After WDW, is DL a disappointment?

[MayzDisney4]

Disneyland and Disney World are both very different. You can't go to one expecting the other.

I LOVE Disney World and I LOVE Disneyland both for very different reasons.

 

[Planogirl]

Disneyland is definitely smaller overall but I think that the original Disneyland park beats anything in WDW. It's so unique and charming and we had a wonderful time. California Adventure wasn't all that when we went but I understand that it's greatly improved.

I say go to DL with no expectations and don't compare the two resorts. They are not the same. Besides the smaller size give you the chance to see wonderful places in southern California including some amazing beaches.

 

[bouncy54]

I wrote up a trip report of our DL vacation in 2007. I just finished putting links to all the posts under one thread, and in order, if you'd like to see DL from our perspective. Tons of pictures!

Here's the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36133502#post36133502

 

[puffkin]

Disneyland is an attraction park. Disney World is an experience park.

Both are nice, but completely different. I liked the Disneyland versions of the "cloned" attractions better with the exception of ToT and Splash. The smaller size was nice too, but I was also there on a slow few days (first week of November and it was rainy) so I might feel differently if it was moer crowded. I loved the feeling of nostalgia and history there. I just loved "walking in Walt's footsteps" so to speak.

I HATED the castle. I HATED that you could see half the park from the highway (but it was fine once inside). I didn't like the parking. I didn't like the theming of California Adventure (although that is being changed as we speak). I didn't like how the cast members were focused on you having a nice DAY, not a nice STAY. I know that is picky, but it really makes a difference. I also didn't feel like there was a lot of stop and smell the roses experiences like there are at WDW....things like the AK and World Showcase.

I liked both but I prefer the overall experience of a WDW vacation. But we are looking forward to heading out to DL in a few years...but we will be doing other things besides just DL on that trip.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

DL was awesome! The weather was so nice! We stayed at a hotel across the street and would just walk over every day. We had a blast. We made sure to do things that you can't do at WDW like eating a the restaurant inside PotC and riding Indiana Jones ride etc.

We weren't totally thrilled over DCA but, they are doing so much work to it I can't wait to see it when it is done.

 

[mom2rtk]

Be prepared to feel slightly lost when you enter the "other" park. After doing DL a few times and returning to the MK, I kept looking for that Mexican restaurant and Bengal BBQ, only to realize they weren't there!

Park for park, DL vs MK..... no comparison.... and I LOVE the MK! But DL has SO much more.... About the only thing I missed not seeing there was Philharmagic. But the Matterhorn, Alice, the Storybook Canal, Indy, etc....... all make it a very unique experience!

For those of you upset about seeing Fantasyland at the MK torn up and parts closed down in the upcoming months............. might I suggest a little trip to DL until they are done in the MK????? Fantasyland there ROCKS!!!!! And btw...... they will still have a Toontown!!

 

[mousireid]

DL - more intimate, closer attractions, closer parks, closer hotels, go outside in 5 mins to outside hotels and restuarants. Only TWO parks, but both a short walk away and so is downtown Disney - never need to look at a bus!
DW - bigger, widespread, more Disney hotel choices, more food choices inside park area. Many parks and activities INSIDE Disney.
They are really quite different but both amazing for their own rights. You would be able to see DL in a shorter time than DW.
I still have a special fondness for DL though! LOL!

 

[3floridarays]

Which SM?

Oops! I meant Space Mountain. It was my first-ever ride at DL and it's still my favorite!

 

[Melpuff]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet, but the characters at Disneyland are INCREDIBLE. I know someone mentioned there being MORE face characters, but I'll tell you they are amazing. I have been on a few WDW trips and very much enjoy the park feel, but when it comes to seeing the characters I am always slightly disappointed after my Disneyland trips. I was at WDW in August with my best friend, and we met Peter Pan (who is one of my favorite characters mind you). We both insisted he was the real Peter Pan, until I went to Disneyland. They definitely all live there.

Weither you have kids or not, I highly encourage taking a visit to the famous Disneyland musical chairs at Coca-Cola corner at 2:30. It's hosted by Mad Hatter, I have a few favorites but they are all incredible. The characters aren't just there to say a few words and take a picture, they really "become your friends" and interact with you. There's a reason why they say the Disneyland face characters have their own fan clubs. Just search on youtube "Peter Pan plays pranks on Disneyland park guests" or "Mad Hatter musical chair highlights". I don't have enough posts to post links lol.

 

[Artoo]

I've been to DL tons of times and WDW 5 times. I love both. DL definitely feels different than WDW in terms of size, but beyond that, it is very "Disney". It feels so intimate and I love walking through the park and imagining Walt Disney walking through it. It is definitely special for that reason.