Jenna SaxtonIf you’re planning a trip to a Disney theme park, you may be wondering which one to choose – Walt Disney World Resort vs Disneyland Resort? Well, the answer to that question has been long debated by Disney fans.
The rivalry between the two parks has become something like the Coke vs. Pepsi debate with loyal fans of each resort touting the many reasons Disney World is better than Disneyland or why it’s the opposite. When it comes to the details, there are a lot of similarities between the two vacation spots, but there are some key differences that can help you decide which is a better fit for you and your family. And we’re bringing you a breakdown of them all!
Disney World vs Disneyland: Which is Better?
Disney World Overview
When it comes to theme parks, Walt Disney World is one of the biggest and most popular in the world. It’s located in Orlando, Florida, and is composed of four different parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom is the most iconic of the four parks. It’s where you’ll find Cinderella Castle, which is probably what the resort has become best known for. This park is designed to be reminiscent of Disneyland in California, so you’ll find many of the same classic attractions, such as “it’s a small world” and Pirates of the Caribbean (though there are some key differences between them that long-time fans will point out). There are also some unique attractions that can only be found at Magic Kingdom, such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the new Tron Lightcycle / Run coaster.
EPCOT is a park that celebrates innovation and technology, and it’s divided into four sections that each have their own unique theming – World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. The front areas of the park are where you’ll find well-known attractions like Test Track and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. While World Showcase is where you can explore different countries and cultures, with attractions like the new ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Frozen Ever After.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is all about the movies, and it’s where you’ll find attractions based on popular franchises like Star Wars and Toy Story. There are also shows and experiences that give you a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made, such as the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
Finally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a park that celebrates nature. There are several different areas of the park, each with its own theme and attractions. For example, in Africa, you can go on a safari and see animals like giraffes and zebras. While in Pandora – The World of Avatar, you can ride the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage attraction.
Beyond the theme parks, Disney World includes two water parks, Disney Springs (which is a huge shopping and dining district), two miniature golf courses, four golf courses, and more than 25 Disney Resort hotels.
Overall, Disney World is a massive and impressive theme park complex that has something for almost everyone. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney attractions or you’re looking for something new and exciting, you’re sure to find it here.
Disneyland Resort Overview
If you’re looking for a more intimate Disney experience, Disneyland Resort may be the better choice for you. With its smaller size, covering only 0.75 square miles, you could feasibly experience most of Disneyland Resort in a three-day visit.
Disneyland includes two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, both of which offer a wide range of attractions for all ages. In Disneyland, you can stroll down Main Street U.S.A. and explore the classic themed lands, including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland. Or, you can visit the newest themed lands at Disney California Adventure: Avengers Campus and Cars Land.
One of the unique features of Disneyland is the Downtown Disney shopping and dining neighborhood, which offers a variety of restaurants and shops to explore. You can also stay at one of the three hotels located within Disneyland Resort for a more immersive experience.
Overall, Disneyland offers a more compact and manageable experience compared to its larger counterpart, Disney World. However, Disneyland Park was the first Disney theme park ever. This means that you’ll be walking the same streets that Walt Disney did way back in 1995. Disneyland also tends to have more unique dining options, special events, and unique character experiences.
Disney World vs Disneyland Location
When it comes to location, there are some key differences between Disneyland and Disney World. Let’s take a closer look at each park’s location.
Disney World Location
Walt Disney World is located on the south side of Orlando, Florida near Kissimmee.
If you’re flying to Disney World, the nearest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). From there, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car to the resort. If you’re driving, the resort is easily accessible from several major highways, including I-4 and the Florida Turnpike.
Disneyland Location
Disneyland, on the other hand, is located in Anaheim, California.
If you’re flying to Disneyland, the nearest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is about 14 miles away. Other nearby airports include Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). From the airport, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car to the resort. If you’re driving, the resort is easily accessible from several major highways, including I-5 and CA-91.
Disney World vs Disneyland Size
Size is one of the biggest differences between Disneyland and Disney World.
Disney World Size
Disney World is a massive resort covering a whopping 25,000 acres. This is equivalent to the size of the city of San Francisco. With so much space, you’ll have a lot to do between four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), two water parks, more than 25 hotels, and the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district.
Disneyland Size
Disneyland on the other hand is much smaller, covering about 500 acres. With less space, Disneyland is a bit easier to navigate and explore. The two parks (Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure) and Downtown Disney’s shopping and dining district are much closer to each other.
Disney World vs Disneyland Cost
If you’re planning a trip to either Disneyland or Disney World, the cost is likely one of your biggest concerns. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of visiting each park.
Disney World Cost
Disney World offers a variety of ticket options, including one-day tickets, multi-day tickets, and annual passes. One-day tickets for a single park start at $109, but prices vary depending on the time of year you plan to visit. However, if you want to go to multiple parks in one day, you’ll need to purchase a Park Hopper ticket. These start at $169 for a one-day ticket.
Multi-day tickets are a better value if you plan on spending more than one day at the parks. A three-day ticket starts at $320, while a seven-day ticket starts at $536. The more days you add, the lower the cost per day.
Annual passes are also available if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year.
Disneyland Cost
Like Disney World, Disneyland offers one-day tickets, multi-day tickets, and annual passes. One-day tickets for a single park start at $104, but prices can vary a lot depending on when you’re vacationing. If you want to visit multiple parks in one day, you’ll need to purchase a Park Hopper ticket. These start at $159 for a one-day ticket. You can save on tickets by purchasing the multi-day ticket option if you plan to go to the parks three or more days in a row.
Annual passes are also available at Disneyland but they’re Magic Keys (making passholders “Magic Key Holders”). These range in price from $419-$1,199 and come with different perks and blockout dates depending on which tier you choose.
Disney World vs Disneyland Attractions
When it comes to attractions, both Disney World and Disneyland have plenty to offer (with a lot of overlap too!). Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at each park:
Disney World Attractions
Across the four Disney World theme parks and water parks, there are a total of 173 rides – so there’s a lot to do! But, there are some rides that set Disney World apart compared to Disneyland.
Some of the unique Disney World attractions include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT, TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom, Avatar: Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Slinky Dog Dash and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t find any of these in Disneyland.
Disneyland Attractions
As the smallest Disney Resort in the US, Disneyland is home to 58 total attractions. And, while that’s only a fraction of the rides in Disney World, there are a handful of rides that you can only find here that fans rave about.
For example, in Disney’s California Adventure, there’s an entire land devoted to the Avengers where you can ride the interactive attraction, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. You’ll also find Cars Land here (which is based on the Pixar classic) where you can race with Lightning McQueen on Radiator Springs Racers. Other notable attractions that you can only find in Disneyland include the Incredicoaster and Indiana Jones Adventure.
It’s also worth noting that Disneyland and Disney World have quite a few of the same rides. These include Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world.” And, while they are the same ride, many Disney fans will tell you that the Disneyland version is their favorite.
Disney World vs Disneyland Castles
When it comes to Disney parks, the iconic castles are one of the most recognizable features. Both Disneyland and Disney World have their own unique castle, each with their own charm and attractions. Let’s take a closer look at the Disney World Castle and Disneyland Castle.
Disney World Castle
Disney World’s castle is known as Cinderella’s Castle. This iconic castle stands at 189 feet tall and is the centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle is not only a beautiful, but it also houses one of the most popular character dining experiences. At Cinderella’s Royal Table, you can dine with Disney princesses.
Disneyland Castle
Disneyland’s castle is known as Sleeping Beauty Castle. This castle is smaller than Cinderella Castle, standing at only 77 feet tall. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the centerpiece of Disneyland Park and is surrounded by a moat that Disney usually decorates seasonally. Inside the castle, you can find the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. It takes you on a tour of the castle with scenes from the classic movie.
Disney World vs Disneyland Hotels
When it comes to accommodations, both Disney World and Disneyland offer a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the hotels available at each park.
Disney World Hotels
With over 25 options on property, Disney World offers the widest range of hotels. From budget-friendly options like Disney’s Pop Century Resort to luxury resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.
Because Disney World is so large, staying on property makes it easier to navigate between all of the theme parks and activities. Each hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the parks with other transportation options like boats, monorail, and Disney Skyliner gondolas available at select hotels as well.
Disneyland Hotels
At Disneyland, there are three hotels located on property, including Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Pixar Place Hotel.
While the Disney hotels are located closest to the Disneyland theme parks, there are several off-site hotels in Anaheim that are within walking distance and may make more financial sense for you and your family. Just keep in mind that these off-site hotels aren’t Disney-themed.
Disney World vs Disneyland Dining Experiences
Disney World Dining
At Disney World, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options ranging from quick service to fine dining with over 400 restaurants. With several character dining experiences, a unique dinner show (Hoop-Dee-Doo-Musical Revue), a AAA Five Diamond restaurant, and more, you’re sure to be wow-ed by the dining at Disney World.
Disneyland Dining
At Disneyland, the dining options are more limited compared to Disney World, but there are still plenty of delicious options. In general, Disneyland dining is more focused on quick service on-the-go offerings, but there are some unique table service restaurants too. These include Blue Bayou Restaurant, located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Lamplight Lounge, Carthay Circle (which is based on the theater that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs debuted at), and multiple character dining locations.
Disneyland is also known for having some highly sought-after snacks including a fried pickle corn dog that is best dipped in peanut butter.
Disney World vs Disneyland Crowds
When it comes to crowds, both Disney World and Disneyland can get pretty busy. But there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Disney World Crowds
Disney World is a massive resort that attracts visitors from all over the world. Thus, it’s no surprise that crowds can be a significant issue. The busiest times of the year are typically during school breaks, holidays, and weekends. So, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it’s best to plan your trip during the off-season.
Disneyland Crowds
While Disneyland is smaller than Disney World, it’s still a popular destination that can get crowded, especially during peak season. The busiest times of the year are typically during the summer months, weekends, and holidays.
Special Events
Disney World Special Events
Disney World offers a variety of special events throughout the year that cater to different interests and age groups. Some of the most popular events include:
- EPCOT Food Festivals – These events take place throughout the year on a rotational basis and focus on themed food and entertainment.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Held during the Halloween season, this event features an exclusive Halloween parade, fireworks show, trick-or-treating, and unique character meet and greets.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Held during the holiday season, this event features a festive parade, holiday-themed fireworks, and special character meet and greets.
- Disney After Hours – These events take place on select nights at select parks throughout the year giving guests an opportunity to have extra time in the park with fewer crowds.
Disneyland Special Events
Disneyland is known for having some of the best special events, with the offerings each changing almost every year making it fun to visit year after year.
Some of the most popular events include:
- Disneyland After Dark — These after-hours events feature exclusive entertainment, themed food and drinks, and limited-time merchandise.
- Boo Bash — During the Halloween season, Disneyland is transformed into a spooky wonderland, with special decorations, seasonal treats, and a Halloween-themed parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which park is better for younger children?
Both Disney World and Disneyland have plenty of attractions that are perfect for younger children. However, Disneyland is generally more manageable for families with young children because it is smaller and more compact than Disney World.
Is it more affordable to visit Disney World or Disneyland?
The cost of visiting Disney World or Disneyland can vary depending on a number of factors. These include the time of year, the length of your stay, and the type of tickets you purchase. However, in general, Disneyland tends to be slightly more expensive than Disney World.
Which Disney Resort has better weather?
Both Disney World and Disneyland are located in warm, sunny climates, but there are some differences in their weather patterns. Disney World tends to be more humid than Disneyland, especially during the summer months. However, Disneyland can experience more rain during the winter months than Disney World.
Is Disney Genie+ available at both Disney World and Disneyland?
Yes, Disney Genie+ is available at both Disney World and Disneyland making it easy to skip the lines for the most popular attractions in the theme parks. However, there are some key differences in Genie+ between Disney World and Disneyland. You can read more about these differences on our blog.
Comments
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