I finally experienced Disneyland...

[AswaySuller]

I've actually never had a problem with parking at DL... I find if you park in the multi-story parking lot you'll be fine!

 

[DisneyDreamerK]

Just adding my opinion.

Former WDW CM here who just also moved to SoCal. Long story short, I was in Cali for vacation, got a job offer at Hulu and just stayed and never went back home, lol.

After being in Magic Kingdom almost every day for over a year and over 50 vacations to WDW from NY when I wasn't a CM, I still think Disneyland is a better park. Yes, the park is like half the size, the castle is really tiny and the monorail is...interesting, but I got the feeling like WDW half -ed everything from Disneyland.

I was worried after moving that I would miss WDW way too much, but Disneyland/DCA has proved that I don't really need WDW anymore. (The only thing I'll really miss is Food & Wine Festival in Epcot, the tequila bar, all of my favorite WDW restaurants, and maybe the Great Movie Ride lawl)

BTW Radiator Racers and World of Color is a must-do! Even though RR reminds me of test track, the themeing and technology is top notch.

It's California. Parking is an issue EVERYWHERE. You learn to deal with it ...

You Californians and your parking validation tickets....

 

[Californian Elitist]

We should totally form a group and visit the parks together.

 

[donaldtoo]

If you asked if I preferred Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World, well, don't ask, I couldn't decide. WDW for size and scope, Disneyland Resort for ambience and "do-ability". Depends on what you want.

I've been to DL/DLR 5 times over the years (first in '68, and last in '10) and WDW 6 times (first in '88, and last this past July). I could get more detailed about why I love them both for different reasons, but that's a pretty good summation up there.

 

[Evee]

Great, I hope that i will go there soon, I enjoyed your review. Alot of great things in it. But it is sad that you didn't feel it.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I've actually never had a problem with parking at DL... I find if you park in the multi-story parking lot you'll be fine!

That's the thing, I was in the line up for the multi story lot and it more or less started at the stoplight. I kind of snuck my way in because if not there would have been a long wait.........just to park. They really need to open up more lanes to get people in there. I just found that part horrendous.

 

[disney fan 13]

You're starting to sound like the famous Disneyland community, and you've only been here for a few weeks LOL. The track definitely needs to be taken down, if it's not going to be used. There was a ride that used the track called the Rocket Rods. It went around all of Tomorrowland. It was the Peoplemover on steroids, a lot of fun, when functioning properly. Unfortunately, it was VERY flawed, and it was taken down sometime in 2000, lasting only 2 years. Since then, the tracks have been sitting there, rotting. It's pathetic and a disgrace and many Disneyland fans are sick of it. People here talk about Disneyland as if it were perfect but it's definitely got its flaws, too. They can be lazy here, too.

Apparently there's an Iron Man attraction being considered for Disneyland's Tomorrowland. If that gets built, maybe they'll do something with the tracks. Hopefully they do something by the time the 60th birthday hits in less than three years now. Tomorrowland is, without a doubt, the worst land, as far as looks, in all of Disneyland and it needs help. The good thing is Disneyland is in California, and Imagineering and the bigwigs are in Glendale and Burbank. We have people like Tony Baxter and John Lasseter that love Disneyland very much.

Since I thought of this while reading this post... http://www.martinsvids.net/?p=312

I think ride music. Here's both of the Space Mountains to compare.

I wouldn't say that's fair to compare DL's actual ride music and WDW's Queue/Star tunnel/Load and ride music. i'd say this is a more fair comparison.
WDW

DL

 

[AswaySuller]

Raven.... What in earth is that first piece of music.... Not sure ve ever heard it!

 

[Californian Elitist]

Raven.... What in earth is that first piece of music.... Not sure ve ever heard it!

Apparently it's music from Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain! I definitely recognize the second video; it's the music that plays during the DL Space Mountain ride.

 

[AswaySuller]

Yes the second video is definitely correct...

I don't recognize the first at all.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yes the second video is definitely correct...

I don't recognize the first at all.

The description says it's the music from the queue. Maybe that's why you don't recognize it? Or maybe it's old?

 

[disney fan 13]

If your talking about my post, it is the starry-o-phonic that they put in around 2009. The speakers are placed along the ride track so it is understandable you have never heard it.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Yeah, I need to go back to Disneyland.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Okay so I went back, it was nighttime, Indiana Jones was open, Haunted Mansion was back to normal, got on Mr. Toad, Snow White and Peter Pan. I've decided that Disneyland is in fact better than Disney World.

 

[TP2000]

Okay so I went back, it was nighttime, Indiana Jones was open, Haunted Mansion was back to normal, got on Mr. Toad, Snow White and Peter Pan. I've decided that Disneyland is in fact better than Disney World.

What? You are judging these theme parks almost solely on their rides and major entertainment?

What about DVC properties? You didn't say a word about DVC, and WDW has loads of DVC. Plus value family hotels with Pop Warner football teams in adjoining rooms. And horseback riding. WDW has horseback riding somewhere. I saw that once on a vacation planning video around 1988. Disneyland doesn't have horseback riding. Who cares about theme park rides and entertainment when you have all that?!

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I really think Disneyland could use more DVC booths!

 

[Figments Friend]

Glad to hear you were converted !



I was hoping for a happy ending...after just now reading your original post.

I am also a long time WDW visitor...and in 2007 visited DisneyLand for the first time.
For years i had been hearing people compare the Parks, and in particular DL and MK. People i used to know would often tell me that i probably will not like DL because it is *so much smaller* and is *not as immersive*. I did not believe them ....as i usually like to decide for myself about things. Besides, it was *Walt*s Park*...the Original...and for a Disney fan it is kind of a pilgrimidge of sorts to visit at least once in your lifetime.

So i visited....and LOVED IT.

I had no issues with it being *smaller*. The size may not be as big a footprint as the Florida property, but MY what wonders await in that space. And the variety. The attractions and entertainment contained within more then made up for the land size. The level of detail is top notch...and the place has a special charm all its own. I was hooked.

It was immediately obvious to me after just one day of being in that environment that it was pointless to try to compare DL with MK. BOTH Parks are very special in their own distinctive ways, and i could appreciate both on their own terms. I visited again this past Summer and the thrill was still there...regretting i could not stay more then a short day and a half. I swore to return again for a longer period of time...and really soak up it all up.

Although given the choice i would probably lean more towards WDW simply for being a massive completely themed Vacation Kingdom entity in its own right, and my self confessed attraction to EPCOT, i am very anxious to return to DIsneyLand again soon. Myabe later this year. I really like the refreshing change from the very familar grounds in FL.

 

[fosse76]

...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.

Agree. The undetailed queue may be a victim of its time, though. The Disnelyand queues were designed as a matter of function. If you look at all the classic attractions, there isn't much themeing to those queues.

- 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.

Hate to agree, but I agree. I was most looking forward to it and came out of it thinkinh, meh. It seems more like a Nightmare Before Christmas dark ride...nothing particularlynoteworthy about it.

- 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.

Strongly disagree. Space Moutain at DLR is far superior. The seating is more comfortable, and it is anywhere near as rough. Though it only has one drop, the lighting and music enhance the experience...unlike at MK where you can hear the clanking lift hill throughout the entire ride and the "music is so disconnected it sounds like noise.

- 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.

I'll agree here...however I still enjoy it. I think part of its problem is that they were recycling animatronics, so WDW had the advantage of having to start from scratch.

- 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.

I believe it's the mirror image of MK's, and though it has different show scenes, I wouldn't say either is better. For me it's a draw...though Disneyland's has a better queue (despite being entirely uncovered) and doesn't seem to ever have long waits (the most I saw was 40 minutes on the 4th of July).

- 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.

It really is a rough ride. Someone else (WDW1974, I think) mentioned that it was due to the fact that the ride was designed for single sleds, so doubling them up adds a lot of stress to it. And if you think about it that is obviously true...those turns can't handle two-car vehicles like they do. However, I really enjoy riding in the front...a little smoother and the themeing really "pops" when in the front.

- I didn't like Tarzan Treehouse. The WDW version of the Swiss Family Robinson one is clearly superior.

I think DLR's would be superior without the Tarzan themeing.

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.

DLR uses the same aweful jokes as WDW, so that can be down to the Skipper. Personally, though the temple scene at WDW is nocely themed, the ride is a snooze with no interaction from the skipper. At least at DLR they talk the whole time...plus the pirhana's are great!

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

I can't stand either. I can nap at home for free.

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

Eh...I don't see how one is better than the other. It looks more functional at Epcot, whereas at DL it looks more futuristic.

- 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.

It feels very underdeveloped.

- 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?[/quote]
Newer? I think that's what DL's looked like before the 90's update. I like that they are different...but WDW's to me feels stale and lifeless/sterile.

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

I agree. I like the queue, but the ride isn't fun.

- 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.

DCA is great. The thing about classic Haunted Mansion is that it really is better at WDW...particularly the portraits and moving busts.[/quote]

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

I know I'm late to the party on this, but parking at DL is supremely easy and relaxing - if you park at Toy Story lot. Mickey & Friends parking structure is a clusterfluff of the highest order. When lanes are backed up to the freeway for access, you can drive right in to Toy Story, board a climate-controlled shuttle and within 5 minutes be at the park gates. No trudging across a mile-wide structure to find your car, no wind on the tram messing up your weave. Toy Story for the win.

 

[taz0162]

Okay so I went back, it was nighttime, Indiana Jones was open, Haunted Mansion was back to normal, got on Mr. Toad, Snow White and Peter Pan. I've decided that Disneyland is in fact better than Disney World.

Ok, so I have been enjoying reading through this as we are planning a mini DL DCA trip following a wedding this August. I'm still holding my reserve that WDW is superior due to the additional 2 parks and 2 water parks. Not to mention the peacefullness of the resort settings that are not downtown or sitting ontop of the parks themselves. Though being able to walk right into the park might be nice. Here's to keeping optimistic as I enthustiacally plan this trip. A reuniopn with Mr. Toad and an expanded Pirates are definately high on my list.