Disneyland vs Disney World . . . What’s the difference? If you’re planning your first theme park vacation and aren’t sure which Disney resort is right for you, we’ve got you covered. From iconic rides to transportation, to enchanting shopping and dining, there’s a lot to consider when planning your magical vacation. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key differences between these two Disney resorts, as well as recommend a few phenomenal places to stay during your vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disneyland vs Disney World at a Glance
Disneyland vs Disney World: Which to Visit?
Before we discuss Disneyland vs Disney World and which park is perfect for you, we’ll give you the rundown on Disney history. Built in 1955, Disneyland is the original Disney theme park and lovingly known as “Walt’s Park.” It sits at around 500 acres across its two parks and the Downtown Disney shopping district. The Disneyland Resort is made up of Disneyland Park and the Disney California Adventure Park.
However, the Disneyland Resort is a dwarf compared to the Walt Disney World Resort’s nearly 25,000 acres of land. The Walt Disney World Resort is made up of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT, alongside two spectacular water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
The Walt Disney World Resort wasn’t built until nearly 20 years after Disneyland, in 1971. However, both have their own distinct charm and unique rides and attractions that create entirely different experiences for guests. Take a look at the main factors we believe will most affect your decision below.
Disneyland Resort
Since Disneyland is made up of just two parks, visitors to this Disney property in Anaheim, California, are in for a leisurely trip full of magic. Again, the entire Disneyland Resort, including both parks, three Disney resorts, and Downtown Disney, is just 500 acres. So, with everything within walking distance, it can easily be fully experienced over a weekend. Unlike Disney World, once you step outside of the Disneyland parks, you’re back in the modern world. This leads us to our first section: Disneyland transportation systems. Learn more below!
Disneyland vs Disney World Transportation
If you’re visiting Disneyland, you’re either staying on Disneyland property or at off-site hotels within the Anaheim Resort District (ART). Luckily, for the latter, there are ART shuttles that provide transportation to and from Disneyland. Hotel guests can also use private hotel shuttles to the parks. However, how do you get around once you’re in the parks? While the Disneyland Resort does offer some in-park transportation services, it’s nothing like what is offered at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Within Disneyland, you’ll find parking trams to transport you from the parking garage to the parks. Moreover, the Disneyland Monorail transportation system connects Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland, and the Disneyland Railroad follows a loop between Main Street, U.S.A., and Tomorrowland. Other than these transportation services, you’re on your own. So, be sure to bring good walking shoes!
Disneyland vs Disney World Rides
Now, on to the fun part. When it comes to comparing Disneyland vs Disney World in terms of rides, the competition is fierce. Both resorts share several attractions in common, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and countless others.
But despite its smaller size, Disneyland doesn’t disappoint with thrilling, unique rides. First up, located in Disneyland’s Adventureland, you won’t want to miss the Indiana Jones Adventure. This great movie ride takes you on a quest (via a simulated bumpy jeep ride) through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Moreover, the California Adventure Park boasts Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land. Jump in your car for the race of a lifetime through the desert, featuring sharp turns and exhilarating high-speed moments. Other notable rides include Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, and Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Downtown Disney
One of the most difficult factors to consider in Disneyland vs Disney World is the shopping. The Disneyland Resort features the lively Downtown Disney District, where you and your party can gather for delicious food and drink, exciting events, and magical shopping. The best part? It’s free to get in! Choose from around 20 unique restaurants, from world-class eats to quick service stops. Moreover, if you’re looking for Disney mementos, you’ll find an expansive collection of Disney merchandise throughout the district. Need some family-friendly nighttime entertainment? Downtown Disney delivers with live concerts, bowling, and more.
Visit Disneyland If . . .
So, a key factor in the Disneyland vs Disney World decision is how much time you have to vacation. Unlike Walt Disney World, where there are four distinct parks to discover, Disneyland only has two. So, this resort is ideal for less ambitious travelers with a shorter vacation timeframe, as there’s less ground to cover. Moreover, if you’re already on the West Coast and looking to save on travel costs, then choosing to take on Disneyland over Disney World would be a great decision. Plus, Disneyland diehards voice that this park has more of an intimate, nostalgic feel as compared to the sprawling Walt Disney World.
On another note, some may think that just because Disneyland is smaller than Disney World, it’s cheaper to visit. This is not typically the case. Though the tickets to the Disneyland Resort may be cheaper than those to Disney World, it’s not by much. Moreover, the prices of hotels in the Anaheim area far exceed the prices of hotels near Disney World in Florida. So, you end up paying more for your vacation in total. However, when you buy a timeshare resale, you can save thousands on a lifetime of vacations to Disneyland. But more on that later.
Walt Disney World
Dreaming of an in-depth, all-encompassing Disney experience? Step into a world of magic at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Walt Disney World offers four recognizable parks at this world-class entertainment destination, where you and your family can fill day after day with enchanting shows, blood-pumping coasters, and heart-warming character meet and greets. Watch in awe as the fireworks erupt over Cinderella Castle each night, then catch the Minnie Van back to your hotel till you do it all over again tomorrow.
Transportation
Unlike the Disneyland Resort, the Walt Disney World Resort is its own community. So, if you’re staying at a Disney hotel or DVC resort, you remain in the Disney “bubble,” where you’re entirely in Disney’s hands. Here, you’ll find everything from restaurants to grocery marketplaces, making your trip to the most magical place on earth as seamless as possible.
Getting around the Disney World Resort, whether traveling to and from your hotel or between parks, requires using their transportation systems. Besides meandering within the parks, the resort as a whole is not walkable. Luckily, you have plenty of options. Take a scenic ride on the Disney Skyliner gondola system, call a Minnie Van, or cruise the Monorail, water taxis, or Disney buses. This is something to consider in your debate of Disneyland vs Disney World.
Top Disney World Rides
Compared to Disneyland’s 52 rides across two parks, the Walt Disney World Resort offers 59 rides to guests across four theme parks. Magic Kingdom offers fan-favorite coasters like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and classic flyers like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. You’ll find thrills like the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours, and Toy Story Midway Mania (also in California Adventure) in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Other favorites across all four parks include Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom and Test Track and Soarin’ in EPCOT. Overall, when it comes to Disneyland vs Disney World in terms of rides, you’ll find greater variety across all four parks in Disney World.
Disney Springs
If you’re visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, you get to enjoy beautiful Disney Springs, a charming shopping, dining, and entertainment complex right outside the parks. A counterpart to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is also free to enter. It’s filled to the brim with world-class cuisine (70 restaurants), eclectic shopping (93 shops), and lively attractions, shows, and events, such as the House of Blues concert venue and Cirque du Soleil. What’s more, Disney Springs is 120 acres, which is a massive jump from Downtown Disney’s 20 acres. So, after a day spent at your favorite Disney park, consider stopping for a tantalizing bite and a bit of entertainment at Disney Springs.
Visit Walt Disney World If . . .
Disneyland vs Disney World. Which to choose? In our opinion, you should take your Disney trip to the Walt Disney World Resort only if you’re vacationing longer than a weekend. With four parks (and thousands of acres) to cover, you’ll want to be able to take your time park hopping and not rush, meaning a longer vacation is in order. Plus, with so many immersive experiences, you’ll want to savor every magical moment at this beloved resort.
However, a great trip to Disney World requires a bit of day planning, so those who don’t want the extra work may prefer to stick with the smaller, more manageable Disneyland. Moreover, if you’re looking to save money on hotel stays, Disney World has a greater number of on-site resorts and Disney hotels, which appeal to more price points. Not to mention, you can find fantastic deals on Disney Vacation Club resorts on our resale market!
Disneyland vs Disney World Deluxe Resorts
If you’re looking for the full Disney experience, staying on-site at Disneyland or the Disney World property is a must. These Disney Vacation Club resorts and hotels near the two resorts bring the Disney magic home with you each day. However, due to their proximity to the parks and characteristic Disney details and hospitality, these resorts can be a bit pricey. That’s why we’ll also share some luxurious resorts outside of the Disney brand that are just as close to the parks and other area attractions.
Timeshare Resorts Near Disneyland
Timeshare Resorts Near Disney World
Disneyland vs Disney World: Experience Both with Resales!
Disneyland vs Disney World . . . Have you made up your mind? Well, what if we told you that you didn’t have to? With a timeshare, you can visit both Disneyland and Disney World when you want, how you want! Whether you own with Disney Vacation Club or another vacation club brand, you can enjoy magical stays at two of the happiest places on earth.
Not to mention, when you buy your timeshare off the resale market, you can save thousands on your purchase. That means a lifetime of vacations at a fraction of the retail price. Don’t believe us? See for yourself! Our marketplace is full of timeshares for sale by owner at unbeatable prices. This way, you can focus more on experiencing magical vacations and less on your wallet. Start browsing below, and filter by destination, brand, etc. For any questions or concerns, give us a call at 1-800-410-8326 or email us at [email protected].
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