Disneyland trip regret??

[lilpixie]

That is too bad about the reports about how many of the CM's didn't respond at all to the teenagers who were taunting people in line. I would definately ask where to go to speak to their supervisor. It seems you always have to go over their heads if they don't respond to a problem going on.
On our last trip, there were no issues with gangs or foul language, etc. However, the park was full of teenage cheerleaders (a convention we didn't know about) who were acting like typical teenagers -- and they were all "anglos".
We loved DL!! I grew up in FL and went to WDW all the time. Actually, when we were little and growing up, we found the guests there to be pretty rude a lot of the time (people just walking right in front of you and cutting in line, etc)!! As locals, we just couldn't believe it. When we were at DL, everything went great. Just try it -- I think you'll have a great time!

 

[HydroGuy]

HydroGuy, if you ever have the opportunity try WDW from October through April. It is usually gorgeous. Most of the rain falls in the summer months. In fact, our worst Disney trip weatherwise was a year ago in early March at DLR. Cold, rainy and humid. I think it was unusual though as there was snow in San Diego while we were at DLR!

I find the visitors at WDW nicer during those months too with the exception of holiday weeks.

I think you understood I was only using an example about how someone could extrapolate to a misleading conclusion. I have been to Florida many times of the year but only to WDW once (in June). And I do think that overall the weather in SoCal is better than Orlando, but that is just my opinion. In the summer I think most would agree SoCal is much more tolerable. In non-summer it depends on the person you ask. Frankly, the weather we experienced did not bother me that much. It bothered my DW much more and a couple of my kids - to the degree that it made us cut back on park hours.

I slated our second WDW trip in 2008 for March during Spring Break to avoid the summer rains and humidity. And we still might do that. But it turns out our Spring Break 2008 falls right across Easter which I understand is incredibly busy at WDW (more so than other periods in March/April) plus we would be restricted to 9 days. My teens have expressed an interest to visit outside WDW (e.g., the Space Center) and so during a recent family meeting we changed Plan A to flying to WDW the day school ends in late May and stay for more than 9 days. This will be about 2 weeks prior to our last visit with the additional hope we will be a little bit more in advance of the summer weather.

I wish we could have more flexibility on time of year, but we have high schoolers which means no missed school. We have no desire to visit WDW during Thanksgiving or Christmas breaks because of our own priorities. That leaves Spring Break and Summer.

 

[HydroGuy]

Oh, no -- this thread was moved into the Disneyland section and now my new friends here will think I'm a traitor for talking about DLR over on the WDW threads...

Thanks for jumping in here Hydro Guy -- OP, if you get a chance, read every word HG has written. I did and I know my trip was much better because of it.

I should probably clarify, too, that I was there during Spring Break this year (and in February the time before, so the weather was lousy). So the local teenagers were out in full force. I never feared for my safety, but I was very disappointed with the CMs lack of caring. One example: My mother was repeatedly harassed by a group of kids in the line at Indiana Jones (which is awesome and unique to DL!) and when I went to report them, they taunted me and the CMs did absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, that was our last ride of the night and it left a very bad taste...

Good luck with whatever you decide and have fun, 'cause, either way -- you're going to Disney!!

Thanks for the plug and for my part I do not consider you a "traitor". Your honest input is as valuable as anyone else's. I am glad my posts helped you have a better experience.

 

[quiltymom]

If you are a WDW veteran, DL will be a disappointment. .

I have to disagree. Yes, I grew up going to Disneyland, and after going to WDW (which I loved), I couldn't wait to get back to Disneyland!

I know that there are people over on the WDW boards who think that you have to lower your "expectations" to go to Disneyland. I still don't get this train of thought. They're both Disney, so why fight? They're both different, so enjoy the differences and immerse yourself into the nuances of the Disney that you are at. Recognize the differences; experience it with open arms.

I, for one, could spend a whole week at Disneyland and still want more. One of these days (when I'm independently wealthy ) I will spend the day sitting on Main Street benches watching people go by. Spend more time talking to the Cast Members (who I feel are much more friendly than at WDW). Ride the Disneyland Railroad around and around and around again. Why? To soak in what is Disneyland and see the excitement in other's faces. To experience Disneyland for what it is.

Yeah, I'm getting mushy, but don't dis Disneyland just because it's smaller than the size of the Magic Kingdom's parking lot. There's a whole lot more there than meets the eye - only if you look for it.

So, GO! Enjoy! Compare & contrast WDW to DL (that's the fun part!). Go on the Storybook Land Canal Boats multiple times so you can see the magic in the miniature settings. Be a monkey on the Casey Jr. Circus Train. Look at the building that houses Innoventions and know that the Carousel of Progress lived there for years (I still miss it!). Ride both sides of the Matterhorn and find out which you like the best.

Stuff like that. And have a wonderful time! You won't be disappointed.

(Now I'll read the rest of the posts! )

 

[Twinprincesses]

We love both. We have been to WDW every year since I can remember and when my family went to DL it was so awesome. A nice refreshing change. I loved seeing the TIKI room the way I loved it & my old fav Mr Toad. I liked the new ride selections especially in FantasyLand.

I also like CA as well. It is such a different setup you cannot even compare the 2. I think the layout of DL being that everything is so close is so much different than WDW. BUt I also like that you can leave the park and walk around DT Disney there to get away.

I do not think there is a Grand Floridan type hotel there but I much prefer staying at a non disney property and using that money I would have spent on souveniors.

You have to go for their Pirate Ride alone.

 

[GeminiAngel]

We have been to WDW 7 times and love it. We visited DL in march and had a really great time. We stayed at the Dl Hotel and really enjoyed it. We had just as much fun as we do at WDW. The only thing I was a little disappointed with was how small the castle was at DL. It is still pretty but much smaller than WDW's. HTH. Have a great time.

That's because its sleeping beauty's castle. not Cindy's

 

[GeminiAngel]

Oh, man, how could I forget HM at DL? It is so, so, so much better at DL than WDW. I wish they could box it up and bring it to FL for everyone there to see. I love the theme there with the widow and all her husbands.

Wow, I think just the opposite. We just got back from our first WDW trip here's what I liked better: HM 100%, peter pan, small world, TTA (r.i.p. people mover, we miss you), astro orbitor ( its still upstairs at WDW), Country bears (Miss you so at DL), Tea cups (covered), Splash mt (seating side by side)

Better at DL: need I say: INDIANA JONES, POTC (hands down), Matterhorn, I think the monorail feels more like a ride at DL, I like DL's Sleeping Beauty Castle, Mr. Toad's, Tiki Room, Storybook, Casey Jr. circus train, Space mt (seating side by side)


And Jungle Cruise is so-so at either park



I'm sure I have more to compare, but those are first to come to mind.

 

[damo]

Here's our experience.

We had been going to WDW for 15 years and our coaster loving son wanted to do a California trip so of course DL was on the menu. At first we found DL a little strange because things are not as spaced out as at WDW but soon that turned into a plus instead of a minus. We love the number of rides that are within walking distance and we love the quality of the rides as well.

Our first visit was only for two days but the following year we returned again and stayed at the Grand Californian. We are from Toronto, Ontario so it is more convenient to go to WDW but we turned into DL lovers.

This year we are going again for 4 nights and staying at the Paradise Pier in a suite since the kids are no longer kids and we need the space. We still go to Florida frequently but rarely, if ever go to WDW. We much prefer Disneyland and California Adventure. We like the rides better and we love that everything is right at our fingertips. We also just love California!

Our favourites are Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Pirates, California Screamin, Buzz and Tower of Terror. We also really enjoy the Rapids Run, Aladdin Show, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain. We don't do the kiddie rides with the exception of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan. We're looking forward to the two new rides that we haven't ridden since our last visit two years ago.

 

[BCV23]

HydroGuy, it was probably a good call to not go to WDW during Easter week. 2 or 3 times while our children were growing up, Easter coincided with our spring break. It was doable for us but we have been often enough that we weren't spending too much time in the parks. Hit a non EMH park in the morning and exit before lunch (or have lunch at a TS restaurant and then leave). We would enjoy the resort in the afternoon and then have a nice dinner befoe going to a park for the evening fireworks, etc..

For so many years we too were pretty much limited to Spring break because we avoided the summer weather. But all too soon, they're out of school. Our youngest is now in college.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

We've done Disney World more times than I can count and DL 2x's 2005 & 2007. We really enjoyed DL more. The experience is one where you don't feel as rush and you actually get more things accomplished in DL. I didn't find any "gang members" & only 1 bunch of teens feeling up on each other. In WDW I feel as if it's more about the shopping than the rides since most dump you off into a store. Not the same at DL. My family as a whole chooses DL over WDW.

 

[heatherfeather24]

I'll jump in, too, as someone who's been to WDW 15+ times, and am planning only my second ever trip to DL this fall. Our first trip to DL, we combined it with a visit to FIL in San Diego. I didn't find DL to be a stand-alone destination and I wouldn't fly across the country just to visit DL. However, as part of a trip to other parts of California, I think it was great. We were at DL for 3 days and had plenty of time to do the things that we wanted without rushing around. We are planning about the same amount of time there for round 2.

Things that I LOVED at/about DL:
1. Fantasyland -- soooo much better than at WDW
2. HM Holiday (we were there in December)
3. POC
4. Indiana Jones -- same technology as Dinosaur, but waaaay better ride.
5. Proximity to other attractions -- and not just theme-parks. It is very easy to make day-trips or longer trips to all the cool areas in Southern California.

Things I prefer at WDW:
1. Restaurants -- I'm sorry, but DL's dining options are extraordinarily limited and, IMO, not that great
2. Immersive experience. We stayed at DLH. It felt even less disney than the Swolphin at WDW. It was a lovely hotel, but it was just that, a lovely hotel, not quite Disney enough for my taste
3. Downtown Disney (this may have changed). At DL, it really felt just like an outdoor mall. Not only is WDW's MUCH bigger, but it seems to have more stores that are unique to Disney. That said, the last time I was in WDW was 2005 and I've read that DTD is "mallifying" in Florida as well.

 

[ThinkTink75]

just subsribing so I can read through this thread later tonight and not lose it!
i have lots of similar questions to ask too!

 

[limace]

I really love both parks, and it's kind of like picking which of my children I love the best. But here's my thoughts-WDW is fabulous, and I'd go there every year if I could afford it. On the other hand, I find it a little-well-stressful. There is so much to see and do that even when we've gone for 9 days I feel a little anxious because I'm missing things. I find it much harder to do with small children-my WDW experiences w/adults only were fabulous-going with a 3 year old, not so much. It's so hard to get anywhere there, and I find that really increases how tired I get. I'm really planful about our Disney trips, and I get a little obnoxious when we go to WDW because planning becomes really complicated. I've always gone in October, and the humidity is pretty challenging for me (though coming from Oregon, WARM rain is a new exciting novelty!)

DL I love-it's the original, as everyone has pointed out. My feet don't get as tired. We can take naps. Park Hopping is easy. I really like DCA, though I think lots of folks don't (the rides are great and my daughter had so much fun playing in the various fountains). It's much cheaper for us since we don't need to stay onsite. While I like some of the hotel theming at WDW tremendously, sometimes it's just too expensive to stay there.

 

[#1minnie]

Thanks to the OP for bringing this up, I've enjoyed this thread, both good and bad reviews/comparisons.

We'll be making our first trip to DL next summer. I've been to WDW approx 6 times. Both my best friend and hubby have asked me why I want to go to DL so badly, saying it's smaller, etc. But I'm excited to go and thrilled to hear that so many of you love it there. I want to try and book Grand Californian through our DVC points and stay 5 days, maybe do the SC City pass and do the parks for 3 of those days.

Since we have to fly, we'll also do Universal, Sea World and San Diego zoo, probably even the new American Girl at The Grove!

 

[missstcroix]

I agree with Treys post completely.

I grew up in southern Calif. and visited the "old" Disneyland way too many times to count. Moved to NJ as a senior in high school, and started visiting DisneyWorld....continuing to go back to Disneyland usually once a year or every other year. Since my kids were born (12 years) we have been to Disneyworld 20 times, and Disneyland 4 times. Last time at the World was this past November, last time at the world was last August. Having said that....IMO, if you are only going ONE TIME to disney, you should go to the world. Its just more of a "vacation destination". BUT..if you are a Disney lover, which you definitely are...you HAVE TO experience Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone has given my reasons already..but here they are: MUCH MORE DETAIL in the park..especially New Orleans Square. Almost every ride that they have in BOTH DL and DW is BETTER in DL. Pirates is WAY longer, and higher ceilings which makes for better atmosphere. Buzz Lightyear..in DL the guns can be lifted up (like Men in Black in US) instead of stationary at DW..etc. The rides that DW does NOT have...are AWESOME! Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, even Tarzan treehouse. California Adventure is geared more for the older kids...and California Screamin' is GREAT! Even tho the castle is smaller in DL, the park is WAY WAY WAY better than MK. DEFINITELY GO ..you will NOT be dissapointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[missstcroix]

Oh and by the way..forgot to mention (and agree) with combining a trip to DL with all southern calif. has to offer. Many many choices there! Just in theme parks alone we have done Legoland, Seaworld, San Diego Zoo, Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood. Going to Palm Springs and taking the Tram is also AWESOME. Not to mention Hollywood, the beach, ETC! Last year we even went to the "Toontown" convention on Disney Studios since my son is obsessed with the computer game Toontown! HAVE FUN!!

 

[noladave]

we are a lot closer to WDW, so we have always gone there. This past February, we decided to try DL, just to see how different they are. The quick summary is that we like DL better, but there are some advantages to both places.

Castle - to me this is the biggest difference by far. When you walk into the MK, you see this huge fairy tale castle in the distance, tall and majestic. When we walked into DL, the castle looked like it was just a big mansion. It wasn't tall (I'm sure someone here can tell you the exact height of each one), and we were very disappointed in it's size. You certainly can't take a picture at the front, and clearly see the castle in the distance.

So, with that said, impressions of each park can differ, and over minor things.

We enjoyed our trip to DL, and plan to go back, probably BEFORE we go back to WDW.

DL PROS: Everything is close, no bus rides necessary.
DL has probably 90% of the rides that WDW.
We stayed at GC, and could walk to either DL or DCA within minutes - in fact a back entrance dropped us right into DCA.
That's shorter than it took us to get to some bus stops at WDW.
CROWDS - we went to WDW during President's week/Mardi gras 2006, and DL during President's week 2007. While DL was crowded, it in no way comes CLOSE to the crowds at WDW.
Indiana Jones
California Screamin (a real outdoor roller coaster)
And soon to be open NEMO sub ride (wish it would have been open)
Hollywood - we took a day trip and did Hollywood - can't do that at WDW!

Cons: - probably felt like we did everything in just 2 or 3 days - so you have to get out of the mindset that you need a week to do Disney (certainly a necessity at WDW).
No Test Track - my DD9 favorite ride.
No Epcot World showcase. Kid's didn't mind, but I kind of enjoy that.
No Animal Kingdom - not a big park, but we enjoyed our stay at the Lodge.

To summarize, I think it's the old Ford vs Chevy debate - you are drawn by you own nature, to one of these parks, and you will always prefer one of them. By all means, if you have never been, you need to go and decide for yourself. You will almost certainly have a great time - I know we did.

Good luck.

 

[HydroGuy]

Castle - to me this is the biggest difference by far. When you walk into the MK, you see this huge fairy tale castle in the distance, tall and majestic. When we walked into DL, the castle looked like it was just a big mansion. It wasn't tall (I'm sure someone here can tell you the exact height of each one), and we were very disappointed in it's size. You certainly can't take a picture at the front, and clearly see the castle in the distance.

Great summary but comments like this reflect my "expectations" discussion.

A WDW vet goes to DL and says "What a small castle".

A DLR vet goes to MK and says "Where's the Matterhorn?".

At MK the castle is the central visual landmark, while at DL the Matterhorn is the central visual landmark. When a vet of either park takes their landmark expectations to the other park they risk disappointment and at minimum misinterpret the non-home park.

 

[quiltymom]

Oh and by the way..forgot to mention (and agree) with combining a trip to DL with all southern calif. has to offer. Many many choices there! Just in theme parks alone we have done Legoland, Seaworld, San Diego Zoo, Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood. Going to Palm Springs and taking the Tram is also AWESOME. Not to mention Hollywood, the beach, ETC! Last year we even went to the "Toontown" convention on Disney Studios since my son is obsessed with the computer game Toontown! HAVE FUN!!

Knott's Berry Farm! I love that place. Now I'm craving a chicken dinner with freshly baked boysenberry pie for dessert!

And if you happen to be in the area the third Sunday of the month, go to Griffith Park in L.A. to the LA Steamers http://www.lals.org/. Walt's Barn is open that day every month - it's filled with Disney railroad memorabilia http://www.carolwood.org/WaltsBarn/. Check out the websites - they'll explain it all & I won't have to!

 

[ThinkTink75]

Ok so here is my question...
My boyfriend and I are going to WDW for our second time this summer! Yeah! But the vacation I want to take in Summer 2008 is a big one so I am starting my planning now to get an idea of how much I want to save during the school year (I am a social studies teacher). The trip is a tour with the Contiki group... its an 8 day vacation that starts in LA, but the tour just starts there- no sight seeing time is included. Since its going to cost us an arm and a leg for flights we figured we should make the best of it and fly in a little earlier (2 days) to see LA. Of course, to me that means Disneyland! Here is the basic outline of the tour group:

Day 1: Los Angeles (Anaheim) to Tiahuana to San Diego
Day 2: San Diego
Day 3: San Diego to Phoenix
Day 4: Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park
Day 6: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
Day 7: Las Vegas at leisure
Day 8: Las Vegas to home (NY)

Would adding two days before Day 1 be overwhelming? I don't know any of the areas and I thought it would be fun but WDW is so much work, ya know? I feel like if I tried to go to WDW for 2 days I would leave extremely stressed or disappointed because I missed stuff and had spent so much money. Does that make sense? On one hand I am sure we can relax leisurely around the Sand Diego zoo or the other full days I just don't want to feel like I will get back to NY and need a vacation from my vacation, ya know? What do you think?