Should we go back to DisneyWorld or go to California?

[suskra]

Hi - we had an amazing, wonderful, magical first trip to DisneyWorld in November. The kids (8 and 5) are eager to go back, and so am I. DH had a great time as well, but I think has some thoughts that we may be somehow dissapointed because how can it be as great as the first time - we literally had no complaints - great weather, great hotel (POR), great food...I can go on and on.

Another thought for our next big vacation was to go to California to visit some family and friends, and do Disneyland. It is definitely one or the other in the next year or so. But, I don't think that we would do Disneyland and then DisneyWorld again after that, or at least not for a while. So, it really seems to be one or the other.

I'd love any input you Disney experts may have for me.

Thanks,
Sue

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

These would be two completely different vacations, so it really depends on what you're looking for.

If you go to CA, there are many more interesting things to see than are near Disney World, depending on how much traveling you want to do.

If you are just interested in a Disney experience, I would recommend Disney World.

 

[HappyLawyer]

i have never been to disney land, i am sure it is great but there is nothing like disney world and florida, there is so much to do and see in FL

 

[DisneyDotty]

But, I don't think that we would do Disneyland and then DisneyWorld again after that, or at least not for a while. So, it really seems to be one or the other.

You might be surprised... We were infrequent Disney visitors--every 4 years or so--then we went to WDW last June. Then DL in December (six days--all on property--wish we could've stayed longer) and now we're planning a return to WDW in July.
I think it's these boards. They make me wish for All-Disney, All The Time!
Anyway, we LOVED Disneyland much more than we would have ever thought possible. We toyed with returning there this summer, but found a much better deal cost-wise to WDW. Do a tour at DL the first day or so there--it will give you a great feel for Walt's park.
Have a great trip!

 

[all4fun]

We have been to both in the last year. WDW and DL are really very different. MK and DL have a lot of similarities however the parks are managed differently, the layout's are slightly different, the atmosphere is different. Also, DCA is completely different than any WDW park. WDW is so huge, you litterally are enveloped in the atmosphere. DL & DCA are right in the middle of a metropolitan area so when you walk out of the parks you see all types of hotels, traffic, chain restaurants (although that's improved a bit with the new additions of the Grand Californian Hotel & Downtown Disney). I also noticed the management styles of the two resorts are not the same. DL is a wonderful park and experience but it is different than WDW. Also there's tons of things other than WDW to do in S. Cali. ie. San Diego isn't too far, Catalina Island, Hollywood, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mtn, to name a few. The beach's are nice too.

We are going back to DL in April because we have AP's right now and we could book a fairly inexpensive trip. In reality we'd rather go back to WDW because we like it better in Florida but this trip was sort of impromptu (for us, 2 mos planning is "spur of the moment" lol).

There is also a Disneyland board you can post on and you'll get lots of info about DL there that might help you decide what to do. Btw, One other thing you can't see at WDW that you can at DL right now - The 50th celebration fireworks show. Theres really no describing it but I thought it was definitely worth the price of admission just to see that show! It was really incredible. But I think you'd have to go before the 50th celebration ends to see it.

hth!

 

[pedro2112]

Sue, go back to WDW, but this time stay at a nicer resort. It will be a totally different experience, yet better!

 

[npealer]

Like someone else said DLR is totally different than WDW. I have been to both numerous times. I just go knowing that my experiences will be totally different. I live in Cali and DLR was my first Disney experience and will always have a special place to me. But WDW has sooo much to offer. Almost overwhelming sometimes but I still love it and want to go back again soon. (we were just there this last nov). I think a lot of people come to DLR thinking that it will be like WDW and people get dissapointed. DLR has the AWESOME fireworks for the 50th.

 

[DisneyDotty]

MK and DL have a lot of similarities however the parks are managed differently, the layout's are slightly different, the atmosphere is different. Also, DCA is completely different than any WDW park. WDW is so huge, you litterally are enveloped in the atmosphere. DL & DCA are right in the middle of a metropolitan area so when you walk out of the parks you see all types of hotels, traffic, chain restaurants (although that's improved a bit with the new additions of the Grand Californian Hotel & Downtown Disney). I also noticed the management styles of the two resorts are not the same.

When we were at Disneyland, we stayed at the DLH, never left property and thus never saw the metro area right outside the gates, so to speak. Thus, we were completely surrounded/immersed in the magic of Disney 24/7. Maybe even more so than at WDW 'cause the only transportation we used besides our feet was the monorail. (No waiting for buses...)
Just something to consider should you decide to go to Disneyland--stay on property for the total Disney package.
(And I thought the CM's at DL were delightful and very polite.)

 

[ktglads]

Honestly I think DL's Fantasyland kicks WDW's butt! Yours kids are still young enough to appreciate it. There are way more rides and some of the classics are still there (Mr. Toad's). There are many things to do in California besides the 2 parks and you can go there pretty cheaply since offsite is SO easy to get to the parks and are very close

 

[OurDogCisco]

We just went to Disneyworld & Disneyland last year. I like them both for different reasons. We stayed onsite for both vacations. One thing I loved about DL was that there was a lot less walking involved. My 8 year old had a much better time with the walking. Even my 4 year old could walk most of the time. Also, I love Fantasyland in DL... MK Fantasyland doesn't compare. DL area is great trip for a few days but not more than 5 days. Whereas WDW you could spend weeks there and never run out of things to do. There is a lot to do in the Southern California area but it isn't Disney. Also, I love the restaurant choices at Disneyworld better. MK has much better food options. I guess it really depnds on the type of vacation you are looking for.

Have fun!