Disneyland vs. Disney World

A lot of people ask me why I prefer Disneyland Resort (DLR) over the Walt Disney World Resort (WDW). Each person who forms their preference has their reasons, and I can only speak for mine. This will just be a very general overview!

Size. Yes, DLR is WAY smaller. It has 2 theme parks and Downtown Disney (DTD) compared to WDW's 4 theme parks, DTD, and 2 water parks, among other, more minor destinations. But I love the size of DLR. Since it's "only" 2 parks, I can plan a 5 or 6 day trip and really take my time enjoying all the details and minor attractions, as well as have time for afternoon breaks, a day to sleep in, etc. Everything is within easy walking distance, including the 2 parks, DTD, the onsite hotels, and even offsite hotels for those on a tighter budget. It is kind of a pain at WDW to wait for transportation and then spend 10-15 minutes on average getting anywhere. Even if you drive yourself, it can still be time consuming. So I love being able to wake up, get ready, and walk 8 minutes or so to the park gates. It's really magical!

http://anaheimhotelsandtickets.com/maps/Disneyland_Resort_Map02.jpg

Attractions. Even though DLR has half as many parks, they really pack a punch. Not only are there a whole lot of attractions squeezed into a relatively tiny area, but there are a lot of really great ones! At WDW, there are more attractions, but in each park, there are usually quite a few that can be considered "skippable" or to-do if you have time. At DLR, however, you'll find that is not the case to the same extent. If you study a park map or attraction list, like the ones here you'll see what I mean! I see DLR's attractions as more of a "best of" than WDW which I view more as a "takes longer" if that makes sense.

Historical Significance. I mean, DL is Walt's park! You only have to look at a photo like the one below to realize the importance of it. Not only is DL park about 15 years older than WDW's Magic Kingdom, but it was the first of its kind.

http://dbhennigan.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/walt-disney-disneyland-castle.jpg?w=315&h=344

Counter Service. The counter service (also called quick service or fast food) at DLR is better than at WDW. More variation in the menus, better quality at many locations, and better flavor at most locations. I think that since mostly SoCal residents visit the parks and lots of fast food is available outside the resort, DLR has really had to increase quality in recent years to try and keep people in the parks to eat.

Nighttime Shows. "Remember... Dreams Come True" is the most amazing fireworks show I have ever seen. Wishes at WDW just does not compare. Fantasmic! at DLR is a much better show than WDW's because you are closer to the action, it utilizes the 2 riverboats instead of a cheap prop-style boat, the Peter Pan scene is much more entertaining and complex than the Pocohontas scene at WDW, and instead of a big puppet, DLR uses a GIANT animatronic dragon that breathes fire. World of Color is in a league all its own and will leave your mind blown. Enough said.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/desktops/FA_desktop_WOC3_800.jpg

Weather. It's SoCal. It's sunny and not humid and really doesn't rain all that much. Pretty mild all year, maybe a little hot if you go in the summer. WDW is HOT like.. heat stroke hot. Humid like.. is that sweat or did I accidentally land in a swamp? There are short windows of time during the year that WDW has pretty good weather but they are relatively more rare. We went in January and there was a cold snap.. it was only in the 40s and we're used to colder, but in that humidity it feels COLD! And it rains a lot in Florida, especially in the summer. It's not really a coincidence that so many Florida sports teams are named after bad weather!

http://www.visitingdc.com/images/disneyland-address.jpg

If you've never visited DLR before, now you know some of the highlights of what it has to offer over WDW. If you've visited both, maybe I seconded your opinions or maybe you prefer WDW. To each his/her own! These are my opinions and many people share them and many people don't. My advice to everyone is to try it out and judge for yourself! And don't forget to have a magical trip!