Disneyland and Disney World are two of the most magical places on earth! Find out how both compare and what makes each park unique.
Disneyland Magic Kingdom
For many years, we traveled back and forth from Phoenix to California, especially to enjoy in cooler weather and sandy beaches.
We first visited Disneyland in 2013, and have been several times since then. California has wonderful weather in the fall, and crowds die down a bit as people head back to school. Visiting Disney & LEGOLAND has proved to be quite an adventure for our kids, even at a young age.
Just a year ago, we met up with family in Florida and went to Disney World and were blown away. While we only had three kids at the time, they had a blast – and it was very obvious that Disney World “won” the popularity contest.
While Disneyland is technically closer to us here in Arizona, the kids have been eager to go back to Disney World. Nothing can stop their constant requests to visit Minnie, Mickey and the entire gang ~ enjoy fabulous weather and partake in over 40 square miles of FUN.
Eeek! Who doesn’t just want to hop on a plane and head out on vacation? I do, for sure!
Disney World Entrance, Florida
Disneyland vs. Disney World
Many of you may be wondering what the difference is between Disneyland & Disney World. I love that they’re both unique, but also offer some of the same things.
If you have always wondered the difference between the two parks, here we go.
Accessing the fun
Disneyland: When you head to this magical place, you don’t get a magic band. You are given a card that you can scan to unlock on the magic. While it’s not a magic band, it is still convenient to have a card to purchase and get to where you need to go.
Disney World:Home of the Magic Bands. Before you even step foot into Disney World, you get your Magic Bands. These are used to get into your hotel room, ride rides, access food, and much more. These bands are pretty fun for the whole family to wear, while in Disney World.
Disney World (Fantasy Rocks)
Enjoying the rides
Disneyland: Heading to Disneyland, you know there are going to be some great rides. Disneyland has some of the same rides as Disney World, including Space Mountain. However, Disneyland also has its own rides which includes Mickey’s Fun Wheel.
Disney World: A ride that Disneyland and Disney World both share is called Pirates of the Caribbean. However, you will only find rides like Mickey’s Philharmagic and Finding Nemo-The Musical at Disney World. It’s fun to see the similarities and differences in rides at both theme parks.
Disneyland Park, California
Size of the parks
Disneyland: Although Disneyland is still fun and mighty, it’s not nearly as big as Disney World. This park was built under the direction of Walt Disney himself. Disneyland Park has 8 themed lands and is about 85 acres. It’s gone through a lot of renovation over the years and that makes for a very magical place today.
Disney World: Disney World is way bigger than Disneyland. Way bigger than you’d ever imagine. When you ascend upon Magic Kingdom, you are actually entering a second floor. The lower level is used for the Disney utilidor system. This system is where maintenance is done and also where cast members can get to where they’re going quickly! It’s pretty amazing. Plus, Disney World is 40 square miles in total. That’s a lot of space for magic to happen.
As you can see, there is quite a bit of a difference in both parks. However, they’re equally magical and a whole lot of fun.
