Hello, Catherine! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Having traveled frequently to both the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, I would love to shed some light on the differences. As you mentioned,
Disney FASTPASS Service works a little different here. The use of the traditional FASTPASS system is included with your theme park admission. You will insert your park ticket into a FASTPASS distribution kiosk and receive a FASTPASS reminder ticket. When it’s time to ride, you will scan your theme park ticket to enter the queue. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to the Disney MaxPass option. This will allow you to select FASTPASSES on your mobile device through the
Disneyland app from anywhere in the park. It’s an incredible time-saver! Plus, downloads of all your PhotoPass photos are included on any day that you use MaxPass.
The other thing that you will notice is how close together everything is at the Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District, and the Disneyland Resort Hotels are mere steps away from one another. All you will need is your own two feet to get around the Happiest Place on Earth.
Finally, planning is a little less intense here when compared with the Walt Disney World Resort. Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days advance, but many restaurants will have availability much closer to your travel dates. FASTPASSES aren’t reserved ahead of time and entertainment schedules and park hours are available about 30-45 days in advance.
I would love to share more (especially about the differences in attractions), so please stop by again!
-Linda