Is it worth it?

[xoxpluto88]

I've been to WDW several times but my family was thinking about going to DL for a change this August....we know nothing about DL and i was hoping i could get some info that would be helpful....We've read that if u go to WDW that DL isn't worth it...is this true? Any other information would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[JC Butterfly]

This is a topic that comes up often on this board, if you search through the posts you will find thousands of replies that indicate just how "worth it" a trip to Disneyland is!!

The two parks are not the same. They have some similar features and attractions but if you go to Disneyland expecting sprawling resorts and transportation options between them, you won't be able to appreciate Disneyland for what it is.

It is the original. It is where the dreams began. Walt himself walked down main street. Everything is closer together but not "cramped" at the end of the day you don't have to feel exhausted from trying to see it all (although I assure you there is plenty to see). Southern California is BEAUTIFUL you can combine a trip to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Hollywood or Universal just to name some destinations within a 2 hour radius. Then there's the beaches, wow! That is, if you even want to leave Disneyland.

You can walk across from Disneyland to California Adventure. Not walk like forever, like a five minute or less walk from entrance to entrance. Accomodations, you can spend as much or as little as you like and you'll be within a 20 minute walk or a shuttle ride away.

And with the 50th anniversary next year, I can't imagine a better time to say that "you were there".

as far as more info, ask some specific questions and we'll all be happy to help

 

[xoxpluto88]

wow thank you sooooooo much JC Butterfly.....here are some question i have:

the weather the second or last week of august??

the crowds??

the best resort??

That's all for now!! The thing is i'm not sure if this is definite or not so i just need general information for now because im sure my mom will be posting A LOT MORE questions if this becomes definite...but for now i want to compile as much information as i can get to tell her....Thanks for the help and information.

 

[disneychrista]

Of course it is worth it, as long as you go in prepared for how different it is. The resort is much smaller everything is within walking distance. It is in the middle of Anaheim, with the real world right beyond the gates. Disneyland is smaller in size but pack more attractions into that small space (esp. Fantasyland). DL has attraction that are not available at the MK and those that are the same are still different enough to make them a fun new experience. On our trip to WDW I had a blast with comparing the attraction that are the "same" at the two. It was great.

 

[ivanova]

the weather the second or last week of august??
Hotter than Hades

the crowds??
Somewhat busy, but not as busy as July will be

the best resort??
Matter of opinion. If you want the Disney experience, stay on property (and if you can afford it shoot for the Grand Calif Hotel). If you want to save a wad of cash, stay off property but still within walking distance of the parks.

 

[disneychrista]

Yes that is another difference (and plus) with Disneyland. You do not need to stay on property. There are many hotel/motels right accrosss harbor that are as close if not closer then two of the three "resorts" on property.

I think this will be the one area that will disapoint a WDW vet. The resorts are nothing like those at WDW. No sprawling grounds. IMO the resorts at WDW are an experience by themselves, at DL they are a place to sleep and shower.

 

[Snurk71]

I'll disagree on the resorts being a disappointment. We stay at GF when at WDW, considered to be the crown jewel of WDW resorts. And we haven't felt let down at all when staying at DLH and GC. The resorts themselves have good dining options, good pools, nice accomodations (DLH rooms are huge and more Disney themed than any other hotel), and don't require travel to get anywhere (you can be in line for Soarin' within 5 minutes walking from your GC room). Add on to that DTD being right outside your door, and we feel like the DL hotels offer a lot.

We actually prefer DL to WDW in a lot of ways (but prefer WDW to DL in others).

 

[cjsmom5]

WE go to WDW every year for 10 days after Thanksgiving and then again the end of February. Love it. We go to DL once or twice a year, typically in May and September.

The two are very different. Our preference is WDW but DL is only an hour plane ride away instead of 5 hours. Big difference and we can do it in a weekend.

Onsite hotels at DL are much more expansive than WDW. What we pay for Concierge at DLH is more than what we could get concierge at Yacht or Beach Club -- which is a little overwhelming. But we justify it saying we are only stay three nights instead of 10 or 11.

Have stayed at all three onsite hotels. Will never do Paradise Pier again (we typically stay at POFQ and AKL at WDW) so we aren't picky but this was not worth it and we were extremely disappointed in its cleanliness, housekeeping services, and overall customer service.

Grand Californian is nice but rooms are smaller than DLH. It is the closest to the parks and you can walk right out into California Adventure. We didn't like the decor after having lived in the Pacific Northwest for 20 plus years -- too much like home... but very nice. Rooms are nicely done and the atmosphere is very pleasant.

We stay at DLH concierge each trip. Excellent staff. Rooms were just renovated. Concierge selections nice, but not as vast as WDW concierge selections. View for fireworks is great at night ... can eat snacks ... listen to music ... watch fireworks in the comfort of the lounge (they pipe in the music to the fireworks same as the parks)...then hit your room right afterwards and put the little one down in no time. Goofy's kitchen at the DLH is comparable to most buffets at WDW. It is breakfast and dinner. There is no real "food court" type of place at DLH ... and there is at GC which is nice. DLH has a small snack bar but selections and hours are limited.

GC also has a character breakfast. We didn't care for it. Food was cold. Service very slow. Never even got a couple things we ordered. We haven't been back.

The parks are very different and Downtown Disney much smaller but DL has a charm all its own. It is growing on us but we still love WDW and our preference would be to go there. My DS loves the matterhorn and it is only available at DL. We also like the Aladdin show -- it is great! And, soaring over California is wonderful. So there are good things at both. They are just different.