The great debate: Disneyland vs Disney World

Disneyland is in California and Walt Disney World is in Florida. They offer distinct experiences. Disneyland is smaller, more walkable, and has a more local vibe, while Disney World is larger, has more parks and resorts, and caters to a wider range of vacationers. They both have long waiting lines. I saw a line with a 4 hour wait time in Disney World when I was there!

Smaller Breakdown:

Disneyland (Anaheim, California):

Size: Smaller, more compact, with two parks (Disneyland Park and California Adventure)

Pros: It Easier to navigate, park hopping is simple, and some attractions are unique to Disneyland (like Cars Land)

Cons: Can feel crowded, especially during peak seasons, and has fewer park options than Disney World.

Ideal for: Families with younger children, those looking 2 a shorter trip, or those who prefer a more manageable park experience

Disney World (Orlando, Florida):

Size: Much larger, with four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, and numerous resorts.

Pros: More parks and attractions to explore, a wider range of dining and lodging options, and a more immersive experience.

Cons: Can be overwhelming due to its size, transportation between parks can be time-consuming, and costs can be higher.

Ideal for: Families with older children or teens, those looking for a longer trip, or those who want a more extensive Disney experience.

But, there are also other ways to tell the difference between Disneyland and Disney World. For instance, there are usually longer lines in Disney World than Disneyland. Also, Disney World has an area of 43 square miles (or 27,000 acres) which is 54 times the size of Disneyland which covers only 500 acres. Disney World offers a wider variety of theme parks and attractions, including those focused on different types of entertainment, For example, Epcot focuses on world cultures and science whereas Animal Kingdom's focus on nature and animals.

Dining Experience:

Disney World:

The dining experience at Walt Disney World offers a wide variety of options, with quick services, fine dining, and includes character dining. The theme-based restaurants, and unique experiences like rooftop dining and dining with views of a living coral reef. I went to Disney World and went into a Winnie the Pooh styled buffet restaurant. Dining at Walt Disney World is more likely to involve reservations and sit-down meals, with a focus on themed restaurants and dining experiences. From quick-service eateries to fine dining establishments, Disney World offers a diverse range of dining options catering to various tastes and budgets. 

Disneyland:

Disneyland generally features more quick-service restaurants, where guests can grab food on the go. While Disneyland does offer some sit-down restaurants, the focus is more on casual dining and quick-service options. Disneyland may have a higher percentage of restaurants offering traditional theme park fare, such as fried chicken and mac and cheese, to cater to families with younger children. This is kind of like an amusement park.

Transportation

Walt Disney World relies more on transportation, including buses, monorails, and boats, due to its large size. Disneyland is more walkable, and many guests can walk to the park from nearby hotels or use public transportation. 

Number of rides you’re expected to take a day and wait times:

In Disney World you are expected to ride 6 to 12 rides a day. The wait time in Disney World is way longer! The wait time can vary with some rides ranging from 20-30 minutes and some rides above 2 hours! However, in Disneyland, you are expected to go on 10 to 25 rides a day. But, these depend on days if some days because some days are usually busier than other days. If you are going to Disneyland or Disney World, try to go earlier as the lines are way shorter than when they are later. I remember going on the ride seeing a 10 minute wait time in the morning, but 60-70 minutes later on in the day.