2 Things That Are More Affordable at Disneyland Than Disney World (And Vice Versa)
Written by
Cara Danielle Brown
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
So you’re a regular at Disney World, but, after all these years, you begin to wonder: Is Orlando’s Walt Disney World more or less affordable than Anaheim’s Disneyland? Have you been receiving a bargain or getting ripped off?
Well, it’s not so cut and dry. Each has offerings that are cheaper than the other. So which destination is right for you?
What Is More Affordable at Disneyland?
One-Day, One-Park Tickets
Since there’s so much to see at each of Disney’s theme parks, some individuals opt to spend an entire day at just one so they don’t miss anything. After all, why rush the magic of roller coasters, fireworks, parades and character experiences? Stay from sun up to sun down!
So what does this run? At each location, prices vary depending on which park you visit and what time of year.
Per PlanDisney, a one-day ticket in March could range from $164 for Animal Kingdom to $184 for Magic Castle. By contrast, a one-day ticket to Disney California Adventure Park or Disneyland Park during the same date range costs $164. On average, Disneyland has the slight edge.
Food
No one can take their whole family to Disney without considering food options and (let’s face it!) pricing.
It turns out, there are three kinds of dining options available at both Disney World and Disneyland: Quick service (food carts), less expensive table service (self-service, casual dining) and more expensive table service (fancy, requires reservations). And, across the board, food is mildly more affordable at Disneyland.
According to Stephen Cabebe of MickeyVisit.com, the average quick service meal costs $18 at Disneyland versus $19 at Disney World; less expensive table service costs $55 at Disneyland versus $59 at Disney World; more expensive table service costs $83 at Disneyland versus $93 at Disney World.
So chow down for less at Disneyland.
What Is More Affordable at Disney World?
Hotels
There are currently 25 Disney World Resort Hotels versus three Disneyland Resort Hotels. Because Walt Disney World is much larger, they don’t have quite the same monopoly on hotel pricing that Disneyland does.
“At Walt Disney World, the hotels are much more economical […] because there are more options to choose from across all price ranges,” stated Ben Armstrong, CEO of Famvia Travel. “To find similarly priced options at Disneyland, you would have to stay off property at a ‘Good Neighbor Hotel.'”
According to Touringplans.com, hotels on the Disney World grounds begin around $130 per night for a standard room. By contrast, Touringplans.com reports hotels at Disneyland begin around $300 per night.
Park Hopping, Multiple Day Tickets
If you’re interested in getting the best Disney has to offer by seeing multiple parks over a long weekend, it’s more economical to purchase park hopper tickets that allow guests to visit multiple parks than it is to pay for admission to each individual park.
Per Undercovertourist.com, a three-day park hopper ticket to Disney World (if we figure one park per day) in late April costs $592.95. A three-day, park hopper ticket for Florida residents is currently available for $265.
On the other hand, a three-day park hopper ticket at Disneyland costs $479, per Undercovertourist.com. A three-day, park hopper ticket for California residents is available for $289.
When we consider Disney World has four large parks and Disneyland has two small parks, the park hopper pass is a much better (and, therefore, cheaper!) buy at Disney World. That’s why this one makes the list of “cheaper at Disney World.”
Which Destination Is Right for You?
Well, that depends on geographic location and length of stay.
When it comes to affordability, “the thing that is really different between Walt Disney World and Disneyland is that Disneyland is a locals park,” stated Steven Griswold, owner of Pixie Vacations. “So everything is tailored more to California locals where Walt Disney World is focused on tourists.”
In other words, if you are local to California, don’t need to pay for lodging and are just visiting a single park for one day, the lower price of food and general admission makes Disneyland a more affordable option.
If you reside in Illinois, however, head to Orlando for a long weekend where the lower hotel prices and multi-day park hopper passes make Walt Disney World the better buy.
More From GOBankingRates
