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Differences Between Disneyland and Walt Disney World
- Thread starter Agent
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Cosmic Commando
Well-Known Member
Any final questions?
Something that just occurred to me: if you want to see the Cars Land lighting ceremony, you need to be there at sunset. Not "oh gee, it's really starting to get dark" sunset, weather almanac sunset... it's still pretty light out when it happens. Unfortunately, it probably wouldn't be safe to have all those people stumbling around in the dark for a few hours in order to properly recreate the scene from the movie, but it's still very cool. I looked up the sunset time at weather.com or some such place and it was right on.
dvcnut
Member
I have to chime in with my 2 cents on some things that were mentioned here 
- Avoid the Storybookland Canal Boat ride. Yes, it has historical significance, but it's a pretty uneventful ride. You'd be better off looking up photos of it on the web.
- The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride is awesome! I don't remember the line, but I remember enjoying it way more than the WDW version. A word of caution though...those who are clausterphobic might want to avoid it since you are literally enclosed in a submarine during the ride.
bethymouse
Well-Known Member
@Cosmic Commando We're thinking about a DL trip next June. Would it be better to go in April ( spring break) or Thanksgiving week or Christmas week? You give some great advice! As a WDW veteran, I am wondering how to approach DL and DCA differently. I know to use FPs. We will not be park hopping, but I want to see it all, so I would do a 4 day 1 park pass.
2 days @ both parks. Also- so many people say it's not worth it to stay "onsite" @ the DL hotels, but I am one to like to be in the "Disney Bubble" so to speak. What are your thoughts on this?
I'm only able to go when school is out. My schedule is sadly no longer flexible due to new laws in WV.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
As a WDW veteran, I am wondering how to approach DL and DCA differently. I know to use FPs. We will not be park hopping, but I want to see it all, so I would do a 4 day 1 park pass. 2 days @ both parks. Also- so many people say it's not worth it to stay "onsite" @ the DL hotels, but I am one to like to be in the "Disney Bubble" so to speak. What are your thoughts on this?I'm only able to go when school is out. My schedule is sadly no longer flexible due to new laws in WV.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
bethymouse
Well-Known Member
TP2000
Well-Known Member
Agreed!
Going to Southern California and only seeing Disneyland would be like planning and saving for a trip to Washington DC and then only visiting the Lincoln Memorial.
Disneyland is just one jewel in a crown of amazing natural and man-made sights in California. In central Florida, it's just theme parks that are the reason for being there. In California, it's very, very different.
FutureWorld1982
Well-Known Member
I am sorry, but that's absolutely not true. There's SO MUCH to see and do here in Central Florida other than theme parks. The natural aspect of Florida is absolutely magnificent, and I am sorry that some people may not be aware of that. I personally love Florida a lot, and I can tell you that you could easily spend an entire day in one of the many natural parks/gardens in the area.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
I think what TP was trying to say was that Florida is well known for its theme parks, and they're a major draw. California is the exact opposite, being famous and well known for a lot of things, besides theme parks.
No doubt Florida has offers more than just theme parks. When I think of Florida, I think of beaches and space history. As well as theme parks.
TP2000
Well-Known Member
No doubt Florida has offers more than just theme parks. When I think of Florida, I think of beaches and space history. As well as theme parks.
And alligators. Also bugs. Big ones.
Cosmic Commando
Well-Known Member
@Cosmic Commando We're thinking about a DL trip next June. Would it be better to go in April ( spring break) or Thanksgiving week or Christmas week? You give some great advice!
I'm only able to go when school is out. My schedule is sadly no longer flexible due to new laws in WV.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
How to handle the parks? I'll tell you when I figure it out!
Those are all going to be the max crowd times, as I'm sure you know. I don't think there's much difference between them. You'd get to see the Christmas decorations during both Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks, so that's a plus. At Spring Break time, you might be more ready to get away from the cold weather and there's a small chance that your break will be at a different time than the locals'.
I've never stayed off-site at WDW, but I'd have no trouble staying off-site at DLR. There are literally a dozen hotels off-site that are as close or closer to Disneyland and DCA and Downtown Disney as the Contemporary is to MK. If you can afford to drop the money for a WDW deluxe without even thinking about it, then stay at the Disneyland Hotel; if you have actually have a budget, stay off-site. I'd pick one of the hotels on Harbor Blvd between Katella and I-5... that's about the extent of easy walking distance. If you want a little nicer hotel for the same money or less, you could look in this area off of the Artesia Freeway (91) just west of I-5. It would only be a 10 minute or so drive to the parking structure with carpool lanes and carpool-to-carpool exits abound... I have never been stuck in traffic on that section of freeway. Then a pleasant tram ride to the parks with a narration by the old, super upbeat WDW monorail voice guy.
FutureWorld1982
Well-Known Member
I think what TP was trying to say was that Florida is well known for its theme parks, and they're a major draw. California is the exact opposite, being famous and well known for a lot of things, besides theme parks.
No doubt Florida has offers more than just theme parks. When I think of Florida, I think of beaches and space history. As well as theme parks.
I see what you mean. Thanks for the explanation!
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
And panthers, I'm now hearing??? I think I'd faint if I ever saw one.
dvcnut
Member
@dvcnut Do you have any advice for me regarding a DL TRIP? I am a WDW vet, but I need a change.
Hi Beth! I've actually only been to DL once so far (for our honeymoon in 2008), so I'm far from an expert on it. We're heading back for our anniversary in September this year though...can't wait!
This thread offered some great advice on the rides that are unique to DL and the ones that are also in WDW but are slightly different.
The only things that I would add are that my DH and I really enjoyed staying on property since we appreciate the Disney experience morning, noon, and night. There's nothing better then a Mickey-shaped towel waiting for you on your bed, shampoo bottles with Mickey ears, and locating hidden Mickey's throughout the hotel.
We really enjoyed the walk through Downtown Disney in order to get to the parks from Disneyland Hotel too. It had an ambiance that was very different than WDW. D.D. really comes alive at night at DL with street performers, jazz musicians, etc. Watching the fireworks from the veranda at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is pretty incredible too.
The thing to do when visiting DL is not to compare it to WDW. WDW is much bigger, offers more rides/ restaurants/ stores, and the castle is much bigger. The charm about DL is that it was the original, Walt Disney actually saw it come to fruition, they've kept a lot of the original rides that WDW no longer has, and there are distinct nuances with the rides that are in both parks, etc.
My favorite things about DL are: Indiana Jones Adventure (my favorite ride out of both DL & WDW), Haunted Mansion Holiday (Halloween time), Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Matterhorn, Blue Bayou restaurant, Carnation Cafe, and Downtown Disney. I haven't experienced Carsland yet, but it looks amazing!
Sorry that was longwinded...
Uncle Remus
Well-Known Member
Years ago I saw a dead panther here in Florida (way out HWY 200 in Ocala headed to Citrus County for those familiar). It was pretty sad. I reported it and waited for Wildlife officials.
I also came across a mountain lion cub when hiking in The Big Sur out in California. I got the heck out of there being that momma had to be close by.
dvcnut
Member
My name is Beth too and I agree as well
We're starting our trip out in the San Francisco/ Sonoma area, heading into Yosemite, down the Pacific Coast Highway to Cambria, then down to Disneyland/ Los Angeles. California is a fantastic state to explore!
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Oh my gosh, that's sad. I wonder how it died? Poor thing.
I've seen a mountain lion, too, while hiking in CA. I was frozen for about five seconds (this one was full grown and it was staring at me) but I snapped out of it and ran. I would have been just as scared if it had been a cub.
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
and wild pigs...
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Are those scary?
Uncle Remus
Well-Known Member
Can be. I hunt wild boar. We put on a couple of pig roasts a year. Other than Gator hunting I find it to be the most exciting.