Travel
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the Difference Between Disney World and Disneyland?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

American cartoonist Walt Disney’s vision and creativity established a cartoon dynasty, beginning in the early to middle part of the 20th century. This dynasty culminated in the development of Disneyland, America’s first theme park, in Anaheim, California. Disney opened the park in 1955, and it became an immediate success. He was not satisfied, however, and decided to develop yet another theme park, this one much larger and far more ambitious. While the basic difference between Disney World and Disneyland is location — Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California, while Disney World is located outside Orlando, Florida — the greater differences between the two parks range anywhere from creative vision to day-to-day operations.

The two parks are based on similar ideas: providing the general public with an escape from reality, a place where imagination reigns supreme. It was with this vision that Walt Disney conceived the idea of Disneyland. After the theme park was built, however, he realized a fundamental problem in the park’s design when he spotted a cowboy from one section of the park wandering through the futuristic Tomorrowland. It ruined the fantasy for Disney, and so he resolved to build another park, one that solved the problems of the original.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California.
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California.

One of the fundamental differences between Disney World and Disneyland is in the park’s day-to-day operations. Disney World was designed to avoid the problem of characters from one setting walking through another: a series of tunnels was built beneath the park, allowing workers to move from one area to another without being spotted by guests. This prevents mix-ups that might take visitors out of the fantastic world.

Disney World and Disneyland both share Walt Disney’s creativity and imagination, but Disney himself only saw Disneyland come to fruition. He died before construction on Disney World had even begun, and his brother, Roy, took charge to see that the park got built. While the parks both share Disney’s vision, Disney World is far larger and contains many more elements. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, and MGM Studios are all part of the Florida complex, while Disneyland is far smaller and encompasses far fewer distinct sections. Disney World is billed as a collection of parks and resort, while Disneyland is billed as a much smaller park.

Discussion Comments

Sunny27

Cupcake15- I love Disney World and I have also enjoyed a Disney cruise myself. I just want to add that part of the Disney experience is staying at a Walt Disney World Hotel.

The hotels offer world class accommodations that continue the Disney theme throughout.

The biggest advantage to staying at a Walt Disney hotel is the proximity that the Disney hotels are to the park and the shuttle service that all of the Disney parks have from their hotels.

This means you don’t have to drive to another park or to your hotel. You simply just take the bus that corresponds with your destination.

Another small advantage is if you are staying at a Disney Hotel, and you purchase something at one of the parks you do not have to carry the merchandise around. Guest services will deliver the merchandise to your hotel room for you.

cupcake15

Walt Disney World is in Orlando Florida. The park originally only had Magic Kingdom, but additional parks followed. Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom were later added.

Many visiting the Disney World parks take advantage of the Disney World vacation package that includes a few days in the park followed by a cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney cruise line. It is really a nice way to end a fun-filled vacation.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California.
      By: malachy120
      Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California.