Disneyland or Disneyworld
 

I am planning a trip to Disneyland or Disneyworld. Which one would be the best to see. I have 2 boys, 14 and 9. This would be the last big family vacation for us and I would like the make the best possiable choice.<BR>Thanks,

Penny: There is no comparison. Disney World is much, much better. Disneyland is less than the average U.S.A. theme park in size. DisneyWorld is huge with many, many varying parks, activities and entertainment venues.

DISNEYWORLD!!! ALL the way!!!!!!!!! universal studios, epcot are a must see.. Disneyworld is for y ounger kids... rides and all...epcot and universal are the bomb!!

This is a no brainer- Disneyworld all the way

This question depends on if you want to vacation in Calif. There are other things to do besides Disneyland in Anaheim Calif. in the surounding area. If it is a choice between the 2 based strictly on the 2 Disney's then I would pick Disneyworld. No comparison.

I think both are stupid.

I love Disneyland, I live in San Diego and have an annual pass. But, Disneyworld is incredible! We went there this summer for vacation, and it was fantastic! <BR><BR>There are several websites devoted solely to WDW; www.disboards.com is a message board someone will answer any possible question you could have, www.wdwig.com has menus from all hte restaurants in WDW among other info, www.outlaughingplace.com has LOTS of photos and 'rack' rates for the on-site resorts and www.mousesavers.com reports discounts on hotels & airfare.<BR><BR>Happy planning and have an amazing vacation!

The website is ourlaughingplace.com , sorry.

Gosh, need to disagree...if you have only 2 days, I'd say definitely DisneyLAND. Both are great but in my opinion, DisneyWorld is just too dang big unless you have about 4 full days. Personally, our family of 5 enjoyed Disneyland much more in 2000. Beth

I lived in Florida during the 80's so spent a lot of time with visitors at Disneyworld. It's amazing but it really is too large to fully enjoy. I think for a few days you and your boys might enjoy Disneyland more (usually better weather in California as well)It's easier to get around and a more "at home feel" to it. Good luck. If you need any other questions, feel free to email me as I'm familiar with both. Tom

I've enjoyed both. I think there is more to do in the California park other than Disneyland itself if you want to make a real vacation out of it. I was in Florida during July when I visited Disneyworld and the weather was miserable. I never stopped dripping from the terrible humidity! Disneyworld itself is huge, but not necessarily better. It really depends upon whether or not you're ONLY doing the park itself.

Remember Disneyworld has 4 different parks. Disneyland now has 2 parks but they are different from the parks in Florida. Someone mentioned Universal Studios. This is not part of Disneyworld and the Universal Studios in California is much better than the one in Florida in my opinion. You didn't say when you were going or for how long and where you are traveling from which also makes a difference. I agree that the weather in California is better than Florida almost year round. There is so much to see outside of Disneyland in California. But if you are not looking to see anything else, I would choose Disney World especially since your boys are a little older. I am sure you will have no matter which you choose.

Meant to say you will have FUN no matter which you choose especially if you haven't been to either before!

I think Disneyworld has more to do, but the weather is always better in California. My husband and I rode California Adventures' roller coaster over and over. It was awesome! Your sons would love it. Our family is having the same dilemma as you, and I truly believe that you can enjoy either location. If you go to Disneyworld, plan to spend most of your time right there in Orlando by the parks. If you go to California, plan on doing more than just Disney. Get creative. Maybe drive down to San Diego; it isn't far from Anaheim as long as you avoid rush hour traffic. Or, you can head north toward Univeral Studios and Beverly Hills. Have fun!

DISNEYLAND! I absolutely hated Disneyworld. Disneyland is smaller in Acreage, but has more rides in a single park and also now has the California Adventure park which makes it plenty of activity for a two day trip. <BR><BR>Disneyworld does have multiple parks, but it will be overwhelming to visit all of them in two days. (logistical nightmare)<BR><BR>When I was there I found it very frustrating that rides found in Disneyland were missing from Disneyworld.<BR><BR>Surprise!--- they took all the E-ticket rides and scattered them among the several parks in Disneyworld. So, to ride all the BEST rides you have NO choice, but to run around to multiple parks and the transportation between the parks is NOT convienient. <BR><BR>If you do foolishly decide on Disneyworld avoid Epcot (BOREDOM x 10)<BR><BR>Animal Kingdom has almost nothing to recommended it. I waited in a very long line for the most boring "Safari Ride" I have ever experienced. A few bored animals strolled about listlessly. However, I think this was the park that had the Dino ride, which is great, but exactly the same ride as Raiders of the lost Ark in Disneyland. (The water ride at California Adventure is also better than the Animal Kingdom water ride--the rest of the park is a zoo-literally)<BR><BR>When leaving Disneyworld-- to get back to your car at night BEWARE. I had to wait 30 minutes in line to get on the TRAM to wait 15 minutes in line to get on the FERRY or MONORAIL to get back to my CAR. Almost an hour standing in line--and that is not even a ride! You can not walk to your car from Disneyworld.<BR><BR>Orlando is not the most attractive city either. Either is Anaheim, but a least they have just rejuvenated the Disneyland area in a city wide Beautification project.

We had a similar decision to make a few years ago and chose Disneyworld (we live in Dallas). If I had it to do over again though, I'd chose Disneyland in California HANDS DOWN. Disneyworld was just too big and spread out. I needed a vacation after our vacation. Like others have mentioned as well, the weather in California is great. Florida is too muggy to be walking that much. If you should chose Disneyworld though, just count on seeing part of it instead of killing yourself seeing all of it in several days.

PLEASE tell me you're kidding with this post....chosing California or Florida? My vote is 99.999999% Disneyland in California. Disneyworld would win only if you're within walking distance.

Poor Penny...another vote for California but then again, I've never been to Disneyworld itself, only Florida. It was about 99% humidity when I was there for 3 days and I said never again. I really have never been to Disneyworld so can't offer advice. I have been to Disneyland in Anaheim and had a ball. Went on all the rides all day and danced to live music that evening. It was a wonderful, memorable day and night. We stayed in the Marriott Courtyard and had a nice room as well.I'm going to go back someday...I hope. Let us all know what you ultimately decide. I hope it's a great time for you and your boys.

I'm not sure why everyone keeps telling Penny that activities are too much for two days. She never mentions going on a two day trip. She says that she has two boys, and then she gives their ages. Keep that in mind when you're giving travel advice. She may have 7 days for all we know....

I KNOW I keep wondering the same thing why does everyone say she only has 2 days or anything about the time of year she will be be going. Penny doesn't say it will be summertime or even mention the legth of time she will even be vacationing!

Two days or two weeks--summer or winter. My vote is still Disneyland. Disneyworld is really pretty awful and everything seemed smaller somehow than Disneyland. Things just seemed to be missing.

I've been to neither but would like to go to one or the other this spring. My Next door neighbor has been to both, several times each. She's advising me to go to California Disneyland. I have 3 kids- 6.10,12 and she said she much prefers the park in California. It is the original and usually the best I guess. Several responses to this post adviced the park in Florida...have they been to both or are they just closer and easier access to Florida?? I'd put more faith in someone who has actually been to both.

My husband and I love Disney!!! We don't have children so can't speak for what your kids would like but we have been to both Florida and California in the last year or so. As for which place to go I think would depend on how long it would take to get there and how long you will be able to stay...if you have a long weekend or a week I would definately go to Disneyworld, you could spend a week just hanging out in Orlando, there is so much to do!!! Epcot is worth the trip on it's own plus the water parks, MGM etc... If you only have a couple days and live on the west coast, I would do Disneyland, they have revamped it beautifully and the Downtown Disney area is wonderful for kids and adults!! We stayed recently at Grand Californian and it was great, get a concierge room so that you can have snacks and drinks all day for the kids and you and hubby can relax with a glass of wine and cheeses after a busy day of Disney, the hotel overlooks the park so you can virtually let the kids run free while you relax!!! Good luck on your decision, either way you can't go wrong!!!

I have been to both as recently as this summer (WDW) and last week (DL).<BR><BR>I guess because I live so close to DL, WDW was much more of a vacation. I definatley recommend 5-7 days to do WDW. A lot of people also go to Islands of Adventure for more thrill rides that boys your sons ages would most likely be interested in. So, if you have the time, you could spend 4 days at WDW & 1 day at a waterpark & 1 day at IOA. Just an idea. A few tips on when NOT to go though, March, April (spring breaks) and June-Sept, way too HOT and crowded. And of course any holidays.<BR><BR>If you are interested in CA though, Disneyland is wonderful, just not a week's worth. The hotels don't have the same 'resort' feel as WDW. And, yes I have stayed at the DL hotel, but not Gr Californian. I believe many people combine a trip to DL with San Diego, where I live. Your boys may be too old for SeaWorld & the zoo, though? You could possibly go to the Grand Canyon or Joshua tree Nat'l park if you are thinking of CA. I think 3 days at Disneyland/California Adventure and the hotel pool would be about right. There is a waterpark in Irvine, about 30min from Anaheim you could look into.<BR><BR>Well, best of luck deciding! Ask your boys what they would like to do. Have a wonderful vacation!

I grew up and still live in So Cal while my wife grew up in Orlando, and we've been to both several times together in the last 6 years. Like all previous posters have mentioned, the duration and timing of your vacation can be swing factors in your decision. To start off, let's stick to all things Disney.<BR><BR>DW consists of four parks..Magic Kingdom (nearly the same as DL), Epcot, MGM Studios and the Animal Kingdom..and three plazas..Boardwalk, Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. Obviously for a longer stay, DW has much to offer. The weather is enjoyable from November thru March but downright miserable from May thru Sept. I disagree with the previous posters in one concern: if you so desire, you don't need a lot of days to see all of DW, in fact, you and your husband could become downright sick and tired of the whole place after 2 days. We've managed to see up to 3 parks (MK, MGM and Epcot) in 1 day! IMO, MGM and Epcot were dull because they both try to replicate either different parts of the world or old Hollywood...but the fireworks at Epcot were exceptional. I much prefer fantasy over terrible replicas.<BR><BR>DL consists of only two parks (DL and California Adventures) and one plaza (Downtown Disney). CA is modern and is much more fun than Epcot or MGM in my opinion. Of course, the weather is generally pleasant year round at DL.<BR><BR>I've thoroughly enjoyed both in the past, and you really can't go wrong with either for a first time visitor. But if you're visiting during the summer, I would lean much more to DL due to weather.<BR><BR>Re Disney accomodations, it's no contest..DW by a wide margin. Much more and better choices. DL has the Grand Californian, but the other hotels are now old and outdated. But if you're budget-conscious, research some non-Disney hotels around the theme parks for better values.<BR><BR>If you do choose DW, I suggest skipping the MGM Studios and heading over to Universal's Islands of Adventure for a day. The MGM Studios, and traditional Universal Studios in both CA and FL get boring real quick after you take in the tram ride and a show. And pick Epcot to see in the late afternoon and stick around for the fireworks. If you still like to see more of it, go the next day.<BR><BR>Outside of Disney, it's a whole nuther topic comparing So Cal to Orlando..but if you have any lingering questions as to either or best things to do, don't hesitate to ask within this thread. Enjoy the planning!!

ONe more thought on DL. You may want to consider--if you have a lot of time and don't want to go to San Diego, neighboring parks like Knott's Berry Farm which are more Roller Coaster-thrill ride friendly. My co-worker's 15 year old son enjoyed that more than Disneyland. Knotts Berry farm is in Buena Vista which also has that jousting/horse show dinner thing---Medieval Times?? Most of the DL hotels outside the park have shuttles to DL and some go to Knotts as well. Have fun.

So Penny, where are you going????

The truth is the first one you visit is your fav. I think it gets under your skin but for just a couple of days Disneyland it the best. have a wonderful time and try to fit Universal Studio in or Magic mountain as they are really geared for the teens. Have a good trip.

She wants to know about Disney world and Disneyland. She is just talking about that not the rest of the state. I live in Florida and have been to Disneyworld so many times. I recently went to disneylandin california and there is no comparison. Disney world is huge and has so many options, but Disneyland is small and yu get bored after a few days. Disney world all the way!

This is a 10 year old thread, I think her kids are planning to take THEIR kids to Disneyland.

lol Debit

They've probably been to both by now.