10 Disney World mistakes Pro Disneylanders make
I know, I know. You have been to Disneyland a million times so you will be just fine in Florida right? That was me, 2015. Annual passholder for years at Disneyland, walking into Magic Kingdom. I didn't even grab a map! Needless to say when it started pouring rain and we tried to go in somewhere to eat and everywhere needed a reservation.. we realized we actually had no idea what we were doing.
Not only did we have no dining reservations, we had no fast passes either. We also stayed at Animal Kingdom lodge on what I thought was a "good deal" but later learned we missed out on free dining + that discount.. so that cost us literally hundreds of dollars. I still kick myself for that trip! I would have SAVED money + time had I used a travel agent! (Hi, Hello I can help!) Now for the big differences!
- Dining Reservations - At Disneyland all but a handful of restaurants are considered "quick service" and you can just show up and eat! At Disney World dining reservations open up 60 days (formerly 180 days) before your trip! They also fill up within SECONDS of opening. Want to eat in a classic car at a drive in movie, a luau or even with the mouse himself? You will need a reservation! These open at 6:00 AM, EST. (PRO TIP: When you book a package with me, I not only suggest restaurants, I get up and make the reservations for you as well!)
2. Park Hopping - Disney World is FIFTY times bigger than Disneyland. Park Hopping is not a big deal at Disneyland, you walk across and you are at California Adventure. At Disney World you will need to take transportation to another park. Keep that in mind when you make reservations.
3. Staying onsite - Disneyland only has 3 onsite resort options and none of them are "value" priced. Disney World has 25 resorts and I am sure one will fit your budget. When you stay onsite you will be at the parks quicker, you will never have to leave Disney and there are lots of perks to staying onsite.
4. Length of stay - I typically recommend 3 days for a Disneyland trip. For Disney World you will want at least 5, if not more. With 4 theme parks and 2 water parks plus a day to explore your resort. You will need more time.
5. Waterparks - Disney World has two water parks - Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach. Both of which are SO much fun. Disneyland does not have a waterpark option.
6. Getting that souvenir "tomorrow" - At Disneyland you will be back by most shops again, Disney World you will likely not!
7. Transportation - So many good neighbor hotels are walkable to Disneyland. Disney World that is not the case, you will have to go to the transportation center or other parking lots to find your way to the parks. If staying onsite you will have transportation included to all of the theme parks.
8. Having a plan - I rarely have much of a plan when I show up at Disneyland. Disney World you will want to have a plan of where you want to go, eat and entertainment you want to see before you arrive.
9. THE CASTLE - Disney World's castle will knock your socks off compared to Disneylands. Remember it shows up bigger in pictures, so you don't need to crowd around for that perfect castle shot.
10. Night weather - Disneyland gets chilly at night and you need to pack a jacket even in the summer. Disney World that is generally not the case most nights!
I get asked often which I prefer and it is hard to say! Which is your favorite?
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