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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.