Complete Guide to Disneyland vs Disney World 2024 (2024)

Complete Guide to Disneyland vs Disney World 2024

Complete Guide to Disneyland vs Disney World 2024

Welcome to the ultimate guide in the Disneyland vs Disney World 2024 debate! a topic of friendly rivalry among fans loyal to their respective home parks. While it’s easy to list basic differences between Disneyland and Disney World, understanding the nuances between these two iconic Disney Parks can be a challenge. No matter if you’re a Disney Superfan or a first-time visitor. That’s where we come in! At The Park Prodigy, we have personal knowledge of both Disneyland vs Disney World, ready to provide insights that will help you discern their unique characteristics. This guide aims to clear up any confusion, making it easier for you to decide which park is the perfect fit for your next vacation.

We really hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Walt Disney World vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

Disney World Crowd Calendar

Disney’s theme parks, located on opposite coasts, are celebrated for delivering their unique versions of enchantment and wonder. Disney World and Disneyland, while sharing the Disney magic, are distinct in their experiences. Often leading many enthusiasts to visit one consistently, without exploring the other. This lack of awareness about the vast differences between differences between Disney World and Disneyland is quite common. To remedy this, our guide dives into a comprehensive comparison, covering various aspects from attractions to ambiance. This information is crucial in helping you decide which Disney park – whether it’s the sprawling wonder of Disney World or the charming originality of Disneyland – is the ideal choice for your upcoming Disney vacation.

Disneyland, known for its more compact size, offers fewer theme parks and hotels compared to its counterpart and generally comes at a lower cost than Walt Disney World. On the other hand, Walt Disney World is an expansive complex, encompassing four theme parks, over two dozen hotels, and a variety of additional attractions, making it a larger and more comprehensive destination.

Where are the US Disney Parks Located?

• Walt Disney World – Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, Florida just outside of Orlando, Florida!
• Disneyland – Anaheim, California! Disneyland is perfectly situated 26 miles south of Los Angeles and only an hour and a half drive north of San Diego.

How Many Days Does it Take to Experience the US Disney Parks?

• Walt Disney World – Disney World is tricky, to experience all of it you might want to consider moving to Orlando. But for a normal family vacation, we find that a full 7-day vacation leaves us fulfilled and going home happy.
• Disneyland – On average it takes guests approximately 4 days to completely explore all of the Disneyland Resort.

For a fair comparison, we will be considering the theme parks, resorts, crowds, transportation, price, rides, and food for this article. We know that the list could be longer. But to make a fair and final decision, we need to rank what we have found to be the most important topics when decidingis Disney World or Land better.

What’s the difference between Disneyland and Disney World?

The main difference is the size, and how Disneyland Resort only offers two theme parks, versus Disney World’s four. When it comes to Disneyland or Disney World when it comes to size, Disney World is massive in comparison. There are ride, restaurant, and hotel differences, as well, which guests should know when planning their magical vacations.

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Size of Disney World and Disneyland 2024

When debating whether Disneyland or Disney World is the superior destination, a key consideration for many is the size of the park and the range of activities it offers. In terms of sheer size, Disney World is the clear victor. The comparison of Disneyland vs Disney World in this regard is almost staggering – Disney World is so vast that you could fit 51 Disneylands inside it! So, for 2023, let’s delve into a detailed comparison of Disneyland‘s size vs Disney World’s size, exploring what each park offers in terms of space and the variety of experiences available to visitors.

What is the size of Disneyland vs Disney World?

• Disneyland Park – With only 500 acres to make magic, Disneyland hosts 2 theme parks, 3 resort hotels, and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.
• Walt Disney World – Sprawling and astonishing 43 square miles (27,520 acres), Walt Disney World holds 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 32 resort hotels, 5 golf courses, 1 professional sports complex, and 2 shopping and dining districts.

There really is no comparison when you’re trying to compare the size of Disney World vs Disneyland.Walt Disney World is a sprawling mass of land comparable to the size of two islands of Manhattan! The entire resort is roughly 10 square miles smaller than the California city of San Francisco.

But maybe a bigger park isn’t always better when it comes to your specific needs. For families who love planning back to back activities and endless energy when it comes to Disney World vs Disneyland 2023, Disney World may win out in this category. Not to say Disneyland doesn’t require some planning. But as the smallest US park, Disneyland may fit the guest who enjoys a more relaxing Disney park experience.

Winner: Walt Disney World

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Comparing Disneyland and Disney World 2024 Theme Parks

The ongoing debate about which is better Disney World or Disneyland, ultimately boils down to personal preference. Disneyland carries the unique charm of being the place where Walt Disney himself walked down Main Street, USA, infusing it with a sense of historical magic. Disney World, on the other hand, stands as a monumental legacy of Walt Disney’s vision. Representing a haven of learning and imagination, not just for his company but for the world at large. To give you a clearer perspective, let’s delve into a more detailed comparison of Disneyland vs Disney World in 2024, exploring the specifics that make each resort distinctively enchanting in its own right.

What Are the Theme Parks in Disney World and Disneyland in 2024?

Walt Disney World:

• Magic Kingdom – The first park to open at the Walt Disney World Resort, its layout, and attractions are based on the Disneyland theme park in California and are dedicated to fairytales and Disney characters.
• EPCOT – Based on the idea Walt Disney had for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, this park is based on innovation, exploration, and world unity for a better tomorrow.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Formally Disney-MGM Studios Park, here you can enjoy imagined worlds based on film, television, music, and theater drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – A zoological theme park packed with exotic animals, thrilling attractions, and Broadway-level shows.
• Typhoon Lagoon – One of the two water parks on property, this park is home to one of the world’s largest wave pools!
• Blizzard Beach – At the first of the water parks to open at Walt Disney World, you can find yourself immersed in a unique blending of tropical landscaping with simulated melting snow found throughout.

Disneyland:

• Disneyland – The first Disney park to ever be created under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.
• Disney’s California Adventure – Also more commonly known as DCA, is a Disney park rooted in California’s rich history of adventure told through a Disney, Pixar, and Marvel lens.

The clear winner for parks and experiences to be had is clearly the Walt Disney World Resort. There can be truly no comparison between Disneyland and Disney World in the sense of park options. Walt Disney World has a total of 6 in comparison to Disneyland’s 2 theme parks. But as we dive into the attractions, you may be surprised who pulls into first place!

Winner: Walt Disney World

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Disney World Vs Disneyland 2024 Ride Comparison

Despite their size disparity, the ride tally in the Disneyland vs Disney World comparison is surprisingly similar. Walt Disney World offers 54 rides across its four parks, including the soon-to-open TRON Lightcycle Run. Close behind, Disneyland has 53 rides, with its own version of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway set to launch in Spring 2024. When it comes to the sheer number of rides, Disney World vs Disneyland rides is virtually a tie. However, for adult visitors comparing the two, Disneyland might just take the lead due to its unique ride experiences and offerings, highlighting the distinct character of each park.

How many rides are at Disneyland?

Disneyland rides:

• Disneyland Park – 33 rides
• Disney’s California Adventure – 19 rides

How many rides are at Disney World?

Walt Disney World rides:

• Magic Kingdom – 24 rides
• EPCOT – 11 rides
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 9 rides
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 9 rides

If rides are a large factor in your decision as you try to determine which is better Disneyland or Disney World, you’ll have to take a deeper look at what rides each resort has to offer.

If your dream is to soar on a Banshee from the world of Avatar, Disney World is likely your ideal destination. On the other hand, for Marvel enthusiasts seeking immersive superhero experiences, Disneyland is the place to be. While Disney World boasts a larger total number of rides, a closer look at the ride distribution per park reveals Disneyland Resort as the clear winner. At Disneyland, you have the opportunity to enjoy more attractions in a single park visit than you would at any individual park in Walt Disney World, making it a more efficient choice for those looking to maximize their ride experiences.

Winner: Disneyland

Related post:Complete Guide to Epcot Attractions and Rides

Disneyland Castle vs Disney World Castle 2024

The castles at Disneyland and Disney World, while both iconic, have distinct characteristics. Disneyland’s original Sleeping Beauty Castle in Anaheim offers a unique walk-through attraction depicting the story of Sleeping Beauty with interactive displays. On the other hand, Disney World’s Cinderella Castle in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is significantly larger, adorned with turrets, spires, gold leaf, and stained glass windows. It received a majestic pink and gold makeover for the park’s 50th Anniversary in 2020. In the Disney World vs Disneyland castle size comparison, Disney World’s Cinderella Castle is notably the larger of the two.

Which is bigger Disneyland vs Disney World castle?

The Disney World castle is much larger than Disneyland, with Cinderella Castle coming in at 189 feet. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland is only 77 feet, with fewer turrets, and much smaller than Disney World.

Winner: Walt Disney World

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Resort Hotels at Disneyland Vs Disney World 2024

In the Walt Disney World vs Disneyland contest, one might initially think Disney World leads, especially considering its 32 onsite hotels compared to Disneyland’s 3. However, numbers can be deceptive. Disneyland, despite having only three onsite resorts, is surrounded by numerous good neighbor hotels. These nearby accommodations often provide many of the same perks associated with staying at an onsite resort, balancing the scales in the Disneyland vs Disney World comparison, especially when it comes to lodging options and benefits.

How Many Resorts Does Walt Disney World Have?

• 25 Hotels on Property – hotels owned and operated by Disney from Value Resorts to Deluxe Resorts and plenty of Disney Vacation Club resorts.
• 10 Good Neighbor Hotels – Hotels owned and operated by well-known hotel companies like Hilton and Marriott with similar perks as staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.

How Many Resorts Does Disneyland Have?

• 3 Hotels on Property – This list includes the first Disney hotel, The Disneyland Hotel as well as Disney’s Grand Californian and the Paradise Pier Hotel. Soon to be remodeled to a Pixar theme and renamed Pixar Pier Hotel with its own Park entrance directly to Pixar Pier!
• 50 Good Neighbor hotels – hotels owned and operated by other hotel and resort companies from value to deluxe prices. Most Good Neighbor hotels at Disneyland offer similar perks to staying at a hotel onsite.

In the ongoing Disneyland vs Disney World debate, both parks offer unique magic, yet they differ significantly, influencing your vacation choice. Disney World in Florida boasts a sprawling complex with four theme parks and over two dozen hotels. While Disneyland in California, smaller in size, holds historical charm as Walt Disney’s original park. There’s no need to hop a bus, grab an Uber, or ride on a boat or Skyliner to get to your favorite park and that can be a huge time savings. Surprisingly, both have nearly the same number of rides, with Disney World at 54 and Disneyland close behind at 53 including new attractions. Ultimately, the choice between WDW vs Disneyland comes down to personal preference, with each providing a unique Disney experience.

Winner: Walt Disney World

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Comparing Food at Disneyland Vs Disney World 2024

Disney World, with its larger size and double the number of parks compared to Disneyland, offers an expansive culinary landscape. Ranging from convenient kiosks to a AAA Five Diamond award-winning restaurant, where prices start at $200 per person. This vast array of dining options means that almost every cuisine in the world is available to guests. While both parks feature a variety of restaurants, the sheer volume of dining choices at Disney World gives it a distinct advantage over Disneyland in terms of variety and culinary experiences. In the Disneyland vs Disney World comparison for dining options, Disney World clearly takes the lead due to its extensive array of restaurants.But, if you want to know if Disney World or Land is better for food, you again need to look at how you like to eat on vacation and what cuisine you enjoy.

How Many Restaurants are at Disneyland and Disney World?

Walt Disney World:

• There are over 200 restaurants to choose from at Walt Disney World with EPCOT holding the largest number of places to eat in a single park.

Disneyland:

• Disneyland hosts more than 160 full-service restaurants from fine dining experiences to casual quick-service locations.

Disney World does have more high-end restaurants than Disneyland and comes with a variety of cuisines that are impossible to find anywhere else. That makes it great for the adventurous eater who wants to make dining an important part of their vacation. The options even cater to someone who likes to stay on the safe side of the available food choices.

If you’re still wondering if Disney World is better than Disneyland as far as food is concerned, we’d have to say, yes. Disney World wins out in this competition as well solely for the amount of dining options and experiences. But, we will say, if you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or someone who finds themselves with any dining restrictions or allergies. Disneyland does have more options than Walt Disney World to offer and we personally think the food available is generally tastier at Disneyland.

Winner: Walt Disney World

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Price When Comparing Disney World Vs Disneyland 2024

Tackling the cost comparison between Disneyland and Disney World can be somewhat intricate. While initially, their park prices may appear to align closely, there are underlying complexities. One significant factor is the date-based ticket pricing system that both parks have implemented. This system means that ticket prices fluctuate based on the anticipated popularity of specific dates, leading to variable costs throughout the year. This variability makes a direct cost comparison between Disneyland and Disney World more challenging, as prices can vary considerably depending on the time of visit, special events, and seasonal demand, adding layers of complexity to determining which park offers better value for a specific travel period.

What is Date-Based Ticket Pricing?

• Date-based ticket pricing means the price of the tickets fluctuates based on the date of your visit. Tickets can be more or less expensive based on the season or time of year you plan your vacation. Both Disney World and Disneyland ticket prices reduce the daily rate when you purchase multiple-day park passes.

How Much Are Tickets at Disneyland vs Disney World 2024?

• Walt Disney World Tickets 2024– Ticket prices depend on the time of year you go down to the day. The price of a daily ticket can also cost more or less based on how many days you’re planning to spend at the parks. On average, we have noticed our customers pay between $109 – $159 per ticket.
• Disneyland Tickets 2024– Disneyland tickets are run fairly similar to Walt Disney World’s ticket pricing system. Prices may vary based on the time of year, day, and how many days you’re visiting the parks. The average Disneyland ticket we have seen has been between $104 -$169 per ticket.

Since ticket prices don’t have a large difference when comparing Disneyland vs Disney World ticket prices. We also have to look at travel costs and the length of your vacation. If you live on the West Coast, it’s going to cost a lot more to travel to Disney World Florida vs Disneyland California and vice versa. This can make a large impact on your decision if you’re budgeting for a family of five to travel to one location or the other.

Lastly, we need to look at the amount of time you want to spend on your trip. Most families find that Disneyland is more of an achievable park to conquer in less time than it takes to explore all of what Disney World has to offer. More time on a vacation means more hotel nights to pay for, more food to buy, and even more, souvenirs to get tricked into buying. This is why we give the winning point to Disneyland when trying to determine if Disneyland or Disney World is cheaper.

Winner: Disneyland

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Transportation Comparison for Disney World Vs Land 2024

When considering Disney-provided transportation, Disney World offers a variety of options, including buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner, ensuring easy access to all its parks, Disney Springs, and water parks. Staying at a Disney World hotel means not having to worry about driving or directions, although you’re subject to Disney’s schedule, which can sometimes be unreliable. Crowded transport, delays, or breakdowns might lead to unexpected waits. In contrast, at Disneyland, the primary mode of transportation is walking, thanks to the resort’s compact size. Getting from hotels to parks and Downtown Disney is easy on foot, with park hopping made simple since the two parks are directly opposite each other. For a fun ride, you can hop on the Disneyland Monorail from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland and back, but remember, it requires a Disneyland Park ticket and reservation, as it’s considered a Tomorrowland attraction.

How Can You Get Around Walt Disney World and Disneyland 2024?

• Disneyland – Disneyland has 3 modes of transportation. Although the resort doesn’t have park-to-park transportation, it does offer transportation to the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure via the Disneyland Tram. It also connects to the offsite Toy Story Parking lot by bus. You may also hop on the Disneyland Monorail for a quick ride to the Disneyland Hotel or Downtown Disney from Tomorrowland.
• Walt Disney World – Disney World offers 5 modes of transportation. You can catch a ride to your car from the parking lot trams or to a Magic Kingdom resort or Epcot via the Monorail. The Ferry Boats are located all over the Walt Disney World Resort to usher you between resorts, parks, and the Disney Springs shopping district. Buses offer reliable park-to-park transportation for park hopping, and the Disney Skyliner gives you bird-eye views of the Walt Disney World property unlike anywhere else while still bringing you to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or any of the Disney Skyliner-connected resorts.

In terms of transportation when considering what is better Disneyland or Disney World – we give the winning mark to Disneyland. Simply because we like being in control of when we go and where. Plus, waiting for buses or ferry boats after a long day at the park is one of the worst feelings in the world!

Winner: Disneyland

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Disneyland Vs Disney World Crowds 2024

Are crowds better at Disneyland or Disney World? To determine the answer to this question, we had to think about is Disney World better than Disneyland in handling crowds. Both parks have to contend with crowds so who does it better? You can judge this based on how they manage line queues or even what the line queue experience is like. And honestly, people have positive points for both. Both parks have peak times and days of the week that will be busier, so if crowds are a determining factor in trying to decide what’s better Disneyland or Disney World, then check crowd calendars and do your best to plan around those extremely busy seasons.

What’s the Best Time To Go To Disneyland or Disney World 2024?

• Our answer for the best time to visit a Disney theme park is when it works best for you! Crowds seem to have remained steady since the park has calmed down from its big 50th-anniversary celebration. It’s best to plan for a crowded park no matter when you plan your vacation!

While both Disneyland and Disney World face issues with crowding, the impact varies due to their size differences. Disneyland’s smaller area often results in longer lines that extend outside ride entrances, making crowding more noticeable. In contrast, Disney World, despite also experiencing heavy crowds, especially in walkways, benefits from its larger park size. This spaciousness tends to offer a greater sense of freedom and ease, even in densely populated areas like fireworks gatherings. Considering these factors, Walt Disney World slightly edges out Disneyland in crowd management, as its expansive parks provide more room and comfort for guests in crowded situations.

Winner: Walt Disney World

Related Vacation Planning Tools: Disneyland Crowd Calendar & Disney World Crowd Calendar

Which Park is Better: Disneyland vs Disney World 2024

If you’ve read this far, you can see why the simple question, “What’s the difference between Disney World and Disneyland,” has a myriad of answers. The complexity of both of these parks means that as you try to determine if Walt Disney World or Disneyland is the best option for your next vacation. Each park has its own unique experience and both bring a lot to the table. You can have an amazing vacation at either US Disney park. But based on our research and narrowing down some key topics in this article, we think that Disney World is overall the better Disney park in the continental US. We’re glad you checked with us! If you have more questions, give us a call or send us a message.

Winner: Walt Disney World

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Disney World vs Disneyland 2024 FAQ

Q: Which is Bigger, Disneyland or Disney World?

A: Disney World is almost 51 times larger than Disneyland! Walt Disney World is a sprawling 43 square miles in comparison to Disneyland’s 500 acres. So there is really no comparison when you think of thesize of Disneyland vs Disney World.

Q: Does Disney World or Disneyland Have More Rides?

A: Not including the two water parks, Walt Disney World has 59 rides to enjoy between its 4 theme parks. While Disneyland comes in a close second with 52 rides between its two parks. This means thatDisney World vs landride competition is virtually a tie.

Q: How Many Hotels Are There in Walt Disney World?

A: There are 22 Disney-owned and operated hotels on property. Ranging from Value Resorts to Deluxe with plenty of Disney Vacation Club rentals. There are also 10 Good Neighbor hotels that are on property but owned and operated by 3rd party companies. Bringing the total number of hotels on Disney property to a whopping 32 resorts.

Q: How Many Restaurants Are at Walt Disney World vs Disneyland?

A: Walt Disney World has over 200 restaurants to choose from. But don’t be fooled by Disneyland’s size, this resort comes in a close second place at 160 restaurants.

Q: How Much Are Tickets To Disneyland vs Disney World?

A: Both parks are pretty similar when it comes to ticket pricing. This is in part due to the fact they run off of the same date-based ticket pricing model. For a one-day/one-park ticket at Walt Disney World, you can plan to spend anywhere from $109 – $159. At Disneyland, you’re looking at a range between $104 – $169 for the same type of ticket.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with aDisney World Travel Agentfor the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide aFree Quotefor allDisney World Vacation Packages.The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing yourWalt Disney World Tickets,and we offer promotional discounts for specialevents such asMickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party TicketsandMickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets.If you’re brand new to Disney vacation planning we recommend ourWalt Disney World Planning Page!Learn more about Disney hotels by reading ourWalt Disney World Hotels Review page.

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