Trying to Decide Between Disney World or Disneyland? We can help!
Knowing the difference between Disneyland and Disney World is super helpful when planning your Disney vacation!
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When planning a Disney trip, you must decide Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
But what’s the difference between the two world-famous theme parks? And more importantly – which one is better?
We’ll break down the key differences and key similarities between these two parks to help you choose the best vacation destination!
Key Differences Between Disneyland and Disney World
So, what are the biggest differences when it comes to Disneyland vs Disney World?
From hotels to parks to transportation, keep reading to see how these magical destinations compare against one another.
1. Locations
First things first, where are these magical theme parks?
Disneyland Location
Disneyland is in the Golden State! Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is located in Southern California, between Los Angeles and San Diego.
It’s just a short 30-minute drive from Huntington Beach and the lovely Pacific Ocean.
Disneyland California, also known as Disneyland Resort, is also not the only Disneyland location worldwide.
There are also Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland Resort and Disney Sea, Shanghai Disneyland Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World Location
Disney World (otherwise known as Walt Disney World Resort) is on the other side of the US, located in Florida, known as the Sunshine State!
The park is in Orlando, which is in the middle of the state between Tampa and Daytona, roughly an hour from the beach on both the east and west sides of the state.
It’s close to the Orlando International Airport, making it easy to get there.
2. Size of the Parks
Probably one of the most noticeable and discussed differences between Disneyland and Disney World is the size, so let’s get into it.
Disneyland Size
Disneyland is much smaller. The entire park and resort, including all hotels and theme parks, is 500 acres or ¾ of a square mile. This size may not sound small, but compared with Disney World, it’s puny.
Walt Disney World Size
Walt Disney World Resort is a whopping 27,000 acres of land or more than 47 square miles.
So Disney World is over 50 times larger than Disneyland.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom park alone is larger than the entirety of Disneyland.
3. Number of Park Options
Another very notable difference between the destinations how many theme parks you have to choose from.
In fact, this is one of the most major differences that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Disneyland Theme Parks
Disneyland only has two parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park.
Both of these parks have a small waterpark inside for when you want to cool down from the excitement of the roller coasters.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Disney World has no shortage of parks to visit. When Disney World opened, it had just one park, but that’s no longer the case.
There are a total of four theme parks: Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.
In addition to these unique parks, two waterparks are separate from the amusement parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water park.
In addition to the more parks, Disney World also has almost double the number of rides, cutting down wait times and offering more chances for thrill rides.
Walt Disney World even has multiple world-class golf courses on property, whereas Disneyland doesn’t.
4. Accommodations at Disneyland vs. Disney World
Where you lay your head down at night matters a lot. The Disney resorts can be a great place to end your day.
So let’s look at what accommodations Disneyland and Disney World each offer visitors.
Disneyland Accommodations
Once again, Disneyland has fewer options when it comes to accommodations because the property is so much smaller.
Disneyland has three hotels: the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel, and the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. These Disneyland resorts are within walking distance of the park.
All three hotels are beautiful, but you only get three options when booking accommodations on the property, unless you choose to stay at non-Disney hotels.
Walt Disney World Accommodations
Walt Disney World Resort has more than 30 accommodations, ranging from affordable rooms to luxury villas and lodges.
So when booking and budgeting, you have some flexibility in where you stay, which can make it easier to save money and find reservations during the time frame you want.
5. Cost of Disneyland and Disney World
Many assume the price of a Disneyland vacation versus the price of a Disney World vacation is the same, but this often is not the case.
Disneyland Cost
Disneyland has slightly more affordable park ticket prices, and even though they don’t have the affordable accommodations Disney World has, a vacation to Disneyland tends to cost less.
There are more in-park activities and experiences that they do not charge extra for, like the water parks.
Walt Disney World Cost
The cost to go to Disney World is typically more expensive (though it could be less if you go during the cheapest time to visit Disney).
The park tickets are slightly more expensive and there are many activities inside the parks that cost extra.
While you can find more affordable hotel and room options in Disney World, that seems to be the only place where you can save money compared to Disneyland.
Both parks do have the Park Hopper option, allowing visitors to purchase tickets to hop to all of their parks at discounted rates.
While Walt Disney World’s Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit all four of their theme parks in one day, the Disneyland Park Hopper option gives you a multi-day pass to their two respectable parks.
6. Mobility Within and Between the Parks
A major part of every Disney vacation is walking; it’s an unavoidable fact (we highly recommend these tips for caring for your feet at Disney).
But there are some key differences in how you can get around the two different destinations.
Disneyland Transportation
The topic of mobility and transportation around Disneyland park is less of an issue because the property is so small in size.
However, there are still free shuttles that can transport park visitors to and from the parking lots or hotels.
They also have the famous monorail which can take you from the Downtown Disney district to Tomorrowland and back.
Walt Disney World Transportation
Because of Disney World’s massive size, there are many more concerns surrounding transportation.
Getting from park to park without a vehicle can be impossible. Luckily, Disney makes sure to take care of you.
All around the property, there are buses, shuttles, a ferry, and gondolas to help you get around to the various theme parks and Disney Springs. There’s also a monorail so you can zip around the property.
Our Disney transportation tips are super helpful, and you can even book a Disney hotel on the monorail to keep things simple.
7. Weather at the Disney Parks
Both parks and theme resorts are in states that generally have warm, sunny weather, but there can still be issues presented by Mother Nature.
Disneyland Weather
Most people would consider Disneyland to have the best weather.
California gets 300 days of sunshine a year and the only natural disaster that threatens your fun at Disney is the infrequent earthquakes.
While California can get hot, the humidity is usually low, so it’s a comfortable heat rather than an exhausting heat.
Walt Disney World Weather
On the other hand, Disney World is in the middle of hurricane territory. Six months out of the year is hurricane season in Florida, so this can cause issues with your vacation plans.
In addition to hurricane threats, Florida has higher humidity than California, which can make long days in the sun much more taxing.
We recommend these tips for staying cool at Disney World, as well as how to have fun at Disney in the rain!
Key Similarities Between Disney World and Disneyland
Now that you know what the difference between Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort is, let’s talk about what you’re guaranteed to get no matter which Disney park you go to.
Disney Characters
Both parks have a plethora of fun Disney characters running around the park, taking pictures, and enhancing the magic for all the guests.
So if your main Disney aspiration is getting a picture with Minnie Mouse or high-fiving Aladdin, you’ll be able to do this no matter which park you decide to visit.
Be sure to check out what to say to the Disney Princesses when you meet them!
Ride Diversity
While Disney World has many more rides than Disneyland park, it’s simply quantity and not quality.
Whether you want a calm kiddie ride or a crazy roller coaster that will thrill you, both parks have a wide range of rides to choose from.
Both little kids and thrill-seeking adults will find something fun at either destination, so you don’t have to worry about being bored at either Disney resort.
Both parks offer many of the same rides, if not with slightly different takes on some of them.
You can find such well-known rides as Splash Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and more (even Star Wars attractions) at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland park.
However, if you have your heart set on the Matterhorn bobsleds, you’ll only find those at Disneyland.
Related Recommendations:
Live Performances
If you’re most excited about the parades, live performances, and Disney shows, both destinations will satisfy your anticipation.
You can watch fireworks at both locations, enjoy fun and vibrant parades, or sit in a theater and be mesmerized by a stunning live performance.
Neither park could ever be accused of lacking in this department.
Princess Castles
If you or someone in your group is eager to visit a Princess castle, don’t worry, both Disney destinations have one.
Disneyland features the stunning Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Disney World’s castle is none other than the world-famous Cinderella Castle.
While Cinderella’s Castle is much bigger (just like Disney World itself), both are glamorous and awe-inspiring to see in person.
Food and Drink
While EPCOT is famous for the fantastic food and alcohol they serve, it’s not the only Disney place to get yummy food.
The iconic turkey legs and other snacks Disney is known for can be found in both parks.
And both serve alcohol inside the park, a very important consideration for Disney adults.
So don’t worry about missing out on the snacks, meals, or drinks because you chose one destination over the other.
Related:
- Where to Find Alcohol at Magic Kingdom
- Best Disneyland Foods to Try
- Must-Try Food at Disney California Adventures
Important Considerations When Choosing a Disney Theme Park
When choosing which park you want to vacation at, there are some personal considerations to factor into your decision.
Geographical Location
If you live in Florida or the surrounding states, it can be easier to go to Disney World. The same is true for Californians and Disneyland park.
But this may also be a reason to visit the other park if you don’t want to vacation in your home state or region.
Decide if you’d rather be on the west coast or east coast, and you’ve got your choice!
Vacation Budget
As mentioned, Disneyland is ever so slightly cheaper.
But Disney often has deals and special offers, so taking advantage of one of those could determine which destination is more affordable for you.
Weather
If you can’t stand the heat and humidity, you’ll probably have a tough time in Orlando.
Consider what weather you’re willing to walk around in, as California may be better for people that hate hot and muggy days.
So, Which Disney Park Is Better?
Everyone has a different opinion on which park is better, and nobody is wrong.
But when you break both places down on paper, it seems that Disney World has more to offer guests in the way of rides, activities, resorts, and theme parks.
Many people that choose Disneyland over Disney World do so for the nostalgia and history that goes along with the park.
It’s an iconic landmark in America, but as far as theme and amusement parks go, it isn’t quite up to par with Disney World.
In the end, no matter where you book your Disney vacation, you’re sure to have a magical experience and make memories that last.
Related:
- Check out our Disneyland Trip Planner Guide
- Learn about options for stroller rentals at Disneyland
FAQs
Below are commonly asked questions when comparing Disneyland and Disney World.
Which destination is more popular?
Disney World, and Magic Kingdom, in particular, is the most visited amusement and theme park in the world.
So it’s safe to say Disney World is more popular, but this may only be because there is much more space for guests, whereas Disneyland has a more limited capacity.
Which location opened first?
Disneyland in Anaheim, California opened first.
Walt Disney opened this park in 1955. Disney World in Orlando, Florida opened less than 20 years later in 1971, shortly after Walt Disney’s passing.
These books about Disney World and Disneyland give a fascinating peek into the history of the parks!
Which is better for adults?
Both parks and resorts have plenty of activities for both kids and adults.
However, many people consider EPCOT to be the best Disney location for adults to enjoy because there are so many exotic dining options and plenty of alcohol.
Where is Universal Studios located?
Universal Studios is not a part of Disneyland or Disney World and is in fact, not owned by Disney at all.
Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood are located in Orlando and California respectively and are both their separate theme parks.