Disneyworld or Disneyland for first trip with kids?

[FairyDust2008]

Hi!
My hubby and I when first married, lived in Orlando Florida so we have been to Disneyworld a few times while living there. Because living there, we never stayed on site, etc but we have visited the park several times. That was back in 1993. Now, our children who will be 12 and 10 when we plan this vacation have never been to any Disney period. We are wondering if we should go for the "ORIGINAL" or WDW? We've never been to California and have never seen the Pacific Ocean and love the beach so I'm wondering what to do?? Any opinions would be great-THANKS!

 

[lilpixie]

I grew up outside of Orlando -- so as a child went to WDW numerous times. My husband and I went back and forth as to whether to take our 3 little ones to DL or WDW for our first trip. Since we are so much closer to CA than FL, we opted for DL. We loved it! The airfare we got was a great deal and so was the hotel. Also, since DL is so much more compact, it was great to be able to do and see so much with small children. They have some great beaches in CA as well (but the water is very cold compared to FL beaches which feel like bathwater lol).
I think it all depends on what you are looking for. Since your kids are older, they could probably handle WDW, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and the water parks. We knew that would just be too overwhelming for our girls since they are very young.
I'm sure your kids would love DL and California Adventure and combined with a beach trip -- it would be a great vacation!
I think it also depends on what time of year you will be planning your trip. Have fun!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Hi!
My hubby and I when first married, lived in Orlando Florida so we have been to Disneyworld a few times while living there. Because living there, we never stayed on site, etc but we have visited the park several times. That was back in 1993. Now, our children who will be 12 and 10 when we plan this vacation have never been to any Disney period. We are wondering if we should go for the "ORIGINAL" or WDW? We've never been to California and have never seen the Pacific Ocean and love the beach so I'm wondering what to do?? Any opinions would be great-THANKS!

Never been to WDW but my vote would be for DLR since it is the original and everything is compact, great for little feet.

Jack

 

[FigmentsBiggestFan]

I am a native Floridian and just moved to California, so my opinion is seriously tainted, but I have to say that the beaches stink (to me) if you are looking to lay out and swim. At least in Southern California. The water is freezing, and it's all rocks. It is absolutely beautiful to look at, but it's definitely not a tropical paradise. But there are tons of things to do on the ocean. Ferry rides, sailing, and surfing (with a wetsuit) are all things you can still do.

But for everything else, I'd personally say come to California! Your kids are the perfect age and there is so much more to do here than just Disney. You have most of the "best" stuff from all the four WDW parks (except Rock 'n' Roller Coaster-my fav), plus tons more that they don't have there. And, you have all these other parks and things to see. The San Diego Zoo, Knott's, Magic Mountain, etc. You'll never want for something to do!

 

[tinkermell]

I am a native Floridian and just moved to California, so my opinion is seriously tainted, but I have to say that the beaches stink (to me) if you are looking to lay out and swim. At least in Southern California. The water is freezing, and it's all rocks. It is absolutely beautiful to look at, but it's definitely not a tropical paradise. But there are tons of things to do on the ocean. Ferry rides, sailing, and surfing (with a wetsuit) are all things you can still do.

But for everything else, I'd personally say come to California! Your kids are the perfect age and there is so much more to do here than just Disney. You have most of the "best" stuff from all the four WDW parks (except Rock 'n' Roller Coaster-my fav), plus tons more that they don't have there. And, you have all these other parks and things to see. The San Diego Zoo, Knott's, Magic Mountain, etc. You'll never want for something to do!

I don't know what beaches you have been to? Most of the So Cal beaches have a ton of sand! If you just moved here in the winter, some beaches have the rocks, but toward summer, more sand moves in. Try Huntington/Newport for some nice beach right now. I will agree with you on the water temp. Not for the faint of heart in the winter. But the summer is fine....it's not as warm as Florida's water, but refreshing on a hot summer day. The first time I felt the water down on the Gulf, I thought the water was like a bathtub. So I can understand your thoughts on the water here.