Disneyland regular visits Walt Disney World

[8-bit]

Hello everyone!

Me and my family have been going to Disneyland at least once every two years since I can remember. We've gone at least 3 times to Disney's California Adventure too. This fall we may finally be travelling to Walt Disney World!

To everyone who has visited both parks, I'm wondering... If you're a Disneyland regular, what is worth it and what isn't?

What I mean is there's a lot of rides at WDW that we've gone on Disneyland multiple times, especially in the Epcot and Magical Kingdom parks. Are they different experiences? Should we focus only on the exclusive WDW rides?

Any tips are appreciated.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

We're DLR regulars who visited WDW for the 1st time last early Oct. ~ DLR will always be #1 to me. We spent way too much time at the Magic Kingdom ~ I very much prefer Disneyland. Epcot was wonderful *I wish DLR had an Epcot* DHS was fun somewhat similar to DCA *but part of Epcot is kinda like DCA ~ Soarin' is there* We enjoyed AK ~ we should've spent 1 more day there, just did the 1 ~ Expedition Everest is great! My DS thinks EE should replace the Matterhorn!

We loved MNSSHP ~ if you visit in Oct. it's for sure worth it - in fact that should've been our only MK day *you can get in with your ticket @ 4pm *party doesn't start till 7pm* well maybe that and 1 other day.

The weather was absolutely miserable ~ way too hot and humid! We'll return but it'll be late fall, winter or early spring when we do. I can handle heat ~ UT summers are hot but there is 0 humidity. S CA's climate is much more tolerable.

 

[carebee21]

Depending on how long you have, I would focus on the rides and shows that disneyworld has that disneyland doesn't. And from there, make a list of favorites at Disneyland that you want to try at Disneyworld. Although a lot of the rides have similar themes, they are slightly different, some better, some not. For example, POTC and IASW are much shorter in DW. But Tower of Terror has an extra scene and random drop sequences in DW, that DL doesn't have. Two of the things I wish we had done would have been to allow a free day to explore all of the hotels. The hotels there are so much more detailed and themed. They really are neat! And to have eaten at more of the restaraunts. The restaraunt experiences there are so different as well, and I wish we would have done more of them, and less counter service, but I wasn't keen on making reservations and planning my day around meals

 

[oc_tony]

We are DLR vets who very much enjoy our trips to WDW. WDW requires more planning just due to the sheer size. As to your question about attractions, some are exactly the same (like Soarin') but many have subtle and not-so-subtle differences that are fun to notice (like Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Buzz, Space, Pirates, and many others).

Some of the WDW versions are better, and some of the DLR versions are better. Everyone has their opinions about this and there are numerous threads that compare similar/same attractions.

Personally, I would focus your efforts on those attractions that are unique to WDW (like Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Mickey's Philharmagic, Test Track, Mission: Space, Rock 'n Rollercoaster, etc). Time permitting, you can always fill in your time with familiar favorites.

Dining is a bigger deal at WDW and you can make reservations (ADRs) up to 180 days in advance. If staying at a Disney resort, you get an extra 10 days on top of the 180. Believe it or not, some places do fill up that far in advance, so it's worth doing a little research on dining options.

Have a great time! DL will always be our home park, but we love to visit WDW.

 

[skiingfast]

A few are complete duplicates.

In Epcot only Soarin comes to mind the line is extra long and the same as in DCA.

In WDW many are close but not exactly the same. If you think you may need to skip some I'd only skip the ones you would at DL. For the most part there are small differences some for better or worse. The MK version of Pirates is worse, but would you skip that on any trip?

 

[Leshaface]

I've gone to DL maaaany times over the course of my life, and finally in 2008 made it to WDW!

Needless to say, as soon as I returned home from WDW, I booked another trip for 2010!

WDW is seriously awesome! You're going to have a fabulous time!

We had enough time to ride all the rides, even the ones we have here in Cali...I like to be able to say i've ridden all the Pirates in all of the U.S.! Same with Haunted Mansion, Winnie, Peter, etc..

If you have the time, you might as well ride them, but you don't have to make it a priority. It's pretty much the same thing with subtle differences...for instance Pirates at DL is muuuch longer than Pirates at WDW...

You'll have a blast!

 

[danissmart]

Noone has mentioned splash mountain yet. Be sure to ride the WDW version, it is amazing.

 

[sandgrace]

Has WDW improved their Space Mountain? When I was there last DL's was much better!

 

[Jenna319]

Me and my DH go to WDW every year and have been to DL twice. We much prefer WDW because that is where most of our memories lie (honeymoon, aniversary trips, family trips, etc) and it will always hold a special place in our hearts!!

I second taking the time out to visit some of WDW's wonderful hotels!!! Take the monorail around to visit the Grand Floridian & Polynesian. Gorgeous! Get a Lapu Lapu at the Polynesian bar by Ohanas, which is a drink in a pineapple, and go sit by the beach and watch the fireworks! They pipe the music in from the parks and it is just a wonderful experience. Wilderness Lodge is also worth a trip to walk around the grounds. For the moderates, I would definitely check out the Port Orleans resorts at night. You can take a leisurely boat ride from Downtown Disney to Port Orleans and take a moonlight carriage ride around the grounds at PO, you really feel like your in New Orleans!! Animal Kingdom Lodge is stunning and after you check out the animals at the savannah, have one of the best meals you will have on property at Jiko! We are picky eaters and we LOVE Jiko. The filet w/ mac and cheese is TO DIE FOR!!!!

Dining is definitely a big part of our trip when we go to WDW. Do try to go when you can get the free dining plan offer! It is SOOO worth it!!! We love eating around the countries at Epcot. Le Cellier in Canada is one of our faves. Walk over to the Beach Club from World Showcase in Epcot and go to Beaches & Cream for some awesome ice cream! If you are celebrating any occasion, tell everyone from when you book your resort to when you make ADRs for restaurants. We have gotten a lot of pixie dust over the years by wearing our celebration pins! A free dessert, a phone call from Mickey and Minnie, personalized menus, and just many congratulations are among the things we have received- just dont EXPECT perks, but be thrilled when you do get a little extra magic!

Surprise your family with a fun scavenger hunt through one of the parks using http://www.giftsofalifetime.com/. I did this for DH last year and he LOVED it. It was so fun and a new way for us to experience Epcot, our favorite park. Or disneyflorist.com has some great gift baskets and such. They even will decorate your room while you are away to surprise your kids that Mickey left them some presents!

As for rides, I would definitely agree to check out the things that aren't at DL. Test Track, EE, RARC to name a few. Check out the Disney waterparks and Downtown Disney for some wonderful unique shops. Even take a water sprite out on the lake or a balloon ride in Downtown Disney! There are so many wonderful things to check out. I hope you have at least a week to see it all! Have a wonderful trip and if you have any other questions, feel free to pm me! I am WDW obsessed!

 

[Judy from Boise]

My first piece of advice is to concentrate on shows. Fireworks at MK, Illuminations at Epcot, FOTLK and Nemo at AK, and fantasmic at DHS.

Also at Epcot the live entertainment is well worth the time investment.

A high majority of DLR people pick Epcot as their favorite park.

 

[Jaylie]

Don't miss The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. It is a spectacular show. I'm the opposite from the OP because we've gone to WDW many, many times, but heading to DL this summer. I had a question about the Aladdin Show -- where is it, and is it good. Thanks!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Don't miss The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. It is a spectacular show. I'm the opposite from the OP because we've gone to WDW many, many times, but heading to DL this summer. I had a question about the Aladdin Show -- where is it, and is it good. Thanks!

We too enjoyed the LK @ AK ~ Aladdin is great! It's in DCA back by TOT.

 

[AmyPond]

Has WDW improved their Space Mountain? When I was there last DL's was much better!

They redid it but I honestly didn't notice a difference. The one at DL is still WAY better!

 

[Leshaface]

They redid it but I honestly didn't notice a difference. The one at DL is still WAY better!

Have to say DL's SM is way better than WDW..WDW's is too rickety and jostles you all over the place! Although the seats are way comfier though!

Oh and WDW's Fantasmic! has a way better set-up than DL's! Definitely experience F!

FOTLK at Animal Kingdom is really good too! So is Nemo!

And also over at DHS, the Beauty and the Beast show is so cute!

 

[KCmike]

Splash Mountain at WDW is much better there.
Epcot is my second favorite park. Spend at least two days there.
Expedition Everest is great.
I think Big Thunder is also better at WDW. I love the que at night there.
Resorts are special there. Do you know where your staying yet?
So much to tell you......

 

[Dizneydaz]

We go to WDW at least once a year (usually in Sept) and are APH at DLR. Just went to DLR last night for about 5 hours.

We don't spend much time in MK but there are a few things there you won't see in DLR.

Carousel of Progress-for me it brings back memories of when it was at DL.
Hall of Presidents-has all the Pres. not just Lincoln
Mickey's Philharmonic.-GREAT!
Fireworks-Grim Grinning Ghost Spooktacular if you'll be there during MNSSHP
Tiki Room-under new management. Better than the one at DL.

Rides that are similar, but better at DLR.
Pirates
Space
Splash
Small World

Similar but better or at least as good at DLR.
Buzz
Haunted Mansion

Rides not at DLR but at MK
Goofy's Barnstormer in Toontown. Pretty fun for kids but DLR TT is better overall.

That's basically it-I'm sure I forgot a few.

For us, our favorite parks are Epcot and Animal Kingdom. DD10 was just saying yesterday that Epcot is her fav. park, but she doesn't know wjy (I do, it's called Test Track!) In Epcot you can skip Soarin' if you've done it at DCA if it's too crowded. It's exactly the same. But not to be missed is Test Track and Mission Space. DD also enjoys check out Innoventions East and West.

At AK not to be missed is Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safar (try to ride in the a.m. and near closing), Festival of the Lion King, Nemo show, Dinosaur (sim. to Indy ride at DLR, but different), and if you have young kids-check out the Boneyard-DD still loves to dig around in the "dirt" to uncover a dino fossil.

DHS is the park we probably spend the least time in. ToT is a definite don't miss though as is Rock 'n Rollercoaster. Also good is the Indy Stunt Show. The Beauty and the Beast show is good, but not as good as the show DL used to have (which lead to the B'Way version). You can skip Catastrophe Canyon-pretty lame. Star Tours is the same as at DL though the one at DL closing next month for refurbishment (going 3-D) so the one at WDW may be too.

Though the 4 theme parks are fun, for us, since we go to DLR quite often, our favorite parks are the 2 water parks. And the fall is a great time to go-still hot enough to go but the crowds are less. Last year we went to the waterparks 3 days (instead of our normal 2). I think we did the other parks a total of 4 days-with alot of parkhopping.

Re: park hopping-the 4 parks at WDW are pretty far apart. Nothing like the 1 minute walk from DL to DCA. Know that if you park hop you will loss time. More if you use Disney busses than if you drive. Hopping between MK and Epcot is pretty easy, though you do have to switch monorails at TTC. You can boat from Epcot to DHS. AK is only accessible by bus.

Our hearts belong to DLR but we LOVE going to WDW! Absolutely love it. We spend 8,9,10, 11, or 12 days when we go (counting travel time) but we do explore the "real" Florida as well. Not all our time is spent in the parks.

Dining can be a huge thing at WDW. If you are doing any TS book them as soon as you know where you want to go.

Have fun!

 

[hookedonears]

Trying to think of things at WDW that are not at DL/CA.
Worth it:
MK: Big Thunder Mountain
EPCOT: Almost Everything
DHS: Rock'n Roller Coaster, Stunt Car, Beauty & Beast, Muppet 3d
AK: Lion King Show, Exp. Everest
Water Parks

Not Worth it:
MK: Stitch, Carousel of Progress, Laugh floor Comedy (unless you have small ones)
EPCOT: Figment
DHS: Star Search, Indiana Jones Stunt show(totally different, though bad)
AK: Kali River R, County Fair Area,

 

[AmyPond]

Trying to think of things at WDW that are not at DL/CA.
Worth it:
MK: Big Thunder Mountain
EPCOT: Almost Everything
DHS: Rock'n Roller Coaster, Stunt Car, Beauty & Beast, Muppet 3d
AK: Lion King Show, Exp. Everest
Water Parks

Not Worth it:
MK: Stitch, Carousel of Progress, Laugh floor Comedy (unless you have small ones)
EPCOT: Figment
DHS: Star Search, Indiana Jones Stunt show(totally different, though bad)
AK: Kali River R, County Fair Area,

Actually, unless it's gone now....Muppet's 3D is at California Adventure.

ETA: Yep, Muppet Vision 3D is still at DCA.

 

[Brancaneve]

Don't miss The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. It is a spectacular show. I'm the opposite from the OP because we've gone to WDW many, many times, but heading to DL this summer. I had a question about the Aladdin Show -- where is it, and is it good. Thanks!

 

[8-bit]

@Everyone

Thank you so much for all your tips! You guys are really helpful, I'll take everything into consideration.

We will most likely try to do everything if there's enough time and if not, we'll start skipping our least favorite DLR rides at WDW.

@Jaylie

The Aladdin show is at DCA if I'm not mistaken. It's really really good! Pretty much a theater presentation. We went to see it some 2+ years ago and we don't regret it one bit. Even my dad liked it and he's not a big Disney person!

Thanks again everyone, additional tips are welcome.