Disney World Vs. Disneyland: Discerning A Dream Disney Outing

Statistics

This isn’t to say that a single series of statistics will outrightly determine which location you should prefer. However, in terms of prospective vacation destinations, we thought it a good idea to begin with a quick recounting of each location’s major details, if for no other reason than to provide you with substantial background information before you make your decision.

Disneyland Resort, California

Established in 1955, Disneyland Resort is perhaps Anaheim’s foremost attraction. Disneyland Resort is actually made up of two distinct theme parks: Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure Park. Disneyland, on the whole, is comprised of several “lands”: Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Frontierland. Disney California Adventure Park aims to provide visitors with an authentic California experience. One such example is via an attraction called Soarin’ Around the World—a virtual aerial attraction which serves to showcase not only the glory of California, but also the surrounding locations and cultures.

Furthermore, Disney owns three distinct hotels at Disneyland. These hotels are all found at the theme park. This is optimum for guests who wish to make the most of their Disney experience by also sampling Disney’s hospitality firsthand. Here, you will recognise Disneyland Resort’s main icon: The Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Disney World, Florida

Since 1971, Disney World has existed as a staple of Orlando’s entertainment portfolio. It consists of four distinct theme parks, a fact which serves to further establish the location as mammoth in size and in scope. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are each fully-sized theme parks open to the public, and are well supplemented by two additional water parks.

Amazingly, there are twenty-one onsite Disney-owned hotels, which each allow Disney-lovers to embrace Disney in a unique way for the complete duration of their stay. Here, you will recognize Disney World’s main icon: The Cinderella Castle.

Now that we’re well familiar with the basic details of each locale, let’s dive headfirst into a side-by-side comparison of America’s top Disney-themed venues: Disneyland and Disney World!

1. Rides

What is a Disney location without a variety of amazing, award-winning rides? Rides provide lasting memories, and characterize much of the Disney experience. Furthermore, Disney rides are well-known not only because of their unique features, but also because Disney holistically succeeds in linking their rides to movie franchises, providing guests with a basis for an award-winning experience. Without sensational rides, Disney attractions fail its major demographic. Fortunately for us, both Disneyland Resort and Disney World have rides the likes of which the world has never seen elsewhere else!

Disneyland: 9/10

If this were any other side-by-side comparison, Disneyland Resort would win outright when it comes to rides—both because of the rides’ quality, and because of their sheer scope. From Splash Mountain to the Haunted Mansion, it almost isn’t fair that such a diversified portfolio of rides can be allowed to exist within a single space.

That said, no Disneyland experience is at all complete without participating in a select variety of renowned rides. Despite what will likely prove to be a sizable wait at any ride, we promise that the front of said lines will be well worth it for some verified Disneyland Resort memories. This list of sensational, must-see rides is headlined by Space Mountain, which is found in Tomorrowland. This pitch black roller coaster has dedicated fans and first-timers alike clamoring for a spot aboard, and rightly so. There are few experiences quite like Space Mountain. This roller coaster ride explodes into a series of tight turns, unexpected bends, and a series of altogether thrilling twists, the likes of which establish Space Mountain as an attraction known virtually across the world.

Disneyland Resort also has the Indiana Jones Adventure ride. It is located outdoors. The perfect temperature to sit on this ride is during spring and fall. The ride is a fabulous tribute to the movie, which exists as more than a themed ride in its own right: riders are taken for the bumpy excursion of their lives. During the ride, you’ll narrowly avoid impeding doom from a rolling boulder and encroaching spike walls, all while experiencing the best of the Indiana Jones franchise. Again, despite the long wait times, this is a ride you’re going to want to experience for yourself.

This seemingly never-ending list of award-winning rides is sure to captivate. From the swashbuckling adventures on the high seas via a Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, and the water-log ride of Splash Mountain, to the gun-toting adventure found at the Toy Story Midway Mania, it’s a surefire adventure of a lifetime when it comes to Disneyland’s rides.

Disney World: 10/10

Against any other contender, Disneyland will be hard pressed to lose when it comes to rides. There is one exception though, and that is when Disneyland is matched up with Disney World. Disney World has earned its title as the foremost authority when it comes to rides, not just in North America, but around the whole world. Take note of the fact that many of the attractions can be found at both Disneyland Resort and Disney World. Nevertheless, there really isn’t a match for the scope of the rides Disney World has to offer.

Ask anyone who regularly frequents Disney World for their take on the best ride, and you’re likely to hear an entirely unique response. What makes the rides at Disney World so incredible isn’t just their reputation, scope, or spectacle: it’s also due to its diversified portfolio of rides. Disney World’s plethora of rides caters to many types of individuals. Those who enjoy roller coasters will easily fall in love with the Epcot’s Test Track, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Those who love interactive rides will adore Toy Story Midway Mania and the Haunted Mansion. Those who love to be wowed by size and spectacle will be unable to resist Expedition Everest and Star Tours - the Adventures Continue. Suffice to say, each and every type of person, no matter their preferences, penchant for thrills, and individual taste, will find something to rave about when it comes to the rides at Disney World.

2. The wait

Of course, you won’t be the only one attempting to create lifelong memories at either Disneyland Resort or Disney World. You will find yourself among a great collection of individuals from all walks of life, all over the globe. These fellow travellers seek the same thing: to make Disney their own for a day. As a result, you’re going to have to wait your turn to enjoy the rides, the food and other attractions the two parks have to offer—even the bathrooms. When it comes to waiting times, which park has the edge?

Realize that when choosing between Disneyland Resort and Disney World, you’re choosing between two of the largest scale attractions on the face of the planet. As a result, you’re looking at long wait times, no matter which you pick. It is recommended that you decide at the beginning of the day which rides you’re most looking forward to, and acquire those FastPasses to save time.

However, when it comes to actual wait times, the edge definitely goes to Disneyland Resort (7/10) over Disney World (5/10). Disneyland Resort has shorter documented wait times compared to Disney World, even during the peak summer months. It isn’t by much, but the difference between the wait times of Disneyland Resort and Disney World could mean one or two additional rides if you’re at the Anaheim location. In this head-to-head comparison, the edge goes to the California site, mostly given due to its slightly smaller size.

3. The food

The Disney experience is made entirely unforgettable not only because of the rides, but also because of the foods you can only get when you’re having a Disney-certified adventure! As with any excursion, the food can make or break the vacation experience in its entirety. Without a good meal, you’re left unable to satisfyingly partake in any of the park’s unique adventures, no matter how amazing they might be!

There’s also pricing to consider. At which park will you experience more bang for your buck, putting more food in your stomach and keeping more cash in your wallet? The answer, it seems, is more apparent than you might think.

Disneyland Resort: 9/10

Again, if Disneyland Resort were compared to virtually any other theme park in terms of food, it would blow the competition away. Theme park food gets a bad reputation, but Disneyland Resort does well to thoroughly eliminate these mistaken assumptions. Characterized by a remarkable portfolio of dynamic eateries, Disneyland Resort has options that cater to virtually all culinary preferences and dietary concerns.

From gumbo to lamb scallopini, there’s always an item to satiate even the most stringent palates. If you have the time to spare, check out the Blue Bayou Restaurant, which now features tablet menus! Tantalizing menu options like the citrus chicken and the strip loin (our sources tell us it is best served medium-rare, with the sauce served on the size) await you! If you’ve saved enough room after the grilled salmon (which is excellently complemented by the goat cheese mashed potatoes) you’re going to want to try their legendary, seven-layered chocolate cake.

Another eatery worth noting is the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge. This place serves fine Disney dining like no other location on-site, with elegance and excellence every step of the way. However, if you’re more in the mood for some food on the go, you don’t have to sacrifice culinary quality! The Bengal Barbecue, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, Edelweiss Snacks, and Little Red Wagon all offer patrons excellent on-the-go options. With a slew of restaurant and eatery options available to visitors, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a wider diversity of quality food options anywhere else on the planet!

Disney World: 10/10

Seemingly dedicated to superseding Disneyland Resort in both size and quality, Disney World somehow takes an already sensational culinary portfolio and perfects it. There’s the San Angel Inn, an art-worthy bistro masterpiece. It is best described as one of the best themed restaurants on-site.

Then there’s the Liberty Tree Tavern. Found near Liberty Square, it thematically functions as the tavern of the makeshift town that surrounds. This family-style, alcohol-free venue delivers on its promise of authentic home-style cooking. It offers roast turkey, choice cuts of beef, apple and cranberry cakes. Liberty Tree Tavern will tantalize the taste buds of all who step through its inviting front doors.

There are just so many mouth-watering dishes to be found at on-site restaurants such as the Coral Reef Restaurant’s seafood menu, the Garden Grill’s juice cuts of meats, Contempo Café’s great cakes and teas and the French-stylized Be Our Guest’s. There’s always something to write home about when it comes to the various culinary opportunities found here. You’re guaranteed to leave with a happily full stomach!

4. The hospitality

When the day has come to its conclusion, you’ll want to find a place to lay your head that will prove as wonderful as the experience you’ve had during the day. For individuals who want to maximise their Disney experience, this isn’t the end of your adventure just yet. Terrific Disney hospitality options abound at both Disneyland Resort and Disney World. Stay at a Disney hotel and you can continue your Disney experience, even after the sun goes down!

Given that both Disneyland Resort and Disney World each have hotels offered on-site, it’s only a matter of discovering which hotel or series of hotels best suits your individual interests. Although Disneyland Resort only has three hotels on-site as opposed to the 21 hotels found at Disney World, the winner may be decided by a closer margin than you might expect.

Disneyland Resort: 8/10

Found in Anaheim, Disneyland Resort has only three hotels to choose from. Fortunately, each is a unique experience in itself! Take, for instance, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This location grants guests a unique and memorable experience. From unique theme park packages, to the very decorations and furnishings that adorn the entirety of the hotel itself, staying here will enable you to understand and appreciate the true inner workings of Disney.

Of course, this hotel also boasts a wonderful selection of amenities, including site-wide Internet access, family-friendly programs and services, and an entrance into the park itself that is only given to hotel guests!

Many of these amenities are also afforded to individuals who stay at the remaining two Disneyland Resort hotels. You can expect world-class hospitality and guest-only perks that make the theme park even more of a personalized experience. As an added bonus, you’ll also be able to experience a unique assemblage of eateries inside the hotels themselves! Expect a truly first-class luxury experience should you decide to stay at an on-site hotel at Disneyland Resort.

Disney World: 10/10

Disney World has long established a habit out of defying expectations, upgrading aspirations, and thoroughly amazing its guests. Its hotels are not exceptions to this rule. From the time a guest sets foot upon its grounds in Orlando, up till the time they reluctantly depart, you can expect an unparalleled, Disney-themed service. It is also worth noting that with seven times more hotels on-site than Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, this is anything from a fair comparison.

No matter which Disney World hotel you choose, a good time is never difficult to locate. Firstly, there’s the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: a hotel experience characterized by its whopping 875 guest rooms! From Bob Hope to Walt Disney and his entire family, many renowned individuals have walked the halls of this sensational resort. Up till today, the rave reviews just keep pouring in.

If the beach atmosphere is more your speed, then come check out Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It features a resort setting that is amazingly relaxed in nature. This beach hangout is second to none when it comes to the synthesis of coastal perfection and an all-out Disney treatment. A sand-bottom pool and a modernized health club are only two of the many amenities that you’ll find yourself enjoying when you’re staying at Disney’s Beach Club Resort!

There seems to be a themed resort at Disney World for any and all tastes! If you and your family are looking for a stay with wildlife vibes, try Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort! In search of a cinematic, behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s movie-making endeavors? Then look no further than Disney’s own Art of Animation Resort: a great home to all those who just can’t get enough of Disney’s animated films.

The verdict

Disneyland Resort and Disney World rank among the top attractions in the United States. Nationwide you’ll be hard-pressed to find two theme parks more focused on great customer experience. When taking into account the rides, the wait, the food, the hospitality, and the area in which each park is located, we have a winner by the thinnest of margins.

Disneyland Resort: 33/40

Disney World: 35/40

Just barely, Disney World edges out Disneyland Resort as the go-to, family-friendly destination you’re searching for when it comes to the ideal Disney experience. From the sheer scope of the park’s rides, the overall wait times, its variety of food and its accompanying hotels—all these factors combine to establish Disney World as the foremost authority in Disney theme parks within the continental United States. That’s not to say that Disneyland Resort—one of the prized jewels of the Anaheim region—is not a splendid attraction in its own right. That is only to say that if you value the above stipulations, Disney World is the preferable option.

Whichever destination you pick, rest easy in knowing that you’ll be able to personally encounter the magic that has long since drawn individuals from all corners of the globe to partake in the Disney experience. With the impressive array of attractions, diversified portfolio of award-winning eateries and excellent hotel accommodations, you’re not going to go wrong with either if you want to experience some Disney magic! After all, you are set to visit “the happiest place on Earth”.