What's the Difference Between Disneyland and Disney World?

Disneyland is the original theme park, Magic Kingdom and is in California. DisneyWorld is in Orlando and has four theme parks- Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and World Showcase, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There would be a lot more options of things to do at DisneyWorld- Hollywood Studios has an American Idol show (you can audition or just participate and vote as an audience member. There is a free class on how to draw the Disney characters and a show that talks about how they do special effects. There are lots of shows and entertainment throughout the park. EPCOT has a lot of educational exhibits and low key rides --Nemo themed and the living seas (with a huge aquarium and other other exhibits (manatees, etc) and a funny comedy show with Crush, the turtle in Nemo. There are lots of other things to do there besides rides. Check into some of the backstage tours -- there is an extra fee, but many are a lot of fun if that is an interest to you) At the back of EPCOT, there is World showcase - 11 ( i believe) countries have permanent exhibits and you can walk around the world and sample the food, the culture, the entertainment and the history of those countries in a fun and educational way. There are many things to do at Animal Kingdom -- lots of shows, animal viewing, and a whole educational section and some rides that might be acceptable. The Magic Kingdom is the original theme park with Cinderella's castle. There are lots of different activities in each area of the park and there are many rides and activities that you would enjoy. In order to prepare and plan for your visit, you can order a free Disney planning guide (CD's) which has a lot of information on planning your trip. Consider staying at one of their resorts. They provide transportation to all the attractions and have all different prices of hotels (luxury to value priced). Also you may want to buy a Park Hopper ticket so that you can go to more than one park a day. You will need to plan to spend several days there to see everything. Also, if you are stressed out by flying, what about checking into a train to Orlando??? Have a wonderful time on your trip.

6 moms found this helpful

I wouldn't recommend Disneyland (my fav)... but Disneyworld has a LOT that can be done with a heart condition (it's where most med kids, even from this coast head to).

- Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bi... to get a princess makeover

- Princess Breakfast

- Wonderland Tea Party

- Dolphins in Depth http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/do...

- YES! http://www.disneyyouth.com/youth-education-series/ this is an amazing program in both parks with classes that range from 'lights and magic', physics of rollercoasters, leadership, acting... tons and tons of behind the scenes and learning opportunities

- Cirque du Soleil http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-di...

These are just the ones *I* know about. There is a Special Needs dept/representatives at both parks that can help you plan your vacation ahead of time.

4 moms found this helpful

its the difference in size between the state of Rhode island and the state of Texas lol. Disneyland is fun but Disney world is fantastic. but if your only going for a day Disneyland will be bid enough if you have a week go do Disney world . Disney world has shows, and interactive stuff only one or 2 rides per park (Disney world has 4 parks inside it along with 3 water parks and downtown Disney) I love disney for just that reason. My kids love the rides but there are so m any shows and things to see.

3 moms found this helpful

My dad lived close enough to Disneyland that we could see the fireworks all the time, so I've been there a number of times. Disneyworld has always been my favorite, and where I'll bring my family all the time. I like the bigger size, the other parks, the tons of OPTIONS. It's almost like they made one, then thought "Ok, that was awesome.....now how would we build it if we knew then what we know now"....and there's Disneyworld.

3 moms found this helpful

Well, Disney World (in Orlando) definitely has more to do than DisneyLand (in Anaheim). Since you have a get a plane either way, I'd probably do Disney World.

Disney Wold has the Magic Kingdom which is pretty much just like Disney Land in California, but also has the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot Center. There is lots of non scary stuff either way you go, but you have more variety of choices in Orlando.

Hope this helps.

T.

3 moms found this helpful

About $2500....... LOL. Disneyworld is the place to go if your budget allows it. Don't go to Disneyworld and expect to stay less than a week, especially if it's your first visit. We stayed for 7 days last December and ran out of time. Good luck and have fun!

2 moms found this helpful

Riley, thanks for posting about the dolphins. I went to Disney and didn't even know they had it. The only thing is you have to be 13. We are going to go back just to do the dolphins and Discovery Cove again.

2 moms found this helpful

No question about it. Disney World is the place to go with a 11 year old.

FYI, I have chronic Vertigo and never have a problem with flying, it is the walking on a flat surface, I have problems with.. Or sitting still.... Fior some reason the planes movement seems to calm my vertigo..

Are you on any Beta Blockers for your vertigo? I take one every day and it has been a llfe saver for me. I have been taking it now for over 25 years.

2 moms found this helpful

Disneyland is in California. It's the "original" theme park.

Disneyworld is in Florida - has EPCOT Center and is bigger than DisneyLand.

My best friend has taken her kids and grandkids to both - all preferred Disneyworld - much more to do - more to see and such.

You can take a train to either place I believe - so you can avoid flying.
If your daughter has a heart condition - she can do EPCOT center - which doesn't have rides. The idea of theme park rides is to get one's heart rate up. So you might be spending a lot of money to walk around a park.

Call a travel agent. Tell them what you have told us and get recommendations from them as well.

1 mom found this helpful

I have never been to Disneyworld, but there is a ton of other stuff to do there. Besides the main park (Magic Kingdom), there are several other parks/attractions, such as Epcot, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom, Harry Potter World and many, many more. I have always heard that it's pretty much impossible to do it all in one vacation. It can also get very expensive.

I live 20 minutes away from Disneyland and have an annual pass. I love it. You can do the majority of the park in one day, especially if you're skipping the roller coasters. Right across the main entry plaza is California Adventure, a smaller park with fewer rides and several shows.

Both parks have opportunities to dine with the characters (not sure if she's too old for that to be fun), fireworks shows, lots of shopping, etc.

If you choose Disneyland, there is a ton of other great stuff nearby too. You are within 30 minutes of the beach, a water park (if you go in summer), great children's museums, shopping, and more. You're also about an hour away from Legoland and Universal Studios (in opposite directions of each other) and about 1.5 hours from The San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Sea World.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either one.