Uh oh! We don't support IE due to its failure to integrate new web standards.
For the best browsing experience, please use

More Info →

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search
MENUMENU
  • Crowd Calendars
        • January Crowd Calendar
        • February Crowd Calendar
        • March Crowd Calendar
        • April Crowd Calendar
        • May Crowd Calendar
        • June Crowd Calendar
        • July Crowd Calendar
        • August Crowd Calendar
        • September Crowd Calendar
        • October Crowd Calendar
        • November Crowd Calendar
        • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
        • Magic Kingdom
        • Epcot
        • Disney World Tickets
        • Hollywood Studios
        • Slinky Dog Dash
        • Animal Kingdom
        • Typhoon Lagoon
        • Blizzard Beach
        • Disney Springs
        • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Resorts
        • On-Site
        • Off-Site
        • Disney World Value Resorts
        • Disney World Moderate Resorts
        • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
        • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
        • Dining Basics
        • Disney World Dining Plan Satuli Canteen
        • Disney Dining Plan
        • Animal Kingdom Disney World Dining Plan
        • Our top Table Service restaurants
        • Our top Quick Service restaurants
        • Guide to all Disney World character meals
        • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
        • 6 Step Planning Process
        • Disney binder planning workskeet
        • Planning Basics
        • Big Thunder Mountain exterior
        • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
        • Disney Movie Magic
        • Trip Planning for Families
        • Special Needs
        • Money and Shopping
        • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
        • Mask tips for Disney World trips
        • Cast Member with a mask
        • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
        • Disney Park Pass choose day
        • Where to find characters right now
        • Joy
        • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
        • How to tour Disney World right now
        • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
        • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
        • Choosing when to visit in 2021
        • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
        • How transportation works now
  • Mobile
      • Podcast
      • Become a WDW Prep Patron
      • About
      • Get a Quote
      • Things We Recommend
      • Contact
      • Search

Complete guide to Disneyland (with comparisons to Disney World)

WDW Prep School → Complete guide to Disneyland (with comparisons to Disney World)
  • Shannon Albert
Share on pinterest
PIN
Share on facebook
FB
Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland
  • Resorts Main
    • Values
    • Moderates
    • Deluxes
    • Villas
    • Offsite
  • Dining Main
    • Dining Plan
    • Our Top Picks
    • Dining Tips
  • Planning and Tips
    • Basics
    • Families
    • News
    • Money/Shopping
    • Special Needs
    • Projects/Downloadables
  • Epcot
    • Attractions
    • Touring
    • Dining
    • Special Events
  • Animal Kingdom
    • Attractions
    • Touring
    • Special Events
  • Hollywood Studios
    • Attractions
    • Touring
    • Dining
    • Special Events
  • Magic Kingdom
    • Attractions
    • Touring
    • FastPass
    • Dining
    • Special Events
  • 2021 Planner
    • Relaxation Stations
    • 13 ways planning has changed
    • Mask tips
    • Budgeting for food
    • Park Pass System
    • When to go in 2021
    • Where to find characters
    • Outdoor dining options
    • How transportation works now
    • Touring
  • DCL MAIN
    • Ships
    • Ports
  • Ships Main
    • Wonder
    • Magic
    • Fantasy
    • Dream
  • Wonder Main
    • Staterooms
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
    • Youth clubs and childcare
    • Amenities and Recreation
  • Magic Main
    • Staterooms
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
    • Youth clubs and childcare
    • Amenities and Recreation
  • Fantasy Main
    • Staterooms
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
    • Youth clubs and childcare
    • Amenities and Recreation
  • Dream Main
    • Staterooms
    • Dining
    • Entertainment
    • Youth clubs and childcare
    • Amenities and Recreation

Though this site began as a Disney World site, we visit Disneyland often and would like to convert as many Disney World fans into being Disneyland fans as we can.

Here’s an overview of Disneyland (with many comparisons to Disney World as a reference) with lots of links to help you through the planning process. 

Ready to get started planning your dream Disneyland vacation?

Let’s go!

In this article (click for table of contents)

  • Update:
  • What is at Disneyland Resort?
    • Disneyland Park
    • California Adventure
    • Downtown Disney
    • Disneyland Resort Hotels
  • How big is Disneyland compared to Disney World?
  • Weather at Disneyland
  • Disneyland vs. Disney World
  • How to plan a Disneyland trip
    • Step 1: Pick your dates
    • Step 2: Decide where to stay
    • Step 3: Make a daily plan
    • Step 4: Plan your dining
    • Step 5: Create touring plans
    • Step 6: Add extra magic
  • Get the Disneyland app
  • Disneyland Transportation
  • What height requirements are there for Disneyland rides?
  • How do Disneyland tickets work?
  • Does Disneyland use PhotoPass?
  • Packing for a Disneyland Trip
  • Consider an Adventures by Disney Disneyland trip

Update:

After temporarily closing in March, Disneyland is in the process of reopening.

On June 10, Disney announced three sets of proposed reopening dates. But, all that changed on June 24, when Disney announced that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure’s original proposed reopening date of July 17 has been delayed. (This date was never officially approved by local and state officials.)

According to Disney, “The State of California has now indicated that it will not issue theme park reopening guidelines until sometime after July 4,” meaning the reopening must be delayed.

This also means Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel also won’t reopen as scheduled on July 23. But, Downtown Disney will still reopen on July 9. 

There are certainly many changes guests will also have to get used to when the parks and resorts do reopen. The reopening will come in phases and there will be limited capacity, entertainment, experiences, dining, and more. Plus, health and safety measures are being put in place. 

But, that doesn’t mean visiting Disneyland won’t be magical. Like Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, “As one of the first major theme parks to close our operations and the last to reopen, we have been deliberate about keeping the health and safety of our cast, guests and local communities top of mind. And as we look forward to bringing our cast members back to work, and welcoming you back as cherished guests – we know it will take all of us working together responsibly to recapture the magic.”

We’re keeping track of Disneyland’s reopening, so be sure to follow along. And with that, here’s your complete guide to the Disneyland Resort.

What is at Disneyland Resort?

Disneyland Resort is made up of 2 parks (Disneyland Park and California Adventure), Downtown Disney (not called Disney Springs there!), and 3 onsite resorts. 

Disneyland Park

The original castle park. Sigh. 

It’s an overused word but we’re going to say it anyway: charming. 

It can feel disorienting to be there if you know Magic Kingdom because some spots feel so familiar, but some things (like New Orleans Square) are distinctly Disneyland. 

And then there’s the part where it’s full of history, including Walt’s apartment. 

Find out more about Disneyland Park.

California Adventure

The newer of the 2 parks, California Adventure feels a bit like being at Hollywood Studios and a bit like being somewhere completely unique.

The most popular section is Cars Land (one of the most immersive theme park sections ever created), but there’s also Pixar Pier, a 1-hour Frozen musical, World of Color (one of the best nighttime shows Disney has ever done), and so much more.

Find out more about Disney California Adventure.

Downtown Disney

View of Downtown Disney from Disneyland Hotel

View of Downtown Disney from Disneyland Hotel Club Lounge

Though Downtown Disney at Disney World changed its name to Disney Springs, it’s still called Downtown Disney at Disneyland.

This shopping and dining area runs down the middle of Disneyland and kind of connects the hotels and parks. 

With California weather being so nice most of the time, it can be a lovely place to sit on a patio having a drink and a meal. 

Learn more about all you can see (and do!) at Downtown Disney.

Disneyland Resort Hotels

Disneyland Hotel - Adventure Tower

There are 3 onsite resorts at Disneyland: Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, and Paradise Pier.

All 3 are within easy walking distance to the parks. 

There are also lots and lots of offsite resorts nearby that will take you out of the Disney bubble, but are very convenient and affordable.

Get the pros and cons of onsite and offsite Disneyland hotel options.

How big is Disneyland compared to Disney World?

At 510 acres, Disneyland is dwarfed by Disney World’s 27,000 acre size.  

Don’t let the small size fool you though. Disneyland manages to pack in a surprising number of attractions in its small space. 

The compact size also means that navigating between the 2 parks is super easy – they’re just steps away from each other, making it quick to park hop. 

Weather at Disneyland

Ahhhh, one of the best parts of being at Disneyland is the (usually) incredible weather.

With moderate temps most of the year and very little rain, you can leave your ponchos and cooling towels at home.

Disneyland average weather

Image from Weather.com

In fact, it’s not uncommon to need a sweater in the morning and evening in the summer. 

Watch out for the fall weather though. While much of the country starts to get cool, Anaheim often has warm days into October. 

Disneyland vs. Disney World

Though it’s tempting to think Disneyland will be just a smaller version of Disney World, that’s not exactly the case.

Some of the biggest differences at Disneyland include:

  • amazing weather (which we discussed above)
  • unique way FastPasses work
  • single rider lines – so many more options at Disneyland!
  • nighttime shows that are unique (and much more likely to be canceled due to wind)
  • palpable sense of history
  • shorter planning timeline
  • ease of interacting with characters
  • rides that are similar are often better at Disneyland

Overall, Disneyland is much easier to both plan and experience.

Think of Disney World as the Type A oldest sibling and Disneyland as the more laid back, youngest child.

How to plan a Disneyland trip

Using the same 6-step process that we teach for Disney World trips, here’s the info you need to plan a Disneyland trip.

Step 1: Pick your dates

Check out the best times to visit using our Disneyland crowd calendar. 

Step 2: Decide where to stay

Learn about onsite and offsite Disneyland resort options with our list of pros and cons of Disneyland hotels.

Step 3: Make a daily plan

Let us help you decide how many days to spend in the parks, which parks to visit on which days, and ideas on incorporating non-Disney attractions in your plans. 

Learn how to make your daily plan.

Step 4: Plan your dining

Make sure you know where you want to eat during your Disneyland trip, and get reservations for popular meals ahead of time.

Read our guide to Disneyland dining.

Step 5: Create touring plans

Just like at Disney World, you’ll want to make sure you’re navigating the parks as efficiently as you can with minimal waits. 

Step 6: Add extra magic

Learn about all of the options you can plan for your trip to make it extra special.

Ready to book a trip to Disneyland?

Let an experienced travel professional help you plan your dream vacation. Fill out the info below to get started.

Get the Disneyland app

If you’re used to the My Disney Experience app at Disney World, the Disneyland app will feel very familiar.

Disneyland app

From there, you can get maps to navigate, check wait times, make dining reservations, order food, see PhotoPass pics, and so much more. 

Download the Disneyland app now. 

Disneyland Transportation

Disneyland Monorail

With its compact size, transportation isn’t as much of a factor at Disneyland as it is at Disney World.

In fact, your feet will be your primary mode of transportation during a Disneyland trip.

However, there are some unique things to know about the Disneyland monorail, parking, and using rideshare options. 

Learn all about Disneyland transportation options including how to get to the parks from the airports, how parking at Disneyland works, and the easiest ways to get around once you are there.

What height requirements are there for Disneyland rides?

Just like all theme parks, there are height requirements for some Disneyland rides to ensure the safety of all guests – 10 at Disneyland and 11 at California Adventure to be exact. 

Get our handy chart of Disneyland height requirements.

How do Disneyland tickets work?

There are lots of things to learn about Disneyland tickets, including the option to add MaxPass, perk of Magic Mornings, and ways to save. 

Learn about your different ticket options.

Read more about how Disneyland’s FastPass and MaxPass systems work.

Does Disneyland use PhotoPass?

Yes, Disneyland does have a PhotoPass system. Within that system, there are various ways to get your photos, including specific ticket types, Disney PhotoPass+ One Week, and various products you can order with your trip pics.

Packing for a Disneyland Trip

Packing for Disneyland is a little different than Disney World.

Say yes to lanyards (still have physical tickets and FastPasses there!), but leave your rain ponchos at home. 

Get our Ultimate Disneyland Packing List to help you pack for your trip.

Consider an Adventures by Disney Disneyland trip

Want to go behind-the-scenes at some Disneyland attractions, have VIP guides to navigate you, and visit nearby attractions in southern California for exclusive tours?

Consider booking an Adventures by Disney trip.

Though ABD trips are a premium product, the Disneyland ones are easy to justify when you consider how much you can get done in a short amount of time, plus the VIP access you wouldn’t be able to do on your own.

There are 2 options that include Disneyland and nearby attractions. 

  • Disneyland Resort and Southern California Escape – 4-day trip that includes Walt Disney Studios, Imagineering, days in the parks, staying at The Grand Californian, reserved nighttime show viewing, and most of your meals
  • Disneyland Resort and Southern California – 6-day trip that includes Jim Henson Company, Hollywood, Walt Disney Studios, Imagineering, days in the parks, staying at Loews Hollywood Hotel and The Grand Californian, reserved nighttime show viewing, and most of your meals
Ready to book a trip to Disneyland?

The handpicked team of agents at Perfect Story Travel can help you out. Fill out the info below to get started.

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

  • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
  • Walt Disney World is reopening, here's what you need to know
  • 100+ tips for your Disney World trip
  • Disney Dining Plan (cost, best credits, and is it worth it?)
  • 100+ free downloads for your Disney World binder
  • Planning and Tips
  • Complete Guide to Disney Springs at Disney World
  • Disney World 2021 Crowd Calendar (best times to go)

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

  • Complete guide to Disneyland (with comparisons to Disney World)
    • Disneyland 2020 Crowd Calendar (best times to go)
    • Disneyland is reopening, here’s what you need to know
    • Pros and cons of Disneyland hotels (onsite and nearby offsite options)
    • Disneyland Daily Plan (how many days to spend in the parks)
    • Disneyland Extras
    • Disneyland Dining
    • The Ultimate Disneyland Packing List (Word, PDF, and Google Docs formats)
    • Complete Guide to Downtown Disney
    • Disneyland Touring
    • Complete Guide to Disneyland Transportation (buses, shuttles, + more)
    • California Adventure
    • Disneyland Tickets
    • Disneyland Park

Ready to book a trip for 2021?

The team at Small World Vacations is ready to help get you started.

Get a quote now

Start here

  • Crowd Calendars
    • January Crowd Calendar
    • February Crowd Calendar
    • March Crowd Calendar
    • April Crowd Calendar
    • May Crowd Calendar
    • June Crowd Calendar
    • July Crowd Calendar
    • August Crowd Calendar
    • September Crowd Calendar
    • October Crowd Calendar
    • November Crowd Calendar
    • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Typhoon Lagoon
    • Blizzard Beach
    • Disney Springs
    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
    • On-Site
    • Off-Site
    • Disney World Value Resorts
    • Disney World Moderate Resorts
    • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
    • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
  • Mobile

More Goodies

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search

I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

Jonathan C.

Meet us there


IG

FB

PI

TW

YT

EM

WDWprepschool.com is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, the Walt Disney Company.

PRIVACY POLICY

© 2021 PREP SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, INC.

WDW PREP SCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM​

Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower and Garden! Starts March 3.
It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @kat It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @katiedidlynn
New “EARidescent” decor coming for the 18-mont New “EARidescent” decor coming for the 18-month long 50th celebration that officially begins on October 1.

Colorful outfits for Mickey and Minnie (do you like them better than the previous confetti version?), embellishments on Cinderella Castle, plus projections on the other park icons have been announced so far.

Was hoping for more, but I suspect they’ll be dripping the info out as they learn more about how things are going safety-wise.

What are your thoughts? Will you be making a trip for the 50th? We will!

Swipe to see all of the announcement pics. ➡️
It. Is. Time. 🦁 Festival of the Lion King retur It. Is. Time. 🦁 Festival of the Lion King returns this summer!

It’ll be in a modified form for safety purposes. No specific reopening date given, but so happy the list of things to look forward to keeps growing. 🙌
Load More... Follow on Instagram