Land or World???

[DSNY4ever]

I agree with what a lot of people have already said. WDW feels much more like a resort to me, but in a contest of just the Disneyland Park versus the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland would win hands down (I think there is more detail, better landscaping and better attractions). I think what makes it different is the resort feel. In the DLR we stay off property, so you don't feel immersed in the magic the whole time versus when you so stay on property in WDW, which is awesome. I think all of the Disney hotels make WDW feel more special and you never have to go back to the "real world" while you are there. The DLR hotels just aren't that affordable. They are both different and both wonderful, I hope they continue to build different things and not just copycat things because I want to continue to feel like I can go to both and have a different experience.

And for those that wonder why they would want to come out here to California when they would only spend a few days at the parks... there is so much to do here. I think it is great that you could come and wouldn't have to spend your whole trip in the parks, you could go to San Diego, the beaches, Santa Monica, etc. There is so much to see!

 

[Shir Kahn]

If I could have a copy of both the Indiana Jones ride and California Screaming transplanted into WDW somewhere, I'd be completely content to go to WDW every time. I really don't feel any urge to go and see the Indiana Jones stunt show in WDW. It's pretty good, but I'd much rather go on the ride than watch the show! I love California Screaming too! Really wish DL had CoP still. That's one of my all-time favorites and it's kind of a bummer to miss out on that one when we go to DL.

 

[Mr. Pig]

We much prefer WDW to DL because there is so much more to do for so
many days at the Florida parks,

BUT...

Many of the attractions shared with WDW are a bit
"better" at DL.

Pirates, Fantasmic!, Space Mtn., just to name a few.

Indiana Jones ride is one of the best Disney creations
in the US parks (with, by far, the best queue.)

And the fireworks show ("Remember Dreams Come True")
at DL may be the BEST, most elaborate and creative
fireworks show ever designed.

Big agreement on the fireworks at DL. So many people rave about "Wishes" at WDW MK (which is good) but after seeing "Remember Dreams Come True" it pales in comparison. The Indy ride queue is an experience in itself.

I'm going along with most others saying DL is a great park and WDW a great vacation destination. I like going to California and doing other things like a side trip to Las Vegas but I can make a full vacation out of just WDW.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

If I could have a copy of both the Indiana Jones ride and California Screaming transplanted into WDW somewhere, I'd be completely content to go to WDW every time. I really don't feel any urge to go and see the Indiana Jones stunt show in WDW. It's pretty good, but I'd much rather go on the ride than watch the show! I love California Screaming too! Really wish DL had CoP still. That's one of my all-time favorites and it's kind of a bummer to miss out on that one when we go to DL.

I'm slow. What is CoP?

 

[iheartdisney]

Disneyland, Definately! Sorry, but WDW MAgic Kingdom seems like a cardboard cutout of the original. The rides are all condensed and not as elaborate theming.
My answer would have been very different 3 years ago...before we moved to a 2 hour drive from Main Street U.S.A.
Parkhopping is easier, and if you aren't dropping 200 on a room to stay onsite, all you have to do is cross the street to get to your room!
WDW does have more room, and that is a bit of a bother...I don't like having to go all the way to MGM to ride star tours...It belongs in Tomorrowland!
And Space Mountain is WAYYYY better at DL.

 

[rosiep]

I think, well, it depends.

DL in my opinion is a better park than MK.
However, WDW as a whole is a much better resort. To compare DLR with WDW would not be fair, as the resorts are totally different.

.

I agree. I vacation at WDW and I visit DL. I much prefer a vacation I'm originally from NYC and so my first trip was to WDW. When I moved to the West Coast I was hesitant to give it up and continued (still do) to fly all that way. Two years ago I thought it was time to give DL a try and I truly enjoyed the differences...the rides are much more elaborate at DL, and you can just feel Walt's excitement...but despite staying "onsite" it still felt a little too much like a day park. Friday and Saturday was just too crowded with teenagers; and even though they were well behaved I missed that "family" feel of WDW.

So....I spend most of my money on WDW vacations...but seeing as how my DD is now living in L.A. I'm guessing I'll get at least a few trips in to DL and become a "local" myself!!!!

 

[jacksmomma]

I like Disneyland better than any of the parks in Florida. It just seems more "Disney" to me. I am a classic girl, I prefer the original. There is just something about being in "Walt's park" that cannot be topped. I love the *ORIGINAL* Enchanted Tiki Room which can only be found at DL. (Why in the world would they change a Disney classic to include the annoying voice of Gilbert Gottfried?! ) Altough it is in California Adventure, I love the Electrical Parade too.

A lot of PPs are complaining about DL being smaller, but I find that makes it a little more enjoyable. I don't feel so rushed and can take my time a little more. Plus the weather is *always* nicer in CA and generally, DL is not as crowded.

 

[Shir Kahn]

I'm slow. What is CoP?

CoP = Carousel of Progress

 

[pixleyyy]

We've visited both in the last 2 years and it was the overwhelming consensus of our family (kids included) that Disneyland was the favored destination. The biggest reasoning was the proximity of everything. Park hopping is actually worth it in Disneyland. You can walk out the gate of Disneyland and be over in California Adventure in less than 5 minutes. I liked their Downtown Disney better. The majority of what they are missing is Animal Kingdom, which we could do without, and Epcot, which we're also not totally enamoured with.

I am the only one of my family that likes WDW better, and only because of the larger selection of things to do. But I must admit that I hate that it's all spread out and that transportation is always such an issue.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

DD and I have APs to DL. We go 2-3 times a month. Each year we take a week long trip to WDW.

Each has its own feel and its own appeals. As a resort WDW is easily more afforable. DL does not have and value level hotels. That being said DL is my favorite park. It never gets old. Each time we go is its own unique experience.

In the end I wold have to say that DL is my favorite!

The pps are right on about the fireworks at DL. Wishes is a great show but nothing compared to Remember Dreams come true at DL.

 

[browntrout]

Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon make a HUGE difference to me and I just like the feel of the Orlando area .VS. So. Cal. We're from Utah and can typically travel to WDW cheaper than DL if you break it down to cost per day.

 

[jarrdisney]

Ah...the whole which is better debate. Let me weigh in here real quick. I've been to WDW 20+ times and DL only once. I have to say that I definitely prefer WDW. I feel immersed in the magic 24 hrs a day. That being said, DL has much better versions of nearly every ride. I don't like how everything is so congested in DL, and how all the que areas are outdoors. I think the castle pales in comparison and the overall vibe is muted because of the strip mall/hotel landscape of anaheim. There's just NO room in DL, but I think they do the best they can with what they have.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Ah...the whole which is better debate. Let me weigh in here real quick. I've been to WDW 20+ times and DL only once. I have to say that I definitely prefer WDW. I feel immersed in the magic 24 hrs a day. That being said, DL has much better versions of nearly every ride. I don't like how everything is so congested in DL, and how all the que areas are outdoors. I think the castle pales in comparison and the overall vibe is muted because of the strip mall/hotel landscape of anaheim. There's just NO room in DL, but I think they do the best they can with what they have.

When you're in the parks (at least for us)...we don't even notice the outside world. They were built very well so you can't see the outside world once you're in there.

And Sleeping Beauty's castle is very pretty. It may not be as tall as Cinderella's but I love the color and the details.

 

[Luv4Disney]

The World for us!

 

[Taja]

I grew up and with Disneyland, so it has a special place in my heart. It has incredible details that have not been duplicated at WDW.

However, it is a day trip for me. And the last few times I visited DCA, Disneyland was shoulder-to-shoulder people! *eek* And all except one time it was "off" season.

For an extended vacation, WDW is my preference. I can relax and leave the driving to WDW transportation. If I'm on a budget--or just spending more time in the parks--I can stay at a value resort. If I want a few more amenitites, the moderates are right there. And if I'm pampering myself, I'll choose a deluxe resort!

Oddly enough, I was incredibly disappointed with WDW on my first visit in 1981. MK was the only park (EPCOT opened a year later) and it seemed like a flat backdrop compared to the detail at Disneyland! *LOL*

 

[Mrs. Bee]

I grew up and with Disneyland, so it has a special place in my heart. It has incredible details that have not been duplicated at WDW.

However, it is a day trip for me. And the last few times I visited DCA, Disneyland was shoulder-to-shoulder people! *eek* And all except one time it was "off" season.

For an extended vacation, WDW is my preference. I can relax and leave the driving to WDW transportation. If I'm on a budget--or just spending more time in the parks--I can stay at a value resort. If I want a few more amenitites, the moderates are right there. And if I'm pampering myself, I'll choose a deluxe resort!

Oddly enough, I was incredibly disappointed with WDW on my first visit in 1981. MK was the only park (EPCOT opened a year later) and it seemed like a flat backdrop compared to the detail at Disneyland! *LOL*

We were at DL last year around labor day and then again the week after Thanksgiving. I didn't think it was too crowded at all. At WDW this January, it was WAY more crowded than I was hoping for. In the past, I'd only been at WDW in the summer months and I was hoping it would be really empty in January. It wasn't. Not empty like I've seen Disneyland empty.

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I am so glad I read this cause I am a WDW girl...but after 3 cruises out of Port canaveral....we have decided to do the Mexican Riviera in 2011 which means no Castaway Cay but it means taking my girls to the west coast for their first time. I remember DL as a child but it has been awhile! lONG WHILE. So any pointers would be nice....like how far is DL from San Pedro cruise port? Was thinking it would be fun to do DL on a MNSSHP night or just for the day and then go to a nice hotel a mile or 2 from the port!! We prolly will come out 2-3 days before the cruise to get adjusted to the time change. Anything that our must see's???? Thanks for everyone's opinions....opinions are not always agreed upon but greatly appreciated!!

Michelle

 

[Basil of Baker St]

Disneyland VS. The Magic Kingdom....Disneyland has better versions of Pirates, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear It also has the Matterhorn, Mr. Toad's, Pinnochio, Storybook Canal, Casey Jr., Roger Rabbit, and Indiana Jones. The outside of Small World is much neater. And Fantasyland is a thousand times better than the circus tent look of the one at WDW. Toon town is also better.

WDW has a slightly neater Haunted Mansion, but it's basically the same as the one at DL. WDW has a longer/better version of Snow White. I also love the people mover at WDW and the swiss family treehouse.

Oh....and Disneyland is WAY cleaner than WDW. And I think Disneyland has a lot more interesting details than the magic kingdom.

I was just going to ask what makes Disneyland better than the Magic Kingdom, and you answered my question! Thanks!
One day I would love to visit the original!

 

[gabbylove143]

They both offer something special and unique. Comparing WDW to DL is like comparing a green apple and a red apple. Both good, both different, both with their own taste.

Agreed!

 

[gooftroop22]

World!!!!