WDW Vs Disneyland

[msticker97]

Hi everyone. Some might think I am crazy for asking this.....believe me I am a big Disney nut. We are going 3 times this year. I wanted to go to Disney World in May for mother's day but my husband asked if I would rather go to Disneyland instead. I have never been there and not sure what I should do. Has anyone been to both and if so would you go back to Disneyland? I'm afraid that I would be disappointed since I know what to expect from Disney World. Please advise on what you would do if you have the chance? If you would go, which hotel would you stay at in Disneyland? Thanks

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

I would totally go to Disneyland Yes it is smaller by far, but it is just as much fun and the rides that are "the same" are actually different, like Haunted Mansion, Pirates, etc... It is definetly well worth the trip. No there are not water parks and there is not an Epcot, but with Magic Kingdom, California Adventure and Downtown Disney there is still a lot to do. We usually go out there for 4 or 5 days... it a slower pace because there is less to cram into the vacation but still great.

We have stayed at all the Disney owned hotels... You would not be disappointed in any of them. The Grand Californian is the only one that Disney actually built, so if you are looking for that type of feel that is the one to be at, but with that said we LOVE the Disneyland Hotel. The rooms are larger and they did a big rehab a few years back so the new decor is really fun! Again, we like them all and have no problem booking whatever one is available but the Disneyland Hotel is our favorite.

 

[WickedWench]

It's a different experience than WDW, but great in it's own way. I'm very glad I went, and hope to go back again someday, even though WDW is my home away from home. I stayed at the Grand Californian, and it was very close to the parks. I would definately recommend going to Cali!

 

[corgi_monster]

I LOVE Disneyland and visit DL more often than WDW. There are several notable differences between the 2:
- Space Mountain at DL is much smoother and has an awesome soundstrack
- DL has the Matterhorn (sp?)
- DL has the French Quarter and Blue Bayou rest. - the food is mediocre but the atmosphere makes it worth the price!
- Pirates, imo, is much better at DL
- Fantasyland, imo, is more quaint and has a few rides that WDW is lacking
- California Adventure Park may have some of the same rides as WDW, but the feel of the park is unique and cannot be compared to anything in WDW

Of course, there are also many attractions that are better at WDW than at DL.

California has a lot of other theme parks and attractions that you'd never be able to experience in Florida, such as Hollywood, Magic Mountain, and the San Diego zoo. I think it might be hard to spend an entire vacation at DL because there are only 2 parks and Downtown Disney, so you should have the time to branch out and explore California.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I have been a DLR passholder for more than 20 years and live very close (note: within an hour's drive) of the parks. The best thing about a vacation at these parks is how close everything is. My son and I one time stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for 4 days and still did not see everything we wanted to. We would go back to the room in the afternoon to swim in the Neverland Pool and to take a nap, then back to the park in the evening. We still go for overnight and 2 night trips just so we don't have to drive home after fireworks.

At DL, you have Nemo subs, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones Adventure, and of course New Orleans Square that houses the Disneyana Museum (the apartment that Walt had built for his family). At DCA you have grizzly river rapids, california screamin, the Aladdin show and many other things that are uniquely a part of that park. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore. You can certainly fill up an entire vacation with the DLR. Of course, then if you want to explore So. Cal a bit, you can do Knotts Berry Farm (a local favorite owned by Cedar Fair) and Soak City (the water park next to it), Sea World San Diego, The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Universal Studios California, the J.Paul Getty Center, and many other attractions.

Have fun planning.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I live in California and have been to DL many time (going back this August). Anytime we have any reason to be in Southern CA, we always add a trip to Disneyland!

Staying "on-site" at DL isn't as big a deal as staying on-site at WDW. DL is surrounded by tons of hotels, many within walking distance of the front gates. Those a little further away usually have their own free shuttles. I would go to the DL website. Look at the 3 Disney hotels as well as the "Good Neighbor Hotels." You can get a fairly nice room that's close by and for a good price. Hope you enjoy DL!

 

[zippy doo dah]

I'm actually going to DL for the first time in 24 days and I am so excited, I can't wait to experience all the differences and similarities and to be in a place where "Uncle" Walt spent so much of his time !!! I am staying at Motel 6 Anaheim Maingate (it's a Good Neighbor Hotel) for less than $60.00 per night!!! It's is only 1/2 mile away from the main gate to DL so I can walk it or they do have a shuttle service..or there is always the ability to take a taxi - just thought I'd share about the hotel price since a pp suggested that you look into the Good Neighbors

 

[msticker97]

Hi, thanks for responding. We just wanted to make sure before we made any plans since we live in NC and know that it will be a long trip to DL.

 

[StrwLady]

Disneyland is Great!! I tell every Disney World lover to experience Disneyland at least once. Like other's have said its the same but so different too. We did our first DL trip March of 2006. I was worried at first that in DL I wouldn't get that feeling of being in another world like in DW. But the minute we turned on to DL property it was just the same. The rest of the world disappeared. I felt the pace of the vacation was so much more relaxed. We spent 5 days in DL.

With only 2 parks you can take the day slower. And stuff is so close to each other. Like others have said some rides are different. In my opinion Pirates and Haunted Mansion was much better in DL. And I have heard Fantasmic is better too (rained out our first trip and closed the second trip) So don't pass on a ride because you have done it in DW. You will be surprised at the differences.

I loved the DL hotels. I have stayed at the Grand Californian and DL hotel. I can not tell you the wonderful feeling I got every time I stepped out of my hotel into Downtown Disney. Oh and loved evenings in Downtown Disney. Listening to all the musical artist out there. Even bought a few different CD's and got the signed. I love music

So I say go for it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Take Care

 

[StrwLady]

As for hotel..if you can swing it I suggest the Grand Californian. I so reminded me of the Wilderness lodge but a tad more upscale. We loved the Disneyland Hotel too. Just make sure you book early. It seems the Disney Hotels book up very fast. This way you can get the room and view that you want. And I suggest you have dinner at Goofy's Kitchen....OH MY its soooooooo good!!!

Remember to check out the dis disneyland boards. Lots of information there!

Take Care

 

[jenseib]

I would do DL in a heart beat. I would liek to do it sometime in the future too. My trips tend to be short, becuase DH can't get away for long, so it would be a great trip for us someday. I'm going to try and talk him into it in the next two years. Our 2YO DD loved WDW so much this past March, that I'm sure he will give in for her sake! LOL!

 

[mprewitt]

For most of my life, I lived 20 minutes away from Disneyland. I went there dozens of times as a kid up through adulthood. It's a great place. To me, this is the original park that Walt designed. It's great to have two parks and downtown Disney right next to each other. There is no need to hop on a bus to change parks or go to your hotel. However, there isn't an Epcot or Animal Kingdom, so there is isn't as much to do. Also, you're right in the middle of crowded Anaheim, so you don't feel as if you're off on a resort like WDW.

The Grand Californian is the best place to stay. The Disneyland Hotel has been around since 1955, but even though it's been refurbished several times, it still shows it's age.

If you've never been to DL, then by all means go!

 

[NancyIL]

I like Disneyland a lot. The last two times I was there, I got great hotel deals on Priceline, staying at the Hyatt Regency Orange County for $27/night (2003) and at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange for $46/night (2006). I can't justify paying what Disney charges to stay onsite.

 

[mom-2-3]

Actually if I were closer, I think with little kids I'd do DL more the WDW for the simple reason it is more compact and therefore you can get around quicker and easier. You can really go back to your room/hotel for lunch/naps and not have it take an hour to get there! Go, experience it, and if you have leftover days on a parkhopper from WDW you can use them there, you just have to go to guest relations and they give you a "blank" ticket for the day to use at the turnstiles and fastpass machines.

 

[skifast22]

I've been lucky enough to have done both WDW and Disneyland several times each. If the opportunity arises (and it sounds like it has!) check out Disneyland. While similar, it is also very different from the MK. One of my favorite "lands" is New Orleans Square. It's here that the Pirates of Carribbean are located. There is also a great counter service restaurant where I was abel to get some Jambalaya and listen to a jazz band play while sitting outside under a canopy. As another poster mentioned, there is also a disney gallery in this area (located just above the entrance to Pirates). This is a great spot to check out in the afternoon. There is a balcony with some chairs on it that offer a great view of Thunder mountain in the distance. It's nice to sit down on one of the chairs and relax while watching the hustle and bustle of Dinseyland below you.
After New Orleans Square, my next favorite thing is Fantasyland. It is about 2-3 times larger than Fantasyland at the MK. There are Sow White and Peter Pan rides, both of which are different than the MK. It's a Small World has a beautiful exterior design, and there is also a Dumbo and Tea Cups. In addition to these rides though, there is also a Pinnochio ride, Alice in Wonderland ride, and my favorite, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!. Actually, I think the toad is tied with the Matterhorn, another fantastic Fantasyland ride Oh, and I forgot the Story book canal boats, and Casey Junior train ride. See how much bigger it is? Toontown is just a short walk from It's a Small world, and in my opinion is done much better than it's counterpart at the MK. The feature attraction here (yes it has one!) is Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. It's similar to other Fantasyland dark rides but it allows you to spin your car as much or little as you wish.
Fantasmic is Superior to the MGM version, although it is performed on the Rivers of America so viewing can be an issue. Get there early and get a good spot, it truely is amazing. You can also find the original Tiki Room show, and the Indiana Jones ride in Adventureland. The jungle Cruise is smaller than it's MK versions, but it has a neat Pirana trick toward the end
And all this is just Disneyland! California Adventure is just about 200 feet from the DIsneyland gates. Talk about ease of park hopping It's also great having DtD right in between the parks.
Well, I have to get going, even though theres so much more I could say about Disneyland. One last mention though...the Uva bar at DtD...I think thats what it's called. It's an open air, circular bar right in the middle of all the action....loved it!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hi everyone. Some might think I am crazy for asking this.....believe me I am a big Disney nut. We are going 3 times this year. I wanted to go to Disney World in May for mother's day but my husband asked if I would rather go to Disneyland instead. I have never been there and not sure what I should do. Has anyone been to both and if so would you go back to Disneyland? I'm afraid that I would be disappointed since I know what to expect from Disney World. Please advise on what you would do if you have the chance? If you would go, which hotel would you stay at in Disneyland? Thanks

Whether or not you are disappointed depends on your expectations. DLR will not deliver a WDW-like experience. It will not even be "WDW lite". It is it's own place with its own strengths. You need to be sure to not try to force DLR into your WDW mold. That will only lead to frustration.

DLR has a lot to offer if you can adjust what you expect.

For example, even though WDW has four parks to DLR's two, it only has 10% more rides. The DLR parks are jam packed with rides - more so than WDW.

Also, at this time DLR has better shows at the parks than WDW IMO. Better Fantasmic, better fireworks show, better stage show (Aladdin).

To whet your appetite read the following thread which is a popular one around here for people in your position:

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[mv1175]

After living in florida for 11 years and doing WDW several times and DLR only a couple times I would recommend DLR over WDW. Besides the reasons listed in the previous posts, the Cast members really stands out at DLR. The CMs at DLR really do a superior job in customer service and park upkeep. They really did an amazing job when I was there last week. If I need to plan a trip to a disney park in the future it will be DLR.

 

[ElizabethB]

Guess I'm in the minority. I've been to WDW and DLR many times. I would never (and I mean never) fly from the East Coast to go to DLR. WDW is so much better, IMO. WDW is a total immersion experience. DLR is not.

 

[Hound 109]

.... WDW is a total immersion experience. DLR is not......

I agree. It's so humid in Orlando, all i felt was immersion.....24/7.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I agree. It's so humid in Orlando, all i felt was immersion.....24/7.

The hottest, most humid summer I ever spent was the October I spent at WDW.

I've been to WDW and DLR many times. I would never (and I mean never) fly from the East Coast to go to DLR. WDW is so much better, IMO. WDW is a total immersion experience. DLR is not.

Maybe it's just me, but I didn't feel any more immersed having to stand for 20-30 minutes on a muni bus, cute as it was with the mouse on the side, than walking across the street in 5 minutes. The streets in WDW are prettier than those at DLR by a long shot. But they're still streets with a bunch of cars, stoplights, and buses on them.