What came first Disney World or Disneyland?

Disneyland in Anaheim, California was the very first of Disney's theme parks. It opened on July 17, 1955. Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida (consisting of just the Magic Kingdom and two resorts at the time) opened on October 1, 1971.



Disneyland in Anaheim, California, was the first of the two to open, welcoming its first guests on July 17, 1955. It was the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, opened its doors significantly later, on October 1, 1971, beginning with the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Walt Disney passed away in 1966, five years before the Florida park opened, though he was instrumental in the "Florida Project" and the secret land acquisitions that made it possible. In 2026, Disneyland remains the historic "original" experience, while Disney World has grown into a massive vacation destination spanning nearly 40 square miles, featuring four theme parks, two water parks, and over 25 themed resort hotels.

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At holiday times, it's best to book as soon as you can. Both resorts offer multiple choices for character dining. Service is returning to normal with characters being able to visit with you and hug you! Disney World is generally more crowded than Disneyland, although Disneyland can get crowded, too, at times.

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There are some similarities between Disneyland tickets and Disney World tickets. At both resorts, theme park ticket prices vary based on park and date, but Disneyland's are almost always slightly cheaper. The average price for a one-day Disneyland ticket for entry between April and August 2023 is $154.

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The Disneyland Resort offers 2 world-class theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—each with its own unique attractions, shows and restaurants. Which attractions are right for you?

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Walt Disney created a revolutionary vacation destination when he opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955.

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For a longer trip complete with luxury accommodation and visits to multiple parks, Walt Disney World in Orlando might be your best bet. If you live on or near the West Coast and you're looking for a short getaway teeming with nostalgia, Disneyland is the way to go.

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#1 – The Best Disney Park – Magic Kingdom Coming in at number one is the original 1971 Walt Disney World park, Magic Kingdom! Home to the most magical castle on Earth and some of the most classic attractions in theme parks.

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But if you're purely picking based on price, which is cheaper: Disneyland or Disney World? Disney World tends to be cheaper overall for stays of one night or more, largely due to Florida's lower hotel prices. But for some expenses, like tickets and food, Disneyland is cheaper.

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The main difference between Disneyland vs. Disneyland is the original Disney theme park and as such was a much smaller undertaking. Disneyland comprises two theme parks and three hotels, while the Walt Disney World Resort complex includes four theme parks, two water parks, 31 hotels and a golf course.

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If you're more interested in large rides like roller coasters, Universal is going to be your best bet. The same is true if you're a big fan of Harry Potter. If you don't mind some of the more family-friendly rides or you have little ones to bring along, Disney may be a better option.

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Which has more attractions, Disney World or Disneyland? With double the theme parks and two water parks, Disney World offers more attractions overall than Disneyland. Guests can find details on all the attractions and experiences available at Disneyland and Disney World on their respective websites.

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The Magic Kingdom, however, offers classic attractions Disneyland no longer has, such as the PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and the Country Bear Jamboree.

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Orlando To Tokyo: 5 Best Disneylands Across The World
  • Walt Disney World, Florida. Walt Disney World in Florida is the largest Disney resort in the world and is home to four theme parks, two water parks, and several hotels. ...
  • Tokyo Disneyland, Japan. ...
  • Disneyland Paris, France. ...
  • Hong Kong Disneyland, China.


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John Wayne Airport (SNA) Approximately 15 miles away, John Wayne Airport is the closest airport to the Disneyland Resort. Explore the convenient travel options—including shuttles, buses, taxis and limousines—available to take you to the Resort.

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8. Disneyland's First Fatality. Disneyland was a perfectly safe amusement park from 1955, when the park opened, until 1964. In May of 1964, their flawless record came to an end when a 15-year-old boy died while riding on the Matterhorn Bobsled.

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Originally named “The Mickey Mouse Park,” and then “Disneylandia” before settling on “Disneyland,” Disney purchased 160 acres for the park in Anaheim and started construction in 1954.

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Petrified Tree: Weighing in at over five tons, the Petrified Tree in Frontierland is believed to be nearly 70 million years old.

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