We're

[Hootch]

planning a Western trip next summer (2012). Some places get booked early so we are already planning some of the details. (This summer is DW and the beach.)

So far we have alloted three days to LA. My wife asked me yesterday whether the differences between Disneyland and Disney World would merit spending a day there.

I went to Disneyland when I was 12 and let's just say that was some time ago. My wife and kids has never been. I know there are some different rides and in some cases even the same named rides are different.

There are several boards her related to DW and one related to Disneyland but I assume that the crossover is minimal. I know I spend more time on the DW boards because that is where we go.

Anyone here have experience with both locations willing to point out major differences?

 

[Sossy]

By next summer the DLR will be worth 3 days in most Disney-lovers minds. Lots of construction finishing up now, but a new land (cars) and entrance to California Adventure will be ready too.

What you really want is tips from those who have been to both, about DLR. A good start for general tips is http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483
and specifically for WDW vets try: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[sdwrdt]

in 2005, I was with DW Mickey one Friday and DL Mickey the next. I LOVED Disneyland/CA for the fact that they were so compact. We spent 2 days there and I still didn't get a chance to ride all the different rides between the 2 (partly because my mom refused to get on the Matterhorn! Of course, that was also before DW got Soarin')

I don't regret taking the time out of our 5-day trip to visit DL

 

[mdsd8700]

If you are a Disney Lover you must do Disneyland! We did our first trip in 2003 and have been a total of 4 times since. We actually have started switching up between WDW and DLR each year. Yes DLR is much smaller, but is awesome in its very own way. They are the same, but different . I personally love Disneyland Park and completely feel the Walt vibe while we are there, as crazy as that sounds.

As well CA offers the advantage of getting a Disney fix while being able to have another complete vacation! We have even spent a few days in DLR and then driven up the PCH to San Fransico over a few days and it was amazing!

I know I didn't really answer your questions as to pointing out the major differences, the pp links and checking our the DL Boards will really help you with that. I just wanted to chime in that as long as you were going to be out West anyway, you should definately include DLR!

 

[Hootch]

for your inputs. I did a web search prior to posting my question. There are several comparisons out there, but I am not sure when they were written. The Allears comparison was dated 2005 and I know a lot has changed at WDW since then. Another site noted that Soarin' was not available at WDW. The Hydroguy's post linked above is dated, very detailed and informative.

I have quite a bit of time to work through this which is something I enjoy. Unfortunately we will be only able to allot one day of our three in LA for Disney. I'll have to look into the Cars new land. If it is as easy to get to as California Adventure we will definitely need to get park hoppers. We should be able to skip the rides that are essentially the same as WDW as we visit there often. It sounds like Pirates and Space Mountain should be on our list because of the different versions.

Thanks again.

 

[mdsd8700]

The Hydroguy's post linked above is dated, very detailed and informative.

I'll have to look into the Cars new land. If it is as easy to get to as California Adventure we will definitely need to get park hoppers. Thanks again.

Hydroguy is awesome I have read and followed his advice on the boards when doing our DLR trips, a definate EXPERT!

Carsland is in DCA (you may know that and I was confused with your post ), which is literally across the way from Disneyland. It will take you no more than 60 seconds to walk between the two! so I would get a hopper pass for sure. However be warned a one day ticket with hopping is $101 for adults and $91 for kids, like WDW it gets cheaper the more days you add on.

However you can come and go between the parks very easily carrying FP for both and get more done then just being in one park at a time.

SM is incredibile in Disneyland!! I like it soooo much better than the version in WDW, it is not to be missed! Pirates is also very fun as well, I would agree to make time to ride those.

Good Luck!