we love WDW... would we be disappointed with DL?

[LucyDingo]

As many others have said...you really can't compare the two vacations. So if you do go to Disneyland...don't spend the entire trip comparing it to things at WDW.

You can easily compare rides to each other...
Pirates is better at DL.
Space Mountain is better at DL.
Stuff like that.

There's not much Disney type stuff to do outside of the parks. But there's plenty to do in southern California.

I love both DLR and WDW. After our last WDW trip it made me want to plan a DL trip right away. And I'm sure after our DL trip I'll want to start planning another WDW trip.

Disneyland/DCA might be smaller than WDW. But overall, they have about the same amount of rides/attractions. And you don't have to take buses and jump between four parks to see them all.

 

[bennyb98]

NO! you WON'T be disappointed with Disneyland! I'm a big WDW fan and I loved my time at DLR! Both are unique and truly magical places and as soon as you get over BTMRR being right next door to Fantasyland (that threw me for a long until the last day of my trip) you'll have a great time!

 

[Robert and Kelley]

We have been to both several times. I have always had a wonderful time at DL. I totally agree with the others that it was Walts park and the magic is even stronger there. We really liked DCA and I am excited to see the changes they make. The last time we were at DL was for the 50th Celebration.

I also totally agree that you should not compare the 2 parks. Enjoy each one for what is has to offer. We usually spend no more than 3-4 days at the DLR.

 

[HydroGuy]

If you are really just kicking a round the idea, and you are willing to wait, 2012 will be the year that will forever change DLR.

As Judy and some others here are aware, a thread over on MiceChat has lots of detail on the DCA expansion project. I agree that DLR in 2012 is going to be an improved experience. Is it worth waiting for? Maybe. There will be lots of construction and re-routing going on DCA over the next few years. The year 2011 will have lots of it completed.

Here is a link:

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyla...-california-adventure-project-tracker-ii.html

 

[HydroGuy]

While I have grown fond of WDW, there are some areas where DLR exceeds WDW IMO.

1. Weather - IMO the weather at DLR is better than WDW on average, and especially in the summer. Less rain and less humidity.

2. Ride concentration - One would think that WDW would have twice as many rides as DLR since it has twice as many parks. Nope. WDW has only 10% more rides. DLR has lots more rides packed into those little parks.

3. Entertainment - as of today DLR's top three shows are much better than their counterparts at WDW. That would be the Remember Dreams Come True fireworks/laser/special effects show, Fantasmic and the Aladdin stage show

4. Accessibility - everything can be reached on foot and park hopping takes about 1 minute. The walking distance hotels makes for a different experience.

5. Longer park hours - along with #4 above makes it easier to spend more time in the parks.

 

[yeartolate]

Matterhorn, especially at night,
Fantasmic at DL 100 times better. When we go to WDW, we can't see Fantasmic anymore. It leaves us feeling cheated.
The weather seriously. Our family is filled with wather wimp and there has never been one day we felt we needed to leave the parks because it was too hot or too wet.



I do not know if I am alone, but there is a certain amount of stress associated with WDW that I do not get at DL. AT WDW I feel the need to plan, get reservations, figure out where I have to be and when I have to be there. I am a spontaneous kind of person, and I have never felt the ability to be that spontaneous at WDW. I think if I could afford to go for 2 weeks, that feeling would go away. I love WDW, but the I love being able to be that spontaneous at DLR.

But realistically, if you are chosing between the two, how can you go wrong.

 

[BlueBayou]

Additionally, I would recommend that diehard fans consider making a side trip to Hollywood to visit the El Capitan Theatre and the Studio Store & Soda Fountain. (Walt Disney's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is also located in this vicinity.) If your trip happens to coincide with a day that Walt's Barn is open in Griffith Park, that's an interesting place to visit as well.

With our kids ages (8 and 5) we had not done Hollywood yet. But this year we ventured out. Parked at that shopping complex (Hollywood and Highland I think is the name) and walked to the Mann's. My oldest can read pretty well and her little sister can spot words. All of a sudden would yell - take my picture. They found Walt, Snow White's and a lot of other stars.

We ended up hungry at the El Capitan - and ate in the Soda Shop. I could not believe on our one venture away from Anaheim - we ended up eating inside a Disney store. The kids had fun - plus their reaction to the two unisex bathrooms was a hoot. I don't know why they thought it was funny - because we have a lot of places with Mens, Womens and a family one around here.

We also went down to see the train/subway - since we only have light rail where we live. For that we were total tourists.

It helped that my husband has been to Hollywood a few times in recent years - so we were not wandering around totally lost. In all our journey was very fun for the kids.

 

[KCmike]

Disneyland is far superior to WDW in terms of rides, attractions, and fireworks in my opinion. We use to love WDW as well but there is so much unused space there and the amount of walking one has to do to get around WDW is just plain stupid once you've been to DL. Don't get me wrong, WDW is great. I have always said to my family that if EPCOT was at DL then I would NEVER go back to WDW. DL is amazing. Walt use to walk the park every day there. There are so many attractions in one small space and the quality is light years ahead of Florida's versions. You have to go to say you've been where it all started. Not to mention the gorgeous weather in SoCal. You can see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, San Diego, Hollywood (although we were unimpressed with that), the desert, if you wanted to drive North you could see Monterey, San Fran, and Yosemite Natl Park. Go to Disneyland!!!

One of my favorite quotes: There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

Even if the plane fare is more expensive the hotels on harbor and the tickets to get into the park will be cheaper.

 

[TMB1203]

I haven't read any of the other responses, so sorry if I duplicate anything.
We are also WDW fanatics. I was worried about the same thing when we went to DL this past summer. I really liked DL, you won't be disappointed.

The parks/DTD are so close that you don't have to deal with transportation. We stayed at GC and the walk to the parks was great. The private entrance to CA is a huge perk. There are similiarities so you still feel like you know the park, even if it is a little different than WDW. DL has some of the same rides as WDW but they have small differences, which is neat. There are also attractions at DL which they do not have at WDW.

The rides are closer together, so there is not as much walking within each park to get to another attraction. We went in June and the weather at DL was much better than WDW!

The only con I can think of is that the crowds seem higher at DL than WDW.

 

[LucyDingo]

Disneyland is far superior to WDW in terms of rides, attractions, and fireworks in my opinion. We use to love WDW as well but there is so much unused space there and the amount of walking one has to do to get around WDW is just plain stupid once you've been to DL. Don't get me wrong, WDW is great. I have always said to my family that if EPCOT was at DL then I would NEVER go back to WDW. DL is amazing. Walt use to walk the park every day there. There are so many attractions in one small space and the quality is light years ahead of Florida's versions. You have to go to say you've been where it all started. Not to mention the gorgeous weather in SoCal. You can see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, San Diego, Hollywood (although we were unimpressed with that), the desert, if you wanted to drive North you could see Monterey, San Fran, and Yosemite Natl Park. Go to Disneyland!!!

One of my favorite quotes: There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

Even if the plane fare is more expensive the hotels on harbor and the tickets to get into the park will be cheaper.

How funny. One thing I wish Disneyland had that WDW does is all of the space. I love all of the grassy areas and stuff at WDW. Very pretty. And it just makes things seem more open and I feel less clausterphobic.

Park ticket prices aren't really a big difference.
Example:
6-day hopper at DL is $249 for adults
6-day hopper at WDW is $275 for adults

Not too bad considering you're getting 4 parks at WDW.

 

[SharonLovesMickey]

I grew up in Los Angeles and went to Disneyland several times as a kid. Since then I have been to WDW and Disneyland many times.

I love both locations and, as many have said before me, they are different experiences.

I would say DO IT!!! because there are many unique rides and different versions of rides in Disneyland (my favorite: The Storybook Ride in Fantasyland). There is enough that is different that you will enjoy it and enough the same that you that magic we all want at a Disney park.

Additionally, I have found great fun comparing the parks with my husband who grew up going to WDW and experienced DLR with me for the first time last year.

The Downtown Disney area there is fantastic and much more walkable and enjoyable than the one in FL (imo) and also includes one of my favorite stores Build-a-bear.

There are some great dining options in the park and at DTD.

For a shorter trip you will be able to get everything done that you want and not leave feeling like you missed something!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

In talking with many, many people about the two Disney resorts over the year, the thing that I've come to realize is that it all really depends on your personal preference. Disneyland is a smaller, more intimate experience. While it doesn't have the scale and size of WDW, it more than makes up for it in Walt's personal touch and charm.

If you're just looking for the Disney park experience, then go to the place that's cheapest for you and your family because it doesn't really matter which one you choose. If you must have the total immersion and can't get over the fact that the castle is not visible from nearly every single vantage point in the entire property, then Disneyland is not for you.

But, if you love and admire Walt Disney, make a point to see the only theme park in the world designed by him. Come see the place that he risked his personal fortune and reputation on. Come see the place where he walked and devised so many of his ideas. See the place where he brought his daughters to play in time and time again. No Disney park in the world can ever have the light in the window over the firehouse. That was Walt's apartment. And the light was always on when he was in Disneyland. They've kept it turned on ever since he passed away in December 1966.

 

[fairykin]

Ahhh... Sleepless Knight said it so eloquently.

I've been to both and I really love Disneyland. It's a totally different experience.

You and Your husband should go during the Food and Wine Festival.. my husband and I are going during that time.. i just need to find out when it is to plan our trip

Anyway.. it sounds like a perfect couples weekend.. Tasty bits of delicious food to try.. delicious wines.. and best of all.. Disneyland!

 

[LucyDingo]

In talking with many, many people about the two Disney resorts over the year, the thing that I've come to realize is that it all really depends on your personal preference. Disneyland is a smaller, more intimate experience. While it doesn't have the scale and size of WDW, it more than makes up for it in Walt's personal touch and charm.

If you're just looking for the Disney park experience, then go to the place that's cheapest for you and your family because it doesn't really matter which one you choose. If you must have the total immersion and can't get over the fact that the castle is not visible from nearly every single vantage point in the entire property, then Disneyland is not for you.

But, if you love and admire Walt Disney, make a point to see the only theme park in the world designed by him. Come see the place that he risked his personal fortune and reputation on. Come see the place where he walked and devised so many of his ideas. See the place where he brought his daughters to play in time and time again. No Disney park in the world can ever have the light in the window over the firehouse. That was Walt's apartment. And the light was always on when he was in Disneyland. They've kept it turned on ever since he passed away in December 1966.

I don't know...I really LOVE feeling immersed at WDW. It's one of my favorite things about a WDW trip. But I still LOVE Disneyland trips just as much. I like the size of Cinderella castle. but I like the color and detail of Sleeping Beauty's castle.

 

[chris4disney]

I don't know...I really LOVE feeling immersed at WDW. It's one of my favorite things about a WDW trip. But I still LOVE Disneyland trips just as much. I like the size of Cinderella castle. but I like the color and detail of Sleeping Beauty's castle.

I also love feeling completely immersed at WDW. It makes me forget about the "real world" for a short while. And with the large size of the whole resort, it does really feel like a WORLD!

 

[LucyDingo]

I also love feeling completely immersed at WDW. It makes me forget about the "real world" for a short while. And with the large size of the whole resort, it does really feel like a WORLD!

That is exactly what I was saying to my husband the other day....it really being it's own world as opposed to being in the middle of anaheim.

 

[JackTwo]

Disneyland Resort packs pretty much everything Walt Disney World has in a much tighter space. For accessibility to the various attractions in 2-3 days, Disneyland Resort is much easier to handle. Disneyland kicks butt over the Magic Kingdom. EPCOT is really cool though. It would be nice if they built an "EPCOT West" at Disneyland Resort but I'm not sure if they have the space. Nonetheless, the Los Angeles area is like a world showcase itself with all the different ethnicities represented. You have Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Little India, Thai Town, Little Saigon, Olvera Street, etc. where you can get a more authentic experience of different cultures than you get at EPCOT.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I was underwhelmed by DL.

While there were some good things - yes, there isn't as much walking and the rides are closer together, there are some rides you won't get at WDW, especially if you go over a holiday (SW holiday, HM holiday) - I just didn't enjoy it as much as my WDW vacations.

I think a lot has to do with my expectation of a Disney vacation. When I step onto Disney property in Florida, I never leave (well, maybe once to go to the outlet stores ). I eat, sleep and play Disney.

At DL, I felt like I was at a theme park.
At WDW, I feel like I'm at a vacation destination.

 

[chris4disney]

I can appreciate the fact that Disneyland has packed a lot of attractions in one park and that may be important to some people in their reason for liking DL over MK, but the attractions aren't always what makes me enjoy my WDW vacations.

As long as I don't have to wait 30 minutes for a bus, boat or monorail... I actually enjoy these parts of visiting WDW. Talking to strangers and hearing about their different Disney experiences... is this their first trip or 25th trip! Seeing the little kids passed out after a long day with their faces painted and their princess dresses on. Yes, I know there are some not so fun bus rides (trust me, I've been on some that had us packed in there like sardeans (sp?) or when our son threw up on the bus in the dark so we weren't sure exactly where "it" all went until the lights came back on. ) But for the most part, yes, I like the different modes of transportation. Call me crazy!

I enjoy staying at AKL listening to the music playing in the lobby, sitting out at the fire near the savannahs and having beautiful giraffes at our balcony all night and day. I love strolling along the Beach at the Y & B club in the evening to catch a movie on the beach while the ferrys come in and out, watch Illuminations and Wishes from a distance and eat an ice cream cone from B & C! That doesn't even count all the excitement along the Boardwalk or places to eat. And to quote Julie Andrews..these are a few of my favorite things!

All of these fabulous things make MY vacation enjoyable... and I haven't even stepped into a park yet. Will I get that kind of enjoyment at DLR? Like I said, I do like the different attractions, parades, etc... but for me, that isn't the only thing that makes a Disney vacation a good one.

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Will I get that kind of enjoyment at DLR? Like I said, I do like the different attractions, parades, etc... but for me, that isn't the only thing that makes a Disney vacation a good one.

You will. At least I do.

I love sitting on a bench in the hub next to Partner’s statue listening to the Main Street music loop and just watching people enjoy their day. Same with just sitting and listening to Snow White sing out of her wishing well. I really love watching the characters interact with guests, so watching the Mad Hatter and Alice play musical chairs at the Coke Corner really makes me smile. I enjoy watching the Disneyland Band play in front of the castle with Mary Poppins and Bert or right at the entrance in front of the floral Mickey.

But it’s hard to say, because what I enjoy as someone who grew up with Disneyland and someone who holds a sentimental value towards Disneyland, what I enjoy might be completely different to someone who feels the same way about WDW and visa versa.