Last month I finally visited Disneyland for the first time! I’ve been to Disney World more times than I can count, so I was excited to see the park where it all began. When I got home, everyone asked the same question: Which is better—Disney World or Disneyland? Here are my thoughts.
Which is better, Disney World or Disneyland?
Disney World holds a lot of nostalgia for me. Seeing Cinderella’s Castle for the first time as a child felt truly magical, and now I love experiencing that same magic through my kids’ eyes. I know the layout of Disney World well, and even though the parks are huge, there’s always something new to discover. The walking can be intense, but it never feels overwhelming because there’s so much to take in.
Disneyland, on the other hand, feels much smaller and more compact. With only two parks, I was able to do everything I wanted in just two days. It was easier to get around, less exhausting, and quicker to move between lands. While there was still plenty of walking, it felt more manageable than Disney World.
One downside to Disneyland is its location. Unlike Disney World, which fully immerses you in the “Disney bubble,” Disneyland feels more like it’s placed in the middle of the city. You don’t really feel the Disney magic until you enter the parks. There are also fewer Disney-owned hotels, though the upside is that many hotels are within walking distance of the parks.
The rides at both parks are fun in their own ways, but Disneyland leans more into nostalgia with attractions like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, while Disney California Adventure offers more thrill rides, such as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! It’s hard to directly compare the rides between Disneyland and Disney World because each park offers something unique. However, since a few attractions exist in both Orlando and California, it was fun to experience them side by side and notice the differences.
Atmosphere-wise, both parks are magical, but Disney World wins for me. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle was special to see, but it felt underwhelming compared to Cinderella’s Castle. Disneyland does have a charming, old-school feel, and seeing Walt Disney’s apartment was incredibly meaningful. Still, overall, the magic feels stronger at Disney World—after all, it is the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Conclusion
In my personal opinion, Walt Disney World takes the cake. It truly feels like you’re stepping into a world completely disconnected from everyday life. I love having four different parks to explore and the nostalgic feeling I get every time I visit. While I will definitely return to Disneyland, Disney World remains my vacation of choice. ✨🏰
Which Disney theme park is your favorite?