DISNEYLAND after WDW?

[CindyBella]

Alright, our first Disney experience was 5 years ago at Disneyland. We loved it. Now after 6 trips to WDW we are looking at a DL trip in only 4 weeks. I am nervous because we are so used to WDW now, how will DL compare? What are your thoughts??

 

[Chuck S]

DL certainly has unique attractions to offer, including Indiana Jones, the Matterhorn, it beautiful facade for Small World.

Having grown up only miles 25 miles from DL, it will always have a special place in my heart. I find it best NOT to try to compare the parks, but enjoy each for what they are. And be SURE not to miss Soarin' Over CA at Calif. Adventure.

 

[crzy4mk]

I agree with Chuck. I made my first trip to DL this summer after several trips to WDW. I knew they were quite different just because I am a hardcore planner and researcher. So I went to DL and California Adventure intentionally NOT comparing them to WDW. And while there are many similarities, they are definitely completely different from WDW. So go back and enjoy them for what they are!

 

[NMAmy]

I always have to work to not compare the MK with Disneyland! There are just so many things that you can only find at DL. Enjoy a meal at the Blue Bayeau, ride the Matterhorn & Indiana Jones, check out Toontown and the Alice ride and the Storybook boats.

You'll have a great time. You just have to enjoy the differences--the things you can't experience at WDW.

It kinda sounds like I need to take a trip back to DL! I haven't been since they were building California Adventure!

 

[Happy2BGrumpy]

DW and I were at Disneyland, actually California Adventure this past January.
First time there for me since '68 and we visit WDW regularly. It's not fair to compare the two but some observations.
We only had one day to visit and it would have been nice to get some kind of "hopper" ticket between the two parks.
We chose CA; they seem to have 1 or 2 attractions that we're familiar with at WDW here. Millionaire, which I now understand is closed, Bug's Life, TOT, among the unique attractions. To me it's a fun "one day" park, but then again we
were under a time constraint so I guess we could have explored more!! Still like the world the best!!

 

[wintergreen]

Cindybella,

Enjoy DL! I had great memories visiting as a child, and was not disappointed with our recent visit.

One of the things that I really liked when we went last spring was that DL is so much more compact that the Magic Kingdom. It was very easy to get from place to place. We also really enjoyed CA. Very different, but lots of fun rides and attractions. The other nice thing is that you can WALK anywhere, particularly if you are staying at one of the Disney hotels.

 

[missypie]

If you stay on-site and visit at a less crowded time, it can be a very relaxing vacation. From any of the three hotels, you can easily walk to both parks. The walk is through DTD, which looks nice and plays "happy music." You can park your car and not need to use it, or a bus, or a tram the entire week. Another bonus is that the rates get very low for "deluxe" level hotels. For spring break '02 (which is peak season at WDW) we got a $139 per night rate, without APs or anything, at the Disneyland Hotel.

 

[CindyBella]

$139 a night is a great deal. DL resorts are much more expensive than WDW resorts.

You know every time I think of IASW I see the one at DL. It is gorgeous! Also, I thought HM was almost beautiful at DL. I realize that when I think of MK I see the one at DL. I find that funny since I have been to the MK at WDW numerous times. It just made such an impression on me.

The only thing that I now I will miss is seeing Cinderella's castle when I turn the corner on to Main street. Call me cheesy but it takes my breath away.

 

[elemusing]

And don't forget - you get to see the Main St. Electrical Parade which is not at WDW anymore. We miss it!!!

 

[Micca]

DLR was my first Disney experience, followed by many visits to WDW. Last year we got another chance to go to DLR again and it was terrific. Obviously there is much more to WDW, but DLR is a very special place.

 

[safetymom]

We just got back from a trip to Disneyland. WDW is still my favorite but still had a wonderful time at DL.

We plan to go back again next year to DL.

It is nice to look at DL through Walt's eyes. I view WDW as how they improved on some of the rides.

Be sure to do Soarin!!! It's still my favorite ride between the two parks. Also Indiana Jones and POTC at DL are much better.

 

[Rodrigo]

Originally posted by NMAmy
I always have to work to not compare the MK with Disneyland! There are just so many things that you can only find at DL. Enjoy a meal at the Blue Bayeau, ride the Matterhorn & Indiana Jones, check out Toontown and the Alice ride and the Storybook boats.

Don't forget Mr Toad Wild Ride!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

just read my tag....I think that about sums it up......that after 10 trips to Disney World.....

 

[Maridw]

I, like Chuck, grew up going to DL. It will always be my favorite and when we went back this summer, we were amazed at some of the changes.

Tomorrowland, which used to be a hot spot, really isn't right now with Space Mountain down and Star Tours at the entrance. It really seemed a bit desserted in that area. There were other things, but over all it was great to be back.

I never compare the two because there are so many differences. Granted there is so much the same as MK, but still there are differences even on some of the same rides, HM, POTC, IASM to name a couple.

We went to DCA, but spent more time at DL. You will have to do the Matterhorn at night on the left side (Right side coming from Main street)

Have fun and enjoy the Original.

Yes, Don't forget Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Also try out Roger Rabbit's Car toon Spin.

 

[thesoldtrain]

Hi there! We are DL junkies, been there hundreds of times it feels like and still cannot get enough. Went on our 1st WDW trip this summer (and are going back Xmas)....and I have to agree with the other posters that the 2 really cannot be compared, as they have a completely different feel and ambience. DCA is a BEAUTIFUL park and worth walking around to appreciate its beauty. And the former Main Street Electrical Parade now resides there at DCA. SEE ALADDIN SHOW AT HYPERION THEATER in DCA...it is NOT to be missed! Absolutely fabulous. Keep in mind that more and more of DL is being shut down and covered up as they continue to prepare for the 50th next year. The castle is all tarped up, and several attractions are shut down that normally would not be as they beautify and prepare for next year.

Enjoy!

 

[mareed]

Our first family Disney trip was also Disneyland and we've gone back and forth from WDW to DL since then. We love them both, and prefer Disneyland to Magic Kingdom at WDW as an individual park.

One thing to be prepared for is that many things are being refurbished at DL right now in preparation for the 50th.

I second the recommendation to see Aladdin - we go multiple times on our trips. Also make a reservation at Blue Bayou - we all enjoy that!

 

[rockin_rep]

To me, there will always be something extra special about DL. Maybe because i went there several times as a child.

Now with my family we always stay in one of the Good Neighbor hotels, as the walk is VERY easy. We choose those over the Disney resorts because they're so close, unlike WDW where we always stay on site. At DL we feel our money is better spent on extras rather than paying extra to stay on site, since we're in the room only to sleep and shower. Totally different at WDW where we'll never stay off site again!

We love Soaring over CA and CA Screamin'! With fast pass and planning, we were able to do both at least three times. Can't wait to get back there next summer!

 

[flyinglizard]

I enjoyed many trips to WDW before I ever got to DL.

Disneyland was conceived as a day trip, where family members, both young and old, could go to experience fun and excitement together. The park still is the dream come true of Walt Disney. Call me nuts, but when I am there, I am very much aware of Walts spirit. After all, he walked these lands and enjoyed seeing his guests experiencing the magic.

Disney World was the next evolution. It isn't an attraction, it's a destination. Walt often lamented that DL didn't have enough space. He hated the "honkey-tonk" atmosphere that surrounded his park. The problems learned from DL were solved when WDW was planned.

It's sad that Walt never got to see the opening of WDW, but for "dreamers", sometimes the dreams are enough.

When you enjoy Disneyland, please keep in mind that this was the original "theme park", the first dream that came true.

Walt Disney World is the the improved and expanded version of that "dream".

I enjoy both parks for different reasons, just as I love both of my children for different reasons. Don't ask me which one I love the most...

 

[melmel]

I got to go to DL for the first time the year before last. We had actually just been to WDW a few months prior so it was still fresh in my mind. I absoultly LOVED DL. WDW has tons more to do, but I deffinatly loved every minute at DL. And I would deffinatly go back again, and am actually trying to figure out a way to go next year, for the 50th.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

My DH and I go to WDW all the time, and we finally visited DL last year and we loved it as well. Something about the history of it being the original park made it very magical to me. I agree with everyone though, it really is hard to compare them. I like that they're so different though because it makes it easier to justify going to both!!