I’m a Walt Disney World girly; Magic Kingdom was the first Disney Park I ever visited, and WDW remains my go-to destination when I want to be surrounded by magic.
This year I got to experience something new; hubby and I visited Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World. Both were c’est magnifique!
In fact, even though it’s hard for this girl to admit, there are things that Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World do better than WDW.
Here are five that stand out after my first trip:
5. Better Parade Floats
Disney Stars on Parade has eye-catching floats from start to finish!
From the moment Mickey and Minnie appear on the first float until the end, this parade is bursting with characters. A definite not-to-be-missed experience on any trip.
4. Better Versions of Rides We Already Know
Be it Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, or Phantom Manor (their version of the Haunted Mansion), the attractions at Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World have upped the stakes and made familiar stories faster, longer, or just better overall.
3. Better at Constantly Growing
In March 2026, the World of Frozen officially opened in Disney Adventure World (a dedicated Frozen land) along with Raiponce Tangled Spin (a gorgeous Rapunzel-themed ride).
Both of these are examples of sizeable changes happening in the parks.
Work is also well underway at Disney Adventure Park for a Lion King-themed land that will give guests the first-ever Lion King attraction in any Disney park.
Given how much growth has already happened and how much is actively being built for expansion, it feels like Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World are outpacing WDW in terms of development.
2. Better Ride Photos
Ok, so this one might seem cheesy, but I LOVE a ride photo. The mid-attraction action shots captured at Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World seem to provide a better snapshot of the experience than those at other parks.
For example, Big Thunder Mountain just finished its refurbishment at Walt Disney World (reopened on May 3rd 2026), but does not offer any ride photos. In comparison, Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris does.
A quick picture may seem like a little thing, but those tiny details are part of the magical memories we make, and having a shot of the fun we’re having on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness is a great memento.
&
1. A Better Nighttime Show
Before anyone gets upset, I love Happily Ever After, and before that I loved Wishes. BUT, having seen Disney Cascade of Lights, my eyes have been opened to what a great drone show looks like. The drones are paired with pyro-techniques, water projections, and music, making for a truly phenomenal sight.
Adding to its appeal is that guests can watch it from anywhere around Adventure Bay, so they don’t have to be crammed in to see it from a specific angle.
I will always be a WDW girly, yet now that I’ve seen what an international Disney park can offer, I would be amiss to not acknowledge that there’s room for WDW to enhance their magic. It’s not a slight to say another park has done something better. I believe the parks can inspire one another and continue pushing each other to keep making magic better.
~Kelly the Character Bounder
