Walt Disney World vs Disneyland Resort

As a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World, over 30 times, I was a little nervous if we would enjoy a trip to Disneyland Resort. I have always heard that Disneyland Resort is so much smaller and that the real world is right outside the gates unlike at Walt Disney World where you are in a bubble. Since Disneyland is the original park and built by Walt Disney, it holds a lot of history, importance, and magic. I can honestly say that we really enjoyed our trip to Disneyland Resort. I can’t say that I love one resort over the other, I can say that I love each for what makes it unique!

Let me help you plan your magical Disney vacation with free, expert advice! Contact me today for a free, no obligation quote by email: p.anderson@magicalvacationplanner.com or by filling out this quote form.

Walk from Hotel/Resort

Instead of taking a bus (or other transportation) to/from your resort, you can take a short walk from most hotels around Disneyland Resort. This saves you so much time versus at Walt Disney World you have to take transportation to get to the parks. It also gives the ability to stay offsite at Disneyland Resort without having to drive or take a bus from your hotel. We stayed at the Tropicana Inn which is directly across from the entrance to Disneyland Resort. We can read more about our stay here.

With newly renovated rooms and a stellar location right across from Disneyland, the Tropicana Inn and Suites is the perfect place to stay!

4 parks vs 2 parks

Walt Disney World has 4 parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom plus two waterparks while Disneyland Resort has 2 parks: Disneyland and California Adventure Park. While Disneyland Resort only has two parks it has some of the best rides within those two parks. You can see my recommended must do at Disneyland here and California Adventure Park here.

A list of the rides and attractions you must experience at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in California.

Distance of Parks

At Walt Disney World, you have to take a bus or other transportation between the parks however at Disneyland Resort you just walk across a plaza. This makes it so much easier to switch back and forth between the parks.

Tips for Booking Walt Disney World Fastpass+ Reservations

Castle

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has Cinderella’s Castle and Disneyland has Sleeping Beauty Castle which is the shortest castle of all the Disney parks. However, just because Disneyland’s castle is the smallest doesn’t make it any less beautiful.

California is More Expensive

It is more expensive to stay on Disneyland property than at Walt Disney World. In addition, we found food and drink prices to be more expensive too.

Fastpass System

While Walt Disney World has the Fastpass+ system, Disneyland Resort still uses the old Fastpass system. Disneyland Resort also has the new MaxPass which for a fee allows you to book Fastpass reservations using your smartphone and allows you access to your PhotoPass pictures. You can read more about MaxPass here.

With Pixar Fest over, here our 11 ways to enjoy the world of Pixar at Disneyland Resort in California including parades, food, and rides.

More Relaxed

Disneyland Resort is very much a locals park. What I mean by that is you will notice an influx of park guests after work on the weekends. We noticed that Disneyland Resort was more laid back than Walt Disney World. For example, Disneyland Resort does not list park hours until about six weeks in advance, you do not have to make dining reservations 180 days in advance, and Fastpasses are made on the day of instead of 60 days in advance.

This list of recommended attractions at Disneyland will let you get a great feel for the park and what makes it the happiest place on Earth.

Was Disneyland Resort smaller and more compact? Yes. Did we stay outside of the Disney bubble at Disneyland Resort? Yes. However, I loved our trip and cannot wait to visit again soon! Everything that is different at Disneyland Resort makes it unique. I highly recommend a vacation to either Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World. They are both amazing places to visit!