WDW or Disneyland

[HeatherinNC]

We just got back yesterday from WDW. I asked my DD's if they would want to go back next year or do something else like Universal. They both said they want to do Disneyland next year.
I haven't been since 86. Is there any reason to consider flying to CA when we can just drive in to FL again?
Is Disneyland different from WDW enough to consider this?

 

[drakethib]

We just got back yesterday from WDW. I asked my DD's if they would want to go back next year or do something else like Universal. They both said they want to do Disneyland next year.
I haven't been since 86. Is there any reason to consider flying to CA when we can just drive in to FL again?
Is Disneyland different from WDW enough to consider this?

The wife and I went to DL about 2 years ago and it was kind of a culture shock as we were used to WDW.


To us DL can be done in a couple of days and is not quite as fast paced.

While we love both and will proably go back to DL, WDW will always be our favorite.

 

[keagansmom]

We did Disneyland last September. I was worried that we wouldn't like it after WDW, but we had a blast. On the whole, Disneyland resort is smaller than WDW, with only 2 theme parks. California adventure is completely different than anything at WDW. However, we really liked it. CA is more like your traditional theme park (six flags meets disney). There are rides at both parks that you cannot find at WDW. Some of the rides are longer- such as Pirates or different than their counterparts at WDW. Also, you can go to Legoland one day (my son who is 7 loved this). You are not far from any number of beaches. We really enjoyed our trip.

Things to remember: Most of the hotels are not as "themed" The Grand Californian hotel reminds me of WL in looks and you can enter CA stright from the hotel. We stayed at the Paradise Pier concierge level and had a fantastic room! It was a suit and it overlooked both themeparks. We could see the fireworks every night from our room. CM's were great! The pool was so-so. I would say try it. It was a cheaper trip for us at Disneyland than WDW and that includes going to Seaworld, Legoland as well.

 

[LoraJ]

You should try out Disneyland. I really enjoyed it. You could also do the Universal Studios park out there (although the Orlando park is much better).

 

[whacked]

I'm a disney commando. I have been to Disneyland more times than I can count. I feel the MK in Disneyland is better than Orlando. There is no New Orleans square in WDW, and I love that part of the park.

DL is more compact than DW, and It has more character and detail.

The Pirates ride is better in DW, and longer.

The best dining atmosphere anywhere in any of the parks is the Blue Bayou in DL. It is inside a quiet part of the Pirates ride next to the "river" at night. I do not understand why they didn't do this in WDW.

It is much easier to see other attractions outside the parks in DL, as you don't stay "inside" the parks. There is a ton to see in the Anahiem/SoCal area.

When I say I'm a commando, we (my DW, me, and some of my friends) will occasionally rent a car, drive to the park in one day, be in the park for one day from 6 am to 1 am the following day, then drive back home.

I live in Oregon, It's 1,000 mile drive each way.

The places that rent "unlimited miles" cars always shake there heads when we get back after 3 days with over 2K miles on the car.

"Those" friends just called this morning and said they made reservations for DL in July, and did we want to do a Kamakazi trip with them when the new Harry Potter book comes out. They want to read it out loud on the way down and back. We're going to WDW in December, but...

 

[Micca]

You drive 14-15 hours, spend one day at the park, then drive another 1000 miles back to Oregon on day 3? You ARE commando

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Try DL. It's a wonderful park with different attractions than MK in DW. After spending my whole life visiting DL, I was wondering if DW would be a disappointment! I'm still getting over the fact there is no Matterhorn at WDW!

Coastal southern California is like no place else in the US. You can easily visit the parks and visit other attractions (like Sea World, San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, Universal, Legoland, etc.) within a few days. The climate is also fantastic, warm without the ecessive Florida humidity. You can also see an Angels game (if they are home during your visit) or drive up and see the Dodgers. I think you'd enjoy it!

 

[Capt. Jack Sparrow]

I think you will like DL. Having grown up in So Cal and then going to WDW, the only thing I didn't like about WDW was the MK. I think MK at DL is better. Why they didn't build the Matterhorn at WDW is beyond me. Also, It's a Small World in the MK at DL is way better. You actually get to spend some time out doors while still in the boats. I did, however enjoy the rest of WDW, although it's kind of spread out. Best thing they could do at WDW - add routes to the Monorail or run a train to the rest of the attractions. Riding a bus takes away from the Disney mistique.

Hope my biased opinion helps.

 

[ksoehrlein]

DD just threw a spoiled-brat, past-her-naptime whining fit about going to WDW instead of DL for her birthday. She's never been to DL and never been on a Ferris wheel (for some reason, the local fairs never have one). She just saw a picture of the Sun Wheel at California Adventure and got it in her head that she would rather go there for her birthday. (Gee I hope she's not too disappointed -- going to WDW again. Life is tough. I only hope the surprise of the Princess Tea Party helps her get over it.)

I told her we'd all go sometime when DH and DS could join us, so I guess I'll be planning that trip for sometime after our WDW APs expire. DH and I haven't been since a day trip in 1998, and I'm dying to see California Adventure and the resort hotels.

One thing I was surprised at was the size of Disneyland park. I'm so accustomed to MK that it was strange for me to be able to see some of the attractions from the queing area for other rides. But it was so cool to see the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Toontown, and New Orleans Square. And to know that this was the park Walt built. Yeah, I definitely want to go back!

 

[DrTomorrow]

I'm on the other side; after growing up with WDW - and taking DS there a few times - DW and I finally did DLR in Sept 2002. While we enjoyed ourselves (stayed at the GC), we never picked up on the "original" vibe. MK vs DL - DL is smaller and different. Some parts are better - PotC, Orleans Square, Indy - others aren't. But you can tell that space is at a premium, and I confess I didn't feel any extra "Walt-ness" there. DCA is - IMHO - a sad, sad beast: Disney on.the.cheap. It's an entire park of re-themed carny rides, just like Dino-land at AK. Oh, and you can see bread being made, too!

WDW vs DLR - no contest. WDW offers so much more: more parks, more & better resorts, water parks, PI; you don't even have to worry about finding things to do off-site.

To the OP: Unless there's a sentimental reason your DDs want to go, I'd say DLR isn't worth a lot of added grief, travel-wise.

Be well!

 

[Capt. Jack Sparrow]

DD, DW, & DS ?????????

I've picked up on most of the acronyms, but these three have got me twisted.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[degrapevine]

DD - Dear Daughter
DS - Dear Son
DW - Dear Wife

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[mrslur]

Don't forget there is a Knott's Berry Farm amusement park nearby. I grew up near Disneyland - and honeymooned there - and we did day trips to Universal and Knott's. And I agree about the Blue Bayou - I really, really wish there was one at WDW!

 

[Capt. Jack Sparrow]

Thanks for the definitions degrapevine, and mrslur, et. al. - a whole-hearted AMEN to no Blue Bayou at the MK in WDW. There's nothing better to calm down a hectic day at DL than to have dinner at the Blue Bayou. For those that have never been, it opens onto the loading area of POC. It's like you're dining outdoors down on the bayou. They even have fireflies flying in the air over by the Blue Bayou. I eat there every time I go to DL.

 

[Mellie0119]

Growing up in Southern Cal DL was all I knew until recently. That said, for me it's like my kids I love them both equally. I agree that MK is a little better at DL, a more rides, a cozier feel (some might call it cramped ) but WDW offers many things that DL doesn't- Epcot is alone is a trump in my book. I'd say try it, I always wanted to stay at the Disneyland Hotel while growing up. Both parks hold so many special memories for me, I'd be hard pressed to pick one over the other. We will probibly hit DL in a few years- when the kids are a bit older and can enjoy the other parks and things in the LA area that I remember doing.

 

[Pixie]

I loved WDW but I want to see Dl too. We are going to Californai in July and we are going to be busy as there is so much to see.
Disneyland, tv show taping, taking a guided tour of LA, the Getty Center, Universal Studios, Seaworld, Logoland, Knotts, and the San Diego Zoo.
There is lots to see and do in LA, Anaheim, San Diego and even Tijuana.

 

[TuppenceABag]

I am a Disney Wolrd fanatic, but as a kid, I always dreamt of going to the "other" Disney Park. I finally had the chance last year, went my b/f's brother got married. We flew to San Diego and we drove up to Anaheim, because there was no way in heck I was going to CA without hitting DL.

I loved it from the moment we arrived! We went to MK first. I loved the Fantasyland section of MK, I wish WDW was set up like that. The outdoor teacups! Alice in Wonderland! The Storyland Canal Boats! The Matterhorn! We ate at the Blue Bayou (my all-time favorite Disney dining experience in almost 25 yeas of going to WDW.) So I would recommend DL to anyone who loves WDW.

 

[Sheaboys]

Also, if you are going to go down to do Sea World, definatly hit the San Diego Zoo, it is amazing! And also, at DL there is the Indiana Jones Ride! It is the most amazing ride ever, right next to Tarzan and Janes tree house, that would be Swiss Family Robinson in the World....

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Also, at DL they do FAntasmic on the Rivers of America, so you look across at Tom Sawyer's Island. No stadium, just stop and gawk. There is a restaurant there (River Belle Terrace, I think) where you can see the show and dine at the same time.

Another idea the kids would love is driving to Newport Beach (about 20 minutes from DL) and go have a sunset dinner at the end of the Balboa pier at Ruby's Diner, 40s style. Totally kid-friendly with a complete ice cream fountain to boot. Get a table on the patio upstairs and watch the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets over Catalina Island.

If you decide to hit up San Diego, drive down Pacific Coast Highway through all the little beach towns before taking the freeway south in San Clemente.

You will have a blast!

 

[HeatherinNC]

Thanks guys for all your input. I would love to go back to DL. I haven't been since I was 12 and don't remember too much. I do recall eating at Blue Bayou and remember riding thru it during "Pirates". There is so much history to that park, I'm sure it would have it's own unique feel. Now, just talking DH into flying out there and braving the SoCal traffic!!
Another reason I am leaning towards DL is to do Univeral Hollywood. They actually have a backlot tour, and I was very disappointed to know that Universal Orlando does not.
Also, in 1991 I visited both WDW and UO. One of them did have a really good backlot tour and we saw the Psycho house, the Golden Girls house, etc. Anyone remember if this would have been at MGM or Universal?