Disneyland or Walt Disney World?

If you have the option to travel to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World and are unsure which to choose, here are some comparisons to help you get started.

DISNEYLAND:

Property: Disneyland Resort is a much smaller Resort.  It consists of 3 main areas: Disneyland Park, California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney.   There are just 3 Resort Hotels on the property:  Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel and Grand Californian Resort & Spa.  You can easily see the Resort in 3 days.   You can squeeze in a lot in 2 days (especially during the off season) and you can definitely see everything in more than 3 days.

Hotels: If you stay at one of the 3 Resort Hotels, you never have to drive or catch a shuttle!  The hotels, parks and Downtown Disney are all within walking distance of each other.  You can walk to any area at any time and even walk back to your hotel for breaks.  This is a great time saver!  If you choose not to stay at a Resort Hotel, there are many Good Neighbor Hotels around the Resort.  Each hotel offers a shuttle service (for a small fee), some hotels are close enough so you can walk and lastly, you can always drive and park and then take the tram from the parking garage to the Resort.   With either option, once you are on the Resort, you never have to leave!

Disneyland Resort is a much smaller, more intimate Resort.  You don’t feel rushed and you don’t use up time traveling from one area to another.  You can enjoy all the shows and attractions and most likely have time to do them over and over again! Park hopping is very easy since the 2 parks face each other and you can walk back and forth all day long if you like.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

WALT DISNEY WORLD:

Property: Walt Disney World is made of up 8 distinct areas.  Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom Park, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and Wide World of Sports Complex.   Walt Disney World is HUGE!   You hop aboard buses that take you from each area to the next and all the Resort Hotels.  None of the areas are within walking distance, so you will have to take the bus or shuttle (free of charge) to get to your next destination.  It does take more time to park hop, so many people just stick to one park each day.  With SO many areas to see, you will need at least 4 days to see everything with 5-7 days being ideal to get it all in!  If you park hop and do things quick, you can see a lot in 3 days if you are limited on time.

Hotels: There are about 32 Resort Hotel options inside Walt Disney World Resort! They are divided into 4 categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas. You definitely have your choice of places to stay all catered to fit your budget and have just about everything you can ask for.  They vary in locations all around the Resort and using the bus or shuttle is the best way to get to your park destinations.  You can also drive yourself or take a taxi as other transportation options.

Walt Disney World is a much larger Resort with so much more to see and do!  You will need a good week to really enjoy it, allowing time to take a break, so you don’t get worn out.  You have many ticket options depending on which park you want to see, with park hopping or not.  There is a lot to consider with WDW, but it’s a one of a kind place!

Cinderella Castle

When deciding in which park to visit, take the above into consideration.  How much time do you have and what is your budget?  Both are truly magical places and can be enjoyed to the fullest!  If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us for more personalized recommendations!