For those who've been to both DLR and WDW...

[jabead]

I recently returned from a trip to DLR (hadn't been there since 1995 because our last 4 vacations have been spent at WDW, LOL!). Anyway I thought it would be fun to rate the 6 Disney theme parks that I've visited and invite anyone else who'd like to to do the same.

#1 - WDW's Epcot (still my favorite, although Disneyland is a close 2nd)

#2 - Disneyland (I thought this park was way better than Magic Kingdom, I especially loved the New Orleans Square area)

#3 - WDW's Magic Kingdom

#4 - WDW's MGM Studios

#5 - DLR's California Adventure (Soarin' over California is fantastic, rest of park is just okay IMHO)

#6 - WDW's Animal Kingdom (I like the Festival of Lion King show and the new parade, but that's about it)

[Mary Jo]

<font color=navy>
My list is different than yours:

1) DL - It is the best all-around park of them all - if I had to pick just one, it would be Disneyland

2) WDW Epcot - I love this park, and there is so much to do there

3) Animal Kingdom - My family also really enjoyed this park

4) WDW Magic Kingdom

5) Disney's California Adventure

6) WDW MGM Studios

[Michelle]

Sure, I'll throw in my two cents! :D

#1 - Disneyland

#2 - Epcot

#3 - Disney MGM Studios

#4 - Magic Kingdom

#5 - California Adventure

#6 - Animal Kingdom

Each of their parks has their pros and cons, but DL and Epcot are by far our favorite two parks. :earsgirl:

[goofy4mickey48]

Walt Disney World has my heart! 1 disneyworld Mk 2. Epcot 3.Animal Kingdom 4.Disneyland 5.MGM Studios. Loved the indiana Joned ride and pirates at DL, but everything else -Disneyworld for me!!! ;)

[beachbunny]

1. Epcot!!!!
2. MK
3. DL
4. MGM
5. DAK
6. DCA

[daannzzz]

Disneyland

Epcot

Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

Disney's California Adventure / Disney MGM Studios

[beachbunny]

Hey, what about the other Disney parks? If they are considered, here's my revised list:

1. Epcot!!!
2. Disney Sea
3. MK
4. Tokyo DL
5. DL
6. DL Paris
7. MGM
8. DAK
9. DCA

Haven't been to the new MGM studios in Paris yet. Maybe next year.

[tinagirl]

#1 - DL - I rate it far above the MK, personally, there are just too many things that I love that aren't in Florida, (Matterhorn, Indy, All of New Orleans Square, Sound on Space Mountain, Lincoln, RR's Cartoon Spin, The original Tiki Room, Pirates with Drops, Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio, Toad, Storybook Land and others, are can't miss. MK is great, as it has Cinderellas Castle, Pooh (which we are getting) Buzz & Alien Encounter, and those old DL attractions the TTA, and Carousel of Progress, and my absolute fave, the country bears, but it just never had as much "magic" to me.

#2 - Epcot

#3 - MGM

#4 - DCA (may move up after TOT, and FFF are installed)

#5 - Animal Kingdom

#6 - Magic Kingdom - Above all else, it feels more "fabricated" than to me. Maybe it's because I grew up at DL, but everything just feels wrong. Certain rides load on the left that load on the right at DL. The bar is on the other side in the Horseshoe. It feels sort of like being though the looking glass. Everything is the same, but not. It just feels weird, and I honestly would choose any other park over it.

Sorry if this offends some folks, but let's face it, we're all opinionated and passionate. :)

All my best
~Tina

[Amusement Park Junkie]

1 DL (The original. Indiana Jones. Bobsleds. etc.)
2 MGM (the best pair of rides in any of the parks (RNR, TOT))
5 MK (Disney magic, and some unique attractions)
6 DCA (California Soarin' is the most original ride anywhere)
8 EPCOT
9 AK


I skipped 3, 4, & 7 because we always do all 6 parks when we go to Florida.
3 IOA (Incredible coasters and great theming)
4 USF (Original shows and great theming)
And if you're going to include US from Florida, you need to include it from California as well.
7 USH

[goofyfordisney]

OK...Here's my vote:

#1 Disneyland--The Original!
#2 MGM
#3 MK
#4 Animal Kingdom
#5 Epcot
#6 DCA

Just a note...Growing up in California, I have visited Disneyland too many times to count!!
I have only been to WDW once (just this past November) :D

[c&m]

I love this thread! Here's our rating:

1. DL
2. Epcot
3. Animal Kingdom
4. California Adventure
5. Magic Kingdom
6. MGM

We just love the original DL park. All the rides at DL suit us just fine. We agree with a previous poster who thought that things just don't feel right at Magic Kingdom.

Epcot is just an awesome place to be at, and we just love eating around the world!

AK and CA were a tight race for third place. AK got the lead because the setting is just magnificent.

[travisimo]

1. Disneyland
2. Epcot
3. Disney/MGM Studios
4. Disney's California Adventure
5. Magic Kingdom
6. Animal Kingdom

I like this thread too! I'm so glad Epcot is high on a lot of people's lists! Epcot REPRESENT!!! :bounce:

[jabead]

So with 21 votes in so far (inc. 10 on the WDW board) here is an update of the standings:

#1 - Disneyland (has taken the lead over Epcot)

#2 - Epcot

#3 - Magic Kingdom

#4 - MGM Studios (holds a very narrow lead over AK)

#5 - Animal Kingdom

#6 - California Adventure

Keep those votes a comin' :)

[dlgirl]

1] Without question Disneyland [it has the real Mickey]

2] Animal Kingdom

3] Magic Kindom

4] Epcot

5] MGM Sudio

6] CA [ I am not really rating this park as I won't see it until October.

[PattiPB]

I didn't think this would be so difficult! Each park is a fave for one reason or another for one or another member of the family!!!

1 - Disneyland. Every time I'm there I think the same thought - Mr. Walt Disney walked this same path, rode these same rides, sat on these same benches (Probably ate the same hamburger, but that's another thread!).

2. Disney-MGM Studios. Very underrated park IMHO. There is so much for every member of my family at this park.

3. DCA. We just LOVE it here - I know we're a minority! There is something for everyone, and we can spend all day at the Paradise Pier section and the Grizzly Mtn. Rec Area.

4. EPCOT. It's like two completely different parks in one. Way too much for even a two-day visit.

5. Magic Kingdom. We love it, but it doesn't compare to Disneyland.

6. Animal Kingdom. Love the ambience, but not much to do, and very few animals!

This list would be even harder if you included The Universal properties, and the water parks! That's just too much work to decide!

Patti

[JLS]

Great thread!

Here's is my ranking of the Disney parks I have been to:

1. Disneyland
2. Disney MGM Studios
3. Blizzard Beach
4. Epcot
5. Magic Kingdom
6. DCA
7. Animal Kingdom
8. Typhoon Lagoon

If I was including the Universal properties, I would put Islands of Adventure very high - probably #2. Universal Studios Florida would probably be after the Magic Kingdom on my list. But I think all of these parks are great with a lot to offer. The only one that really disappointed me was Typhoon Lagoon because I didn't find their water slides to be very long or very much fun and I didn't really like that surfing pool.

[rcyannacci]

I'm so sad! We just got back from DL/DCA and I just fell in love with DCA. Maybe it is just that it was so recent, but it has to go toward the top of my list. It was a beautifully themed park with some of the best rides I've been on. I had tears streaming back from my face on Soarin...loved the rollar coaster, like the Rockin' Rollar coaster at MGM but longer and with an awesome view of the mountains...never wanted to leave the animation building, such great images, lights and music blended together in the entry room...had a wine tasting at the Mondavi winery.... Honestly, I grew up on WDW so I had not expected to like the CA parks as much...I'm converted. Even to attempt this list, I will have to include ties:

1) Epcot and WDW MK
2) AK and DCA
3) DL
4) MGM

[klwally]

1- Magic Kingdom - is my favorite - Love the Castle! :)

2- DisneyLand - went for my first time this June. It was fun. I was amazed at how small it was. Toon town was cool Loved Indy, but Tomorrowland needs something...

3- MGM Studios - This is a GREAT park. The live shows are excellent! Rock N Roller Rules!

4 Epcot - I have nothing against epcot - love it, just love the others a little more. The amount of walking it takes sometimes is overwhelming. I love the attractions.

5 Animal Kingdom - I do like this park, however I feel the walkways are so narrow and the brush is so thick that no matter the temperature, it is 10 degrees WARMER in AK.

6 California Adventure - I didn't do too much here, I only had a few days and spent them at DL for the most part. Soarin was cool. Most of the other attractions could be found in WDW though.

[Engr-Chas]

1- Disneyland (nothing like the original, not even Tokyo)

2-MGM (2 of the coolest rides anywhere)

3-DCA (it takes a while to "get it")

4-Epcot (nice park)

5-AK (not what I expected but better, its not a zoo!)

6-MK II (knock off!!!)

Engr-Chas
Lord of the Trade

[year2late]

I am going to wimp out and give half of an answer


1 - DL and DCA

I can't seem to separate them because DL/DCA/Downtown Disney has such a great intimate feel that you don't have at WDW. No buses and major hassle to park hop within a day. It feels more relaxing

2. Magic Kingdom

3.Epcot

4.AK

5. MGM

[jabead]

Okay, with 33 votes in so far (15 on the WDW board), here are the standings:

#1 - Disneyland (has taken a huge lead over #2)

#2 - Epcot

#3 - Magic Kingdom

#4 - MGM (has only a narrow lead over #5)

#5 - AK (has only a narrow lead over last place)

#6 - California Adventure

So be sure to vote (especially if you're a big fan of MGM, AK, or DCA).

[Bork]

Based on numerous WDW trips and one DL trip in 98.

1) Disneyland
2) MK
3) Epcot
4) MGM
5) AK

Haven't seen DCA yet.

[preshi]

1. AK
2. MK
3. DL
4. MGM
5. Epcot
6. DCA

[tiggeroo42]

1) Disneyland!
2) Epcot
3) MGM
4) DCA
4) MK
5) AK

[jabead]

Okay with 42 votes in now (21 here and 21 on the WDW board), here is where we're at:

#1 - Disneyland (still has a huge lead over #2)

#2 - Epcot

#3 - Magic Kingdom (not far behind #2 now)

#4 - MGM (not far behind #3)

#5 - Animal Kingdom (holds a narrow lead over #6)

#6 - California Adventure

Epcot, MK, and MGM are all pretty close and AK and DCA are neck and neck. So if you haven't already voted, please voice your opinion now.

[Mortimer Mouse]

1. DL
2. Epcot
3. MGM
4. MK
5. DCA
6. AK

[doombuggy]

1) MK at WDW

2) DL

3) MGM

4) DCA - went last May and had a great time - definately underated; not as many rides at DL though..

5) EPCOT

6) AK

My dad, sister & stepmother went to DL-Paris last month and loved it. Spent most of their day at Disney Studios, which is similar to MGM.

[DisneyOhio]

:jester:
I personally agree with what most people say. It's really hard because I love them all. So, here it goes.....

1. Disneyland ( Must pay homage to the original)

2. Disney/ MGM Studios ( So much to do and sucha well themed park)

3. Epcot ( Never really crowded and lots of A/C for summer days)

4. MK ( Extravagant!)

5. DCA ( Needs some improvements but a fitting tribute to California!)

6. DAK ( Love the shade but not too much to do pretty much just a zoo )


:earseek:

[supercarrie]

1 - DL
2 - Epcot
3 - MGM
4 - MK
5 - AK
6 - DCA

[ZenMickey]

1. Disneyland. The original, baby.
2. EPCOT
3. Disney/MGM Studios
4. Animal Kingdom
5. Magic Kingdom (although its Tomorrowland is 10 times better than DL's pathetic "New Tomorrowland")
6. California Adventure

[princessKT]

1. Disneyland
2. MGM (Tower of Terror!)
3. Magic Kingdom (Because I have been to Disneyland so many times in my life, I was kind of disappointed with this park)
4. California Adventures
5. Epcot (I hate this park, but it was also 100 degrees the day I went)
6. Animal Kingdom (last because I haven't been there)

[stings]

Here's my two cents:

DL- The original is still the best
EPCOT- No other place quite like it
AK- Beautiful, simply beautiful.
MGM- TOT and RNRC
CA ADV- Shows promise. Needs more rides!

[el_tigre]

1. Disneyland
2. EPCOT
3. MK
4. AK
5. DCA
6. MGM

If I could include the other parks I've been to, I would rank DL Paris No. 3 and I would rank Tokyo DL after AK.

[dylan'smom]

1. DL
2. DCA
3. MGM
4. MK
5. AK
6. um, ...? :p

[read52]

I will give my vote in two weeks when I come back from Disneyland. Many people said that I will be disappointed in DL since it is smaller that Disneyworld. I won't be disappointed because I have never been to either one. I know I will enjoy it because when I was a kid, I watched Disney every Sunday night and I said one day I want to see it.

[year2late]

I have been to both, and Magic Kingdom does not detract from my enjoyment of DL. The one creepy thing is that when you go to DL after MK the difference in the castles is pretty freaky.

[Snow Brite]

1. Disneyland (its still the most "magical")
2. Magic Kingdom (still lots of magic)
3. Epcot (like no other)
4. DCA (interesting mix, shows promise)
5. MGM (great shows)
6. Blizzard Beach (Being from Alaska, we LOVED this! A real hoot!)
7. Animal Kingdom (also shows promise)
8. Typhoon Lagoon (tropical fun!)

I agree that the castle differences are weird. I actually like Sleeping Beauty's castle better as it was more accessible. Cinderella's castle is so huge it is a bit overwhelming.

Jennifer

[Peter Pirate]

Just back rom DL...It made quite the impression (thanks Mary Jo at DU)...

1. DisneyLand
2. Animal Kingdom
3. MGM
4. Epcot
5. MK
6. DCA

[shana p]

1. Disneyland
2. MK
3. MGM
4. AK
5. Epcot

:Pinkbounc

[stego]

Nice to see a fun topic. I'll go out on a limb here and vote in this order:
1. Disney-MGM
2. Magic Kingdom
3. Disneyland
4. Epcot
5. Animal Kingdom
6. DCA

I know, I know. What's with this guy? There is no uniform layout to the park. Some areas are more themed than others.
And it's funny in a way, RnR and TT are not what I based my ranking on. It's more-seeing the animators working-seeing what they're working on next, walking down the main thoroughfare and browsing the stores, the only place to have a pizza planet in the world(my son is 7 and has been to eat pizza there twice). I thought to myself the first time I was there in 1992, there's not enough to see in a whole day. I've gone twice since then, and went from park opening-to park closing. And I did not do everything.
I hate to see DCA at the bottom, I was just there in may. I did love the animation building, and my family and I had lunch at avalon cove. Soaring is probably the best attraction that I've been on at disney, and the theming between soaring and grizzly is great. We stayed at the GC, and could not beat the hotel only entrance. But the little nigglin' thing in my brain was saying-old disneyland parking lot!
Both the magic kingdom and disneyland are up there, but the nod had to go to magic kingdom. Don't get me wrong, I love the nostalgia of the old park-but the mk castle says it all-it's on a grander scale. Some of the newer attractions have been shoe-horned in, and some beloved things taken out. Heck, they've even done that at the mk. I can only tell my wife(we met two years ago, and she'd never been on a vacation period) about the skyway ride. Or the mister toad ride, or 20k leagues(you get the idea). There was even the little barn in Mickey's toontown, complete with cow.
The original disneyland got bumped down because when we were there in may, fantasmic was down-as was small world, and the carousel. A great deal of rehab had gone on. I can't tell you how put off I was by the number of people visiting during that time how infuriated they were. I went anyway, and was glad that I did. There was no way we could do everything-though I did try-and collapsed three days later-I'm used to sitting at a desk and designing away.
Sorry about the rambling, just giving a little insight to my ranking and experience. Thanks once again for a fun topic!

[stego]

Nice to see a fun topic. I'll go out on a limb here and vote in this order:
1. Disney-MGM
2. Magic Kingdom
3. Disneyland
4. Epcot
5. Animal Kingdom
6. DCA

I know, I know. What's with this guy? There is no uniform layout to the park. Some areas are more themed than others.
And it's funny in a way, RnR and TT are not what I based my ranking on. It's more-seeing the animators working-seeing what they're working on next, walking down the main thoroughfare and browsing the stores, the only place to have a pizza planet in the world(my son is 7 and has been to eat pizza there twice). I thought to myself the first time I was there in 1992, there's not enough to see in a whole day. I've gone twice since then, and went from park opening-to park closing. And I did not do everything.
I hate to see DCA at the bottom, I was just there in may. I did love the animation building, and my family and I had lunch at avalon cove. Soaring is probably the best attraction that I've been on at disney, and the theming between soaring and grizzly is great. We stayed at the GC, and could not beat the hotel only entrance. But the little nigglin' thing in my brain was saying-old disneyland parking lot!
Both the magic kingdom and disneyland are up there, but the nod had to go to magic kingdom. Don't get me wrong, I love the nostalgia of the old park-but the mk castle says it all-it's on a grander scale. Some of the newer attractions have been shoe-horned in, and some beloved things taken out. Heck, they've even done that at the mk. I can only tell my wife(we met two years ago, and she'd never been on a vacation period) about the skyway ride. Or the mister toad ride, or 20k leagues(you get the idea). There was even the little barn in Mickey's toontown, complete with cow.
The original disneyland got bumped down because when we were there in may, fantasmic was down-as was small world, and the carousel. A great deal of rehab had gone on. I can't tell you how put off I was by the number of people visiting during that time how infuriated they were. I went anyway, and was glad that I did. There was no way we could do everything-though I did try-and collapsed three days later-I'm used to sitting at a desk and designing away.
Sorry about the rambling, just giving a little insight to my ranking and experience. Thanks once again for a fun topic!

[Planogirl]

My choices after our recent trip:

1) Disneyland - my new favorite park. I was VERY pleasantly surprised by how nice it all was and Indiana Jones is the best ride I've ever been on IMO.

2) MGM - I love the movie theme, Streetmosphere and the Rock 'n Roller Coaster.

3) MK - still magical and I love Spectromagic.

4) Epcot - would score higher with a better Future World but World Showcase is still a favorite.

5) Animal Kingdom - lovely park but just a bit too hot and crowded for my taste.

6) DCA - loved Soarin' but this park just doesn't do it for me.

[Momof2]

Just back from our first trip to DL after 5 family trips to DW.

1) MK - I can't get past this being the first place I experienced Disney Magic - I'll never forget my first walk up main street with Cinderella's castle up ahead. The feeling comes back every time we go.

2) DL - Maybe because the kids are older and have outgrown the characters and just enjoy it now for the rides - didn't have quite the same magic for me.

3) Epcot

4) DCA

5) MGM

6) Animal Kingdom