How does Disneyland compare to WDW?

[peg2001]

I've never been to Disneyland, only WDW. My brothers family live in California and have only been to DL, never WDW.

Are either of us missing anything?

Peggy

 

[Grog]

I think you're both missing something The experience of going to WDW vs DLR is different enough that I think everyone should try them both, and most importantly.... don't try to compare them. Compare the rides, the shows, the restaurants, but it is very difficult to compare the two experiences. I've found from reading these boards that many WDW vets who try to do a direct comparison usually end up being dissapointed with DLR.

 

[WDWLVR]

Definately missing something. If you only know one and then go to the other you get both the feeling of something familiar and something different.

WDW is bigger and has much more to offer: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, Animal Kingdom, Water Parks, Downtown Disney, and many many resorts.

Disneyland is smaller and more intimate. Disneyland itself (comparable to the Magic Kingdom at WDW), California Adventure (different than anything at WDW but to me part Epcot and part MGM), and Downtown Disney. 3 unique hotlels but no water parks.

My first experience was WDW and it is still my favorite. That doesn't stop me from enjoying the Disneyland resort. To me what makes it most special is that Disneyland is Walt's park. He walked tht park hosted parties in that park, and even had an apartment in that park. That alone makes it special.

I encourage you to go visit Disneyland and I encourage your brothers family to give WDW a try.

 

[peg2001]

Thank you for the input!

Peggy

 

[WDWHound]

Disneyland is superior to the Magic Kingdom. Its Disney Magic at its best. You can still feel the personal involvement of Walt in this park, almost 40 years after his death. The park has an intimate magic that none of the other parks have quite managed to pull off. The Disneyland Pirates of the Carribean is longer and more detailed than its Florida counterpart and the Indiana Jones ride is amazing. Also, Mr Toad still offers wild rides in Disneyland.

Califorina Adventure on the other hand is nothing special. Its fun, but its not up to the standards of any other Disney park.

I love WDW, but its a very different experience. For short vacations (3 days or less), I highly recommend Disneyland.

 

[Micca]

I agree that both parks are "musts" for Disney fans. For WDW fans, the problem is that there is so much more to the Disney experience than the MK. Having said that, DL is just so cool. DCA will come along, just give it a few years