Is there "magic" at Disneyland?

[BluOrchid2]

I truly understand and agree that WDW, the Magic Kingdom especially, is a magical place. When I'm there, I don't feel like I'm in Florida, or in the United States, or even anywhere else on earth. I feel like I'm in a wonderful fantasyland.

I've been considering a trip to DL, but wonder if I'll feel the same magic there. I mean, it's right in the middle of city. It's not nearly as big and "insulated" from the rest of the surrounding area. Do you get the same magical feeling when you visit DL as you do in WDW?

 

[TheLionKing]

The simple answer is YES!

 

[BluOrchid2]

So what's the complex answer?

 

[TheLionKing]

What they learned from building Disneyland, they used at WDW. Because it is in an urban area and views of Anaheim would spoil the illusion, they went out of their way to minimize any visual clues that there is a place outside of Disneyland. They do the same thing at WDW with the use of berms and trees both in the parks and the ersort hotels.

One needs a very high vantage point in Disneyland to be able to see any buildings outside of the immediate park. that would be places like Tarzan's Treehouse or Splash Mountain just before one drops into the Briar Patch.

California Adventure is different. The Paradise pier area is very close to the Convention Center and you can see lots of buildings that are not part of the resort.

If anything, the "magic" at least to me, is more for some of the reasons mentioned in your other thread. Walt actually was there in the park and rode on the rides. fantasyland is much better than the Magic Kingdom. The castle may be the only "let down" to those very familar with WDW's Magic Kingdom. It is small. It is a more intimate park, because land was relatively scarce, so it is not so wide open... especially the area of the central hub.

One might make the argument that it is even MORE magical, because you know what is only 1/4 of a mile away.

 

[jk1]

Disneyland...Where the Magic Began!

 

[el_tigre]

A much more appropriate question would be will you still feel the magic at WDW's MK after visiting Disneyland.

There's really no comparison. One-on-one, DL has MK beat in just about any comparison, especially "magic".

 

[JenniBarra]

I'll also give you the simple answer of YES!

 

[Bob O]

From having recently visited DL for the first after numerous visits to WDW i couldnt agree more with The LionKing!! Is it different, yes but that doesnt mean its not a magical place to visit. I found the place very magical and would highly recommend anyone who has visited wdw should go to DL and see where the magic began!!!

 

[jellymoon]

Disneyland

 

[LuvTigger]

I understand your concerns, but I think the key is to not compare the two. I have been to WDW 4 times and DL many times, and I still love them both for their own unique characteristics.

I know many people who will say that DL seems more magical than MK!

 

[suzannen]

I have to agree with others that having visited both, the Disneyland park seems a little more magical than WDW. I agree that the smaller size of the castle may disorient you at first, but the park itself just seems more magical to me, not to mention the rides not available at WDW like Indiana Jones, Toad's Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, Storybook Land, Davy Crockett Canoes...The only factor where I believe WDW has the edge is in the hotels where the Disney theme is, I feel, much more fully carried throughout the hotels. But, I love both and as my husband and I watched the New Year's fireworks at WDW looked at each other and said, maybe we should do New Year's at WDW next year!

 

[dalepool]

My take--DL is charming. I love the fact that I can see and do most all attractions at DL and DCA in three days -2 nights. ( And the fact that transportation with flight and transfers included is only 4 hours away---takes me 10 hours to WDW). If distance and other factors will abide i'd give California a try-----After DL ---Universal Studios, Six Flags, Sea World and San Diego Zoo are great places to visit. You could vacation 3 or 4 weeks and still not do it all---just like WDW. What's nice is that it would all be new...that in itself is exciting.

PattyN

 

[jlima]

Disneyland is the park that Walt built.

'nuff said.

 

[rcyannacci]

This past summer, I visited DL after growing up with WDW. It is different, but still great and still magical. Here is what I really liked- we had a limited time (2 1/2 days) and saw everything we wanted to without feeling pressured. While I love the variety offered at WDW, I am always leaving realizing what I didn't get to. DL offered a much more relaxing pace. And, having never visited CA before, I actually liked seeing the surround area. It was great to be at the top of the coaster at DCA and to look around at the mountains- very cool. We stayed at one of the hotels on the main strip, and liked being able to walk to everything and not have to wait for a bus.