The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
We just returned from the Happiest Place on Earth - YES, I said it. The HAPPIEST place on Earth is Disneyland, and man, was it amazing. We have been to Disneyland Resort 2 times with the kids and once as pre-kid Disney adults. We both went as kids with our parents, but we all know the real magic begins when you are older. I will outline some of the major differences between the two resorts. As a Walt Disney Worlder, a few things may be shocking to you, so let's dive in and tell you what to expect that is different. Walt Disney World will always be home for us and the MOST MAGICAL place on Earth, but if you get the chance, you should also experience Disneyland.
THE BASICS
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Location: Orlando, Florida
Size: 25,000 acres
Parks: 4 Theme Parks + 2 Water Parks
Multiple Resort Categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas
Travel Experience: This is truly a resort destination. It is the size of San Francisco or twice that of Manhattan, with over 26 resorts on the property. The experience really engulfs you in the magic. You can spend 4 to 10 days on vacation at Walt Disney World Resort and never leave the property between the transportation options, dining, shopping, and entertainment. This is a tourist resort, but EPCOT is the locals' park. Disney Vacation Club is a big part of Walt Disney World, having over 10 resorts on property for members.
DISNEYLAND RESORT
Location: Anaheim, California
Size: 500 acres
Parks: 2 Theme Parks
Only 3 Resorts: Disneyland Resort, Pixar Place Hotel, The Grand Californian
Travel Experience: This park is mainly frequented by locals throughout the year, except during the summer months when their Magic Keys are blocked out, and the tourists start to visit the west coast. Many locals enjoy spending time at their favorite park. There is even a running joke with some of my Disneyland friends about getting on actual rides. The Lightning Lane service operates more smoothly at this park, especially outside of the summer season. Even in the summer season, in the morning, you will find Lightning Lane wait times to be low, and then they increase throughout the day once tourists realize there is a skip-the-line service. Disneyland is consistently busier than this park during the summer months since it is the more well-known park, so enjoy time at DCA. Also, since Early Entry is only for onsite guests at the three properties and only for one park, there is less of an impact for off-site guests.
THE APPS
MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE & DISNEYLAND
My Disney Experience and the Disneyland App are not created equally. The Disneyland App is simpler because most visitors stay off-site, so it doesn't require the same level of integration as the My Disney Experience app for Walt Disney World. However, there was a notable difference in linking profiles with our group. At Walt Disney World, you can easily link profiles and see everyone linked, simplifying the process of connecting larger groups. You can send a QR code or a 6-digit number to link with the group. You need the person's ticket barcode or ticket number at Disneyland to link with them. But you cannot see who they are linked to, and even with your own family, you need to scan each person's ticket. We had my husband scan everyone's ticket, and then we took turns scanning from his phone instead of trying to scan from each other. Your login information is the same as your My Disney Experience account, as the Disneyland app has been streamlined due to the My Disney account management system.
MAGIC BANDS
Introduction and Adoption: MagicBands have been a part of the Disney World experience for a longer period and are more deeply integrated into various aspects of the resort experience. Disneyland ONLY uses MagicBand+.
Functionality: At Disney World, MagicBands offer more comprehensive functionality, especially concerning purchases and the Lightning Lane system. At Disneyland, they are newer and primarily focus on park entry, Lightning Lane, and PhotoPass, but honestly the phone works 10x better at Disneyland and re-linking you MagicBand+ from Walt Disney World is tricky.
Dining Plans and Purchases: The integration of MagicBands with dining plans and purchases is more robust at Disney World. Disneyland's implementation is more limited in these areas.
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT:
Park Entry: Used for park entry with linked tickets.
Lightning Lane: Integrated with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass.
Room Key: Can be used as a room key for Disney Resort hotels.
Purchases: Linked to a credit card for making purchases in the parks and resorts.
Dining Plan: Used to redeem meals and snacks if you have a Disney Dining Plan.
PhotoPass: Links PhotoPass photos to your account.
DISNEYLAND RESORT
Park Entry: Can be used for park entry with linked tickets - CAN - but the phone works better as they still use a scanning system.
Lightning Lane: It is integrated with Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, but the system functions better with a cell phone.
PhotoPass: Links PhotoPass photos to your account, but Diseuland still HEAVILY relies on PhotoPass cards with QR codes on the back.
Room Key: This can be used as a room key at Disneyland Resort hotels but MAY NOT work at your hotel.
If you want to use the same magic band at Walt Disney World resort in at Disneyland resort, you need to disconnect it from your my Disney experience app and then reconnect it to your Disneyland app for it to work. But if I'm being honest, the cell phone system is so integrated into the Disneyland resort. It is just easier. They have a very easy to use swipe feature for their lighting lanes, that it was not worth the work of switching everything over.
PHOTOPASS
I'm used to tapping my MagicBand at Disney World, and that works at Disneyland too. But at Disneyland, they usually give you photo cards, which work great. There's a QR code on the back, and the Disneyland App has "Link Photos" as one of the 5 options on the main screen. What I really like is that you can pass the card around, and everyone can link the photos to their own account. Since PhotoPass is included with the purchase of Lightning Lane at Disneyland, everyone can download their own photos, which is convenient. This is different from Walt Disney World, where the person who buys PhotoPass has to download the pictures for the entire group.
THE CASTLE
This is the most shocking difference - the castle size. The Sleeping Beauty Castle is small but it is the perfect. She is the original, the only one that Walt Disney himself saw to completion. The best thing about Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is that you can go inside and explore it and it will tell the story of Sleeping Beauty. Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World is grand and beautiful and even has a suite that you can sleep in. The only way to go inside this castle is by eating at Cinderella’s Royal Table.
RESORTS
Staying on property is optional at Disneyland. However, at Disney World, it does change the experience because it is much easier to stay on property, and there are a lot of incentives that make your vacation easier. At Disneyland, there are only 3 resorts that are on-site properties. Their price points are much higher than Walt Disney World, leaving all considered Deluxe prices. Pixar Place is regarded as the cheapest option of the three, and even there, you will find rooms for $400+ a night. Harbour Boulevard is the street on which Disneyland is located, and numerous hotels and resorts are nearby. We recently stayed at the Hilton Anaheim, located on Convention Way, only 14 minutes walking distance away. Walt Disney World Resort has over 26 Disney Resort Collection Hotels, and 4 on property resorts not owned by Disney. We still loved staying at Pixar Place and Hilton Anaheim, both gave us a great experience.
TRANSPORTATION
Walt Disney World has an interconnected transportation system due to the large size of the resort. They have monorails, ferry boats, water taxis, the Skyliner, buses, and Minnie vans. In contrast, everything at Disneyland is within walking distance. Park hopping at Disneyland is very convenient, and the shopping and entertainment center is centrally located between the two parks, which takes only 8 minutes to walk. Disneyland has a monorail that takes you from their Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland, which was really nice to use when we were staying at Pixar Place. One downside was that it was often out of service. Additionally, when it's too hot, the monorail will not be running because it has no air conditioning, the windows are down, and it leans heavily. The original monorail also tends to be more cramped on the inside, but we have to remember that it is a historic part of the Disney experience.
SAME BUT DIFFERENT
There are so many ride that have the same names at both parks and now going back with older kids that are riders, i thought to myself I can skip these. Our trips before were always about toontown and the smaller rides in fantastyland. And as adults wear were only about the few thrilling rides they had at the parks. At that time Disneyland was a one day park for us since we didnt feel the need to see all the shows like we do now. All rides that seem to be the same at Walt disney world are actually all different in some compacty. below I listed the rides that are the same but are actually different. I will try to list the differences without spoiling the ride for you!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Disney World: Shorter ride with fewer scenes, located in Adventureland.
Disneyland: Longer ride with additional scenes, including two drops, located in New Orleans Square.
It's a Small World
Disney World: Outdoor loading area, no disney characters, smaller and hidden exterior facade.
Disneyland: Outdoor facade and queue with Disney character figures integrated into the scenes.
Jungle Cruise
Disney World: Longer ride with slightly different scenes and jokes, located in Adventureland.
Disneyland: More compact version with unique elements, located in Adventureland.
Haunted Mansion
Disney World: Different exterior design, located in Liberty Square, features the interactive queue, features the Hatbox Ghost in Hallway and additional scenes.
Disneyland: Classic New Orleans-style exterior, located in New Orleans Square, features the Hatbox Ghost, converts to the Nightmare Before Christmas during the Halloween & Christmas Season.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disney World: Longer track with a different storyline, located in Frontierland. Do not stare at the goat - it does nothing. haha!
Disneyland: Different thematic elements, located in Frontierland, with some unique animatronics and effects, the goat stare WORKS!! I never got it until I rode it at Disneyland! OMG its so REAL!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney World: Features a longer ride with different scenes, double log flume, located in Frontierland.
Disneyland: More compact version, single rider log flume, located in Critter Country.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Disney World: Double ride system (two Dumbo rides) with an interactive queue, located in Fantasyland.
Disneyland: Single ride system, located in Fantasyland, with a classic look and assigned flying elephants.
Tower of Terror & Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
Disney World: Classic Tower of Terror, spooky storyline, classic up and down drops, located on Sunset Blvd, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disneyland: Guardians of the Galaxy Characters, more bouncy, awesome music with multiple different songs.
Space Mountain
Disney World: Features a single rider seat, a different track layout, and a different thematic approach, jerky, and difficult to get our of the seat.
Disneyland: Has a smoother ride with side-by-side seating and onboard audio, and the cutest hidden mickey, only one smaller drop.
LIGHTNING LANE
This is formerly known at Genie+ formerly known as FastPass/Max Pass! But this is how you skip the line at the Disney Parks, and changes are coming to both parks! The official name is now Lightning Lanes!
For more information about Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World click here!
1. AVAILABILITY, PRICE & BOOKING WINDOW
Disneyland: Lightning Lane at Disneyland is not making any changes other than the name. It can be purchased with your park ticket. It is typically $30 per day, per person (as of 2024.). This includes both parks, there is no pre-booking and you can only start using the service once you have entered the park.
Disney World: Lightning Lane can now be pre-booked 7 days before your on-site stay or 3 days before you park reservation for AP and special ticket holders or first park day.The price also fluctuates based on demand, starting around $15 per person per day but can go higher during peak times.
2. ATTRACTION SELECTION
Disneyland: Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes access to Lightning Lanes for popular attractions across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Certain high-demand attractions might offer Lightning Lane Single Pass for an additional fee.
Disney World: Lightning Lane Multi Pass access to Lightning Lanes for many attractions across all four parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom). High-demand attractions offer Lightning Lane Single Pass for an additional fee.
3. LIGHTNING LANE SINGLE PASS
Disneyland: Lightning Lane Single Pass can be made for a few high-demand attractions such as Radiator Springs Racers and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.
Disney World: Lightning Lane Single Pass are available for attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, TRON Lightcycle/Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Avatar Flight of Passage.
4. PARK HOPPING
Disneyland: With Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can pick Lightning Lane selections across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park without needing a separate purchase.
Disney World: Lightning Lane Multi Pass you first 3 selections must be at one park, then after those selections you can use them across all four parks, but you need a Park Hopper ticket.
6. INCLUSIONS
Disneyland: Lightning Lane Multi Pass includes unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads for the day.
Disney World: Lightning Lane Multi Pass does not include PhotoPass downloads, which are available as a separate purchase. You only get the ride photos.
7. APP EXPEREINCE
Both: The Lightning Lane Service including Lightning Lane Multi Pass & Single Pass, is accessed through the Disneyland app and the My Disney Experience app for Disney World. Both apps offer similar features such as personalized itineraries, real-time updates, and dining recommendations.
8. TAPPING IN
Disneyland: You can use a Magic Bands but its not common and they only use MagicBand+, their tapstiles have built in slots for your phone. Also it was difficult figuring out how to make out exsiting Magic Bands to the Disneyland system.
Disney World: We live by MagicBand+ over here. haha!
DINING EXPERIENCES
Both Disneyland and Disney World open advanced reservations 60 days before your Disney vacation. The major difference is that at Disneyland, only two restaurants, sell out very quickly at the 60-day window, Blue Bayou and Plaza Inn. However, you can use utilize Dining Alerts to secure reservations. Disneyland heavily relies on mobile ordering. Some treats may sell out by the afternoon, so if you want to indulge in specialty treats at Disneyland, make sure to place a mobile order ahead of time. We would book our l lunch reservations around 10:30 AM to ensure pick up by noon or whatever time we wanted before there was never a mobile order that was ready right away. There are very few table service restaurants and only a handful of Quick Service options with indoor seating.
At Disney World, it's a race to secure the most popular reservations across the resort at the 60-day mark. Mobile ordering is convenient, and you don't need to order significantly in advance due to the numerous options available. It's rare for things to sell out, except for the figment popcorn bucket. There are numerous table service options that are not Character Meals, and you can enjoy cuisine from around the world at Epcot. Additionally, most of the parks have one or two Quick Service areas with a large amount of indoor seating.
SEASONAL EVENTS
Disneyland hosts more seasonal events through their Disneyland After Dark program. While this list may change over time, and I may not update it, the purpose of this section is to remind you to check event calendars and be aware that Disneyland has events more frequently. Make sure you are aware of the season you are visiting. One of the wonderful things about Disneyland is that it takes less than 1 minute and 30 seconds to hop between parks. Walt Disney World events are predictable and do not change significantly year after year. It is not common to add an entirely new event, but new entertainment and treats are rotated regularly.
DISNEYLAND EVENTS:
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party
Location: Disney California Adventure
Features: Trick-or-treating, special Halloween parades, character meet-and-greets, themed shows.
Disneyland After Dark
Various themed nights throughout the year (e.g., 80s Night, Star Wars Nite, Villains Nite).
Features: Special entertainment, themed photo opportunities, character meet-and-greets, limited-time food and merchandise.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Location: Disney California Adventure
Features: Cultural performances, special food offerings, character meet-and-greets with characters in festive attire.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Location: Disney California Adventure
Features: Food booths with diverse culinary offerings, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars.
Festival of Holidays
Location: Disney California Adventure
Features: Multicultural entertainment, food booths, holiday-themed activities, character meet-and-greets.
Merriest Nites
Special holiday-themed after-hours event.
Features: Holiday entertainment, character meet-and-greets, festive decor, limited-time food and merchandise.
RunDisney Events
Location: Smaller Scale at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
Features: Themed races (5K, 10K, half marathon), character meet-and-greets, race medals, entertainment along race routes, currently only 2 race weekends a year.
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT:
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Location: Magic Kingdom
Features: Trick-or-treating, special Halloween parades, fireworks show, character meet-and-greets, themed shows.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Location: Magic Kingdom
Features: Holiday parades, fireworks, stage shows, special character meet-and-greets, complimentary treats.
Location: Disney Hollywood Studios
Features: Stage shows, specialty dining, special character meet-and-greets, geared towards adults.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Location: Epcot
Features: Global food and beverage booths, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, concerts.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Location: Epcot
Features: Stunning gardens, topiary displays, outdoor kitchens, gardening seminars, concerts.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Location: Epcot
Features: Art displays, culinary arts, Broadway-style performances, artist meet-and-greets.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
Location: Epcot
Features: Holiday kitchens, storytelling by cultural representatives, holiday decor, special performances.
Disney After Hours
Extended hours that are open to all guest that purchase a ticket.
Features: Access to popular attractions with minimal wait times, special entertainment, free soda, ice cream and snacks!
RunDisney Events
Location: Various parks across Disney World
Features: Themed races (5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon), character meet-and-greets, race medals, entertainment along race routes.
OVERRAL EXPERIENCE
This is just the beginning! We are so lucky to have so many parks!! I cannot wait to continue this Disneyland journey with you! If you notice some more differences, do not be afraid to add them in the comments!
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
How to Use My Disney Experience
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know!
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?
Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic? Click Here!
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
