Just How Different are Disney World and Disneyland?

Disney World or Disneyland? Let’s compare and help you choose the perfect destination for your next adventure!

Comparing Theme Parks

Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida are two of the most famous destinations in the world. They have been attracting guests from all over the world for decades with their one-of-a-kind adventures and unforgettable moments.

If you’re planning a Disney vacation, you may be wondering what the difference between the two destinations is. Let’s explore what makes each resort unique so you can choose your next vacation.

Castle vs. Castle: Take a look at the comparison of Disney World and Disneyland.

A huge difference is Disney World’s crowds are mostly tourists while at Disneyland, you’ll find more locals inside the park.

Disney World

This resort is in Florida and has a lot to offer visitors. There are four theme parks, two water parks, plenty of hotels to choose from, and many places to shop, eat, and be entertained. You can travel around the resort by bus, boat, monorail, or skyliner. Take a look HERE to see how to use each type of transportation at Disney World.

At Walt Disney World Resort, you can meet your favorite Disney characters, try exciting rides, and enjoy food from all over the world. The resort is run by friendly staff who are dedicated to making your stay enjoyable.

And don’t forget the many dining and shopping options found at Disney Springs. Here, you’ll find wonderful restaurants like Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming and various entertainment options too. The largest Disney store in the world, World of Disney, is located in the Marketplace section.

Pirate tip: Most Disney Springs table service locations can be booked using the Open Table app.

Parks

Magic Kingdom is full of opportunities to create unforgettable Disney memories. Whether it’s watching fireworks at Cinderella Castle, meeting beloved characters, or experiencing thrilling roller coasters, Magic Kingdom specializes in making dreams come true.

At EPCOT, be ready to experience thrilling rides and experience various countries from around the world. In addition, you can go from the depths of the ocean to outer space. And you don’t want to miss the seasonal festivals held here.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, visitors can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and live new adventures. Begin by taking a stroll through old Hollywood to experience the glitz and glamour of show business.

And you don’t want to miss the popular themed areas such as Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is found at both Disney World and Disneyland.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a theme park that has over 100 species of animals. It offers unique experiences where guests can interact with the natural world and learn about the importance of conservation.

Characters at Disney World theme parks can be spotted at set locations and times. Be sure and check the latest character schedule on Character Locator.

Attractions

Walt Disney World Resort has over 150 attractions, promising endless hours of fun and entertainment to visitors. From classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion to modern and thrilling rides, Walt Disney World Resort offers experiences for the entire family to enjoy.

Disney World has over 150 attractions for kids of all ages!

First, TRON Lightcycle / Run is an outdoor roller coaster where riders board futuristic lightcycles and race through a neon digital world, inspired by Disney’s “Tron” films.

And don’t miss the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. It uses 3D technology guests to take guests on a breathtaking banshee flight through stunning landscape.

In addition, EPCOT’s newest attraction is not to be missed! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a thrilling reverse-launch roller coaster that takes guests on an outer space adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Don’t miss Disney World’s most thrilling attractions: TRON Lightcycle / Run, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Gaurdians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.

Resorts and Dining

Walt Disney World has over 25 resort hotels to choose from. Guests can enjoy the same magical experience of the theme parks at a Disney Resort hotel, with extra perks like more time in the parks and free transportation.

At Disney World, guests can choose from Value Resorts such as POP Century, Moderate Resorts such as French Quarter, and Deluxe Resorts such as Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fine dining experience, or anything in between, Disney World has you covered. Be Our Guest is a fine-dining French-inspired restaurant with incredible Beauty and the Beast theming.

Or, if you want to experience a United Kingdom-style pub, don’t miss EPCOT’s Rose and Crown Restaurant. For out-of-this-world dining, try Space 220 or Satu’li Canteen. And one of my (Susan) favorites is Steakhouse 71 located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Disneyland

Disneyland Resort, the original theme park created by Walt Disney, is located in sunny Southern California. It first opened in 1955 and has since become a popular destination for people of all ages.

Disneyland Resort is known for its innovation, which is upheld by its talented Imagineers and dedicated Cast Members. They work tirelessly to provide world-class hospitality and create unforgettable experiences for guests.

Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, California and has two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Parks

Disneyland Park brings fairy tales to life with areas like Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Disney California Adventure Park has themed lands that celebrate California’s history and are inspired by Pixar and Super Heroes.

Both parks have many different attractions and experiences for guests of all ages. Some of the most popular attractions include WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Radiator Springs Racers.

In addition to set meet and greet times, Disneyland characters also roam and rotate throughout the day so keep your eyes open for your favorites!

Both Avengers Campus and Cars Land are unique to Disneyland California Adventure.

Resorts and Dining

Disneyland Resort also has three hotels, each with its amazing theming, services, and amenities. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is designed in a rustic arts-and-crafts style and is located near Disney California Adventure Park.

Disneyland Hotel has four towers inspired by the resort’s three original lands. Disney’s recently opened Pixar Place Hotel has a rooftop pool and waterslide. Guests can meet Bing Bong here from Inside Out, too!

See our comparison of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel HERE.

There are many food and drink options at Disneyland Resort. Some popular choices include Blue Bayou Restaurant, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Or try Carthay Circle Restaurant, which serves upscale California cuisine. When visiting San Fransokyo Square, check out the fusion of Asian and American cultural dining options.

Downtown Disney provides a ton of shopping and dining options.

Which park is your favorite? While Disney World and Disneyland have unique offerings, guests take in the magic at both of them. If you’re a Disney World fan and not sure if you would love Disneyland, then take a look at Monica’s post HERE to see reasons why Disney World fans love Disneyland too.

Have you been to either park or both? Each one has unique experiences to offer. Let us know what you enjoyed most about each park in the comments below. Then, share this post with friends who love Disney.