By Heather Schramm

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are two of the most recognized theme parks in the world. They are both designed to provide visitors with an immersive Disney experience, but there are some major differences between the two.

One of the biggest differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World is their location! Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida. They also differ in size. Disneyland is a relatively small park, while Walt Disney World is a massive resort complex. Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks, two water parks, over 25 hotels, as well as numerous restaurants and shops.

Another major difference between the two parks is the attractions. While both parks feature classic Disney rides such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney World has a wider variety of attractions. For example, Walt Disney World has Epcot, which features pavilions dedicated to different countries around the world, as well as Animal Kingdom, which is focused on animal conservation and education. While the parks share classic rides, the rides do have slight differences in their design. So, if you’ve been to one coast and are visiting the other for the first time, it is well worth it to ride a familiar ride and see if you can spot the differences.

The atmosphere of the two parks is also different. Disneyland has a more nostalgic feel, as it was the first Disney park and has been around since 1955. Walt Disney World, on the other hand, is constantly evolving and updating its attractions to keep up with the times. That’s not to say that Disneyland Resort has not evolved though! It has Avenger’s Campus and Cars Land, two of our favorite things about the California parks.

Overall, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are amazing destinations for Disney fans. While there are differences between the two, they both offer visitors an unforgettable Disney experience. Whether you prefer a smaller, more nostalgic park or a larger, more diverse resort complex, both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World are sure to provide you with a magical vacation.

Reach out to someone on our team of Travel Professionals that specializes in Disney to help plan your vacation to either destination.