It was a frequent question as I returned home from this year’s Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration — which resort do you prefer: Disneyland or Disney World? The answer to that question is complicated. Can I have two favorites?
You see, I’m incredibly biased. Disneyland is my home. I became an Annual Passholder at just 13 years old. On Friday nights, hundreds of teens converged upon Tomorrowland to listen to Voyager (an awesomely terrible band that popped out of the ground) play Ace of Base and other songs we would never admit we knew every single lyric of, and eat tons of sugar (not candy — straight sugar, right out of the packet).
My family is comprised of Disney lovers, also. So in addition to having my mom drop me off on Friday nights (to listen to Voyager and devour sugar), I got to parade around with my adorable nieces and take them on the tea cups every other day of the week. That’s me in the super awesome black thrift store sweater. And that little girl atop her uncle’s shoulders — she graduated from college over the weekend.
It’s no surprise that I married someone who is more obsessed with Disneyland than myself. Our parents didn’t work out a deal with ox or chickens, but I did get original park ticket stubs, a 1950’s Mickey alarm clock, and a collection of cozy Disney blankets out of the marriage (plus, a really nice husband).
Disneyland is a part of both of our histories, and a part of our present life as a couple and family. Disneyland is how we commemorate all of our special events — Georgia’s first birthday, Matt’s promotion, a Tuesday. How could anywhere on Earth, even Walt Disney World, compete with that?
Well, it did!
Disneyland or Disney World?
With my unyielding love for Disneyland not in question, here are just some of the things I loved most about Walt Disney World:
- Princesses for Everyone: With three daughters, princesses are of upmost importance. Walt Disney World not only has tons of characters to meet with advertised times and locations, they’ve got something special for each character. Love Rapunzel? You can go check out her tower! Belle’s your favorite? Have dinner in the Beast’s castle. If princesses aren’t really your thing, don’t fear. There are enough Storm Troopers for everyone.
- Magic Bands are Awesome: Whoever invented the Magic Band is a genius. A bracelet, similar in styling to a FitBit, serves as your hotel key, park admission, Fast Passes, photo pass, and also allows you to charge items to your room. I’m sure that these will make their way to Disneyland because it seriously is a huge convenience.
- All of my Childhood Favorites are Still There: Disneyland, ever changing, has done away with some serious gems. I get it, there’s only so much room. Yet, Walt Disney World has much more available space. You can’t imagine my glee at County Bear Jamboree or the People Mover. If only there were the Sky Buckets!
- The Size: You’ll see the size of Disneyland on a list of why I love it. It feels quaint and homey. So it may seem surprising that I also attribute size as a bonus to Walt Disney World. But it’s huge! Two days in the Magic Kingdom alone, and we barely scratched the surface of entertainment possibilities. Ohhh, the weeks, months, and years I could spend there!
- Seven Dwarves Mine Ride: To go back to #1, there’s something special for each of your favorite princesses. Since mine is Snow White, you can only imagine my excitement that the best ride ever is Snow White-themed. All the best stuff goes to Walt Disney World first! And I’m hoping, praying, and starting a letter writing campaign that we get this roller coaster through the mines where the dwarves whistled & worked. The waiting line is interactive with games and stuff to play with. The animatronics of the dwarves is spectacular. The ride itself is smooth, yet really makes you feel like you’re spiraling through the mine.
- Themed Restaurants: I say it all the time, but Disney is the Yummiest Place on Earth. I could live off of Dole Whip alone. The themed restaurants, especially the Be Our Guest restaurant, are incredible. Between incredible decor and perfectly themed cuisine, I was blown away time and time again.
You’d think that being more regular guests on a Disney property, Walt Disney World would have been pretty mundane for us. It was anything but that! It does not matter if it’s your first visit or fiftieth visit, if you’re visiting Disneyland or Disney World — the magic is there.
So the pressing question, Disneyland or Disney World? Disneyland will always have my heart, but Walt Disney World has captured my imagination.
Which resort is your favorite?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I have been to both a few times and I can say that hands down, Disney World is the better destination. No question.
Melanie says
My kids are of your same opinion. It can be polarizing!
Kimberly Grabinski says
Most kids would love to go to either Disneyland or Disney World. So it is really up to the parents to decide which one to go to. The kids will be happy either way.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My kids have experienced both and would pick DW any day. There is just so much more to do there 🙂
Carolyn says
Okay! Seriously! Best quote ever…”Disneyland will always have my heart…” I know that someday soon I will get to take my 3 boys to Disney World and you have got me really really excited about that! And full disclosure. I came really close to eating a sugar packet last weekend while Cooper was doing Jedi Training. Ha!
Melanie says
Ha! Could you imagine giving your boys packets of sugar to eat? What were we thinking? And how did all of our teeth not rot our of faces?
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
We’ve been to Disney World several times. Mainly because we live in Georgia, so it’s much closer. I’d love to see Disneyland one day.
Melanie says
Because I’m in California, I have so many memories of Disneyland. I think location has a lot to do with preference.
Jeanine says
I didn’t even know until recently they were two different things. Awful I know but I haven’t been to either. ONE Day!
Melanie says
You would love either! I hope you get to visit one soon.
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
I think Disneyland for small kids/family and Disneyworld for older kids/family. I love them both though!!
Melanie says
Ohh, that’s a great distinction. I could see how that would be true since there are more roller coaster type rides at Disney World.
Catherine S says
I go to Disney World a few times a year. Epcot is my favorite park. I would love to go to Disneyland one day.
Melanie says
We didn’t get a ton of time at Epcot. It seems like such a great place to show kids that learning is fun. I hope to be back soon.
Liz Mays says
I’ve been to Disney World many more times than I’ve been to Disneyland. I’ve been really impressed with recent additions at Disney World.
Melanie says
The attention to detail was always one of my favorite things about Disneyland. Disney World was just as impressive, especially the new Fantasyland.
Shasta says
I feel the exact same way. I love both. To me they are both very different even though they are so similar. I love Disneyland because it’s in Cali, my favorite state. I’ve only been once, but it’s what I always dreamed of when I was a child. Disney World on the other hand is much closer to me, and I’ve been about 6 times so I have made so many memories there. Either way… I love all things Disney!
Melanie says
Sounds like we are on the same page. I want to visit all of the parks at some point!
JanetGoingCrazy says
I’ve only been to Disney World, but I would love to visit Disneyland so I could compare!
Avry says
I’m a Disney land fan myself but I do believe there are pro’s and con’s to both!
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says
I have always wanted to go to Disney World. I have never been. I have been to Disneyland a couple times.
Heather says
Love your pictures!! I have never been to disney world and only to disney land once way to long ago. I’m hoping to take the teens this summer. If all goes as planned it will be disney world. 🙂 since it’s closer.
Kecia says
I don’t know if I could choose! I just visited Disneyland earlier this month, but haven’t been to Disney World since I was 15. We are taking our boys next year, so maybe then I can decide.
Candy o says
Gosh I don’t think I could choose either. I just recently went to Disneyland and have been to WDW a few times. They both have their charm. When I think of Disneyland I think of Walt Disney. 🙂
Debra says
I am a Disneyland lover through and through but I wouldn’t turn down Disney WOrld either. 😉
Kristi says
A toss up but I have been to Disneyworld more. Disney Land just once. All great memories though… so I think as long as memories are made either place is great!
Tracey says
I went to Disney World twice when I was a kid! I can’t wait to take my kids one day. I have yet to go to Disneyland but want to see it as well.
Michelle says
I’ve been to both, WDW as a child, and Disneyland about 15 years ago. I would love to take my son one day, but I think for him, Disneyland would be more fun. He’s a bit more laid back, and not into princesses 🙂 WDW would probably be overwhelming for him.
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says
Ive been to Disney World once and it was ok. I’m not obsessed with Disney like so many others. I’m afraid once we take the kids though they’ll catch the fever.
Mistee Dawn says
I have actually never been to either place, so sad! But I will be taking my daughter one day in the future!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I haven’t been to Disneyland so I would have to say Disney World.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I’m from LA, so Disneyland ALL THE WAY! 🙂
Liz Mays says
I’ve never been to Disneyland so Disney World is my fave! I think it would be anyhow because of the other parks. 🙂
Jeannette says
I’ve always gone to Disney World since it’s on my side of the country and have never actually been to Disneyland but I can’t imagine I would dislike either:-)
Kristin says
We’re Disney World passholders! It’s definitely the happiest place on Earth! Wouldn’t mind visiting Disneyland though!
Marina John says
I can imagine that would be a hard question to answer. I haven’t been to either so I’d gladly take either one!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
I have never been to either! I want to take my girls to Disneyland when they get older!
Debbie L. says
Disney World for us! We love it, we always find something new! Disney is the BEST!!!!!
Brandy says
I am always confused on Land vs World, I went to Disney world as a teen and it was fun. I do hope to take my trio there within the next two years, that’s the plan. I am going to save change and cash it in to a savings account to hopefully get there with them before they are grown adults!
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
I haven’t been to Disney World since I was nine. I live in L.A. – down the road from Disney Land. So I think it’s safe to say, I’m a little biased. lol
Paola says
Been do Disneyland once for a day and disneyworld three times for a week each. Going in October for the fourth time. Love them both but sooo much more to do in DW! We could just live there and never get bored…
Jacqui Odell says
I have never been to Disney World but it sure sounds like a great place and I know my kids would love it!
Danielle K says
I’ve been a DisneyWorld pass holder for a long time and I love it. Dying to visit DisneyLand so I can experience them both – I’m sure they’d both end up being my favorite as well 🙂