Cant get that WDW feeling for DL

[Leigh123]

I am trying to decide if we want to head to DL next year instead of WDW....part of the great joy of WDW for me is the planning....I just can not get that same feeling this year for DL....Can anyone convince me why I should give up my WDW magic for DL???? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Ive decided that what you know best is generally what you prefer- I enjoy WDW but DL is my home park- I head there 3-4 times a year vs 1 every 3-4 years for WDW- DL is Walt's Park the Original and Its going to be a wonderful 50th birthday celebration next year-

-em

 

[year2late]

I am kind of in the opposite mindset of Emily. Since they opened up Downtown Disney and California Adventure, we have trouble getting excited over WDW.

Disneyland Resort trips are effortless to me. With the intimate feel due to the proximity of the parks to the hotels and DD, I never feel trapped - there is always an easy out if I eed to relax.

Don't get me wrong, we are going to WDW in a few weeks, but with the car here, bus there....nailing reservations and praying you can get there on time - it lacks the "relaxation factor" that I get at Disneyland Resort.

But neveertheless, I will try to have a good time at WDW I will be a trooper about the whole ordeal.

 

[Bete]

I took one long and one short trip to Disneyland this year and we are planning one for May 2005. There are some special aspects to DL. Because it was the original of all the parks it has details that some of the same rides lack in Florida. Two very good examples are It's a Small World and the Haunted Mansion. There's enough difference in rides to enjoy DL, too like the Matterhorn. The Aladdin show in CA is the best show I've seen Disney produce in any park and I've been going for 30 plus years. Soarin California is among the top 5 rides in all of the parks.

Also, I like how concentrated the rides are at DL and CA. It's such an easy walk in both parks in comparison to any Florida park. It was a pleasant change of pace.

My heart will always be with WDW but DL is worth a look especially in 2005 with the celebration. Also, it's great not to have the humidity factor in California. We liked visiting San Diego, Long Beach and Los Angeles which are all relatively close to Anahiem, too. We even took a cruise and we are planning another cruise for our 2005 trip there.

If you rather go to WDW by all means do it. I'll love the fact that there will be less crowds if everyone continues to go to Florida.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I agree with the poster that its what you know best that you like the most! We have been to DL many times but just did WDW for the first time. They are two very wonderful, distinct places to visit. Yes, I know the castle is smaller but it gives me a nice feeling to know this was the first park and the one Walt actually walked through and spent time in. I think Fantasyland in DL is much better. We really missed Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad, Pinnochio, Casey Jr.'s Circus Train and the Storybookland Canal Boats. I also like the fact that the two parks are so close. I love the fact that Disneyworld has so many dining options, Circue, Disneyquest, the waterparks and so many other things. I also love that WDW has so many options for on site lodging. I agree with the other poster about Aladdin, it is wonderful. I think both the Aladdin and Snow White shows Disneyland has are great because they seem a little longer and more details of the story are presented. Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast were fabulous but seemed like they missed so much of the story. I think my favorite characteristic of Disneyland is that you can experience so much without having to truly "hop" and take a bus or car from one thing to the next. Virtually every day we are there we spend time at both parks and DTD all in the same day. I think it is just important to enjoy whichever Disney park you are lucky enough to be at! We were at Disneyworld from the 15-25 and it was probably the best family vacation we have ever had. We will be at Disneyland this weekend and the second week of December and cannot wait! Basically if I vote my favorite on each ride, park and attraction I would probably find myself in a dead heat election!

 

[mlshields]

I always thought of myself as a WDW lover. After going there 20+ times I thought nothing could top it. April of 2003 changed that for me. I walked down Main Street USA in Disneyland and burst out crying!! My husband thought something was wrong since I am not usually a crier...... I loved every minute while I was there and I loved the smallness of it. Blue Bayou, POTC, Indy, Mr. Toads, Small World. I love the different aspects of this park. I was also crying when we left thinking I wouldn't be back living on the east coast! Well, we changed our plans during that trip and went for another day and we are going again in January '05!!!!! I can't wait to see "Walts Original" again!!!

 

[JC Butterfly]

There is plenty of planning to do for Disneyland . . . in fact maybe even more than what you are used to since you seem less familiar with DL than WDW.

If you ever thought that it would be fun to experience Disneyland, next year is going to be probably your best bet in your lifetime. The chance to be in a Disney park for its golden anniversary to me is priceless. Think of all the cool merchandise!

The above posters have listed some of the wonderful attributes of DL to try to "convince" you. There is a lot to see and do in Southern California too so if you wanted to add some side trips in to your plans, that could be another way to experience more.

Disneyland has some unique dining opportunities that WDW doesn't and you will find some similarities too.

My suggestion is that if you decide to go to Disneyland and "give up" as you call it WDW . . .try to go with an open mind.

If you spend the entire time you are there comparing it to WDW, I don't think you'll enjoy it as much as if you try to appreciate it for what it is on its own.

I have been to WDW about 10 times now and Disneyland only twice. I go to each for different reasons and they are both incredibly enjoyable experiences.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I really hate the comparisons between DL and WDW. They are two separate locations that offer slightly different, yet wonderful experiences. I have done each of them several times and find that they both meet my expectations in more ways than one.

Everybody should try to visit both locations -- do it for Walt.

 

[CindyBella]

Just back from DL. I LOVED IT!!! I had such hard time with this choice. We visit WDW 2 or 3 times per year and I was worried DL wouldn't compare but I was wrong to worry. DL was so much more laid back. More authentic & magical. We didn't feel rushed to get everything in. We could enjoy all the park had to offer. I though California Adventure was so much fun. I just loved DL and can not wait till we go back!!!

Did I mention the weather? WOW

 

[rickdeni]

We just came back from a short visit to Disneyland. We stayed at the Grand Californian. The hotel was expensive but did not have any "magic" for us. The fact that it was the last room from the elevator (about 2 1/2 hallways) did not help the situation. I asked to have the room changed and was told that was my room - definitely no "magic". I enjoyed the Park itself since it was less walking (after all the walking in the hotel I needed a break). We greatly enjoyed Soarin California and the Aladdin show in the California Adventure but I felt no "magic" the entire time were were there. Next year back to the World of Magic.

 

[grinningghost]

How interesting. Opposite is true for me. I'm a lifelong east coast girl and I've only ever gone to WDW, but I have always dreamed of seeing DL. In fact, I was pretty sure I would never get there. But now that I'm really going, I can't contain myself. I'm a bit of a Disney history geek and the very thought of walking the ground that Walt walked on - well, that's enough to put me into a frenzy.

I am still pinching myself that I'm really going to the original Magic Kingdom!

 

[Kal El]

Having been to WDW 3 times I cant wait to experience the original