Disney Land Vs World

[AC7179]

We are from Texas, roughly halfway between the two parks. We much prefer Disneyland, although I wouldn't turn down a trip to WDW!

Especially with little kids, my goodness! When we took my daughter to WDW at almost three, she would get fussy and overstimulated after a while in the park. If we waited to go back to the room at the first sign of fussiness, by the time we got her to the bus stop, through the line for the bus, on the bus (and out of the stroller), and back to the hotel, she was in full blown meltdown mode. It was awful. At DL, she can stay in the stroller from the park all the way back to the hotel. Super nice when she's sleeping, too!

We stay at Paradise Pier and find it to be super nice, although you could probably get more for your money at WDW. We've also stayed at the Hilton which was nice, but a bit of a walk.

 

[LizzyS]

I have *technically* been to both parks, (Does going to WDW when I was 2 count? OH YES IT DOES; I just can't remember it, heehee) but Disneyland is only 4 and a half hours away from me, so that's the park I will be visiting more often. I might visit WDW again one day (and Epcot would be the excitement for me in that trip), but what I like about Disneyland is the size. We walked a short distance from our good neighbor hotel and park hopping takes minutes and doesn't involve shuttling. Not to mention, I'm a big fan of Walt and this is his park, the one he walked it when it was complete. That makes it more special to me.

 

[HydroGuy]

WDW's strength is the resort, vacation experience, and more immersive feel especially for those who stay onsite.

WDW vets who value the above over everything else can be a bit disappointed with DLR.

But folks value different things about Disney resorts. For me it is not about niceness of the hotels or vacation experience. For me it is the pure feeling of magic that comes from the storytelling, creative use of technology, and opportunity for family togetherness.

For folks who value the latter like I do then DLR offers a lot - to the point of DLR being preferred over WDW by many.

DLR has a lot of magic. What it lacks as a resort, vacation destination it more than makes up for by the quality of the parks, rides and shows.

Further, DLR offers better weather and way, way, WAY more things to do outside the resort.

And finally, it is really nice, IMO, that you can take a DLR trip with about 10% of the planning effort needed that WDW requires. DLR offers the ability for a more relaxed pre-planning experience and a more relaxed visit itself. A DLR visit is just altogether more relaxing than a WDW visit. Many folks value that and do not value the level of planning needed for WDW.

IMO the worst mistake a WDW vet can do in approaching DLR is to decide they want to try DLR "because they want something different" and then to freak out every time they encounter something different. This can then lead to a certain blindness to what DLR offers and where it exceeds WDW.

The best example of this was a woman on this forum a couple years ago who said DLR had "zero Disney magic" for her. I was shocked that she felt the only park in the world produced personally by Walt Disney had zero Disney magic. I could only conclude that when she said "Disney magic" she meant something entirely different than when I or others mean.

Good luck OP. This guide I wrote may help you figure out what you want to do.

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Eric in Canada]

I been to both WDW and DL (pre cars land). I enjoyed them equally. Everything in DL is walking distance. On our first trip we stayed in a suite at the Portofino on Habour, you will need to use the public transport to get to and from the DLR. On our Second trip we stayed at the Grand Californian, it was awesome. There is a park entrance to DCA right in the hotel and your immersed in the Disney Magic the duration of your trip. And on our 3rd trip we stayed in a Suite at the Howard Johnson. When we go back we're staying there again. The prices we're reasonable, only a 10-15 walk to the turnstiles. And to coolest thing was that our balcony faced DL and we watched the fireworks from the comfort of our hotel.
We only been to WDW once, and we're planing another trip for Sep.

 

[Midnightred]

I have been to both DWR and DLR, and I would like to add something that is a major factor for us, the difference in the climates between central Florida and the Pacific Coast. The weather in California is just delightful! The heat and humidity in Florida seems unbearable, especially in the summer!

 

[Huff]

There are no water parks .

Knotts water park is 5 miles away from DLR. Have not been there so cant comment on how good of a park it is or isnt.