Am I crazy for wanting to do Disneyland over WDW?

[lexis53]

My daughter, 4, really wants to go to Disneyland. That is what she has asked for by name. We live in Memphis so I am technically closer to Orlando, but the difference in price of flights is not really substantial through Priceline.

She wants to do all the character stuff like breakfast, lunch and dinner which are included in the meal plans. It is also just the two of us going so I would like for this to be a fun vacation on her schedule KWIM? But everyone keeps saying that Disney World is soooooo much better.

Should I spend the extra $$$$$ to go to WDW? Is it just going to be overwhelming to try to have fun with a four year old in such a huge place? If we do DL, then I am planning on checking out other stuff in San Diego and surrounding areas.

Thanks for all you help! This is a really helpful site

 

[disneychrista]

I actually prefer DL Resort over WDW. I just found that WDW was TOO big and it took TOO much time to park hop or to go to DTD. I say go to DLR.

 

[cheshcat]

I think DL is a great choice. DL is much smaller and more manageable. Plus DL and CA are right across from each other, which means going between the parks is just a short walk. Many of the rides are the same at both WDW and DL, but I'd check out the resort websites to compare the attractions so you don't miss one that you or your daughter really wants to see.

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I think for a four year old that DL is a much better choice than WDW. I love WDW, but it's huge and can be very overwhelming. DL is smaller and still just as fun and magical. With two parks there you'll have plenty to do. DL offers character meals and parades and the monorail, plus Toon Town is great for little ones, WDW's Toon Town Fair doesn't have quite as much.

I vote for DL!

 

[Grog]

You won't regret going to DLR. When we started planning our upcoming trip, it was originally going to be a trip to WDW. After much thought (and fond memories of our last DLR trip) we decided to go back based mainly on the fact that it is a much more relaxed atmosphere at DLR. No elbows in the ribs while trying to get on a bus to go to another park, no rushing to get from one park to another to make a certain show or parade, a five minute walk from the hotel to the front gate of either park...

Plus there are plenty of unique rides that you won't find at WDW.

 

[Captain_Nemo]

WDW can be overwhelming if you try to pack too much fun in too short a time. But Southern California can also be overwhelming if you try to pack in San Diego zoo, Universal Studios, Disney California Adventure, Seaworld, etc. etc. without taking a day off sometime in the middle.

I think that younger children will like the DL/MK experience more, so if this is what she is asking for then by all means take her to DL where ther is more of that kind of entertainment, you won’t regret it. After that, you can start saving to take her to WDW!

 

[lexis53]

She really just wants to see Mickey and all the princesses. And her biggest request was the character breakfast. I just don't think she will get bored there. And with the two of us, I am really intimidated about such a large place like WDW with just the two of us.

I am thinking about just doing Disney for a few days. That way we won't get sick of it. Plus I figured she would want a day around the pool and hanging out.

What is Legoland? Is it close by?

 

[Popovich]

Last October we went to WDW with our DS age 3 and DD who had just turned 5. They were both enchanted. It was not at all overwhelming. The 3 year old was the perfect age to enjoy and he felt that everything was magic and that the characters were real. The 5 year old was suspect of some things not being real but loved the trip.

We did 2 days in MK and 1 day AK and 1 day MGM. We came back to the resort (Wilderness Lodge) for a rest and swim in the afternoons and returned in the park or went to DD at night.

Going in the off-season was great. The lines were very short 5-15 min. at the most. I think that certainly contributed to the success of the trip.

The transportation was quick and efficient and not at all intimidating. The parks were not difficult to navigate with a map and with some research before our trip of which attractions we wanted to see.

I don't think you or your daughter will be disappointed with either choice. Both are great parks! Have a great time wherever you decide to go.

My advice, schedule character meals well in advance, take time to rest each day, go at your child's pace, enjoy a limited number of attractions and know that you won't see it all no matter how many times you go!

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

Originally posted by lexis53
She really just wants to see Mickey and all the princesses. And her biggest request was the character breakfast.

I think the best place to see Mickey is in his house in Toon Town. The line is regulated and I think you can get more time with him than if he's out in the park. He can also be seen on occassion in the Town Square at the front of the park, but that line is a free for all. I avoid the free for all lines, especially with small children.

For princesses, check the park map to see if the Princess Storytelling is scheduled. It's held in the toy shop in Fantasyland. They put a big rug down for the kids to sit on and one of the princesses tells a story. Afterwards you can get pictures.

Check also for the Royal Princess Fanfare (currently running Fri. - Sun. into March). It's a short parade of princesses and dancers (the princesses are on horses or in horse drawn carriages) that runs from the Town Square to the Small World Promenade (between Fantasyland and Small World). The princesses stop along the promenade and are "presented" to the guests. They then have a meet and greet. The princesses present are Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White and Belle.

Jasmine is usually available in Adventureland. They have a storytelling time here as well though I've never seen it. Ariel is in her grotto outside of Tomorrowland.

I think the best character breakfast is Goofy's Kitchen at the DL Hotel. There are always lots of characters there (i.e., Goofy, Pluto, Timon, Mad Hatter, Donald Duck, Cruella deVil, Chip and Dale). I haven't been to the Plaza Inn breakfast, but it features Winnie the Pooh and friends.

 

[tink2dw]

We did the Plaza Inn Character Breakfast. It was fun!! The character interaction was great!! And the best part was we were in the park and after breakfast we could go straight to the rides!!

 

[ilovemky]

Go and enjoy---remember Walt's spirit is there--he walked the streets and is still watching over it today! You will NOT regret your trip!

 

[scanmom]

IMHO...DL beats MK hands down!!! Go and have a blast! I always tell people that have never been to DLR....It is so special, WDW can't touch it!!!

 

[MamaKate]

If you end up going to DL, I'd do the Character lunch or dinner at Ariel's Grotto in California Adventure. It is "under the sea" themed and Ariel greets guest at the entrance. Then Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip & Dale (dressed in sailer attire) come at greet you at your table. Every 1/2 hour or so they bring out instruments in the shape of shells for the kids & the kids play follow the leader with the characters.

 

[Hellie]

I would go for DL there is just something so special about it, I think it is knowing that Walt was actually there and it is so much easier to get around with it being small.

I am going to DL in October this year, I have not been since 97 and am just so excited, I am 34 and my Mum says I am acting as if I am 4, don't get me wrong I love WDW have been there for the last 4 years but there is just something about DL.

WDW is a lot nearer to me as I only have to cross the Atlantic, going to DL I cross the Atlantic and the USA, but feel it is worth the trip.

I hope you enjoy whatever you plan, and I am sure you daughter will just love it

 

[hookedup]

You may be able to get a really great deal on Southwest Airlines flying into Ontario airport. Something to check out.
Also, ditto on the BREAKFAST at the Plaza Inn (my fav) and dinner or lunch at Ariels Grotto.
I love both parks and wish I lived closer to WDW so it is hard for me to tell you what is better. They are both great. My young ds loves DL and I have no doubt your daughter would too.

 

[honeymom]

We've done both Disneyland and WDW with our kids (now 7 and 4). Either is fine. I personally think that the resorts at WDW are nicer for overall relaxation, but both have fun themeparks. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel - it was noisy, crowded. The pool was so crowded it wasn't fun - although we did enjoy the quiet cove pool. Plus, it was quite the hike to California Adventure. There is hardly anything to do in California Adventure for young children.

Why not order the vacation planning videos for both places and see which one she is most attracted too.

You asked about Legoland. Last year we did it when our kids were 6 and 3 1/2. We thought it was better for young children than Disneyland. The kids were still scared of a lot of the rides at Disneyland. Legoland doesn't have anything really scary. Plus, the kids can go on almost all of the rides and there are a lot of great areas for them to just run around and play in. We did the whole place in 2 afternoons. You could do it in 1 day if you wanted and started early enough in the day. The rides were very different and required more kid power. I would definitely recommend a visit there.