These are all of the main reasons that some people like The Disneyland Resort more than Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney Was There
Disneyland is the only Disney park in the world that Walt Disney actually went to. Disneyland opened in 1955, he died in 1966, and Disney World opened in 1971. His brother Roy Disney had to carry out their plans for Disney World.
It’s The Original Disney Park
It doesn’t get more nostalgic than Disneyland because it’s the original Disney park. This is the park that Walt Disney worked on and all of his ideas went into.
The Two Theme Parks Are Right Next To Each Other
Transportation is not much of a concern when you go to Disneyland like it is at Disney World because the two theme parks at Disneyland are literally right across from each other. You park hop by walking, whereas at Disney World you might need to take the buses, skyliner, or another mode of transportation.
The Classic Rides Are Better
The classic rides like It’s A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean are longer and more detailed at Disneyland than they are at Disney World. Pirates of the Caribbean is 16 minutes long at Disneyland and only 9 minutes long at Disney World. See all of the longest Disneyland rides here.
The Mickey Pumpkin
At Halloween time Disneyland goes all out and the most notable thing they do is put up Blinky, the big Mickey pumpkin. Disney World does not have a big Mickey pumpkin, but they do have other Halloween decor.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
For the Halloween and Christmas season Haunted Mansion at Disneyland turns into Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is themed from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Haunted Mansion at Disney World does not do this fun holiday overlay.
Cars Land
Cars Land is a beautiful Pixar Cars themed land in California Adventure park. Disney World will be getting Piston Peak, a different Cars land with new rides, but this will always be the original. See all of the new Disney rides coming here.
Avengers Campus
Avengers Campus is a cool Avengers themed land in California Adventure park. Disney World does not have an Avengers area like this.
Unique Attractions
There are some really fun rides at Disneyland that are not at Disney World. This includes Storybook Land Canal Boats, Alice In Wonderland, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
The Disney Hotels Are Close To Both Parks
The Disneyland Resort has three hotels which are The Disneyland Hotel, The Grand Californian, and Pixar Place Hotel. They are all within walking distance to the theme parks and some have separate theme park entrances. The Disney World hotels are not all within walking distance of all four theme parks.
There Are Off-Site Hotels Really Close
There are a ton of off-site hotels that you can walk to in 10 minutes or less from Disneyland and California Adventure. A lot of them are on S Harbor Blvd.