Disneyland or Disney World?

[sherilaine]

We have had 6 big trips (at least a week each) to Disneyland and we love it but the last trip we decided okay we need to ramp things up some as it was getting almost too familiar (if that is a bad thing?). This was also after my teens went to Universal Hollywood and loved it.

So we are now planning a trip to Orlando and man, planning is one word for it. We are thinking of going for 2 weeks so there's increased costs at all turns, flights more expensive, longer stay, tickets for both WDW and Universal - it'll dwarf our Disneyland price tag but our kids are older and I think it will be fun.

However, I think it's all a matter of perspective, if you've been to WDW several times then coming this July could leave a sour taste in your mouth with Disneyland just having opened Galaxy's Edge - as it's likely to be wall to wall people for awhile, which is not the Disneyland we know and have come to love but it's likely to be the new reality with adding the new land.

However, if you go to Disneyland and all you do is compare it to Disney World - then you most likely will be disappointed - because expecting something to be what it's not is a recipe for disappointment. We are going with eyes wide open knowing WDW is a whole other type of child - born to the same idea - and we have no expectations other than to be prepared and be patient and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[SorcererPanda]

However, if you go to Disneyland and all you do is compare it to Disney World - then you most likely will be disappointed - because expecting something to be what it's not is a recipe for disappointment. We are going with eyes wide open knowing WDW is a whole other type of child - born to the same idea - and we have no expectations other than to be prepared and be patient and enjoy it for what it is.

This was definitely my big mistake. The first time I visited Disneyland, I was in the mindset to compare and contrast. After having a not-so-great time and coming to an understanding that WDW and DL are two very different experiences, my subsequent visits were much more enjoyable.

 

[GatorChris]

For me, for us, we're more WDW people. Haven't been in a while, but we still love it the most. That said, if you have to go in July, go to DL. No rain. No humidity. I keep having opportunities to go to WDW in summer...but I won't. I did it once, and that's all it took. We Californians melt in that kind of humidity.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... However, if you go to Disneyland and all you do is compare it to Disney World - then you most likely will be disappointed - because expecting something to be what it's not is a recipe for disappointment. We are going with eyes wide open knowing WDW is a whole other type of child - born to the same idea - and we have no expectations other than to be prepared and be patient and enjoy it for what it is.

Completely agree with this. No matter which park you're visiting, an open mind and an open heart are very important factors in how much you'll enjoy your trip.
From another post:
I think one of the most important things to do to prepare for your first DLR visit is to make sure to come to the parks with an open mind. WDW is WDW and DLR is DLR. Yes, they are both Disney, but they are different resorts, with different parks, in different states, with different management, different cultures, and different feels, etc. Neither is better or worse, right or wrong. Just different! One of the worst mistakes we hear on this board (and, sadly, we hear it too often) is when guests come to DLR with the deeply ingrained idea that it has to be WDW 2.0. They have a firm template of WDW that they are determined to force onto DLR. Talk about square pegs into round holes! And when their plan inevitably, and quickly, starts to fall apart, they come here to vent and rant in frustration. Long story, short: don't waste your time ruining your trip this way! Come to DLR with a completely open mind and open heart, ready to see and experience all the magic that is waiting for you here. It may be just what you expected, or not. It may be the same, similar, or totally different. And it can all be really good!