First time to DL - help me to convince the husband!!!!

[Alyson]

I have a convention to attend in San Diego in early April/03 and decided to tack on a family vacation as we have never visited the West coast. I thought that it might be fun to visit DL and DCA while we were in California. However, hubby is all for the San Diego trip but is sceptical about visiting DL. We are big WDW fans and he has this opinion (from where I don't know!!) that DL is no where near as good. Help me to convince him otherwise. We will be travelling with our 7 yr. old daughter.

On another note, if anyone has any info on the birthday celebration 'Build a Princess' (not sure I have the correct name) I sure would be appreciative.

Thanks!

 

[JenniBarra]

Everybody, regardless of which coast they live closest to, owes it to themselves to visit the opposite set of parks at least once. While it is true that DL is comparable to WDW's MK, there are many differences that make it worthwhile to visit, even if one has been to MK multiple times. First off, there's a special charm only to be found at DL since it was the park Walt actually walked in. Secondly, there are attractions only found at DL (i.e. the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin). As for the attractions that both parks have, well, sometimes the differences are great enough that the situation warrants riding the DL versions as well. (For example, MK's PotC is a mere shadow of DL's!) Does that help your case, Alyson?

 

[BluOrchid2]

Thanks for making this post. I am facing the same sort of resistance, and look forward to hearing more methods of persuasion to use on my DH!

 

[el_tigre]

While WDW blows away what is offered at the Disneyland Resort, Disneyland blows away what is offered at the Magic Kingdom. Given the fact there are only two parks, I can see why people would be apprehensive about making a week long vacation out of Disneyland. However, it would be a real shame if someone who appreciated Disney theme parks was so close but missed out on the best one.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

I could not imagine not going to DL if you are so close.

There are many websites that are all about the history of DL. www.startedbyamouse.com is a good one. There are many differences and there is lots to do there.

I have never been to WDW, but when we go to DL we spend about 5 days there and still don't see everything I want.

Biggest point are the little details that Walt created. The fact that he ate breakfast at the River Bell Terrace and so can you. That he had an apt. on site and used to watch the crowds from the balcony. Knowing that Walt walked those same streets and enjoyed the park probably more than I do, makes it very magical. If you are really really lucky, the will play his opening day speach in the morning before the park opens. Always brings tears to my eyes. (Tears in my eyes just thinking about it)

We vacationed to DL a bunch when I was younger and when I first started planning our vacation, I didn't really give it much thought. Then I started reading the history of Walt, his love of the land, and the pride he instilled in the Cast Members. When I was standing on Main Street watching my girls "meet" Sleeping Beauty and hearing Walt welcome my family to Disneyland, I started crying like a baby. My husband was ready to give me a Valium. LOL

GO, GO, GO. But that's just my 2 cents.

 

[WDW2002]

GO TO DISNEYLAND!! There is no comparision between the "initimate" Disneyland Resort and the HUGE WDW. We went to WDW for the first time earlier this month (Dec 5th - 21st) and I missed the intimatness that DL has. I love being able to go to the resort and be able to walk from Disneyland over to California Adventure or Downtown Disney. For me Disneyland will always be "home" for me., so maybe my view is jaded. But IMO, WDW can not hold a candle to Disneyland.

 

[Alyson]

You have definitely given me enough "ammunition"!!! I'll let you know the outcome!!!

Have a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says...................................Eat at the Blue Bayou, it's in PoTC, can't do that at WDW. Pirates is way better, Indy is great, the Matterhorn, but be warned. IT's a small world lasts forever!! Last time I rode it I was 33 when I went in and 34 when it ended! lol
Toss in Knotts Berry Farm or Universal and you'll be busy in LA.