Disneyland Vs. Disney World: Biggest Differences

10 Biggest Differences: Disneyland Vs. Disney World! Disneyland and Disney World are both beloved vacation spots for families across the country and world. While they both have similarities, the differences are there. Learn the 10 biggest differences between Disneyland and Disney World.

Opening Date:

• Disneyland opened in 1955.
• Disney World opened in 1971.

Location:

• Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California. The 2 parks are surrounded by non-Disney hotels and city life.
• Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida. The 4 parks and 2 water parks keep guests in the “Disney Bubble”, never having to leave property while on vacation.

Number of Theme Parks:

• Disneyland has 2 theme parks: Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure Park.
• Disney World has 4 theme parks and 2 water parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom + Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach

Size:

• Disneyland covers about 510 acres of land.
• Disney World covers about 30,000 acres of land.

Exclusive Rides:

• Only at Disneyland: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout.
• Only at Disney World: Pandora the World of Avatar (which includes Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage), Seven Dwarfs Mine Trail, Spaceship Earth, Mission: SPACE, Test Track, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and more.

Transportation to Parks:

• Disneyland is within walking distance to park entrances from Disneyland Hotels, also offering a monorail from Downtown Disney to Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
• Disney World is more spread out and offers a variety of transportation including the monorail as well, however also busses, Minnie Vans and even boats/ferries.

Dining Plans:

• Disneyland – not offered.
• Disney World (when they come back)- guests can choose from Dining Plan Options.

Castle:

• Disneyland – The castle (Sleeping Beauty’s Castle) stands at about 80 feet tall.
• Disney World – The castle (Cinderella’s Castle) stands at about 180 feet tall.

Walt Disney Himself:

• Disneyland – Walt Disney spent countless days and even nights, often sleeping at the Park.
• Disney World – Walt Disney never got to see the opening in 1971, as he passed in 1966.

How do you decide Disneyland Vs. Disney World?

Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.