Disneyland vs. Disney World: What First-Time Visitors Need to Know (2025 Edition)
By Jenn Mueller, Disney Vacation Travel Specialist
If you’re planning your very first Disney vacation, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is:
“Should we go to Disneyland or Disney World?”
They may both carry the Disney name, but the experiences are surprisingly different—and choosing the right one for your family can really shape the kind of vacation you have. As a Canadian travel advisor who specializes in Disney vacations, I work with families every week who are overwhelmed trying to decide which destination is the best fit. So, here’s a clear, updated guide to help you figure it out.
Location & Layout
Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California. It’s the original park that Walt Disney opened in 1955, and includes two theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure—along with three Disney-owned hotels and lots of nearby off-site options.
The best part? Everything at Disneyland is super walkable. You can go from one park to the other in just a few minutes, and many hotels are right across the street. You don’t need to rely on buses, shuttles, or monorails to get around. It’s ideal for families who want a simpler, more manageable experience.
Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is much larger—like, city-sized. It has four parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, over 30 Disney-owned resorts, golf courses, shopping districts, and more.
Because of the size, it takes more time and planning to navigate. You’ll rely on internal Disney transportation like buses, monorails, and the Skyliner gondola system. For some families, that extra scale and adventure is a plus—but for others, it can feel overwhelming.
What’s New in 2025
Disney is always evolving, and both resorts have some exciting updates this year.
At Disneyland, 2025 is a special year as the resort celebrates its 70th Anniversary. The Wondrous Journeys fireworks show has returned, and a brand-new stage show, Walt Disney: A Magical Life, recently debuted at the Main Street Opera House. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the reimagined version of Splash Mountain, is now open, and fan-favorite nighttime spectacular Paint the Night Parade has officially returned—bringing back its high-energy music and dazzling illuminated floats. Over at California Adventure, guests can now enjoy the newest version of the nighttime water show, World of Color – One: Happiness, celebrating joy, unity, and iconic Disney storytelling in a reimagined, emotional way.
Over at Disney World, there’s also a lot happening. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom in mid-2024, and the highly anticipated Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT is scheduled to open in July 2025 with an updated design and story. A brand new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, is debuting this summer, and a new Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park is under construction at Magic Kingdom—replacing areas around Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat.
Park Experience & Travel Style
So, how do you choose between them?
Disneyland is a great choice if:
You’re looking for a shorter, 3–5 day trip
You want everything within walking distance
You prefer a less overwhelming planning process
You’re traveling with younger kids
Marvel & Cars is high on your list (Avengers Campus & Radiator Springs is only at Disney California Adventure)
Disney World is a great choice if:
You’re planning a longer vacation (5+ days)
You want a full resort experience with lots of variety
You’re excited to explore four unique theme parks
You enjoy the idea of dining, shopping, and entertainment built into your hotel stay
You’re interested in more expansive theming and a “go big” experience
Final Thoughts
Both Disneyland and Disney World are magical—but they offer very different types of vacations. Disneyland is more relaxed and straightforward, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want something simple but full of charm. Disney World is grander and more immersive, but also requires more prep, time, and energy.
If you're still not sure which one fits your family best, that’s where I come in! I help you navigate the decision-making, book your vacation with care, and make sure you walk into the parks feeling confident and ready—not confused and overwhelmed.
Have questions? I’d love to help. Whether you’re thinking Disneyland, Disney World, or even Disney Cruise, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Warmly,
Jenn Mueller
Disney Travel Specialist & Owner of Spoonful of Magic Travel
📧 jennifer@spoonfulofmagictravel.ca
🌐 www.spoonfulofmagictravel.ca/jenn-mueller
Credit: Jenn Mueller, Spoonful of Magic Travel
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