6. The Tomorrowland Monorail Station

While it makes sense why Disney made the call to place the Magic Kingdom monorail station outside the park gates, there’s no question that Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Monorail station is decidedly more convenient.

For those unfamiliar, guests using the Disneyland Monorail are dropped off right in the middle of Tomorrowland, bypassing the park’s main entrance—pretty cool! While the station certainly can get busy, during light seasons the convenience of the in-park monorail station remains a great perk.

7. The Matterhorn Bobsleds

This one stung somewhat less after the arrival of Expedition: Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but there’s just something about Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds that screams classic Disney magic.

Disney actually talked for years about bringing a clone of The Matterhorn to Epcot, but the idea never materialized. Disney’s original mountain coaster provides a striking focal point for Disneyland Park and remains a steady favorite among thrill ride fans, especially since Disney upgraded the ride’s somewhat awkward original semi-spooning seating arrangement.

We appreciate the ways Disney Imagineers tied the stories of both The Matterhorn Bobsleds and Expedition: Everest together (the latter is really a spiritual successor to the original), but there’s just something irreplaceable about the original.

8. The impressive range of Latin flavors

I didn’t realize this until I moved to the east coast and started seeing posts about Disneyland’s annual festivals, but it seems Disneyland has Walt Disney World absolutely trounced in the area of Latin food.

I am somewhat biased when it comes to Mexican food as I grew up less than a half hour from the border—the further east or north you get, the harder it is to find quality Mexican food. Epcot’s Mexico pavilion does a passable job, but over the years, I can’t help but feel like Disney dulled some of the authenticity of their original offerings to appeal to the masses.

Disneyland, on the other hand, continues to make bold creative choices with Latin food. While guests can find plenty of options at both Disneyland's Rancho Del Zocalo and Disney California Adventure's Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, the real gems we’ve seen pop up periodically as special offerings for the resort’s annual festivals. A few highlights have included taste Pozole, Chile Relleno Empanadas, Aji de Gallina, Braised Pork Belly Adobo, Carnitas Mac & Cheese, Tamales, and Pan Dulce.

Oh, and Disneyland is also the place to go if you want to add some free Tajin (found at a nearby condiment bar) to your Dole Whip. Yum!

9. Soarin’ Over California

I included this one not so much because of personal taste but because so many fans bring it up—there’s something truly special about the original Disney California Adventure version of Soarin’.

I certainly enjoy Soarin’ Around the World--it’s a lovely attraction, and most of the year, it is exactly the same at both Disney California Adventure as at Epcot. Periodically, though, Disney will bring back the original attraction—Soarin’ Over California—for limited runs.

Many fans rightfully cite the fact that Soarin’ Over California has an organic feel compared to its successor, largely because the original ride used real drone footage taken across California instead of computer-generated images. Guests also often mention the unique scents of the California version, particularly the inclusion of the state’s citrus fields.

While there’s much to be said about the globe-trotting majesty of Soarin’ Around the World, I certainly can respect why many miss and prefer Soarin’ Over California.

10. All things Marvel

I will admit including this one not so much because of my own experience but because someone is likely to mention it—Disneyland is Disney’s only US park with full access to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This one isn’t so much an “I miss it” as “I really want to experience it”. The absence of Marvel properties at Walt Disney World is painfully obvious. Because of their tricky deal with Universal Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy is really the only well-known property Disney can currently play with in Florida, which is why fans have been champing at the bit for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot to open and fill the void.

I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Avengers Campus, but it looks impressive. I’ve been a huge fan of Disney’s high-immersion lands like The World of Pandora as well as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and it’s a shame that Marvel Avengers Campus can’t join the party east of the Mississippi.

In conclusion, while I remain a Walt Disney World fan through and through, there are a good number of things I miss about Disneyland Resort, and it’s easy to see why picking a favorite between the two resorts can prove a real challenge!

Have you been to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland? What else do you think Disneyland does better (or vice versa)? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook! Thanks for reading!