Disney World vs. Disneyland

[lisadisney2003]

For those of you that have been to both, if you had to pick one to go to, which would it be and why?

 

[tarheel]

Hi. You are going to get all kinds of answers. I would pick the World because it is much bigger and therefore has more to do. I just went to Disneyland for the first time in November and loved it!!! But 3 1/2 days and we had completely done it and felt satisfied. Never have I left Orlando and felt I had done it all. I loved the more compact size of Disneyland. I loved the Califronia Screamin coaster. It was a great trip and short. When we go to Orlando, it is usually longer and more exhausting. I can't wait until we go in May! None of that really answered your question though did it. they are both so great, same yet different. It all goes down to time. How much do you want to do Disney. If short is the thing, try Disneyland. If you have longer in mind, go Orlando.

 

[MinnieFan]

Subscribing to see responses, since we're going to DL for the first time this summer!

 

[HunnyPots]

I went to DL for the first time last month and I loved it. But WDW and DL are two very different vacations. If you want to be fully immersed in Disney magic for at least 5 days, go to WDW. If you want a smaller dose of Disney and the chance to see the California coast, which is spectacular, go to DL!
You can't go wrong either way!

 

[momupnorth]

My husband and I have been to both parks numerous times before we had kids. I would say we both prefer WD just because of the diversity of things to see and do.
That being said we chose to take our kids to DL when they were 3 and 5 because we were worried that DW would be just too overwhelming for them at that age. We spent 3.5 days in DL with them and felt as though it was just enough to leave you feeling like you had seen it all with out being stressed out.
Now that the kids are 6 and 8 we are totally excited to take them to DW next week and know we will be able to enjoy it more with them now. I know we will have to change our crazy go all day and night style that we used to do when it was just the 2 of us. I think we will be able to get enough done in the week we are there for everyone to feel good about the trip.
Really each park has its good and bad points but I love them both!!!!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Both are really quite different. I'd say get to both in your lifetime if you can.

Disneyland has a lot to offer that WDW doesn't and similarly, WDW has a lot to offer that DL doesn't.

Advantages of DL
Better Pirates of the Carribean. And it isn't even close.
Used to have Better Small world, I think it's still better but the gap has closed somewhat. I'm unsure when the last refurb of DL's small world was but the last time we went, it needed one. You could see the age of the clothes and stuff on the dolls.
Mr. Toad's AND Pooh. Need I say more?
Outrigger canoes.
Fantasyland and Tunetown are both bigger, and better at DL.
Princess Story Book boats
Casey Jr. Circus train
And did I mention the Matterhorn?
Space Mountain is better.
fireworks show is better.
Indy Jones better than Dinosaur
Many of the rides and stuff at other parks like TOT, Soarin, Startours, It's tough to be a bug, and others are either at CA or DL.
DL has more rides and about 2 million fewer visitors a year than does the MK. Hence, even when busy, there is more to do with less waiting.
Less Walking between things. The Mk at WDW didn't really seem all that much bigger. But Epcot was huge!! A ton of space between buildings.
New Orleans Square is better than Liberty Square.
The original Tiki Room.
Hotels can be had right across the street as opposed to 20 minutes away on the property. Very convenient in and out.
Less Humidity. Also, you're closer to the ocean so you don't get that inland heat and sticky like you do in Orlando at times.
Less Rain. Though sometimes in certain years, it can pour in the winter.
Walt's personal touch.

Disadvantages.
1. No Disney Value or Mods. If you want Value, you must stay at a Partner Hotel. Usually these are all on Harbor Blvd. Some are right across the street.
2. Having only 3 resorts means the food isn't as diverse as WDW. Also, the quality of the food was better at WDW. Though they are working on it at DL.
3. DL and CA really only amount to about a park and 2/3 by DW standards. DL has more than any DW park but CA is well rather thin.
4. No Epcot.
5. No AK.
6. CA has one section sort of like the studios but it's not all that much.
7. Remember the more to do with less waiting and walking thing? Well despite the fact that crowds are actually a tad smaller on average, it's smaller distance between things sometimes makes it seem more crowded even though it isn't.
8. No Royal Table in Sleeping Beauty's castle. She must need her beauty sleep.
9. Castle not as big and not as tall and hence you don't get those signiture pics from way down mainstreat.
10. You aren't totally imersed in the world so to speak. The outside world is much more noticable there. That's especially true if you're a value type person and have to stay off site.
11. No water parks.

I'm sure I can come up with more. But that's enough.


If you go to DL and you plan to stay awhile, though there's no epcot, there are other parks including Knott's Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park. Magic Mountain is about 1.5 hours away now depending on traffic.
There's legoland and seaworld to the south, There's Universal. And there are water parks and such. Plus there's the beach. And if you just want to get out into nature, you can make a drive up to Yosemite (It's 4 hours away) Or to the Santa Barbara area.

 

[maliboomer]

Apples and Oranges, sorry. .

 

[jimmiej]

Apples and Oranges, sorry. .

if you had to pick one to go to, which would it be and why?

WDW. Why? More!

WE really enjoyed DL and would like to return someday, after a few more trips to WDW!

 

[tabrizia]

We did Disneyland for the first time July 4, 2005. We just did the Disneyland park not the other park, but we felt in the 9 hours we were there that we had seen everything we wanted too. We felt we had covered everything we needed to see in just one day. Yes we would like to go back, but we figure we can see both parks easily in 3 days maybe less.

On the other hand with Disneyworld we were there for 6 days for our honeymoon and we didn't even get to Animal Kingdom and we definately did not see everything we wanted at Epcot or MK (we aren't big MGM fans we did see everything we wanted there). It is definately a much bigger and more encompasing experience.

That being said I would definately do both parks we loved Indiana Jones at Disneyland (rode it 5+ times), and for that ride alone we would go back it was that good. We actually prefer PotC at Disneyworld unlike most.

If I could only go to one of the two I would definately chose DisneyWorld, but since I can go to both I have to say I am glad to have been able to visit both parks, and I hope to see Disneyland Paris(hopefully in 2007), Tokoyo and Hong Kong as well.

 

[mamacatnv]

Apples and Oranges, sorry. .

So true, they really can't be compared in any reasonable fashion. I think the poster that stated that it all depends on the type of vacation you are looking for hit the nail on the head. I can say this tho "Liberty Square" doesn't even compare to "New Orleans Square"

We go to DL more often due to it's closer proximity, we spend less time and money and it doesn't take us 10 vacation days to conquer. We go to WDW less often but spend more time and money and come away with a totally different experience.

We are going back to WDW this year because there was still so much we didn't see and do and we can visit the inlaws at the same time.

MamaCatNV

 

[PrincessAurora]

OOOOooooooooooooooooooooo - My Home Park vs. my Vacation Park.

I like them both. However they are very different experiences. I think it is better to ask:

Disneyland or Magic Kingdom? - In that case it is Disneyland hands down. Magic Kingdom does not compare. The rides in Disneyland are better, the park is smaller so the walking isn't as great, Toontown is an actual TOWN with interactive buildings and post office and fireworks factory and Roger Rabbit ride and its own skyline and no modern world interuding. They have Toad and the Original Tiki Room. A better Pirates, a Fantasmic Show that KICKS MGM's butt up one side and down the other, their Space Mountain doesn't make me sick and it has MUSIC and Indy!

Orlando DTD vs. Anahiem DTD? - Anaheim HANDS DOWN. While smaller the restaurants are better, the stores are TONS better, more upscale - less shlocky and it directly outside Disneyland Park.

Hotel Experience? - WDW HANDS DOWN. California doesn't have the room to create the whole atmosphere since all the cheap little motels invaded soon after Disney was built. At least the city got rid of all the $20 hookers. While I love the interior of the Grand Californian, I think the exterior looks like a glorified Howard Johnsons compared to the Deluxes in The World.

DCA vs. MGM: DCA but only because MGM really doesn't have that much in it. Most of the buildings are just sets. DCA does have Soarin', Tough to be a Bug, Tower of Terror, Muppets 3D, the NEW Monsters Inc ride, a whole Bugs Liife kids area with really cool rides, Grizzly Rapids (based on Kali River) and California Screamin' (based on Rock n Roller Coaster). CA Screamin is not as good as RNRCoaster and the rest of Paradise Pier is a travesty. Neither park is really good but I would say in terms of rides, themeing and food DCA edges out MGM.

Overall Vacation Experience: Walt Disney World NO QUESTION! You can do the Disneyland Resort in 3 days. The World will take you MONTHS! It is a World apart, there is sooo much to do. This is why I go across the continent at least every other year, because it is THAT much fun.

 

[RobInBigKC]

For a one or two day stay -- Disneyland.

For a four to forty day stay -- Disneyworld.

Not sure which I'd do for a three day stay!

-- Rob

 

[Mom to a Princess]

For a one or two day stay -- Disneyland.

For a four to forty day stay -- Disneyworld.

Not sure which I'd do for a three day stay!

-- Rob

This is the opinion of my four year old dd (mine as well). My family thinks she has been too often when she'll help them plan their trips by first asking for the number of days they want to stay and then telling which one to go to.

 

[NOLAminnie]

Looks like you're been to WDW several times, so go for Disneyland. In my opinion it has just a little extra touch of magic being that it is Walt's original park. You walk down the same Main Street that he did and it just takes your breath away. DL is more compact than MK, meaning some attractions are closer together. I agree with some of the previous posters, Pirates and Space Mountain are better there and New Orleans square is great. Not to mention the Matterhorn is awesome. The roger rabbit ride in toontown is really cool. There are enough different things there that it will feel like a totally different experince, yet you will also get to see all your favorites from MK. I've been to DL twice, but not since California Adverture opened, last time I went it was almost finished construction. Disneyland hotel and Disneyland Pacific hotel are both very nice and worth it to be so close to the parks, especially if you are spoiled by the magic of staying on WDW property. Great themed pools and you can have character meals. They also have tea with Mary Poppins which was wonderful. As soon as you walk out of the park you are immediately surrounded by the city and there are some other nice hotels there as well. You could do both parks in 3 days. If you want to stretch out your trip, spend half days in the parks and half days lounging by your hotel pool relaxing or doing some shopping. i think it's worth the trip to CA to see the place where it all started and there's plenty of other non-disney things to do there as well.

 

[LaughinPlace289]

I've been to WDW many times and went to DL for the first time just last month. I like WDW better for two main reasons... there is no Epcot at DL and the resorts at WDW are more unique than the ones at DL. But that's not to say that DL doesn't have its advantages as well. I like how everything is right there together. When walking in from the bus stops off of Harbor Blvd. California Adventure is on the left side and Magic Kingdom is on the right with Downtown Disney in between the two. With this setup it only takes a minute or two to walk from Magic Kingdom to California Adventure. Not having to waste the time waiting for a bus really makes a difference.

 

[CindyT]

I have to agree with PrincessAurora, my first visit to DL was in 1967, and I didn't get back until 2005. DL has a more magical quality about it. Everything is close and cozy. WDW is huge and has much more to do, with total immersion, if you stay on property. Great if you have a long time to stay there. You can't make a mistake no matter which you choose.

 

[Amy&Dan]

OOOOooooooooooooooooooooo - My Home Park vs. my Vacation Park.

I like them both. However they are very different experiences. I think it is better to ask:

Disneyland or Magic Kingdom? - In that case it is Disneyland hands down. Magic Kingdom does not compare. The rides in Disneyland are better, the park is smaller so the walking isn't as great, Toontown is an actual TOWN with interactive buildings and post office and fireworks factory and Roger Rabbit ride and its own skyline and no modern world interuding. They have Toad and the Original Tiki Room. A better Pirates, a Fantasmic Show that KICKS MGM's butt up one side and down the other, their Space Mountain doesn't make me sick and it has MUSIC and Indy!

Orlando DTD vs. Anahiem DTD? - Anaheim HANDS DOWN. While smaller the restaurants are better, the stores are TONS better, more upscale - less shlocky and it directly outside Disneyland Park.

Hotel Experience? - WDW HANDS DOWN. California doesn't have the room to create the whole atmosphere since all the cheap little motels invaded soon after Disney was built. At least the city got rid of all the $20 hookers. While I love the interior of the Grand Californian, I think the exterior looks like a glorified Howard Johnsons compared to the Deluxes in The World.

DCA vs. MGM: DCA but only because MGM really doesn't have that much in it. Most of the buildings are just sets. DCA does have Soarin', Tough to be a Bug, Tower of Terror, Muppets 3D, the NEW Monsters Inc ride, a whole Bugs Liife kids area with really cool rides, Grizzly Rapids (based on Kali River) and California Screamin' (based on Rock n Roller Coaster). CA Screamin is not as good as RNRCoaster and the rest of Paradise Pier is a travesty. Neither park is really good but I would say in terms of rides, themeing and food DCA edges out MGM.

Overall Vacation Experience: Walt Disney World NO QUESTION! You can do the Disneyland Resort in 3 days. The World will take you MONTHS! It is a World apart, there is sooo much to do. This is why I go across the continent at least every other year, because it is THAT much fun.

I have to say I totally agree with everything you said (except the parts about Paradise Pier which I happen to love and CA SCreamin vs. RNRC, but hey we can't agree on everything right ? )! We've done both WDW and DL several times in the past two and half years. I used to think DL was my favorite and it is, park wise. But both DH and I feel that at WDW we feel more relaxed and find more to do besides the parks. When Disneyland is mobbed, it is less pleasant than when WDW is mobbed, but thats just our opinion, others may feel differently. And the WDW resorts and their many price ranges and amenities is a huge bonus. So in the future we will probably do Disneyland less frequently (as in only once per year) not because we don't love it but because for our vacation dollar, WDW offers us a bit more. But I think everybody needs to do both parks and make up their own mind. We certainly never feel chipped or sad when we are Disneyland thats for sure. But now that we have pretty much ridden every ride at both WDW and Disneyland, the overall experience is more important. And we have family that lives near Disneyland which should be a plus but it isn't, so there you go !

 

[BoPeep]

Does DL have Expedition Everest?

 

[LaughinPlace289]

Does DL have Expedition Everest?

Not right now. I would imagine that they will eventually though... depending on how well it goes over at WDW.

EDIT

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm not sure if there would be room for such a big ride at DL. The entire resort is crammed into a really small area.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Does DL have Expedition Everest?

I am not sure where they would put it. Disneyland does have the Matterhorn which is an older but still really fun rollercoaster-in-a-mountain type ride. California Adventure has California Sreamin which is an incredible coaster. But I doubt they will put in another mountain at Disneyland and I am not sure they would redo the Matterhorn to make it Expedition Everest which would need expansion and there just isn't room.