Disneyworld/Land ??

[Mickeys gal 52]

I have only ever stayed in Walt Disney World many times. A couple folks have said to me with little ones. It is good to go to Disneyland for the first time. So I was considering going there with our grandchildren this time , they are all under three years old. I was told because it’s small it’s easy to get around and more acceptable for little ones. But I am a little worried. I will be disappointed in the difference between the two. What do you think the comparison of both parks.? Thanks in advance What is Youssef have.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

Disneyland / California Adventure is *wonderful*. It's more of a 3 night experience instead of 7 nights or whatever you might usually spend at WDW. It's kind of like Magic Kingdom (Disneyland) + Hollywood Studios-ish (California Adventure). Downtown Disney is SO small compared to Disney Springs so if you're a big shopper / go to tons of restaurants that you will likely find lacking. But on the plus it's so close and right between the two parks - everything is insanely walkable. Park hopper is a no-brainer for us - rarely is there a day we don't go to both parks since they are so close to each other. And of course while there are plenty of rides that aren't at Disneyland/DCA that are at WDW there are enough great differences to make it enjoyable to experience for all ages. Incredicoaster, Carsland, Avenger's Campus. It's also fun to check out the differences in the same rides between the coasts. You'll find Space Mountain to be a very difference experience just from the seating. I think you'd love taking them to WDW or to Disneyland but I'd hope you wouldn't feel disappointed with Disneyland/DCA - it has a lot of offer. Just adjust for a shorter visit (and maybe mix in some other California attractions. There's also a Great Wolf Lodge not too far from Disneyland).
All Best

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Personally I think the Disneyland Resort, although smaller, is a superior experience to Walt Disney World.

 

[Arguetafamily]

For comparison sake it’s not THAT different, which can be a positive thing depending on how different you want the experience to be.

Disneyland - set-up is a little different. Land is flatter. A few rides are better - DCA the toy story ride much better than World. Pirates is a little different. Fantasyland feels better placed and flows, all close together. Star Wars land is the same. Food is horrible in DL. Main Street is the same. Haunted is fantastic during Oct-Jan!

Downtown Disney - MUCH smaller, maybe 1/4 of Springs. Pretty much one long strip of okay food and shopping

DCA - one short neighborhood block, shorter than the walk where the tram leaves you in AK to the entrance, so a hopper is easy between DCA and DL. In my opinion the best themed land in the west coast is Cars-land! Pretty much the only reason I visit DCA, that and Ghirardelli.

It’s good to experience with kids at least once every few years, if you’re comparing.
Just my 2-cents

 

[Mickeys gal 52]

Thank you 00, I’m looking forward to Disneyland more now I think it will be much more easier to get around with the little ones.

 

[wabbott]

Much more compact, so you can cover more ground in a shorter time. The climate is much more friendly than south Florida's summer humidity. Disneyland has a few classic attractions not in WDW - Mr. Toad, Snow White.

For roller coaster fans, Disney's California Adventure is worth the entire trip for the Incredicoaster. It was for me.

Carthay Circle is an experience, also. Very noticeable Hollywood vibe. Also worth the entire trip.

Downsides: Food not as good, imo. Not nearly as much to see and do. No Animal Kingdom or Epcot.

 

[limace]

DL is just easier in every way. The quick service food is good, so we rarely make many ADRs, and the transportation is just light years simpler. You can be back for a nap with littles at many of the area hotels in ten minutes.

 

[limace]

Oh yes-and the climate! So much nicer.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Disneyland "pound for pound" punches way above its "weight" when compared to WDW. WDW is magical and has a lot of benefits, but you will get more Disney per SQ FT or per hour at Disneyland Resort. Plus a stay at the Grand Cal + a few days in the park is an experience that can't be beat for how nice it is to spend a few hours in the park, go to your room in a few min walk, and relax before spending a few more hours to wrap up your day. Grand Cal also has an amazing style/theme that rivals the best at WDW.

From my one family trip to EPCOT/MK a few months ago, I'd say the major downside of Disneyland when compared to the Magic Kingdom is also a PRO and that is it's smaller/intimate size also can lead to some crazy crowd congestion in some areas when the park is busy. We visited Magic Kingdom on the 4th of July and it was busy, but nothing like some of the madness I've seen in the area around the Mad Hatter Tea Cup Ride and the adjacent rides in Disneyland. You have the lines for multiple rides in that area and when you add in the parking of strollers, the people running around on scooters, and everything else, it can get hectic. The paths are so much wider at MK and even when it was busy I always felt I had plenty of space to navigate around and go where I wanted.

I disagree with the food being worse at DR vs WDW. I think the food at Disneyland Resort is good and everyone says the churros are better in the drier So. Cal weather. There is also great food out side of the park as an option. There are multiple cities of options within the same radius that you would have to drive completely off WDW property to reach. We are a fan of driving to Little Saigon in Westminster for some of the best Vietnamese/Asian food in the USA