Disneyland disappointment?

[FallDisney]

My girls really enjoyed Disneyland after experiencing Disney World. I was upfront with them about the castle size and yes, for us WDW vets it can be a big shock, but we certainly learned to appreciate the charm. There is no doubt that Pirates is better than it is at WDW and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a HUGE favorite that we just can't experience at WDW. I remember having the same thoughts as we prepared for our first DL vacation, but we had a fabulous time! I'm sure you will to.

We did visit Universal Studios and while it was nice to go once, we won't go back. We just weren't fans of the park. But everyone is different.

Have a great time!

 

[jakoky]

We have had 4 disney trips in the last 5 years...my kids and dh's first ever disney trip was disneyworld...we had a blast, then we did DL...all 3 prefer DL over DW with the exception of the water parks...that is the only reason they said they would like to go back to DW again one day...So for us thankfully, it is DL...much closer and much cheaper for us...to be honest though, i did truly love DW, a completely difference experience than DL....(but DL is also my top choice)

 

[daannzzz]

If you love Disney and open your mind you can love both places just as much. Both are different and it is great fun to compare the rides and views and architecture. Nothing is bad about either one...just different. if you love Disney and want more of it, visit both places or all of the ones around the world.

 

[Leofoenget]

My girls really enjoyed Disneyland after experiencing Disney World. I was upfront with them about the castle size and yes, for us WDW vets it can be a big shock, but we certainly learned to appreciate the charm. There is no doubt that Pirates is better than it is at WDW and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is a HUGE favorite that we just can't experience at WDW. I remember having the same thoughts as we prepared for our first DL vacation, but we had a fabulous time! I'm sure you will to.

We did visit Universal Studios and while it was nice to go once, we won't go back. We just weren't fans of the park. But everyone is different.

Have a great time!

Why does everyone get so bent out of shape about the castle? (I'm not saying you are "bent out of shape") but I have heard plenty of others over the years gripe about the size of the castle. OK so it's smaller but DL itself has MORE rides than MK you would think that would be more important than how big or small the castle is.

 

[HydroGuy]

Why does everyone get so bent out of shape about the castle? (I'm not saying you are "bent out of shape") but I have heard plenty of others over the years gripe about the size of the castle. OK so it's smaller but DL itself has MORE rides than MK you would think that would be more important than how big or small the castle is.

The MK castle is more than a castle. It is the icon. The center. It is symbolic of MK. WDW vets are emotionally attached to it. So much so that they have difficulty even seeing the classic Matterhorn right next to the castle. It would be somewhat similar to a DL vet going to MK and expecting to see the Matterhorn there and then when they get there finding out there is no Matterhorn and being disappointed.

When I am at MK it is hard for me to not have the Matterhorn there. That spot to the right of the castle seems empty. Like something is missing. I think that is sort of like what MK folks feel about DL's castle.

 

[daannzzz]

I grew up going to Disneyland ( about 25 times) and it wasn't until I was 40 that I went to WDW. I prefer Cinderella's Castle because it is bigger, more ornate and a bit more fantasy oriented. To me it is just more impressive. That does not mean I dislike Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is still beautiful but not as grand.

 

[codimouse]

We did our first DL trip 2 years ago. After over 20+ trips to WDW.
I loved the fact we could stay across the street for a 1/4 of any hotel within a mile or 2 of WDW plus we could walk!!

It was slower paced it seemed and the kids didnt mind. It was still Disney!

Plus tickets are so much cheaper too.

 

[KCmike]

I also was a WDW vet who finally made it to DL three years ago. We have now gone to DL three years in a row. We love visiting other areas of California as well. We did DL by itself the first time, then San Diego (hotel del coronado, seaworld, etc) the second time which was my kids favorite vacation, and then last year we did the HWY 101 up to Monterey then to San Fran and off to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is jaw dropping gorgeous. IT MUST BE SEEN BY EVERYONE! We then drove back down to DL and when we rode Soarin' Over California it was so special.

PRO's on DL:
Remember Dreams Come True is the BEST fireworks show period.
Pirates, Space Mtn, Aladdin, Fantasmic!, Fantasyland, IASM, Autopia, Buzz are all amazing.

I love the nostalgia there. You must stop by DL hotel and look at the old photos with Walt.

If you can stay on property please do so. Yes its cheaper outside but GC or DL hotel are must do's for a first timer.

So much to tell you. DL is amazing. Main Steet still has the penny arcade among other things.

Go have fun and make a trip report.

 

[nana50]

I have only ever been to DL. Everytime I see pictures of WDW it looks so big, I get tired just watching. Also you don't run over to WDW for the day or even an overnight. I love being 2 hours away and running up to Disneyland during the week. I have no desire to go to WDW. I probably never will. I love all the nostalgia of DL. I used to love watching Walt on T.V. he reminded me so much of my dad, even looked like him! So for me, it will always be DL.

 

[FallDisney]

Why does everyone get so bent out of shape about the castle? (I'm not saying you are "bent out of shape") but I have heard plenty of others over the years gripe about the size of the castle. OK so it's smaller but DL itself has MORE rides than MK you would think that would be more important than how big or small the castle is.

Truth? I think it's because it's all in what you're use to and expect. If your first experience is WDW, seeing the castle at DL is surprising in comparison. I'm not trying to gripe about DL's castle. It's just surprising to those of us whose first experience is WDW. It really has nothing to do with the number of rides at either park and isn't meant as a negative. It's just something that's very obvious when you're looking at the iconic symbol of the park that is front and center as you enter.

 

[HydroGuy]

Yosemite is jaw dropping gorgeous. IT MUST BE SEEN BY EVERYONE!

Totally agree. I have not been everywhere but I have been to a lot of places including all the major islands of Hawaii and visits to five continents. Yosemite is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

 

[nunzia]

The MK castle is more than a castle. It is the icon. The center. It is symbolic of MK. WDW vets are emotionally attached to it. So much so that they have difficulty even seeing the classic Matterhorn right next to the castle. It would be somewhat similar to a DL vet going to MK and expecting to see the Matterhorn there and then when they get there finding out there is no Matterhorn and being disappointed.

When I am at MK it is hard for me to not have the Matterhorn there. That spot to the right of the castle seems empty. Like something is missing. I think that is sort of like what MK folks feel about DL's castle.

I can see that, but in my mind the DL castle is only 'real' castle. It's where Walt walked..in fact my desktop is that famous picture of Walt walking through the castle. That castle is the icon of DL and was dreamed up by Walt. It is perfect

 

[Rosanne]

I can see that, but in my mind the DL castle is only 'real' castle. It's where Walt walked..in fact my desktop is that famous picture of Walt walking through the castle. That castle is the icon of DL and was dreamed up by Walt. It is perfect

Hi! Can you paste it into this thread (the pic of Walt in the castle?). I am going to DL for the first time this August and we are uber excited about being at the park where Walt Disney actually rode the rides and walked about. We have been to WDW lots of times but this is our first pilgrimage to the original. I stupidly did not know there were two Disney parks until about five years ago or I would have been there by now. My younger daughter will be four by then and finally able to handle the longer flight (broken up by a layover in Texas). We love WDW but expect to be mesmerized by DL.

 

[Pluto 2]

i made about 10 trips to wdw before my trip to disneyland. dl was nice i liked it . the only reason i went there is because i was on the aug 08 dcl repo cruise so i decided to try it. it was bigger than i thought. just bought some points at vgc i liked it so much. im going back in april 2011 before the dcl repo cruise. i live in new jersey so i will never go there instead of wdw. but if im in the area to cruise or something i will go there.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Thanks veryone for all the great opinions & info. We are still trying to decide. I know when our trip will be now (November), just gotta decide where we"re going!

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

We were at USH last August and the King Kong display was not finished at that time. The whole set burnt to the ground a couple of years ago, so there was nothing Kong related.
Mummy is always fun, but a very short ride.

Jack

AAAAAAAAAAAA! I didn't know that! Are they rebuilding it?

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

If you can stay on property please do so. Yes its cheaper outside but GC or DL hotel are must do's for a first timer.

Being DVC members, we're hoping to stay at the Villas at the Grand Californian if it's not all booked up already.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Question for you: Do you do WDW commando style? Or, after so many visits have you learned to stop and smell the roses? If your answer is the second, then you will not be disappointed at all in DL. (you wouldn't be anyway, but I'm reassuring you) Check out all the myriad details that are in DL. You will be delighted. Yes, it's small, but it's jam-packed with atmosphere. Slow down, enjoy, take it all in. Stay at one of the 3 Disney resorts for a more all-encompassing feel. I have absolutely nothing against the hotels across the street (even stayed there), but for a 1st time WDW vet, stay on Disney property. Venture out across the street on your next visit. ...oh, you will be back. Enjoy.

We are SO commando that not only have we not stopped to smell the roses, we think they should get rid of these roses you speak of to put in more rides. Seriously, we are still up early in the AM and at the parks until somebody just can't do it anymore. If slow is the Disneyland way, we can learn though. Or we'll try to set a World record for how many times we can do everything over again.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Your children will enjoy Disneyland, especially if the people they are with are positive about the park, pointing out all the wonderful history of this magical place! Maybe you can play find the hidden Mickeys, or look for the pieces of other rides that are now in other rides, and just have a wonderful time seeing all the details all around. Park hopping is easy, and going back to your room during the day for a swim in the pool, or a nap is a snap!
There's some great threads about Disneyland here for things to look for, to ask for (Like riding in the Lilly Belle) caboose on the train. The Caboose was named after Walt's wife, Lillian. Not many get to ride in it. If you are having a good time, your children will follow your lead and have a good time too.

You're SOOOOOO right! Thanks for pointing that out!

And you know, now that I think about it, my first REAL issue with Disneyland is location. I AM NOT a fan of flying. I avoid it whenever possible. We always drive from NJ to , but Disneyland represents my first plane ride in 5 years. I'm not happy about that (and by not happy I mean the thought of it makes my hands shake) and it's starting my negative thinking. I have to focus on the fun!

 

[HydroGuy]

We are SO commando that not only have we not stopped to smell the roses, we think they should get rid of these roses you speak of to put in more rides. Seriously, we are still up early in the AM and at the parks until somebody just can't do it anymore. If slow is the Disneyland way, we can learn though. Or we'll try to set a World record for how many times we can do everything over again.

Somewhere out there some people got the idea that WDW is an intense trip but DLR is slowed down somehow. I think it all depends on the person. We tour DLR very intensely like a sprint, and do WDW more slow and steady like a marathon because it takes so many more days. In short, slow is not "the DLR way".

Finally, DLR lends itself more to hotel breaks than WDW because park hours are longer during high season, park hopping is much easier (1 minute from gate to gate) and hotels are so much closer. You get a lot more bang for the buck taking hotel breaks at DLR.