21 Major Differences Between Disneyland and Disney World

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are vastly different. Both Disney parks are home to Mickey and Minnie Mouse; both are figurative and literal hot spots (the temperatures soar in Orlando and Anaheim during the summer); and both are known as “the happiest place on Earth.” SoCal’s Disneyland is the OG park, with oodles of old-school charm, and is the mold for all the other Disney parks around the globe, but Florida’s Disney World is HUGE — the resort as a whole is almost as big as the city of San Francisco. While Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom both follow the same basic plan, sharing the original core of Main Street, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland, the two versions also feature numerous differences and distinct draws. Here are 21 of them!

1. Disney World has the Magic Band. At Disney World, all you need to get around is your handy-dandy Disney-issued Magic Band. This plastic bracelet will work as your room key, charge card, park ticket, and ride FastPass. In Disneyland, you still need to show your physical ticket, and FastPasses are acquired via kiosks or the MaxPass program. (Photo via Kent Phillips/Walt Disney World)

2. The parks are different sizes. Disneyland sits at about 85 acres and has little room to grow, though the Star Wars themed expansion should add another 14 acres when it opens next summer. Walt Disney World, on the other hand, currently sums up to nearly 25,000 acres, or about 40 square miles, with 107 of those acres dedicated to the Magic Kingdom theme park.

3. There are way more star sightings at Disneyland. Being Hollywood-adjacent has its perks. When at Disneyland, you’ve always gotta keep your eyes peeled, since it’s a favorite place for celebs to visit (especially those with kids). The Kardashians, the Beckhams, Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry, and so many more visit the park on the regular.

4. The castles are vastly different sizes. Disneyland’s castle, based on the epic European castles such as Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, comes in at a height of 77 feet. The castle at Disney World stands at 183 feet — more than twice as tall as the castle in Disneyland. (Photo via Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World)

5. Each castle honors a different princess. Disneyland’s castle is for Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and includes a wonderful walk-through of her story. In Florida, the castle is in honor of Cinderella and features the princess-themed character restaurant Cinderella’s Royal Table.

6. Disney World has attractions Disneyland doesn’t. Walt Disney World has the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Mickey’s PhilharMagic Concert, Stitch’s Great Escape!, and the hilarious Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. In addition, they have a few attractions that were once also at Disneyland (but aren’t anymore), including Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and the Country Bear Jamboree. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

7. There are sleeping quarters in Disney World’s castle. One of the perks of having a larger castle is that you can do things like build a deluxe suite inside. Available by invitation only, the glamorous Cinderella Castle Suite features lush decorations, luxurious amenities, and lots of nods to the Disney classic.

8. Disneyland has attractions that Disney World doesn’t. The Matterhorn Bobsleds, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage are available only in Anaheim. Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures were once at both parks but are now only in Disneyland. (Photo via Disneyland Resort)

9. Disneyland has an extraordinary train car. Both Disneyland and Disney World have vintage trains circling the park, but only Disneyland has the Lilly Belle. The unique parlor car’s interior was designed by Walt Disney’s wife Lillian, and the train, in turn, is named for her.

10. Their big boats are different. Disneyland has both a steam-powered riverboat (named the Mark Twain) and the Sailing Ship Columbia, while Disney World only has a riverboat (there it’s named the Liberty Belle). (Photo via Disneyland Resort)

11. Disneyland has Mickey’s Toontown. The cartoon-inspired area, located in the back of the park, is an homage to classic Disney icons like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto. Along with detailed homes for Minnie and Mickey, there’s a kiddie coaster and the popular Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.

12. Disney World has Storybook Circus. Hearkening back to Disney’s beloved Dumbo, this area (part of Fantasyland) features an old-school circus vibe. While there are some fun rides — including the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride and the Barnstormer roller coaster — it’s the meet and greets with sideshow versions of classic characters that really can’t be missed: You can pose with the Great Goofini (Goofy as a daredevil pilot), the Astounding Donaldo (Donald as a snake charmer), Minnie Magnifique (a circus star with pink poodles), and Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy as a fortune teller). (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

13. You can get your hair cut on the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street. It’s not all fun and games at Disney World; there’s also an opportunity for self-care and grooming. The old-timey Harmony Barber Shop offers haircuts for adults and children and even has a “My First Haircut” package, which includes commemorative ears and a certificate.

14. Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion gets a seasonal makeover. While Disney World’s Haunted Mansion is the same 24/7, the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland becomes the Tim Burton-heavy Haunted Mansion Holiday during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Each year, Jack Skellington takes over to deliver an experience inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. (Photo via Disneyland Resort)

15. The Haunted Mansions look totally different on the outside. The insides may be overall pretty similar most of the year, and the rides themselves are about the same, but there are a few significant differences, such as the Hat Box Ghost appearing in the Disneyland version and the wallpaper that seems to come alive in the Disney World version. But the outsides are definitely very, very different!

16. Disney World has its own unique dining experience. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and Dole Whips can be found at both parks, but Disney World has a few sit-down restaurants worth the reservation. The Jungle Skipper Canteen is a punny place with a “skipper” staff. The Liberty Tree Tavern serves up a jaw-dropping amount of hearty New England fare. Last but not least, the Beauty and the Beast-inspired restaurant Be Our Guest is one of the hardest reservations to get at Disney World, but the magical décor and French-inspired dining make it more than worth the trouble. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

17. Disneyland has eateries not found at Disney World. The Blue Bayou, located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean, tops the list of Disney restaurant musts (and it accordingly books up months in advance, so plan ahead). The Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland is a popular quick-service gem. And if you can score an invite, dining at Club 33 — the private club in New Orleans Square — is a bucket-list goal.

18. Disney World has interactive gaming. It’s not just rides, Dole Whips, and character sightings at Disney World: There are also complex interactive gaming experiences to be had. With the live role-playing game Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, participants embark on quests with the help of a map, a Sorcerer Key Card, and spell cards. In Adventureland, visitors can embark on A Pirate’s Adventure, which features an interactive map that sends players to all corners of Adventureland looking for clues. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

19. You can get your drink on at Disney World. Disneyland is notoriously dry — the only place to get booze there is in the very private Club 33. But you can imbibe alcoholic beverages at a variety of restaurants throughout Walt Disney World, including the previously mentioned Skipper Canteen and the Liberty Tree Tavern.

20. The parks have different town squares. Walt Disney World hosts Liberty Square, while Disneyland has New Orleans Square. Both are home to their respective Haunted Mansions, but they have very different vibes. Disneyland’s New Orleans Square is home to gumbo, beignets, and a strolling jazz band. At Liberty Square, you can see the Muppets give a short history of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and visit the American political icons in the Hall of Presidents. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

21. Their treehouses are inspired by different Disney properties. At one time, both treehouses were tributes to Swiss Family Robinson of book and Disney movie fame. But in 1999, Disneyland transformed their treehouse to reflect the film Tarzan.

Grab your tickets to Disneyland and/or Disney World, and tweet us which Disney park is your favorite and why @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

There's no other place I'd rather vacation than Disney. I know, that might be a controversial statement, but I love visiting the Disney theme parks on my own, with family, friends, and basically anyone else who will join me. As an annual pass holder and self-proclaimed Disney adult, I seriously frequent Walt Disney World multiple times a week — and it's absolutely on my bucket list to visit all of the other parks around the world in my lifetime.

I've been to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure — and I'll be able to check Disneyland Paris off my list soon — but until then, I've come up with a list of the parks I've already visited (and want to visit) in order of priority. Here are all Disney theme parks around the world you should visit, ranked.

TL;DR

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Epcot
  3. Hollywood Studios
  4. Animal Kingdom
  5. Disneyland
  6. Disney California Adventure Park
  7. Disneyland Paris
  8. Walt Disney Studios Park
  9. Tokyo Disneyland
  10. Tokyo DisneySea
  11. Shanghai Disneyland
  12. Hong Kong Disneyland

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

Disney World

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

Disney World

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

Disney World

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

Disney World

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

Disneyland

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

Disney California Adventure Park

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

Joan Costa

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

Walt Disney Studios Park

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

Tokyo Disneyland

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

Tokyo DisneySea

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

Disney

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

Hong Kong Disneyland

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!

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This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Pixar’s 2015 animated film, Inside Out, was deemed by critics across the board as one of their most innovative conceptual masterpieces of all time, and Inside Out 2is getting just as much love! If you have yet to see this summer movie, you are missing out on an emotional, witty, and truly thought-provoking experience. We loved both movies so much here at B+C that we got a crew together for another Halloween costume extravaganza to recreate each original character IRL, and we’re passing along the ins and outs of how you can recreate them too.

Inside Out Halloween Costumes For 2024

Walt Disney Studios/Brit + Co

The best part about these Inside Out character costumes is, there's a good chance you already have a lot of the materials you need to dress up as each character at home. That means all you’ll need are an extra piece here or there to buy or DIY (that should make you jump for Joy).

How to Make an Inside Out Anger Costume

Brit + Co

Bryan, our Director of Video, is channeling his best scowl and slouchy posture. To get the foundation of this look, all you need is a pair of brown pants, a white button-down dress shirt and a gray tie.

Flaming Headpiece: Measure the circumference of your head with a piece of tape, then use that tape to cut out a headband made of glitter foam paper. For Bryan, I used two pieces glued together, and then trimmed off the rest. To create flames, cut out flame shapes on gold glitter foam paper as your base, then add a few red glitter foam flames on top in whatever fire pattern you like.

Makeup + Eyebrows: You could use face paint if you want, but I actually just used red eyeshadow on Bryan, which feels way more comfortable and tends to be easier to wear without smudging it. The eyebrows are also made from the red glitter foam paper and stuck on using eyelash glue.

Brit + Co

The Tie: To get the design on the tie, use painter’s tape to lay a zigzag pattern across the tie, then spray paint the tie red. If you happen to find a tie that has a similar color scheme and print and you would rather keep it simple, then you can skip this step.

Make An Inside Out DIY Fear Costume

Brit + Co

Our Associate Editor Sean can’t be any cuter! I mean!?!? To recreate Fear, grab a pair of dark purple skinny pants, a light blue dress shirt, a red bow tie and a pair of black or dark gray dress shoes.

Hair Curl + Eyebrows: Use glitter foam paper to cut out the curlycue hair piece. To keep it standing up straight, glue a toothpick on the backside of the swirl and attach to your hair using bobby pins.

Makeup: First, draw circles around your eyes using white eyeliner, then fill them in with white face paint. Add a little dark gray or black smudgy eyeliner and some mascara to make your eyes pop. Then grab a purple eyeshadow that has red undertones in it and stipple (aka gently tap) the product onto the rest of your face with a kabuki makeup brush. Make sure you’re careful not to get shadow on the white makeup. Again, you can use face paint, but it tends to be a little more high maintenance to keep in tact all night.

Brit + Co

Houndstooth Vest: If you can find a vest or sweater that you can cut into a vest, that’s the best route. I couldn’t find one anywhere, so instead I had to make it. Good news: It’s super easy to do. Grab houndstooth fabric, fold it in half over your body (be sure to cut out a place for your head!) and then draw lines on the fabric with chalk to mark the width of your body. Take the fabric off, flip inside out, then sew a half inch beyond where you marked — and leave room to make holes for your arms! You can always find a pattern to DL for something a little easier :)

How to Make a DIY Inside Out Joy Costume

Brit + Co

Marisa is the perfect Joy! Our Junior Designer is always walking around the office with the biggest smile on her face, and it didn’t stop here. For the base of this Inside Out character costume, grab a yellow dress and a pair of nude shoes. We found this dress at a thrift store!

THAT Hair: Now, you can buy a wig that is similar to this cut, but I am always an advocate for styling your own wig because it looks more natural. This originally was a light teal bob wig — I used a hair razor (you can find one at your local beauty supply store) to hack the sides off and to create the little stand-up hairs on the top of her head. Use a little wax on the ends of the hairs on top and on the side of your face to really drive up the look.

Makeup: Simple: Go with a heavy teal eyeliner or eyeshadow to help the wig pop.

Brit + Co

The Dress: Nab a couple teal blue and dark blue paint pens from your local art store to draw the flowers. I just eyeballed the design from the cartoon and drew the flower pattern on the dress using teal for the petals and then dark blue to outline then for a more defined, professional finish.

How to Make an Inside Out Disgust Costume

Brit + Co

I was not sure if it was a compliment or tease when Anj, our Creative Director, told me “OMG you will be the BEST at being Disgust” (hmmm… haha). Regardless, it was SO fun to wear this outfit for the day! The dress is from a thrift store as well as the belt (I got SO lucky finding almost an exact match). You can always get a green belt and add a white or lighter line down the middle with paint if you want to be really true to details.

Hair + Makeup: I found this sparkly green wig at a costume shop and cut a couple of inches off so it was the same length as the character’s. Green eyelashes are clutch — grab ’em while you’re at the costume store, too! For your eyebrows, use white eyeliner to fill them in and then use an angled eyebrow brush to brush on green eyeshadow so they match your eyelashes and wig. Finish off the look with orchid lipstick and practice your most gnarly facial expressions and you are set!

Scarf: Buy a quarter yard of a sparkly light purple tulle and cut it to the right length to tie around your neck.

Brit + Co

The Dress: You can use white fabric paint and a paint brush or paint pens to draw on the splattered, floral-like pattern.

Shoes: I could not for the life of me find fuchsia shoes anywhere, so I bought a pair of flats and spray painted them.

Make A DIY Inside Out Sadness Costume

Brit + Co

This is MY personal favorite character from Inside Out without a doubt, and I think a fan favorite across the board IRL as well. Sadness steals your heart in the first flick, and our DIY intern Brittany (aka BGriff) stole mine with her perfect channeling of this charismatic little gem of a character. All you need to recreate the look is blue tights, flat shoes and an oversized gray cowl neck sweater (super stoked to have found the perfect one at a thrift store — score!).

Makeup: This makeup is really simple: only add mascara and blue lipstick. The most important part here is to practice your pout! It is too good!!!

Brit + Co

The Hair: This wig is the blue version of the green wig Disgust is wearing, only it needed to be cut much shorter to fit the look. Use hair wax to style the bangs over to the side and along the ends of the wig so it looks more natural.

Big Glasses: Use a small glass to trace circles on black glitter foam paper and another slightly smaller glass to make the center circle. Cut them out and attach using eyelash glue at the bridge of your nose.

Walt Disney Studios/Brit + Co

We couldn’t resist!

Walt Disney Studios/Brit + Co

Obvs this is the perfect set of costumes for groups of all kinds. You can get everyone in on the action — get a group of the neighborhood kids together and be the show stopping group of the ‘hood with your minis rocking these looks, too!

Which Inside Out costume will you be wearing for Halloween 2024? Let us know on Facebook!

Images via Brit + Co/Walt Disney Studios

This post has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.