I finally experienced Disneyland...

[George Lucas on a Bench]

...and I just wasn't feeling it. Oh, man. I apologize if I offend anyone with my WDW bias. Although, I'd love to hear what you guys think. I must stress that the park was not fully experienced and I will be returning. Indiana Jones and Small World were being worked on and much of Fantasyland was shut down for that Tom Hanks flick. So, yeah, didn't get to do what many consider one of Disney's best attractions or the dark rides.

- Pirates of the Caribbean was phenomenal. Easily the best thing I experienced. WDW's queue line was better, but the ride is arguably superior. WDW's is like a CliffsNotes version of it.

- Haunted Mansion Holiday? Ugh, no thank you. Such a tacky and garish overlay. The house is cool, though. That said, WDW's version seems to be the definitive version of this attraction, although I liked the staircase in the loading area.

- Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain I thought were all better in WDW. Disneyland's Space Mountain was kind of boring. WDW is a much different beast with the seating arrangement and a more exciting, wild ride. Disneyland's felt like we were just going around in circles and gradually descending. Yawn.

- Splash felt rushed, the story wasn't cohesive as WDW and I didn't like how the characters looked. I also prefer WDW's soundtrack.

- Thunder had a really neat section through a cave that WDW's doesn't have to my memory, but WDW is overall a bigger, better ride. Still, it was a fun ride.

- The Matterhorn was a big disappointment. Looked great, but the ride was kinda boring and painful! Now, this is obviously a huge M.I.A. attraction at WDW, but I honestly think I enjoy Everest at Animal Kingdom far more.

- I didn't like Tarzan Treehouse. The WDW version of the Swiss Family Robinson one is clearly superior. Jungle Cruise was better in WDW, I thought. Somehow, it's just a better experience. The jokes and overall cheese of the Disneyland version weren't working for me. Also, the temple scene in WDW is the best part of the ride.

- Tiki Room show was practically the same except for the fountain, but I prefer the WDW preshow with the birds and waterfall.

- The monorail going through the park was spectacular...but it's clearly cooler at EPCOT. But I digress.

- Frontierland felt like kind of a big waste of space. Ironic, since Magic Kingdom has a ton of extra space and somehow doesn't feel as dead.

- Tomorrowland was kind of trashed. I realize it was updated in the 90s or more recently, but it feels stuck in the 80s and nothing around the place really screamed the future. Space Mountain wasn't as noticeable on the skyline, didn't have the presence it does in WDW. I really prefer the look of the newer Tomorrowland at WDW. Also, no PeopleMover, but an empty track?

- One of the neatest things I saw all day for whatever reason was three different railings intersecting in the Fantasyland smoking area overlooking the submarine ride cave.

- I adore that there is a Roger Rabbit ride in the park, but it really wasn't that good.

- I didn't do California Adventure. I will, though. I will also experience the rest of the park when it's open and I'll definitely return for the classic Haunted Mansion.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I'd argue you really didn't experience Disneyland, since you missed out on some things. Sorry you didn't have a good time.

 

[MickeyPeace]

Interesting review. I've never been to Disneyland but I imagine it being a park packed with hits. And of course history. Since WDW is my home park I kind of like that it wins out for the reasons you stated. Hopefully I will get to make my own comparison.

 

[Maryssa*]

Non-halloween Space Mountain is way, way, way, better than WDW's =) THe soundtrack adds so much.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I actually also preferred the current WDW soundtrack to Disneyland's.

 

[sponono88]

What about the entertainment at the park, did you see any shows or parades? Fantasmic, Fireworks? Also you should really check out the new DCA next time you're at the resort

 

[croboy82]

Too bad you didn't enjoy it that much.

I've only been to Anaheim and Paris so far and ABSOLUTELY loved Anaheim.

I will agree that you probably didn't come in the right time, lots of refurbishment going on.

 

[Communicore]

I hope that Fantasyland dark rides are open, as I wanna do Toad again and also check out the Haunted Mansion Holiday.

 

[thomas998]

You do have to admit that the smell of ginger bread in the Haunted Mansion is pretty cool.

While you are there I would suggest you at least to the California Scream'n.... but don't waste time on the Radiator Springs unless you can get there early and snag a fast pass... it isn't good enough to warrant a 2 to 3 hour wait... And at this point it often breaks down and you could end up with a lot longer wait than you think.

 

[Californian Elitist]

You do have to admit that the smell of ginger bread in the Haunted Mansion is pretty cool.

While you are there I would suggest you at least to the California Scream'n.... but don't waste time on the Radiator Springs unless you can get there early and snag a fast pass... it isn't good enough to warrant a 2 to 3 hour wait... And at this point it often breaks down and you could end up with a lot longer wait than you think.

You'd recommend Screamin', but not Racers?

OP, please don't take Thomas' advice. As far as the total package, Racers is much superior to Screamin', and it's worth the wait.

 

[wiigirl]

I'd argue you really didn't experience Disneyland, since you missed out on some things. Sorry you didn't have a good time.

same here...

 

[ImagineerDude]

I totally agree! We were there for two days this past March and I agree with almost all your conclusions, but Disneyland's overall live entertainment kicks WDW's butt

 

[Californian Elitist]

I don't understand how a Disney fan just couldn't seem to enjoy themselves at a Disney park, especially the original one. I myself have yet to visit all the Disney parks, but I have very little doubt I wouldn't have fun at all of them.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I guess Walt Disney World spoiled a lot of things for me.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I guess Walt Disney World spoiled a lot of things for me.

The thing is you didn't even explore Disneyland, let alone the rest of the resort.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Well, I will. I already addressed that.

I actually went in expecting to enjoy it more than Magic Kingdom considering all the extra attractions and since I realize a lot of people consider it the best of the Disney parks in their current state of operation.

I will add that the employees were very personable.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

As you can see from my signature I recently took a first time visit to Disneyland. We loved it. I'll admit as a WDW veteran I went in there a little skeptical about things. I had a WDW bias going into it. Much about Disneyland's layout is different than WDW's. There is less space, everything is within walking distance, etc. There is no "transporting to another world" type of feeling. Or so I thought. Once you get through the gates you don't even notice that you are right in the middle of Orange County.

Too bad you missed Indy. That's a great attraction with a wonderful queue. Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom is much of the same idea but with different theming. I give Indy the nod over it. I went in September and didn't experience Haunted Mansion at all since it was the refurbishment. However, I loved little pockets of Disneyland like New Orleans Square. Or even quieter areas like up near Winnie the Pooh. Fantasyland blows WDW's out of the water. For some reason I loved Casey Jr. a lot. We went on it twice and the Storybook Canal boats once.

The shows at Disneyland are great. Magical is a wonderful fireworks show, Dumbo steals the show. "Magic Memories and You" is a nice touch as is Fantasmic. If you ever go to California Adventure don't miss World of Color. And believe me, don't miss Radiator Springs Racers. Take the single line riders, you might wait 30 minutes. Totally worth it.

I will say that Thunder and Space are similar to me at both parks. I agree though, Splash is noticeably superior at WDW. It is longer, better paced and there is much more on the inside. The Splash comparison is almost like the Pirates comparison in both parks, one park does one much better. Small World is great in both parks but I'll admit I liked the touch of the Disney characters in Disneyland's version. I also think they have a wonderful Toontown.

Overall I have come to the conclusion that Disneyland is the best park out of all of them clear cut. WDW is the best resort because it is just so grand. But they have yet to outmatch a park Walt made 57 years ago.

 

[thomas998]

You'd recommend Screamin', but not Racers?

OP, please don't take Thomas' advice. As far as the total package, Racers is much superior to Screamin', and it's worth the wait.

In a heart beat. When we were there in October the Racers was broken down at some point everyday that we were in the park. The one day we decided to just stand in line and do it for the sake of doing it, the line was less than a two hour wait... well in 2 hours we were just up to the water feature that everyone throws money into... and then the ride broke down... for over an hour we simply sat and waited only moving up a bit when other people gave up waiting... In the end we waited in line wasting time for almost 4 hours before getting on a ride that lasted less than 4 minutes. No one in my group thought it was worth the wait or even cared about doing it again. Compare that to California Scream'n which most of the time had a 10 minute line and why would anyone want to waste all that time for Racers? You could ride Scream'n so many times you would puke before even getting on Racers.

When the newness wears off of Racers and the ride gets the bugs worked out so it doesn't break constantly then I might suggest riding it, because then it might only be a 45 minute wait... but the way it is now you wont care how good the ride is you'll still be so annoyed at the wait you wont enjoy it.

 

[Californian Elitist]

In a heart beat. When we were there in October the Racers was broken down at some point everyday that we were in the park. The one day we decided to just stand in line and do it for the sake of doing it, the line was less than a two hour wait... well in 2 hours we were just up to the water feature that everyone throws money into... and then the ride broke down... for over an hour we simply sat and waited only moving up a bit when other people gave up waiting... In the end we waited in line wasting time for almost 4 hours before getting on a ride that lasted less than 4 minutes. No one in my group thought it was worth the wait or even cared about doing it again. Compare that to California Scream'n which most of the time had a 10 minute line and why would anyone want to waste all that time for Racers? You could ride Scream'n so many times you would puke before even getting on Racers.

When the newness wears off of Racers and the ride gets the bugs worked out so it doesn't break constantly then I might suggest riding it, because then it might only be a 45 minute wait... but the way it is now you wont care how good the ride is you'll still be so annoyed at the wait you wont enjoy it.

Are you a recurring Disneyland guest/Disneyland local/Disneyland AP?

 

[Mickey_777]

...and I just wasn't feeling it. Oh, man. I apologize if I offend anyone with my WDW bias. Although, I'd love to hear what you guys think. I must stress that the park was not fully experienced and I will be returning. Indiana Jones and Small World were being worked on and much of Fantasyland was shut down for that Tom Hanks flick. So, yeah, didn't get to do what many consider one of Disney's best attractions or the dark rides.

Yeah man that's just bad timing. I'm also a WDW homer and Indy is my favorite ride in the world. Too bad you couldn't experience it. Fantasyland has some great classic dark rides with beautiful facades. I'm sure you would've liked them a lot.

- Pirates of the Caribbean was phenomenal. Easily the best thing I experienced. WDW's queue line was better, but the ride is arguably superior. WDW's is like a CliffsNotes version of it.

Personally, while the ride is longer at DL, I don't feel less satisfied getting off the ride at WDW. I enjoy them equally. I even think the queue area at DL in rather nice. It sucks waiting outside though.

- Haunted Mansion Holiday? Ugh, no thank you. Such a tacky and garish overlay. The house is cool, though. That said, WDW's version seems to be the definitive version of this attraction, although I liked the staircase in the loading area.

I'm gonna be checking this out in December. I wanna ride it just to say I've been on it but I don't expect to prefer it over MK mansion.

- Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain I thought were all better in WDW. Disneyland's Space Mountain was kind of boring. WDW is a much different beast with the seating arrangement and a more exciting, wild ride. Disneyland's felt like we were just going around in circles and gradually descending. Yawn.

I kindly disagree with you here. I think DL's Space Mountain is phenomenal. I love the smooth ride and speakers/music in your ear.

- Splash felt rushed, the story wasn't cohesive as WDW and I didn't like how the characters looked. I also prefer WDW's soundtrack.

It does feel rushed out at DL. It felt to me like the log was going 2X the speed it does at MK. I also feel the AA's are rather unattractive but that's cause many of them were taken from America Sings.

- Thunder had a really neat section through a cave that WDW's doesn't have to my memory, but WDW is overall a bigger, better ride. Still, it was a fun ride.

Yes BTMRR at MK pummels DL's (current) version. I also can't stant loading outside and above ground compared to "underground" at MK in the cavern. Love that.

- The Matterhorn was a big disappointment. Looked great, but the ride was kinda boring and painful! Now, this is obviously a huge M.I.A. attraction at WDW, but I honestly think I enjoy Everest at Animal Kingdom far more.

My thoughts exactly.

- The monorail going through the park was spectacular...but it's clearly cooler at EPCOT. But I digress.

They're both just as cool to me

- Frontierland felt like kind of a big waste of space. Ironic, since Magic Kingdom has a ton of extra space and somehow doesn't feel as dead.

I like Frontierland out at DL. The view of the Rivers of America is IMO more beautifual than MK.

- Tomorrowland was kind of trashed. I realize it was updated in the 90s or more recently, but it feels stuck in the 80s and nothing around the place really screamed the future. Space Mountain wasn't as noticeable on the skyline, didn't have the presence it does in WDW. I really prefer the look of the newer Tomorrowland at WDW. Also, no PeopleMover, but an empty track?

I too think TL is a mess out there. I thought the same thing when I went out there for the first time in 2010: stuck in the 80's. The attractions are strong but the aesthetics are horrid. Makes a single tear drop from my eye.

- I adore that there is a Roger Rabbit ride in the park, but it really wasn't that good.

Oh come on it's a solid, solid dark ride in my opinion of coarse.

- I didn't do California Adventure. I will, though. I will also experience the rest of the park when it's open and I'll definitely return for the classic Haunted Mansion.

That'll make a big difference when you finalize your overall opinion of the resort for sure.

See above