DISNEYLAND AND WALT DISNEY WORLD: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Disney's two US theme park resorts offer entertainment for people of all ages: from exciting rides to delicious food and an atmosphere of childhood joy in general. However, there are a few important differences to consider when deciding between Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Disney's first theme park, is full of nostalgia and old school classics such as the Autopia ride (in operation since opening day in 1955), while Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a bit more modern and much larger.
For a longer trip complete with luxury accommodation and multiple park visits, Walt Disney World may be the best option for you. If you live in or near the West Coast and are looking for a short getaway, Disneyland is for you. You may also want to consider other nearby attractions. While the Anaheim resort is close enough to Los Angeles to squeeze in trips to Hollywood and the beach, Orlando is entirely filled with theme parks. Universal Orlando is a 30-minute drive from Walt Disney World and Legoland is about an hour south of the resort in Winter Haven.
Read on for a detailed comparison between Disneyland and Walt Disney World, from the size of the resort to the rides, amenities and best times to visit.
Disneyland covers an area of approximately 500 acres and consists of two theme parks: Disney California Adventure and Disneyland. Walt Disney World is much larger, covering more than 25,000 acres or about 40 square miles. 50 Disneylands can fit in the vast Florida land consisting of shopping malls, two water parks and four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Both Disney resorts are worth visiting, but your decision may depend on how much time you have to explore. You can see all the main attractions in Disneyland in a day or two, you will need about a week to see and do everything in Walt Disney World.
In Orlando, you will find more than 275 attractions and entertainment options in the four parks. These include famous Walt Disney World rides such as fan-favorite Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Disneyland has about 140 experiences, shows and rides, from old gems like Dumbo the Flying Elephant to the exciting Indiana Jones Adventure. The smaller resort has more to do per acre.
Although Disneyland has a few water slides, Walt Disney World with two water parks offers many more opportunities to get wet. If you visit the Orlando resort during the hot and humid summer months, cooling off at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach will be refreshing.
Disneyland and Walt Disney World both host amazing parades and offer the chance to interact with characters throughout the day. At night, the party continues with live performances of beloved Disney stories and fireworks displays.
