Disneyland for WDW Die-Hards

[DizBelle]

Ok, there are some things that DL that WDW doesn't have. And it has some of the same attractions that are different in some ways.

Would a die-hard WDW enthusiast be disappointed in the California counterpart. If I plan a trip to DL instead of WDW, will I regret it?

I did go to DL once back in 1998 - I was there on business anyway. It gave me a Disney-fix but I was extremely disappointed in the castle. I'm used to making that turn to come down Main Street and see the TALL castle at the end. I did the same at DL and all I saw was sky.

Is the different TOT, the Indy ride, and California Adventure enough to warrant a trip?

 

[Leota]

IMHO, yes. I am a die-hard WDW fan. But, I loved both trips I made to DLR. I had considered switching this coming trip from WDW to DLR for the big celebration, but DH wants to go to WDW & we have APs to use up.

I love the differences. I love walking where Walt walked. It gives me goosebumps. I love DL's PotC, Matterhorn, Indy, NO Square, The Original Tiki Room, Mr. Toad........ I love the quaintness, the unrushed feeling...... I think it is every bit a special, just different. Not so big, no so overwhelming.....more cozy.....

But, if you already went & were disappointed on the difference in the Castles, then maybe these things aren't that big a deal to you. I think it's all personal taste. Go with your gut.

 

[got2travel]

Ok so I'm not die hard WDW. I'm a CA girl and DLR AP holder. I love both resorts and can really appreciate the differences. Yes, the castle is smaller, but as Leota stated, nothing beats walking where Walt did, where it all started.

Some of the rides that I prefer at DL rather than WDW are: Small World - the facade is just fantastic, and the ride is longer / Pirates - much longer ride, more story build up / Fantasmic - true DL doesn't have a dedicated stadium but the last scene with all the characters on the Liberty Belle far outshines the little boat in Florida / Indiana Jones - ok so Dinosaur is not Indy but the same technology, the ride is just better at DL, longer too / Space Mountain - love blasting through space with music blasting in your ears (currently closed until Nov though)

Some of the rides I prefer at WDW: Tower of Terror - I like the horizontal movement of the elevators / Splash Mountain - nothing I can put my finger on, I just like it better / Astro Orbiter - still up high, at DL they put it down on the ground.

California Adventure has some fun moments, Tower of Terror, California Screamin, but somewhat a dissapointment. One day is enough for this park, with a few days spent at DL. You wouldn't need to spend as much time at Disneyland as you would at Disneyworld, so I'm not sure if it would be a good replacement for a WDW trip, but makes a great additional trip.

 

[MHG26]

Personally, I would 100% choose WDW over DL any day. I've been going to WDW every year of my life so when I moved to California and went to DL, I was SO disappointed with it! Although it's nice to go there if you live nearby, but I would completely choose to make a trip to WDW over DL. The only thing DL has going for it over WDW is the Indiana Jones Ride in my opinion. When I'm in DL I feel like I'm in a DIRTY and LAME minaturized version of Magic Kingdom. Although it is Disney, something about it feels off for me. I feel like the people are ruder and the park looks rundown which always disappoints me. The music on Space Mountain there also drives me nuts , it's like demented carnival music blaring in your ear. But my biggest reason for liking WDW over DL is all the options in parks you have. Btw, did they build a TOT there or something? I haven't been there in a couple years since I moved but there wasn't a TOT there before. I haven't been to California Adventure but everyone I know who has said it was a waste of money.

 

[iceskatejen]

When I hear people who are dissappointed in the size of the castle at DL, my reaction is to look to the right of the castle--what do you see? A mountain. If the DL castle were as tall as the one at WDW, it would look really bad. A mountain should be bigger than a castle.

 

[sunking]

As a die hard WDW fan and after having visited DL just once as a small child, I took the opportunity to spend 5 days at DL this past April. I agree with the posters above that there are many differences. Some good, some bad but I really had a great time visiting DL.

We spent 3 days at DL and 2 days at California Adventure. I do disagree with California Adventure being disappointing. There are many things to do here that don't exist in WDW. California Screamin', Soaring Over California, Grizzly River Rapids to name a few. They also had the ELP at California Adventure that you can't find elsewhere anymore.

Another interesting thing about DL is that if you stay at one of the DL resorts, you can walk to Downtown Disney, DL and California Adventure.

Yes it is smaller but it is sure worth a shot.

 

[vjc715]

Yes...I would have to agree. Some good...some bad. I LOVE the magic kingdom at DL better than WDW. If only I could now get Epcot and MGM in California I would be happier than can be

 

[MrShiny]

I am a huge WDW fan, but can't help lovingDL as well. First of all, it's much more intimate. The MK in the space of MGM. Right now, eveything being redone for the 50th is making the place absolutely glow. It's easy to see how it must have felt to walk into this when no other such thing existed.

You walk much less. There are about the same number of rides (but fewer shows and walkthroughs). The Grand Californian is wonderful, and there are clean cheap motels a block way. In fact, while the GC is closer to DCA, the Disney hotels in general are much farther from DL than many sub $100 motels on Harbor.

Pirates of the Caribbean at DL will ruin WDW for you - it's so much better (and about twice as long). Fantasyland is enchanting, although currently Tomorrowland is somewhat dismal. New Orleans Square is a real treat.

Because of the size, you don't need nearly the time to "do" DL that you do WDW. It also makes it great for small kids.

You will see lines snaking through the park (Indy - which is GREAT! is especially a culprit), but that's because they didn't plan the room to enclose as much of the queues as at WDW (of course if you want to escape lines, hop over to DCA - which is really not a bad park. It's just bad if you are a day tripper, like most DL goers (and unlike WDW'ers)).

The best thing is DL is really like something Walt threw together himself. The park really is seeped in his personality.

I heartily reccomend a trip - especially after nearly all is ready in May (with the big exception of Space Mountain, due for November). You might pay more for airfare depending on where you live, but the offsite motels are mostly pretty nice and can easily make up for the money spent on transportation. Even with the walk from your motel, you'll still walk a lot less in a day than at WDW.

 

[ryley26]

I prefer wdw over DL anyday.My brothers and I went to dl last year. We hadn't been ther since the seventies. We were disappointed it's not like I remember as a kid,we've been to wdw numerous times since dl. We are going to CA this year to try it out and see what they have to offer. My biggest disappointment is the castle just not the same when you enter.

 

[MrShiny]

the park looks rundown which always disappoints me.

You really need to go after May 5. Ouimet has poured a ton into maintenance. The things already done (the castle, parts of Main Street) are really amazing. EVERYTHING in DL will look brand new (and hopefully in DCA too, I hear they are going to start over there - even at only 5, it needs some touch up).

Hopefully, maintenance will again be a constant thing at DL, but I urge everyone to go this summer if they can. It'll be spectacular.

 

[lark]

I don't know if we would qualify as WDW "die hards." We've been to WDW a number of times and know some parts of it very well. We went to San Diego last summer and decided to do an overnight two-day trip to DL. I had very low expectations. Something about the unofficial guide to disneyland made me think it was going to be mostly a couple of themeparks in the middle of a parking lot in a highly developed area.

I was very very surprised. We had a great time. I actually enjoyed DL better than the MK. I don't know if I can describe exactly why. It felt a little more quaint or something to me. The two areas most important on this trip for us were fantasyland and toontown, which are more well done at the California park. As expected, it does not really approach the scope of WDW, but I actually found myself appreciating the added manageability of the place. We spent the night in the disneyland hotel, which was really neat. We also all really enjoyed being able to take the monorail INTO the park, as opposed to the front gate. Not sure why this turned out to strike us as cool, but it did.

Anyway, not to get too far afield of the original poster's question -- would you be disappointed if you did a trip to DL INSTEAD of WDW -- that's tough to say. Maybe. There's by no means as much to do at DL and there are some elements to WDW that DL can't possibly recreate. But that said, judging it on its own, the California disney complex wildly exceeded my expectations.

 

[DaveH]

I have been going to WDW off and on since 1973. We went to DL for my 50th birthday this last July. I went with the knowledge that DL is different than WDW. That said I knew the castle is smaller and expected it. My first walk down Mainstreet at DL was how close in it all felt. After a day of touring I didn't notice it anymore. We had a great time. Except for California Soarin and the Electrical Parade, Califorina Adventure felt like any other park like Paramount parks or Busch Gardens. I liked Its a Small World and Pirates much better at DL. I like the HM about the same at each park. Like I said earlier, I went knowing I will have a different experience at DL. I grew up watching Uncle Walt telling us about DL. It was a dream of mine to go. I went and never regretted it. There were things closed and the castle was covered up for getting ready for the 50th celebration. I would love to go back when the other stuff is open and try it all. For me living here on the East Coast it is more expensive to go to DL than WDW. It really depends on what you are looking for from your trip. If you expect WDW type of place, I think you will not like it. If you know it is going to be magical but different you may have a great time like we did.

BTW the Disneyland board here is great for getting all kinds of great info on DL. .

 

[dischick4778]

I am a huge WDW fan, but even more than that I am a Walt Disney fan. Last year was the first and only time I've been to DL and I absolutely loved it. But for me it was a chance to experience what Walt really put his heart and soul into. Seeing his vision as he got to see it was so exciting to me. I knew ahead of time that it was smaller, so when I got there it really exceeded my expectations. We are going in August as part of our honeymoon and I can't wait! Good luck with your decision.

 

[ganggreen4jc]

Interesting thread! I'm a life long SC native and DL AP holder in 95,96, 04 and 05. Now I'm bringing the "gang" to our first trip to WDW in July of 05. One of the things that I'm most looking forward to is the MK. Can't wait to see the differences myself. I've heard MK is DL on twice as much land!

Interesting article about a month ago on www.miceage.com, rated ALL of the parks worldwide (DL, MK, DLP and TDL) and they chose DL as the best, just barely beating out WDW, with Paris and Tokyo tied for third.

I guess from what I've read, that trying to pick one park over the other is like trying to decide if you like your legs better than your arms. They both have great things about them.

Look for me at WDW in July of next summer. Can't wait!!!

 

[JEANMR1]

I would also always choose wdw or dl. I made my first trip to dl for a single day this past august. It was an addition to an impromptu visit. I certainly enjoyed myself (it was my birthday too) but I left thinking that I wouldn't be such a diehard fan if that is all there is. For me, WDW is escapism. I like plopping myself on the property for a week and not leaving it to enter the real world for the entire time. To me, DL is a great place to go the next time I'm in California. I would probably do 2 days next time. However, I wouldn't plan a trip around it.

 

[vjc715]

I think if you can....both is a great experience.

 

[nhpooh]

We went to DL two years ago, I was there in "75". My DD (16) and DH had not been. We all liked it but we love WDW better. Like everyone said it does have it's good points, but WDW has more. I just wish they would put the Indiana Jones ride at WDW. That would be great, we don't even go to the Indiana Jones show at MGM anymore. We will be going back to WDW in Sept. "05" and I can't wait.

 

[Beca]

I am a HUGE WDW fan!! That being said, we are VERY close to DL, and unfortunately spend much more time there than at WDW. That being said, there are some great things about DL.

1) The castle is perfect!!! I like eating in Cinderella's castle, but Sleeping Beauty's castle is by far my favorite!! It is quaint, and more "cobblestonish" where Cinderella's is just plain flashy. Plus, I love that it is pink...it just makes it so storybook-fairytale-like!! I just cannot get enough of that castle.

2) Trees in main st. plaza...I had forgotten how WDW really didn't have any of these. There are LOTS of big trees in DL's plaza, with lights in them that twinkle at night...it is SOO cool!!

3) I don't like seeing tomorrowland right off of main st. at WDW. At DL, it is shielded by the Plaza/Crystal's Palace type restaurant (I don't remember what it is called). I hate seeing tomorrowland when all I feel like I should be seeing is main st, the plaza, and the castle.

4) I LOVE the storybook boats, Alice's ride, and the Indiana Jones ride...I miss them at WDW (although MK makes up for it in so many other ways).

5) The Grand Californian Hotel...enough said!!! I love the fact that DTD is right next to the parks!!! If you go, go eat at The Storyteller's Cafe for lunch or bfast (make PS's). The buffet bfast is amazing, but the "Achiote Chicken Cheddar Melt" is hands down the BEST sandwich I have ever had!!!

6) POC....what a great ride!!! And, if you can get a PS at the Blue Bayou...it is a view of POC that puts the San Angel Inn to shame!!

7) The Aladdin show at CA...the BEST show at any Disney Park!!

8) If you do the Keys to the Kingdom tour, you can get a glimpse into "Club 33"...Walt's baby!!!


Now, the negatives:

It is WAY to small and congested!!! And, it is too "inner-city-ish" for me. Way too many AP holders who come on a regular basis for my tastes. The LA city buses literally bring thousands of people in everyday who act like they "own" the park. People line up for parades VERY early (we always end up waiting at LEAST an hour for a parade spot...sometimes two), and then someone always tries to push in front of us once the parade starts...it never fails!!! Since the park is not full of "vacationers", but is pretty much split between "regulars" and "vacationers", it is just not the same attitude as WDW...people are MUCH less polite. Plus, there are a LOT of teenagers without any adults around...sometimes they can get a little rowdy.


For me, it boils down to this...I feel like I am in a theme park at DL...a place where you go for the day. The world is just "too close" to DL to feel any different. When I go to WDW...I feel like I am in a whole other world!!!

There are good points to DL...but, it is hard to see them the first time you go. After WDW, DL really is an "acquired taste".



Beca

 

[MHG26]

Beca pretty much nailed it. DL is definitely a park of regulars and locals and for me that largely ruins the magic because it just gives SUCH a different vibe. I like WDW cus it's like being in a fantasy with a bunch of other people who have traveled from around the world to enjoy in the fantasy experience and magic. However, DL is filled with people who go there all the time and a lot of teenagers who act rude and rowdy. I was going there in college when I lived in LA and I was annoyed with the teenagers even though I was only 18/19 myself! DL lacks magic for me point blank. It reminds me more of going to Knott's Berry Farm or Six Flags (minus the thrill rides). And although the foriegners that frequent WDW have a few bad apples, but overall I've enjoyed meeting people there from all over the world that are just so excited to be there versus DL where it's practically a requirement to speak spanish, but I won't even go there... That aspect pretty much rivals the Brazillian debate I've seen on many of the other threads. Personally I can't stand being constantly shoved and cut in front of all day long by people who have no reguard for others and I've found a lot of that in DL.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

Overall, WDW is probably better than DL just because it's so much bigger and there's more to do. However, I loved loved loved DL. There is something very cool about knowing that it's the original and that Walt used to walk those same paths, and just to take in all the history of it. I also thought it was fun to seek out and notice all the subtle differences between the rides that both parks share. I think they are two very different, but equally fun and awesome experiences.