OISU8P Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 When I lived ion Pittsburgh I went to WDW a few times and am very familiar with the Magic Kingdom there. I was planning on going back there this May with my 4 year old. I have heard though that the Disneyland version in Cali is far superior though. I have heard that Pirates, It a Small World and the Haunted Mansion a way more superior. Has anyone on this board been to both and have any advice on if this is true? Also, my last two trips to WDW I stayed on property. This was namely the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge (with savanna view). This Trip I was going to scale back to Port Orleans French Qtr. How do the Disneyland on property resorts compare to these? One last question, does anyone know off an online resource that is good for the Cali parks? I used wdwmagic.com and allears.net for WDW. I however cannot find the equivalent for Disneyland and DCA. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernierocker Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 To answer your last question, here is a good discussion board for you to check out: www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebl Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 I can't say that Haunted Mansion is superior in CA, but Pirates and Small World are. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MayTheGForceBeWithYou Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 I'd say WDW's Mansion is better, but I will say Disneyland's Pirates and Small World are better than the Florida counterparts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 (edited) I don't think any of the rides are different enough to be considered 'far superior' except perhaps for the Space Mountains and Tower of Terrors in which case Florida's are FAR SUPERIOR!!!! The biggest difference between WDW and DLR is that WDW is a true resort and DLR is a small place in the middle of Anaheim. WDW feels like a real vacation, with resorts, restaurants, awesomeness. DLR feels like a place you'd go for a day, maybe two at the most. The resorts leave A LOT to be desired especially compared to the WDW resorts. You'll get a lot of the DL Fanboys telling you how Walt walked at DL and how the tiny castle is made of real bricks. But I don't see how any average GP or even real disney fans could put the DLR above the WDW resort. Edited June 22, 2020 by SharkTums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mechanic Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 ^ True post, although when comparing only Magic Kingdom to Disneyland park, as the title of the thread suggests, the results would likely favor CA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 ^I still would not choose DL over MK. Plus he talks about resorts and staying on property so he needs to be prepared! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OISU8P Posted January 13, 2011 Author Share Posted January 13, 2011 Thanks everyone for the responses. I think Ellissa may have hit a point I did not make on concern. The Cali parks appear to be in the middle of a shit hole and not much offerings as far as resorts go. That is a big negative to me on my final decision. However, I always wanted to experience the Matterhorn and their Pirates. Not to mention that I am still pissed at WDW for removing their Sub ride (not really, just looks interesting). I do like to Florida resort feel from my experiences... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mechanic Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Indeed, the suburban sprawl of the area surrounding Disneyland isn't nearly as "welcoming" as a complete themed resort. For what it's worth, here's an admittedly biased, and slightly dated, comparison of individual attractions at MK and DL from someone that's very experienced with both the DLR and WDW properties: Direct comparison of WDW and Disneyland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OISU8P Posted January 13, 2011 Author Share Posted January 13, 2011 ^awesome.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Of Spades Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 WDW will give you a far superior "Resort Experience", but for my money I'd take any of the DLR rides or either DLR park over any of the ones in Orlando...maybe I'm just some sort of freak, but I just like the California parks and rides better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Clinksalot Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 I've been to Disneyland at least 150 times ... I've only stayed on-site once, it's not worth the extra $$. As Elissa said, Disneyland is in the middle of Anaheim, staying at an off-site hotel is not the same as staying offsite in FL. In fact, MANY of the off-site Disneyland hotels are closer than the actual Disneyland hotels (Paradise Pier as an example). For the most part, you can get a better experience (and save some $$) at an off-site hotel like the Mariott, Red Lion and even the Howard Johnson (which has a GREAT kids water-play area). As far as the parks are concerned, I think that every "Disney Fan" should experience Disneyland at least once in their life, I would say the same for Magic Kingdom as well. It's true that "Disneyland" has more rides than Magic Kingdom, but I've never found myself to be bored at MK. For rides, Space Mountain is absolutely better in MK, same with a lot of the Dark Rides (Pooh, Snow White, Peter Pan) and I think Haunted Mansion and Splash Mountain are better at MK as well. Disneyland has a better Pirates (but the queue in MK is better) and I think their Railroad, TIki Room, Frontierland River attractions, etc are better. The Intangibles are interesting between the two parks. Disneyland has a few more "modern" rides that MK doesn't have, but MK has more "Classic" type rides that Disneyland doesn't have anymore. Disneyland has Indy (IMO, it's overrated) Roger Rabbit, Matterhorn (a classic) and the Nemo Subs (Terrible). MK has the Peoplemover, Swiss Family Treehouse, Country Bears, Rocket Jets which are classic Disney attractions. And of course there is Philharmagic which is (IMO) worth the price of admission by itself. Plus, MK offers dining that you simply can't find inside Disneyland (or the entire Disneyland Resort for that matter). IMO, MK wins for the intangibles. The rest of the rides (Big Thunder, Buzz, Barnstormer/Gadgets Go Coaster) are pretty much the same. Some small changes on Buzz, each has some shortcomings that make them equal. I know your question is about MK vs. Disneyland, but IMO throughout the WDW Resort, most rides that have a "Disneyland Counterpart" are better at WDW (Nemo, Tower of Terror, etc). As for sites for booking in CA ... for hotels, I honestly just Priceline. I've gotten the Mariott, Hyatt, Red Lion and Hilton for as low as $45 a night. Just check biddingfortravel.com and you should be able to find current rates. As far as the surrounding area, the "Resort Area" around Disneyland has improved in recent years. If you are staying near Harbor between Manchester (where the Hojo is) and the Convention Center you are ok. That's on the East side of Disneyland. Anything on the West Side of Disneyland (on West or Walnut) is sometimes pushing it. Plus with the Garden Walk there now it's helped to improve the area more. I've been out around the Resort at 2am before and I've never felt threatened or anything like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Sorry I'm a bit late to this discussion, but heres my take on the whole thing. Keep in mind that I am a Disneyland fanboy. So for one, Disneyland is my favorite park ever and has no real competitors in my mind, besides maybe EPCOT and IOA. That being said, I would say something like 2 or 3 of my top 5 or so parks are Disneyworld. Magic Kingdom, however, is not one of my favorites, in fact, in my opinion it is no where near as good as Disney due to its overall size and feel...yes I am one of the Disney fanboys in Elissa's post. I love Disneyland's size! I love how its so cramped, because that makes it feel so much more immersive than the Florida areas, especially in areas like Adventureland and Frontierland, where the areas are very small, but due to the theming they are awesome examples of Walt's vision of actually being there. I just find Disneyland to be much more charming, much more of Walt's initial vision, and then just because Disneyland did so well they made Florida's park bigger, just because they could. It just feels so much more "corporate" to me and feels much less charming and much less "Disneyish" than Disneyland. Adding to this DCA is also a nice add on, and in my opinion Screamin is the best Disney coaster for overall roller coaster feel, although it does not have the theming of all the incredible coasters at the other parks. Also you get to see World of Color, which is amazing if you are a Disney fan and a show person, which is why I put it in my opinions of best things of 2010. Alternatively although I am not a Magic Kingdom fan my opinions of 2 of the other parks there, Epcot and Animal Kingdom, are that both parks are AWESOME. EPCOT is easily my second favorite park behind Disneyland, and it always amazes me how much I like te park, considering there are no roller coasters. Everything about the park screams Walt Disney, and there is no area(besides the imagination pavilion) that is not absolutely awesome. The rides are world class, the parks overall feel and overall characteristics are VERY unique, and the entertainment and dining is also WORLD CLASS. Also, Animal Kingdom is awesome. Although it may not offer as much in terms of attractions as the rest of the parks the atmosphere and theming are TOP NOTCH. Everest is also awesome and is probably my favorite roller coaster at WDW as it is an awesome, smooth ride with incredible theming and an incredible que. Lastly te one thing I will say about the Studios is that Tower of Terror is AWESOME there as is RNRC, which is very smooth for a vekoma looper. My final say... if you have a day or 2 go to Disneyland/DCA! If you have a week go to WDW! Either way there is no bad decision to be made here...have a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginzo Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 To the OP, you should consider going to Disneyland just so you can compare the two for yourself. Though it is true that WDW provides an immersive resort experience that Disneyland cannot match. No single ride that you like more at Disneyland is likely to outweigh that. Also, if you happen to go on busy days, WDW handles crowds far more efficiently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greatamerica1990sfan Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I believe Disneyland is FAR MORE SUPERIOR 100%!!! Disneyland has all the better versions of the rides plus it has the Matterhorn & the Finding Nemo Subs & Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, & Alice In Wonderland & Pinocchio's Daring Journey, & Indiana Jones Adventure, & Roger Rabitt's Cartoon Spin. Even the fireworks show Remember Dreams Come True is far more superior. I think California Screamin is better than Rock N Roller. But a one minor difference is our Tower is not as good as Florida's. Too bad it couldn't have been an exact copy. & By the way our Cars Land Radiator Springs Racers will be far more superior than Test Track. I'd choose Disneyland over Disney World any time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Johnson Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 WDW's Magic Kingdom still has the PeopleMover. End of disscussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chroniq Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 I believe Disneyland is FAR MORE SUPERIOR 100%!!! Disneyland has all the better versions of the rides plus it has the Matterhorn & the Finding Nemo Subs & Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, & Alice In Wonderland & Pinocchio's Daring Journey, & Indiana Jones Adventure, & Roger Rabitt's Cartoon Spin. Even the fireworks show Remember Dreams Come True is far more superior. I think California Screamin is better than Rock N Roller. But a one minor difference is our Tower is not as good as Florida's. Too bad it couldn't have been an exact copy. & By the way our Cars Land Radiator Springs Racers will be far more superior than Test Track. I'd choose Disneyland over Disney World any time. This person has never been to Disney World. .. My advice- Go once and see what you think. It's a completely different experience than WDW. If you go with the mindset that is isn't comparable (resort/size/scope/friendliness wise) to WDW you will have a great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 (edited) It really depends on who you talk to, and how "into" Disney you are. Let me ask - are you a casual Disney fan, die-hard, etc? I can give you my take on the rides you listed... When I lived ion Pittsburgh I went to WDW a few times and am very familiar with the Magic Kingdom there. I was planning on going back there this May with my 4 year old. I have heard though that the Disneyland version in Cali is far superior though. I have heard that Pirates, It a Small World and the Haunted Mansion a way more superior. While I am very much in the minority on Pirates, I prefer the WDW version. Why? I'm not a fan of the ride to begin with, so I'm totally satisfied with the shorter version. There are some scenes missing from the WDW version that are in the California version. The die-hard Disney fans will tell you those scenes "make" the ride, but to be honest, I worked in New Orleans Square at Disneyland for 2 years, probably walked through Pirates more than any other ride in the park, and it honestly doesn't make much difference to me. But like I said, most people prefer the Disneyland version, so I'd give it the edge. Haunted Mansion? I *MUCH* prefer the WDW version! Some of the new scenes they added like that "crazy stairs" room are awesome! Sure, it doesn't have an actual 'working elevator' for the stretch room, but who cares. The ride is longer, has more scenes, better scenes, and the facade of the house looks great! Florida for the win here. Small World? Really? The only better version of Small World is NOT GOING ON Small World! Seriously though, the only thing the California version has going for it is that stupid outdoor facade thing. And Florida now has an indoor version of it. Other than that, the ride at Disneyland *feels* like they transported it from the portable, make-shift Worlds Fair, because they did. The Florida version is a "permanent installation" and reaps all the benefits from that. Florida again for the win here. Has anyone on this board been to both and have any advice on if this is true? Also, my last two trips to WDW I stayed on property. This was namely the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge (with savanna view). This Trip I was going to scale back to Port Orleans French Qtr. How do the Disneyland on property resorts compare to these? The Disneyland Resort is **NOT** a "resort" even though they would like to pretend they are. It's smack in the middle of a pretty dirty (although safe) city, and right outside the gates of the park, it's like being on I-Drive or 192. Imagine if right outside the front gate of Magic Kingdom, instead of having that awesome lagoon where you can't see anything for miles, you were instead facing Old Town and a bunch of cheap looking motels in Kissimmee. That's what the surroundings of Disneyland looks like. It's garbage. Yeah, it's cleaned up a bit over the years, but how much can you really polish a turd? Anaheim is skanky. They only have one hotel that is even *close* to a Walt Disney World resort and that is the Grand Californian. I'd put it on par with Wilderness Lodge, at best. They have absolutely nothing that can compare to any of the other real Disney "resorts." The Disneyland hotel is really nice, but it's kind of like staying at a nice Las Vegas hotel from the 1970s. It's old, and it feels it. But it's still "nice." Stayed on property a couple of times. It's not bad, but it's not Walt Disney World. Don't go in expecting it will be. Lower...WAY LOWER your expectations of the hotels, especially if you don't stay at the Grand Californian. One last question, does anyone know off an online resource that is good for the Cali parks? I used wdwmagic.com and allears.net for WDW. I however cannot find the equivalent for Disneyland and DCA. A resource? There really isn't any, and that should be your first warning! I use allears.net for most things Disney. I'd stay away from the "DIS" as those people are insane. I guess I'd also try MiceAge and Laughing Place, but I think they are mostly WDW centric also. To sum things up, if you are comparing Magic Kingdoms to Magic Kingdoms, I really dislike the cramped, claustrophobic feel of Disneyland. I don't care if "Walt walked through the Castle." He planned Walt Disney World because Disneyland didn't live up to what his dream park was. Disneyland was Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom v1.0. Disneyland feels more like a "small local park" and WDW's Magic Kingdom feels more like a "resort park" to me. It's all about your preference, but I like the way Magic Kingdom is laid out, with it's walkways along the Rivers of America, it's spread out feel, it just *feels* bigger than life. And at Disneyland, you can pretty much walk from Splash Mountain to Space Mountain about 4 minutes if there's not a parade going on, and from several areas in the park you can see outside the berm. You are instantly reminded "this ain't no Disney World" when you can be on the monorail and see crap like Bobs Big Boy, Best Western and McDonald's. You don't even see that crap on the Walt Disney World monorail when the go for MILES to Epcot!!! I'm not a Disneyland hater by any means, but I'm not a fan. I'm also not a fan of WDW's Magic Kingdom either. Tokyo takes that crown! As far as entire resorts go, hands down, no question, no contest, Walt Disney World is the place to spend a week of Disney immersion...Disneyland is worth about a day and a half...UNLESS you're an uber geeky Disneyland fanboy...then spend a week there and see World of Color 10 times. You'll love it!!! My suggestion? Take your 4 year old boy on a "vacation" to Walt Disney World, and then from Phoenix, drive out to Anaheim and do Disneyland for a "weekend." You won't need much more than that, unless of course you're a die-hard. Hope that helps! --Robb "Lives in California and spends more time at the other Disney Resorts all over the world than the one 50 miles from me!" Alvey Edited January 17, 2011 by robbalvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greatamerica1990sfan Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 ^^Um I have been to WDW but very little: Nov 1986-Magic Kingdom Nov 1988-Magic Kingdom April 1993-Epcot April 1997-MGM Studios April 2000-MGM Studios April 2002-Magic Kingdom-my 1 & only time on WDW Splash Mountain!!! PATHETIC I KNOW!!! That was Easter Sunday around 9pm during the fireworks. I was there from 3pm-11pm. Not much time. Disneyland: May 1987 Oct 1993 Mar 2001 June 2001 July 2006 July 2008 Feb 2010 How pathetic. I've spent single days at WDW-never once a whole week. Never done the water parks & Animal Kingdom. I will never get to experience WDW for a whole week & I won't ever have the money to do that. My parents are non Disney/theme park people . I am lucky to go to Disneyland for 2 days maybe every other year if I'm lucky. They don't go they drop me off & pick me up so I'm there alone. I wish I could go to Disney every year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted January 17, 2011 Share Posted January 17, 2011 Admittedly, I'm slightly biased towards WDW because I basically grew up there, and have visited countless times. With that said, I can still look at everything objectively. I consider myself a Disney dork (although you'll never find me on DisBoards or anything - I'd rather shoot myself in the head). I'm well versed on the history of Walt Disney, Disneyland, and WDW. I've made three visits to Anaheim, a ton to WDW, and here's how I see it. First of all, anyone who's comparing DL to the MK in minute details is missing the whole point of the visit. With the obvious certain E-ticket exceptions (Matterhorn, Indy, etc.), the parks are similar enough. In my mind, I've always viewed DL with a sort of "museum-like" quality. It's where things started. And by things, I mean mostly everything concerning worldwide amusement parks as we know them today. To make an omelette you gotta break a few eggs. To me, it's somewhat sad how, as the generations go on, the original idea of DL gets a bit lost in the shuffle. I think a lot of folks look at the place, with its current surroundings, and think, "Ugh, I can't believe they built it here." Truth is, it was probably lucky to have been built anywhere. Even with his name and immense success in the film industry, funding for what was then an unproven park concept proved tough. So I always choose to visit DL with the mindset that I'm visiting what was simply the foundation for greater things. As Robb suggested, WDW is basically just DLv2.0. With more money to play with following the eventual success of DL, Walt transformed another "wasteland" into what he wished DL was to begin with. And naturally, no sequel will ever capture the same unique charm as the original, but regardless, it's unmistakably still Disney (with a less cramped, overpopulated feel to it). Like I mentioned before, if you're visiting with the desire to constantly compare things, then you're probably shorting yourself and missing the whole point of the visit. Still, if I'm someone in the middle of the country debating which to visit for a true vacation, it's hands down WDW. Not even a couple unique E-tickets and the charm of a castle that Walt walked through could sway that decision. Disneyland, for most people outside the tri-state southwest region, should be nothing more than a weekend stay at the most. And heck, even as big a Disney fan as I am, I have never visited Disney's California Abomination, and really don't have any huge desire to either. That doesn't say much for a place that's trying to pawn itself off as a "resort." Small World? Really? The only better version of Small World is NOT GOING ON Small World! Seriously though, the only thing the California version has going for it is that stupid outdoor facade thing. And Florida now has an indoor version of it. Other than that, the ride at Disneyland *feels* like they transported it from the portable, make-shift Worlds Fair, because they did. The Florida version is a "permanent installation" and reaps all the benefits from that. Florida again for the win here. To add to this, it rains in Florida.....a LOT. Having that outdoor portion in the MK would've been one more thing effected by weather, which was unnecessary. Not to mention that I am still pissed at WDW for removing their Sub ride (not really, just looks interesting). I'll never forgive 'em for it. It was seriously one of the coolest rides ever. Check this out, if you haven't already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OISU8P Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 It really depends on who you talk to, and how "into" Disney you are. Let me ask - are you a casual Disney fan, die-hard, etc? I can give you my take on the rides you listed... I am by no means a "die hard fan". I think I am going to base my decision on the following... - If I have an extra $3K plus to spend then I will go back to WDW. - If under $3K I will try Disneyland out. My four year old daughter is more into Princesses and Tinkerbell at this point, thus why I started to look at Cali. I can get that there it seems with less cost. I was thinking of rerouting some of those funds to house projects. I was then thinking of doing WDW maybe next year with her when she is a little older. Thus Everest and Rocking Roller Coaster. I also am going to start getting her kids books on each one of the Epcot countries. This way she has an interest in them. They would also have their new expansion complete by then...(Magic Kingdom) On a side note and not to change subject on parks. I was looking at Universal for a day in Cali. That looks like total $hit compared to the two parks in Orlando.... I was surprised. Thanks everyone for the input.... and yes I will most likely stay off site. These Disney hotels appear to have nothing on the WDW one. What crap for the $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisal73 Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 If you compare DL to the MK only then DL wins. If you want the whole Disney experience then MK and WDW would win. That being said... if you are visiting out of town I would avoid Disneyland like the plague until the summer of 2012. Especially if you are interested in visiting California Adventure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 (edited) That being said... if you are visiting out of town I would avoid Disneyland like the plague until the summer of 2012. I don't think his four year daughter will like that answer. Edited January 18, 2011 by larrygator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OISU8P Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 ^^ What is happening there (Disneyland) in 2012? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisal73 Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 ^^ What is happening there (Disneyland) in 2012? The resort expansion aka California Adventure redo will be complete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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