Does Disneyland have more "magic" than Disney World?

[StarlitNight05]

Wait...huh?! Not to stray off topic here...but there are a bunch of homeless people around there?! I'm not meaning to sound naive, but as a WDW vet I'm not used to that!

As others have confirmed, if you stay offsite you will likely see a few homeless people. Last time we stayed offsite (June 2017) the same man was panhandling at the main crosswalk to DLR every morning of our visit. It kind of put a damper on things, but (and I know this sounds heartless) that washes away once you crossover into the security entrance and esplanade. We are used to homeless where we live, so it wasn't too much of a shock to us -- but still very sad.

 

[flyingjay]

I went to WDW multiple times as a teen and once as an adult. I now have three little kids and have gone to DL the last three years in a row.

I love them both! But I will keep on going back to DL mainly because of two reasons.
1. The size
2. The characters

I love that all the rides are closer together at DL. It's SO much easier to get around. For us, the "compact-ness" of DL is a major plus. Being able to park hop so easily is a huge deal for us. We would often close out DCA and then head over to DL for the last couple hours before closing. I think of the two parks as one large one. Once my youngest gets into his teens I think this might change because it'll be much easier to walk around with them.

We have had some amazing character interaction at DL. I don't remember any of that when I was at WDW...but granted, that was a long time ago.

 

[Catvondita]

I also don't mean to make it sound like the homeless thing is a huge negative. I live in NYC so I'm used to it and I've never felt harassed at DL when I see them. For me, it just makes it a fraction less magical just because it highlights that we are on a city street where every day life is happening while we are trying to escape that.

 

[felice]

Whilst it is true that there are an amount of homeless people within the outskirts of the DLR area, we've never had any problem personally with any of them even when they are begging.

We've probably experienced more issues of 'aggressive begging' in our home city in the UK at times, and certainly on visits to London.

I get the impression that around the DLR area the cops and other authorities are watching, even if this is via cameras; to ensure the safety of tourists and locals as being paramount. I'm sure any homeless beggar who was causing a problem would be dealt with quickly.

I know it is sad to see homeless people begging though, but I guess if they are just sitting by the side of the path with a little handwritten notice and a small bowl or plate and not causing a problem then why not let them continue. The ones I have noticed near to DL appear to be the kind who have genuinely fallen on hard times, as opposed to being drug addicts or something like that. Although at the same time I hope the relevant authorities within the area can help those who * want * to be helped.

 

[2019TripIdeas]

Not to derail too much, but we were followed by a maybe slightly aggressive (but obviously under the influence) person who was camped out in between the shuttle lot and our hotel (Candy Cane Inn). This person kept hanging back and then running at our stroller (with kids in it), but didn't try to harm us in any way. Eventually he went off to sit by the convenience store that is in between. We live in a major city and our kids weren't worried at all, but if this is new to you, I could see it being concerning. It was also broad daylight (4-5 pm.?)

It probably did contribute to my feeling that Anaheim itself is not magical in any way.

 

[AquaDame]

Wait...huh?! Not to stray off topic here...but there are a bunch of homeless people around there?! I'm not meaning to sound naive, but as a WDW vet I'm not used to that!

Not a bunch, no. I usually see one or two at the same crosswalk entrance as everyone else, and on occasion one sleeping at a bus stop there. I've also seen people spreading gospel there too - in neither case were they pushy or anything though, its just a fact of being in a city. WDW is unique in how much land it has - if you go outside the bubble you'll see the real world.

That said, we also find more magic personally in DL than at WDW. Even though there can be a crush of people it still feels like we have an easier time getting around and on rides - probably in part because they are so close together! The regulars sometimes just come in for the vibe of the park too or to watch a show or two/eat dinner and don't try to get on a bunch of rides. They seem more laid back at least! Having to wait until you're at the park to use MP might help in that regard... I hope that never changes!

 

[Jokiho]

As others have confirmed, if you stay offsite you will likely see a few homeless people. Last time we stayed offsite (June 2017) the same man was panhandling at the main crosswalk to DLR every morning of our visit. It kind of put a damper on things, but (and I know this sounds heartless) that washes away once you crossover into the security entrance and esplanade. We are used to homeless where we live, so it wasn't too much of a shock to us -- but still very sad.

Well this is certainly good to know. Haven't been to Anaheim yet. Should be a great time nonetheless

 

[Belle83]

WDW is more immersive and feels more magical to me. There are things you see at Disneyland you wouldn't really see at WDW, like parking lots from rides. Disneyland has less of a destination feel to it.

I love them both for different reasons and Disneyland is my 'home' park. But I think WDW feels more magical.

 

[HydroGuy]

WDW is more immersive and feels more magical to me. There are things you see at Disneyland you wouldn't really see at WDW, like parking lots from rides. .

For others who have not been to DLR, I would like to clarify this as I think it gives an incorrect impression. I am not aware of any parking lots you can see from Disneyland. With the berm and the trees, I cannot recall anywhere inside Disneyland where you can see parking lots or really anything outside the park. They do an amazing job with the setup there.

For DCA, you can definitely see outside DCA at certain points from what used to be California Screamin. Not sure how this will be with the Incredicoaster but I suspect it will be reduced. You can also see outside DCA from Mickey's Fun Wheel when you are near the top. Other than that I am not aware of being able to see outside DCA.

 

[grnflash]

WDW has alot going for it for sure. But DL wins the “magic” contest hands down. DL was built on a vision, WDW is an enlargement of that vision but lacks the organic originality of DL. The difference is palpable.

 

[DaveNinja]

For others who have not been to DLR, I would like to clarify this as I think it gives an incorrect impression. I am not aware of any parking lots you can see from Disneyland. With the berm and the trees, I cannot recall anywhere inside Disneyland where you can see parking lots or really anything outside the park. They do an amazing job with the setup there.

For DCA, you can definitely see outside DCA at certain points from what used to be California Screamin. Not sure how this will be with the Incredicoaster but I suspect it will be reduced. You can also see outside DCA from Mickey's Fun Wheel when you are near the top. Other than that I am not aware of being able to see outside DCA.

From the top of Big Thunder you can see the Mickey and Friends parking lot in the distance for a second. You can probably see it from GotG too for the couple seconds when the door opens at the top.

I always thought it was kind of cool to occasionally see the "real world" from inside the parks.

 

[HydroGuy]

From the top of Big Thunder you can see the Mickey and Friends parking lot in the distance for a second. You can probably see it from GotG too for the couple seconds when the door opens at the top.

I always thought it was kind of cool to occasionally see the "real world" from inside the parks.

To clarify, Mickey & Friends (which is undergoing changes now) has had the tall parking structure and the Pinocchio lot on the ground next to it. Are you saying you could see the Pinocchio lot or just the parking structure? If the parking structure, that would not surprise me as (IIR) it is 6 stories tall.

 

[bdiddy]

We went to DL for the first time last summer. We’ve been to WDW 6 times and while we all really loved DL, I think there is more magic at WDW. Just the fact that it’s much more immersive and you are pretty much in your own Disney “city” for lack of a better word. I think it takes something away for me how DL is just right in the middle of the city and when you leave for the day you are back in the real world. I also felt like the crowd seemed a bit more transient. It felt a little bit more like a local amusement park than WDW for sure. I also experienced a grumpy cast member in a store and a very rude photopass photographer at DL which had has never happened to me - not even once in all those visits to WDW. We still loved DL and even liked a few things better than WDW and will definitely be back but over all, there is definitely more magic for us at WDW.

 

[22Tink]

Yes, DL is more magical to me!! We just got back from WDW and had a great time but every time I go it just reminds me how much a really, really love DL. I love that it’s smaller and simpler. Can’t wait to go back in November!

 

[DSNY4ever]

IMO whatever park you visited as a child is the one you think is more magical. I grew up with DL so it holds those first magic memories for me. But both are amazing! I also agree that we cannot even come close to affording the DLR hotels, but in WDW we are able to stay on property, which is so magical!!

 

[Huff]

WDW is more immersive and feels more magical to me

It's subjective. Everyone has their own view of whats magical to them. For me DL is far more magical. Much more attention to detail in DL than at MK to me. Compare DL's Fantasy land buildings to MK's tents. Compare DL's Small World entrance to MK's. There are quite a number of areas where I feel Disney cut corners in detail when building MK. That said lately we've been going to WDW more often than DLR which is closer for us. Mostly because of more to do, resorts, restaurants etc. But for the Disney experience I find DLR superior.

 

[Huff]

I also agree that we cannot even come close to affording the DLR hotels, but in WDW we are able to stay on property, which is so magical!!

Agreed! We've always stayed at Pop Century except last year. We had 4 people with free dining. Because Pop included only Quick Dining and moderates got regular dining plan, the cost to move to a moderate was only $150 for a 10 day stay. It was great but sadly a one time experience. Values and Moderates will only get the Quick Dining plan. A moderate will be out of our price range most likely.

 

[Whistlebee]

I get tired just thinking about all the planning required for WDW - so I might never know the answer to this question.

Me too! I don’t even have a real desire to go to WDW because the level of advance planning that seems necessary sounds like work, not a vacation, and I’m a planner!

Edited to add: Just remembered that I did go to the Magic Kingdom for one day 20 years ago. Sadly, for some reason the only thing I remember about that trip is the long lines to get in! Although, we did check out some of the amazing hotels and I do remember them.

 

[HydroGuy]

Me too! I don’t even have a real desire to go to WDW because the level of advance planning that seems necessary sounds like work, not a vacation, and I’m a planner!

I have found it not to be as bad as you would expect. It does require more planning than going to DLR. Especially if you already know DLR well. It is a bigger place. So that comes with the territory.

But I would not let the planning needed to get in your way. Heck, a trip to NYC or Hawaii or Italy requires planning too! Would you skip those places because of the needed planning?

 

[azdisneylover]

HMMMM.....is I-5 north from Sacramento more magical because it has snow covered volcanoes or I-5/99 south from Sacramento more magical because it has more In n Out Burger stops?

I think they both are equal because I think they both have Dutch Bros!