Is DisneyLand worth it?

[Chickinvic]

Asking “Is Disneyland worth a visit?” or “Which is better: Disneyland or Disney World?” in a Disneyland forum is generally going to get you the same answers. Lol

I think a lot of us visit the WDW sections also.

 

[mommabo]

Agree.

I prefer DL Jungle Cruise as well over WDWs. Also, Big Thunder is WAY better at DL. And this sounds dumb, but the Mad Tea Party is so much more beautiful at DL. Puts WDWs version to shame.

I agree on all the rides listed as preferred at DL vs WDW, but for the most part don’t let it be bother me so to speak. But wholeheartedly agree teacups are better at DL especially at night. There is something enchanting riding at night under the lights.

Give DL a try. Admittedly you may feel the crowds more, especially in the narrow walkways of DL, but the charm and ability to do so much in such close proximity can’t be overstated.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Just go to San Diego Zoo. Fabulous zoo, and you can do the tram tour (or whatever it is called) there.

We did two 3-day visits to San Diego, and it's a great side trip during our West Coast jaunts. The zoo is world class, and we greatly enjoyed Sea World, too. We also did one day in Balboa Park, which has several museums.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I can vouch that you're in the minority there.

If WDW's Space Mountain were outdoors, it would be one of the old coasters over in a corner at Magic Mountain (or Knott's) that never has a line.

It's really rough now compared to how it used to be - it's definitely exceeded its lifespan, which happens to metal coasters. I keep hoping that when Tron opens, they'll close SM and rebuild it (like Universal Orlando did with The Hulk - it was rebuilt from scratch a few years ago). But I feel like that's just wishful thinking.

They rebuilt the Hulk, but I still found it rough! (and I was in the front row, and hanging on with a death grip). I'm glad I did it, but I could only make it tolerable by hanging on REALLY TIGHT.
I think Knott's Berry Farm did a much better job when they rebuilt their wooden coaster Ghost Rider. I couldn't stand that bone rattler before the rebuild; after the rebuild, I loved it. Night and day difference.

 

[Malcon10t]

If WDW's Space Mountain were outdoors, it would be one of the old coasters over in a corner at Magic Mountain (or Knott's) that never has a line.

Isn't WDW Space Mountain very similar to DL Matterhorn?

 

[disneyseniors]

I recommend at least 4 days for the parks. Given your username includes the word "seniors", I'm thinking you might prefer the better pace that would give you. Even for me (and I run 10K most days), it is very full days. Sometimes I just like to take a more relaxed pace. There is so much to do there.

So, 2 days is better than none, 3 is better than 2, and 4 is better than 3, etc. I have had as much as 8 day parkhoppers on one trip - and never felt bored. We did other stuff too (one day at Knotts, one day at Universal, one day at Sea World, one day at San Diego Zoo, etc), but having those hoppers where we could pop in for an evening after doing something else was great. I think we did about 5 or 6 full park days and just used the other days of the hoppers to pop in for a few hours.

You are right! We are "older" but still love to go to disney and Universal, among other places. We take the parks easier than we did when we were younger. I remember running or fast walking, to the attractions, or to get paper fp's. Now? We like to do all the attractions but not all in one day. We take our time and check out the amazing atmosphere that disney creates. I believe we will do 4 days. That sounds just right, thank you
We are planning to visit other sites too; ie: the beach, Knotts, but I really don't know too much about the area. I'll have to do some studying up before our trip. Can't wait for Spring!

 

[brightlined]

Isn't WDW Space Mountain very similar to DL Matterhorn?

Yep! The Matterhorn has more of those downhill slopes that are fun - and the WDW-SM tracks never go alongside each other after the initial climb. WDW-SM has tighter turns, too, and throws the back of the vehicle around a little bit more. But, to me, the big loss with WDW-SM is that after the initial climb (and before the final tunnel), the coaster is literally just the track - like a Magic Mountain or Knotts coaster. It just happens to be indoors.

I definitely prefer the Matterhorn. Admittedly, part of that is the legacy of the Matterhorn as a Walt attraction, but also the ride and the theming are completely enmeshed.

In my head, I would consider the Matterhorn to be past its shelf life as well, but it would obviously be nearly impossible to rebuild (hence the extended rehabs). But all of the jumpiness there feels like part of its charm.

 

[MillauFr]

Isn't WDW Space Mountain very similar to DL Matterhorn?

Yes. I thought so

 

[cdoc29]

Pro-Tip: If you are a WDW traveler then you are most likely a planner and will have an advantage at Disneyland. There are tons of open dining reservations at the 60 day mark because the majority of guests being local do not plan that far in advance. I am always able to get the restaurant we want and the time we want.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Pro-Tip: If you are a WDW traveler then you are most likely a planner and will have an advantage at Disneyland. There are tons of open dining reservations at the 60 day mark because the majority of guests being local do not plan that far in advance. I am always able to get the restaurant we want and the time we want.

That hasn't been the case post covid for most people on this website. Has that been your experience recently?

 

[cdoc29]

That hasn't been the case post covid for most people on this website. Has that been your experience recently?

LOL, for us WDW planners who are used to getting up 180 days out at 0700hrs EST pre-covid and hoping to find reservations still available I have had no trouble getting reservations for the first week of the year 2022 (which a lot travel sites list as an above average attendance due to schools still being out) and got everything I want. Most of the comments I have read complain that unless you are willing to get up at 60 days out the good reservations are gone when booking a week or two before your trip, forget about day of walk ups. So for those of us who meticulously plan our Disney Trips through years of conditioning at WDW, Disneyland always seems to have reservations available at 0600 60 days out for everything you want. By the time you go to book at WDW 60 days out a lot of reservations are already gone.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Yep! The Matterhorn has more of those downhill slopes that are fun - and the WDW-SM tracks never go alongside each other after the initial climb. WDW-SM has tighter turns, too, and throws the back of the vehicle around a little bit more. But, to me, the big loss with WDW-SM is that after the initial climb (and before the final tunnel), the coaster is literally just the track - like a Magic Mountain or Knotts coaster. It just happens to be indoors.

I definitely prefer the Matterhorn. Admittedly, part of that is the legacy of the Matterhorn as a Walt attraction, but also the ride and the theming are completely enmeshed.

In my head, I would consider the Matterhorn to be past its shelf life as well, but it would obviously be nearly impossible to rebuild (hence the extended rehabs). But all of the jumpiness there feels like part of its charm.

I love the Matterhorn, but it is pretty rough. That's another "hang on tight to smooth out the ride" coaster. One side is smoother than the other, though, and I keep forgetting which one; it's been six years since I've been to DLR. I think the Fantasyland side (right) was smoother (?).

 

[disland7]

People always say that but I'm not sure I agree.

Disneyland has MORE rides, but I wouldn't say they're better, aside from Pirates.

And space for sure.

 

[MillauFr]

And space for sure.

And Buzz, Autopia, Jones, Tiki Room

 

[sierrawine]

I agree that they are very different experiences and you'll love both! DLR is so easy to get around. We just stayed at the Grand so you cannot beat access to DCA and DL is also right there! It's just a very different experience but both totally worthwhile, IMO. (We've been to WDW once with 3/5.5 year olds and DL with 4/7 and 6/9 year olds. I am having a hard time convincing DH that we need to do WDW again for the Animal Kingdom park - he loves DCA and the ease/convenience and laid back experience of CA vs. WDW.)

 

[CaptainAmerica]

And space for sure.

I dislike Disneyland's Space. WDW's feels faster and more frantic, and the ride vehicles are much more comfortable.

I also think onboard audio is a huge downgrade. There's no music in space. I generally find almost everything at Disneyland to be way too loud. Indiana Jones is the biggest offender in that regard.

 

[SCDVC2000]

OP here:
So we decided to go. Was too good an opportunity and with non- VGC DVC points able to book some rooms there, we had to…
Do we’ll be there mid January . Wife and I and 6 kids (age 1-14). We’ve been to WDW many times but never DL.
We’ll be in one park each day, no park hoppers.
We did purchase Disney Genie +, and will likely pay the LL to do the rides we want.
That being said, can my DL experts here give me some itinerary/agenda ideas for each park?
for our California Adventure day should we go back to our room at VGC at some point? No idea how the layouts of these parks compare in size/scope to let’s say MK. Thank you!

 

[Pluto468]

You will have a great time! I've never been to WDW but I do know that Disneyland is much smaller-in a good way!- and it's so easy to do everything you want to do. Disneyland is right across the esplenade from DCA. I would take a look at the rides and attractions and pick one or 2 things that everyone wants to do. I always try to get into the parks as early as possible to do Fantasyland, or sometimes we do Pirates/Splash/Haunted Mansion first. When things start to get busy we go back to the hotel for a while and then come back for the evening.
It will be very easy to pop back to your hotel mid day for rests or snacks.

 

[Malcon10t]

for our California Adventure day should we go back to our room at VGC at some point? No idea how the layouts of these parks compare in size/scope to let’s say MK. Thank you!

We frequently go back to the room for a bit to relax or just enjoy the park. From the furthest point in DCA, it might take 15 mins to walk to your room. It is a LOT closer than the Contemporary to MK. If you come off Grizzly, you can be in your room in 5 mins.

 

[KippyKip]

We frequently go back to the room for a bit to relax or just enjoy the park. From the furthest point in DCA, it might take 15 mins to walk to your room. It is a LOT closer than the Contemporary to MK. If you come off Grizzly, you can be in your room in 5 mins.

To echo this. There is a dedicated entrance from GCH to DCA. You don't even have to go through DTD or the Esplanade. The dedicated entrance drops you off near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail