EPCOT Sees Biggest Visitor Growth, Though Magic Kingdom Still Number 1

The latest TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report shows that all four Disney World theme parks posted visitor growth in 2024, but it’s EPCOT that’s stealing the spotlight.

While Magic Kingdom continues its reign as the most-visited theme park in the world, EPCOT recorded the biggest year-on-year increase in attendance across the resort. That surge follows years of transformation, from bold new attractions to the complete redesign of the now World Showcase, and it’s paying off.

EPCOT’s estimated 12.1 million visitors mark its strongest result since before the pandemic, while Magic Kingdom comfortably remains on top globally, welcoming more than 17 million guests in 2024.

Why More Visitors Are Choosing EPCOT

So, what’s behind EPCOT’s renewed popularity and why does it matter for UK visitors planning a Florida holiday?

EPCOT is the only Disney World park to have experienced growth in excess of 1% during the 2023 to 2024 period, with a visitor growth of 1.3%. Here’s what is pushing more visitors to choose EPCOT over the other three Disney World theme parks:

Firstly, new, blockbuster attractions that have quickly captured the hearts of Disney fans. This includes:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which is now one of Disney’s most acclaimed coasters.

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has big appeal for UK guests who may have been to Disneyland Paris and want to compare the two ride experiences.

• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: a tranquil walk-through attraction with a broad-appeal and interactive water fun that’s great for families with children of all ages, but especially those with younger children.

Attractions like these, combined with a refreshed World Celebration area have made EPCOT feel more complete and compelling for the first time since the renovations began.

Secondly EPCOT holds a huge appeal for Disney Adults. From year-round festivals which are an experience in their own right, to ‘drinking around the world’ EPCOT has become the park of choice for many. With love music and a more relaxed atmosphere it offers Disney Adults a lot of options that the other three parks don’t.

Thirdly, Disney days in EPCOT have a unique vibe. Sauntering around the world and experiencing different cultures is one of the most beloved Disney concepts. Plus, it has a resonance with Walt Disney himself that fans enjoy.

EPCOT is also one of the easier parks to get into, and one that is easy to pop in and out of for UK visitors with a 14-day Magic Ticket. Connected by both the monorail at the front entrance and the skyliner at the back entrance of the park, this park is a central theme park between Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. For people visiting without a hire car, this park is an easy one to park hop between.

Magic Kingdom Still Wears The Crown

None of this takes away from Magic Kingdom’s legendary status.

It remains the world’s number one theme park, with classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain continuing to draw first-timers and nostalgic fans alike.

For UK visitors holidaying in Waly Disney World for the first time, Magic Kingdom is still the essential Disney dream come true. That first boat ride across the Seven Seas Lagoon drawing you to Cinderella Castle is a trip that ignites the magic, and there is nothing that can compare. But for returning travellers or those seeking new experiences EPCOT’s revival has clearly added another layer of magic.

Overall Disney Magic Tops The List

2024 attendance data released by the TEA Global Experience Index show that Disney’s theme parks around the world are hugely popular, rivalled only by Universal theme parks. The Disney World Florida theme parks all rank in the top 15 in the world. All four Disney World parks also saw an increase in visitors in 2024, showing that their popularity is showing no sign of slowing down.

A trip to Walt Disney World from the UK is a dream come true, a dream that sometimes becomes an annual trip for some UK fans. The pull of Disney magic around the world has led t o increased visitor numbers, apart from at Disneyland Paris where visitor numbers dropped by 1.8%.

Disneyland Paris is the only Disney park in top 15 to have recorded a decrease in visitors. This is perhaps a sign that UK visitors are preferring to head further afield to Florida for their Disney experiences rather than head to Paris. Contributing factors perhaps include:

• Higher costs,

• value for money, weather,

• current closures around Walt Disney Studios Park before the transformation to Disney Adventure World in 2026.

Magic in a Minute

EPCOT’s star is on the rise, while Magic Kingdom keeps it’s crown for the world’s most visited theme park. For UK holiday-makers that means there has never been a better time to visit Walt Disney World to experience these amazing theme parks for yourself.