California Vs Orlando

[MandyJ72]

Hi

Probably a bit of a tricky one this, but how does California Resort compare to WDW Orlando for a holiday?

Been to WDW 3 times and love it love it love it and also love Orlando and all the other non Disney things to do - Universal, NASA, Seaworld, Florida Mall, Premium Outlets etc etc but are wondering how California based holiday would compare?

Coming from the UK it's a lot of money to spend and am slightly concerned that we may feel "let down" by the California Resort and what else there is in the surrounding area but can't really decide.

Driving to malls, other parks etc etc isn't a problem as we are used to that but just not sure - will probably be a Summer holiday due to school term times etc but any thoughts on what's better would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mandy
x

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

Disneyland Resort is a lot smaller, with only two parks, three resort hotels, and a Downtown Disney district. While it is much smaller, it is well worth visiting. I actually prefer their Disneyland park and Downtown Disney to our Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney. Disneyland has over twice as many attractions as the Magic Kingdom, several of them far superior to their Florida equivalents (Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear, for example). Disneyland is a lot more personal, intimate park than the Magic Kingdom. The Grand Californian is a beautiful hotel, designed by the same architect who did the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

In short, my answer would be yes, definitely check it out!

 

[Monty]

It's difficult to compare the two. WDW is a lot bigger and has much more to do. DLR is the original and has more recently refurbed rides.

I have been to both and overall prefer WDW, but I certainly never regretted visiting DLR! I believe it's almost an obligation to make the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime! There's lots to do around DLR. It's worth driving down to the San Diego zoo.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Disneyland has over twice as many attractions as the Magic Kingdom, several of them far superior to their Florida equivalents (Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear, for example).

Twice as many? Is there a list somewhere?

 

[Monty]

Twice as many? Is there a list somewhere?

Magic Kingdom Attractions
Disneyland Attractions

By my count 47 at DL, 37 at MK.

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

I guess I'm little picky, I don't count things like the Main Street Vehicles and the Pooh playground.

 

[MandyJ72]

Thanks for the replies, take it then that an Orlando holiday is more suited to a more Disney based 2 weeks holiday with other days inter-mingled in between, like how we normally do it, whereas California would be more suited as just 2-3 days at Disney along with other days at other parks / SD / LA etc?

M
x

 

[Monty]

Thanks for the replies, take it then that an Orlando holiday is more suited to a more Disney based 2 weeks holiday with other days inter-mingled in between, like how we normally do it, whereas California would be more suited as just 2-3 days at Disney along with other days at other parks / SD / LA etc?

M
x

I'd say so. We went to LegoLand, Knott's Berry Farm and the zoo while we were there for a week and spend three days at CA/DLR combined.

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

Thanks for the replies, take it then that an Orlando holiday is more suited to a more Disney based 2 weeks holiday with other days inter-mingled in between, like how we normally do it, whereas California would be more suited as just 2-3 days at Disney along with other days at other parks / SD / LA etc?

M
x

I would say that you could easily spend about four, maybe even 5-6 just at the Disneyland Resort. And then throughout L.A., Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see, Knott's Berry Farm is a great park, and you could always make the trip down to San Diego to see the Zoo, SeaWorld, and Legoland, plus any number of other things like the beach. Plus, it's a little easier to get around. Disney, Universal, and I think Knott's have transportation arranged between their properties, unlike the Orlando competitors.

 

[NadieMasK2]

We found DLR to be very enjoyable. I LOVE the fact that if you stay close to the parks, you can walk to everything. It's so convenient, being able to walk everywhere, and it makes it easy to park hop. If you search the boards you will find threads on which is more "magical". For me it was DL. Don't get me wrong, I love WDW. But being in Walt's original park, with so many unique touches, was just magic for me.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I agree with everyone. Monty said it well, WDW is my favorite but I have never been disappointed in a Disneyland vacation.

As far as your actual stay at Disney - WDW obviously takes up much more time. You can fill 8 days or more at WDW easily. You can see everything in Disneyland in 5.

But as for the area, there's a ton to do in the LA and San Diego area. So you can definitelty fill up a two week vacation if you're wanting to see other things too.

 

[Nicole220]

DL > MK
WDW > DLR

The DLR doesn't even compare to WDW, but DL kicks MK's butt.

Everyone already said what I was going to say. But again, a DL vacation is definitely worth it!

 

[TP2000]

If you are going to these Disney amusement parks to go on rides and see big shows and entertainment, then Disneyland and DCA combined have almost as many rides as the four WDW parks combined, and just as much major entertainment in the form of parades, fireworks, water shows, etc.

In a couple years when the new stuff opens at DCA, the Disneyland Resort will actually surpass the total number of rides that WDW has in their four parks combined. Unless WDW goes on a major ride building spree ASAP, Disneyland Resort is about to pass them by when it comes to a basic list of rides and attractions on offer.

Once the new DCA Pixar parade begins in two weeks, I think there will also be more parades daily in Anaheim than in Orlando, plus fireworks and fantasmic every night.

All of the long list of Disneyland Resort rides and attractions are all within 20 minutes walk of each other in Anaheim, compared to WDW where they are spread out over a great distance that requires monorail (if you're lucky) or a city bus (if you are unlucky) or a drive and park experience (if you enjoy rental cars).

If you are going to WDW to stroll the grounds of some truly lovely hotels, and maybe play golf or go to water parks, then WDW has DLR beat. Disneyland, however, is in Orange County, California and is smack dab in the middle of some of the most ritzy and stunning hotels and natural landscapes on the planet. If you have a rental car, there is a wealth of things to see and do all within 30 minutes of Disneyland. Expand that travel time out to 90 minutes of driving, and there is enough to do in Southern California to keep you busy for two weeks. Southern California was a major international tourist destination several decades before Orlando was for a reason, you know. :lol:

Look into visiting Laguna Beach and the beaches of Orange County, as well as spending several days in San Diego and that gem of a city. There is the original Sea World in San Diego right on the ocean, plus the unparalleled zoological facilities at the world famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park. And beaches and cultural offerings abound in San Diego.

And then of course there is Los Angeles and Hollywood, but I'm sure you know what those cities have to offer.

 

[Tim G]

If you are going to these Disney amusement parks to go on rides and see big shows and entertainment, then Disneyland and DCA combined have almost as many rides as the four WDW parks combined, and just as much major entertainment in the form of parades, fireworks, water shows, etc.

Disney Parks are Theme Parks... not amusements parks,
if I want to go to an amusement park, I´ll go to Coney Island... :lookaroun

 

[Tim G]

You can't compare the one Disneyland Anaheim with Walt Disney World Orlando...

It's comparing apples with oranges... :lookaroun

 

[TP2000]

Twice as many? Is there a list somewhere?

It's raining here and I have a new computer on this lazy Sunday morning, so let's count it up, shall we? Taken from the 2008 official Park guidemaps themselves, a list of attractions of each Disney Park in America;

WDW - Magic Kingdom Park - 37 ATTRACTIONS

Main Street USA
Main Street Vehicles
Horse Drawn Streetcars
Magic Kingdom Railroad
Adventureland
Swiss Family Treehouse
Enchanted Tiki Room
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Frontierland
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Tom Sawyer Island
Country Bear Jamboree
Liberty Square
The Hall of Presidents
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Haunted Mansion
Fantasyland
it's a small world
Peter Pan's Flight
Snow White's Scary Adventures
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Mad Tea Party
Pooh's Playful Spot (play area)
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Minnie's House
Mickey's House
Toontown Hall of Fame
Donald's Boat
Goofy's Barnstormer
Tomorrowland
Indy Speedway
Space Mountain
Astro Orbiter
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Carousel of Progress
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Stitch's Great Escape

WDW - EPCOT - 23 ATTRACTIONS

Future World

Spaceship Earth
Universe of Energy
Mission Space
Test Track
Innoventions
The Living Seas
Turtle Talk
Soarin'
Living With The Land
Circle Of Life
Journey Into Imagination
Honey, I Shrunk The Audience

World Showcase
Mexico
Norway
China
Germany
Italy
The American Adventure
Japan
Morocco
France
United Kingdom
Canada

WDW - Disney's Hollywood Studios - 15 ATTRACTIONS

The Great Movie Ride
Sounds Dangerous With Drew Carey
Indiana Jones Epci Stunt Spectacular
Star Tours
MuppetVision 3D
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids Playground
Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show
Studio Backlot Tour
Walt Disney One Man's Dream
Voyage Of The Little Mermaid
Disney Animation
Playhouse Disney Live On Stage
Beauty And The Beast Live On Stage
Rock N' Roller Coaster
Tower of Terror

WDW - Disney's Animal Kingdom - 14 ATTRACTIONS

It's Tough To Be A Bug
Festival Of The Lion King
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exhibits
Express Train to Conservation Station
Conservation Station Exhibits
Maharaja Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids
Expedition Everest
The Boneyard
Finding Nemo The Musical
Primeval Whirl
Triceratops Spin
Dinosaur

DLR - Disneyland - 47 ATTRACTIONS

Main Street USA
Disneyland Railroad
Main Street Vehicles
First 50 Magical Years
Horse Drawn Streetcars
Adventureland
Enchanted Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise
Tarzan's Treehouse
Indiana Jones Adventure
New Orleans Square
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Haunted Mansion
Critter Country
Splash Mountain
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Frontierland
Mark Twain Riverboat
Sailing Ship Columbia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm
Fantasyland
it's a small world
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Pinnochio's Daring Journey
Peter Pan's Flight
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Alice In Wonderland
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Storybookland Canal Boats
Princess Fantasy Faire
Mad Tea Party
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
King Arthur Carousel
Mickey's Toontown
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Mickey's House
Minnie's House
Gadget's Go Coaster
Donald's Boat
Goofy's House (play area)
Tomorrowland
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Autopia
Innoventions
Disneyland Monorail
Honey, I Shrunk The Audience
Space Mountain
Star Tours
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Astro Orbiter

DLR - Disney's California Adventure - 27 ATTRACTIONS

Playhouse Disney Live On Stage
MuppetVision 3D
Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley To The Rescue!
Hyperion Theater - Alladin stage show
Tower of Terror
Disney Animation
Turtle Talk
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
Flik's Flyers
Francis' Lady Bug Boogie
Tuck & Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies
Dot's Puddle Park (play area)
Golden Vine Winery (exhibits and movie)
Pacific Wharf (two factory tour exhibits)
Golden Dreams
California Screamin'
King Triton's Carousel
Sun Wheel
Orange Stinger
Maliboomer
Golden Zephyr
Mulholland Madness
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Grizzly River Run
Soarin' Over California

So the grand total on that count is;
WDW - 89 ATTRACTIONS
DLR - 74 ATTRACTIONS

The interesting thing is that if you only count the "rides" where you board a moving vehicle (boat, car, train, bobsled, rocket, etc.) to experience the attraction versus sitting in a theater or walking through an exhibit, DLR has a combined 55 RIDES, and WDW has a combined 48 RIDES. That makes sense now that I've listed it, as every time I go to WDW I feel like a larger portion of the "attractions" involve sitting in theaters watching a movie or animatronics instead of riding in a moving vehicle. (I counted Carousel of Progress as a "ride" due to the fabulous revolving theater.)

So, with DCA going on a huge billion dollar building spree in the next four years that will add a half dozen major new attractions, the comparison between the attraction count of the two properties will narrow even more. And since five of the six new attractions for DCA involve moving vehicle systems, the ride count for Anaheim will increase even further. I find that fascinating, especially considering that WDW is physically so much larger than the compact DLR property.

This summer both WDW and DLR gain one new attraction; Toy Story Mania! in DHS and Toy Story Midway Mania! in DCA. That would bring the total to 90 attractions for WDW, and 75 attractions for DLR. It will also help pad WDW's weaker total for attractions with moving vehicles, bringing the overall total to 49 rides for WDW, and 56 rides for DLR.

 

[TP2000]

As for major entertainment in the form of parades, fireworks, night spectaculars, here's the breakdown on an average summer day in 2008;

WDW

Magic Kingdom Park
Dreams Come True Parade (afternoon)
Spectromagic Parade (night)
Wishes fireworks spectacular

Epcot
Reflections of Earth spectacular

DHS
Fantasmic!
Block Party Bash
High School Musical Pep Rally

Animal Kingdom
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade

DLR

Disneyland
Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams (one afternoon, one night)
Fantasmic!
Remember Dreams Come True fireworks spectacular

DCA
Pixar Play Parade (afternoon)
Disney's Electrical Parade (night)
High School Musical Pep Rally

So on an average busy day WDW has four different parades, one nightly fireworks show, one lagoon show, and Fantasmic!

DLR on an average busy day has three different parades (one performing twice per day), one nightly fireworks show, and Fantasmic!

I threw in the High School Musical thing as a courtesy to both properties; not a parade really, but it's something in the street a few times every afternoon.

When World Of Color opens at DCA as the big night lagoon show there in 2010, that gap would narrow to one missing parade at Disneyland. Again, I'm fascinated by the amount of entertainment Disneyland and DCA cram into one day in a small space.

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

DL > MK
WDW > DLR

The DLR doesn't even compare to WDW, but DL kicks MK's butt.

Right on the money, Nicole.

 

[TP2000]

Hi

Probably a bit of a tricky one this, but how does California Resort compare to WDW Orlando for a holiday?

I should have responded to this basic before I went off on my coffee-fueled manifesto on attraction lists. :lol:

Have you been to Disneyland Paris? Disneyland in California is set up much like Disneyland Paris is. It has two separate theme parks, Disneyland and California Adventure, sitting directly adjacent to each other. It's a 5 minute walk from one park to the other. A few steps off to the right is Downtown Disney, with a collection of non-Disney related shops along with some rather good restaurants and a few nightclubs. Surrounding Downtown Disney are the three official Disney hotels of the Disneyland Resort. The Disneyland Monorail has a station in the middle Downtown Disney and connects directly with the station in Tomorrowland. It would take you about 20 minutes at most to walk from one side of the entire property to the other.

Tokyo Disney Resort is set up almost exactly like Anaheim as well, and might even be a closer fit to California due to the size and number of Disney hotels.

Hong Kong Disneyland has been designed from the beginning to follow this same plan as it is built out over the next decade or so. Hong Kong will have two adjacent parks, a Downtown Disney slicing through the middle, and a collection of Disney Hotels along the perimeter.

Walt Disney World is the aberration when it comes to Disney theme park developments. There isn't any other property like it, and the other three properties around the world have been set up to more closely follow the Anaheim model.

As for shopping, Orange County and SoCal has lots of great malls, from the swankiest to the most outlets. Here are links to a few that are within 10 to 60 minutes driving distance of Disneyland.

http://www.southcoastplaza.com (the Godzilla of all California malls, 10 minutes from Disneyland)
http://www.shopfashionisland.com (the OC Lifestyle on display, 20 minutes from Disneyland)
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=66 (near Legoland, 60 minutes from Disneyland)
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=6 (on the way to Palm Springs, 45 minutes from Disneyland)


And this one opens completely in May and is just two blocks from Disneyland
http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/

 

[MandyJ72]

WOW!! Thank you guys for all the info - TP2000 are you psychic or something? my next question was going to be how done Anaheim / California compare for shopping (regular shopping not way expensive Rodeo Drive shopping!!) - especialy for outlets as Orlando is amazing & the kids just love Premium Outlets (especially my 12yr old daughter!!!!)

We have been to Paris, but that was when Amy was 2 and she will be 13 in May so can't really remember too much - we did enjoy it but not spectacularly like we like WDW and my sister has been with her 2 kids, the oldest of which we brought to WDW with us 2yrs ago and she said that you just can't compare them as there is so much more at WDW with parades, fireworks, shows and other stuff that you just don't get.

Interesting that Anaheim looks like it may actually have more to do in a more compact and easier to get around space - getting round isn't a problem for us, stayed at AKL for a week and got all Disneyed out last year then went off site but my daughter does have problems with her knees and having a wheelchair was a godsend for us last year as she was going through a bad patch but if Anaheim is a lot smaller then she would probably cope a lot better.

Would the Anaheim parks compare on a size basis to WDW MGM then?

What's food like / price wise etc in and around the area - am thinking now of a couple of nights in San Fransisco as I've always wanted to go there - don't know why, just do!! and then coming down to Anaheim sort of area for a week and doing Disney / LA type stuff then down to San Diego or something like that.

My kids will eat anything but they LOVE the buffets - Sizzlers, Golden Corrall, Perkins is a must etc etc - are they all in and around the areas we looking at and comparible price wise to Orlando - someone told me that California way more expensive?

Thanks guys & sorry to be a pain!!

Any time you want to know about not so sunny Scotland just ask!!!!

Mandy
x