never been disney land

[Misty89]

can some one please tell me a little about how disney is different / compareable to disney world? we are possible looking at disney world, but wondering about disney land also-
what are the differences/ and the likenesses?
how far is it to the ocean and beaches from the parks?

thank you

 

[daannzzz]

Disneyland Resort is only about 400 acers or so and is situated in the middle of the suburbs surrounded by businesses, housing tracts and apartments. Disneyland is smaller than the Magic Kingdom at WDW but packs in more attractions (though that seems to be shrinking a bit). The castle is much smaller too. Some of the rides are similar but there is a difference to everyone of them. It is fun to compare them. Disneyland also has rides that don't exist in Florida Like Indian Jones, the Matterhorn bobsleds, Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio, Roger Rabbit and over in the new park Soarin over California. The resort is extremely compact and all the Disney hotels and many, many local accomodations are within walking distance. Here is a pic of the Disneyland resort area.
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/dlmp.html
There is much , much more to do in Florida and in general it is much more beautiful and immersive to go there. But for a shorter trip the Disneyland Resort is great. The new California Park awaits your opinion. Many of us are dissapointed in it but it still has some great spots in it and a few good attractions.

 

[twinz]

We just got back this morning from our first trip to Disneyland. Having been to WDW a few times, we liked Disneyland, but found it very small. We were there for 5 days and found that MORE then enough. We walked into the park yesterday morning (saturday--which was the problem), and everything had LONG waits, so we walked right back out. They have a few different rides, and a lot of the same ones. I like WDW better because there is just so much more to do there (the 4 parks, plus the water parks). Keep in mind that a more then a few rides were closed.

 

[Sonya in Boise]

We have been to Disneyland 4 times in the last 12 months for a total of 15 days and there are still things on our to do list.

We went last march (early) and the park was very lightly crowded and we still left with things not done. I have never been to WDW so I can't compare the two, but I do find that some days at DL we just sit on the bench and watch the people, feed the ducks, talk about everything we have already done, and how wonderful the place is.

My girls are little and we like to ride a handful of rides over and over again. Sometimes we just get off and get back in line. Buying a box of popcorn and feeding the ducks was a highlight for my 3 year old.

Disneyland and DCA is smaller than WDW and there may not be as many rides collectively, but a 5 day vacation that is relaxed and slow paced is the best for our family right now. I think WDW would overwhelm us right now. When the girls are older we will get there.

Good luck.

 

[disneychrista]

The first thing anyone should do is NOT compare WDW to Disneyland Resort, they are two different destinations and are not comparable.

Disneyland Resort is 3 hotels, Disneyland Park, DCA & Downtown Disney all set in the middle of Anaheim

WDW is numerous hotels, 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water Parks, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, Wide World of Sports, several golf courses set in its own private "City."

You will be setting yourself up for a disapointment if you go to Disneyland Resort, expecting a WDW experience. DLR is not an immersive experience like WDW.

 

[kati71]

Hi. We are also in the same boat. Wanting to take our first family vacation with our small children and 1 teenage duaghter. We are leaning toward Disneyland due to it being a much slower pace. We have booked at the GC and thinking that we will get out & do the parks, my DH will bring the little ones back for naps, and my teenager and I will go ride the big kid rides. I have never seen either park and heard many different things, so it is all very confusing. I have a ressie at the Poly in WDW also, but thinking now is just not the time. Good luck to you and your family.