Disneyland vs. California Adventure; which one should you visit? Just the mention of either of Disney’s famous California parks sparks a sense of wonder and nostalgia in children and adults throughout the world.
To many, beloved childhood memories or some of the most special moments of being a parent are attached to Disney.
Because of this, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Southern California every year to visit Disneyland, California Adventure, or both!
While travel prices continue to rise along with tickets to the parks, many Disney enthusiasts are left with the impossible question: Disneyland or California Adventure?
While both parks are so unique from each other, and each offers its own experience entirely, some key differences may help you to decide which is a better fit for you. Keep reading for insights and opinions on these Disney parks as a Southern California local.
Disneyland
The original Disneyland park was opened in 1955, decades before California Adventure existed. Because of this, some of Disneyland’s most significant appeal comes from this historical charm and the sense of nostalgia that it brings visitors.
True fans know that Disney creator, Walt Disney, was highly involved in the development of Disneyland, and many of his personal touches can still be seen throughout the park.
Disney California Adventure Park
Being built about 50 years after Disneyland, California Adventure is a bit more modern in creation and theme. The younger park also notably focuses its themed experience around celebrating the state of California and everything that makes it unique.
Disneyland vs. California Adventure: What’s the Difference?
Disneyland and California Adventure are two parks that are run by the same company, but they have very different themes. It is not surprising that many people wonder if they are separate parks or not or if there is a difference between them. There are some differences:
Themes
Other than the parks’ difference in age and California Adventure’s more specific “California” theme, one significant difference is the emphasis on Marvel versus Star Wars.
This is such an important factor of the parks today that it is a make-or-break difference to many in deciding which park to visit.
Disneyland boasts its massive Star Wars-themed land and three Star Wars-themed rides that truly feel like being dropped into the movie series.
Meanwhile, California Adventure contains its Marvel-themed land called the Avengers Campus, the popular ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT, a Spiderman-themed ride, and a live show based on the marvel hero Doctor Strange.
Food
Regarding food throughout both theme parks, there is no considerable difference to report.
The Blue Bayou Restaurant, found within the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, may be the only notable place to eat that is accessible to the general public. While it is more pricey, the beautiful ambiance is worth the price difference.
If you get extra lucky, you may meet someone who is a part of the secret, members-only club, Club 33, which is hidden in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square.
Shopping
If you are looking to shop during your visit, plenty is to be done. However, shopping between the two parks is very similar.
The same items can usually be found in most shops, only varying in theme depending on what specific part of each park they are in.
For example, in Adventureland, you are likely to find jungle-themed stuffed animals versus the princess-themed toys found in Fantasyland.
Best Ways To Avoid Crowds At Each Park
While both parks are unavoidably crowded, for the most part, some small tips can help minimize this.
Visiting on rainy days and avoiding holidays are both surefire ways to dodge some of the crowds.
Visiting later at night is also a hack often used by Sothern California residents, as families with young children are usually known to flood out of the parks by around 9 PM.
Main Attractions To See In Disneyland
These are the main attractions in Disneyland:
- Pirates of The Caribbean Ride
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Ride
- Space Mountain
- The Matterhorn
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Main Attractions To See In Disney California Adventure
These are the main attractions in Disney California Adventure:
- Incredicoaseter
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
- Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Monsters Inc Mike and Sulley to the Rescue Ride
- Frozen at the Hyperion Theater
- Soarin’ Around the World
- World of Color Show
Where To Stay Near Disney
Closest Options:
If you’re looking for an affordable option and willing to drive 15-30 mins to the park, we recommend Hyatt House Cypress/Anaheim. We’ve stayed here for 2 nights and it’s a comfy stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to go to Disneyland or California Adventure first?
My personal opinion, and probably the opinion of many Disney veterans, is that Disneyland should be the first park you visit. Disneyland’s rich history allows visitors to appreciate the experience and everything behind it.
If visitors arrive at Disneyland with fresh eyes, they will be able to soak in more of the small details that make it all so immersive.
Everything is thought through to the point that there are mickey heads hidden throughout the grounds and tunnels below the streets that Disney employees can use to travel so that they are not seen out of character.
While California Adventure is fantastic in its own right, I believe that a visit to the newer park can be taken more lightly while enjoying all it offers.
Which is more expensive: Disneyland or California Adventure?
California is known for its expensive costs and amusement parks are included, yet it is worth the experience!
Ticket prices are the same for either park. The cost per day varies based on how many days you plan to visit and the season you’re visiting. It starts from:
- $104 for 1 day
- $143/day for 2 days
- $120/day for 3 days
- $99/day for 4 days
- $83/day for 5 days
Which is better for toddlers: Disneyland or California Adventure?
California adventure offers some fantastic and interactive free play areas if you have a high-energy child who will need time to run, climb and play in between waiting in lines.
The Redwood Creek Rope Couse is an excellent way for your child to get their wiggles out for an hour by completing obstacles.
While Disneyland does not offer as many options when it comes to free play, many would argue that Disneyland’s overall themes and themed lands within the park have a more generally childlike feel to them.
Tune Town and Fantasyland are two themed lands known for being mainly geared around small children and attractions suited to them.
While both parks offer many live shows and interactive performances, it is hard to compare to Disneyland’s incredible nightly parade.
Which is better for adults: Disneyland or California Adventure?
When making personal recommendations to friends and family regarding their Disney visits, one topic that often comes up is alcohol consumption within the parks.
Disneyland has one location on its grounds that sells alcoholic beverages. Oga’s Cantina within the Star Wars Land area of the park allows a maximum of two drinks per customer, and often there is a wait to get inside the bar.
Meanwhile, California Adventure offers alcoholic beverages at numerous locations throughout its grounds.
For adrenaline seekers, California Adventure is also known to have the most thrilling ride within the parks, Incredicoaster, which even takes riders on an entire upside-down loop.
Which is more popular: Disneyland or California Adventure?
Because of its worldwide notoriety as the original park, Disneyland tends to be a more popular visit. To many, the word “Disneyland” evokes a sense of wonder and excitement.
While still a genuinely remarkable theme park, California Adventure does not have quite as much attached to its name and, therefore, does not attract the same amount of visitors from out of town.
What should I wear to Disneyland or California Adventure?
Since you’re going to be walking outdoors throughout the day, you need to be comfortable. Depending on the season you’re going, you must wear comfortable shoes. Pack some layers for those days with unpredictable weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
True Disney fans may have a hard time when asked which park, Disneyland vs. California Adventure is better because we know that the amount of joy and imagination that each has brought into the world is immeasurable.
We can admit, though, that each park does have unique pros and cons that could be important factors to those visiting and the family members they bring along.
No matter which park you choose, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life in the most magical place on earth, but I hope this post helped make your decision a little easier.
