Anyone been to both DL and WDW? Comparisons, please!

[ptrbryant]

I was checking out some details about Disneyland (California) and for some reason, can't get that excited about it. (We're deciding between a 3rd trip to WDW or DL for something new). It just sounds like a smaller version of WDW and hardly cheaper...plus nothing like EPCOT. Am I missing something?
All opinions appreciated!
Thanks,
Karla B.

 

[hightown]

I surprised my DD9 with a trip to DL in March. I hadn't been for 30YRS! and DD never had gone. So while we had 4 WDW trips under our belt, decided to give it a try.

Honestly, I'm glad we went once but I don't feel the call to go back like WDW.

We stayed at DL Hotel 4 nights and only went off site one day to go to Universal. That was plenty long enough for what we did.

In a nutshell, though Calif Adventure was a waste except for Soarin and the Aladdin show. It POC much better than DW. New Orleans Square nice. Indiana ride fun. I liked being able to walk thru Downtown Disney to get to the parks and walking between the two.

So, it was a nice short get away but won't do it again for a long time.

Sharon

 

[AZKathy]

I have not been to Anaheim since DCA opened, but Disneyland itself is like MK but only in a smaller area. It is the park that Walt had his hands in, so a lot of people like its charm better. Small World has an impressive front, there is the Matterhorn and Indiana Jones (like Dinosaur with an Indy story line), and a better Toon Town. New Orleans Square is there rather than Liberty Square and Fantasmic! is in that water area in front of Pirates.

We used to visit DL every year for our yearly fix for Disney since 1986. Easy to drive to, etc. for us. We tried WDW for the first time in 1997 and are much happier flying to Florida and escaping in WDW rather than driving to California and getting our Disney-fix at DL.

I have heard that with the new Downtown Disney and DCA, it does offer a more appeal like WDW from friends who have been to the Disneyland Resort and have also experienced WDW.

 

[msteddom]

I go to DLR about once a month and I've been to WDW several times. It is hard to compare the two resorts. You're right, there just isn't as much in California as there is in Florida, but haveing said this, here is why I LOVE DLR! When looking at The Magic Kingdom at WDW and Disneyland. Disneyland has much more to offer. Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, a much more splendid presentation of Small World, Star Tours (you don't have to go to a seperate park), a superior Toontown. I think the overall presentation of the park is better too, maybe it's just because I'm more familiar with it, but I do.

I know people knock California Adventure, and most of the criticism is deserved, but I still really enjoy it, here is why: Soarin' Over California is without a doubt the best ride Disney has ever offered. I also realy enjoy eating at the Vinyard Room (be prepared to pay for it though.), doing wine tastings at The Golden Vine, seeing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. There are some very good attractions here, with the added bonus that it is almost never crowded. I think the overall atmosphere is enjoyable too. I often spend more time at CA than I do DL just to escape the crowds and soak up the atmosphere.

So the question still remains, why would you choose DLR over WDW? Well, as an overall destination there reall is no choice, WDW wins hands down. BUT, if you work in your visit to DLR as part of a larger trip to Southern California I think it then becomes worth discussing. So. Cal. isn't a prime tourist destination for nothing. To the South of DLR there is San Diego (my hometown!) where you can visit Seaworld, The Word Famous San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park or Lego Land. To the North of DLR there is Los Angeles, with Universal Studios, Magic Mountain (actually about an hour North of LA, but still within driving distance from DLR if it appeals to you), Hollywood, a little closer to DLR in Orange County there is Knotts Berry Farm, and please don't forget our famous beaches!

So that is my argument on why DLR might be considered as an alternate destination for you, and one more thing. We're the ORIGINAL Disney Theme Park

 

[AKASnowWhite]

We have been to WDW (for 8-10 days each time) at least once a year for the last 5 years. While we may not be quite the experts that some people are, I would consider myself to be *well experienced*!

We went to DL last November and stayed at the DL Hotel for 4 nights. We went into this trip KNOWING full well that DL is different from WDW and that many people feel "let down" or disappointed by DL after visiting WDW.

We had the BEST time at DL! We loved everything about it (except for the fact that we became disoriented a few times, because it's definitely set up different than WDW ). We were there for Small World Holiday, and Haunted Mansion "Nightmare Before Christmas". Both incredible! We really enjoyed comparing the attractions that are similar to those at WDW (I say similar, because even though the NAMES are the same, the attraction is definitely different). The DL *winners* over their WDW counterparts were:

Indiana Jones (hands down, NO COMPARISION!)
Pirates.....gotta LOVE the whole Bayou effect (and the restaurant as well)
Small World (had the Holiday thing goin' for it)
Haunted Mansion (ditto)
Space Mountain....better ride at DL
Autopia (vs. Tomorrowland Speedway)
Treehouse (Tarzan vs. Swiss Family)
Tiki Room (sorry, the original is better....)
Big Thunder Mountain......

PLUS you get Roger Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, MR TOAD!!!, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Matterhorn (rehab while we were there ) Casey Jr's Train, MR TOAD!!!!!, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Davy Crockett Canoes and oh yeah, did I mention MR TOAD?!?!?!

The one and only attraction that was a unanimous *winner* at WDW was Splash Mountain.

THEN....you get DCA! If you like Rock 'n Rollercoaster, then you'll love California Screamin'!!! WHOO HOO! And Soarin' Over California, is (as previously mentioned) the most outstanding attraction Disney has ever offered. Great redwood forest-inspired play area, that is SO much more than a playground...more like a physical challange course! Grizzly River Run is quite similar to Kali River Rapids....just beware of the *moving* cars on the Sun Wheel....TOTALLY FREAKED ME OUT!!

We were at DL/DCA for the "5 days for the price of 3" deal....and we spent 4 very full days at the parks. We enjoyed every minute of it....although I would have to admit, that if we weren't staying on-site there, the whole *Disney Magic* feel would have been lost for me....as you definitely are plunked down smack in the middle of urban Aneheim!

Oh - and while in So. California, we went to LegoLand as well.....and Venice Beach, and downtown LA....loads to do in the area in addition to DL/DCA!

 

[Planogirl]

After several trips to WDW, we visited DL for the first time last year and wow, am I glad that we did. DL is a wonderful park, far and away the best individual Disney park in the U.S. IMO. We loved Indiana Jones and the whole park is extremely charming and you seem to sense Walt's presence everywhere. City Walk is nice and the Grand Californian is a super resort. We weren't as thrilled with DCA but did enjoy some things there including Soarin' and the Electric Parade.

The best part was having time to visit other places in California. We visited Hollywood (so-so), Knottsberry Farm (fun), San Diego (I LOVED this city), lots of beaches (very nice) and the Queen Mary (very, very interesting). I hope that we'll get back and once again visit DL, San Diego and some other places yet to be determined.

 

[msteddom]

I'm really glad that all of you enjoyed your trips out to Disneyland!!! So often on these boards I feel like DLR is the poor forgotten step-child. It makes me happy that you guys really appreciated what DLR has to offer.

 

[WDWfanatic288]

I LOVE DISNEYLAND!! we took 5 trips before we went to DL but man! i wanna go back SOOO bad!
It's amazing to think Walt actually walked there and WOW! lol
-DL's fanastyland is better
-Indiana Jones is cool
-I think we are weird b/c we LOVED DCA...Soarin was great, California Screamin' was great! It was just lots of fun
-the castle-we turned the corner on Main Street and burst out laughing all the way down Main Street...it's somewhere on tape...lol

but I would definately say it's worth a try...the 2 resorts are different but I love them both! and you can also tour all of LA and the surronding area(which we still need to go back and do!)

 

[caitycaity]

i actually prefer disneyland to wdw's magic kingdom! i am not sure why, but it feels more magical and more like disney to me. maybe because it was the original.

 

[WDWLVR]

We've been to Disneyland 3 times n the last 5 years. It is a nice alternative to WDW. As a total destination WDW is better in my opinion, but things that make Disneland Resport special:

I think Pirates is better here, as is Small World.

Matterhorn - can't get that at WDW.

The original Tiki Room - not that stupid show at WDW. This is the orignal and pure Disney.

Soarin over California at DCA - great ride!

The Sun Wheel - lots of fun!

Best of all and why we will continue to go to Disneyland every couple of years - this is Walt's park. This is where he walked, where he dreamed, where he enteretained!

Sure it is smaller, but in a cozier kind of way. Want a neat place to relax - go up into the courtyard by the Disney Gallery - what a great place.

Again over all I think WDW is a better total destination, but for those who have never gone to DL - give it a try - its a wonderful place!

 

[Texian@WDW]

I loved DL! Stayed at Grand Californian and it was awesome! I was afraid we wouldn't like it and would keep comparing it to WDW, but it had alot of pluses. One thing is that you don't feel worn out at the end of the day from walking your feet off and compared to Florida in July, California has nice cool weather - we really liked that.

Highlights of our trip:

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (DD was so upset they took it away at WDW)
Indiana Jones Ride - we rode this so many times - super fun.
Blue Bayou Restaurant - you watch the POTC ride
EE mornings
The weather
Downtown part has good restaurants - ESPN was great

Don't discount DL! Give it a try if you can.

 

[doombuggy]

I went to DL in 1998 after being to WDW many times, and really loved it! Yes, it was a little smaller, and maybe not as clean, but it has Alice! Matterhorn (right side is better)! Casey Jr! Canal Boats! Pinocchio! walk-thru story of Sleeping Beauty in her castle! New Orleans Sq! the monarail that goes thru the park! The train has some cars that face the right side 9instead of forward) so you can ride the train and look out at the park! You also get to see that dinasoaur diarama for the 1964 World's Fair on the train ride!

Space Mt. is better, as is POTC. The HM is pretty much the same as at WDW. Indy is great, yes, the Tiki room is better, and they have Mr. Toad!

i know I am just seconding the comments made here, but if you want my advice, give it a try! I just found out that my cousin will be having her wedding in Carmel next year, and I was thinking about working a quick trip to DL on the way home.

PS: DCA gets a bad rap. It reminded me of walking the boards on the jersey shore. Screamin' and Soarin' were great, as was the Zepher, the Stinger and the ferris wheel. Yes, my cousins had the cr*p scared out of them last year on our quick trip. Don't forget the (Main St) Electrical Parade at DCA!

 

[geffric]

We have been to WDW every year since 1993. Last year we decided to go to where it all began .... the Happiest Place on Earth - DL and DCA.
We have fun comparing the parks, couldn't get over the Little Castle, go lost a few times since things are in differnt spots BUT we loved IT!!!!

Matterhorn, Indy Jones, the original Pirates, Toon Town is wonderful...MR TOAD>>>, youngest was so upset when that disappeared, original Tiki Room.. It is great...
We also liked CA. We had 3 day passes and what a mistake , I should have bought 4 days...

We also had gone to LEGOLAND - which was wonderful as well as San Diego Zoo and the ocean.. it was great.. We will go back. and still go to WDW everyyear.

 

[ktulu]

I've been to DL more times then I can count since I was a kid. I'll be celebrating the big 3-0 next month @ WDW. I've only been to WDW a few times, but it's different. I really like DL over MK, mainly due to my favorite ride, POC, is better @ DL. The others are right, there is a certain charm that DL has that is just not there at MK. If I had to choose for a vacation, I'd go with WDW, more parks, more hotels and it really lets you get away from it all. DL doesn't have the space. To me, it's more of a theme park type trip where you only go for the day. It has gotten better with the addition of DCA and DD, which my wife and I both really enjoyed. DCA is great for adults, it has some kid themed stuff, but I think it's really focused on adults.

Hmm....WDW next month, maybe I need to plan a trip to see family this fall and head to DL/DCA again

darren

 

[ptrbryant]

Wow! Thanks for all the great, detailed comments! We have some relatives in San Diego and I think it sounds like it would be best if we planned a DL trip along with a visit to family and other attractions in S. CA (Legoland, SeaWorld, Zoo).
Thanks again!
Karla B.

 

[ProfGoofy]

Not to compare swamp lands to orange orchards…

I grew up in So. Cal. and went to DL many, many times. I was content with just DL until about 1993 when I was introduced to the concept that there was something else happening in Orlando that might be worth checking out. I had brought my 13 year old cousin (a WDW vet) to DL for the first time and for most of the day, he couldn’t get over the fact at how “small and insignificant and tiny and short and…” Sleeping Beauty’s Castle was; you know how 13-year-old boys can be. How at the MK you have to take a boat or monorail just to get from the parking lot to the front entrance. He was impressed by a couple of things DL but told me that I needed to visit WDW to get some perspective.

I didn’t make my first trip to WDW until 1996, when I was at graduate school in upstate NY. And unlike my cousin who thought DL was small in comparison to WDW I thought WDW was huge with respect to DL. I guess the names are really appropriate, Land vs. World. So in my eyes, DL is not small, it is just very well packaged. And if you really want to walk in Walt’s Footsteps, well there is really only one place you can do that.

As far as the attractions go, yes there are similarities, and I could have asked the same question, “Why go to MK when I’ve been to DL?” But there are enough differences that make things seem exciting and new. The HM, going down in the stretching room makes you feel like you are sinking into a grave. Star Tours better themed in Tomorrowland than as a movie studio ride in MGM. It’s a Small World is not just a ride it’s a clock. Indiana Jones is something unique, and if you wanna talk about mountains then check out the Matterhorn (of course this statement may become moot after Everest is built). As for POC, I thought the MK was a bigger park, but it’s POC seems small and insignificant and tiny and short and… Some other unique things to look forward to at DLR, Tinkerbell flying down from the Matterhorn to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and with a wave of her wand causing the sky to explode with fireworks. Dining at Blue Bayou for lunch. Searching for the door to the 33 Club. Soarin' Over California is a great ride experience and word on the street is that the new TOT at DCA is suppose to make veterans of the MGM version say wow. And we can’t forget Toontown or Flik’s Fun Fair.

As it was mentioned before, unlike WDW you don’t travel to DLR just to vacation there, you vacation in So. Cal. and visit DLR. And if during your So. Cal. vacation you want movie magic like MGM, then visit Universal Studios Hollywood. If you want animal adventures akin to AK, then while you are there, visit the LA Zoo or the San Diego Zoo (worth the drive and far superior). And if you want to visit people of different cultures (or different worlds) like you do at Epcot, then visit Venice Beach or Hollywood Blvd.

You can’t compare WDW to DLR; it’s like comparing MK to AK or MGM to Epcot. It’s their similarities and their differences that make them both special.

 

[helenm29]

Hey there, I live in California so it's a little more convenient to go to Disneyland. They just opened a place called "California Adventure" which is really nice but I also like Disney WORLD because it is so Big and open and the closeness to the other attractions is REALLY nice. To tell you the truth, I don't usually go to the Magic Kingdome much unless the kids want to go...we spend a lot of time at epcot.

 

[fan_of_wdw]

DD (11 yrs old) and I went to DLR for the first time for Spring Break... why DLR? Because we only had three nights available for a trip. And, oh, how frustrating would that have been if we had gone to WDW!

And California Adventure is great! I compare it to MGM at WDW (which we love) but with way more to do!

As for Disneyland, even my daughter was in awe when we rode in the same little fire engine that Walt used to tour the grounds... and as I pointed out Walt's apartment above the firehouse.