Can you help: WDW or Disneyland?

[~*Belle 2003*~]

We are thinking of going to California later this year but up to now my DH and I have only been to Florida together (4 times). I went to California in the early eighties, it was my first time to the US as well but I only stayed for a week. If we do go we will be going for a fortnight as we have a long way to travel. So what are the pros and cons? Do we stick with going back to Florida that we are familiar with or go the longer distance and try California? Oh yes, we do not have any children, not that it makes any difference!

So please help!

One minute I want to try California as it would be new, especially with the new parks, but then I change my mind again and want the familiarity of Florida!

 

[RescueRanger]

Well I've never been to Disneland, but I've have friends who have been to both. I was told after going to WDW, Disneyland was a bit of a letdown. There just seems to be so much more to do at WDW.

 

[DVC-Don]

We've been to WDW 12 times now. Next April we'll try DL!

 

[kdibattista]

I have been to both - Disneyland once and WDW more times than I can count. In all honesty, Disneyland was definitely worth going but not for more than a day trip. I think there is much more "magic" at WDW. Just my opinion though.

 

[madthemouse]

If you are going to be visiting other locations in California other than DL, I would go to California. If it's just going to be a park decision, then I would recomend returning to WDW. I remember reading a review, where the person was confronted with the same question, This is what he said, " California has a land, but Florida has a world". I could not agree more.

 

[DisneyAlly]

While I personally prefer WDW over Disneyland as far as overall Disney experience, I voted for Disneyland. Why not try something new? For our family, Disneyland is just one of the many attractions of Southern California. We had a great time exploring the beaches and sights from LA to San Diego. With no children, you'll have a lot more options.

You didn't say when you are planning to go. If you are thinking summer months, then the Southern Californian weather can't be beat.

 

[PlutoPal]

WALT DISNEY WORLD without a doubt. Much better than DL.

 

[#1MMFan]

I really enjoyed DLR when we stayed for a week in October 2002. We didn't get bored at the parks. Although the driving distances between attractions is greater, you'll be able to do Universal Hollywood (which IMHO is better than that park in FL - just more authentic) and Sea World, Hollywood itself (a bit trashy but worth seeing!) and San Diego Zoo which we really enjoyed. I know that the same company offers couch tours to Las Vegas with trips to the Grand Canyon. Why don't you try something like that? I would have if I'd had more time.

On the other hand, who could argue with what you know. But you know you'll eventually have to try DLR. I don't believe it is a let down at all. Just a different experience that you won't regret.

And it'll mean a dilemma in deciding where your next trip will be to!!

#1MMFan

 

[diznee25]

I was told after going to WDW, Disneyland was a bit of a letdown.

My stepmom said the same thing. She went to WDW in Florida 1998, then two years later she went to DL in California. My stepmom didn't like DL after having been to WDW. Reason being, DL consists of just Magic Kingdom while WDW consists of 4 theme parks. Plus, Cinderella's Castle is bigger then Sleeping Beauty's Castle!

I have special memories of being at Disneyland when I was a child. But I'd have to agree with other posters, unless you plan on going to Vegas or want to visit other sites while in CA, then DisneyWorld in Florida will be a better magical vacation.

Diznee25

 

[AKASnowWhite]

OH MY!!!!! I must TOTALLY disagree with the posters who say WDW is better!!!

We have been to WDW no less than 10 times (and are going back in December).....we went to DL this past November and couldn't BELIEVE how much we loved it! We stayed on-site at the DL hotel....maybe that was part of the difference for us. We were completely surrounded by the *Disney experience* while we were there. An important thing to remember, is that DL is in the city of Aneheim, so step off Disney property, and you are right out in the urban atmosphere.

DL definitely has a more *intimate* feeling (i.e. things are closer together, walkways are narrower.....). It's WALT's park. This was his DREAM! One VERY nice difference between DL and WDW for us was, at DL you are not dumped into a gift shop every time you exit an attraction!!! BIG plus when travelling with kids!

We had a fabulous time comparing attractions that are at both WDW and DL....and all of the DL versions came up the winners as far as our family was concerned.....with the exception of Splash Mountain. (however, Fantasmic was *closed* for a seasonal shut down, so we couldn't compare.....)

I think California Adventure gets a bit of bad press as well. Yes it's a *different* type of park...the sections are somewhat dis-jointed, no *flow* to it at all, but they have some outstanding attractions there as well.

All that said, we spent 4 long and full days at DL and felt like we could have stayed longer! I'd say try it....and enjoy more of beautiful Southern California while you are there. There is so much to see and do in that region, I really don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[justhat]

We go to WDW a lot, but last spring we went to DL and loved it. Sure it's smaller and has less things to do than WDW, but you said you won't be there long anyway so that won't matter. When we went to DL they had a deal where if you bought a 3 day park hopper you got a 4th day free so we went for 4 days, a little less since we were traveling there on the 1st day and didn't get to DL until about 11am. But it's open late lots and there's plenty of things to do, see, and so many good places to eat. If for no other reason I would recommend going to DL just to eat at Napa Rose at the Grand Californian. The food is wonderful and you'll never see such an extensive wine list anywhere outside of Napa Valley itself. The hotel is beautiful too and is practically inside California Adventure. We had a park view room and could literally see the people riding the river raft ride (Grizzly River Run) because you're that close to the park. You walk right out of the hotel and you're right there in the middle of CA, it's unlike any WDW hotel. And from their pool you can see all of the Paradise Pier rides, it really is a great location for a hotel. And right outside the hotel on the other side is Downtown Disney with lots of stores and restaurants--sure, not as much as in Florida, but definitely enough to keep you busy. And also, they have some great rides there that you won't find in Florida, like the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin, and my favorite, Soarin' Over California. Once you experience Soarin' you'll want to go back to DL again, or wonder what's taking them so long to put one into Florida. Also, all of the CA attractions, or almost all of them anyway, aren't in Florida so there's lots of new things to try. They even have wine tasting!! And as someone else said, the weather can't be beat--it was in the mid-60s and sunny everyday we were there. So since you've been to Florida, I would definitely give California a try, you really won't be disappointed. Also, you have to go there thinking it will be different, not just likw WDW--I think that's why most people get disappointed cuz they're expecting the same thing, but it's not, it's different, as someone else said, it's Walt's park! So go there with that in mind and you'll have a great time!

 

[madcoco]

Try something new. Head to DL. Since it's the original there is a lot of history to see. Enjoy your stay wherever you end up.

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

Thanks for all your replies!

Originally posted by DisneyAlly

You didn't say when you are planning to go.

It will most probably be Oct/Nov time.

 

[#1MMFan]

Meant to say that you there are more E-ticket type attractions in a smaller area at DLR .. AND... you can hop between parks within minutes and get fastpasses for both parks at the same time. It's totally different from WDW in that regard.

Downtown is also really really nice. It's more pleasant to walk around and they have some good stores. We prefer it to WDW's except that there is no Sports store. The main Disney store is also a little smaller but it's still huge.

We hit the World Series in October when the Anaheim Angels won so the place may well be buzzing!

#1MMFan

 

[cinmell]

I would choose WDW because there is so much to do between the theme parks, water parks, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and resorts.

 

[LeftCoaster]

It will most probably be Oct/Nov time. [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, if it's October, then you will be able to see Haunted Mansion Holiday. It's a great makeover for the attraction. I love it!.
If you go in November, you still get Haunted Mansion Holiday, plus It's A Small World Holiday (the only time I'll ride it), and Believe In Holiday Magic which is the Christmas fireworks show.
Overall, I think it just depends on what you want out of your vacation and what you want to experience. If you want some *exploration* then there's a diversity in California that can't be found anywhere else.

 

[carene]

I'm sorry, but IMHO there is NO competition!

It has to be WDW!!!

carene

 

[jenjenmouse]

Well, I voted Disneyland only because it is really different. We went to WDW in May 2001 and then to DL in March 2002. I was really expecting to be disappointed but found that it is just a diiferent feel to it. It has a more relaxed feel to it and not as touristy as WDW. Not to say that I'd choose DL over WDW everytime but it is a good change. I also liked California Adventure and we stayed at the Disneyland hotel and that was fun because you take a short walk through Downtown Disney and hop on the monorail and they drop you off inside the park. The Disneyland hotel pool is fun too. It is Neverland themed and all the hotel rooms have glow in the dark Tinkerbell border on the walls. There are also a few rides in DL that aren't in WDW. But maybe someone else already said that. I didn't read all the posts. We loved DL and am glad we went there. Having been there I can now decide which kind of trip we are in the mood for and go. This year we are in the mood for a magical and long WDW vacation. Oh, the other thing is in DL you only need about 2 or 3 days to do and see everything at a leisurely (sp?) pace. You can do it all in 1 day but it'd be rushed. I just read a few of the last posts and totally agree with those praising DL for its being Walts park. Even the character interaction if better. They stroll around the park and even play with the visitors. My dd met all the princess and the Beast in one morning. I just can't think of the word to describe the feel of the park. I guess you just feel a little more relaxed and comfortable than in WDW. In WDW I feel the need to see and do all and am usually thinkin of what's next. In DL I felt the need to experience the here and now. To wander without a plan and go on the rides we passed instead of "follow that plan!"
I love WDW and plan to go there again this summer, but just writing this post makes me want to go to DL right now.
I hope you have the kind of vacation that you want where ever you decide to go and please post and let us know when you decide.

 

[Dancind]

We haven't been to DL in about 8 years, but we'd like to go again and check out California Adventure and the Grand Californian resort. We might do that next year when we're using all our DVC points to cruise. But for two weeks, I wouldn't plan on just DL. There's some fantastic cities and coastline in California. You might want to consider renting a car and visiting not only the touristy areas of LA and San Diego, but also some of the lovely areas between the two and Santa Barbara. We're quite fond of Northern California, Monterey, San Francisco, Napa Valley. With a long vacation you could see quite a bit of it. If you haven't been, it's a lovely place to visit, but watch out for the traffic! Diana

 

[#1MMFan]

Remember to bear in mind with this poll that most people frequenting the boards have not been to DLR. I hope those people aren't voting because it will bias the results.

#1MMFan