Tiny European theme park that inspired Disneyland is ‘unforgettable experience’

A tiny Danish amusement park is believed to have inspired American animation mogul, Walt Disney to create the world’s largest theme park. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is the second-oldest amusement park to open and is credited to have been the inspiration behind Disneyland.

Walt Disney visited the Danish theme park, which first opened its doors in 1843, and was reportedly inspired by its design and family atmosphere. The park was designed by Georg Carstensen and even welcomed famed author Hans Christian Andersen as one of its first visitors.

In 1951, four years before the first Disney park opened in California, Walt Disney and TV personality Art Linkletter paid a visit to Tivoli Gardens. During his visit, Disney meticulously noted down details about the rides, food, lights, and seating arrangements. 

Today, after nearly two centuries of operation, Tivoli Gardens boasts 30 rides and attractions, including a giant Ferris Wheel erected in 1943 and the towering Golden Tower, one of the park’s highest rides at 63m tall.

Tivoli Gardens, the iconic Danish amusement park, is home to the Roller Coaster, one of the world’s oldest surviving wooden roller coasters since its inception in 1914.

Another popular attraction is the Demon which towers at 28m with three heart-stopping loops along its course.  Adventure-seekers can also enjoy other thrilling rides such as the Star Flyer, the Mine, the Star Tower, and the enchanting Flying Trunk, showcasing 32 magical fairy-tale scenes.

But it’s not just about the thrill rides; Tivoli Gardens offers an array of attractions including timeless bumper cars and merry-go-rounds.

The park’s lush greenery can be particularly appreciated in areas like the Hanging Gardens, where visitors are greeted by towering trees, verdant lawns, and vibrant floral displays.

Shops abound within Tivoli, alongside stages and theatres that host a variety of performances. When hunger strikes, guests flock to Tivoli Food Hall – the culinary hotspot boasting 15 stalls serving an international smorgasbord.

Guest sentiment towards the park is overwhelmingly positive, with Tivoli Gardens enjoying an impressive 4.5/5 rating from over 26,000 Tripadvisor reviews.

One satisfied visitor remarked: “Where to start? Hmmm? I LOVED IT SO MUCH! It was an unforgettable experience and I would do it again instantly! The rides were all awesome and they all lit up brightly at night. I love roller coasters ?????? so I was rushing to get to them before the park closed at 11pm. We started our day as soon as the park opened.

“It rained rain I have never experienced before but that was kind of a good thing because it meant that we could just walk onto all the rides with practically ZERO queues. I went on the demon five times and each time got better and better. The food court was so nice and the food was lovely. All the staff are so kind and funny. I really want to go back again!”

Another added: “The park is amazing, we loved it and had a great time. We spent several hours in the park and the children didn’t want to leave!”

However, a third visitor chimed in: “The garden areas surroundings and meandering through the place are lovely and colourful. There are many establishments throughout the park to eat and drink, from the expensive to the cheaper. After visiting, as it’s one of those places you visit, it wouldn’t go again. It’s expensive and more geared towards smaller children, though there are a few rides for older/teens/adults, however I don’t think it is worth the money. I think most people go because ‘people go when in Copenhagen’.”

Entry tickets are priced at DKK155 (£17.91) for those aged eight and above. Additional passes, which include unlimited access to the theme park’s rides, are available at DKK259 (£29.93) per person.

Tivoli Gardens is conveniently situated in the heart of Copenhagen. Both Ryanair and easyJet offer direct flights from UK cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

According to the Sun Online, one-way tickets from the UK to Copenhagen can be bought for as low as £14. Denmark also boasts a number of other theme parks, including Bakken, which purports to be the world’s oldest amusement park.