DisneyLand vs. DisneyWorld: Which is better?

[SpaceAce]

For those of you out there who have been to both, which one is better (and why)? Trying to decide...

SpaceAce

 

[BetsyAnn]

Best single park - Disneyland.

There is a thread a little lower down about the subject of MK vs DL.

Very hard to compare DL to WDW - Like apples to oranges

 

[JennSaint]

I agree it's hard to compare DL vs WDW

In my opinion Disneyland is better than Magic Kingdom in WDW! Except DL doesn't have Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger spin and we definately missed that!

 

[goldengurl999]

I would say that WDW is better but I have never been to California Adventure so I can't be to sure. I agree, it is hard to compare them

 

[ladyntramplover]

Okay, I will be the first to say that it is not hard to compare the two parks. For me, at least, WDW beats DL hands down. I had gone to WDW quite a few times before making the trek all the way to California, so I was used to everything being huge and spaced out. When I got to DL, it is nothing like that. Things are on a smaller scale (the castle, for one!) and the sections are more crowded together. Plus, MGM puts on a much better Fantasmic show than DL can. At MGM, it is arena seating so that you can easily see the performance. At DL, you basically have to claim a spot on the grass two hours prior, and even then,you're fighting to see the show because a family has weasled their way in front of you three minutes before the show starts. Don't get me wrong; I enjoyed DL immensely. Unfortunately, it will never hold a special place in my heart as WDW will.


lady

 

[Tikiman]

I am a California native and I have been to Disneyland many times but it does not compair with my trips to WDW. I alwasy look forward to trips to Disneyland but when I am going to WDW it is an amazing feeling. I have given up trips to Tahiti and Hawaii to go to WDW. Disneyland is more of a quick weekend thing and WDW is like a big vacation.

I know every one her sticks up for Disneyland compaired to the Magic Kingdom but even there some of the rides at the Magic Kingdom are much better (and longer) than those at Disneyland.

I will always love Disneyland but it will never compair to WDW.

I will say Indiana Jones is the best Disney ride ever.

Steve

 

[LuvTigger]

I try not to compare the two and think of them as two separate entities. That way I'm happy at either one.

Personally, if you think you may eventually visit DL, I would do DL first, then plan for WDW later. It seems that people who go to WDW first, then go to DL are disappointed, expecting the same kind of atmosphere.

If you were to give me a choice and pay for it for me, I would definitely choose WDW! WDW is more costly because it requires more time, and for me it requires staying on property (which costs more). Plus, I'm in Hawaii which makes WDW twice as far away as DL. I go to WDW every few years, and on the years I can't make it there, I go to DL.

Also, as others have mentioned, the rides, although named the same (e.g. Space Mountain, etc.) are different. Space Mountain at DL is better because of the sound effects. The shows are also different. MGM's Fantasmic! is neat because it has seating, in DL there is none. However, the show itself is different, and a lot of the people I know (who went to DL first) think DL's Fantasmic! is much better than MGM's. Personally, I like both and look at the good aspects of each one as I'm enjoying them.

Anyway, there are a lot of factors to consider, and I probably haven't helped any with your decision! I just think that if you eventually plan to visit both, DL should be first.

 

[DonnaRy]

I love both parks, but here's some things to consider:

Disneyland is smaller, cozier, and a little more quaint than the Magic Kingdom. MK is much bigger, allowing for more landscaping, open area, and the attractions aren't as packed in together. I personally think Disneyland has a little more charm

Disneyland has Indiana Jones, best Disney attraction yet in my opinion. Except Soarin Over California is a very close runner up.

Overall though, a trip to WDW makes for a very magical vacation, especially if you stay on property. With four parks and Downtown Disney to explore, you will get lost in the Disney Magic.

Disneyland and California Adventure also make for a very nice vacation, just not on the same scale as WDW.

I feel that Disney magic in both places, but it's easier to get caught up with it and forget about reality for awhile at WDW.

 

[pattievers]

I prefer Disneyland because it is smaller.

I think the cast members are friendlier in Disneyland.

I think alot of Walt's touch is still evident at Disneyland.

Because it is smaller, I see more of the little details, that are missing at WDW.

I love them both, but give me Disneyland first!

Patti
Lexington, KY

 

[Luv2Roam]

Both are a great time. I really couldn't be disappointed with either.
But just personally we like WDW better. Mainly there is just so much more to do. (Which stands to reason when WDW has more and larger parks.) DH did like going to WDW and not having to drive anywhere. But it is nice at DL to have easy access to many other areas and attractions.
WDW still allows a mystery behind it because behind the scenes is so hidden. Not so at DL.
Pin trading and buying was better at WDW too.
I would choose DL or WDW over any other vacation spot.

 

[scroot]

I like to think of it like this. If I had one day to spend at one Disney park it would have to be DL. I also think there is a lot of truth to the "one done first is the one liked best theory." Another way of looking at it is to ask which is better the 1954 corevette or the 2001? The first is a classic while the second has features that just weren't possible years ago and we would all probably take either one over some clunker! Sure I have my preference but in the end it's all good

 

[DisneyGurl]

Well, I've been to Disneyland many times, and I've been to Disney World only once. But I've summed up it all depends on who your taking, how long you're staying, how much money you plan to spend and what you're planning to do there.
If you're taking little kids, either is fine, but be prepared in Disney World for alot of walking.
Also in Disney World, you could end up spending alot of money, not just on souviners and such but also food.
Disneyland is alot like (not totally the same though) the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. I would say Disney World is better than Disneyland. But since I live in California and I'm near (well, like and 9 hour drive from) Disneyland....and I've been there many times.
It all depends on what you're gonna do. Hope that helps!

 

[Jcricket Fan]

I will be making my first trip to DL on Tues (6/19). My DH thinks I will be disappointed because we have been to WDW many times and is afraid DL won't live up to WDW in my mind. (DH has been to DL before)

I have done a lot of research on DL and I am not expecting to be disappointed in any way!

I have always wanted to see DL since I was a little girl and I know that there are differences in the parks but DL is the "original" and I am really looking to see the history of the park...I mean Mr. Disney was actually at DL
...it almost feels like a religious pilgrimage

I am really looking forward to POC and HM.

I will let you know what my thoughts are after actually being there...but I know I am sooooo very excited. This is a dream come true for me.

Colleen

 

[DonnaRy]

Colleen,

I hope you post a trip report when you get back. I'm looking forward to your opinion of DL.

Just try not to compare the two parks, as they are both special in their own ways. I think you will be surprised at how charming DL is. Don't forget to get your picture taken sitting in front of the "partners" statue of Walt and Mickey in front of the castle.

If you're a Pooh fan, like me, don't miss the "Pooh Corner" shop tucked way back in Critter Country near the exit of Splash Mountain. It's tucked so far back in, I think lots of people miss it. Also, treat your self to lunch at the Blue Bayou....the atmosphere is wonderful!

Have a great trip!

 

[Daryl]

I am a big fan of wdw but I just got back from disneyland and I have to say I loved It!!!! Disneyland is has saved many of the classic disney rides like Mr toad and Alice in wonderland and Pinnocchio(sp)? They are delightful! the the changes in Pirates, and haunted mansion not to mention space mountain , not as many ups and downs as FLA but much faster, are a lot of fun. Indiana Jones is IS one of Disneys all time best in terms of theaming and ride. Can you compare WDW to disneyland. not really. Did I love being able to do everything twice in 3 days without ever having to go to my car or get on a bus, will I visit Disneyland and WDW as often as possible? YES!!!

 

[Goofy Dad]

I have been to both parks, and I love them both. But if I had the choice to make and had to pick one to go to it would be WDW because it has so much more to offer. That may change with the addition of DCA and whatever else they add, but at least for now it's true.

Having said that, each resort has advantages, most have already been mentioned but they are worth repeating:

1) DL has Indiana Jones which is the best ride that Disney has come up with to date. ( I haven't been to DCA yet, so I cannot judge the new attractions there)
It's worth the trip to Ca. just to do this one ride... WDW has Countdown to Extinction which uses the same ride mechanism, but it is not as exciting or as well themed. You spend most of the time in the dark, and in fact it has been tamed down since it first opened.

2) Pirates of the Caribbean. DL's wins hands down. It is significantly longer and is a much better ride.

3) Fantasmic! The show is better at DL, in part because you have the Columbia and the Steam boat instead of a barge, but WDW is more comfortable and if you use the Dinner and a show options, doesn't require waiting a long time ahead of time.

4) DL is more intimate, which is good and bad. The crowds are more oppressive at DL, because everything is closer together, however it is far easier on the feet.

5) WDW has Test Track, which is a far superior ride to DL's Rocket Rods.

6) Big Thunder Mountain - The scenery is better at WDW.

Bottom line is they are both great resorts, and I will take every oppurtunity I have to visit either one.

 

[WDWfanatic288]

comparing DL to MK...DL wins.

DL to WDW-WDW like by a mile!!!!! I mean 5 trips to the world and still are missing TONS of things!!

but like when I was in DL-in December-I felt I was in MK...until I saw the castle..that knocked me out of florida..sorry but nothing can take your breathe away like when you see the castle at MK it was beautiful..when I saw the DL one I started laughing..serisously..so I think they have the same feel but the castles are different.
FL at DL is awesome..I wish MK still had toad() and Alice and Pinocchio(since those are 2 of my favorite movies) and Matterhorn is awesome.

So I think WDW does rules over DL...I guess it b/c WDW is like a long vacation..DL is more of a long weekend.

 

[raidermatt]

To me, a Raider fan, this is like asking which Raider team is better, 1976 or 1983.

With DL having DCA and DD, I would say you couldn't go wrong with either WDW or DL for a short trip, say 3-4 days. If going for a longer trip, WDW's size offers more options.

DL is the place I grew up loving, getting to go about 6 times in my first 20 years. So it will always be a special place for me. But I made my first trip to WDW last year, with my wife, 2 year old son, and some friends, and it was incredible. We joined DVC and will be going back every 2-3 years.

At this point, I am just thankful that I can enjoy both places with my family, and see the joy in my son's eyes, who doesn't care whether its called 'land or 'world. Just that Mickey, Tigger, Goofy, castles, fireworks, parades and everything else is there. The Magic lives.

 

[BobF58]

I've ben to WDW at least 10 times since I was 13 (1971). A few years ago, we visited DL for the first time, and I loved it. The quaintness and attention to detail was unbelieveable. I agree that the castle is much less impressive, but I love the fact that from the castle there are "doorways" to the surrounding lands. Also, Toontown is so whimsical, especially that silly trolly!

And then there's the storybook boats, circuis train, and Matahorn.

IASW feels like you're in a log flume.

CA, of course was still under construction.

This morning, my wife asked me if I was interested in going to California in August. By lunchtime I had flight, car, and Mariot Fairfield booked! No chance for her to change her mind!