This is one of the most common questions I get asked about planning a trip to the parks. Especially from those planning their first-ever trip! And while I have my favourites, it really depends on a lot of things, as they all offer unique experiences.

Choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming, so I’ve created this guide to help you decide which Disneyland park to visit first, outlining what each park offers, the costs involved, and factors to consider based on your travel preferences and family needs.

Disneyland Park, California

Overview:

• Location: Anaheim, California, USA
• What It Offers: This is the original Disneyland park and features iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. It has two parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
• Highlights: Classic Disney charm as the OG, plus it also has newer attractions at Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney for shopping and dining. As the first Disneyland park, a lot of effort and innovation is continually put into this park by Disney, making it a top-tier experience. Unique lands include Cars Land (one of my favourites), where you can feel like you’re in Radiator Springs, as well as Pixar Pier, which is filled with rides and attractions themed around beloved Pixar films- which are some of my favourites!!

Costs:

• Flights: Approximately AUD 1,200-2,000 per person round trip from major Australian cities. Direct flights to Los Angeles are often available with Qantas or Virgin reward points.
• Accommodation: Varies widely, with nearby hotels ranging from AUD 150 to 500 per night. The 2 main Disneyland hotels can be expensive, but do offer a great experience and the perks are great like park entry and character dining. I have stayed on-site and in surrounding hotels and my preference is The Grand Californian.
• Tickets: Starting from around AUD 150 per day for a one-park ticket; Park Hopper and multiday tickets are more expensive but often you can find package deals on websites like Klook. Add-ons like Genie+ and private tours can make it very expensive but make your experiences a lot more convenient.
• Food: Expect to spend around AUD 50-100 per person per day for meals within the park.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Ideal for first-time visitors due to its iconic status and variety of attractions for all ages.
• Disney Enthusiasts: A must-visit for fans wanting to experience the original park.
• First-Time Visitors: Perfect for capturing everything Disney has to offer as the OG park.

When to Visit:

• Significant Park Activities: Check for events like the annual Halloween and Christmas celebrations, which are beautifully themed and offer unique experiences. Halloween is my favourite!! But it is usually busier at these times too.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid school holidays, American summer break (June to August), and major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas if you don’t want huge crowds and long wait times.
• Crowd Predictors: Use tools like the Disneyland Crowd Calendar to plan your visit during less crowded times.
• Closures and Reduced Hours: Be aware of potential closures and reduced hours during graduation events and large group bookings, which can affect evening fireworks and show schedules.
• Weather Considerations: Southern California has pretty mild weather year-round, I’ve been to the parks in January, May, and August and found it all relatively mild and hardly ever rained.
• Anniversary Celebrations: Disneyland often has special events and limited-time attractions for anniversaries, including the recent 100 years of Disney!! The food offerings alone were AMAZING!!!

Things to Consider:

• US Dollar Strength: The strong US dollar ATM makes American parks and holidays quite expensive for Australians at the moment. My last trip was extremely expensive.
• Visa Requirements: Australian visitors to the USA need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
• Flight Length: The flight from major east coast Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Los Angeles is approximately 13-15 hours direct.

You can see my tips for visiting Disneyland California here.

Walt Disney World, Florida

Overview:

• Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
• What It Offers: By far the largest Disney resort, featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and two water parks. It also boasts over 20 on-site accommodation options, from budget-friendly campsites to luxurious hotels, offering a broad range of options for everyone.

Highlights:

• Magic Kingdom: Home to iconic attractions such as Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Unique offerings include the New Fantasyland expansion with attractions like the Enchanted Tales with Belle and Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid.
• Epcot: Divided into Future World and World Showcase, Epcot features unique experiences like Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and the World Showcase pavilions, each representing different countries. There are so many unique and amazing food offerings and is unlike any other Disneyland park. I loved eating my way around Epcot.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Known for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, featuring the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Also home to Toy Story Land and unique attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Slinky Dog Dash was one of my favourite rides.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Combines attractions with animal encounters, featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar with rides like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Still to this day, Avatar Flight of Passage is one of my favourite rides and I would say Animal Kingdom is in my top 3 parks!!

Costs:

• Flights: Anywhere from AUD 2,000-4,000 per person round trip from major Australian cities.
• Accommodation: On-site hotels range from AUD 200 to 1500 per night, with budget options available off-site.
• Tickets: Around AUD 150-170 per day for a one-park ticket; multi-day and Park Hopper tickets offer better value. It is around AUD 700 for a Park Hopper ticket for 4 days.
• Food: Expect to spend around AUD 60-120 per person per day for meals within the park.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Great for longer stays due to the variety of parks and activities.
• Families with Older Kids/Teens: Ideal for those wanting a mix of thrill rides, cultural experiences, and animal encounters. As well as water parks, and other attractions around Orlando.
• Disney Die-Hards: Great for those wanting an immersive Disney experience over a period of days.

When to Visit:

• Significant Park Activities: Look out for Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, Flower & Garden Festival, and the seasonal parties in Magic Kingdom.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid peak times such as US spring break (March-April), summer vacation (June-August), and major holidays.
• Crowd Predictors: Use tools like the TouringPlans Crowd Calendar for the best times to visit.
• Closures and Reduced Hours: Be aware of potential closures and reduced hours during special events, graduations, and large group bookings, which can affect evening fireworks and show schedules.
• Weather Considerations: Florida’s weather can be hot and humid, especially in the summer, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Autumn (Fall) and spring offer milder temperatures. When I went in June it was hot, sweaty and when it rained, it was so hard you couldn’t walk around it in, it would flood!
• Anniversary Celebrations: Disney World often hosts special events and attractions for its anniversaries, they recently celebrated their 50 years.

Things to Consider:

• Length of Stay: With four main parks, you would need a decent length of time to take it all in, especially when travelling so far from Australia. I would say at least 10 days.
• US Dollar Strength: The strong US dollar makes American parks and holidays quite expensive for Australians at the moment.
• Visa Requirements: Australian visitors to the USA need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
• Flight Length: The flight from major Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Orlando involves at least one stopover and totals approximately 20-24 hours of travel time minimum. When I went, the time difference and flight times made it extremely difficult to get over my jetlag.
• Walking Distances: The size of Walt Disney World means a lot of walking and significant distances between attractions and parks. However, there are lots of regular buses.

Here are my top tips for visiting Disneyworld Orlando.

Disneyland Paris

Overview:

• Location: Marne-la-Vallée, France
• What It Offers: Two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park) with a mix of classic and unique attractions.
• Highlights: European charm, Ratatouille-themed area, and proximity to Paris for additional sightseeing.

Costs:

• Flights: Approximately AUD 2000-4000 per person round trip from major Australian cities.
• Accommodation: On-site hotels range from AUD 150 to 500 per night, with many budget options nearby.
• Tickets: Around AUD 120-150 per day for a one-park ticket; multi-day tickets offer better value. It costed us around AUD 450 per person for multi-park tickets with Premier Access one-day tickets this coming August.
• Food: Expect to spend around AUD 50-100 per person per day for meals within the park.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Suitable for those combining a European holiday with a Disney visit.
• Europe Holiday: Perfect for those already travelling through Europe.

When to Visit:

• Significant Park Activities: Consider visiting during seasonal events like Halloween, Christmas, and the Electroland music festival.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid European school holidays and major holidays like Easter and Christmas. We are going during the Olympics, which I am unsure if it will be sure busy, but I assume so.
• Crowd Predictors: Use tools like the Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar to find the best times to visit.
• Weather Considerations: Paris has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. We went in August and it was pretty hot.
• Anniversary Celebrations: Disneyland Paris has unique celebrations for anniversaries, including parades and shows.

Things to Consider:

• Language Barrier: Some rides and shows are in French, which can be a great cultural and learning experience for children.
• Cultural Experience: Experiencing Disney in a different cultural context adds to the adventure and learning.
• Flight Length: The flight from major Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Paris is approximately 23-25 hours minimum, including stopovers. I wouldn’t make a special trip just to this Disneyland park unless it was a part of a bigger holiday. It isn’t my favourite park and most of what is at Disneyland Paris can be seen at other parks!

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

Overview:

• Location: Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
• What It Offers: Two parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) are known for their unique attractions and high-quality entertainment.
• Highlights: Themed areas like Mediterranean Harbor and Arabian Coast at DisneySea, unique parades, and shows. The Japanese do Disney a bit differently, with a big focus on charm and food rather than thrill rides.

Costs:

• Flights: Approximately AUD 800-1,200 per person round trip from major Australian cities. Lots of reward flights with Qantas are available.
• Accommodation: On-site hotels range from AUD 200 to 500 per night; budget options are available in nearby Tokyo.
• Tickets: Around AUD 90-120 per day for a one-park ticket; multi-day tickets offer better value.
• Food: Expect to spend around AUD 40-80 per person per day for meals within the park. This was by far the most affordable park I’ve been to.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Excellent for experiencing Japanese culture along with Disney magic, with less emphasis on thrill rides.
• Disney Veterans: Ideal for those who have visited other parks and are looking for something different.
• Budget Travelers: Japan is affordable, and the Australian dollar goes far in Japan.

When to Visit:

• Significant Park Activities: Visit during seasonal events like Disney’s Halloween, Disney’s Christmas, and the Tanabata Days festival.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid Japanese national holidays like Golden Week (late April to early May) and New Year’s.
• Crowd Predictors: Use tools like TDR Navi Crowd Calendar to plan your visit.
• Weather Considerations: Tokyo has hot, humid summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, with mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in spring. We went in July and it was pretty hot, almost unbearable (almost).
• Anniversary Celebrations: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea hold special events for anniversaries with unique shows and parades, they recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

Things to Consider:

• Affordability: Japan is very affordable, and travel to Japan is only a 10-hour direct flight from most Australian capitals.
• Language Barrier: Some rides and shows are in Japanese, which can also provide a unique cultural and learning experience.
• Flight Length: The flight from major Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Tokyo is approximately 9-10 hours direct. An overnight flight home is perfect.

Here are my tips for visiting Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea

Hong Kong Disneyland

Overview:

• Location: Lantau Island, Hong Kong (very close to the airport)
• What It Offers: A single park with a mix of classic and unique attractions.
• Highlights: Smaller crowds, easy navigation, and themed areas like Mystic Point and World of Frozen.

Costs:

• Flights: Approximately AUD 600-1,000 per person round trip from major Australian cities.
• Accommodation: On-site hotels range from AUD 150 to 400 per night; budget options are available in Hong Kong (note Hong Kong is about half an hour away).
• Tickets: Around AUD 100-130 per day for a one-park ticket; multi-day tickets offer better value.
• Food: Expect to spend around AUD 40-80 per person per day for meals within the park.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Perfect for shorter, more relaxed visits with younger children.
• Travellers on a Budget: More affordable flights and accommodation compared to other Disney parks.
• Travellers with Other Plans: The park is small and can be easily done in 1-2 days, making it suited for a larger holiday in Hong Kong or as a great stopover option. It is very close to the airport.

When to Visit:

• Significant Park Activities: Consider visiting during Chinese New Year or Halloween for unique cultural experiences.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid Chinese national holidays and summer break if you don’t like crowds.
• Crowd Predictors: Use tools like the Hong Kong Disneyland Crowd Calendar to find less crowded times.
• Weather Considerations: Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Autumn (September-November) offers the best weather. We went in December and it was between 20-25 degrees Celsius each day!
• Anniversary Celebrations: Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its anniversaries with special parades and events.

Things to Consider:

• Language Barrier: Some rides and shows are in Cantonese, which can provide an enriching cultural experience.
• Flight Length: The flight from major Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Hong Kong is approximately 9-10 hours direct.

Here are my top tips for visiting Hong Kong Disneyland.

Shanghai Disneyland

I will note, this is the only Disneyland Park I have not visited yet myself. However, I hope to very soon!! 🙂

Overview:

• Location: Pudong, Shanghai, China
• What It Offers: The newest Disneyland park with innovative attractions and larger-than-life experiences.
• Highlights: Unique attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Enchanted Storybook Castle, and the Gardens of Imagination.

Costs:

• Flights: Approximately AUD 1,000-2,000 per person round trip from major Australian cities.
• Accommodation: On-site hotels range from AUD 200 to 500 per night; budget options are available in Shanghai.
• Tickets: Around AUD 90-120 per day for a one-park ticket; multi-day tickets offer better value.
• Food: Expect to spend around AUD 40-80 per person per day for meals within the park.

Great For:

• Disney Die-Hards: Great for those looking for new and innovative Disney experiences. I’m told the Shanghai park is like no other.
• Adventurous Travelers: Ideal for those wanting to explore a new Disney park with unique attractions.

When to Visit:

• Significant Park Activities: Look for seasonal events like Chinese New Year celebrations and Halloween.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid Chinese national holidays like Golden Week (early October) and Chinese New Year if you don’t like crowds.
• Crowd Predictors: Use tools like the Shanghai Disneyland Crowd Calendar to plan your visit.
• Weather Considerations: Shanghai has hot, humid summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Anniversary Celebrations: Shanghai Disneyland hosts special events and parades for its anniversaries.

Things to Consider:

• Language Barrier: Some rides and shows are in Mandarin.
• Internet Restrictions: Access to Facebook, Instagram, and other Western social media platforms is restricted. You also need to present your passport to enter the park.
• Visa Requirements: Australian visitors to China need a visa, which must be obtained before travel.
• Flight Length: The flight from major Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Shanghai is approximately 10-11 hours direct.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Hawaii

Overview:

• Location: Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
• What It Offers: A Disney resort experience without theme park rides and attractions, focusing on relaxation, character interactions, and Hawaiian culture.
• Highlights: Stunning beachfront location, multiple pools and water play areas, character dining experiences, and a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options.

Costs:

• Flights: Approximately AUD 800-1,200 per person round trip from major Australian cities.
• Accommodation: On-site hotel rooms range from AUD 800 up to 2,000 per night, depending on the season and room type.
• Tickets: No park tickets are required, but activities and dining experiences have associated costs.
• Food: Expect to spend a minimum AUD 50-100 per person per day for meals within the resort, more as you are not likely to be leaving the resort.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Perfect for a relaxing vacation with plenty of Disney magic and no need to navigate large parks.
• Disney Fans Seeking Relaxation: Ideal for those who want a Disney experience with a focus on relaxation and cultural immersion.

When to Visit:

• Significant Resort Activities: Look out for seasonal events and special celebrations.
• Peak Travel Times: Avoid peak holiday seasons like Christmas and summer vacation to get better rates and fewer crowds. Also, check US school terms and breaks.
• Weather Considerations: Hawaii has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best weather is typically from April to October. We went in September and it was perfect!!

Things to Consider:

• Unique Offerings: Aulani offers a blend of Disney charm and Hawaiian culture, with activities like hula lessons, storytelling, and visits from Disney characters.
• US Dollar Strength: As with other US destinations, the strong US dollar makes it more expensive for Australians.
• Travel Convenience: Direct flights to Hawaii are shorter than to mainland US destinations, making it a more convenient option for families with young children.
• Visa Requirements: Australian visitors to the USA need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
• Flight Length: The flight from major Australian cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne) to Honolulu is approximately 9-10 hours direct.

Disney Wonder Cruise from Australia

Overview:

• What It Offers: The Disney Wonder offers magical cruises departing from Australian ports, providing a unique way to experience Disney magic at sea without the need for long international flights. These cruises include stops at various destinations along the Australian coast and nearby regions.
• Highlights: Onboard entertainment, character meet-and-greets, themed dining experiences, and kid-friendly activities and kids clubs for different age groups. Unique amenities include pools, water slides, Broadway-style shows, and themed parties.
• Christmas Cruises: This year, Disney Cruiselines welcomes the magic of Christmas on board with cruises from Nov 28th to Jan 3rd being adored with Christmas decor and will include Tree Lighting ceremonies and your favourite characters in their holiday best!!

Costs:

• Cruise Fares: Vary widely based on itinerary, length of cruise, and stateroom type; typically range from AUD 1,000 to 3,000 per person for a 3/4 night cruise.
• Food: Most meals are included in the cruise fare, but expect to spend extra on specialty dining and beverages.

Great For:

• Families with Young Kids: Ideal for those looking for an all-inclusive experience with plenty of entertainment options for children without the chaos of a big park.
• Multi-Generational Families: Suitable for families to bring the grandparents and extended family as it doesn’t involve lots of long-distance travel, reducing costs and has activities for all ages.
• Disney Fans Seeking Variety: Perfect for Disney enthusiasts who want to combine the magic of Disney with travel to multiple destinations.
• People Who Don’t Like Flying: I mean, it’s just not for some people haha

When to Cruise:

• Seasonal Dates: The Disney Wonder is only in Australia for part of the year. I believe it arrives in October and departs around March. Unless you want to head overseas for another cruise.
• Significant Cruise Activities: Look out for themed cruises such as Marvel Day at Sea, and Star Wars Day at Sea, and holiday-themed cruises like Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises!
• Peak Travel Times: School holidays, public holidays, peak summer (December to January), and Christmas/New Year periods are popular and tend to be more expensive.

Things to Consider:

• Travel Convenience: Departing from Australian ports reduces travel time and costs compared to international cruises.
• Flight Cost: If you are travelling from another port than where you are based (Perth, Darwin etc), you need to consider flight and travel costs.

Here are our top tips for the Disney Cruise on the Wonder.

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Choosing the right Disney park for your visit depends on your family’s needs, budget, and travel preferences. For a classic experience, Disneyland California is my favourite park and would be my first suggestion for a first-timer, however, it is quite expensive from Australia, and our dollar does not go far at the moment (this is across all of the US, not just within the parks). So the Tokyo, Hong Kong & Shanghai parks could be a great option for a more affordable experience.

Hong Kong is a great park for young kids as it’s much smaller and easy to navigate around. But it can easily be done in 1-2 days so you’d want it to be apart of a larger holiday to justify.

Tokyo is my second pick as it has two parks, lots of unique offerings not found anywhere else and I love the culture and food at these parks.

It is best to have a think and consider exactly what you’re looking to get out of your visit and who you’re travelling with to make the best choice for your family’s first or next Disney adventure.

I hope this helped and look forward to hearing about which parks you decide to visit and what you think!!