Disneyland vs. California Adventure: Comparing the theme park giants

Walt Disney opened his original Magic Kingdom in 1955 and the Anaheim resort has long since become one of the world's premier vacation destinations. Disneyland Resort now includes two theme parks, three on-site hotels and a lively dining and entertainment district.

For most visitors, the two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, are the main attraction. On grounds spanning more than 500 acres, guests can battle the First Order in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or soar along a fictional Route 66 in an innovative attraction inspired by the beloved Pixar film franchise, "Cars."

If you're planning a trip to Disneyland Resort, you might be wondering what you will find at Disneyland vs. California Adventure? Each is home to unique attractions, highly themed lands and immersive restaurants celebrating iconic characters, shows and movies.

If you've experienced the sprawling mass of Walt Disney World, you'll be glad to know that the gates of the two parks at Disneyland Resort are within mere steps of one another. But depending on which characters you like, one of these Disneyland Resort parks likely makes more sense than the other. So which one should you choose?

Keep reading for a primer on Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, including what separates them, what you can do, when to go for special events and what to eat at each park.

Rides at Disneyland Park

If you're thinking of an iconic Disney ride, chances are you'll find it at Disneyland Park. In total, there are more than 40 rides at the park.

Disneyland contains themed sections (or "lands," in theme park parlance) that include Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Disneyland is most well known as the original Disney park and for its long list of iconic attractions that set the standards for excellence many have tried to meet across the theme park industry. Here, you can walk along the quaint, shop-filled Main Street, U.S.A. and hop aboard Disneyland Railroad or take a spin on the brightly hued spinning teacups of Mad Tea Party. From Pirates of the Caribbean to Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion to It's a Small World, many attractions at Disneyland embody a sense of nostalgic family fun and are appropriate for all ages.
 
But Disneyland isn't all about classic rides, the park is also home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a sprawling land that invites guests into the fantastical world of the sci-fi franchise through its atmosphere, dining, characters and rides — all of which are intricately themed. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the star attraction, using multiple ride systems that combine Disney's innovative trackless technology with both walk-through elements and motion simulation.

Rides at Disney California Adventure Park

Disney California Adventure Park, which opened in 2001, was created as a celebration of the vibrant state it calls home. It's undoubtedly the smaller of the two parks, with a couple dozen rides to check out, but it's quickly becoming the place to be for lovers of Pixar and Marvel.

Pixar Pier puts the spotlight on the studio's beloved films, with rides centered on "Toy Story" and "The Incredibles," just to name a couple. "Toy Story" Midway Mania is a family favorite that takes riders on a 4D journey as they compete against each other by playing carnival-style games in a high-tech way, while the Incredicoaster is the resort's only looping coaster and has appearances from members of the beloved family of superheroes, like Jack-Jack. There's also an entire section of the park dedicated to "Cars," depicting in stunning detail the landscape of Radiator Springs, and featuring a number of family-friendly rides, including the breathtaking Radiator Springs Racers.
 
Disney California Adventure also lets you walk right into the Marvel Cinematic Universe at its Avengers Campus. This land comes alive as you spot iconic Marvel characters casually strolling around, stopping for pictures and sometimes showing off their powers. Avengers Campus also offers rides like the interactive Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, and the energy-packed thrill ride Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout.

Dining at Disneyland Park

There are over 100 restaurants spread across Disneyland Resort and the options at Disneyland Park include everything from quick-service counters and snack stands to full-service restaurants. The random snacks you'll find around the park are a real standout, including Mickey-shaped beignets, Matterhorn macaroons and classic Disney churros.

Disneyland's fan-favorite frozen treat, Dole Whip, receives an elevated upgrade at Adventureland's Tropical Hideaway. While purists can enjoy the classic pineapple version, this eatery also dishes an inventive pineapple mango swirl topped with chamoy and chile-lime seasoning. Quick-service options that will keep you moving are plentiful across Disneyland Park and include basics, like pizza from Alien Pizza Planet, to gourmet eats from Docking Bay 7 in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

The crown jewel of Disneyland dining is the immersive Blue Bayou Restaurant. This unique spot, located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, lets guests dine on Louisiana-inspired bites as riders cruise by on boats. The park also hosts a breakfast character dining experience at the Plaza Inn for early risers looking to jump-start their day with a plate of Mickey waffles and some guaranteed face time with Minnie Mouse.

Dining at Disney California Adventure Park

The dining scene at Disney California Adventure Park is as eclectic as that at Disneyland Park, offering both family-friendly options and elevated cuisine that showcases California's contributions to the culinary world.

Of particular note, Avengers Campus is home to Pym Test Kitchen. The "Ant-Man"-themed quick-service eatery serves foods that play with proportions — think giant shareable pretzels and miniature chicken sandwiches. Other quick-service options throughout the park are also far from mundane and include Southern California-inspired Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Cozy Cone Motel and the San Francisco-inspired Pacific Wharf Cafe, which serves homemade soups in freshly made sourdough bread bowls from Boudin Bakery.

Holders of a Disneyland Magic Key have exclusive access to Magic Key Terrace Dining, while anyone with an affinity for elevated options can enjoy Carthay Circle Restaurant, which embraces old-school Hollywood charm and elegance. The park also leans into its roots at Sonoma Terrace, a gorgeous outdoor beer garden with sweeping park views serving California-made beers, wines and small plates. Unlike at Disneyland Park, alcohol can be freely enjoyed throughout Disney California Adventure and its restaurants, which lends a more adult feel to the park.

Special events at Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park plays host to a range of special events each year, from ticketed events to seasonal celebrations included with general admission. Each winter, for example, the park transforms into a holiday wonderland as "snoap" falls upon Sleeping Beauty Castle. There are specialty treats, limited timed fireworks and holiday-inspired attraction overlays. Several times throughout the year, the park hosts Disneyland After Dark, a series of after-hours events that require an extra ticket and embrace unique themes, from "Star Wars" to the Disney Princesses.

Special events at Disney California Adventure Park

Every year, Disney California Adventure Park becomes an ideal visit for foodies, hosting several award-winning annual food and wine festivals at various points. The year kicks off with the annual Lunar New Year, celebrating Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions through dining and entertainment, while the end of each year is marked with Disney Festival of Holidays, packed with holiday-themed entertainment and bites. Every Halloween, the highly anticipated Oogie Boogie Bash takes over Disney California Adventure, requiring a coveted special ticket.
 
The pinnacle of the park's special events is the long-running Disney California Adventure Park Food & Wine Festival, held each spring. Outdoor food kitchens are added across the park, offering dozens of food items and drinks inspired by California's very own abundance of offerings, like artichokes and avocados. Admission to all festivals is included with park admission and guests can purchase a Sip and Savor pass to sample different foods at a potentially lower cost (if they use it correctly).

If you still can't decide which Disneyland theme park ticket is right for you and your family, consider a two-park pass with the Disneyland park hopper ticket. That way, you can go back and forth between the parks.

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.