Many East Coast Disney fans may wonder- why go to Disneyland? The food, the charm, the classic attractions, and the themed lands- these are just a few of the reasons to visit Disneyland- check out this complete guide to learn why Disneyland is a must-see destination!

Comparing Disney Parks: Why go to Disneyland?

If you’ve explored the vast expanse of Walt Disney World, you might wonder if Disneyland is easier to navigate. Both are celebrated for their magic and immersive theme parks, awesome rides, and iconic Disney characters. Yet, they are very different parks.

Let’s explore the benefits of a trip to Disneyland, even if the West Coast Disney parks have never been on your travel radar.

The nostalgia and charm of Disneyland, the O.G. park, myriad Disneyland/adjacent hotel choices, and how close Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are to each other make a Disney vacation to Anaheim unique compared to Walt Disney World. Disneyland Parks classics like It’s a Small World, Main Street U.S.A., and Space Mountain, but also new ones like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus. 

This comprehensive guide walks you through some key differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World, helps you pick the best time for your visit, and answers the question: Why go to Disneyland?  

Location and Size

Disneyland and Disney World are top U.S. destinations but are very different. Disneyland is in Anaheim, benefiting from sunny Southern California weather and close proximity to beaches and other California tourist destinations is a wonderful choice for a trip, whatever season it might be. With light rain and pleasant all-year weather, it’s great for a visit anytime. 

Florida can be great to visit in the winter months, but most months are very hot, particularly the summer.  They also see quite a bit of rain and have to suffer through hurricane season which can make vacation planning difficult. 

Disneyland’s Compact Size

And then there’s the sheer size of these destinations. Disneyland is quite small compared to Disney World. It sits on about 500 acres. This makes it perfect for a short visit or for those who prefer a more laid-back experience. Guests can enjoy most attractions within a day or two, but three days are perfect if you want to visit both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park.  

Disney World’s Massive Scale

Disney World in Florida is a sprawling complex covering 43 square miles. In land area, it’s as large as San Francisco or twice the size of Manhattan. 

This allows for about 51 Disneylands to fit inside Disney World, which is like a mini-city. It has four theme parks, two water parks, 25 Disney resort hotels, and entertainment choices. To explore everything, you need a week or more to visit the four theme parks alone, which include Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

Theme Parks and Attractions

The Disneyland Resort and Disney World Resort have their unique charms. They differ in the number and type of theme parks and attractions they offer.  Let’s explore the two unique theme parks at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure

The Disneyland Resort may only have two parks, but they are fantastic! 

There’s the iconic Disneyland Park, designed by Walt Disney himself. It’s the original and filled with many opening-day attractions, along with many new additions like Star Wars and Indiana Jones-themed attractions. Then, there’s Disney California Adventure, which still reflects California’s spirit (though this is what the original park was solely dedicated to) but has themed lands, including the Avengers characters, the Incredibles, Cars, and more. 

Unique Lands and Attractions at Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort shines with unique lands and attractions not seen at Disney World. At California Adventure, these include Cars Land, an actual recreation of Radiator Springs complete with Flo’s, Mater and Luigi-themed rides and even the chance to meet Lightning McQueen and Mater. It also includes Avengers Campus, where Marvel fans can meet their heroes.

Let’s review some of the highlights of California Adventure:

• Cars Land – Enter the town of Radiator Springs from the Pixar film “Cars,” complete with the thrilling Radiator Springs Racers ride, where you get to ride in your own race car, race through the desert, and travel through the town in your own race car.  You will also love Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree ride and Luigi’s Roadsters- both kid-friendly rides with relatively short waits.  They are so much fun- especially during the holiday season of both Halloween and Christmas.  
• Pixar Pier – Featuring attractions inspired by incredible Pixar movies, such as Toy Story Midway Mania! and the Incredicoaster- Pixar Pier is a delightful boardwalk-style land.  The Incredicoaster is hands-down one of my favorite Disney roller coasters!
• Avengers Campus – A new land dedicated to Marvel’s superhero universe, where guests can encounter their favorite Avengers and embark on exciting missions.  This land encompasses a thrilling attraction that has been at California Adventure for quite some time but was rethemed to Guardians of the Galaxy.  Mission Breakout is a drop-themed attraction where you are breaking out of prison with your favorite Guardians and, of course, a killer soundtrack.  There’s also a Spiderman-themed attraction- Web Slingers.  This is a point-based 3D dark ride where you use your hands to sling webs and collect out-of-control spider bots.  At the Avengers Campus, you can also see a Spider-Man stunt show and meet so many of the Avengers! 

And we can’t forget the O.G. Disneyland.

• Space Mountain—yes, I know. Magic Kingdom at Disney World has Space Mountain. Still, Disneyland’s Space Mountain is smoother, has built-in audio, allows you to sit more comfortably and side by side with someone, and has special holiday or themed overlays like Hyperspace Mountain. 
• Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge—The newest land at Disneyland is a complete Star Wars immersion. It is very much the same as Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, but it has more walk-around characters, making you feel like you are even more a part of the action.   These include Ahsoka, the Mandolorian and Grogu, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, Rey, and even R2D2!
• Indiana Jones Adventure—This is a trackless, fast-paced (and very jerky), and thrill-filled dark ride where you get to accompany Indy on another exciting adventure. It’s such a fun ride!
• Classic Fantasyland Dark Rides- Unlike Walt Disney World, Disneyland has kept many of its opening day attractions, and they are still very popular.  Unique Fantasyland attractions to Disneyland include Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventure, Pinnochio’s Journey, and the Storyland Canal Boats.  The it’s small world attraction at Disneyland is also different from Disney World’s, featuring Disney characters in the form of Small World dolls throughout the ride.   And, though not a Fantasyland ride per se, the Matterhorn Bobsleds is a fun, fast, albeit jerky-speed race through the Alps, complete with a jetty and a splash of water! 

Although some parks at Disney World parallel those at Disneyland, the latter’s collection of themed areas and rides is vast, making for a more diverse experience and taking more vacation time to cover.

Comparing Castles

At the core of many Disney theme parks is a grand, fairytale castle. Each park bears its unique castle, with the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland and the Cinderella Castle at Disney World. These grandiose structures are the icons of the Disneyland and Magic Kingdom parks.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

Though it stands modestly at 77 feet, the Sleeping Beauty castle still has lots of magic. Opening with Disneyland in 1955, it welcomes guests inside- not so with Cinderella Castle. As guests journey through its passages, they witness scenes from Princess Aurora’s story. These come to life through effects and 3D projections, ending in a memorable face-off with Maleficent in her dragon form.  

A warning here, though: This may be dark and scary for some kids. I made the mistake of doing this first for my kids’ first time at Disneyland. My 6-year-old daughter wouldn’t ride anything else all day!

Cinderella Castle at Disney World

On the other hand, Disney World’s Cinderella Castle rises to 189 feet in Magic Kingdom and is visible from the resorts and across the lagoon. This castle, inspired by the classic animated movie, features grand spires and a moat. The surrounding gardens offer great photo spots and a stage in front with castle shows throughout the day.  

The castle interior showcases Cinderella’s story in handcrafted mosaics, but you can only walk through the breezeway.   The only way to actually go inside the castle is to shell out the big bucks for a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Although the Sleeping Beauty Castle and Cinderella Castle may differ in scale and design, they embody Disney Parks’ magic and are both beautiful. Acting not just as icons of the parks but also as gateways to the lands at both parks, they enrich guests’ experiences with storytelling that has touched hearts for decades!

Entertainment Offerings

Disneyland and Disney World are both known for their live entertainment.  From spectacular fireworks to engaging parades and meet and greets with Disney characters, guests are sure to find something to love. However, the experiences differ between these two destinations.

Seasonal Events and Parades at Disneyland

Disneyland is known for its seasonal magic- from entertainment to events to decor. For Halloween Time, the Oogie Boogie Bash is a Halloween party that lets you dress up and uniquely explore California Adventure- with treat trails where you can interact with all your favorite villains to special merchandise, shows, and food.  This party sells out FAST every year, so don’t hesitate to get tickets right away if you can- and know that you may be stuck in an hours-long virtual line on the app just to get the tickets!  

Disneyland and Walt Disney World both do a great job decorating their parks, but Disneyland has some iconic Halloween overlays, like Haunted Mansion Holiday and Maters Graveyard JamBOOree.   

Halloween starts early on both coasts at Disney parks—this year, it runs at Disneyland from 8/23/24 to 10/31/24. Check out my full blog on Halloween at Disneyland. 

The holiday magic culminates with the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland, where Santa and his reindeer make appearances. Disneyland also has the Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure, which celebrates a variety of cultural holidays with entertainment, special festival foods, and marketplaces. It’s a Small World also gets a special holiday overlay, both inside and out. 

On the East Coast, at the four Disney World parks, there is a lot going on, so I am by no means saying that Disneyland has more holiday offerings; just that they have some incredibly fun things to do during both Halloween and the Holiday season. 

Entertainment Options at Disneyland daily

One thing that stands out about Disneyland vs Walt Disney World is the amount of walk-around Disney characters you can encounter during your regular park days and nights.  I remember as a child doing this at Walt Disney World, but now there are set times and places to meet characters, and the lines get very, very long.  At Disneyland, character meet and greets are usually more of a “pop-up” type experience.  There will sometimes still be lines but they are reasonable.  This spontaneous character experience really helps the magic and excitement stay alive on a busy park day!

Disneyland also has shows throughout the park.  At Disneyland resort, you can see Fantasmic! over the lagoon at Frontierland (at Disney World, there is stadium seating for this show at Hollywood Studios) or catch the nighttime show at California Adventure- World of Color.  

The Royal Theater features cute daily fairytale shows at Disneyland several times throughout the day.  Or visit the Fantasyland theater for seasonal shows and events. 

Disneyland does have a fireworks show, but only on select nights, as they are right in the heart of Anaheim and are subject to noise ordinances.  Walt Disney World, on the other hand, features nightly fireworks at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, weather permitting.  Both parks offer seasonal fireworks shows, but typically, Disney World only offers special seasonal fireworks shows and parades to those who pay extra to go to their Halloween or Christmas parties.  

Regardless of your choice between the resorts, many entertainment options await you. Before you go, always visit the official entertainment calendars for both Disneyland and Disney World. 

Accommodations and Resorts

Disneyland Resort brings a trio of on-site hotels to its guests, all within walking distance of both Disneyland and California Adventure, as the shopping district of Downtown Disney. The trio includes the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and the newly refurbished (get what I did there Cars fans?) Pixar Place Hotel.  But, the unique thing about Disneyland, is there are SO many off-site hotels that are within walking distance of the parks- some even closer than the Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel!

Disneyland’s On-Site Hotel Options

The Disneyland Hotel is a timeless treasure, having been built while Walt Disney himself was still alive.  With themed towers that echo Adventure, Fantasy, Frontier, and Discovery, it is a classic, although very pricey.  The monorail pool is spectacular, and the new Disney Vacation Tower offers a whole new set of suites/villas large enough for the whole extended family (but, again, not cheap).   The Disneyland hotel also offers space for conferences and a Goofy-hosted character meal. 

The closest option to the parks is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, a premier choice among Disneyland Resort offerings. This magnificent location provides direct access to Disney California Adventure Park and hosts the lovely Napa Rose restaurant. It also has other restaurants and lounges, an on-site full-service spa, an amazing pool, and great views of California Adventure.  

Pixar Place Hotel boasts a Pixar-inspired atmosphere and offers special treats like a Finding Nemo splash pad.  Each room features Pixar touches, as does the lobby and lounge areas.  The cheapest of the three, it is also the furthest away from the Disneyland theme parks.   And when I say cheapest, that does not mean cheap.  In the off-season, the nightly rates typically bottom out at $350 or more.   If that’s too much, check out my blog on nearby hotels with family suites and/or my favorite Disneyland-adjacent hotels!

Variety of Disney World Resort Hotels

Walt Disney World, on the other hand, has an array of Disney resort hotels, each with a unique theme and ranging from value to moderate to deluxe. From the more budget-friendly Value Resorts to the extravagant Deluxe Resorts, there’s a match for every guest’s preference and pocket. The Moderate and Deluxe Resorts particularly stand out, each having unique pools, dining spots, and recreational options.   

At Disney World, you can choose from multiple Disney-themed resorts, but only a few are within walking distance because the Disney World parks are so huge and actually kind of isolated. At Disneyland, you have your choice of both Disney and non-Disney resorts that are within walking distance of the Disneyland parks. 

Convenient Off-Site Hotels Near Disneyland

Despite the early entry benefits of Disneyland Resort Hotels, Disneyland stands out for its off-site accommodation options. Many hotels along Harbor Boulevard are within walking distance of the parks, akin to the proximity of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary Resort.   Some notable options with more amenities are the JW Marriott and Westin Anaheim.  I also personally love the Howard Johnson, Candy Cane Inn, Hotel Indigo, Hotel Lulu, and the Hyatt House.  

All guests at Disneyland Resort hotels enjoy special perks, such as early access to the theme parks and the convenience of digital keys via the Disneyland app. Summer months see the introduction of daily pool parties and a variety of recreational activities. Moreover, Disney Rewards Cardmembers can convert Disney Rewards Dollars to cover dining, shopping, and Disney park expenses.  

Dining and Cuisine

Disneyland and Disney World both excel unique and delicious food. Yet, the sheer difference in size makes Disney World the winner in dining options as far as choices go, particularly for table service restaurants.  But Disneyland excels when it comes to creative and diverse quick service options, as well as classic and classy table service restaurants.  

Disneyland’s Diverse Dining Scene

Despite its smaller size, Disneyland is a culinary powerhouse. It’s not just nostalgic treats like giant turkey legs and classic Mickey bars. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional and innovative dishes, such as the Plaza Inn’s fried chicken, the Blue Bayou’s famous Monte Cristo, the popular breakfast chimichangas, classic corn dogs, and various meats and veggies on skewers at Bengal Barbeque.  Disney California Adventure boasts delicious sourdough bread (and it’s shaped like Baymax- bonus), a broad array of California wine and food pairings, and the creative cocktails and yummy appetizers at Lamplight Lounge. 

For dessert lovers, classic Disneyland churros and Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets await.  The Mint Julep bar is a fabulous place to stop in on a hot day and grab an ice-cold mint julep and a bag of Mickey beignets!  Check out Tiana’s Palace for some New Orleans favorites, all in a Princess and the Frog-themed setting.

Why Go to Disneyland?

So why go to Disneyland for your Disney vacation? Let’s sum it up, shall we? 

Easier to Navigate and Explore

Compared to Walt Disney World, Disneyland’s key advantage is its size. It’s compact, meaning less walking and more magic per minute. The parks are close together, allowing you to see more major attractions quickly.  Unique rides and areas add even more fun, but Disneyland’s smaller space ensures you’ll spend less time moving and more time experiencing.

Unique Attractions and Lands

Disneyland doesn’t just have classic rides, it has unique adventures too. Visit Cars Land, Pixar Pier, or the Avengers Campus for a taste of your favorite stories come to life. These spaces are filled with immersive detail, exciting rides, and close encounters with classic Disney characters. 

More Affordable Walking Distance Accommodations 

Disneyland also offers more affordable places to stay right by the parks. Off-site hotels usually cost less, close to or less than $200 a night (but prices can soar higher in busier seasons), perfect for a more budget-friendly trip.

The Disney World area also has some cheaper off-site hotel accommodations, sometimes cheaper than Disneylands, but they are much further away from the parks. 

Rich Disney History and Nostalgia

For fans and those who love Disney’s history, a visit to Disneyland is even more meaningful given it was Walt’s park. The park echoes with the memories of its opening in 1955, especially on Main Street, U.S.A. Many favorites, like Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, and the Haunted Mansion, began here, reflecting the founder’s original vision. Seeing these attractions is a unique chance to connect with Disney’s roots and nostalgia for the past.

Conclusion

Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have their own unique charm. Both parks promise unforgettable moments and many magical memories. Yet, your choice hinges on what you seek in a trip. For brief, adventure-packed visits, Disneyland shines.  Or for guests seeking the true classic Disney nostalgia Disneyland also stands out.  Disney California Adventure also offers a unique park experience in its themed lands of Carsland, Pixar Pier, and Avengers Campus.  And don’t forget the delicious food, nearby off site affordable accommodations, walk-around characters, and fabulous Holiday celebrations and decor.  

So, when are you going to Disneyland? 

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