Disneyland vs Disneyworld

[mommato4]

Our 3rd Christmas trip to Disneyland was amazing!!! We've gone every 3 years, but are thinking we may go next year. We live in BC Canada so florida is a lot longer, however we're thinking of Disney world instead.
What's everyone opinion? Is Disneyworld way better then DL? Is it as crowded? Tell me anything!

 

[disney-inspired]

*Edited to add* I agree with the other posters, you can only compare DL to MK. If you compared DLR (DL & DCA) to WDW then I'd have to say WDW is better but to me DL always beats MK!

DLR and WDW are different. period.
They both have great things about them. Yes, WDW is bigger but bigger doesn't always mean better. It all depends on what you like so the best way to decide is to go and formulate your own opinion. You never know until you try, right?

I have been to DLR numerous times (AP holder) and WDW once. I still want to go to WDW because we missed so much on our one trip. There is a lot to see and do. I love DLR because I feel it's "home" and know where everything is and it's familiar. WDW to me is more of a "vacation" because you go for days at a time. I know some people do DLR for a few days but you really need a week plus to try and see WDW.

It's obviously more expensive because of the flight and hotels. DLR area offers many, conveniently close off site hotels while staying off site at WDW seems to be a real hassle (again, I've only been once!). The dining plan at DLR compared to WDW is worthless. They are merely prepaid vouchers and offer you no savings. We did the DDP at WDW and we ate like kings but didn't have fork over $$$ for each nice meal.

Sorry if I sounded harsh or rude, it's just that there are SOO many of these threads on here and you'll never get an absolute answer because everyone likes different aspects in their vacation.

Best of luck!
If you do go, do your research! WDW requires a lot of planning but I found that to be a lot of fun!

 

[Disney Dreams]

I would not say one is better than the other. They are very different.. I believe that you cannot compare DL to WDW. You must compare DL to the Magic Kingdom and compare WDW to the entire Disneyland Resort.

WDW has 4 Parks, 2 waterparks, DtD, and IDK how many hotels (resorts).
DLR has 2 Parks, DtD, and 3 hotels.

When you compare DL to the MK, many will tell you they prefer DL. To us, DL has a little something special that was lacking at MK, but maybe it's a matter of what we have known forever. Who knows.

DLR is intimate and compact.
WDW is huge and widespread.

DLR is Disneyland plus another theme park with coasters, shows, and a boardwalk.

WDW is a similar-to-Disneyand park (MK), an animal park, a movie studio park, and a world showcase / future world park.

They are very different. Each is wonderful and ennjoyabe in their own way.

- Dreams

 

[CrazyDuck]

Magic Kingdom < Disneyland < Disneyworld

That's just my opinion. Since I'm flying from Hawaii, we are only doing DL for now because 12 hours of plane time and 6 hours of jet lag are just too much for a 3 and 5 year old!

 

[Eeee-va]

In my experience, when it comes down to it, the majority of people (but certainly not all of them) prefer the parks they consider their "home parks." Since I grew up going to Disneyland, I prefer Disneyland, though I think WDW is wonderful too. My good friend grew up in Orlando and she prefers WDW and likely always will.

Each resort has its strengths and weaknesses (and traits that can be both--like compact versus spacious). A lot of people don't want to accept that and insist that one is the best across the board, which I don't think is true. I suppose everyone knows more of the ins and outs and details of their "home parks" too, which, for most people, makes those parks more inviting as well.

Anyway, they're not the same, but they're both absolutely worth doing!

WDW has some Christmas things that DLR doesn't, like the Osborne Fmaily Lights--though it sounds like they're scaling back some of their other holiday offerings. I would personally love to go to WDW for a Pirate/Princess or Halloween party, where adults can actually dress up inside the Magic Kingdom itself; that sounds like a dream to me! I'd do one of those before I'd go for Christmas, but I'm a bit obsessed with costuming.

 

[jacs1234]

I would not say one is better than the other. They are very different.. I believe that you cannot compare DL to WDW. You must compare DL to the Magic Kingdom and compare WDW to the entire Disneyland Resort.

WDW has 4 Parks, 2 waterparks, DtD, and IDK how many hotels (resorts).
DLR has 2 Parks, DtD, and 3 hotels.

When you compare DL to the MK, many will tell you they prefer DL. To us, DL has a little something special that was lacking at MK, but maybe it's a matter of what we have known forever. Who knows.

DLR is intimate and compact.
WDW is huge and widespread.

DLR is Disneyland plus another theme park with coasters, shows, and a boardwalk.

WDW is a similar-to-Disneyand park (MK), an animal park, a movie studio park, and a world showcase / future world park.

They are very different. Each is wonderful and ennjoyabe in their own way.

- Dreams

I found your thread very helpful. Thanks. We are trying to choose where we'll go next time and are torn between Disneyland which we know and Disneyworld which would be all new.

The only way we can get inside info is from asking questions to those lucky people that get to experience both.

 

[HydroGuy]

please Please PLEASE don't start another one of these threads!

DLR and WDW are different. period.
They both have great things about them. Yes, WDW is bigger but bigger doesn't always mean better. It all depends on what you like so the best way to decide is to go and formulate your own opinion.

I have been to DLR numerous times (AP holder) and WDW once. I still want to go to WDW because we missed so much on our one trip. There is a lot to see and do. I love DLR because I feel it's "home" and know where everything is and it's familiar. WDW to me is more of a "vacation" because you go for days at a time. I know some people do DLR for a few days but you really need a week plus to try and see WDW.

It's obviously more expensive because of the flight and hotels. DLR area offers many, conveniently close off site hotels while staying off site at WDW seems to be a real hassle (again, I've only been once!). The dining plan at DLR compared to WDW is worthless. They are merely prepaid vouchers and offer you no savings. We did the DDP at WDW and we ate like kings but didn't have fork over $$$ for each nice meal.

Sorry if I sounded harsh or rude, it's just that there are SOO many of these threads on here and you'll never get an absolute answer because everyone likes different aspects in their vacation.

Best of luck!
If you do go, do your research! WDW requires a lot of planning but I found that to be a lot of fun!

I totally get where you are coming from. But if we applied your criteria consistently we would have to eliminate 95% of the threads on this forum. And there would not be much of a forum left!

 

[HydroGuy]

Our 3rd Christmas trip to Disneyland was amazing!!! We've gone every 3 years, but are thinking we may go next year. We live in BC Canada so florida is a lot longer, however we're thinking of Disney world instead.
What's everyone opinion? Is Disneyworld way better then DL? Is it as crowded? Tell me anything!

My DW and I have four teenage sons. Is one "way better" than the others? It is not really a fair question. They all have things about them that are very cool.

So I do not think of DLR or WDW as "better" (or TDR or DLRP for that matter). Rather I think of what things I like about each.

Here are things I like about WDW and make it worth visiting:

1. There is just so much to do! You can spend 10 days there and still feel like it was not enough time.

2. They have cool hotels

3. They have creative restaurants (Sci-Fi Dine-In is one of our favorites - we also like Beaches & Cream and Whispering Canyon)

4. It feels more immersive

5. They have some unique rides that are cool - EE, RnR, Philharmagic, TT

6. They have some cool shows - Illuminations, Festival of the Lion King, Nemo, Lights Motor Action

7. They have two fun water parks

8. They have DisneyQuest

9. They have fun dinner shows - Hoop-De-Doo Revue and Polynesion Luau

10. They have activities that are just not possible a DLR - Disney movies shown outside at night at Fort Wilderness (we saw Finding Nemo there) and at the Boardwalk area by the Beach Club.

11. They have cool music - Off-Kilter at Epcot is lots of fun and so is Mulch, Sweat and Shears at DHS.

12. Plus lots more

The bottom line is that DLR or WDW can feel a bit repetitive year after year and it is fun to do something different. WDW is different but still very magical. WDW really requires more planning - especially for dining and for shows.Is it worth doing? Definitely!

 

[ColB]

As someone who doesn't have a 'home park' and visited WDW and DLR on consecutive days, I came to the conclusion that you must visit both, as they offer their own unique experiences. Not much help I know, but I can't recommend one over the other.

Having said that, if you want an actual vacation over a week or more, WDW is the hands down winner, purely based on it's size and variety.

 

[pigletforever]

We have done both. I have to say I love the immersion of WDW. I can forget the outside world exists. They do have more a food selection and hotel selection - because they are bigger. last time we were there for 10 days I felt like there was still much to do that I hadn't. We are hoping to go back for Christmas next year.

DL is much smaller and can be done in a couple days. We are lucky enough to live in NoCal so we can take off for a few days and head south several times a year. It takes care of my Disney Fix.

Trying to compare the two is like comparing oranges to pineapples. Can't be done.

 

[haley's mom]

Never been to DL. Planning 1st trip now. Been to WDW many, many times. If you are planning WDW in Nov/Dec there is a lot to do.

1. Osborne's Festival of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This was a light display a man created for his daugther that outgrew their neighborhood. They actually bought the houses around theirs to allow for more lights. Eventually Disney bought them and it is AMAZING.

2. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. This is a separate event that requires $50-60 per person, but is again so worth it. The Christmas parade is basically the same as what is on TV Christmas morning. Plus there are special stage shows, and it snows on Main Street. I am from PA, so snow is not a big deal. Not sure about where you are from in Canada.

3. Christmas around the world at EPCOT Center. Each country has their version of Santa telling the Christmas story. I've done a few of these.

Plus, all the decorations I'm sure would compare to DL.

If you decide to go to WDW and need more info, feel free to pm me.

 

[rangermom]

As with most posters have already said, you can not compare them. They really are 2 different experiences. I'm not sure how long you plan to stay, but if you have been to DL 3 times, I suggest you try WDW. We rotate our trips between the 2. If we want a short vacation we tend to go to DL, but for extended vacations we go to WDW.

We love both parks for what each of them offer. I think you will be doing yourself a dis-service if you do not at visit both at least once.

I think you have gotten some great information so far on basically how the parks compare with each other. What ever you decide I know you will have a great time. I have been to both several times, so feel free to PM with questions.

 

[kimara]

i grew up in so cal and still live in the west. we have been to both a few times and if money and time were not factors, i would do 2 weeks at wdw a year and 1 week at disneyland. but money and time are objects for us
i love them both. they are like children, from the same family but completely unique. if you have never done wdw, go if you can. it is amazing and wonderful. but disneyland will always be wonderful too!

 

[wendyinoc]

Disneyworld is worth the trip. It's different then Disneyland. I am a season passholder at Disneyland and I have my DVC in Disneyworld. I love going to Disneyworld for Epcot and all the cool villages. I love Animal Kingdom as well and these are things we don't have here at Disneyland. Florida is a great place to visit with better beaches then Ca and they also have Kennedy Space Center. I think you will like World and if you have never been its a must.

 

[Sherry E]

It's always okay to ask something that has been asked or covered before on the DIS, as there will always be new members joining and certain questions will arise repeatedly. There are enough informed, educated DIS-ers on here who can handle answering these questions so that it should never be a problem.

I have never been to WDW, sadly, and if I ever get there, I want to make a point of going during the holidays, specifically to see all the special holiday offerings (such as the wonderful edible displays in the different WDW hotels as well as everything else that has already been mentioned). But, recently there have been at least a couple of DIS-ers who just returned from holiday trips to WDW and said that they missed Disneyland, or that there was a little bit of magic missing in WDW! I have to say that I remember as far back as the mid-'80s people telling me that WDW lacked certain charm, personality and character that DLR has in spades. But maybe it is subjective. I am sure, as DisneyDreams stated, the fair comparison is DL vs. MK, not DL & DCA vs. all 4 parks and both water parks of WDW.

Two things DLR does have over WDW are the spectacularly beautiful It's a Small World Holiday and the Haunted Mansion Holiday, as the OP knows, and DLR is certainly filled with holiday magic throughout, corner to corner, inch to inch. I can only imagine that with the transformation of DCA in the next few years, Christmastime will become a bigger deal at DCA and maybe more immersive like DL is.

 

[disney-inspired]

I totally get where you are coming from. But if we applied your criteria consistently we would have to eliminate 95% of the threads on this forum. And there would not be much of a forum left!

I know

I just hope the OP was offended or hurt. It's just that sometimes these threads turn into arguments "my park is better than your park".


OP, I just want to make sure you understand I have no qualms about you asking questions already answered because I want you to be prep'd and ready for your trip! Also, I'd like to continue the rep of the DL boards as being friendlier than the WDW boards

 

[Karlzmom]

We live near DL, and maybe my opinion is shaded by the "its in my own backyard" syndrome, but I prefer WDW. The larger area helps with the crowded feeling, and I adore the Liberty Square area that is only available at the Mk. Add in the other parks [please, is there really any competition between Epcot/HS/or AK and DCA? Goodness, even the hotels at WDW are more interesting! for some reason, WDW feels friendlier, as well.

Don't get me wrong, DL has its own charm, and the weather is never the un-Godly hot & humid that is Florida, but its not really a vacation for me...we settled this year for APs at DL rather than another Florida trip [we've done WDW 3 times in less than 4 years], but I do view it as "settling" a bit. So far we've been to DL 3 times since the end of Oct. I'm already looking forward to FL again.

 

[Michael623]

Although WDW is 1200 miles from my home it is my home park and I've visited 30+ times. I've been to DL 4 times, 1 pre-DCA and 3 times post-DCA. I have also been to DLP once. I would rank the parks like this:
1. DL
2. MK
3. EPCOT
4. DL Paris
5. DCA
6. DHS
7. AK
8. Studios Paris

To be honest #s 5, 6 and 7 are just about interchangeable but #8 is way below the rest. As others have said, WDW is more of a destination simply because there is more to do. That being said I prefer Disneyland. I like the fact that there are more attractions packed into a smaller park at DL. I like the ability to walk to all 3 on-site hotels as well as DTD. I really like the fact that I will never have to take at bus at DL which makes park hopping even easier. People have mentioned that WDW is more immersive and while that may be true to a degree, I feel that having the real world right over the berm at DL make me feel even more isolated for some reason. I miss rides like Test Track, Dinosaur and RNR while at DL I tend to miss Alice in Wonderland, the Matterhorn, Storybook Canal Boats and Mr Toad more while I'm at WDW. The best thing to do is not try to compare the parks and treat each as a separate entity. I made that mistake when visiting DLP after DL and WDW.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Love them both. For the record I find walking to a harbor blvd hotel no more or less "Magical" than riding(standing) on a bus to return to my WDW hotel. I actually am more relaxed walking at DL than the feeling of helplessness when you are crammed with strollers and strangers on the Disney bus,especially if you had to wait 30 minutes for said bus!

 

[IBLarsen]

This is a helpful thread! I know of lot of you long time disers probably do get tired of the comparisons, but I just have to say for those of us who have not grown up around Disney honestly don't know that the parks are so different and that you can't compare the two. I grew up thinking that WDW was just a bigger version of DL.

My family and I have been to DL twice now, over the past two years for our first Disney trips ever, and we fell in love of course! We are contemplating our next trip going to WDW and often wonder if it's worth it to go, when we love DL so much.... I have been on the WDW side of the boards and have to tell you all how helpful you all are over here! Much nicer than the WDW side. I'm sure there are some very nice and helpful people over there as well, but the overall 'feel' of the boards is just different. Here I feel like I'm asking friends a question who will always have friendly replies vs asking strangers who may or may not like what's asked.

Thanks for all of you who help answers these type of questions They really are helpful to a lot of people!