Does Disney World 'Ruin' Disneyland?

[Neverlandtink]

Personally I like trying the rides which are the same at both parks. Big Thunder is different enough from Disneyland that it's just a fun experience. Same with Peter Pan and Small World. If you have the time, the definitely try them. If you don't then skip those and go for the attractions DL does not have.

Philharmagic in Fantasyland is one of my favs! I really hope it makes it's way over to the west coast.

[BC_DisneyGeek]

No, visiting DisneyWorld will absolutely not "ruin" Disneyland.

Some things will be different, some things will be better, some things will be worse.

I love DisneyWorld for its sense of immersion from the outside world, I love spending more time than usual enjoying the amenities of the hotel. I love Disneyland for its sheer volume of attractions.

You might develop a preference, and when visiting one resort you'll always miss some of the things the alternate resort does better, but I don't think you'll ever find one of the two to be ruined for you.

[Roo719]

The fact of the matter is...the Parks are just that. Parks. They are not better and not worse than anything. You make up your mind when you go. If you have a good time, there ya go, the Parks are good. If you spend your energy with figuring out the comparisons, you'll probably find you wasted your brain energies on thinking than just experiencing.

They are both wholly different experiences. I love Disneyland. I love DisneyWorld. I love Disney. Why did I need to worry about who is better? Can a person pick which of their own children they prefer?

Wait, probably not a good idea to go into that--some parents can.

Just sit back and enjoy.

Peace,
Roo

[Neverlandtink]

Originally Posted by BC_DisneyGeek

I love DisneyWorld for its sense of immersion from the outside world, I love spending more time than usual enjoying the amenities of the hotel.

You make such a great point. One thing I like about staying at the Grand Californian (when I can afford it) is that it feels so much like a WDW resort. I can't describe it exactly, but immersion is a great word for it. You feel like you're in another place altogether, compared to the Disneyland Hotel which is nice, but you still feel like you're in Downtown Disney. The Great thing about the WDW resorts is that each one feels like you've left the outside world behind, but it's also much more affordable than the Grand Cal.

Still, apples and oranges. They're all wonderful!

[Mtsplash]

Don't worry! You'll love WDW, but it will also only make you appreciate DL more. That's what happened to me. Disneyland Park actually has far more attractions than the MK, and a lot of them are better at DL (like POTC ETR ALL of Fantasyland and BLAB). Of course, in my opinion, the HM is best at WDW.

[celticdar]

Personally, I've never understood the need to compare the two resorts. Disney has a habit of putting the same attractions in all of their parks and I think it's interesting to compare those attractions but the two experiences are totally different. I love Disney parks so to me there's never disappointment (unless something I love to ride is closed), but trying to compare the two is, as someone suggested earlier, apples to oranges. To answer your concern about WDW making Disneyland seem small, there's no way to avoid that but it doesn't matter. Disneyland is 300 acres. WDW is over 27000 acres. It dwarfs the borough of Manhattan and the country of Monaco, so comparing it to the limited space that Disney was able to purchase back in the 50's isn't something you're going to want to do. Someone suggested earlier that there is a misconception that the four parks are four Disneylands - I have to disagree with that. I don't believe that was how they were billed - ever. Each of the four parks are so completely different from eachother. What I love is the total immersion in "the World." From the minute you pull of the highway and cross under the big arch - you don't have to go back to the outside world until you leave. In addition to the four parks, there are 23 hotels (with restaurants), 2 water parks, 4 full golf courses, 2 miniature golf courses, campgrounds, Downtown Disney and the Walt Disney World Speedway - not the one in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom - an actual racetrack. They just have more room to make your entire trip more fulfilling. Someone suggested earlier in this thread that you should lower your expectations - you won't need to do this. WDW, simply put, is amazing. I go every year and I have yet to have an issue with service, cleanliness or value. I would recommend getting a good guide book and doing a little homework beforehand so you can make the most of your time. Get the hopper option on your tickets - you'll use it. And take advantage of those extra magic hours. I was in Magic Kingdom one night until 1am and I loved it. There is nothing like riding Haunted Mansion, BTMRR or Pirates at midnight. Go early on the mornings when you can to Animal Kingdom and ride the safari - it's great in the morning while it's still cool and the animals are up and about. And whatever you do - make sure you catch the fireworks/lights show at Epcot - it's fantastic. If you love Disneyland (and what's not to love), you'll still love Disneyland. But visiting WDW is more than just a visit to a Disney themed park - it's a complete Disney vacation. Have a great time planning and enjoy!

[Jspider]

Originally Posted by disneyfann121

But also make sure you catch the east coast versions which are different and/or superior. At WDW's Magic Kingdom, The Haunted Mansion is clearly better; longer ride, more scenes, improved sound, better Constance and Leota. Splash Mountain is different enough that you shouldn't miss it; more elaborate dark ride portion, although the final drop at DL is more thrilling (and wetter). Pooh is a lot better, and Snow White has a much better ending (and Fantasyland rides offer Fast Pass, so if you haven't been able to get on Peter Pan lately...) For a nostalgia kick, WDW's Magic Kingdom also has a retro Space Mountain, which will be reopening soon.

At Disney Hollywood Studios, don't miss the best version of TOT, and TSMM with Fast Pass and a much better queue. At Animal Kingdom, Everest is like Matterhorn on steroids, and as for Dinosaur, I wish people would enjoy it for what it is, instead of comparing it to Indy (how many rides would stand up to comparison with that classic?). Dinosaur is one of my WDW favorites because of the feeling of being plunged back to prehistoric days, and seeing these amazingly lifelike dinosaur AAs.

I think that experiencing all your favorites plus exploring all the differences is perfectly fine for all the attractions really.

I don't know about recommending Midway mania for a California local though the line is so freaking long in Florida who cares if its better decorated (not like anything really moves in there).

The only thing that's been spoiled for me is that I can't experience both the definitive Pirates and Mansion side by side . It drives me crazy that it's an either/or situation depending on what resort I choose :P

[Imagineer Scott]

In a sense of space and proximity to the outside world, yes. I feel when you compare going to DL and going to MK that MK feels much more real and exciting. It's not like Disneyland where 2 parks stare at each other, MK takes at least maybe 20-30 minutes to get to just from the parking lot! In that 20 -30 minutes you leave the outside world behind, and it does a great job of doing that.

DL does have, obviously, more attractions. In that aspect WDW might me a let down (if you look at JUST the MK).

In terms of our lands:

MK has a better TLand
DL has a better FLand (for now)
DL has a better ALand
MK & DL are tied for best NOS/LS
DL has a better Toontown
MK has a better FrLand.
DL has the added Critter Country
MK has a better castle
Main Streets are the same

So- DL wins that battle (for now)

Overall, these 2 vacation destinations are 2 totally different places. WDW is more like the ideal Disney vacation destination. It's got 4 quality parks, dozens of resorts, 2 top notch water parks, and near cruise line. Disneyland is more open and out there to the community. It offers that nostalgic feeling that you know no other Disney park can have. Every Disney fan, theme park fan or not, should 100% travel to Disneyland once in their lifetime. There's no way anything can "ruin" Disneyland- and Disneyland cannot "ruin" WDW. Two totally different places offering two totally different things.


P.S- this whole post is just in my opinion :P sorry if it seems like it's present as facts.

[Barbaraann]

I actually think it's quite amazing that Disneyland is smack dab in the middle of an American City. Whenever, I go there, and I walk down Harbor Blvd, and get to the esplanade, I get excited. I know that once I go through the turnstile, and under the tunnel, I am transported to a whole different place. Almost immediately, I forget about the city street that was the beginning of the path that got me to that magical place that is Disneyland. I wish I could have that magic in my neighborhood.

[ORD84]

In my opinion as I usually go to WDW but have gone to DL once or twice, it really hits you how much more immense WDW is...as the name implies you are pretty much off in your own little world, but does it ruin DL? NO when I visited DL for the first time 3 years ago I found DL to be fun and pretty cool, but also alittle cramped, but I got used to it..it's pretty neat how everything flows together in that small of a space actually and I did enjoy some of the uniqueness that both of the parks have..

I also enjoyed the fact that it didn't rain everyday at approximately 2:30 pm that was a nice change of pace..WDWs Space Mountain, ToT, and HM are better in my opinion, but for a native DLer I would hit up some of the rides that yall don't have over there and then start on the rides that DL shares with WDW, it makes you appreciate the slight differences in each of the parks..

I would recommend starting at a smaller park like DHS just to get you more to the flavour of WDW before you start out...but it's fine whichever way you do it, just go into it with an open mind and you'll have a good time....

[texasblue11]

I grew up going to Disneyland and then I did the College Program at WDW. After spending 7 months in Orlando, I still prefer Anaheim. Take Fantasmic for example: It is much better at DL (in my opinion). Walking down Main Street USA, the feeling is much different because Walt WAS there. The magic is just very different. I also feel that there is SOOO much going on at Disney World that it is hard to just sit back and relax and enjoy what is going on. You want to fit everything in so it is all rushed.

I love both places, but Disneyland is where my heart is

[Coheteboy]

I hear the "immersive" card thrown out a lot in favor of WDW, but what's so immersive about it? It's just swamp. It takes me forever to park hop or to get from one hotel to the theme park. That actually makes me feel less immersed in it all if I need to take a bus or car to enjoy it all.

At disneyland, there's no inbetween. You're either in a hotel, downtown disney, or a theme park.

[OC2Epcot]

I grew up going to Disneyland even before I moved to CA. We would come at least once a year. Once I got a little older we did a couple of family trips to WDW and then I did many other trips on my own or with friends. I love going to WDW and look forward to each trip. Since I've always lived in the West, WDW trips come about every 3 years or so. I still continued visiting Disneyland in-between those trips.

WDW and Disneyland are different resorts. There are many things I like better at WDW over Disneyland, and vise versa, but WDW does not ruin Disneyland for me. For me, each resort is just more of the magic that Walt created. I have a great time no matter which Disney resort I'm visiting. I always stay on the property at WDW and you do feel like your in another world. Yes, you may have to drive, take a bus, boat, or monorail from your hotel to a theme park, but it is all still Disney. You are not passing cheap motels and and other businesses along the way. For the week or so you are there, you really feel like you're in another place.

Disneyland is the original, and because of that I think it gets a lot more attention than WDW. Of course it also has a very large and local fan base. I enjoy some of the special attractions and shows we get here, and I always have the memories of it being the first Disney park I visited. The only other Disney park I've been to is HKDL, but I hope to visit all of the Disney parks when I can. Not all Disney parks are created equal (even if they have the same attractions), but that what makes it fun, to see what makes them unique.

[Neverlandtink]

Originally Posted by Coheteboy

I hear the "immersive" card thrown out a lot in favor of WDW, but what's so immersive about it? It's just swamp.

LOL!! True, true. And yes it is a pain, especially if you're relying on the transit system (didn't used to be) to get you from point A to point B. I have to admit, I love the short walk from the Grand Cal to the front gates! You can have that, though, if you stay in a resort next to the theme parks. We stayed at the Yacht Club last year and it was literally a walk over a foot bridge that took us into Epcot. My favorite immersions though, are the Wilderness Lodge and the Poly. I already live in the city so it's fun to visit a Disney theme park while you're staying in "Yosemite" or "Hawaii". (Even if it IS in a swamp! haha).

[MarkTwain]

Originally Posted by Coheteboy

I hear the "immersive" card thrown out a lot in favor of WDW, but what's so immersive about it? It's just swamp. It takes me forever to park hop or to get from one hotel to the theme park. That actually makes me feel less immersed in it all if I need to take a bus or car to enjoy it all.

At disneyland, there's no inbetween. You're either in a hotel, downtown disney, or a theme park.

I love the swamp personally. In terms of "immersiveness" I prefer to think of WDW as an oasis. We travel to WDW by car, and when you drive through Orlando, you pass all this tourist cr@p, condos under construction, signage and retail overload, terrible traffic, just urban sprawl and tourism gone mad. And then you drive through the gates into WDW property... and it all ends. Everything you pass is either unaltered nature, or Disney. It creates a great feeling that Disney is under control, in their huge inland island from the rest of the world.

That's part of the reason I love WDW so much!