Disneyland or California Adventure
 

We will be in Anaheim for 2 nights (so, really, 1 day) in 2 weeks.

We can either hit Disneyland or California Adventure (or, I suppose we could do a park hopper - but not sure that it makes sense for just 1 day - I think it is $20pp more for the Parkhopper).

We are 32, with no kids. Have been to Disney World in Orlando 3 times (2x as kids, once as adults) Have done Disney World, Epcot, MGM, Animal Kingdom.

If you had one day, would you do Disney or California Adventure? Or would you do a parkhopper and do both?

If you want to go to downtown Disney, do you need a ticket? I don't think you did in Orlando - but I had a parkhopper ticket so I can't really remember.

Thanks!

You don't need a ticket to get into the Downtown Disneyland area. As with Downtown Disney at Disney World, it's free to walk around, shop, eat, etc.

As a WDW regular who has visited DL once --- I'd stick with Disneyland Park (Magic Kingdom) instead of California Adventure.

You'll get folks saying "eh, they're the same" -- but let me tell you, they are not.

Disneyland's Magic Kingdom is much more...intimate. That's the best word I can think of to describe it.

You feel so much closer to everything, because, well, there's not as much space and everything there is more compact.

But, I like it! And add to that the fact that Walt actually was there, and well, it's a Disney fan's dream!

Be sure to take the time to stroll around, take in all of the attractions that are unique to Disneyland. Even then, definitely take a ride on Pirates -- DL's version definitely kicks WDW's butt with that!

Have a great trip!

IMO if you are that familiar with the Magic Kingdom in Orlando then I would NOT do Disneyland in California if you honestly feel you can only do one of the two...I would do California Adventure instead.

At least it offers something different than what you have already seen elsewhere.

Walt Disney was in Orlando, too!

I think California Adventure is a dud, not worth the admission price. We were there last summer and there was little to hold our interest. Lots of walking with little payoff. The only advantage was short lines.

Dukey: Walt Disney may have been 'in' Orlando, but he died before that Magic Kingdom opened (which was my point).

Although the Magic Kingdoms are similar, there are enough differences to make it worthwhile:

- Enchanted Tiki Room (the original show, as compared to WDW's "Under New Management").

- Indiana Jones Ride (nothing like it at WDW)

- Haunted Mansion (brand-new effects not yet at WDW)

- Pirates of the Caribbean (much longer and better than WDW's version)

just to name a few...

elnap29: I agree, California Adventure is a dud, and the only worthwhile show is the Aladdin stage show. All of the other attractions there are either carny-style rides or attractions found at WDW.

Buy the park hopper. We went on a weekday last fall and were able to see and do most of both parks in one day. I disagree w/ the poster above...we really liked California Adventure (particularly the rollercoaster & California soaring ride)!

Buy the park hopper. Its worth the extra bucks because you can do most of both parks major attractions in one day. We did that two summers ago, in the height of the season, and had a blast.

Pumpy :) great minds! :)

I love Disneyland....most of the rides of multiple WDW parks, in a smaller space. If you can swing park hoppers and like roller coasters, go to CA and ride California Screamin'. It's my favorite coaster anywhere because it is totally smooth. Check the ours of operation, however. There is construction nearby, so I believe they are running it at reduced hours.

In California Great Adventure, the Soarin' Calfornia is a fabulous ride. We did it 3 times in one day.

ttt

Cal Adventure has more in the way of thrill rides (Tower of Terror, the CA Screamin coaster, Soaring over CA (great IMAX type ride) and the raft ride. Also the restaurants are better, there is alcohol, and it's smaller with shorter lines and fewer children. Disneyland has better imagineering in some of the lands (New Orleans Square & Frontierland especially) but with the exception of Space Mountain, the rides are tame, it's more crowded, and there are lots of strollers and children. If you're more interested in rides, I'd do CA Adventure. Otherwise Disneyland. If I have a choice, I go to CA Adventure. I'm not sure I would park hop unless you're really high energy.