview:
Opened in 1955, this was Walt Disney’s first and only park that he supervised. Located in Anaheim, it’s split into two parks: Disneyland Park (with classics like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Pirates of the Caribbean) and Disney California Adventure (featuring Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus).

Why Visit:

• Walk in Walt’s footsteps
• See Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Enjoy exclusive attractions like Indiana Jones Adventure
  

Best for: Disney purists, history buffs, Marvel fans

Visa from Dubai:

• Visa Type: B2 Tourist Visa
• How to apply: Contact Travnook for a hassle-free US visa process.
• Interview required at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai

Processing Time: 2–4 weeks after interview

Overview:
The largest Disney resort in the world, spanning 25,000+ acres with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and dozens of themed resorts.

Parks Include:

• Magic Kingdom (home of Cinderella Castle)
• Epcot (technology and world showcase)
• Hollywood Studios (Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance)
• Animal Kingdom (Avatar: Flight of Passage)
  

Why Visit:

• Full Disney immersion
• Unique dining and cultural zones
• Ideal for long vacations
  

Best for: Large families, long stays, adventurous travelers

Visa from Dubai:  Same process as above for the USA

Also Read: How to Get US Tourist Visa from UAE

Overview:
Opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris is Europe’s only Disney resort. Just 40 minutes from Paris, it combines fairytale architecture with modern thrills.

Two Parks:

• Disneyland Park (with French Gothic Sleeping Beauty Castle)
• Walt Disney Studios (home to Ratatouille: The Adventure and Avengers Campus)
  

Why Visit:

• Easily combined with a Paris city tour
• Arabic-speaking staff and halal food options
• Accessible for short trips from the UAE
  

Best for: First-timers, families with young kids, romantic Disney getaways

Visa from Dubai:

• Visa Type: Schengen Visa
• How to apply: Contact Travnook for Schengen visa assistance in Dubai.
• Documents: Passport, UAE residence visa, flight/hotel bookings, travel insurance, proof of funds.
• Processing Time: 2–3 weeks
  

Also Read: Schengen Visa Requirements for UAE Residents

Overview:
Opened in 1983, Tokyo Disney Resort includes Tokyo Disneyland and the unique Tokyo DisneySea, which you won’t find anywhere else.

Why Visit:

• DisneySea offers a stunning water-themed park with epic scenery
• High-quality entertainment and hospitality
• Japanese culture meets Disney storytelling
  

Best for: Couples, returning Disney fans, anime lovers

Visa from Dubai:

• UAE Passport Holders: Visa-exempt
• Others: Short-term tourist visa via the Japan Visa Application Center in Dubai. Contact Travnook for Japan visa assistance.
  

Overview:
A compact, scenic park opened in 2005, perfect for shorter holidays. It recently unveiled the World of Frozen (Arendelle-themed land).

Why Visit:

• Less crowded, easy to navigate
• Family-friendly rides and character zones
• Closer to the UAE with fewer time zones
  

Best for: First-timers, toddlers, and preschoolers, weekend travelers

Visa from Dubai:

• UAE Citizens: No visa needed (30 days visa-free)
• Residents of other nationalities: Contact Travnook to get your Hong Kong visa.
  

Overview:
Disney’s newest park, opened in 2016, is known for its massive Enchanted Storybook Castle and futuristic rides like TRON Lightcycle Power Run.

Why Visit:

• Innovative rides with cutting-edge tech
• Culturally integrated Disney experiences
• Spacious and well-designed park layout
  

Best for: Tech-lovers, adventurous travelers, families wanting something new

Visa from Dubai:

• Visa Type: L Visa (Tourism)
• How to apply: For a smooth China visa application process, contact Travnook.
• Processing Time: 7–10 working days

Disneyland parks are designed for families, especially those with young children.

Family-Friendly Features:

• Stroller Rentals: Available at every park entrance
• Baby Care Centers: Nursing, feeding, changing
• Rider Switch: Let’s parents swap places on thrill rides
• Parade & Show Schedules: Download the park app for live updates
  

Packing Tips:

• Sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles
• Snacks for toddlers
• Disney autograph books and lanyards
• Local power adapters (USA, EU, JP plugs differ)
• Ponchos (especially in Florida and Tokyo)
  

Also Read: Best Places in Europe with Kids

Planning a trip with visa application, park tickets, and child logistics can be overwhelming, but not when Travnook is on your side.

Visa Support for Disneyland Destinations

Travnook can assist you with:

• USA B2 visa appointment bookings
• France Schengen visa processing through VFS
  
• Japan visa guidance and waiver eligibility checks
  
• China visa applications with required documents
  
• Documentation prep, insurance, and translations
  

We handle everything from form-filling to appointment booking, so you don’t have to worry about embassy red tape.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book multi-day passes
• Stay at partner hotels (not necessarily Disney-branded)
• Bring snacks and water bottles
• Use the park app for free ride times and parade alerts

Also Read: Reverse Trip Planning Strategy for UAE Residents

• Passport with 6+ months validity
• Visas (where required)
• Park tickets & hotel bookings
• Travel insurance
• Power adapters (US, EU, JP)
• Download Disneyland App
• Comfortable shoes, rain ponchos, and Disney merch!

With six Disneylands around the world, these happiest places are within reach for every UAE resident. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney parent, Travnook makes planning easy, visas stress-free, and every moment unforgettable.

Q1: Which Disneyland is closest to Dubai?

 A: Hong Kong Disneyland is only 7 hours away. It is visa-free for UAE citizens, but UAE residents with other nationalities may need to apply for a visa. Contact Travnook for exact details.

Q2: Which park has the biggest castle?

Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest.

Q3: What is the cheapest Disneyland to visit from the UAE?

Hong Kong Disneyland is usually the most affordable due to short flights and fewer visa steps.

Q4: Can I find halal food inside Disneyland?

 Yes, especially in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Always check menus and ask the staff.

Q5: Which Disneyland has the most rides?

 A: Walt Disney World (Florida) has the highest number of rides across 4 theme parks.

Q6: Is it safe for toddlers?

 A: Absolutely! There are height-appropriate rides, stroller paths, and nursing areas in every park.

Q7: What’s the best time of year to visit Disneylands?

 A: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.