They’re the happiest places on Earth and both make incredible family vacations you’re sure to cherish. The best part about Disney is that it’s fun for all ages, so whether it’s you and some friends looking to go on a group vacation, you and your significant other getting away for a spell, or the whole family traveling together, you’re sure to get lost in the magic and wonder. The first decision you need to make before going on a Disney vacation is deciding which of the two theme parks you’re going to go to: Disney World or Disneyland?
Both offer incredible fun, shows, rides, and chances to meet your favorite characters and experience Disney in a way like no other. However, for those who are not aware, the two parks have different attractions and rides for you to enjoy; they’re also across the country from each other: one in Anaheim, California, and the other in Orlando, FL. From Colorado, heading to Disneyland isn’t as long of a trip as the one to Florida, but it isn’t that much longer. A flight to Anaheim is about 2.5 hours; a flight to Orlando from Denver is about 3.5 hours. For travelers with younger children, the shorter trip may be more appealing.
The next big concern for most people choosing between Disneyland and Disney World is the cost of the adventure. At the moment, Disneyland and California Adventure remain closed due to COVID-19, but they plan to reopen at the end of April 2021 to California residents and visitors from other states somewhat later, pending state guidelines. Disney World reopened several months ago and is slightly more expensive than Disneyland. However, at nearly 50 times the size, Disney World has a lot more to offer than its Californian counterpart, but we’ll get to how large the parks are and what they house in a minute. Both parks offer free admission to children under the age of three (3), and both parks offer reduced costs overall for multi-day ticket purchases – the longer you stay, the less it costs per day.
Both parks share a few rides, such as Splash Mountain and It’s a Small World, but for every ride that exists at both parks, each park does it a little differently so you never have the same experience, adding to the fun and excitement. Disneyland has roughly 25 rides at any time (accounting for refurbishment) across two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. For shopping, dining, and a little relaxation, Disneyland offers Downtown Disney to enjoy.
Disney World, on the other hand, has roughly 50 rides spread across four parks to play in: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Analogous to Downtown Disney, Disney World offers up Disney Springs for additional shopping, dining, and entertainment. The open-air plaza is a nice way to spend the afternoon into the evening and to catch some new takes on classic entertainment.
Each park boasts fantastical entertainment in the forms of shows and parades where the casts and characters bring magic to your world – and the fun doesn’t end just when the sunsets. Disneyland goers can enjoy the World of Color show (season permitting) and Disney World often offers firework shows over the castle.
There are plenty more details and differences to go over with each park to help you make your decision and we’d be happy to discuss all of them with you! Contact our Denver travel agency to speak with a representative regarding booking your next Disney trip and how we can help you choose the right theme park for your wants and needs.
