If Disneyland feels magical, and entering a world of Walt Disney history, then Disney World feels like an entire vacation. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are so compact, that at minimum you could do two parks in two days. Disney World has multiple resorts, four different parks, water parks, transportation systems, and in my opinion required rest days. Disney World needs a little more preparation, but you still do not need to plan every minute out.
For the parks, Magic Kingdom gives you more of the traditional Disneyland feel with the more classic rides, fairytales, and classic Disney feel to the park. EPCOT is definitely more for the adults, with a couple amazing rides, ones you won’t find in Anaheim. And the park is designed for festivals, culture, food, and alcohol. Most commonly known for the drinking around the world challenge, which I have yet to complete, kudos to those who have. Hollywood Studios gives me similar vibes to Disney California Adventure in my opinion and is super immersive. Animal Kingdom blends gorgeous attractions with wildlife adventures, this park closes early, but is definitely more of a relaxing park to enjoy. And could be a perfect day to enjoy a park hopper and see some attractions at other parks you have missed, or what I recommend, resort hop or view the fireworks on a pontoon boat with a Disney Cast Member.
While I didn’t touch on Downtown Disney in my last blog, the equivalent in Florida is Disney Springs, which is a whole immersive adventure in itself. Multiple shops, small attractions, restaurants, we always spend our first evening wandering around and relaxing.
For hotel stays, most every hotel you pick will be a part of Disney for this vacation. I have only ever stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, and Animal Kingdom. Port Orleans Riverside is quaint, quiet, and has a nice pool area and plenty to explore. A quick trip on their ferry gets you to Port Orleans French Quarter, and Disney Springs. You can also walk to the French Quarter, take bikes, or a carriage ride. From Port Orleans you are required to take a Disney bus to the parks in the morning, but they are on a quick rotation, and we have never had any issues. Port Orleans is also much more affordable than other destinations.
For Animal Kingdom this was an experience in itself, from waking up to seeing the animals from your room, to the activities the hotel provided. The only downfall, we needed more days to the trip just to enjoy the hotel itself as most of the time we were in the parks. Animal Kingdom also requires you to take a bus from the hotel, and again it was seamless. However, this is one of the more expensive hotels you will find in Disney World.
Hotel stays will make or break your trip. Do you want the hotel as an experience, do you want to camp at Disney, is direct transportation like a skyliner or monorail important to you? All of these needs can be met with various different hotel stays on property, for us we know we don’t spend a lot of time at the hotel so we need a clean room, and a nice pool area if we need a break.
I know with 4 parks, and all the extra activities, you will want to make the most of your time. Doing this though runs the risk of overplanning, and missing out on the memories that naturally happen, and know you just can’t get to everything. With each park I would encourage you to prioritize a couple of must do rides, and food options. For me I feel like Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are so similar to Anaheim that I prioritize what Animal Kingdom and EPCOT have to offer. I always look at what festival EPCOT may be having and plan a lot of my must have food options in that park. If you are a big Toy Story fan, and love BBQ, I would recommend Woody’s Lunch Box for food. Just be prepared to freeze if Andy comes looking for you! For rides Slinky Dog, Guardians of the Galaxy, Ratatouille, Everest, Pandora and the Tower of Terror are currently my top must do rides as they are so different from what is in Anaheim. If you are a big Haunted Mansion person or Pirates of the Caribbean make sure you check them both out to see the differences.
Transportation itself is part of the adventure at Disney World, take the Monorail and stop at all the resorts it drops you off at, maybe you will find your new favorite restaurant or your next place you want to stay! Need a break from drinking around the world at EPCOT? Jump onto the Skyliner and ride over to Hollywood Studios, it is a fun way to see the park and get off your feet for a bit. And the ferry rides are another recommendation that you can find all over Walt Disney World.
Where Disney World really separates from other parks is the experiences and food. While Tokyo Disney is known for its food, the festivals and specialties that EPCOT provides are spectacular. Especially if you are a foodie! All the resorts also have amazing dining options if you are looking for something outside of the parks. Disney Springs is also an amazing option for dining, and it has a Joffrey’s storefront that you cannot miss. You will not go hungry on this trip, they are also absolutely amazing when it comes to food allergies for anyone who may have allergies, autoimmune constraints, or other concerns.
Unless you are blessed and live close to Orlando, FL. Disney World is for those that want a much larger adventure, a longer vacation, and a bit more planning. I would say Disney World definitely fits an adults-only trip a little better than Disneyland, but to me Disneyland is much more magical and will always be my top pick for a park visit. But stay with me as I take you around the world to Tokyo next week!
That said, let’s settle the debate, Disney World or Disneyland?
Leave a Reply