Nic: Like most franchises that churn out countless spin-offs and sequels, the Disney brand has proven time and time again that the original is always the best, which is a philosophy that carries over into its theme parks. The compact size, lower crowd level and generally more affordable rates of the Disneyland Resort in California make it a more cost effective and efficient vacation destination than the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida while still maintaining that sense of Disney charm.

Rebecca: First thing’s first, Nic: there are four theme parks in Disney World compared to a measly two. You’ve got more opportunities to have fun. If you get bored, you can park hop. With access to golf courses, spas and even campgrounds, Disney World really has everything. Disney World isn’t in a residential place like Disneyland. This allows it to be open later than it normally could be. So if it’s really crowded, you wouldn’t have to worry about cramming your agenda into a small period of time.

Nic: Yes, Walt Disney World is grand, but some of the fan favorite attractions at Epcot and Hollywood Studios have been lifted from their rainy Florida home and brought to the sunny California Adventure theme park. There are plenty of activities at Disneyland. While there is no equivalent to Animal Kingdom park in California, I offer a solution: go to a zoo! Disney is about escapism and the Disneyland Resort captures that less industrially than its Floridian counterpart.

Rebecca: Disney World still takes the cake because they just created a new system that’s been in the works for a couple years now: Magic Bands. They provide access to your hotel room, allow you to make reservations, gather fast passes, and get you into the parks. It’s organized so that you don’t have to worry about getting fast passes for your rides anymore. It’s all accessible through your phone!