Thinking of Disneyland-what are your thoughts?

[lynnfitz]

Not sure where to post this-we've been to DW quite a few times. Thinking of maybe Disneyland this summer for a change-I know the differences are the size, no magic band or dining plan. I've done some reading on the DL boards here to get an idea.
I guess my question is, if you are a DW veteran, then went to DL, how did you feel about it? The thing that has me a little concerned, although DL you can walk to the parks and is much more compact, we're use to Bay Lake and the resort feel, DW is spread out, where DL seems to be more "city" like. My husband says the hotel wouldn't bother him (would probably stay off sight where you can still walk to DL), but I don't know, we've stayed at BW and BL and do enjoy the resort feel. On the plus side, walking to the 2 parks and downtown disney is a plus.
I'm sure everyone has different thoughts and opinions on this, just wondering what your impression was of DL after being at the world?
Thanks!!

 

[AngiTN]

Loved it! We went for the 60th celebration (about a month after the official date)
There is so much nostalgia at DL it is oozing out of the air. You can truly feel the history. At least I could. If anything, it only increased and fed my Disney bug. I think it did the same for DH.
We are talking about going back next year when Pixar Pier is up and running.
I didn't go to DL to compare it to WDW either. I went out there to experience it for itself. It wasn't a competition, one isn't better or worse. They stand on their own merits, in my mind. I love both in their own ways. I don't believe there needs to be winners or loosers where Disney is concerned. They can exist and thrive together. I advise others to do the same.
We stayed at DLH. It was important to me to stay at a Disney resort. And I wanted the classic one, even though it wasn't originally Disney's. Grand California is too much like WL so we ruled it out. The other, who's name has left my head, is ok. But I loved everything about DLH so we opted for it over off site. Even though they have lots of very good off site choices. We flew out and did not rent a car. We did only Disney, 5 day hopper ticket (max they offer)

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I agree with @AngiTN about going without any expectations as far as a comparison to WDW. Yes, there will be differences but in the end it's a Disney park that has it's own vibe and special kind of magic. As far as resorts, there are three onsite options that you can consider, but the great things about DL is that you aren't bound to staying at a Disney property. There are seriously so many fantastic hotels and resorts in the area- there are even a few 'off-site' hotels that are actually closer in proximity to the park gates.

Another thing I love about DL trips is the ability to explore outside of Disney (*gasp* I know that's blasphemy to some). Southern California is a truly remarkable area and there are many activities you can do to supplement a few park days so that you have a full vacation.

I think as long as you go in without trying to compare everything and you take advantage of the experiences that are unique to DL and SoCal then you can have a fantastic trip

 

[wddub2015]

Do it! I've been to WDW numerous times and just got back from my very first DL trip a few weeks ago. I love WDW, but I think I actually love DL even more!

Being able to walk to and from the hotel and the two parks was a huge plus for us. Coming from the Eastern time zone I felt like we were at an advantage with our internal body clocks being skewed early. We got so much done in the mornings before the parks got very busy.

Max Pass is highly recommended and I greatly preferred it to FP+. It was fun to be spontaneous and grab FPs for whatever we felt like riding near wherever we happened to be in the parks and not have to plan in advance.

My kids have a new favorite ride in the Matterhorn Bobsleds and we all loved RSR. GoTG was also awesome! We were able to ride all of the long wait time rides multiple times each day between early entry and Max Pass.

We stayed at Paradise Pier and the hotel was nice enough. It doesn't have the strongest theming, but was cute. We picked that hotel because we wanted to stay onsite for the early entry, but didn't want to pay as much as we would have at the other onsite hotels. I've seen people complain about the long walk to the parks, but we never had issues with it and my kids are still fairly young with little-ish legs (7 years and 5 years old). The walk to the parks goes through beautiful gardens and then through DTD, so you stay in the Disney bubble. You can find cheaper hotels with shorter walks on Harbor, but I prefer to be in the bubble. If money is no object, look into staying at the Grand Californian. We had a character breakfast there one day and the hotel is absolutely gorgeous. I would have loved to stay there.

The weather is also better at DL. The high temps on our trip were 96 to 98 and it was hot, but thanks to low humidity we were way more comfortable than we would have been in those temps with WDW humidity.

 

[caribbeandream]

Loved it! We went for the 60th celebration (about a month after the official date)
There is so much nostalgia at DL it is oozing out of the air. You can truly feel the history. At least I could. If anything, it only increased and fed my Disney bug. I think it did the same for DH.
We are talking about going back next year when Pixar Pier is up and running.
I didn't go to DL to compare it to WDW either. I went out there to experience it for itself. It wasn't a competition, one isn't better or worse. They stand on their own merits, in my mind. I love both in their own ways. I don't believe there needs to be winners or loosers where Disney is concerned. They can exist and thrive together. I advise others to do the same.
We stayed at DLR. It was important to me to stay at a Disney resort. And I wanted the classic one, even though it wasn't originally Disney's. Grand California is too much like WL so we ruled it out. The other, who's name has left my head, is ok. But I loved everything about DLR so we opted for it over off site. Even though they have lots of very good off site choices. We flew out and did not rent a car. We did only Disney, 5 day hopper ticket (max they offer)

Ditto to everything AngiTN said! After living in Florida for 13 years (and doing DW on a regular basis) we moved to TX in 2012. In the last five years we have gone twice to DL and I'm in love. Just a heads up, make sure you look at the Anaheim Convention Center calendar before deciding on dates! We all know about the usual Disney dates to avoid (marathons, grad nights, dapper days, etc.) for crowds but make sure you also look into non-Disney events that might bring a surge of visitors to the Anaheim / DLR area.

 

[Catvondita]

The first time I went to to Disneyland we went during the 60th and we loved it! It was specially decorated and the special 60th fireworks every night were spectacular. I will say the second time I went it wasn't as special for me but I blame this on us going literally the day after Christmas. It was so crowded we wouldn't do much and the walkways were packed with so many people that castmembers had to literally direct traffic with signs that said "if you want to go to blah blah stay to the left" etc. It was honestly the same as when you try to leave Magic Kingdom directly after the fireworks and the park is closing. That crowded. That was when I noticed how small Disneyland is.

BUT! Disneyland is amazing and absolutely worth experiencing. Try not to compare the two but if you're like me you will occasionally. For me these are some of the things i found different for the better/different for the worse/odd/unique etc

The ride themselves are pretty much better at Disneyland. Pirates has 2 drops and a few extra scenes, Indiana Jones though the pretty much exact same ride system as Dinosaur is much better at Disneyland based on the insane themeing. Space Mountain is much smoother at Disneyland (though I do prefer MK SM because the jerkiness makes it scarier but most people i feel prefer DL). There are also the classic Dark rides that are great like Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, Snow White. The one negative I have for rides and this may be because I am used to WDW's queues is that for me, I think part of waiting in line makes for the overall ride experience. A lot of the queues at DL are outside which for me is a negative cuz there is a slight lack of theming but also it's quite sunny and hot there.

The overall feel makes me feel like I am truly in the park Walt built (which I kind of am! lol) but its a different kind of magic. Its the simpler times, takes you back kind of magic that is truly worth feeling. Especially knowing that Walt walked through this park. WDW has a different magical feeling which is the feeling that you are really transported into a magical world as you are really removed from the outside world. I do kind of love that about WDW and it wasn't great passing by a Denny's and some homeless people to get to Disneyland but it didn't bother me too much. Just felt different.

Size yes its smaller but they do a LOT with the space. Whereas WDW uses empty space to immerse you into that land, DL finds a way to pack itself full of rides. You're never too far from a ride at DL.

Fast Pass I will say I am in the minority as I prefer FP+. For me I don't like using the legendary system because I don't really like having to run to the physical machine to then wait and then go somewhere else while you wait to then go back to the same place for the ride. Too much running around for me. Though I'm not much of a planner in my normal life, I love planning for vacations so making the FP+ 60 days out is part of the fun for me. I have also yet to use Max Pass.

The hotels are tricky because it really depends on how rich you are. My fiance and I at WDW typically stay at POP since it's closer to $120-150 ish a night and for us that's right at our comfort level. At this point in our lives we couldn't justify spending 500+ on a hotel for a normal vacation just to sleep and shower there ( we are for our honeymoon this Jan but that's with money we get back from the wedding). If you have the money though staying on property at DL can absolutely be worth it. I would love to one day stay at the Disneyland Hotel!

Downtown Disney DL versus Disney Springs also depends. If you want the options of more to do you'll like WDW better but for me I don't like walking around too much just to shop around and eat so I prefer DL's Downtown.

California Adventure is also super fun and worth experiencing. Carsland is my favorite land there and I didn't even like the movies!

Sorry for the essay. TL;DR- Basically they are both amazing places to visit and specialize in different things. You will miss some things at WDW there, but you will also be blown away by things there. You will prefer some rides there, while you prefer some rides at WDW while you may also wish you could blend some rides together to create the perfect ride. You will have a great time

 

[lynnfitz]

Wow! What great replies, I honestly wasn't expecting such wonderful reviews of DL! Thank you all so much for such great information, I really really appreciate it! No apologies for the essay, all fantastic and helpful information!! I would like to find a hotel within walking distance that has a little more room (a suite, 2 baths would be great!) looks like I have a lot to investigate!
One more quick question-how far is Universal from DL, should we drive there for the day or two we go there, or just keep DL as our home base? Thanks again everyone! disboards rocks!

 

[Catvondita]

Wow! What great replies, I honestly wasn't expecting such wonderful reviews of DL! Thank you all so much for such great information, I really really appreciate it! No apologies for the essay, all fantastic and helpful information!! I would like to find a hotel within walking distance that has a little more room (a suite, 2 baths would be great!) looks like I have a lot to investigate!
One more quick question-how far is Universal from DL, should we drive there for the day or two we go there, or just keep DL as our home base? Thanks again everyone! disboards rocks!

We went to Universal for one day while we were staying across the street from DL. We rented a car and it only took about 30-40 minutes to drive there.

 

[DLgal]

If you really appreciate that Resort feel, stay at either the Grand Californian or the Disneyland Hotel. Those are as a good as most WDW Deluxes, and better than BWI, in my opinion. I would rank Grand Californian above Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is gorgeous, attached to a park, and has beautiful pools and wonderful restaurants.

Definitely come to DL. You might even like it better than WDW...

 

[trishadono]

I loved reading what others said, yep, yep, yep!
We went last year for 60th and stayed at DLH cl with dd for 21st bday. Then this June went with dh and met dd and bf and stayed GCH Cl.

I do enjoy cl for quick meals and time for parks.

Dd cried walking in Walt's shoes. Her idol lol.

Go for it.

If stay off try to do Harbor drive it's more convenient.

 

[Shellyred8]

We went to DL for the first time last year and loved it! We stayed off-site for part of the trip and then stayed at the Grand Californian for the last part of our trip. The off-site hotel was definitely less expensive and it also included breakfast. But the Grand Californian was AMAZING!!! It gave me the Disney Bubble that I love so much at WDW.

We really enjoyed both of the parks. For the ride that are similar between the two parks, it's hard not do compare them. But honestly, IMO, the rides that are similar between the two parks are better at DL. There's so much at DL that isn't at WDW and I really enjoyed exploring all of those things.

I also loved that it's so compact. It was so easy getting around.

I recommend doing it at least once!

 

[Nohal]

Go for it you won't be disappointed. We stayed on Harbor Blvd at Park Vue Inn and loved it. It was across the street from the entrance of DL and actually closer to the parks than on site hotels. I agree with everything others have said. Our favorite ride was Indiana Jones. We went last year and hoping to go back again in 2018.

 

[disneypaws]

We go to WDW a fair bit and normally stay at the Beach club. Went to DL this August from Huntington Beach for the day (we were trying out a new coast ). We haven’t ever spent the whole day in a park in a long time but were there rope drop ish, did all the big rides in both parks (some several times), walked onto soarin about 6pm... and left to have dinner at napa rose then had a walk around DD and saw the fireworks. We had a great time! I was a max pass ace because it’s what I’m used to and at times was holding three fast passes, the parks are smaller and more accessible and all really close to each other. It felt more relaxing than WDW! It made me think of Disneyland Paris except with the sunshine

 

[lynnfitz]

thanks! I rent points from someone who gives me a pretty good deal, so I would look into the Grand Californian, if not, other suggestions for hotels on Harbor Drive?

 

[cinnaminny]

Walt walked there

I am going to WDW next year and worried that I wont love it as much as DL. But I am sure they are both special in their own ways, live in the moment while you're there.

 

[lynnfitz]

Great thoughts! You'll love WDW! I think that's a great thought-go there not comparing, but just enjoying if for what it is-

 

[westie55]

I am a WDW vet. I went to DL two years ago for the first time. It was wonderful! I got to relive childhood favorites like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White, and the Nemo submarine voyage which is an updated version of 20,000 leagues under the sea. I rented DVC points and stayed at the GC, which was wonderful. Its convenience is unparalleled. Maybe it was because I stayed there and not off site, but I still felt in a bubble of sorts like at WDW. I expected a more urban feel but I didn't get that at the GC at all, or in the parks. DCA is fantastic, especially Cars land. It is so great to be able to experience new things at DL... it's as if 15 new things opened at WDW in one year. There are old favorites that overlap with WDW but are plenty different things too. Totally worth the trip!

 

[buzznina]

We are another family that has done WDW 30+ times and did a trip out to DL and we absolutely loved it and when we came back thought that we loved it more than WDW. Especially me since I went to DL with my mom and sister 2-3 times when I was little and it brought back great memories. But after a couple of trips back at WDW we thought that maybe it was just the newness and DL being different that may have put it over the top. We realized that both parks are different and they offer it's own uniqueness and we really do not have a favorite. We would love to go again, but the cost would be 3-4 times more then our trips to WDW. Maybe one day

 

[Haley R]

We’ve been contemplating going to DL for about a year now. We were going to go for our one year anniversary earlier this year but the plane tickets were just too expensive. We always get cheap tickets to Orlando through Frontier. I would love to see cars land and experience some of the rides that are different. If we go I think we would stay off site. The Howard Johnson looks like it has pretty good reviews. I don’t think we could afford staying on site. We’ll get there some day!

 

[barbliny]

We love Disneyland - and have been to Disney World a million times.

I actually think one of the perks is that DL is so compact. We have not been since Cars Land opened. But, IMHO these are items in the plus column for DL - Space Mountain is better, Pirates is better, California Screamin', Matterhorn, they still have Mr. Toad's. I personally think that their stage shows are better. Animation Academy!!!!

When we go, we normally split the trip between San Diego or Huntington Beach and Disneyland. We do not stay on property, but do stay in one of the Good Neighbor hotels - we can still walk to the parks, get in early and so many more choices.

And personally, I miss the version of fastpass that still exists in Disneyland.