disneyland vs WDW

[foolishmortal]

Ok...I (we/family) have been to WDW twice in the past few years and have never been to disneyland.

Is there a huge difference (other than size) between the 2 parks. Do you get the same "feeling" from DL that you do from WDW?

I ask because we are thinking of going to DL but don't know if it is worth it, lack of better term I guess.

So please tell me pros and cons of going to DL after having been to WDW

 

[WDWguru]

Way way back in 2003, I wrote an article for the newspaper I work for on just this. I'm a vet of WDW and took my first trip to Disneyland that year, and the travel editor asked me to do a feature on it. I pulled it out of the archives, so the formatting is a bit plain, but if you'd like to read it... here ya go!

 

[°O°Joe]

Pros:

-Pirates of the Caribbean is over twice as long and a much better ride
-There are a few rides at DL that are not at WDW (including The Indiana Jones Adventure, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Alice In Wonderland, The Matterhorn, Storybookland Canal Boats and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
-Autopia is a much better ride than the WDW car ride, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
-A lot of Disneyland enthusiasts argue that Disneyland is Walt's creation and has more of *Walt's touch*
-California Adventure has a few more rides that are Disneyland Resort exclusives

Cons:

-WDW has a bunch of rides and attractions that are WDW exclusives
-Disneyland only has 3 resort accomodation facilities
-Disneyland's castle, Sleeping Beauty Castle, isn't as majestic as WDW's Cinderella Castle
-Disneyland Resort is MUCH smaller than WDW
-Disneyland Resort is more likely a 3-4 day vacation verses WDW being a 10+ day vacation

All that said, I have never been to Disneyland either, but I know a lot of people that have, and I've heard a lot of other feedback (through podcasts and such), so if you decide to go, please let us all know how it is...

From what I've heard, if you are first and foremost a big WDW fan, then DL is a "gotta see it once" type deal... I know I plan to go one day, but I don't think I'll make it a primary destination for a vacation.

--Joe

 

[grinningghost]

Here's my take:

Disneyland has a much better Pirates, Haunted Mansion and Small World.

Disneyland has Indiana Jones, which is fantastic.

Disneyland is Walt's park, it's where the great one actually walked - that's a plus no matter what way you slice it.

That said, WDW kicks it's butt.

The main reason for me - the clientele. I found the guests at Disneyland to be rude, filthy and out of control. I was shocked to see that kind of behavior in a Disney park at such high levels. The poor CM's were spinning their wheels trying to keep up with the trash these pigs kept dropping.

It actually was a bit heartbreaking.

But - it's worth a visit at least once. I mean, you gotta see the original if you're a Disney fan.

 

[°O°Joe]

I also found this link: Anaheim to Orlando

--Joe

 

[dreamergirl78]

I have been to WDW 2 times (3rd in October) and DL around 10 times. It is hard to compare the two because they both have such different feels to them. I LOVE LOVE LOVE DL! It's the original, I love the feeling I get when I go through the gates, I guess I'm a purest! (brings back happy childhood memories *sigh*) That being said WDW is totally wonderful too. While DL is much smaller and you don't have the other parks to go to like at WDW, Southern California has so much to offer. Between Universal, Knotts Berry, LogoLand, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, etc etc... you could easily have a fun filled vacation.
Good luck with your choice and hey... it's DISNEY you really can't go wrong.

 

[°O°Joe]

Way way back in 2003, I wrote an article for the newspaper I work for on just this. I'm a vet of WDW and took my first trip to Disneyland that year, and the travel editor asked me to do a feature on it. I pulled it out of the archives, so the formatting is a bit plain, but if you'd like to read it... here ya go!

Thanks for posting that link... Your article is a pretty good read.

--Joe

 

[disneyaggie]

I normally go to WDW but decided to scoot off to Disneyland a couple of weeks ago since I had not been in over 30 years. I must say, it was INCREDIBLE! Disneyland is definitely a "must do".

I loved seeing the popcorn stand near the castle that was one of the original popcorn stands when DL opened (a trolley car lady told this to us). I also loved seeing so many different rides (Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, just to name a few).

It was also interesting to see how much better (in my opinion) some of the rides were at DL, which are also at WDW. I thought the Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh and Snow White rides (again, just to name a few) were better at DL than those at WDW.

Go! Enjoy!

 

[foolishmortal]

Way way back in 2003, I wrote an article for the newspaper I work for on just this. I'm a vet of WDW and took my first trip to Disneyland that year, and the travel editor asked me to do a feature on it. I pulled it out of the archives, so the formatting is a bit plain, but if you'd like to read it... here ya go!

cool, thanks that was a great read.

 

[ryley26]

Went to DL for the first time in 2003 in 20 yrs I was disappointed from what i remember as a child. That being said go and enjoy the differences and have fun.

 

[foolishmortal]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I still don't know though....lol

We did the San Diego thing once before and already visited

San Diego Zoo (way to overhyped)
Legoland (cool but once was enough)
Sea World (would do again in a heartbeat)

Really have no interest in Six flags or Knotts Berry.

I would really like to see Universal, but there is the problem. Universal, Sea World and WDW are closer in proximity in Orlando so a car is only needed for 2 days, where as in Cali we would need to rent a car for the whole week week and a half, so after you factor that in Orlando is cheaper.

Don't ask me why but for some reason I can fly from Colorado to Orlando cheaper than I can to Cali...makes no sense to me. I have thought of driving to help offset cost, but then that cost "savings" get's throwin right back in Vegas...lol.


Thanks for everyone's input and I will let you know what we end up doing!

 

[AnaheimGirl]

It seems like most people prefer the park they experienced first.

As you can see, people who have been to WDW first, sometimes think that DL is too small, that the fact you can see the outside world from some spots takes away from the magic, and that there isn't enough build up of excitement as you enter the property.

Since I'd been to DL 50 times or so before ever going to WDW, DL to me is how it's "supposed to" be. I think the opposite. I don't need the outside world to be completely hidden to feel the magic. I think WDW is too big and it takes too long to get from hotel to park to park. I think entering the park is anticlimactic when it takes so long to get from the property entrance to the parks/hotels. I think Cinderella's castle looks obnoxiously huge compared to Aurora's more modest quarters. I find it very interesting that in one of the links above, the writer uses It's a Small World as an example of a less entertaining queue area, when the DL version is housed in that big, animated and entertaining building. To me, the entrance to the WDW version is the surprisingly disappointing one.

Of course, DLR is not going to have as much to do, because it is smaller overall. DL compared to MK packs more rides into a smaller area, so yea, it'll feel smaller to you, but there will be more to do. Then, you've got only one other park, CA, versus three plus two water parks. We are a family of thrill ride junkies, so we actually prefer CA to any one of the other three parks at WDW. Again, overall we'd spend more time at the other WDW parks, but doesn't mean we'd enjoy it more.

In general there is no real difference in cleanliness or patronage. Rude people (as well as nice ones) frequent both resorts. Size is really the biggest difference IMO. If you're looking for a week of only Disney, DLR might not be it for you. If you want to split the stay -- 3 days at DLR, 3 or 4 at the beach, it's perfect!

But other than size, IMO, it depends on what you're looking for and your expectations. Read what everyone has to say about what they didn't like about DL, but don't let them convince you not to go. Use it to learn what to expect, so that you don't let surprises take away from the magic.

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

If you're comparing the two resorts with everything they have, WDW wins hands down. However, when you compare park to park, Disneyland(not DCA), Disneyland wins hands down. DL has more attractions than MK, and as others have mentioned, the DL version is superior to the MK version(with Pooh being the only exception). I like not seeing the spires of castle when I'm supposed to be in the old west or the world of the future. I love both Disneyland and WDW, but my all time favorite park is DL. My favorite resort is WDW. Main Street feels far more turn of the century at DL(like it's supposed to). Now, I'm not putting down the MK here. I love it. I just like Disneyland better. It has the one thing that no other Disney park will (sadly) ever have: Walt Disney's personal touch. Every other park in the world is what Walt might have done. DL is what Walt did do, and that makes it special. Frankly, the Disney magic is the same in both DL and WDW(although DCA needs help).

 

[swankybeth]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=804032

This was my experience. DH and I went last year.

 

[hockeymomoftwo]

we really enjoyed disneyland/ ca 2 years ago. Boys were 3/6. We also tried to do all the southern cali things for our landlubbers. Lots of beach/seaworld/san diego zoo (could do without if had to do over) and of course we had to go to TJ. So all in all it was a great variety for a vacation and they still talk about it frequently. I'm glad they got to do dl first though because I think the mere size of dw will knock their socks off. Plus we are only doing one day of beach time which is a bummer in itself. Someday we got to plan just a beach vacation

 

[DisneyDotty]

We went to Disneyland for the first time this past December (We've been to WDW many times.) We loved Disneyland way beyond what we expected! We were there 5 nights--stayed at the Disneyland Hotel--didn't get a rental car and stayed totally on Disney property--and could've stayed five more nights. (Btw--it was me, DH, DD11 and DS7).
As several others have noted, anyone who's a serious fan of Disney needs to make the pilgrimmage to DL at least once in his/her life. It's where Walt was. And the CM's we encountered really seemed to be caught up in the Disney's magic. We started the trip with a tour of Disneyland the first night--I highly recommend it. It was the 50th Anniversary Tour and worth every penny.
We really enjoyed the size of the Disneyland Resort--being able to walk from our hotel to either DL or DCA in 10 minutes--through Downtown Disney--was wonderful.
Also loved at Disneyland Resort:
--Goofy's Kitchen (amazing character interaction)
--the river raft ride at DCA--way better than Kali
--Space Mountain and POC, even small world--far superior to MK's
--all the rides WDW doesn't have--Casey Jones, Canalboats, Alice in Wonderland, Indiana Jones, Monsters Inc. etc. etc. etc.
--the original Electric Light Parade
--the Wishes fireworks show at DL--made me cry

Go. You won't regret it.

 

[meeska]

For toddlers,DL rocks!

 

[safetymom]

I posted this on the DL board awhile back.

My thoughts about the diff. between DL and WDW

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got the chance last weekend to spend a day at DL after a business trip.

I live very close to WDW and get to visit quite often but I always enjoy going to DL and CA.

For me the first thing that always hits me when I walk towards DL is this is Walt's vision. I am always looking at all the little things that Walt had a hand in.

When I walked in last weekend the Disneyland band was playing. That immediately brought tears to my eyes. What a great welcome to the park. I stood there for awhile and listened to the music.

I always feel when I walk down Main St. it feels so familiar to me. If I had to decide which one I like better I couldn't when I compare it to WDW. I know I like the hub near the castle better at Disneyland. I like the trees that we don't have anymore in FL. But I like the castle better here in WDW. To me it seems much more grand in FL.

I always head toward New Orleans Square first at DL. I like this area and wish we had one in FL. I had my first breakfast of Mickey pancakes to put me in the Disney mood. It was wonderful sitting there watching the grand river boat float by. It doesn't seem right on the river at WDW without the boat.

After breakfast I headed back to Town Square to catch the rededication ceremony. Wow!!! That really brought tears to my eyes. I know it, I am a Disney geek. Another couple people around me were saying the same thing I was feeling. Boy I wish I could have been there opening day. The release of the doves was a surprise but it sure added to the ceremony.

After the ceremony I strolled over to Tomorrowland. I always get a feeling at DL that I know my way around because it is like WDW with a few extra areas.

Last weekend DL wasn't too crowded because everyone decided that they were going to California Adventure.

I am not a big ride person but I do have a few favorites. When I go to DL I try to ride those rides that started at DL and came to WDW and compare them. I also like to try the rides that only exist at DL now. I didn’t have a lot of time this trip but usually I ride Mr. Toad, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Carib. (which I think is much better at DL), Small World (again I think it is better in CA.) I love, love, love the Indiana Jones ride at DL. I sure wish they had it at WDW.

I finally got my Dole Whip in Disneyland. The last couple of times we were there the booth was closed.

I walked around the park and then spent some time sitting in the hub listening to a jazz band playing for Magic Music days.
Disneyland also has the different types of transportation that can take you from Town Square to the hub like WDW does. I always try to ride one of them when I go to Disneyland and I think I like the horse drawn cart the best. Did you ever notice that the horse has a Cast member name tag on?

I then headed out of Disneyland since my time was limited and I was on a mission to see it all in one 8 hour day.

I headed towards Downtown Disney. I think I prefer Downtown Disney at WDW better. There is more to see and do in Florida. I found a new shop I will visit again this trip. It is the Anne Geddes shop. I love her photography and they have lots of it for sale.

Be sure you plan a breakfast at Storytellers at the GC. They always fuss over you there and the food is delicious. It is also nice to walk through and see the lobby at the GC. It is a beautiful hotel.

I like how you can enter California Adventure from the GC. I wish WDW had something like that. There is nothing like immediately being right in the middle of things in a park.

The first thing I always head for at DL is Soarin over California. This is my favorite ride. I think the theming is much much better at CA than WDW. WDW’s version is nice but I like the feel of aviation history at CA. I always use the single rider line at DL but this time the wait was very long. Even though they had single riders waiting they were pulling some singles out of the regular line. I had never seen them do that before.

The lines were terribly long everywhere in CA on Sunday because everyone that had special tickets that expired this week hit CA. A CM said DL was very busy on Saturday.

Lots of people say they don’t like California Adventure. To me it is like a mix of MGM, Epcot, and some things we don’t have in FL. I think it is a great park since it has something for everyone.

Don’t miss the Aladdin show. I am not one for stage shows but this one was fantastic. Be sure to get there early if you want a great seat.

I wanted to try out the Monsters ride but there was an 85 minute wait. I love the Pacific Pier area of the park. I don’t ride any of the rides but love to sit and watch people on them. Also be sure to take the bread and taco tours. The food is delicious and I brought home 2 loaves of their sour dough bread.

I also caught the tail end of the Ugly Bug ball. I always try to watch it when I go to CA.

Be sure to save some time for the Beach Bash. I love sitting and listening to the music. The kids have fun doing the limbo. A few parents were doing it until the bar got too low. I wish WDW had something like this.

If you ask me which is better DL and CA vs. WDW I would tell you that I love them both. For me if you were planning a week long vacation I would choose WDW because there is so much more to see and do in FL. But for a 3-4 day vacation I would choose the Disneyland Resort.

I solved the problem by going to California for my summer vacation so I have the best of both worlds. I really enjoy Disneyland because that is what started all of this. My daughter took a vacation to Disneyland this weekend. She took the Walt’s tour and I will do that one the next time I go.

If you are driving be sure to figure out the parking. I came off the highway and pulled into the first theme park parking area I saw. I had a long walk to the park. We usually use the ART so I wasn’t familiar with the parking. After a long day in the parks walking to my car wasn’t real exciting.

So I guess my advice is you really need to see Disneyland, California Adventure and the parks in FL. You can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose.
__________________

 

[Michelle2]

I love them both, but DL will always be my favorite...even compared to all the other Disney resorts in the world. I am biased....

Yes, WDW is bigger, but to me, it is too spread out. I love having everything right there at my disposal without pains of transportation and how to get there. I stay at the Grand Californian (my favorite Disney hotel of them all), and a few steps out one way, I am at Downtown Disney, another few steps, I am at the entrance to Disneyland and California Adventures. (Alot of people may criticize CA, but I actually like it more than MGM, and AK.)
You will find all sorts of opinions on how long people like to stay. We go just for DL, and stay about 6 nights, and 5 park days.

I guess I like having all the rides between 2 parks within walking distance, than a few rides scattered amongst 4 different parks. There isn't any ride at WDW, that DL does not have a similiar or better version of--not counting Epcot now that I think of it. Where else could you go on Splash Mountain, and Pirates, and then walk a little bit and go on Soarin and ToT?
They each have their own merits, by all means, and that is why I continue going to BOTH.

Oh, and last time we went to WDW, I NEVER had experienced more rude behavior from other park guests as I did...and it was value season too. So you will find them no matter which park you go to, unfortunately!

 

[IandGsmom]

DL is wonderful !wonderful! wonderful! So is WDW but they do feel different. My favorite is watching Fantasmic right up close. MGMs version was just not the same. I try not to compare but DL will always be my favorite