Now I know it’s difficult to compare Disneyland to Walt Disney World because they each have things that are unique to them and both are magical in their own right. If you’ve been to both parks, then you may already have an opinion on this subject, but if you’ve never been to Disneyland, hopefully this will help you get some insight on the parks. I’m going to do my best to tell you why Disneyland is better than Disney World, but be sure to visit both parks some time in your life so you can decide for yourself!
1. It’s doable in 1 day. There are 2 parks at the Disneyland Resort and you can get from one to the other just by walking! Not needing to wait in long lines for transportation to another park makes park hopping a piece of cake! You’ll be able to see a lot of both parks in just 1 day, whereas at Walt Disney World you’d need multiple days to see all 4 parks. The Disneyland Resort hotels and Downtown Disney are also within walking distance of the parks.
2. There are more rides than at Disney World. According to their websites, Disneyland has 88 attractions while Walt Disney World has 111 attractions (not including the water parks). But “attractions” include shows and other non-moving adventures. If you use the methodology of “if it moves, it’s a ride”, then the total number of rides at the 4 Walt Disney World parks combined is 46 compared to 52 rides at the 2 parks at the Disneyland Resort.
3. Disneyland still has classic rides. Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage are some of the classics that you’ll only find at Disneyland.
4. Disneyland’s version of certain rides is better! Splash Mountain, “it’s a small world”, and Pirate’s of the Caribbean are just a few of the rides that exist at both parks. The versions at Disneyland are so much better than the versions at Walt Disney World! Pirate’s of the Caribbean has 2 drops, a reverse waterfall and a more immersive experience than at WDW. “it’s a small world” has a prettier façade and the ride is more elaborate than the one in Florida. All 3 of the rides I’ve mentioned are longer than the other versions, and who doesn’t love a longer ride experience?
5. Toon Town. 2 words: Toon Town. Who doesn’t want to go visit Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their actual homes? Or play on Donald’s boat? Toon Town is a classic area of Disneyland and offers 2 rides-Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin & Gadget’s Go Coaster-and allows you to explore the homes of some of your favorite Disney characters!
6. Rides get new themes for Halloween. Jack Skellington and the rest of the cast from The Nightmare Before Christmas take over the Haunted Mansion at Halloween time and stay through New Years. Space Mountain also gets a new theme for the season and becomes Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy!
7. Cheaper tickets. Now, I know, there are lots of different options for tickets at both parks. But when you compare a 1-day park hopper adult ticket at each resort, Disneyland comes out cheaper! The cost of a 1-day park hopper ticket at Disneyland is $155.00 whereas the same ticket at Walt Disney World is $165.08.
8. California Adventure. California Adventure can only be found at the Disneyland Resort and it’s amazing! It has Cars Land which can’t be compared to any other Disney park land. Radiator Springs Racers is one of the best, most fun rides in the parks! California Screamin’ is the best roller coaster at any Disney park (it’s my favorite so I’m not biased at all!). Mickey’s fun wheel is one of only 2 “wonder wheel” Ferris wheels operating in the U.S. and gives you a great view of the park!
9. Nighttime shows. Disneyland has some spectacular nighttime shows! The Paint the Night Parade is a dazzling electric light parade that blows the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disney World out of the water! Fantasmic! is much better at Disneyland. It has high-definition projectors, a new Maleficent dragon, and fountains of water (like World of Color). World of Color at California Adventure is a stunning water projection show that uses nearly 1,200 fountains along with fire, fog, and laser effects. No other show compares! And I can’t forget the Disneyland Forever Fireworks. It’s an amazing street-to-sky spectacle. You’re literally surrounded by a mesmerizing mix of breathtaking pyrotechnics and jaw-dropping visual effects. There are 3 spots in Disneyland to view this show: Main St. U.S.A. (my personal favorite viewing spot), in front of “it’s a small world”, and in front of the Rivers of America.
10. It’s Walt’s park. Disneyland is the only park that Walt walked in when it was completed. He even has an apartment above the fire station where a lamp is always kept lit in remembrance of him. Disneyland has more history and a certain indescribable magic that can’t be found in any other Disney park.
Disneyland is a magical place and should be on everyone’s bucket list! If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience this resort, contact me to fix that problem today! I’ll be happy to help you plan an amazing Disneyland adventure.
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