For those that have been to both DL and WDW...

[NewbieMouse]

DL vs WDW - it's like debating which flavor of ice cream is better. You go to Baskin & Robbins and there are 31 flavors. Everybody gets their favorite flavor of ice cream most of the time, but sometimes it's fun to try another flavor. And when you're done, you are satisfied & full of ice cream.



DL is **NOT** WDW. And WDW is **NOT** DL. Some reasons that our family loves DL:

1. it's easy to get around both parks.
2. park hopper tickets are totally worth it. We park hop every day.
3. EMH is totally worth going to if you have EMH or MM. Because the locals never want to wake up that early! First 2-3 hours that the parks are open are golden & wonderful.
4. The weather - we much prefer it to humid Florida!
5. character interaction - this is where being there when the park opens is helpful because every morning, we always see the Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook just wandering around in Fantasyland. NO FP NEEDED!
6. You don't have to mess with magic bands
7. You don't have to plan your meals 6 months in advance.
8. You can be more spontaneous and you don't have to book rides 2 months ahead of time.
9. Pirates of the Caribbean has 2 drops and it's awesome!
10. Did I mention the weather?
11. 'off site' is not a horrible thing. In fact the Best Western Park Place Inn is closer to the main gate than the GCH, I think.
12. you don't have to plan on an hour bus ride in order to go to another park or to make a dining reservation. Because pretty much everything is within 10-15 min walking distance (i.e., far corner of DL to far corner of DCA, or DL main entrance to DL hotel).

We just got back from visiting WDW (we are DLR regulars who usually go every Christmas). It was a lot of fun to go to WDW, and I agree with previous posters that they are not really comparable. But pound for pound, this list ^ pretty much sums up the main reasons I prefer DLR. I really HATED having to plan FP 2 months out. If the new DLR system uses magic bands but still only allows 'day of' FP I would enjoy that. The kids really liked the magic bands. But at DLR I love having so much in such a compact space that makes hopping easy; WDW felt like so much effort in this regard, and the FP/ADR situation made it really hard to change your plans. It does feel more immersive, but I think one thing I like about our DLR trips is that they are part of a larger trip that is beyond Disney. I do like doing other things as well! One thing I really liked about WDW though was going to Epcot, especially at night. We stayed at Yacht Club and would walk over each evening to eat and stroll around with a drink which was really nice. I will miss Epcot. We will likely go back tp WDW sometime, but probably not for 5 years or so.

We went to DLP in 2013, and also really missed a lot about DLR. I think I will always have a special place in my heart for my "home park".

 

[disneymom0104]

I like both, and grew up going to DL so spent a lot of time there as a child, but only a little bit as an adult. Since 2007 we have spent 28 days in WDW and 17 days at DL. We have another 9 planned for WDW this fall. Disneyland is my favorite park of all of them- there is just something about that park that is perfection to me. MK is #2, California Adventure is #3 and Epcot is #4- so, 2 of my top 3 favorite parks are on the west coast That being said- there is something about WDW that we love, too. It is bigger, it is harder to get around, it is harder for us to get there (we drive from CO to DL, we fly to WDW) but I LOVE the immersive bubble with the resorts, I love that there are resorts in all price ranges that accommodate a variety of sizes- we are a family of 6 and really can't afford 2 rooms at the DL Hotel, so we stay across the street on Harbor. Still a great vacation, but different than being in those beautiful WDW resorts. There are places I like to eat at both DL and WDW, but thing there is more of a variety of options at WDW- we always have the dining plan and really enjoy that. I have also learned that we like about 3 trips to each before we switch to the other. After our 3 trips and 28 days at WDW I was burnt out- we decided to start going to DL, loved that and after 3 trips there (and increasingly miserable crowds each time) we have decided to go back to WDW this fall. All that being said- they each have the plusses and minuses and if I HAD to choose I would probably choose DL over WDW, but really do love them both.

 

[catmegs]

Such a great thread! My biggest letdown of DL are the hotels. Lifelong DL goer, and now returning with my own children, I want a real 'vacation' and to spend some time outside the park by a pool or at a resort. I've stayed at all three DL hotels and each time thought 'blah'. To see the theming that goes into the WDW resorts is extraordinary- not to mention the pools, activities, restaurants, bigger rooms/ family suites etc etc. The DL hotels feel like they could be any chain hotel to me (except for Trader Sam's at the DLH, I'll give them that).

 

[Mynamewastaken]

I agree with you on the hotels. I LOVE WDW and choosing a hotel is one of the best parts.. I was surprised to find out you had 3 options. WDW is like traveling to a different planet with everything inside a bubble. I can't speak to DL yet but I am not sure it will have the same effect. I am more excited about going now that I have all the information stated above. I think I am most excited about going alone- I know this sounds selfish but I won't be on anyone else's time or plan but my own. I can do what I want... when I want

 

[emsstacey]

I like the isolation of everything at WDW... it really feels like you are somewhere else, rather than in the middle of a big city. DL was literally walking distance from a CVS-- I can see where that would be a good thing, too, though.

I need to go to DL during a slow period to decide but WDW in October vs. DL in July.... WDW wins hands down for me.

 

[Nohal]

That is liking asking me to tell you which one of my children I like better!!! We love them both! We love them for different reasons. DLR is great because everything is close together and in walking distance, but it packs a lot in and is very magical. The climate at DLR is great, especially in the summer (as opposed to sweltering summer WDW). WDW is great because there is nothing like EPCOT anywhere else and just the magnitude of all of WDW and the full experience are wonderful. We were planning on making one family trip to DLR when DD(10) was 4 so that she could see the Aladdin show (I had been there on a business trip and knew she would love it). After that family trip, we loved DLR so much that we have alternated coasts and gone to both WDW and DLR every year since.

THis is exactly how we feel. There are so many things to love in each park. The walkways in DL are rather narrow and on a crowded day hard to navigate. After spending which seems like a long time in line I am now a magic band lover. The paper tickets and the photo of each person takes a long time to enter.

 

[hjgaus]

I live in Ca but have an annual pass to both parks. I've been to Disneyworld +/- 30 times and have no idea how many times I've been to Disneyland. I've also been to DLKH and DLRP. I'm not sure I can say that one is better than the other; they are completely different experiences. Both have some rides better than the other. I love Disneyland, grew up on Disneyland. The only thing that I find disappointing is the castle. I get that it's the original but it's so cheesy looking compared to the castles at the newer parks. I try not to look at it, lol. But except for that one thing, I really love Disneyland. And when I'm there, I'm not thinking about the World Showcase or Animal Kingdom or any of the other things that WDW has that isn't at DLR. I am too busy enjoying Cars Land, Ca Screaming, Club 33, Mr. Toad, Mattahorn, etc. And on the flip side, when I'm at WDW, I'm not thinking about the things that aren't there. I will be at DLR this weekend and again in 4 weeks and in between, I've got a week at WDW. There's plenty to love at both locations.

As a local I agree with this statement ! I love WDW Cinderella Castle !!! My bucket list includes an overnight stay inside Cinderella's Castle!! Still dreaming...... & wishing for some magic !!

 

[ilikedisney]

Which did you like better? I live on the east coast so "Disney" to me is WDW. I am headed to DL August 1st (not my 1st time but I was 7 and I don't remember it so its like my 1st time). I keep feeling like I am not going to be as excited as I would be going to WDW. Maybe because its unknown territory for me?? Are the rides the same? WDW seems like its own world and you feel that way when you are there. I am hoping DL has the same effect?

I probably shouldn't even admit to this but I have been to Disneyworld about 30 times or more. 15 of those in the last 4 years. I live about 400 hundred miles away so easy driving. I have been to Disneyland 4 times and am flying for a 5th visit next month. My adult children and 4 year old granddaughter go also. Hands down we prefer Disneyland. All of my children agree.The cost of the airplane ticket just makes it so much more expensive and then of course we have to rent a car. Disneyland is just so much more convenient. Just walk from so many hotels. No shuttles no trains no monarails to deal with. For us the quick service food is better than Disneyworld. The character meals were better. Just wish Disneyland was with in driving distance from us. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Princess_Kirky]

As a local I agree with this statement ! I love WDW Cinderella Castle !!! My bucket list includes an overnight stay inside Cinderella's Castle!! Still dreaming...... & wishing for some magic !!

That is the one thing my friend told me to lower my expectations about. She said, the castle is so small and it's like the size of your house... Geez, expectations lowered. I thought it was cute but was like, where is the castle? I couldn't see it from the front of the park. I couldn't see it halfway up main street. Oh, finally! There it is. One thing that I loved was that you could actually go inside up the stairs into the castle at DLR, though. So neat! And you can still walk through it to get to Fantasyland. Makes for a much faster walk. I did not enjoy the long walk around at WDW last time I was there. We had BOG reservations twice in the early morning and hiking around through Tomorrowland was kind of annoying.

 

[chigirl]

I've been to WDW 7 times and DL 4 times (my signature does not include all of my visits.I am a Walt Disney fan, so I enjoy seeing the park he created, but it is tough to compare the two.

Disneyland/CA is on a street in Anaheim, right along with Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Target. WDW is a spawling compound. The immersion factor is missing at DL. Main Street is bigger at DL, but the castle is tiny. That "omg" factor of seeing the giant castle is missing. When I am at DL, its like those dreams you have where you're at a familiar place, but everything is different. I get so sad when I see the tiny castle, but then I go into Fantasyland and there is a lot of cool stuff! Pinocchio Village Haus has good food. The storybook boats are sweet..

Matterhorn is a good ride, so is Indiana Jones. The "French Quarter" area at DL is amazing. Great food options and cool atmosphere. Main Street has the corn dog cart, with hand dipped dogs. Yum! There is a meat on a stick place in Adventureland thats yummy. California Adventure is themed beautifully! The "Paradise Pier" area reminds me of Cedar Point. "World of Color" is awesome! Carsland looks just like the movie! But....

the castmembers dont "share the magic" like the WDW ones do.. DL/CA feels, to fme, like a good theme park. Its good. Lots of locals visit. Lots of aggressive teens. I have never felt the "wow" at DL. I always leave wishing I was at WDW instead.

To me, Splash is identical. Same with BTMR. The outside theming of POTC is better at WDW, but the inside is better at DL. HM is better at WDW, so is Star Tours. I prefer IASW at DL and the teacups, theming is amazing and the lanterns at night are gorgeous. The outside theming of The Little Mermaid is better at WDW. It is pretty cool to walk a few hundred feet to get to Cali Adventure from DL.

I do have to say the castle is always the letdown...Im sure in the 50s it was stunning, but houses are bigger than it now.

If you're used to wdw, you might be let down. The "magic" is missing. To me, its mainly little stuff...the cm's arent as friendly. The people at DL arent there for a "once in a lifetime" trip. The character interaction is basic. In all my visits to DL, no moments stand out as special, just basic.

 

[Frozen2014]

I've been to WDW 7 times and DL 4 times (my signature does not include all of my visits.I am a Walt Disney fan, so I enjoy seeing the park he created, but it is tough to compare the two.

Disneyland/CA is on a street in Anaheim, right along with Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Target. WDW is a spawling compound. The immersion factor is missing at DL. Main Street is bigger at DL, but the castle is tiny. That "omg" factor of seeing the giant castle is missing. When I am at DL, its like those dreams you have where you're at a familiar place, but everything is different. I get so sad when I see the tiny castle, but then I go into Fantasyland and there is a lot of cool stuff! Pinocchio Village Haus has good food. The storybook boats are sweet..

Matterhorn is a good ride, so is Indiana Jones. The "French Quarter" area at DL is amazing. Great food options and cool atmosphere. Main Street has the corn dog cart, with hand dipped dogs. Yum! There is a meat on a stick place in Adventureland thats yummy. California Adventure is themed beautifully! The "Paradise Pier" area reminds me of Cedar Point. "World of Color" is awesome! Carsland looks just like the movie! But....

the castmembers dont "share the magic" like the WDW ones do.. DL/CA feels, to fme, like a good theme park. Its good. Lots of locals visit. Lots of aggressive teens. I have never felt the "wow" at DL. I always leave wishing I was at WDW instead.

To me, Splash is identical. Same with BTMR. The outside theming of POTC is better at WDW, but the inside is better at DL. HM is better at WDW, so is Star Tours. I prefer IASW at DL and the teacups, theming is amazing and the lanterns at night are gorgeous. The outside theming of The Little Mermaid is better at WDW. It is pretty cool to walk a few hundred feet to get to Cali Adventure from DL.

I do have to say the castle is always the letdown...Im sure in the 50s it was stunning, but houses are bigger than it now.

If you're used to wdw, you might be let down. The "magic" is missing. To me, its mainly little stuff...the cm's arent as friendly. The people at DL arent there for a "once in a lifetime" trip. The character interaction is basic. In all my visits to DL, no moments stand out as special, just basic.

I'm not the OP of this thread but am enjoying reading all the responses.
That's a shame you feel such a let down at the castle, and overall no magic. At DW it is Cinderella's castle. At DL, I think it's Sleeping Beauty's?

Can see not being in the Disney bubble being different and missing out.

We've only been to DW once and are looking at DL next summer for first time. I believe we'll still feel the magic..just maybe in a different way. Think I'll read up on the history of it too, since it is Walt's park. Look forward to trying the rides and attractions that are unique to DL.

OP, I hope you'll post your thoughts after your trip.

 

[grnflash]

For the OP, there's so many different takes on this question that you just have to go and find out. For me personally (a DL'er), I thought I'd love WDW. I was shocked to find that I didn't. Honestly shocked. I love DL sooooooo much that it never occurred to me that I wouldn't love WDW. Even if I still loved DL more, I thought there'd be a whole lotta love for WDW - which didn't materialize. But if I hadn't gone, then I wouldn't know that. In any case there's no right or wrong. You can love both parks or not, it's ok. I still had a terrific vacation with my family and am glad I went, I'm sure these things will be true for you too. And you may even end up in the both-park-lover camp!

 

[rcs]

We're fortunate to have DVC points at both. Like previous posters have said, they are similar, yet different and both rock. What figures most into our plans is what time of the year. With grandkids in school, the travel dates are limited. Cooler months we head to WDW. And during summer, it's DL. We found the heat/humidity unbearable in Florida from May to September, so if it's a Summer Disney fix we need, it's CA for us. Feb. or April vacation and it's Florida.

 

[longboard55]

We own Disney APs and go to WDW once a year. For 1-3 days DL is better and for 4-14 WDW is better. I would not even consider WDW for a one or two day trip.

 

[Frozen2014]

We own Disney APs and go to WDW once a year. For 1-3 days DL is better and for 4-14 WDW is better. I would not even consider WDW for a one or two day trip.

So that means that there is a lot less to keep you busy at DL than DW?

 

[HydroGuy]

We own Disney APs and go to WDW once a year. For 1-3 days DL is better and for 4-14 WDW is better. I would not even consider WDW for a one or two day trip.

So that means that there is a lot less to keep you busy at DL than DW?

LOL, but it would not be too far of a stretch to say that WDW takes more days because of the shorter parks hours, longer time needed for transportation to the parks, and longer waits for rides.

But to be fair, WDW as a resort has lots more to do. More dining. More shows. Lots more outside the parks. And because you need more days to take that all in you also need more rest days.

So I agree with the PP. For me the perfect DLR trip is 3-4 days. The perfect WDW trip is 8-10 days.

 

[Zbugz]

I've been to WDW twice and DLR numerous times. I love them both but for different purposes. For me I find that DL is better than MK, and that as an overall vacation, WDW is better than DLR due to the wider variety of experiences, dining, and resort options. I would divide my time more evenly if I wasn't coming from Oregon.

 

[Frozen2014]

LOL, but it would not be too far of a stretch to say that WDW takes more days because of the shorter parks hours, longer time needed for transportation to the parks, and longer waits for rides.

But to be fair, WDW as a resort has lots more to do. More dining. More shows. Lots more outside the parks. And because you need more days to take that all in you also need more rest days.

So I agree with the PP. For me the perfect DLR trip is 3-4 days. The perfect WDW trip is 8-10 days.

Thanks. Your posts are really helpful (including the stickies).
We did 4.5 days at DW (could have done more), and from advice on here, are thinking just what you have above for DL. I like the less waits for rides item.

 

[kathy884]

I've been to WDW 39 times, because it's easy to get to, way less expensive for us than California, way closer to California, and so much fun. But I am going to Disneyland for the first time as an adult in January of 2017 -- I was in Disneyland in 1964, but was only four -- so don't think that really counts. // Personally I think variety is the spice of life, so OP why not check Disneyland out. My 20 year old and I think it would be so cool to see the original park Walt built and I'm a little bored of WDW at the moment, so this little LA Disneyland trip really fires me up and sounds perfect. // As for those who say don't compare the two or you will be disappointed, I disagree. Every place I go I compare to other places and that doesn't take anything away from the new place I'm visiting. Comparing is fun. There is no one best perfect place. Every place has it's merits and chances are if you picked it for a vacation it's worth experiencing // And come on WDW and Disneyland are both Disney -- how could you not have fun or go wrong at either one?

 

[Monica D]

Disneyland is "home", but I loved Magic Kingdom too. Dd and I ate lunch in the castle, and that was a huge plus. Pirates in MK was disappointing, as was IASW.