Disney World Vs. Disneyland - Where To Go First?

Deciding whether to visit Disney World or Disneyland depends on several factors. Our comprehensive guide will help!

The debate between Disney World vs. Disneyland is an important one to consider when planning your trip. Find out which one is best for you!

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Disney World vs Disneyland is a hot debate, with die-hard fans making their case for each.

If you’ve dreamed of going to Disney for years and finally are ready to plan your trip, enjoy the rides, try the food, and say hello to your favorite characters, you’ll have some decisions to make.

You’ll need to pick a resort, choose which parks you want to visit, nail down where you want to eat, and so much more.

But before you can start planning the magical details of your trip, you need to decide which Disney location you’ll be visiting.

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland are fabulous vacation destinations, that’s undeniable.

But which is the right one for you? Where should you go first?

There’s a lot to consider and a ton of information to take in.

So to help you out, we’ve made this comprehensive guide to the two parks, including the difference between Disneyland and Disney World, plus our recommendation for which one is best to visit on your very first trip to the magical world of Disney.

Disney World Features

The first thing to mention is that Disney World is in the sunny state of Florida, serving the Disney fanatics on the east coast of the US.

It’s in Orlando, which is smack dab in the middle of the state in central Florida, just a short drive from Orlando International Airport.

Disney World has a great deal of excitement to offer guests, so let’s dive into the features of Disney World that you can enjoy if you plan your first Disney vacation here.

Disney World Theme Parks

First things first, we have to discuss the theme parks, as they’re probably the best part of any Disney experience (and most people’s reason for going!). And Disney World has a whopping four to choose from!

Plus, if you purchase a Park Hopper ticket, you can hop yourself over to all four parks on the same day!

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is their original theme park in Florida and offers a classic Disney experience, from Main Street, USA to the themed lands across the park.

Many Disney characters are strutting around the park ready to take pictures and say hello to visitors.

And of course, the Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella’s Castle, so this park is a must for princess lovers.

Some of the iconic rides featured in the Magic Kingdom are “It’s a small world”, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and the Jungle Cruise.

This magical place also offers some iconic Disney snacks, like Dole Whips and those classic turkey legs that might be on your bucket list.

If not, there are plenty of other yummy dining options, but they keep it simple, mostly serving burgers, chicken wings, and similar familiar favorites.

The Magic Kingdom is also a popular nighttime destination, as they set off fireworks that illuminate Cinderella’s castle, making a magical and unforgettable experience for everyone still in the park.

Check out our complete guide to the Magic Kingdom to learn more!

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Next up, is Disneys Animal Kingdom. For all the fans of The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Bambi, and all the other animal-centric Disney movies, this park is thrilling.

In this theme park, you can go on wild African safaris, thrilling treks through the wilderness, and even take a risky expedition up to Mt. Everest.

They’re all just amusement rides but the experience is still one-of-a-kind.

For fans of the movie Avatar, the Animal Kingdom offers immersive experiences in the Na’vi culture, from the neon rainforests to inviting cuisine.

There’s also a dinosaur section in the park where you can travel back in time and explore the world of these beasts.

You can see live animals in their conservation area, and learn about what makes these creatures so incredible and what we can do to keep them safe.

The Animal Kingdom is one of the most fun parks to explore, as you get to feel immersed in nature while getting all the excitement of Disney movies and characters.

EPCOT

EPCOT is an exhilarating park with fast rides and delicious food.

While kids are welcome here and will have loads of fun, this park has many attractions geared toward adults (in fact, we think it’s the best Disney park for adults!).

There’s an International Flower and Garden Festival, where you can see incredible plant sculptures and blossoms while you sip on a violet lemonade.

The park is meant to have a futuristic and diverse vibe. EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, implying EPCOT is the future.

And international fun is what EPCOT is all about.

There are many restaurants and areas dedicated to a particular region of the globe, including Morocco, China, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and many more.

You can explore the Under the Sea Aquarium where colorful and vibrant fish swim around just inches from your fingers.

Or you can travel out of this world on a Space Mission ride and save the planet!

EPCOT is more diverse in the sense that there are calm activities, an array of dining options, and thrilling rides all in one place.

And this is why many adults gravitate toward this park, while children typically prefer the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Last but not least, you can check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios park if you visit Disney World.

While Hollywood Studios has a lot of movie-themed magic to offer, the main draw to this park is the plethora of Star Wars-themed activities, locations, food and drinks (blue milk, anyone?), and rides.

So if you’ve always dreamed of visiting a galaxy far, far away, Hollywood Studios should be your first stop!

Hollywood Studios also offers entertaining live shows and performances, so you can take a break from the endless walking and blazing sun.

Two of the most popular rides in this park are the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, a thrilling coaster that plunges you into the dark while you enjoy Aerosmith music.

And the second is the Hollywood Tower of Terror, which references the Twilight Zone and takes you on a creepy ride through this haunted hotel.

If you’re a big fan of Pixar (and/or Toy Story in general!), Toy Story Land opened in Hollywood Studios in 2018.

Hollywood Studios park also tends to have higher-end dining. So if the turkey legs and chicken fingers don’t appeal to you, head to Hollywood Studios for classic Italian food and meaty steaks that will leave you satisfied.

Disney World Water Parks

If you love fun in the sun but want a chance to cool down, Disney World has two fabulous water parks to choose from.

With lazy rivers, zippy waterslides, and wave pools, these water parks will check all your boxes and are a super fun stop if you visit with children who love to swim.

Typhoon Lagoon

For a wild time at a waterpark, you can buy a pass to Typhoon Lagoon, the most popular water park in Disney World.

There’s a surf pool where you can ride the waves, speedy water slides you can zoom down on, and a whimsical water playground for the younger kids.

Typhoon Lagoon also offers more than just water, with yummy food shacks that serve filling meals and tropical drinks.

And if you hang out until after hours, there’s an H20 Glow performance and party that will reignite the night!

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach is the second water park you can visit at Disney World.

With the look of a ski resort, it offers frosty fun for the whole family, from kiddie water pools to plummeting water slides that will make your stomach drop.

You can even race your friends and family on a toboggan slide!

There are cozy cabanas you can rent for some privacy and plenty of beach or polar-themed restaurants where you can fuel up to keep having fun in the water.

Blizzard Beach has a more laid-back vibe than many of the other parks, so it’s a great place to slow down your vacation and just relax.

Places to Stay at Disney World

People who are obsessed with Disney almost always stay at a Walt Disney World resort so they can get the complete Disney World experience.

There’s nothing quite like staying at a Disney hotel!

And Disney World has no shortage of places to stay on the property, from luxury Disney resorts on the monorail to campsites to private villas to themed hotels.

Choosing where to stay is exciting, and you can check out the 34+ places to stay that Disney World offers. Below are some of the most popular and fun spots to book.

Pop Century Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Port Orleans Resort
All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Movies Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
All-Star Sports Resort
Art of Animation Resort
Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Wilderness Lodge
Beach Club Resort
Contemporary Resort
Yacht Club Resort
Boardwalk Inn
Old Key West Resort
Riviera
Dolphin Hotel
Swan Hotel and Reserve

A Disney resort is an awesome option because most of them stick to a theme that runs throughout the lobby, rooms, and amenities.

So you can feel immersed in a theme for your entire stay!

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Disney World Shopping

Disney Springs is a large shopping, dining, and entertainment district that provides endless fun for guests.

You do not need a ticket to visit Disney Springs, so many guests choose to plan for an “off day” during their vacation, where they enjoy the shopping and dining instead of spending a day in a theme park.

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Disney balloons being sold at Disney World

Disneyland Features

Disneyland is in Anaheim, California, offering west coast visitors warm and sunny weather practically year-round.

For many, Disneyland offers the classic Disney experience that everyone should enjoy once in their life.

But that’s still up for debate.

Disneyland Theme Parks

Disneyland only has two theme parks compared to Disney World’s four, but trust me, they offer plenty of excitement and amusement to make up for it.

Plus, it’s easier to visit and enjoy both parks thoroughly, even if you aren’t staying for a very long vacation.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is the original ‘happiest place on earth’, offering magic and amusement for people of all ages.

Like the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, this park has fantastic fireworks shows often (including the Fantasmic Fireworks Show), so you can watch the colors and lights after a long day of adventuring.

Disneyland is broken up into different lands. This includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Critter Country!

These different lands are immersive and playful, so you can flit from land to land and have a different experience every hour.

This park also has a Haunted Mansion ride and an “It’s a Small World” ride. Plus, they have the famous Pirates of the Caribbean ride that will spook with you pirates hidden around every corner.

The park also has delectable food for kids and adults. From fancy French cuisine to homestyle waffles and pancakes to impeccable cafe food inspired by New Orleans cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

It’s also where Disney’s Club 33 is located!

At the center of Disneyland Park, you will also find Sleeping Beauty Castle, which is essentially a slightly different and smaller version of Disney World’s Cinderella Castle.

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Check out our Ultimate Disneyland Planner Guide
Find out about the Best Disneyland Foods you’ll want to try
Learn about your options for renting strollers at Disneyland

Disney California Adventure Park

Disney’s California Adventure Park is exactly what it sounds like, an adventure for the whole family.

This park is constantly getting new features and rides, so if this is not your first time here you can still find something new to enjoy and be surprised by.

Some of the most popular attractions include the Incredicoaster, Pixar Pier, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Pacific Wharf, and the Soarin’ Around the World activity, where you can feel like you’re flying.

The fun never ends here, and many people consider this the best Disney park because it has so much and also has a little bit of everything.

From Toy Story to Cars to Inside Out to the Avengers, all of your favorite movies can be found in Adventure Park.

It’s one of the best places for kids of all ages because there are gentle carousels and wild thrill rides and everything in between.

And the dining in this park is also sensational. You can eat at the cafe from Cars or enjoy fine dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant.

We have a list of must-try food at Disney California Adventure to help get you started!

It’s hard to be disappointed by this lovable park.

Disneyland Water Parks

All of the Disneyland water parks are within the theme parks, which is great because you don’t have to pay for a separate ticket to enjoy the water parks.

However, because the water parks are not separate from the theme parks, they often get more crowded and can be difficult to visit comfortably during peak season.

Disneyland Shopping

The popular Downtown Disney District is an outdoor shopping center located at the Disneyland Resort.

This shopping center is located outside of the theme parks, allowing visitors to have a separate shopping experience from the chaos of the rides!

Downtown Disney is famous for its one-of-a-kind restaurants, incredible entertainment, and unique boutiques and is an absolute must for the best Disney souvenirs.

Places to Stay at DIsneyland

Compared to Disney World, Disneyland Resort Hotels include limited options for where you can stay.

They have three hotels on the property with loads of room for all the guests, but they’re a bit more straightforward than the options at Disney World.

Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
Paradise Pier Hotel
Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is the original and most classic place to stay when visiting Disneyland.

The Paradise Pier Hotel has a more colorful and tropical theme.

And lastly, the Grand Californian is a more luxury resort with top-notch service and a full spa.

Choosing Disney World vs. Disneyland

Now that we’ve discussed some of the features each park has to offer, here are the things you’ll want to consider when choosing where to visit.

What Are Your Expectations?

Do you want to get a photo with all of your favorite Disney characters? Do you want to enjoy incredible food? Do you want to ride scary rides that will make your hair stand up?

Do you want plenty of things to see and do for several days, or a place where you can spend a couple of days and see it all?

Consider what your dream Disney vacation looks like, and choose the park that will best suit that.

What Is Your Budget?

One way to choose which Disney theme parks to visit is to check prices and see what fits into your budget.

The cost of a Disney vacation depends on a lot of factors, including how far you have to travel (especially airfare), where you’re staying, how long your vacation will be, and if you’re visiting during the cheapest times.

But the two destinations will often have deals on vacation packages which you can take advantage of with some good timing, and the Disney Payment Plan is helpful for breaking up the cost.

Where Do You Live?

If you live in Florida, you can save a lot of money by going to Disney World! And same with California residents.

But consider which state you are closer to and how that can make traveling easier, whether it’s a shorter flight to southern California or a quick drive to Florida.

Travel time is a big consideration.

Who Is Going With You?

As mentioned, all of the parks are great for both children and adults alike, but some parks boast a wider variety of themes than others.

Make sure you choose a vacation that will satisfy your entire group so everyone can enjoy their vacation to the fullest.

How Long Are You Staying?

How much time you have for a vacation is important to consider.

If you’re taking a short vacation, Disneyland can be easier to visit.

There are only two parks, so you have a better chance of seeing more of Disneyland in just a few days, rather than trying to explore everything in Disney World in a short period.

If you are planning a longer vacation, you’ll be able to fill your days easier at Disney World.

So, Where Should You Go First? Disney World vs. Disneyland

If you want to experience the nostalgia and history of Disneyland, that’s the best park for you.

But generally, people feel Disney World has far more to offer people of all ages and interests. And many people consider EPCOT the best Disney dining experience.

Plus, Disney World rides tend to be bigger and better, offering more screams and stomach drops for the thrill seekers out there.

FAQs

For more information on Disneyland vs Disney World, read the frequently asked questions below.

Which park was built first?

Disneyland was built first, encompassing more history associated with Walt Disney and his kingdom.

With that said, Walt specifically planned Disney World to avoid some of the aspects of Disneyland that he personally wasn’t thrilled about (these books about Disney World and Disneyland share more about this).

Which park is bigger?

Disney World is much, much bigger than Disneyland.

To be exact, Disney World is 50 times bigger than Disneyland, offering more leg room for visitors.

Which park is more popular?

Disneyland receives an estimated 18 million visitors per year, compared to the much larger number of 58 million at Disney World.

The Magic Kingdom in Disney World is the most popular and visited Disney parks of them all.

Which park is more affordable?

There isn’t a major difference in daily ticket prices, but typically Disneyland admission is ever so slightly less expensive than Disney World.

Is Universal Studios part of Disney World?

While Universal Studios is often mixed in with Disney World, it is owned by NBC Universal and is operated by Universal Parks & Resorts.

It is not a Disney World theme park, despite it being in Orlando, Florida.

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