Yes I know this rile up some feathers and I welcome the counter responses.
Returned a few days ago from a first time trip. (sort of as 3 family member spent one partial day there in 09) Things we learned.
Disneyland rides rock! and typically trump the world every time.
Disneyland service sucks! They treat people like crap and cater to locals. Hence why I say it is a great local theme park. I will not go into all the details as they are way to many and I know how these boards are and people love to disect and argue how you were in the wrong and Disney is all candy and lollipops.
Staying on site makes a big difference and for those use to DW it is very noticeable. We stayed off site one night and a split stay at DLH and GCH. Love GCH as it is a very well done. Loved DLH rooms as well and tangora terrace but there was just something about GCH that made it awesome.
Things I learned on here did not have me prepared for the crowds we experienced. Cars and was fine but it was DL that was so packed it made it less enjoyable.
The counter service food is really good and also trumps DW! Plaza fried chicken. WOW! Gumbo.. Yummy. Tiger tail sounds gross but is so good!
Cars land is beyond what I imagined and could not believe how amazing it was! The attention to detail was wonderful. The rest of DCA is well, interesting. Liked paradise pier but that was about it.
Overall we really liked a lot about the Land and think it was great start for Walt. For us DW has the edge with the themes and service, but
DCL wins hands down for vacay experience. Then again we have not tried DL Tokyo, Paris, etc. LOL it is on the wish list!
For our family what sets Disney apart from the rest is the service and attention to details. It is why we always choose them for our vacations from Dw to DCL and now DL. What I do not understand is how people say this is Walt's park yet it seems to be the furthest from what the standards I always thought Walt stood for. Cheesy I know but I really could not get over how bad the service was.