Is DisneyLand worth it?

[DLgal]

Yes, it will be worth it, especially in January. Low crowds, good weather, you'll get a lot done.

 

[cdoc29]

DLR in two parks and WDW in four parks have roughly the same number of attractions. If you go by just rides, there's a higher density at DLR than WDW. A quick rough count using the criteria "rides that move/have a ride vehicle", there were actually a few more at DLR than WDW.

I was grouping rides and attractions as the same thing......

 

[Steven G]

This isn't really that accurate regarding entertainment. I feel like DL has more live entertainment currently than WDW. We have the Disneyland band, DapperDan's, Pearly Band, various live acts at Paradise Gardens in DCA, live musicians in New Orleans Square, frequent cavalcades at both parks, fireworks on weekends since July 4th, and the Christmas parade starts in 11 days as well as the Main St Electrical Parade returning soon. WDW still has no parades. World of Color is set to return early 2022 as well as Fantasmic.

There also seems to be more and better character sightings at DLR vs WDW.

I wasn't considering what they call Streetmosphere in the equation, but you are right there.

However, when you consider that Mickey and Magical Map, Hyperion Theater (Frozen Show), World of Color, and Fantasmic are out (and even the Storytelling at Royal Theater), it is a pretty big hole, and those "impromptu" acts don't really make up for it.

Just take a look here to see what is missing in Disneyland (where they don't even mention some of the above)...
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/unavailable-entertainment/

 

[DLgal]

I wasn't considering what they call Streetmosphere in the equation, but you are right there.

However, when you consider that Mickey and Magical Map, Hyperion Theater (Frozen Show), World of Color, and Fantasmic are out (and even the Storytelling at Royal Theater), it is a pretty big hole, and those "impromptu" acts don't really make up for it.

Just take a look here to see what is missing in Disneyland (where they don't even mention some of the above)...
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/unavailable-entertainment/

A lot of those theater shows aren't back at WDW either, though, are they?

 

[Davey Jones II]

We prefer WDW because it is so much bigger, and offers so many more rides, attractions, and new lands. Our last few trips were there because of all the new lands. But Disneyland Resort (DLR) is definitely worth it because it offers several attractions not available at WDW, and different versions of classic rides. Disneyland itself is the best and most charming theme park in North America, and has an exceptional Fantasyland.

I disagree with those who say that Disneyland's version of rides are superior -- some are, some aren't. Disneyland has a better version of Pirates, Big Thunder, and Space Mountain (smoother, anyway) but Magic Kingdom has the better Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain. In general, the queues at WDW are far superior, with many plussed and/or interactive queues. Oh, and WDW's TOT is still the best.

For any Disney fans, we feel that both resorts are a must. And you really have to experience Cars Land (at DCA) and Indiana Jones Adventure (at DL). I would recommend five days at DLR. I would also recommend a day at Knott's Berry Farm, which is close to DLR, and Universal Hollywood, which offers the Tram Tour, the new Jurassic World version of the classic ride, and a new Secret Life of Pets ride.

 

[Chickinvic]

Disneyland is a far superior experience than WDW, imho. I grew up on the east coast and have been to WDW numerous times. My husband was transferred to Washington State and we decided to give DL a try. We absolutely fell in love. There is a special spirit there that can not be duplicated. So much to do within two parks. Less time getting to places. Better entertainment, food, rides, etc. The list is endless. I say WDW has my heart, but DL has my soul.

I have always loved DL way more than WDW. So much to do packed into those 2 parks, it is very special. I especially loved not having to plan everything months in advance like WDW had become. I haven't been back since COVID, but I am missing it!

 

[Chickinvic]

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.

DL's Space Mountain is also miles better. And, some of the rides DL has that MK doesn't are awesome such as Indiana Jones, etc.

 

[Chickinvic]

Magic Kingdom has the better Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain

Can't say I agree with you there. I'd say WDW has a better queue for Haunted Mansion, but I don't find the ride superior, nor Splash Mountain. I like DL's Splash better actually. More "soaky" lol. I actually also loved DCA's Tower of Terror when they had it. I found the drop sequences even more fun. I'm so bummed that they re-themed it. I couldn't care less about Marvel stuff. Oh well, at least I can still go on Tower of Terror at WDW.

 

[Steven G]

A lot of those theater shows aren't back at WDW either, though, are they?

Actually, many of them are now back. Lion King, Frozen, Beauty and Beast, etc. are all showing. I believe Indiana Jones stunt show returning soon.

you can see that disneyworld also has lots of missing entertainment though:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/unavailable-entertainment/
Christmas holiday season will help disneyland at least.

 

[DLgal]

I have been to Disneyland over 10 times since the reopening and I don't miss any entertainment at all. There is plenty IMO, but we are also not generally the type to sit down and watch stage shows.

There is a lot of live entertainment everywhere, it seems, especially in Marvel Land and along Main Street. My son has a hard time with loud noises and he has to frequently pull out his ear defenders as we are walking around because of all the pop up/sudden live music playing.

 

[Karin1984]

It really depends: Are you an open minded person, or is Disney one thing and that thing is only WDW?

You have to realize and accept that some things are different in another Disney park. There is magic in all the Disney parks in the world, but in some cases you have to be open minded to see it. This happens sometimes over on the Disneyland Paris board ;-) Sometimes people have a very fixed idea of what is 'Disney' and when it's different from back home, they are disappointed, and can only see the negative.

There will be things that DL does better than WDW, there are things WDW does better than DL. It is its own thing. Different doesn't have to be worse.

 

[Kender]

I was grouping rides and attractions as the same thing......

They're also very comparable attraction wise too. I only mentioned rides since you said more rides . Which is another reason ride lines are likely shorter at DLR versus WDW: there's fewer rides per park at WDW.

Interesting thing to note is when you look at the official list of attractions, WDW lists each train station separately as well as listing several different animals separately that are part of the same main attraction. They even list the statue replica of Sue as a separate attraction. So it looks like they have more when they're really fairly comparable in number.

DLR lumps even a multiple stop attraction like the railroad as one attraction. Although DLR does list swinging versus non swinging on the same ride as two different rides, but I counted them as a single attraction when I was counting. Did the same for WDW if they tried to separate things within a single attraction. I also did not count overlays as separate attractions or seasonal offerings as those are highly dependent on the season someone goes.

Now if you get into other resort offerings outside the parks, yeah. There's definitely more offered. But I'm just talking the apples to apples comparison of theme parks and not anything outside of those like the water parks or offerings at different hotels or shopping areas.

 

[Chickinvic]

I have been to Disneyland over 10 times since the reopening and I don't miss any entertainment at all. There is plenty IMO, but we are also not generally the type to sit down and watch stage shows.

There is a lot of live entertainment everywhere, it seems, especially in Marvel Land and along Main Street. My son has a hard time with loud noises and he has to frequently pull out his ear defenders as we are walking around because of all the pop up/sudden live music playing.

I'm there for the rides. I guess the "atmospheric" entertainment is appreciated by me (the Dapper Dans, etc). I'm not going to stake out a spot hours in advance for a parade, or bother with most shows. I find it also really jams up the walkways in DL.

 

[Disney0010]

I think that you should try DL and judge for yourself. I think that most of us have our own opinion of which we like best.

For us it’s DL. I grew up in Florida and have visited WDW many times since it opened. Now that we’re So Cal residents I much prefer the intimate size of DL. Also the history with Walt himself. Our last trip to WDW was in May and I have no need to return anytime soon. I quickly grew tired of having to deal with Disney’s problematic transportation issues. Sometimes bigger is not always better.

As far as the rides, I don’t miss the few that WDW might have over DL. I also think that some of the same rides are just better at DL. For example: IASW, HM, POTC and SM to name a few.

With all that said both parks offers their own flavor. Some like chocolate and some like vanilla. Some like both. Try DL and see what you think.

 

[Steven G]

I have been to Disneyland over 10 times since the reopening and I don't miss any entertainment at all. There is plenty IMO, but we are also not generally the type to sit down and watch stage shows.

There is a lot of live entertainment everywhere, it seems, especially in Marvel Land and along Main Street. My son has a hard time with loud noises and he has to frequently pull out his ear defenders as we are walking around because of all the pop up/sudden live music playing.

the stage shows are important because they eat up crowds. I focus mainly on the rides, but I appreciate what the shows can do.

 

[Chickinvic]

the stage shows are important because they eat up crowds. I focus mainly on the rides, but I appreciate what the shows can do.

I can appreciate that. While others are watching shows, I'm going on rides. I don't like what the parades, fireworks, and Fantasmic does to trying to get around at DL though. Yikes.

 

[Dory92130]

I'm there for the rides. I guess the "atmospheric" entertainment is appreciated by me (the Dapper Dans, etc). I'm not going to stake out a spot hours in advance for a parade, or bother with most shows. I find it also really jams up the walkways in DL.

We actually like the small cavalcades concept.

Though have to admit. Oogie boogie parade was a very nice thing to experience after two years of none.

 

[MillauFr]

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.

As you say, the Pirates in California is far superior. Other rides in California that are far superior include Radiator Springs vs. Test Track, Indiana Jones vs. Dinosaur, Buzz Light Year, Grizzly River Run vs. Kali, Autotopia vs. Speedway, and Space Mountain. Other rides in California that are slightly better include Tiki Room and Small World. Also California has Alice which isn't even in Florida.

The one thing in Florida you will never be able to fix is the horrible weather there 6 months out of the year. I think Florida gets more rain on a typical August day than Anaheim gets in an entire year.

 

[vacay77]

I definitely think it's worth it. I'll second what another poster commented, though - some of the rides might be closed in January, some of them due to the holiday overlays (for example, Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World). DL isn't better than WDW and WDW isn't better than DL, although I think we all have our own personal preferences for different reasons. But there are attractions at DL that you won't experience at WDW (and vice versa).

 

[vacay77]

As you say, the Pirates in California is far superior. Other rides in California that are far superior include Radiator Springs vs. Test Track, Indiana Jones vs. Dinosaur, Buzz Light Year, Grizzly River Run vs. Kali, Autotopia vs. Speedway, and Space Mountain. Other rides in California that are slightly better include Tiki Room and Small World. Also California has Alice which isn't even in Florida.

The one thing in Florida you will never be able to fix is the horrible weather there 6 months out of the year. I think Florida gets more rain on a typical August day than Anaheim gets in an entire year.

Disneyland has better versions of its WDW counterparts in many respects and don't get me wrong, DL is my favorite theme park. However, WDW has rides that I wish DL had, like Flight of Passage. It took my breath away the first time I rode it.