Disneyland vs WDW

[damom2daboyz]

Hi-

We are going to DL for the first time ever at the end of November and I'm somewhat worried. All my life people have told me that DL is not as good as WDW and that it was a waste of money.

I love Disney, the whole concept of Disney, and I hope that I won't be disappointed. I have been going to WDW since it first opened and now make the trek regularly with my two DS (11, 13).
I just wanted something different this fall.

Please reassurance this newbie that the west coast Mouse is just as awesome in CA.

Thanks.

Deb

 

[mickey4ver]

Don't worry, my situation was exactly like yours, WDW had been our destination for years, since it opened. I always wanted to go to DL someday, and last year the opportunity arose that I could go. I went with the feeling that it will be ok, but I probably won't really like it, I figured I wouldn't be disappointed that way. Well, I loved it! It is a whole different feel than WDW, but wonderful in its own right. Some who post here love DCA, I was only mildly enthused with it, but it is still fun too....it is more a work in progress right now, sorta like Epcot once was. In fact, I'm going back within the next few weeks for 4 nights.

There are so many other things to do in that area too, so go, relax and enjoy. I can't imagine anyone not finding something to like and just think...WALT actually walked there!!

 

[TheLionKing]

I think most Disney fans find that they like both parks for different reasons.

Granted there isn't as much variety at DLR, 2 parks versus 4 parks, but for shorter stays, I think you will find just as much magic.

I enjoy both parks, but I don't miss Florida afternoon thunder showers during the summer or the humidity.

 

[aseafish]

Maybe it's because we're from California, but I've always heard the opposite. Most people who've been to both say they prefer DL to WDW. The weather in Anaheim is great, and there are TONS of things to do in the area--if you canconvince yourself to leave the Disney parks. You'll probably find things are more convenient in California.

 

[Texan]

We have never been to WDW (going in Feb!!!) but went to DL in April 2000. Yes, it is not as big, and when we went DCA was just being built, but the three day pass was actually not enough time, and it was opened every day until midnight! There is still the wonderful magic there, and you will have a blast. Don't think twice about it. We did the three days at DL, a day at Knotts, and a day at Universal (which wasn't enough). By far, DL was our favorite.

 

[sramille]

Up until this year I had never been to DL, but I had visited WDW 4 times in my 25 years. Now that I'm closer to the west coast, DL is more of an option for me. Since April I've been to DL 3 times! And, I'm going again in Dec.

It's true that some attractions are the same, but really the two parks are completely different. I think that DL is more relaxing, there is less to do on property and you can walk everywhere.

I'm going to WDW in Nov and I'm stressing out over what to do when because there are SO many options. No stay will ever be long enough there.

I have family that compare each and every thing about the the parks and that's just not the way to go about it. I think you will definitely enjoy DL as long as you keep an open mind.

Have fun and be sure to let us know how it goes!

 

[Kaelyn]

I went to DL this August and am going to WDW in Nov. We are not bothering with the MK after DL. DL was SO much better than MK. And DCA is pretty cool. I can't wait to go back to DL.

I work for TDS, and this is the way that I explain it to my guests: WDW is a vacation. DL is a holiday.

 

[hookedup]

They are both wonderful destinations and if you love Disney then you will love it.
Enjoy the contrasts and the differences and similarities. I love them both for different reasons.
I have AP's for DL (and had for years) and I love the MK too and always spend time there because I enjoy it so much - its kinda like being in a parallel universe!

If you go with the attitude that you enjoy it for what it is, and not what it isn't, then you will have a blast.

 

[cinderellakh20]

Disneyland is the original park and we love it!!!! I am so excited to laeve tONIGHT and I'm sure you'll love it! It has the Matterhorn, and a much better Pirates of the Caribbean in my opinion!! (It's obviously been there longer and it just has a great "feel" to it - it even smells like you're in a musty pirates cove I will be going for the first time to DCA but I hear a lot of people actually do like it!!!

 

[damom2daboyz]

Thanks everyone for all the positive reinforcement. I kinda felt that considering Disney is very powerful and meaningful to me the information I had been given may have been incorrect.

Besides I am going to see the MOUSE!!!!!

I can't wait...

 

[Mortimer Mouse]

Don't let our small castle shock you. Think two story home, lol.
It is very beloved, and consider it the 8th dwarf, Tiny.
the other MM.