5 Main Differences between Disneyland and Disney World

For someone who grew up going to Disneyland, I never really thought much about how different Disney World might be until we were planning our trip there. And oh my goodness- they are very different! Yes- they have similar rides- but even some of the rides are different. So here is a short and sweet blog post on the 5 major difference between Disneyland and Disney World.

1. The SIZE. 

Disneyland consists of Disneyland and California Adventure. Both parks are directly across from each- other- so you can literally walk out of one and straight across into the other one. It's wonderful and so easy! You also don't need to park at two different parks. It's all right there!

Disney World consists of 4 Parks! And they are all quite a distance aways from each- other... as in, you very likely will be taking a bus/ boat/ car/ skyliner/ monorail to get there. But the downside of not being able to walk to each easily is that you have more parks to choose from- and wonderful ones at that. In addition to Magic Kingdom, Disney World also consists of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. 

2. On Property Resort Options.

At Disneyland, there are 3 on property resorts to choose from: Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian, and Pixar Place. And because there are only 3, their prices tend to be quite expensive. They are all less than an 8 minute walk to the parks however so their price is high for a reason.

Disney World has over 25 on property resorts to choose from! And they all come with different themes, advantages, restaurants, price points, pools, etc... Which means- you very likely can find a place that fits both in your budget and aesthetic. I absolutely loved the resort we stayed at. Beach Club (shown below) was so beautiful and I would stay there again in a heartbeat. 

3. Location

This is an obvious one- but Disneyland is in southern California and Disney World is on the opposite side of the United States in Florida. And while both can get hot in the summer- I personally feel that Disney World feels much, much hotter because of the humidity. Disneyland is a dry heat and therefore, at least to me, doesn't feel as hot.

4. Ride Options

Many of the rides can be found at both parks. But there are some that can only be found at one or the other. For example, you currently can only find Cars Land and the amazing Radiator Springs ride at California Adventure. Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, the Incredicoaster, Monsters Inc ride, and the Alice in Wonderland ride are examples of rides that can also only be found at Disneyland. 

Disney World also has incredible rides you can find only there- like the amazing Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen, Expedition Everest, Guardians of the Galaxy, etc... We loved trying all the different rides and definitely wish some of those were also at Disneyland.

5. Ride Density

The amount of rides at each park is also different. The two parks at Disneyland are packed with way more rides than the parks at Disney World. Magic Kingdom has quite a few- but Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT have a lot fewer than California Adventure has. But again- you're looking at 4 parks compared to the just two at Disneyland. And what they lack in rides, they definitely make up for in shows. 

All in all- they both have their differences but also major attributes! I love both and think both deserve a visit for different reasons. I would happily go to either tomorrow. :)

If you have some questions, reach out to your friendly Disney Travel Planner! My services are free and I love helping individuals and families plan magical trips to one of my favorite places. 

Get your FREE Quote here.