There are definite similarities between Disney World and Disneyland. Disney World is more prominent (by a lot), and there are top-notch technology and innovation. However, I’m not going to tell you Florida constantly has a significantly better alternative.

Florida’s Disney World is world-class, and the upkeep is unbelievable. On the other hand, the Peoplemover at Disneyland has been closed for decades and still sits; that would never happen at the world-famous Disney World.

Anaheim’s Disneyland is the better choice if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck. Hollywood Studios in Florida is comparable to California Adventure architecturally. Hollywood Studios has been improving, such as by adding Star Wars “Rise of the Resistance.” Disneyland consists of a similar Magic Kingdom. California Adventure is similar to Hollywood Studios, plus has aspects of Animal Kingdom’s (compare Paradise Pier to DinoLand USA) and Epcot’s (Soarin’).

As for the weather, California’s Disneyland wins this hands-down. The humidity and rain make Florida’s Disney World hard to deal with during many times of the year. The chance of a hurricane ruining your travel plans is a real possibility — again, depending on when you’re going.

Much of the difference between Disneyland and Disney World is imaginary. There is not a penny’s worth of distinction between 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian and Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. The food is very similar, simply with another theme and character look. Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel is IDENTICAL to those two, and Cinderella’s Royal Table merely is East Coast Ariel’s Grotto (soon to be replaced). Isn’t it becoming even more apparent how much Disney World is just a more expensive version?

There are definitely some eye-opening experiences at Disney World that are entirely missing from Disneyland. The Frozen trip, the whole International Pavilion at Epcot, the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Spaceship Earth are unique to Disney World. There is nothing like it at Disneyland. Suppose you have the time and want to see something better than the animal experience found at Animal Kingdom. In that case, you can travel down to the San Diego zoo. (presuming you’re going for the animals), and besides the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there’s no location you’ll stay in Florida, which simply defies the California experience.

While the finest of Disney World is absolutely distinct and remarkable and tops Disneyland, the weather and value you get from California’s own Disneyland eeks out Disney World by a bit.

Disneyland vs. Disney World Size

There is no comparison when it comes to the size of Disneyland and Disney World. While Disneyland packs quite the punch for being “only” around 500 acres, Disney World sits at over 27,500+ acres!

Disneyland vs. Disney World Castle

The main centerpiece at Disneyland is Sleeping Beauty Castle; it stands about 77 feet tall, while Disney World’s iconic Cinderella Castle towers to nearly 200 feet.
When it comes to the size of these parks in nearly every way Disney World has the more prominent attraction, that doesn’t always mean it’s the better one.

Disneyland vs. Disney World – Who opened first?

Disneyland made its grand opening in July of 1955. Disney World opened nearly 20 years later, on October 1, 1971.

When it comes to authentic Disney, “magic” Disneyland was designed and built under the watchful eye of Walt Disney himself. Sadly Walt Disney passed before seeing Disney World come to life.

Disneyland vs. Disney World Prices (2021)

Disney World offers different park pricing packages depending on how extensive you want to get. You’ll also pay less if you buy more days at the start, so planning will save you money.

How much are Disney World tickets?

2021 BASE TICKET PRICE for ADULTS (10 yrs+) is around $135 on average. And children (3-9 yrs) are roughly $130. These are per-day prices, and if you decide to book more days, they’ll be slightly cheaper.

If you’re looking for the total experience and to hop around from park to park. Adults are from $194/day and children $189.

How much are Disneyland Tickets?

Disneyland offers different tiers. If you bought an unused Tier 5 ticket, you can make your reservation for any day you’d like. If you have Tier 2 through 4 tickets, you will have to decide on an available day on the schedule. If you own a Tier 1 ticket, July 1st or later in the year is the only time you can book. You may contact Guest Relations if you need to change the tier due to scheduling incompatibility.

Here are the ticket prices for ONE day ADULT and CHILDREN through the different tiers. If you’re planning on buying tickets for more than one day, the tiered system doesn’t apply. It seems prices are going up regularly in this world, so be mindful that these ticket prices might not be the same if you’re booking tickets.

  • ONE DAY (TIER 1) – Adult prices range from $104 w/o hopper and $159 w/ hopper. Children are $98 w/o hopper and $153 w/ hopper.
  • ONE DAY (TIER 2) – Adult prices range from $114 w/o hopper and $169 w/ hopper. Children are $108 w/o hopper and $163 w/ hopper.
  • ONE DAY (TIER 3) – Adult prices range from $124 w/o hopper and $179 w/ hopper. Children are $117 w/o hopper and $163 w/ hopper.
  • ONE DAY (TIER 4) – Adult prices range from $139 w/o hopper and $194 w/ hopper. Children are $132 w/o hopper and $187 w/ hopper.
  • ONE DAY (TIER 5) – Adult prices range from $154 w/o hopper and $209 w/ hopper. Children are $146 w/o hopper and $201 w/ hopper.