If you happen to be flying into Orlando on just the right approach path to Orlando International Airport, and you’re lucky enough to have a window seat on the correct side of the plane, you’ll get a wonderful aerial view of the Walt Disney World Resort. From above, you can see where iconic buildings are… Read More »Walt Disney World aerial tour
The tumble monkeys are about to be back to their acrobatic hijinks and the birds are stretching their wings to take flight as “Festival of the Lion King” returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning July 16, 2022. As such, “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” which is a pandemic-abbreviated version of the show… Read More »‘Festival of the Lion King’ Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom July 16
We already know that Disney World is BIGGER than Disneyland…but is it BETTER? There’s actually a lot that we prefer about Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World Resort. You can find Avenger’s Campus there, with a whole lot of cool characters. Some classic attractions are still available here that aren’t in Disney World (we’re lookin’ at you, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride). And can you get a GIANT Mozzarella Stick anywhere in Magic Kingdom? We didn’t think so.
Disneyland
However, Disney World still has some pretty awesome things that Disneyland is missing. The OG version of Tower of Terror is there, and eating around the world in EPCOT is one of our all-time favorite activities. So now that we’ve established that the parks are definitely not the same, let’s dive into something else that’s different about them: the GUESTS.
You might be surprised by just how different the guests are at Disneyland versus Disney World. And those differences could have a huge impact on your upcoming trip!
For many different reasons, guests at Disneyland are completely different from the ones you’ll meet at Disney World. We’re going past the simple “there are more locals at Disneyland” here — Yes, it’s true that Disneyland has a lot more local guests. But how does that impact the park? How does it change what’s offered to the guests? And which park should you visit, based on these differences?
Disneyland
We asked people who have visited both parks, and our team of Disney park experts also weighed in on the differences they’ve noticed. And we interviewed Tiereny Leonard, a Cast Member who has worked in both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. Here’s what everyone said!
Disneyland Is Full of Locals Who Know the Park
If you usually visit Disney World, you might notice a Twilight Zone-esque change when you head into the Disneyland parks. All the guests are walking purposefully to the rides, restaurants, and shops, and somehow not one of them has their nose buried in a map!
Main Street, U.S.A.
Because a lot more locals visit Disneyland than Disney World, many of the guests already know the parks like the back of their hands. In fact, you don’t even need to ask a Cast Member for directions if you get lost — just flag down the nearest guest and they’ll likely be able to point you in the right direction.
Disneyland crowds
Disney World guests, on the other hand, probably use a combination of paper maps, their phones, and directions from Cast Members to find just about anything. And it’s completely understandable, as many of them don’t visit very often and the parks are much bigger over in Florida! But pull out a map in Disneyland Park and you might get some funny looks from the people nearby.
More park maps in Disney World
When asked about how having more locals affected Disneyland, Tiereny Leonard (who worked in Disney California Adventure) said, “In Disneyland, I never got asked where things were. I can count on one hand how many times that happened.” Instead, guests in Disneyland would ask more about what time events were happening or when a certain offering would return.
Disney California Adventure Map
So if you want to blend in with the locals at Disneyland, we recommend studying the maps ahead of time! Or — if you still don’t know where you’re going — just pick a direction and walk confidently that way. People will think you know where you’re going, and you’ll probably run into a fun attraction or tasty snack at some point.
With 4 parks, over 25 resort hotels, 2 water parks, and a huge shopping and dining center, Disney World is seen more like a “destination vacation” than Disneyland. For that reason, this park usually has more international travelers.
Main Street, U.S.A.
It’s likely that guests who are making a huge, once-in-a-lifetime trip choose Disney World over Disneyland because there’s simply more to see and do there. So while you’re in Disney World you’re more likely to run into people who are from all over the world!
World Showcase
But that doesn’t mean that Disneyland is 100% locals. The parks in California get their fair share of international visitors as well. Leonard said, “A lot more international visitors come to Disney World – but I wouldn’t discount Disneyland. There are still plenty of international visitors in Disneyland, particularly from Asian countries since it’s a shorter flight.”
A large demographic of Disneyland’s guests are locals who have been visiting the parks for a long time and will likely continue visiting for a long time in the future. For that reason, they’re usually a lot more chill about their time in the parks.
Crowds!
Disney World guests, by comparison, usually visit less often (if not once in their lives), so they tend to do a lot more planning before the trip. There’s also a lot more that goes into planning a Disney World vacation than planning a Disneyland one. Disney World has more parks, rides, attractions, and hotels to choose from, so guests have to spend more time before their vacation figuring out all the details.
Crowds in Magic Kingdom
And Disney World guests usually stay in the parks for longer (because there’s more to do and many of them don’t live nearby), so they have more time and money invested in the vacation. That can mean Disney World guests tend to feel more pressured to make the most of that time and money while they’re there.
Guests in Animal Kingdom
Leonard reported that, during her time at Disney World, many guests would ask questions like, “Is there something we might have missed that we should go do?” or “We have some extra time — where should we go now?” People likely planned this trip for months, and they don’t want to miss a single thing while they’re in the parks.
Crowds in Hollywood Studios
It’s understandable that Disney World guests would feel the need to have a plan and get more done in the parks. And we tend to create detailed itineraries before our vacations, too! But sometimes it’s nice to be around guests who aren’t stressed about their vacation. Disneyland guests tend to be more patient and chill about their time, which leads to a more relaxed atmosphere in general.
Although coming to the parks fewer times can make Disney World guests more stressed about the experience, it has a positive effect of also making them more awed by the Disney magic. Leonard said, “The sense of amazement and being struck with Disney magic is a lot higher at Disney World.”
Where magic becomes real
Since Disneyland guests have been visiting for years, they often know what to expect and are less impressed by the special Disney touches. They’re not necessarily jaded about it, they’re just used to the Disney standard and aren’t as surprised when Cast Members go above and beyond to make their trip special.
For example, while Leonard worked at the Hyperion Theater (where the Frozen-themed stage show played) in Disneyland, she sometimes got to choose a family to be recognized by Anna and Elsa during the show. Although it was meant to be a magical moment for the guests, she said that only about half of the families she chose were excited about it because so many of them already knew it was happening.
Hyperion Theater
In Disney World, however, when Leonard got to make magical moments happen for the guests, there was more “complete shock and awe.” So while Disneyland guests are much more relaxed and chill, Disney World guests tend to have them beat when it comes to excitement about the parks and attractions.
The differences in guests affect more than the atmosphere of the parks, though. Leonard noticed that the merchandise selection between Disney World and Disneyland was adjusted to accommodate those differences as well!
Emporium in Disney World
She said, “Collectors’ items were HUGE in Disneyland. If there was a limited-edition popcorn bucket, it was huge news.” Guests at Disneyland were more excited about the Minnie Mouse Main Attraction Collection, which was a limited-edition souvenir series from 2020 that featured Minnie Mouse dressed as different Disney rides. The plushes, pins, ear headbands, and more in those collections were “big-ticket items” in Disneyland, more so than in Disney World.
Minnie Mouse plush
Leonard particularly noticed the difference when she shifted to working for shopDisney once Disneyland closed due to the pandemic. She said she talked to a lot of people who wanted to buy collectibles online because they couldn’t go into the parks, and there was “an overwhelming amount more from Disneyland who wanted the collectibles than from Disney World.”
A lot of people collect Trader Sam’s mugs, too!
Because the locals can visit the parks more often, it makes sense that Disneyland guests would be more interested in collectibles. By contrast, many people only visit Disney World once or twice, which doesn’t really work if they’re hoping to frequently add to their collections.
As you can see, there are many ways that Disneyland guests and Disney World guests are NOT the same. But is either group actually better? It really just depends on your preferences! If you love to plan and create itineraries, you might feel more at home in the Disney World crowds. In fact, the relaxed attitude of Disneyland guests could be more stressful if you have a “go, go, go” personality.
EPCOT
But if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or need a break from the more intense crowds at Disney World, Disneyland could be the better option! But in our opinion, it’s great to have both options available.
Avengers Campus
We’ll use an analogy to help you decide which park you’ll fit in better: Picture someone walking at a fairly slow, casual pace. And then picture another person behind them who is walking much faster and is clearly annoyed to be caught behind the slower walker. We’ve all been in that situation, right?
Disney World crowds
If you’re usually the casual walker who’s taking their time and enjoying the views, you will probably fit in better at Disneyland. And if you’re the one behind them with a strict schedule and places to BE, you might be more of a Disney World person. Neither is better than the other, it’s just a matter of preference.
Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland
And of course, sometimes it’s good to mix up the pace and try out the other park to see which you actually prefer for your Disney vacations! We’ll keep bringing you all the latest from both of these Disney parks, so stay tuned to DFB for more updates and planning tips.
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Disneyland Paris has revealed some of the merchandise that will be available for Avengers Campus before the land’s opening day on July 20, 2022 and some that will debut later on.
There will be two preview T-shirts. One appears to be heather grey, with the Avengers logo at the center, “Avengers Campus” along the top, and “Assembled 2022 Disneyland Paris” along the bottom. It also features Iron Man, Pym Tech, and W.E.B. logos in red. These will be available on Saturday, May 28, at Legends of Hollywood and Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.
The white tee is simpler, with “2022” printed in the Avengers logo. “Avengers Campus” and “Disneyland Paris” are printed sideways beneath the logo.
A silver and red pin of the Avengers logo will also be available. The pin also has “2022” within the logo, and “Avengers Campus” and “Disneyland Paris” below. The pin will be released later on.
Disneyland Paris also revealed two Avengers Campus phone cases by RhinoShield. One is black with a blue and white version of the Avengers logo. “Avengers Campus” and “Disneyland Paris” are printed below the logo.
The other phone case is blue, with Spider-Man swinging across it. A few subtle W.E.B. spider shapes are in the background.
Avengers Campus-branded cardboard frames will be available for ride photos. There is both a vertical and horizontal version of the frame design. The frames are black and covered with various Marvel logos. The Avengers logo is the largest, in a top corner. Other logos include those for Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, The Hulk, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hawkeye, and Black Widow.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Ah, early mornings — they’re not always a welcome sight…unless you’re in Disney World, of course!
It’s time to party!
And whether your early morning is spent typing away at work or rope-dropping at Disney World, one thing is for sure: you’ll need some coffee! So before you take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry or step into your first meeting of the day, you’ll want to grab a cup of coffee first. And, if you have to be awake early, why not make it a little sweeter with a reminder of all those Disney trips?
Tervis tumblers are well-known for their ability to keep drinks hot or cold throughout the day, making them a great option for a long day in the office — or in the parks, of course! But, what you may not know is that you don’t have to settle for a boring, run-of-the-mill design — they have TONS of Disney styles to choose from! In fact, there are OVER 150 designs featuring everything from Mickey Mouse, to Encanto lyrics (yes, THAT one), princesses, and more!
Only your big Disney buff colleagues will know what this one is referencing as it’s a bit more subtle with a geometric design featuring Elsa in the middle, ready to face the elemental spirits.
Speaking of Disney movies, there’s also the Raya and the Last Dragon Tumbler. This one is a bit more in-your-face-Disney but your kiddos are sure to like sipping out of it if Raya and the Last Dragon is on repeat in your house.
Is Jungle Cruise a must-do attraction for you when you visit? Can’t stop laughing about that one super cheesy joke about plants on the ride? Well, if you’re wanting to show off your love for the ride (or explain to the office why you can’t stop making dad jokes), check out thisJungle Cruise Tumbler!
And who would Mickey be without his partner — Minnie? Of course, there’s also the Minnie Silhouette Engraved on Glacier White. The 20-ounce size is $32.99 and the 30-ounce size is $42.99.
Not seeing your favorite character? Trust us, there’s probably a Tervis tumbler available! Just head on over to tervis.com to get to shopping! They’re also offering FREE shipping on orders over $50 so here’s your excuse to make more space in the kitchen cabinet!
Star Wars fans across the galaxy can grow their most impressive collections with even more amazing Star Wars merchandise as Disney and Lucasfilm present Obi-Wan Wednesdays! From toys and collectibles to books, apparel and more, this new campaign is sure to be a hit with Sith and Jedi alike! (Please note this article contains affiliate links. […]
Not only is today the 45th anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars film (later known as Episode IV – A New Hope), but we’re also on the eve of Star Wars Celebration 2022 in Anaheim and the debut of the limited series Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+. So in honor of this very big […]
In the tradition of films like Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Easy A comes a modern-day retelling of a true classic. Fire Island, at its core, is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, using its observations of class and society in 19th century England and applying them to America’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s smart, funny, […]
Disneyland Paris has revealed some of the merchandise that will be available at Avengers Campus for the land’s opening day on July 20, 2022.
There will be two T-shirts. One appears to be heather grey, with the Avengers logo at the center, “Avengers Campus” along the top, and “Assembled 2022 Disneyland Paris” along the bottom. It also features Iron Man, Pym Tech, and W.E.B. logos in red.
The white tee is simpler, with “2022” printed in the Avengers logo. “Avengers Campus” and “Disneyland Paris” are printed sideways beneath the logo.
A silver and red pin of the Avengers logo will also be available. The pin also has “2022” within the logo, and “Avengers Campus” and “Disneyland Paris” below.
Disneyland Paris also revealed two Avengers Campus phone cases by RhinoShield. One is black with a blue and white version of the Avengers logo. “Avengers Campus” and “Disneyland Paris” are printed below the logo.
The other phone case is blue, with Spider-Man swinging across it. A few subtle W.E.B. spider shapes are in the background.
Avengers Campus-branded cardboard frames will be available for ride photos. There is both a vertical and horizontal version of the frame design. The frames are black and covered with various Marvel logos. The Avengers logo is the largest, in a top corner. Other logos include those for Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, The Hulk, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hawkeye, and Black Widow.
Star Wars fans across the galaxy can grow their most impressive collections with even more amazing Star Wars merchandise as Disney and Lucasfilm present Obi-Wan Wednesdays! From toys and collectibles to books, apparel and more, this new campaign is sure to be a hit with Sith and Jedi alike! (Please note this article contains affiliate […]