Disney theme parks are the ultimate family fun experience and a dream trip for many people. Both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida offer lots of Disney characters, great rides, outstanding food, and extensive shopping opportunities. However, just because they are similar, doesn’t mean they offer the exact same experience. Did you know about these 15 things you can do at Disneyland that you can’t do at Disney World?
Visit the Original Disney Theme Park
This might be obvious, but we have to admit that there is just something about experiencing the one and only original Disney Park. All the Disney properties are great, but it is cool to know you are walking where the founder walked. You can see his exact vision of a fun family theme park at Disneyland.
Check Out Walt Disney’s Apartment
Walt Disney himself had an apartment on Main Street, U.S.A. He first used it to oversee the development of his park and later brought his family there as a retreat once the park was complete. The light still glows in the window above the firehouse in his memory. The only way to visit the apartment is on Walt’s Main Street Story tour at Disneyland.
See Where Disneyland Was Born
The story goes that Walt Disney was inspired to build his first park while watching his kids on the carousel at Griffin Park in Los Angeles. The actual bench he was sitting on and the carousel horses his kids were riding are on display at Disneyland.
Walk Between the Parks
California Adventure is directly across from Disneyland, so you can easily walk from one park to the other. On the other hand, when visiting Disney World in Florida, the parks are spread out and not so easily traversed. You will want to catch a ride from one park to the another at Disney World.
See Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
Disney World has Cinderella’s Castle while Disneyland has Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Both are spectacular castles made for a princess, but many visitors think that Sleeping Beauty’s Castle has more charm with its bright pink colors and beautiful brickwork. Plus, you can walk inside to explore the story of Sleeping Beauty firsthand.
Tour the Princess’ Castle
When you visit Disneyland, you can tour Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. It is a short experience, but you get a chance to see the lovely stained glass windows on the inside of the castle and learn the Princess’ story firsthand.
Enjoy A Raspberry Rose Macaron
You can only get this Mickey macaron at Disneyland. It has an airy macaron shell filled with a delectable raspberry mousse filling. They are only available at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Main Street. Make sure to grab one early — they are super popular and sell out quickly!
Get the Whole Experience In a Weekend
Disneyland is, simply put, not as large and sprawling as Disney World. With only two parks to visit, you can see and do most things that you have on your “must-do” list in a single weekend. This also makes Disneyland a better choice for families with small children who might be overwhelmed by the larger park.
Go to Toontown
Toontown may take a hit from visitors for having fewer rides and longer lines, but it is a great place for kids to enjoy themselves. You can also meet all of your favorite characters for photo ops at their homes here. It just doesn’t get much cuter than that!
Stroll Down Pixar Pier
Pixar Pier brings California’s long-lost Victorian Boardwalks back to life and fills them with all the Pixar-themed elements that you love. Grab a treat from Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums, ride the Incredicoaster, and mingle with all of your favorite Toy Story characters at this California Adventure specialty.
Visit Cars Land
Cars Land lets you get lost in the world of racing with Lightning McQueen, Mater, and their crew. Dance at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, grab a bite at Cozy Cone Motel or Fillmore’s Taste-In, or shop at Ramone’s House of Body Art. There’s no shortage of family fun here!
Go to Avengers Campus
If you are a Marvel fan then you won’t want to miss this! Avengers Campus includes Avengers Headquarters, the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, and Spider-Man appearances to give you the ultimate superhero experience. You can also check out restaurants like Pym Test Kitchen and Shawarma Palace or shop at The Collector’s Warehouse, Avengers Vault, and more.
Enjoy Great Weather
We hate to be biased here, but the weather in Anaheim, California is more pleasant and more stable than the weather in Orlando, Florida. Disney World can get really hot and humid in the summer months and the state experiences its fair share of rain. Additionally, the Florida coast is more likely to have extreme weather events like hurricanes.
Eat at Napa Rose
Napa Rose is a West Coast gem. Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Napa Rose serves seasonal foods. Their menu is inspired by Northern California’s wine country. You won’t taste anything like this anywhere else in the world, or at any other Disney park.
Paddle a Canoe Like Davey Crockett
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes is an experience found only at Disneyland. You can paddle the canoes from Critter Country around the Rivers of America. The ride allows for around twenty guests and has two guides for your safety.
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