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Disneyland vs WDW

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Mon, 06/06/2016 - 19:07
NikkiMouse's picture
NikkiMouse
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Disneyland vs WDW

I will be graduating with my MS next Spring. I am going to treat myself to a trip to celebrate, but I am torn between going to WDW and heading to Disneyland. I know it is difficult to compare the two, but help me decide!

A little background: I have never been to Disneyland or to California at all (unless we count a layover at the San Francisco airport). We have been to WDW every year for the past 5 years and 2x this year. Part of me is like go to Disneyland, but I am afraid I will be disappointed in comparison to WDW.

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Mon, 06/06/2016 - 19:47
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Having only been once to each (and only 1 day in DL) I loved both parks.

I suppose it depends on what you want to achieve, I found DL very laid back and small but there were so many rides. I did not go to California adventure which I would have loved (time was against me)
Saying that I thought DL is a bit like DLP - you would Happily do 'everything' in 4-5 days
As you well know WDW can be a full on mission with all the park and ride and food choices.

If it were me I would pick DL.

Mon, 06/06/2016 - 22:25
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I prefer WDW, but if I were you I'd still go to DL. Everyone needs to see it at least once, and it does have its advantages, the main one being how close everything is to everything else.

Mon, 06/06/2016 - 23:19
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The trick to enjoying Disneyland when you're a Disney World regular is that you can NOT expect them to be the same. They're just not. If you can keep that in your mind and get through without trying to make one thing into the other, you can love both. Of course people compare them, and people prefer which ever one they prefer - just respect the differences for what they are.

I prefer Disneyland, for its more intimate spaces, smaller scale, a few differences in attractions, and sheer nostalgia. You can go for 4-5 nights and see *everything* at a leisurely pace. The Grand Californian Hotel is magnificent, and Ralph Brennan's beignets are bigger and fluffier than what you get from Cafe du Monde in the actual French Quarter.

Sadly, Disneyland's construction for Star Wars Land has closed down and cordoned off some of the loveliest parts of the park and stopped Fantasmic. Which honestly, you haven't seen Fantasmic seen until you've see it on the Rivers of America. That might actually be enough to stop me from going right now. However - I haven't been through Cars Land yet and I hear it's pretty fantastic.

If you want to just celebrate doing something you love - stick with WDW. If you want to branch out in your Disney knowledge and experience by having a new adventure, head to Anaheim.

Tue, 06/07/2016 - 13:44
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Thanks, everyone! We have decided on Disneyland! It is something that I want to do at least one time, and it is hard to convince DH to do anything Disney-related, so I think this is my chance to go for it.

Now we just need to figure out when. DH has very little vacation time while I have a ton to work with. My daughter is going into middle school this year, so taking her out of school is no longer a viable option. So we are stuck with either Spring Break, summer, Jersey week, or Christmas! Decisions, decisions, decisions. Of course none of this is happening until late 2017 or early 2018, but you can never be too prepared. mickey

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Tue, 06/07/2016 - 15:25
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What are the Jersey Week Dates? 70% of Disneyland's guests are locals, so as long as the California schools aren't off at that time it may be the best option for avoiding crowds.

Tue, 06/07/2016 - 17:29
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So jealous! You're going to have an awesome time in Disneyland! Come back with lots of tips for me please for the day when I finally convince DH to go!

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Tue, 06/07/2016 - 17:33
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Kristen K. wrote:
What are the Jersey Week Dates? 70% of Disneyland's guests are locals, so as long as the California schools aren't off at that time it may be the best option for avoiding crowds.

Usually first or second week of November. I think it will be our best bet as far as heat and crowds.

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Tue, 06/07/2016 - 17:34
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Allie wrote:
So jealous! You're going to have an awesome time in Disneyland! Come back with lots of tips for me please for the day when I finally convince DH to go!

I ONLY convinced DH because I am graduating and instead of traveling to Missouri to walk, I decided I wanted to do this. Technically, we were supposed to be Disney-free until 2020, but you know how that goes...

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Tue, 06/07/2016 - 19:04
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OMG, Cars Land! I would go back just for Cars Land.

Wed, 06/08/2016 - 00:27
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NikkiMouse wrote:
Kristen K. wrote:
What are the Jersey Week Dates? 70% of Disneyland's guests are locals, so as long as the California schools aren't off at that time it may be the best option for avoiding crowds.

Usually first or second week of November. I think it will be our best bet as far as heat and crowds.

The Super Heros Half Marathon weekend is November so depending the dates it may add to the crowds somewhat. This year's races are November 10 - 13 (Thursday - Sunday). Most people come in Thursday and leave Monday or Tuesday. I didn't think the crowds were too bad during the two races I went in Disneyland.

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Sat, 06/11/2016 - 18:09
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Disneyfree till 2020? I would NEVER make it..... eek

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