Known as the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ and where magic happens daily, both Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, offer their own unique experience and offering. Here is a quick comparison of the two to help you decide.
Disneyland – Anaheim, California
Approximately a one hour drive from Los Angeles. will find you at the original Disneyland park and the only one built under the watchful eye of Mr. Walt Disney himself. Opened on July 18, 1955, here you will find everything you have ever dreamed of what Disney may be, and then some.
Discover everything from the famed Disney Castle (which was modelled after Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, by King Ludwig, a must see also) to all your favourite Disney characters and rides.
In total there are two separate theme parks, three hotels plus an entertainment and shopping district spanning hundreds of acres. The rides are more classic theme park rides – think Tea Cup, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. The original, and often argued, the best.
Overall this park is well suited to families of all ages and anyone with young children wanting to experience the original Magic Kingdom will be sure to enjoy.
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Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida
This is a theme park of epic proportions! On arrival to Walt Disney World, its easy to see why this is the most visited theme park in the world. Spanning over 30,000 acres, you will find four Disney theme parks; Magic Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot Centre and Disney Animal Kingdom, plus five golf courses, two water parks and no less than 23 hotels housed within the complex.
This is not a place to visit for one day. In fact you will easily require an exhausting 7-14 days to fully experience all these worlds. Available are all the traditional Disney rides, plus an array of thrill rides, roller coasters and much more.
Naturally suited for families and younger children, this really is also a teenager or young adults ultimate playground. Orlando organically has sunshine most year round and easily accessed by many airlines.
While in Orlando, hire a car and drive yourself to the Kennedy Space Station in Cape Canaveral and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of space travel.
Our top Disney tips
A visit to any Disney theme park is a marathon, not a sprint. So here are some helpful hints and tips to ensure you get the best out of each day.
- Wear comfortable shoes – you will be doing a lot of walking, literally miles!
- FASTPASS – Consider the FASTPASS option, for an extra fee on top of your entry ticket, which will hold your place in line for popular rides. Never stand in line again!
- Character Dining – a must-do for the younger children. Enjoy breakfast with their favourite characters for a great family start to the day
- Ultimate souvenir? Mickey Mouse ears – with over 84-million sold since 1955 it’s a must-have
- Park Map – get a plan together and map out the day between morning, afternoon and evening, with breaks in-between.
- Monorail – enjoy a scenic view while simultaneously saving your feet
- Pack your patience – especially during busy weekend and holiday periods. Generally lines pass reasonable quick, with entertainment and markers to indicate the approximate wait time.
Purchase your Disney theme park tickets here.
Other Disney theme parks around the world include Disney Tokyo, Disney Hong Kong, Disney Paris and Disney Shanghai.
