Why Disney World Fans Need to Visit Disneyland at Least Once
While there are quite a few similarities between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, the two are not equal. Even if you are a huge Disney World fan, here’s why you need to go on a Disneyland vacation at least once, beyond the obvious attractions and shows that are unique to Disneyland.
The History
Disneyland is the original Disney theme park, the one that Walt built. As you walk around the park, you can’t help but admire that Walt once walked around that very same park and certainly left his mark there. Even to this day, you can still spot Walt Disney’s apartment above the Town Square Fire Station along Main Street, U.S.A where he used to work and rest while the park was still being completed. That kind of history adds to the feeling that Disneyland just has this special quality.
The Smaller Footprint
Frequent visitors to Disney World are used to walking thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) of steps per day and navigating various forms of transportation to get around to the different theme parks and resorts. However, with Disneyland Resort being much smaller, everything is in closer proximity. You could literally hop your way between Disneyland Theme Park and Disney California Adventure. Even Downtown Disney, the West Coast equivalent to Disney Springs, is steps away from the Disneyland Hotel.
For families traveling with strollers, Disneyland can feel easier to navigate since you’re not regularly collapsing your stroller to board buses.
The Special Holiday Overlays
Although Disney World has a few holiday overlays, such as the Jingle Cruise or the special lighting effects for the Mad Tea Party and Space Mountain that are exclusive to the holiday parties, Disneyland takes overlays to another level with Haunted Mansion Holiday featuring Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and “it’s a small world” Holiday with its holiday decor and soundtrack.
Disney California Adventure also has some fun Halloween and Christmas overlays for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout (Monsters After Dark), Tow Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree), and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (Luigi’s Honkin’ Howl-O’Ween and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl).
These overlays are accessible to guests during normal park hours, not just during ticketed events.
More Spontaneity
There is so much planning that goes into preparing for a Disney World vacation. While the planning process is somewhat similar for Disneyland, Disneyland lends itself to more spontaneity. Characters that roam the parks instead of hosting formal meet and greets lead to some magical and memorable moments. Better quick service dining options decrease the need for advanced dining reservations, which helps families lead less structured days. All of this is to say that Disneyland can be easier to enjoy without as much planning.
Book a stay at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel or the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel for your next Disneyland vacation! Browse the confirmed reservations, or request a free quote to rent DVC points and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney.
