*Every property is in close proximity of each other at the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disneyland resorts are all within walking distance of each other! Unlike Disney World, which consists of four theme parks, two water parks, more than 30 hotels, Disney Springs, a Boardwalk, multiple golf courses and a sports complex… Disneyland is just simple and easy to navigate. You can accomplish a lot in a short period of time since travel time isn’t a factor.
*Disneyland is in close proximity to affordable hotels that are within walking distance.
There’s really no need for a car since you can book a hotel that is within a 10-minute walking distance to the parks. The amount of time you save not having to wait for transportation and travel time is valuable. It is extremely convenient if you want to rope drop the parks early in the morning or are looking to stay at the parks until closing. You can also walk back to your hotel whenever you want if you need a midday rest! So far, I’ve stayed at both the Castle Inn & Suites and the Desert Palms Hotel & Suites, if you are looking for hotels relatively close to Disneyland. You are also not enclosed in what I like to call the Disney Bubble like you are in Disney World. If you need medications, personal care items, drinks or snacks, there is a drugstore just a few steps away. There is also a movie theater and restaurants within walking distance from Anaheim hotels.
*The weather in Anaheim, California is far superior to Orlando, Florida (Disney World).
While California can get quite hot, you do not have to deal with the humidity of Florida. Once the sun goes down in Southern California, you are greeted with the nice, cool air of the evening. Also, it rarely rains in Anaheim in comparison to Orlando. If you are going to Disney World, you’ll have to be mindful of which season you’ll be visiting. The summer brings along plenty of torrential downpours, which you have to be both cautious of and prepared for. Furthermore, you have to be wary of peak hurricane season, which is between August and October. Hurricane Sandy ruined my only chance to stay at The Grand Floridian at a decent price once upon a time.
*Disneyland Parks are smaller than Disney World Parks.
If you spend a week at Disneyland, it means you’ll have ample time to accomplish everything you want to, and all the food you set out to devour while fitting in some shopping and dining at Downtown Disney.
*There are unique attractions that you can only experience at Disneyland.
Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier, and Cars Land are all areas that are distinct to Disney California Adventure with attractions such as Webslingers, Pixar Pal-A-Round, and Radiator Springs Racers. In my opinion, Radiator Springs Racers is the ride Test Track wished it could be. As for the Pixar Pal-A-Round, it is my favorite signature landmark of Disneyland. I could stare at the picturesque view of this Mickey Ferris Wheel from across the pier all day and night if you let me. This is also the only park where you can experience the World of Color, which is a spectacular nighttime show that celebrates the stories of our favorite Disney and Pixar characters via colorful jets of water, lasers and pyrotechnics in Pixar Pier.
Several of Disneyland’s attractions also have overlays during various events throughout the year. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion has a holiday overlay, in which it is transformed into the Nightmare Before Christmas for both the Halloween and Christmas season. On occasion, you’ll be able to experience the Hyperspace version of Disneyland’s Space Mountain. Despite the Hyperspace overlay, I have to say, I think I like Disney World’s version of this classic roller coaster better. While the ride is much smoother in Disneyland, I feel like half of my body is about to be decapitated at every turn the coaster takes. It’s A Small World also experiences a holiday overlay which involves Christmas lights that adorn the outside of the attraction. I treasure Disneyland’s version of It’s A Small World. I love that they incorporate classic Disney characters into each culture that the attraction explores, especially Stitch and Lilo. I tend to favor Disneyland’s version of Fantasyland because of the amount of dark rides they have for classic Disney films. Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride are all attractions you will not find in Magic Kingdom. Last but not least, Pirates of the Caribbean is better in Disneyland. You cannot tell me otherwise.
*Halloween is better at Disneyland.
Halloween vibes at Disneyland are just more spooky in my opinion. Disneyland and DCA are beautifully decorated for Halloween. I specifically love the attention to detail for Main Street U.S.A. and Cars Land. When it comes to Disney’s Halloween parties, Oogie Boogie Bash hands down is a better experience than Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom. From the villain treat trails to the Frightfully Fun Parade to Villians Grove, it’s a more enjoyable Halloween event.
*Disneyland has rare character sightings.
You’re more likely to catch a rare character in Disneyland than in Disney World. I mean, I just saw that Rabbit was there. You never see Rabbit with the Pooh gang. Also, more characters walk freely among the crowd in Disneyland. I’ve even gotten to ride the teacups with Alice and the Mad Hatter. It was the cutest experience seeing them get on the ride with everyone.
*Snacks at Disneyland are better and I will die on this hill.
I am constantly jealous and angry at the treats that Disneyland has over Disney World, especially during holidays. Why does Disneyland get the cuter Gingerbread cookies?! Why does Downtown Disney have a Grogu caramel apple?! These are the questions that haunt me every time I scroll through Instagram.
Cons
*Fireworks are better in Disney World.
This is my personal bias, but I prefer the firework shows in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The nighttime spectaculars in these parks feel more elevated and impressive in comparison to Disneyland.
*Sleep Beauty’s Castle is less grand.
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is beautiful, but it is a lot smaller and less majestic than its Disney World counterpart. There is no feeling in the world like the exact moment I turn the corner in Magic Kingdom, and see Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street. She is a sight to behold, and I’ll never get tired of her. Not to mention how spectacular the castle looks when the dream lights are illuminated during the Christmas season.
*Disneyland is smaller than Disney World.
I know I included this as a positive aspect of Disneyland, but it can be a downside as well. Smaller real estate makes it more difficult to get a front and center photo in front of the castle without anyone in your photo. It also means longer wait times to secure a good spot for fireworks and Fantasmic, and just more crowded in the park overall.
*Disneyland Resort hotels are very expensive.
With only three Disney hotels on the property, they can get pretty pricey. The average cost per night of these hotels are equivalent to a moderate to deluxe resort in Disney World. As much as I would love to stay at the Grand Californian or the Disneyland Hotel, it’s hard to justify the price when there are many affordable off-site options just a 10-minute walk away.
*Lack of themed restaurants.
Unfortunately, Disneyland lacks in fun and interesting dining experiences. Disney World restaurants are unmatched. You can dine inside Cinderella’s Castle to enjoy a fairytale experience at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Be immersed in Beast’s Castle by dining in either the Ballroom, the Library or the West Wing at Be Our Guest. Eat Thanksgiving dinner year round at Liberty Tree Tavern. Enjoy a cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake while in a drive-in theater featuring sci-fi movie clips at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Have an all-American meal of classic comfort food in a 50’s style dining room at 50’s Prime Time Café. Join Chip 'n' Dale for a family-style meal at the rotating restaurant of Garden Grill. OR you can join my favorite mischievous blue alien, Stitch, for a Polynesian-inspired breakfast at ‘Ohana. These are just a taste of my favorite restaurants that I have to strategically book every Disney vacation to eat at… there are many more!
*Disneyland has only just begun utilizing MagicBands.
I thought it was so barbaric when I first entered Disneyland and they gave me a paper ticket. Why are we living in 1995? You have to take out your phone and waste your battery for everything at Disneyland. I find MagicBands convenient for entering parks, scanning in for lighting lanes and PhotoPass. Although, I’m not really thrilled about the MagicBand+ interactive features. I’ll probably end up carrying around a dead MagicBand half the time lol.
*There are parks, rides and overall experiences that you can only experience in Disney World.
Unfortunately, Disneyland doesn’t have an Epcot or a Spaceship Earth that lights up at night. No PeopleMover. No Toy Story Land. No original Tower of Terror. And most importantly, less Stitch.
This is my personal bias, but I prefer the firework shows in both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The nighttime spectaculars in these parks feel more elevated and impressive in comparison to Disneyland.
*Sleep Beauty’s Castle is less grand.
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is beautiful, but it is a lot smaller and less majestic than its Disney World counterpart. There is no feeling in the world like the exact moment I turn the corner in Magic Kingdom, and see Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street. She is a sight to behold, and I’ll never get tired of her. Not to mention how spectacular the castle looks when the dream lights are illuminated during the Christmas season.
*Disneyland is smaller than Disney World.
I know I included this as a positive aspect of Disneyland, but it can be a downside as well. Smaller real estate makes it more difficult to get a front and center photo in front of the castle without anyone in your photo. It also means longer wait times to secure a good spot for fireworks and Fantasmic, and just more crowded in the park overall.
*Disneyland Resort hotels are very expensive.
With only three Disney hotels on the property, they can get pretty pricey. The average cost per night of these hotels are equivalent to a moderate to deluxe resort in Disney World. As much as I would love to stay at the Grand Californian or the Disneyland Hotel, it’s hard to justify the price when there are many affordable off-site options just a 10-minute walk away.
*Lack of themed restaurants.
Unfortunately, Disneyland lacks in fun and interesting dining experiences. Disney World restaurants are unmatched. You can dine inside Cinderella’s Castle to enjoy a fairytale experience at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Be immersed in Beast’s Castle by dining in either the Ballroom, the Library or the West Wing at Be Our Guest. Eat Thanksgiving dinner year round at Liberty Tree Tavern. Enjoy a cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake while in a drive-in theater featuring sci-fi movie clips at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Have an all-American meal of classic comfort food in a 50’s style dining room at 50’s Prime Time Café. Join Chip 'n' Dale for a family-style meal at the rotating restaurant of Garden Grill. OR you can join my favorite mischievous blue alien, Stitch, for a Polynesian-inspired breakfast at ‘Ohana. These are just a taste of my favorite restaurants that I have to strategically book every Disney vacation to eat at… there are many more!
*Disneyland has only just begun utilizing MagicBands.
I thought it was so barbaric when I first entered Disneyland and they gave me a paper ticket. Why are we living in 1995? You have to take out your phone and waste your battery for everything at Disneyland. I find MagicBands convenient for entering parks, scanning in for lighting lanes and PhotoPass. Although, I’m not really thrilled about the MagicBand+ interactive features. I’ll probably end up carrying around a dead MagicBand half the time lol.
*There are parks, rides and overall experiences that you can only experience in Disney World.
Unfortunately, Disneyland doesn’t have an Epcot or a Spaceship Earth that lights up at night. No PeopleMover. No Toy Story Land. No original Tower of Terror. And most importantly, less Stitch.
Post a Comment