Disneyland disappointment?

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Hi guys, we have been going to Walt Disney World almost annually since my 13 y/o was 2. This year, we are considering going to Disneyland instead. Just wondering if anyone has gone to Disneyland after so many trips to Disney World and had their kids be a little disappointed. They know there are some things that are the same, and some things that are different. The seem excited to try the new stuff, but when we discuss things that aren't there or the fact that there's only 2 parks instead of 4 they seem kind of......let down. Are the different attractions exciting enough that they won't miss their Disney World favorites. Same with Universal Hollywood which we are also planning on doing. HELP! TIA

 

[ironlou]

The thing that is great about the 2 parks is that they are different. The main fact that Disneyland is the original is a big reason why my kids love Land more than World. Land has a different feel to it. The one glaring difference is the castles and the size different.

Besides this all....true fans of Disney will never be let down by it. World is just taht...a whole different world (Alladin plug lol) and its a great place. Land is where I grew up...I know where every bathroom, cart, food palce there I could walk blind folded. World has tons more to see and do because there are more lands.

Fantasmic is the one thign I compare that shows true Disney magic.....In world they have an arena built for it with balconey style seating and you know its there. At Disneyland, Fantasmic is on the island that you can visit during the day and play on. The mere fact that Fantasmic comes out of no where really captures the Disney magic. Just where does all that come from? I was just over there!!!

Your kids will enjoy it because its Disney

 

[Sherry E]

Here is a thread of interest, from RweTHEREyet - WDW vets who just recently visited DLR and offered their comparisons:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2386987

And here is a great Trip Report from Pmama, another WDW vet who made her first trip to DLR (as well as Universal Studios Hollywood and Sea World) last year and offered her photos, observations and comparisons:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2096377

And, of course, be sure to read HydroGuy's essential "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets": www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Skip USH, you will be sorely disappointed in it. It's nothing like the Orlando version.
We love WDW and DL. We really love that we can literally park hop by walking across an esplanade at DL instead of waiting for a bus, then hopping on a monorail, then walking another half mile to get into the park, etc. It's very different, but it's the original. Yes the castle is smaller, the park is smaller, there is no seating area for F!, but that's because it's the original. By the time they built WDW, they had a lot more resources and time to think about how they'd do it different. Is it better? That's subjective. I say in some ways yes, and in some ways no. I would go to DL so you can say you did, and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Thank You so much!!!!

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Skip USH, you will be sorely disappointed in it. It's nothing like the Orlando version.
We love WDW and DL. We really love that we can literally park hop by walking across an esplanade at DL instead of waiting for a bus, then hopping on a monorail, then walking another half mile to get into the park, etc. It's very different, but it's the original. Yes the castle is smaller, the park is smaller, there is no seating area for F!, but that's because it's the original. By the time they built WDW, they had a lot more resources and time to think about how they'd do it different. Is it better? That's subjective. I say in some ways yes, and in some ways no. I would go to DL so you can say you did, and enjoy it for what it is.

Thanks!! With USH, my main reason for going there would be to show them King Kong. By the time we started going to USO, the mummy had already taken it's place. I went to USH as a child and have told my own kids about it so they do wanna see that. Like with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. They've heard about it and wanna see it for themselves. Everything else for them is like "strange". lol

 

[tinkermell]

I think your children will not be dissapointed at all. If you can get pass the size of Sleeping Beauty's castle, then you will be just fine. That seems to be one of the biggest hurdles for WDW vets to get over.

If you read Hydroguys stickey on this board, you will learn that even though we only have 2 parks, we have almost the same amount of rides that that all 4 parks do at WDW. That is how much gets packed in. Every little nook and cranny has something in it. And you will find lots of rides that are just exclusive to DL. Plus the fact that most of the attractions are better here in my opinion. Except for the ToT. Indiana Jones, Pirates and Space are the best! Fantasyland and Toontown are better too.

What you will find different is the whole experience. DL is in the middle of Anaheim, with lots of hotels right next door. If I were you, I'd stay onsite to feel more immersed. The Grand Californian is right next to California Adventures and has its own entrance to that park. It also has an entrance right into DTD that goes to DL. The DL Hotel is a little walk from DL through DTD. Same with Paradise Pier. I've stayed in all 3, but prefer the Grand, but it is quite pricey. Lots of members here love to stay offsite, within walking distance.

Are you thoroughly confused?

Well take the time to read Hydroguys stuff. Probably the best information out there. Even over the guide books. He has one just for you, titled something like "What WDW vets going to DL for time should expect."

Have fun!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks!! With USH, my main reason for going there would be to show them King Kong. By the time we started going to USO, the mummy had already taken it's place. I went to USH as a child and have told my own kids about it so they do wanna see that. Like with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. They've heard about it and wanna see it for themselves. Everything else for them is like "strange". lol

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

 

[nunzia]

Universal was a one day once visit for us..would like to go to orlando when Harry Potter opens!
As far as the two parks, just go with an open mind and realize it was Walt's original dream and enjoy it for that. In a reverse view, we always did DL (wasn't even a resort then..) and then went to WDW..the kids really didn't like it and never wanted to go back..I keep thinking I need to go back and give it another chance, but just haven't done that..DLR always wins out

 

[Sherry E]

Well take the time to read Hydroguys stuff. Probably the best information out there. Even over the guide books. He has one just for you, titled something like "What WDW vets going to DL for time should expect."

Have fun!

I think we are talking about the same thread - I have a link to HydroGuy's thread for WDW vets in my post above - unless there is a different one? There have been so many - I lose track after a while!!

 

[Disney Fool]

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.

 

[Leofoenget]

There are many attractions that the World doesn't even have. Matterhorn, Indy, Storybook land boats. I'm sure they will find a couple of things to do.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

We're DLR regulars and visited WDW for the 1st time early Oct. last year, comparing Disneyland's Magic Kingdom to WDW's Magic Kingdom - DLR wins, yes Cindy's castle is lovely but I prefer lots of things in the DL version - Fantasy Land & Toon Town are much better, DLR has Indy, Matterhorn, a better Space Mtn *however with the recent reno at WDW's Space I don't know maybe they're comparble now. IMO the only think S. CA is missing is Epcot (World Showcase) *DCA has Soarin' ~ and DS would say Everest (which was pretty cool) - San Diego has the zoo, animal park, Sea World; Lego Land is even closer to DLR than San Diego and it's a fun place close to lovely beaches. I hated the weather in Orlando ~ it was so hot and humid, S. CA weather is much more tolerable. DLR takes a lot less time than WDW ~ we are good now with 3 days, fly in early day 1 and fly home late day 3 *it's a short flight for us. Transportation is so much easier, no busses - just walk.

*My DD wasn't too impressed by Cindy's castle ~ I think to her it was just another castle, ya it's bigger - big deal, Aurora's is lovely.

 

[doclegler]

We just got back from our first DLR trip after 9 yearly trips to WDW. I can definitely say its different though!
The castle really was a let down to ME, but my kids (3 boys) didn't even seem to notice! They enjoyed all the rides and never once said "I wish we were at WDW".
I think it was more of an adult thing - expectations really. Its really hard to compare the parks, because they ARE quite different. I do have to say I enjoy the dining at WDW more, but that may be because I now know what we love. It probably just takes time to figure it all out.
I didn't enjoy the drive from LA to Anaheim and back. It was VERY stressful! And our trip was quite short, so we weren't able to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Good luck with your planning. Everyone here is great and so helpful. You'll learn a lot!

 

[Sherry E]

In addition to the links I provided above, I found some more threads on the same topic, all with excellent viewpoints and tips (by the time you are done reading all of these threads, you should know all there is to know on the differences between WDW and DLR!! Probably more than you ever wanted to know!!)

From Chris and Pooh: “Disneyland versus Disneyworld: Your views please”: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2233319

From jfstorm: “Disney World Vets heading to Cali for the first time this year. Need Advice!!!!!”:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365914

From Mommato4: “Disneyland vs Disneyworld”: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2359153

From GraceLuvsWDW: “DL Vets answer some ?s please...1 day trip soon”: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2222620

From jeff968: “How will DL and CA compare if you've been to orlando a dozen times?”: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2366196

 

[WonkaKid]

DLR always wins out

Agreed. Love it way more than WDW. Also, I'm more into the healthy Southern California culture. I noticed a lot more people on Rascals (probably greater by a factor of five) and many more overweight people at WDW. Just sayin'.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

We just returned from WDW for 10 days in dec and we could NOT wait to get back home to disneyland!! We go to WDW once a year but since moving down to california we have grown fonder of DL. Buzz Lightyear is much better in DL. You have different targets worth different points, and just more colorful and much better. IASW in MK was disappointing. It is boring compared to all the color and sparkles of DL's version. Much nicer and newer looking here. Pirates is also better. I do enjoy WDW or we wouldn't go each year but DL has a charm to it that you just don't find there. It may be smaller but not lacking in any area with the exception of food variety. And really, we go for the rides and disney magic, not food. I do hope you're able to visit DL and see why it is disney's most beloved park.

 

[B9erSteve]

My $0.02

Disneyland: Pros: Lots of stuff packed in a small package. It's easy to get from one place to another quickly. I can also do Disneyland at a leisurely pace. WDW parks are so big I always feel pressed for time as it is difficult to cross the park quickly. I'm a history buff so strolling the streets that Walt did has a nostalgic feel to it. New Orleans Square. WDW doesnt' have anything like it. It's the best place of anyplace in any of the Disney parks. I could sit in the park all day. Indiana Jones Rocks! And the flumes in POTC make the ride so much more different than the WDW version. Cons: While the Fantasmic show is better at DL the seating BITES! I hate going to the show for that very reason. Crowded. DL's small size makes any crowd really feel tight. I really long for the days before the Annual pass push. It was so much roomier. DCL, what were they thinking. On my first trip to the new park and saw the area where you can watch crops grow... I started to miss the parking lot! Now, the park did end up growing on me. Not for the reason that Disney wanted though. As crowds in DL increases, I find that jumping to DCA and all of it's emptiness to be rather soothing. Of course now, it's all tore up so that won't be that case anymore. And when their done it will probably end up just as crowded as DL.

DisneyWorld: Pros: Immersive. Exit DL and you're back in the real world. But WDW and it's hotels keep you feeling on vacation the whole time. Themeing, They did a much better job with their other parks then Anaheim did. Space beautiful space. Where there's a patch of grass at DL there's nearly an entire park at MK. WDW really took care of me and my family. It's nice to always have that customer service ethic everywhere you go. The Hotels! I love them! Cons: I have to really plan out a trip to WDW! From Dining reservations to making sure that we are in the right place in the park to easily make a show that we want to go to. Prep work is a real chore for our vacation (one that always pays off though) Whereas, I can go to DL on the spur of the moment and still have a great time.

 

[azdisneylover]

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.

 

[sasywtch]

Because DL doesn't have all the space that WDW does and all the different parks, plan other things for the kids as you have done with Universal so they aren't disappointed (I don't think they will be anyway). Take a day and visit the Pacific, go to boardwalk. La Brea tar pits is good also. We spent 2 days "up north" by Hollywood, went to Universal, checked out Sunset Blvd, Manns Theatre, Kodak Theatre, La Brea Tar Pits, head to the beach (I wanted to see Venice Beach, alot of people here like Huntington Beach, I like Santa Monica Pier also), then ride on down to Anaheim for 4 nights for Disneyland. **Magic Mountain is up in the northern area also