Amusement and theme parks in Europe - Statistics & Facts

Amusement and theme parks can be very diverse, with some of the most popular amusement parks in the world featuring immersive themes, engrossing educational offerings, and entertaining activities like rollercoasters and water rides. Amusement parks generally feature attractions such as events, rides, and games, while theme parks are typically designed around specific themes as their name suggests. Although many independent amusement parks are operational in Europe, the market is primarily dominated by two companies, the Walt Disney Company and Merlin Entertainments. Both companies have amusement and theme parks that are some of the most visited amusement and theme parks in Europe, including the likes of Disneyland Park and Legoland Windsor.

What is the leading amusement and theme park company in Europe?

Despite the wide range of different amusement and theme parks operating globally, the Walt Disney Company holds a substantial share of the industry. The Walt Disney Company generated revenue of over 82 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Most of this revenue was produced by its film studio; however, amusement parks, experiences, and products ranked as the second largest revenue segment for the Walt Disney Company, generating a total of 28.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. While the majority of the company’s parks and resorts are located in its home country of the United States, its European park, Disneyland Park (Disneyland Paris), was the most valuable theme park in Europe as of April 2023.

What are the leading amusement park attractions in Europe?

Some of the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coasters in the world are located in Europe. In the first half of 2023, Spain was home to the tallest and fastest roller coaster on the continent: Red Force at Ferrari Land. With a peak of 112 meters (about 367.45 feet), Red Force was the tallest roller coaster in Europe and the third tallest in the world. Red Force was also the fastest roller coaster in Europe, as of June 2023, with a top speed of 180 kilometers (about 111.85 miles) per hour. In terms of length, Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Big One took the top spot as the longest roller coaster in Europe. The UK-based roller coaster measured around 1,675 meters (about 1.04 miles) long, which was roughly 55 meters longer than the second-placed Silver Star at Europa Park in Germany.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Sep 1, 2023

Key insights

Most valuable theme park in Europe
Disneyland Park, France
European theme park with the highest entrance fees
Disneyland Park, France
Oldest amusement park worldwide
Bakken, Denmark
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Leading amusement and theme parks worldwide from 2019 to 2022, by attendance (in millions)

Theme Parks & Water Parks

Most visited amusement and theme parks worldwide 2019-2022

Attendance at amusement and theme parks in Europe by facility from 2019 to 2022 (in millions)

Theme Parks & Water Parks

Most visited amusement and theme parks in Europe 2019-2022

Roller coasters ranked by height in Europe as of February 2023 (in meters)

Theme Parks & Water Parks

Ranking of the highest roller coasters in Europe 2023

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Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Parks in the U.S.
Parks in the U.S.
Visitor attractions in the United Kingdom (UK)
Visitor attractions in the United Kingdom (UK)
City tourism in Europe
City tourism in Europe
Amusement and theme parks in the United Kingdom
Amusement and theme parks in the United Kingdom
Amusement and theme parks in the Netherlands
Amusement and theme parks in the Netherlands
Theme / Museum Index 2020
Theme / Museum Index 2020
Merlin Entertainments annual report 2020
Merlin Entertainments annual report 2020

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