Will I be disappointed in Disneyland?

[Aladora]

As you can see by my signature, we are a DL family but we did venture over to the World last December to see what we were missing!

So, here are my thoughts.

While we enjoyed WDW and all of us agreed that AK was our favourite park, there is something wonderful about Disneyland that keeps drawing us back. Walking under the main train station and looking to the left to see Walt's apartment with the light in the window is a moment that will always be special to us.

There are some attractions that are just better in WDW than in DL and some that are better at DL than WDW, IMHO. Jungle Cruise is better in WDW but PotC is better at DL. I slightly prefer the ride of TT over RSR but the theming of RSR wins out. Most people feel as though TOT is much better at WDW, I am in the very small minority who prefer the DL version. (If you want to ride the DL version, this is the time to do it as it is being changed to GotG next year.)

But all of those are really personal preferences. Go to DL to experience the original, go with an open mind and excited soul just because it is the only park that Walt walked in. Take the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour if it is in your budget.

I went to WDW once when I was a very young toddler and don't remember it at all. When my husband and I were planning our wedding and honeymoon, he decided that we should honeymoon in Disneyland. To be honest, I thought it was a silly idea but he told me that I would fall in love with it. He actually said "trust me, they pump happy gas into the air, you can't help but love it there!"

He was right.

OP, I hope that if you do go to DL, that you find as much joy as we have. We were there twice last year and once at WDW so we as a family had decided that we were going to take 2016 off and plan for my 45th birthday there next March. That plan lasted until July when my husband told me that the idea of not "going home" for an entire year just made him sad. So, we are heading back in September and it looks like we are getting APs since we will be back in March.

Yes, the closures are frustrating but there are so many wonderful things to see, do, experience and eat!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

It really depends on your attitude. If you go in planning on disappointment, yes. If you go in with the knowledge that some things are closed, but there's still a bunch to do, you're good. The magic of Disneyland isn't in its size, but in the fact that it's Walt's original park. He was here. He built this from the ground up. And it's amazing. It was the first.

I've been to WDW (though admittedly, only once). I enjoyed it, but honestly, I prefer Disneyland. Maybe it's because it's my home park, but I think it has more to do with the charm. Again, it's not huge and sprawling like WDW, but they pack a lot into a very small space. If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that DL and DCA combined have more attractions than WDW. So even with some closures, you're still likely to have plenty to see.

I recommend focusing on the things that are not available at WDW, and also the things that are slightly better. See Carsland. It's awesome. Go on GRR, which is a lot like the raft ride at AK, but I like it better. At DL, go on our versions of Pirates and HM. Because they are a bit different, even if not majorly. See Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Enjoy Toontown. Don't forget Indiana Jones. And if you have the means, go on a tour that will show you the unique qualities of Disneyland. It's amazing and I hope you have a great time enjoying the original.

 

[decoy7375]

All of you have been wonderful. Thank you as this is just what I needed....a jump start of enthusiasm sprinkled with a few concrete suggestions. WDW has certainly been our happy place...just being there...don't even need to get on a ride...happy place...which is why I was befuddled by why I wasn't being able to conjure up excitement for DL. Hearing people describe DL with the same sentiment helps my brain embrace the plan while having faith that my heart will catch up when I get there.

 

[VandVsmama]

WDW vs DL - it's kind of like debating which flavor of ice cream is better - chocolate or fudge ripple. Don't order chocolate expecting fudge ripple and then be disappointed why it doesn't taste like fudge ripple. Same for vice versa. Both flavors of ice cream are great. They both have a distinct taste but also have nuances that remind you of the other flavor/resort.

So for example, if you have your heart set on seeing Paint The Night and the 60th anniversary fireworks, then yes....you will be disappointed if you are going to DL after those entertainment options disappear in early September. But it would be awfully sad for you to come all that way to So Cal and never step foot in Disneyland! There is so much more to do than just seeing a parade and fireworks. Disneyland and DCA are really great. And if you only spend 1 day there, just do Disneyland for the day. And make sure that you see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Go on all the rides that Walt Disney had a hand in designing. And before you go, listen to some of the "Connecting with Walt" podcasts on the DIS Unplugged...especially the ones in which Michael Bowling talks about how Disneyland came to fruition because the history is really cool to learn about and it might make your visit to Disneyland extra special.

 

[ktlm]

We are WDW vets. We absolutely LOVE DLR. DH and I went there for one day while I was on a business trip 8 years ago (first time we had been since either of us was a child) and then 6 years ago we took a family trip with DD so that she could see the Aladdin show which had been announced was closing that year (but wound up staying around until January of this year). That was supposed to be our one time non WDW family trip and we have been back to DLR every year since. We were just there two weeks ago. We have been alternating coasts and going to both WDW and DLR.

I would say that since FP+, we might even almost prefer DLR to WDW (if DLR just had EPCOT- preferably WS). I have not been in September, so I don't know how much of an impact the closings for the winter overlays will have for you and of course there is the loss of the nighttime entertainment in the off season and with the Star Wars expansion-- but I would still jump at the chance to go do Disneyland every chance I get. We preferred the old version of WOC, so are excited to see that it is coming back. If you can swing the WOC dessert party, I would highly recommend it. We did it in July and it was fantastic.

Even though you might not be picking the most optimal time with it being when things are down for overlays, if you are Disney fan, I would jump at the chance to see the original park. Carsland is amazing, especially after dark.

As far as other places, we really enjoyed the San Diego Zoo safari park if you head further south.

 

[decoy7375]

WDW vs DL - it's kind of like debating which flavor of ice cream is better - chocolate or fudge ripple. Don't order chocolate expecting fudge ripple and then be disappointed why it doesn't taste like fudge ripple. Same for vice versa. Both flavors of ice cream are great. They both have a distinct taste but also have nuances that remind you of the other flavor/resort.

So for example, if you have your heart set on seeing Paint The Night and the 60th anniversary fireworks, then yes....you will be disappointed if you are going to DL after those entertainment options disappear in early September. But it would be awfully sad for you to come all that way to So Cal and never step foot in Disneyland! There is so much more to do than just seeing a parade and fireworks. Disneyland and DCA are really great. And if you only spend 1 day there, just do Disneyland for the day. And make sure that you see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Go on all the rides that Walt Disney had a hand in designing. And before you go, listen to some of the "Connecting with Walt" podcasts on the DIS Unplugged...especially the ones in which Michael Bowling talks about how Disneyland came to fruition because the history is really cool to learn about and it might make your visit to Disneyland extra special.

Ooh...the podcasts....good idea. I have a fair handle on the history but the podcasts would be inspiring. Thanks!

 

[decoy7375]

We are WDW vets. We absolutely LOVE DLR. DH and I went there for one day while I was on a business trip 8 years ago (first time we had been since either of us was a child) and then 6 years ago we took a family trip with DD so that she could see the Aladdin show which had been announced was closing that year (but wound up staying around until January of this year). That was supposed to be our one time non WDW family trip and we have been back to DLR every year since. We were just there two weeks ago. We have been alternating coasts and going to both WDW and DLR.

I would say that since FP+, we might even almost prefer DLR to WDW (if DLR just had EPCOT- preferably WS). I have not been in September, so I don't know how much of an impact the closings for the winter overlays will have for you and of course there is the loss of the nighttime entertainment in the off season and with the Star Wars expansion-- but I would still jump at the chance to go do Disneyland every chance I get. We preferred the old version of WOC, so are excited to see that it is coming back. If you can swing the WOC dessert party, I would highly recommend it. We did it in July and it was fantastic.

Even though you might not be picking the most optimal time with it being when things are down for overlays, if you are Disney fan, I would jump at the chance to see the original park. Carsland is amazing, especially after dark.

As far as other places, we really enjoyed the San Diego Zoo safari park if you head further south.

Thank you for the great perspective. I am not too worried about the closures for overlay but Carsland is certainly something to focus on.

 

[LizzyS]

This is funny because I want to go to WDW next year and I wonder the same thing, just about WDW instead!

I think you have to go into each with somewhat different expectations because they are so different.

 

[alicat8]

DW is my "home" and I loooooove DL. There's just a different feeling about it. Love that you can still ride Mr Toad and all of the other extra Fatasyland stuff. I love that so many random characters just wander like they used to at DW. It's hard to describe the feeling, but you will not regret it!

 

[TashK]

Frozen is also not showing on the entertainment schedule from September 5.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I'll never understand people's love for that toothpaste-flavored drink.

But now I'm craving a corndog from Main Street.

LOL, Me neither but then again I cant understand why people like those tasteless, greasy, mystery meat sicles either! I had two bites and threw it away - as did the other two people in my party.
I guess it's a good thing we dont all like the same thing or there wouldn't be any variety!

 

[Mich1218]

We went last year after 3 trips to WDW and weren't sure what to expect. We loved it so much we chose DLR over WDW for our next trip. I loved how fast you can get from your hotel to the parks, how easy it was to park hop and the laid back feel of the parks. I don't know if this is important, but we found meeting characters to be much faster in DL.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Frozen is also not showing on the entertainment schedule from September 5.

FWIW, it's not unusual for parts of the entertainment calendar to lag in being updated from the park hours calendar.

 

[GatorChris]

I did 7 huge trips to WDW before we started doing DL (due to the price of travel). There's plenty to like at DL for sure. It's a place to "do", whereas WDW is a place to "be". You'll love Cars Land over at CalAdventure, and the Indy ride is something new for you. You'll love the extra long Pirates and the way better version of Space Mt.

What you'll miss is the nighttime entertainment that WDW excels in. You'll also be missing the many Disney resorts in your price range, as well as the many TS restaurants WDW has. That said, if this is just quick trip and you're back to WDW soon, you'll love doing DL. It has a lot of character, even though everything is smaller.

 

[bethbuchall]

I absolutely fell in love with Disneyland. But we were there in July, and the parks were open 8 am-10 pm and 8am-midnight and there were fireworks, Paint the Night Parade, and World of Color every night. I was there from opening to closing for four days. There was so much to see and do. Often in the afternoons, my son and husband would head back to the room for coolness and a chance for a little rest. I rode very few rides while they were gone, but walking around taking pictures and absorbing the atmosphere was wonderful. There were things from WDW that I absolutely missed. So, it's hard to say how you'd feel about it.

We did go to the San Diego Zoo and wished that we had more time for it. We went to Joshua Tree National Park and loved that, too, though we didn't get to do as much as we wanted because of heat and lack of time.

 

[countofmc]

Details aside, the analogy I use is think of having 2 sets of grandparents that you love equally. One set lives in Florida and has a slightly bigger house. The other set lives in California. The experience is similar. They all love you, you love visiting them, have fun, eat good meals, etc. The environment you do it in is slightly different, but the overall experience is very similar.

 

[ADLFAN]

To be honest, I thought it was a silly idea but he told me that I would fall in love with it. He actually said "trust me, they pump happy gas into the air, you can't help but love it there!"

Haha, I totally agree! You have to try pretty hard or be physically ill to have a bad time at Disneyland!

 

[IBLarsen]

I've been to both several times (We're in North Texas, so ones not really more convenient over the other). I know it's so cliche, but I really do like both for different reasons. BUT DLR is my favorite. I agree with PP who said they are a bit disappointed in Magic Kingdom because Disneyland is so much better when comparing those two, Magic Kingdom just seems to not have as much to do. Disneyland has such a quaint, charming feeling to it (for me at least). I love California Adventure also, and between the two parks, they have all my familys favorites and we can go back and forth all day. It's really like one big park with a sidewalk in the middle. Keep in mind, I don't love Epcot (GASP), I could live without walking around the countries now that i've done it, so I don't miss that part at DLR. At WDW, my kids get frustrated when they want to go ride their favorite again and I have to say 'Sorry, we aren't in the right park'. At WDW I love the resorts. At DLR there really is no reason to pay the money to stay on property, as all the hotels across the street are so convenient, so that part may be a bit disappointing if you love the WDW resorts. But once, I'm in the parks, I much prefer DLR. We are going back to DLR next week actually. I could get super cheap flights into Orlando this summer, so talked to my DH and kids about doing WDW instead, but they all vetoed it and begged for DLR. If you are a Disney Lover, I can't see you being disappointed, but good to be aware of the differences

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread will give you good info about the similarities and differences between WDW and DLR: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

I always remember that Tony Baxter says that DL was built to be charming and WDW was built to be amazing. Nothing wrong with either, but two completely different atmospheres.

 

[rileyz]

I go to WDW 1-2 times per year, for a total of 2-3 weeks. We just visited DL for the first time 8/2-8/7. I liked it better. The only thing I missed was World Showcase. The crowds were better. The rides were better. Main Street was better. The weather, ha, not even a contest with no humidity, no rain! I live on the East Coast so WDW is still my go to, but man, I feel bad for Magic Kingdom when I go in November. It's just so much less for me now. Disneyland was really that much better.