Wow! What a question… Thanks for bringing it to
planDisney.
First of all, both resorts are amazing. I’ve spent a fair amount of time at both. I’ll admit that a good portion of my childhood, teenage, and early college years had many fond memories made at
Disneyland. I grew up close to Anaheim and had an annual pass, and the locals all felt like we lived there. It was, and in many ways still is, home.
The
Walt Disney World park most similar to Disneyland is The Magic Kingdom. The layout, theming, and list of attractions are similar. Some aspects of Hollywood Studios and EPCOT show up in Disney California Adventure, but those three parks are distinct from one another. EPCOT is legendary, with glimpses of the future and a closer look at our own world. The World Showcase is unique and beloved. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also like no other - experience exotic animals in one land, and ride a world-class roller coaster in the next. Wow!
There are some technical differences. DLR - Magic Key. WDW - Annual Pass. Same thing(ish), different name. Many Disney Worlders would say Disneyland has the best snacks. I would say Disney World has better and more table service options. DLR has fewer transportation considerations, but the security at WDW is more efficient. In many ways, it’s a toss-up.
Disneyland Resort is roughly 500ish acres. Walt Disney World is around 25,000 acres - that's 50 times bigger. That says a lot! Disneyland has two parks, separated by a two-minute walk. Disney World has four parks, two water parks, and a vast transportation system that connects the parks, as well as over 30 hotel resorts.
Walt Disney World is big. No doubt. There is a lot to do and see, and it’s fun and magical and will never get old. I have a love for Disney World and some really great memories there.
But when you walk under the train tracks and out onto Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland, there is a different feeling in the air. Consider the idea of Disneyland, the story of the park, and the presence of the man who created this thing - and you feel it. Walt walked down this sidewalk. He rode that ride. He solved this problem here. He dreamed this all up. He loved it here - and you feel it.
I recently had the opportunity to spend time at Disneyland with a group of friends, many of whom call Walt Disney World home. I was nervous for many reasons, but mainly about the possibility of needing to defend the honor of my park. Ha! I felt like I was showing them my home. This group of friends, now more like family, quickly fell in love with Disneyland. Our castle is small, but she’s pretty. The churros are warm, the musicians play from the heart, the cast members are proud of what they’re doing, and it feels like home.
I’ll say it again, you can’t go wrong. All Disney parks bring the magic. But when you come to Anaheim, take a minute and enjoy the charm. Have a churro. Listen to one of the bands. Look at the apartment above and the Main Street Firehouse to see if the light is on. If it is, Walt’s there.
Corey