When it comes to Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney World [1] has the upper hand over Disneyland [2]. While I might be a little biased, as Walt Disney World is my home park and I've been an annual pass holder for more than 20 years, there really is something special about seeing Walt's vision come to life all over Orlando, Florida. Yes, Disneyland is the original [3] and has a ton of nostalgia, and they even have better churro options [4], but there's just something special about Walt Disney World and seeing Walt's vision carried out in such an immersive way.
So, do you want to know why Walt Disney World is better than Disneyland? Read through to see.
Cinderella Castle
While Disneyland has Sleeping Beauty Castle, Walt Disney World has Cinderella Castle, which towers over Magic Kingdom at 189 feet tall.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Is Better
While the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction at Disneyland has a big show ending, Walt Disney World's is bigger and gives better views of the park.
Space Mountain With the Lights On
Only at Walt Disney World can you see Space Mountain with the lights on! This is because another attraction, The People Mover, goes right through Space Mountain. If you ever see Space Mountain is temporarily closed, be sure to hop on The People Mover.
A Better Space Mountain
Walt Disney World's Space Mountain is much better than Disneyland's, with more drops and two tracks, so more guests can experience the attraction at one time.
The People Mover
The views from The People Mover attraction are amazing! The journey takes you through Tomorrowland and up by the castle hub and Main Street, U.S.A.
Corn Dog Nuggets
Forget Corn Dog Castle at Disney California Adventure: Casey's Corner at Magic Kingdom is where the real corn dog star is at. Corn dog nuggets are a delightful little snack [5] while you tour the park.
Princess Fairytale Hall
Imagine meeting two princesses while waiting in one air-conditioned line! That's exactly what happens at Princess Fairytale Hall. Guests can meet Rapunzel and Tiana in one line, and Cinderella and Elena of Avalor in the other line.
Happily Ever After
Recently, Walt Disney World debuted a new nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After, and it is a must see!
Eating Inside Cinderella Castle
While there is a walk-through attraction for Sleeping Beauty Castle, guests can actually dine inside Cinderella Castle [6]!
Hollywood Studios
At Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios might be going through some projects and growing right now, but the future is bright with two new attractions and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge [7] opening next year.
March of the First Order
A few times a day at Hollywood Studios, Captain Phasma leads her Stormtroopers on the March of the First Order through the park.
Tower of Terror
Walt Disney World still has one of the best themed attractions, Tower of Terror, while Disneyland's Tower was recently transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land [8] opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in June 2018 and has been an instant success with guests!
Epcot
Walt Disney World hosts four parks, one of them being Epcot, Walt's vision for a community of tomorrow!
Festival of the Arts
Over at Epcot every January, the International Festival of the Arts takes place around World Showcase, and it's amazing! With interactive exhibits and lots of tasty treats, this is one of the best events of the year at Walt Disney World.
World Showcase
Speaking of World Showcase, Epcot is home to 11 different country pavilions where guests can learn about and explore different cultures, with cast members coming from around the world to represent their home countries.
The Land Pavilion
One of the most underrated pavilions to ever be created is The Land at Epcot. This pavilion in Future World houses two attractions, Living With the Land and Saorin' Over the World.
Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival
During the Fall, Epcot brings in quite a few new food booths for the International Food and Wine Festival, which means drinking around the world just got a lot more interesting.
Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival
Each Spring, Epcot explodes in colorful blooms for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! This festival is the perfect way to spend a sunny Spring day at Walt Disney World.
The Tree of Life
Walt Disney World's fourth theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom, boasts its park icon The Tree of Life. Guests can walk around the tree base to see all of the detailed carvings and even go inside to catch a 3D show, "It's Tough to Be a Bug."
runDisney
Walt Disney World still hosts runDisney events [9] each year, where guests can run through parks and around the Walt Disney World property.
Take a Real Safari
Only at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park can you take a real African safari and see animals come right up to your truck!
Expedition Everest
Forget the Matterhorn and its yeti. Expedition Everest is a much more thrilling attraction with an even scarier yeti!
Dinosaur
With the same track system on both Indiana Jones Adventure and Dinosaur, it's hard to choose a better attraction, but Dinosaur is it! The use of space is better, and let's be honest, everyone loves dinosaurs.
Pandora — The World of Avatar
No other land at Walt Disney World or Disneyland is as immersive or detailed as Pandora — The World of Avatar [10]! With two attractions and a restaurant, it is a destination land on vacation.
Pandora — The World of Avatar at Night
Pandora — The World of Avatar comes to life at night, leaving Cars Land in its dust.
Rivers of Light
At Disney's Animal Kingdom you do not want to miss Rivers of Light, which combines storytelling with a beautiful water pageant. This show is way better than World of Color and doesn't get canceled as often!
Rooftop Views
There are few places to enjoy Disneyland from above, but there are quite a few at Walt Disney World, including from the top of The Contemporary Resort [11] overlooking Magic Kingdom.
Blessing of Space
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure put together would still be smaller than the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Walt Disney World has the blessing of space, taking up a piece of land that's about the size of San Francisco.
Instagram Walls
Yes, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have Instagram-famous walls [12], but the most famous of all belongs to Walt Disney World at the Purple Wall, along the way to Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.
The Disney Bubble
What Disneyland lacks is a true Disney bubble, where you are truly taken away from the outside world for the duration of your vacation. Walt Disney World offers that to guests staying at one of their on-site resorts.