Disneyland Vs. Disney World: Which One Should You Visit First?

When planning a trip to the happiest places on earth, many wonder which to visit first: Disneyland vs. Disney World. While both are iconic destinations that promise incredible experiences, they each meet different requirements and preferences.

Knowing the key differences between Disneyland and Disney World can help you choose the right destination for your magical holiday.

The Size and Scope of Disneyland vs. Disney World

One of the most notable differences between Disneyland and Disney World is their size. Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California, and consists of two premises Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

The premises are compact, with Disneyland Park being the original attraction opened in 1955 by Walt Disney himself. Despite its smaller size, Disneyland offers a complete Disney experience. Numerous guests appreciate the convenience of being able to visit both places in one day. The closeness of the parks allows for easy walking between them. This makes it a more relaxed visit.

On the other hand, Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is a massive resort complex. It spans roughly 25,000 acres and is home to four themed parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Workrooms, and Disney’s Beast Kingdom.

Additionally, it features two water parks, along with a wide array of accommodation, dining establishments, and entertainment options. Its sheer size can be both intimidating and inviting. This brings a variety of attractions to keep everyone entertained.

The Atmosphere: Classic vs. Expansive

Disneyland is often described as a more intimate, nostalgic experience. As the first Disney park, it holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans. The park is smaller. However, it is packed with charm, including the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, which serves as a reminder of Disneyland’s roots.

Because of its compact size, you’ll find a more personal atmosphere, and visitors often feel a sense of closeness to the park’s history. Disneyland has a reputation for its welcoming and relaxed vibe. This makes it ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Disney magic without the overwhelming size of a massive resort.

In contrast, Disney World’s atmosphere is grand and expansive. The resort complex is built to transport guests into different worlds. Each park delivers a completely distinct experience. No matter if you’re walking down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom or exploring the futuristic attractions at EPCOT, Disney World provides an immersive environment for guests of all ages.

Because of the size and variety of Disney World, you’ll encounter more crowds, more options, and more opportunities to explore. Though it may require more planning, you can keep your experience hassle-free by leaving it up to the pros! Our Disney World planning service includes experience-based tips, destination-specific insights, and personalized itineraries to make every moment of your trip the best it can be.

Attractions and Entertainment: A Different Focus

The attractions at Disneyland and Disney World reflect the different types of experiences each destination offers. Disneyland’s rides are often considered to have a more classic, nostalgic feel, with attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion providing a sense of history.

Some of Disneyland’s signature rides, like Space Mountain and the Indiana Jones Adventure, are unique to the park. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking exclusive experiences.

However, Disney World takes things to the next level in terms of variety. With four theme parks and two water parks, Disney World comes with a diverse range of attractions, from thrilling rides like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom to futuristic innovations like the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster at EPCOT.

If you enjoy a variety of experiences, including live shows, fireworks, and character encounters, Disney World provides more options for entertainment across its sprawling complex. Its sheer size means you won’t see everything in one trip, which can keep you coming back for more.

For families with young children or those interested in theme park history and witnessing its historic charm, planning a trip to Disneyland might be the perfect choice. However, if you’re seeking an all-encompassing experience with numerous theme parks and entertainment options, Disney World is the place to be.

Accessibility and Travel: Getting There and Around

Another key difference between Disneyland and Disney World is the ease of getting to and navigating within the parks. Disneyland is conveniently located in Southern California, with the city of Anaheim being easily accessible from major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Once you arrive, the parks are within walking distance of each other. This simplifies your trip and reduces the need for complicated transportation logistics.

However, Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida, and it’s significantly more spread out. Because of the resort’s vast size, you’ll need to rely on Disney’s internal transportation system, including buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner to travel between the parks, hotels, and resorts. This transportation system is generally efficient but can take time, especially if you’re hopping between multiple parks in a single day.

Additionally, you’ll likely need to rent a car or take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the resort if you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), although Disney’s Magical Express (for airport transportation) is no longer available as of 2022.

What Destinations Do You Plan to Explore?

If your goal is to explore a range of other attractions besides Disney parks, Disneyland might be more suitable for you. Situated in Southern California, Disneyland is within easy reach of several other theme parks, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and SeaWorld San Diego. Additionally, the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities of Southern California are just a short drive away.

Disney World, however, is located in a more remote part of Florida. While Orlando delivers a variety of other theme parks and attractions—such as Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando—the sheer focus of Disney World on immersive Disney experiences means that most visitors spend the majority of their time within the Disney bubble.

If you're planning a multi-destination vacation that includes a variety of theme parks, beaches, and cultural destinations, Disneyland's location might bring more flexibility.

Budget Considerations: Cost of Visiting Disneyland vs. Disney World

Generally speaking, both Disneyland and Disney World can be expensive. However, the costs vary depending on the length of your stay, the time of year, and how you plan your visit.

Disneyland tends to be more budget-friendly for those planning a shorter trip. With fewer parks to visit, guests can experience most of the highlights in a 2-3 day trip. The cost of tickets is lower than Disney World’s. The travel expenses are typically less expensive for visitors flying into California. Hotel options range from budget to luxury. Disneyland’s proximity to other attractions allows for more flexibility in terms of where to stay and what else to do.

On the other hand, Disney World is generally more expensive due to its larger size and more extensive resort offerings. With four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous dining options, your expenses can add up quickly.

Since the resort is spread out, you may also need to budget for transportation costs within the property if you choose not to rent a car. However, Disney World’s extensive range of accommodations, from value resorts to luxury options, means that there are budget-friendly choices if you plan ahead.

Keep in mind that both destinations come with different dining experiences, ticket packages, and hotel bundles that can influence your overall costs.

The Dining Experience: What to Expect

Both Disneyland and Disney World offer a range of dining options. However, the experience varies between the two destinations. Disneyland’s dining options are known for their nostalgic appeal, with famous restaurants like the Blue Bayou and character dining at Goofy's Kitchen. The park’s dining options are scattered throughout the resort.

Disney World, with its vast expanse, has a much wider variety of dining options. From quick-service meals to themed restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table, the dining options at Disney World are both diverse and plentiful.

The sheer number of restaurants across the four parks and numerous resorts provides endless possibilities for every type of dining experience. While there’s something for everyone at both parks, Disney World’s extensive resort offerings allow for even more culinary experiences.

The Best Time to Visit

When considering Disneyland vs. Disney World, timing is an important factor. Both destinations are popular year-round, but some months are better than others for avoiding large crowds and high prices. In general, both parks can be busiest during peak travel times like summer, spring break, and the winter holidays.

Disneyland tends to have a more consistent crowd level throughout the year, with minor fluctuations depending on local events or school holidays. Since it’s located in California, the weather is typically mild. This makes it a year-round destination. However, summer and the holidays tend to bring larger crowds and longer wait times for attractions.

Disney World sees a similar fluctuation in crowd levels. Meanwhile, due to the vastness of the resort, it can feel less crowded compared to Disneyland. However, Disney World has its own seasonal patterns—like the summer months and the week between Christmas and New Year’s—where crowd levels and hotel prices skyrocket.

Fall and early spring tend to offer more moderate crowds and pleasant weather–ideal times to visit. With virtual queues being phased out earlier in February, you can expect longer lines at certain attractions during peak seasons.

If you’re looking to visit during the least crowded times, you may want to plan your trip for the off-peak seasons like mid-January through February or mid-September through November. Both parks offer seasonal events, like Halloween and Christmas festivities, which can affect crowd levels but also enhance the magical experience.

Ready to Plan Your Magical Vacation?

Now that you’ve got a better idea of which Disney destination suits your needs, it’s time to start planning! At byHannah Vacations, we specialize in creating personalized Disney experiences that are tailored to your preferences. With our expertise in both Disneyland and Disney World, we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared and excited for the vacation of a lifetime.

Let us handle the details, so you can focus on enjoying the magic.