WDW vs. Disneyland-Next Trip?

[dbutlerjr]

My wife and I have been to WDW 4 times since 2009 and have toyed with the notion of trying Disneyland, which I've never been to and my wife has been to only once. We're sort of mixed on it because, as much as I would like the new experience and my wife wants to go to ride her favorite childhood ride not currently at WDW (Mr. Toad's Wild Ride), it doesn't seem as though Disneyland has as many offerings in terms of attractions as WDW and WDW seems to be more affordable, closer, and convenient in a lot of ways (i.e. Magical Express). Does anybody who has had both experiences have any thoughts as to whether it's worthwhile to try out Disneyland at least once or stick with WDW to get our "Disney fix"? Thanks for your replies!

 

[OKW Lover]

By all means go ahead and try DL/DCA. The original park is wonderful and the newer DCA has recently had some re-imagined areas that make it a great take as well.

You might be interested in this comparison of ride counts between the two coasts. http://www.disboards.com/threads/ride-count-comparison-between-dlr-and-wdw.3221332/

Just for background, WDW is my "home" park, but we have visited DL a half-dozen or more times as well. We actually prefer DL to WDW overall.

 

[minnie mum]

Worthwhile is totally in the eye of the beholder. I live in the Eastern part of Canada, and we love both parks.

Yes, there is a definite upcharge when it comes to plane fare, but this is more than offset with the ease of offsite accommodations at DLR. While staying onsite is a must for our WDW trips, staying offsite at DLR means I pay less than a value and can walk to the parks in less than 10 minutes. I wouldn't dream of paying the deluxe rates for a DLR resort.

Total attraction counts dont differ greatly between WDW and DLR. There are fewer attractions at DLR, but it has rides WDW doesn't have, starting with all of Carsland, which is really stunning. Add Indiana Jones, The Matterhorn, Pinocchio, Snow White, Storybook Canal Ride, Monsters Inc, Sailing Ship Columbia, Toontown, including the Roger Rabbit ride, Nemo Submarine Ride, plus California Screaming and all the other rides at Paradise Pier. Then there are the stage shows that are only at DLR, and the evening parade at DL and the evening show (Color Your World ) in DCA.

Then there are the rides that are similar but quite different, like Space Mtn, BTM, POTC, and HM.

You don't need as many days to do DLR well. It's easy to see and do almost everything in 4 days, which further brings your trip costs down. We like to add a couple days for Universal or a trip down to San Diego.

 

[Canuck16]

DLR has just as many attractions in the 2 parks as WDW has in the 4 parks.

DL and DCA are right beside each other and allows for easy hopping between the 2 parks and DTD is right next to the espinade as well.

DL/DCA still have the Legacy FP system as well.

I would Definetly give DLR a try.....we love it!

 

[Baklava]

Come see Walt's park. While I am excited about my first trip to WDW coming up, I believe the magic is very different and it's worth experiencing both. Embrace things like walking to your hotel and last minute dining decisions.

 

[Carathryn]

In the past two years I have been to WDW twice and DLR twice. DLR is nice if you only have a couple days as it is easier to get more attractions done since everything is in closer proximity.I also feel like DLR can have more Disney magic inside the parks since it is the original and I prefer some of the ride versions there, such as POTC and SM. However, at DLR you don't get as much of a Disney only vacation since there is no magical express and it is a lot cheaper and can be just as convenient to stay offsite. I prefer WDW for a more relaxed, longer vacation where I don't feel the need to be at the parks from open to close everyday.
Everyone has their own preferences though and I think it is definitely worth checking out both resorts.

 

[sonocruiser]

2 years ago we went to DL, last year WDW, and in January we are going back to WDW, BUT our next trip will be back to DL. We loved loved loved DL! I felt like DCA combined Epcot/AK/HS into one park. No buses needed. You walk through downtown Disney to get to the parks. Its so clean, characters walk around and are easier to meet, the QS food is really really good, and they still have the paper fast passes. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, so nice and it was less than a 10 min walk into the park. The cast members were always talking to my ds and made him feel really special. So I vote YES!! Go to DL

 

[CynBeth]

I have been once as a kid to DL and once as an adult. The last time was during the 50th anniversary celebration and we went during a summer and got some type of package but I can't remember if it was through Disney or AAA where we spent 4 days in San Diego and then took the train to Anaheim for DCA and DL and were there a few days and we also took a day to visit Hollywood Studios. You could add or subtract days to either end and you got a few choices of hotels in SD and got to visit SW, the zoo, and wild animal park among some other attractions and I think transportation was included. Then you got your choice of DL hotels. You could also select from area attractions there as well. Not sure if they still offer it but it was a great trip! We are huge baseball fans and both the Padres and Angels were in town so we went to a few baseball games as well.

 

[crostorfer]

I go back and forth with this every day.

I would very much like to go back to DLR, in fact I'm booked to do so, but what is nagging at me is that I can stay a full week in Orlando for what I can stay for 3 nights at the Grand Californian. And no, you absolutely do not have to stay at a Disney owned hotel at DLR, but my husband is an absolute wuss when it comes to walking, and I need to be as close as possible to the parks and DTD so I don't have to constantly listen to him complain about how his feet hurt. WDW is so much bigger than DLR, but I feel like I walk miles more at DLR.

 

[Hudson Hornet]

I have always dreamed of going to Disneyland. I don't see any downside. If you are spending multiple days there you could spend your time at a much more leisure pace and and really enjoy every aspect of the parks. You can enjoy the original versions of some of the most iconic rides and attractions.

As soon as my kids are old enough I am driving out there and doing Disneyland up right.

 

[msmama]

I went to DL a few years ago. I'm glad we did, but I don't think I'll be making a trip back any time soon. Not that it wasn't awesome, it was just...harder than WDW, I guess.

We spent 4 days there as well as 2 days in Legoland and 3 more days in San Diego visiting family. I don't think I'd trek across the country for ONLY DL, but it's a great addition to other things in California.

We definitely were not short on things to do there and we were there at a time when there were many, many ride closures. It was unseasonably hot when we were there - in the 100's in the spring, which made things pretty miserable. Additionally, my son fighting off illness (not really sick, but definitely not 100% which put a damper on things). All that colors my memory which makes it less than stellar!

HOWEVER - if you are looking at prices - I flew free with airline points (and even if I had to pay, my flight wasn't much more than what I usually pay to fly to Orlando - maybe $300 RT). The Disney hotels are pricey, but there are many non Disney hotels that are closer and less expensive. I personally wouldn't have NOT stayed on Disney property though. I got a deal though and was comfortable with the price I paid (it was probably similar to a WDW deluxe).

Oh, and I agree with your wife. It's worth the trip just to ride Mr. Toad!!! (No matter how many times I ride it I'm surprised he ends up in hell!)