Howdy Dayna!
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your question. First of all, I want to say that I hope your child is doing well. As a parent of a Make-A-Wish Kid, I certainly understand what it’s like to have a child with a life-threatening illness. My daughter was about the same age when her wish was granted, and she wished to go to Disney. The magic of the Disney Parks and Resorts is why it’s the most granted destination wish. Now let's use the phenomenal cosmic power of planDisney to help you learn more about your Disney Park options!
Alrighty lets begin with what both parks have in common. Both parks are filled with rides available to adults and children of all ages. They all have meet-and-greets where your Wish Kid can meet their favorite character or princess to take pictures with or get autographs. You can also find amazingly themed dining options around every corner, including opportunities to dine with pals like Mickey and friends. If it’s great shows, parades, or nighttime fireworks shows you are excited about, then you will find differing, although equally amazing ones at both parks.
The parks in California include
Disneyland and
Disney’s California Adventure. Obviously, this is where it all began with the first park, so there is a ton of nostalgia attached to it. Disneyland comprises 9 lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Bayou Country, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toon Town, Tomorrowland, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. California Adventure also has 9 lands: Buena Vista St, Hollywood Land, Avengers Campus, Cars Land, San Fransokyo Square, Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens, and Grizzly Peak. Both parks have plenty of rides that your 4-year-old can certainly enjoy, although Mickey’s Toon Town, Avengers Campus, Cars Land, and Pixar Pier all have rides exclusive to these parks.
In Florida at Walt Disney World, you will find the
Magic Kingdom,
EPCOT,
Hollywood Studios, and
Animal Kingdom. Each park offers its own unique theme and rides. The Magic Kingdom is very similar to Disneyland, with many of the same rides and attractions. It also has exclusive attractions such as Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Although some consider EPCOT more for adults, I think your child would love The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Frozen Ever After. Over at Hollywood Studios, they can enjoy Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Finally, Animal Kingdom’s walking paths to view animals of all kinds are amazing, along with Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice. Even though our family has been to Walt Disney World many times, my daughter's Wish Trip is something that she still remembers and talks about. It was the way everyone, from the cast members, characters, to the princesses, made her feel magical, even if only for a moment.
Dayna, I know this might seem like a lot decide on, but as I said, your child and your family will have an absolutely magical time during her Wish Trip, no matter which parks you choose. I hope, during this time, you all can put aside any worries and experience the joy and magic of Disney as a family. May all of your Childs wishes come true.
Please stop back by planDisney if I can answer any further questions for you.
Wishfully yours,
Robert