I Just Visited Disneyland and Here’s How It Compares to Walt Disney World
Written By: Senior Travel Advisor and Disney Expert, Kelly Martin
As someone who spends a lot of time helping clients plan magical Disney vacations, I thought I knew exactly what to expect from Disneyland. I hadn’t been to Anaheim in 15 years, and from the moment I stepped onto Main Street, I realized Disneyland has a charm, energy, and sense of nostalgia that feels completely different from Walt Disney World in the most unexpected ways. Here are my top 5 ways that a Disneyland Resort vacation differs from one to Walt Disney World!
5 Key Differences Between Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort
Proximity Everything is close and easy to get to! The 3 Disneyland Resort hotels (Pixar Place Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) are all an easy walk to both theme parks and to Downtown Disney. You’ll go through security either when leaving your hotel or when entering Downtown Disney, so the actual property and esplanade between the parks and Downtown Disney feels so simple!
Weather The weather is stunning. Sunny days, low humidity, and low seasonal rain (14 inches per year compared to Walt Disney World’s 50 inches per year!) make for beautiful, easy days in the parks! I didn’t even bring an umbrella in my park bag. Walt Disney World often has greater temperature fluctuations and unexpected rain showers that can often impact your time in the parks!
Nostalgia Remember Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Snow White’s Scary Adventures? What about going on a submarine voyage in tomorrowland, 20,000 leagues under the sea? Or visiting Mickey and Minnie’s houses in Toon Town? There’s something special about revisiting these rides from childhood that have since been changed to other attractions at Walt Disney World.
Walt’s Presence Disneyland Park is the only park that Walt ever stepped foot in. When it was being built, he oversaw every detail, and it’s very special to picture him walking right down Main Street USA. The park leaves a light on in Walt’s old apartment above the Fire Station, and it’s all very special.
Snacks and Quick Service Dining While there are great table service experiences, Disneyland is best known for snacks and quick service meals. Churros, Birra Tacos, Skewers, Popcorn, Fruit, Ice Cream- there are so many options and so many spots to mobile order your food! While there are some amazing sit down options, eating on the go frees up more of your time to enjoy attractions at the parks.
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are wonderful, magical, and special destinations. I love them both for different reasons and am thrilled to have had the chance to visit the West Coast Castle again!
Want to learn more about the difference in these two Disney destinations? I’d love to help your family pick the best fit for your next theme park vacation.