The oldest operating theme park in the world, Bakken, opened in 1583, just outside Copenhagen in Bakken, Denmark.

BBC: Europe��s grand old theme parks

In late 2012, the Magic Kingdom theme park, one of four in Walt Disney World, will begin its largest expansion since it opened in 1971 - nearly doubling the size of kid-friendly Fantasyland, and further solidifying the resort's commitment to entertaining the smallest Mickey fans.

BBC: Keeping Disney magic afloat

For months it has been rumored that Disney wanted its second theme park in Asia - after Tokyo's - and its fifth in the world to be located in China.

CNN: DONALD AND MICKEY

MagicBands are only set to make the happiest place on Earth a smoother and easier theme park experience, one in which you truly do leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.

FORBES: 4 Benefits That MagicBands Bring To The Wonderful World Of Disney Parks

When world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall visited the theme park in 1972, Wolf was anxious to introduce her to Little Mama.

CNN: Meet one of the oldest chimpanzees in captivity

Even Walt Disney travelled to Europe in the 1950s, searching for inspiration for what would become the world-famous Disneyland, his first theme park project in California.

BBC: Europe��s grand old theme parks

The Hong Kong government and Disneyland are to announce this week what is expected to be an agreement to build the world's fifth -- and Asia's second -- Disney theme park in Hong Kong.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek | Intelligence | The Week Ahead: Hong Kong's Disneyland