Hi Nicole! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney.
As a frequent Guest of both the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, I can attest that there are more than a few differences between my favorite vacation spots. Those differences make both worth a visit! I can enjoy
Attractions at one park, which I won't find in the other, for example. If this is your first time visiting Disneyland Resort, be sure to hit all those unique Attractions. I love all the classic ones in Fantasyland in Disneyland Park, which you won't find elsewhere, as well as iconic thrill Attractions like Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland or Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park, which has the most fun and immersive theming in my opinion.
My favorite
dining locations are also unique to each park. Try Carthay Circle Restaurant on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park for a really elevated dining experience or Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland at Disneyland Park for a yummy Mexican-style Quick Service meal with lots of seating. Check the Disneyland mobile app for exact locations. There are slightly different operational rules about
Park Hopping or
theme park reservations that are subject to change that you should look into too. Staying on top of those differences can sometimes be challenging, especially if you're more familiar with one resort!
Another one of those differences is that Disneyland Resort doesn't typically offer an equivalent of The Resort-Refillable Drink Mug found in Disney Resort Hotels and Disney Water Parks at Walt Disney World. I'm sorry if that's disappointing! We like to bring
refillable water bottles to the parks to keep us hydrated. It's important when you're out in the sun all day. Also, don't forget sunscreen and maybe a hat and light-colored clothing. If it's really warm, we prefer an afternoon break for a dip in the Disneyland Resort Hotel pool.
Have a magical day!
Elizabeth