Disney World vs. Disney Land

lumina0o0

Both are great. Disney World is much bigger. If you stay on property, you can get into the parks earlier. Figure out which rides you want to ride the most. Head straight for the Fast pass ticket. Lines are long. I like Disney World better, but like California better than Florida. If you are going in July, really hot and muggy in Florida. If you like water parks, will like Florida in July. Expect it to rain everyday around 4 or 5 o'clock, but usually less than 1/2 hour.

this too, in july in cali it wont be raining and it wont be muggy, be sure to bring sun screen to either parks, plus at DW the lockers are more expensive and when I went which is a almost 10 years ago...they had keys that you have to keep track of....

LuckyLeprechaun

Ted *L*

OK, I'm just going to stalk the comments as they come and see if I can get plan. I'm not a theme park girl. I worked at Great America and it's forever ruined me. So I really don't think I could handle 8 different parks and more than 3 nights *LOL* Maybe I can hire a manny to come with that has more mouse-tolerance :bigsmile:

They sell wine at California Adventure...:drinker:

and Margaritas!

Welllllllll, they are wine-aritas. There is no tequila available in Mouseland

LuckyLeprechaun

Go before June if you can, cheaper tickets, less crowds!

HAVE FUN!!!

Not true on the tickets, prices are the same year round. True on the crowds, once school is out, all hell breaks loose.

dawlschic007

I haven't been to Disney World, but I live in California and go to Disneyland pretty often. If you're just doing a three day trip then I would suggest Disneyland. That gives you a full day at each park here and then the third day you can explore the area or even go to Knott's Berry Farm, which isn't too far away. July is usually a good time to visit California as it isn't too hot yet.

There are also tons of fun places to eat near by like Medival Times or Pirates Times which are always fun for the kiddos.

lumina0o0

In Disney World you get the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and then 3 major water amusement parks each competely different. Then there is their shopping , eating , and nightife area, which so much to do. I dont think that Disney Land alone can compare even if California is a nice place, the Florida theme park is all inclusive with tranportation, hotels, restraunts, its relatively cheap for a family to stay , eat and get around to the park with theme park hopper passes, you just need to park your bags and be ready for a wonderful time, minus the fact you will need a vacation from your vacation because its action packed, tons of walking and excitement and fun, just not alot of relaxation and resting time say like on a beach vacation. Enjoy!

we do have downtown disney as well, night life, HOB, Jazz Kitchen...
Welcome to the place where imagination is the destination. For young and old, big and small — it's the happiest place on earth! Come build memories with your family that last a lifetime as you discover the wonder of this magical, fantastical world. When you enter one of the Lands that comprise Disneyland Park, stories come to life around you, immersing you in tales from some of your favorite Disney films...

Disneyland:
Main Street, U.S.A.

Main Street, U.S.A. is the entrance to Disneyland Park. Stroll down the street where turn-of-the-century architecture and transportation recreate a bygone era. Be sure to board a vintage vehicle for a ride back in time and then marvel at The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Before you leave, don't forget to visit the Emporium, an old-time Victorian general store filled with all kinds of Disney memorabilia.

Fantasyland

Located beyond Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasyland is where you can meet the heroes and villains of your favorite Disney stories. Encounter princesses from the royal realms of Disney films such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Step into their enchanting stories about the triumph of true love. Sing along with a classic song and sail past the pageantry of "it's a small world". Take a spin in a tea cup or fly over London with Peter Pan. Revel in the enchantment that surrounds you!

Tomorrowland

Ready your rockets as you blast into the twin orbits of innovation and exploration at Tomorrowland! Rocket into the outer reaches of darkest space on Space Mountain and battle galactic bad guys in Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. To infinity and beyond!

New Orleans Square

Welcome to the French Quarter of New Orleans Square where you can celebrate Mardi Gras all year round. Pay your respects to the 999 ghostly residents of the Haunted Mansion and then join the Pirates of the Caribbean on a bayou bateau for a swashbuckling voyage! Raise a mint julep to this land of buried treasure and supernatural secrets, parasols and pirate curses. It's home to swashbucklers and haunts alike!

Adventureland

Chart a course for Adventureland and embark on a bold expedition into excitement and intrigue! Enter a lost temple on Indiana Jones Adventure and delve into dark jungles on The Jungle Cruise. Join your fellow explorers as you boldly seek mystery and imagination.

Critter Country

Come play in the deep backwoods of Critter Country. Hear the rumble of railroads and waterfalls, not to mention a chorus of critters singin' "Zip-a-Dee-Do-Dah" at Splash Mountain. See one of the most beloved critters when you journey through the Hundred Acre Wood on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. It's a hunny of a place to play!

Mickey's Toontown

Mickey's Toontown is a miniature interactive metropolis full of topsy turvy architecture and screwy sculptures. For the ultimate taste of Toon mania, hail a wacky taxi for the ride of your life on Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin or brave Gadget's Go Coaster. Or visit the charming houses of Mickey, Minnie and other classic Disney characters. It's where some of your favorite Toons call home.

Frontierland

Frontierland celebrates the trailblazers, settlers and other heroes of the Old West. For big adventure, rumble over the mountain on a runaway railroad car when you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And there's a mighty fine show at the Golden Horseshoe Stage. From the Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island to the rippling waters of the Rivers of America, it's a pioneer's paradise.
Discover the Disney stories and characters you love in ways you've never imagined! Supercharge your Disney experience in this engaging park where new adventures with familiar faces are constantly unfolding before you.

California Adventure:
New Attractions and Entertainment

Big changes are underway at Disney California Adventure Park! Visit Ariel's world when you dive into the new attraction The Little Mermaid~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Take to the streets when Phineas and Ferb's Rockin' Rollin' Dance party travels along the Parade Corridor. Now, get a sneak peek of what else is on the horizon—see the latest plans to bring even more Disney magic to the park.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot

The Hollywood Pictures Backlot beckons you to bask in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood yesteryear and today, with a touch of magic from Disney·Pixar movies. Do check in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror for the elevator ride of your life. Or get a wild view of the world with Muppet*Vision 3D as Kermit, Gonzo and the gang unleash their latest technology. Then chill for a chat at Turtle Talk with Crush, the righteous surfer turtle from the Disney·Pixar film, Finding Nemo. Don't forget that Monstropolis is just a scream away at Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Paradise Pier

Cool breezes and thrills await you at Paradise Pier, which will remind you of a turn-of-the-century seaside amusement park filled with Disney character. Dine at the large al fresco seating area at the new Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. Tear through the air on California Screamin' rollercoaster or take off in to the wilder blue yonder at Goofy's Sky School. Step right up to play Toy Story Mania! —it's both a ride and rootin' tootin' shootin' challenge. At night, see the spectacular World of Color fuse water, light and fire into a musical extravaganza.

Golden State

Discover the spirit of adventure as you dive into the scenery! Take in breathtaking landscape and diverse geography on Soarin' Over California. Climb into a white water raft and crash over the rapids on the Grizzly River Run. Then relax with a great glass of wine and satisfying meal at the Wine Country Trattoria.

"a bug's land"

See the world from a bug's perspective in "a bug's land". Based on the Disney·Pixar film, A Bug's Life, this playful place is built especially for little ones and is full of insect-sized surprises. Hop on the hilarious Heimlich Chew Chew Train or go underground and see what the buzz is all about in the 3D film It's Tough to Be a Bug! There's lots to do and see in this land where bugs live large.
Visit the Downtown Disney District, a lively promenade featuring unique shopping and dining, as well as exciting nighttime entertainment. Located just outside the Parks and adjacent to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, the Downtown Disney District offers something for everyone from early morning until late at night.

Downtown Disney
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Text DTDNOW to DPARK (37275) to get information on events and special offers.*

Disney Fun for Southern California

Get away for a few hours and spend some quality time in an immersive Disney environment, all without an admission fee. The Downtown Disney District features open-air cafes, lively entertainment, nightclubs and a movie theater. You'll feel transported to a uniquely Disney world where you can relax and spend some special time with the people you love. And if you live in Southern California, it's all right next door!

Free Parking

Arrive via foot, monorail or automobile. The Downtown Disney District parking lot is conveniently located next to the action and offers free parking for up to 3 hours — or up to 5 hours of free parking with validation from participating locations.

Live Outdoor Entertainment

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Special Offers and Coupons

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cheyniemama

Go before June if you can, cheaper tickets, less crowds!

HAVE FUN!!!

Not true on the tickets, prices are the same year round. True on the crowds, once school is out, all hell breaks loose.

You can get special packages until then, I guess is more accurate. And I just went, with 2 day park hoppers for $114 each. They DO run specials!

lumina0o0

I haven't been to Disney World, but I live in California and go to Disneyland pretty often. If you're just doing a three day trip then I would suggest Disneyland. That gives you a full day at each park here and then the third day you can explore the area or even go to Knott's Berry Farm, which isn't too far away. July is usually a good time to visit California as it isn't too hot yet.

There are also tons of fun places to eat near by like Medival Times or Pirates Times which are always fun for the kiddos.

this too

rlittle2

I have been to both - I would definitely LOVE to go back to Disney World. I liked it much better than I did Disneyland.

charmingtrouble

I live about 15 minutes away from Disneyland so I'm biased Which park is better depends on what your budget looks like and how much time you have to spend. With only 2 disney parks in CA, you won't feel the need to spread yourself as thinly as you would in FL. OH! and Disney's CA adventures has the World of Color show, which is absolutely amazing. The effects will simply blow you away.

cardbucfan

I live an hour from DW and adore the place. But like everybody else said-it is HOT and humid in central Florida in July. We leave the state! 3 days would make Disneyland a better fit especially at that time of year. If you were coming for a week then DW but I still wouldn't come mid-summer. There's a reason there are blackout dates for Florida residents during that time period!

cheyniemama

I live about 15 minutes away from Disneyland so I'm biased Which park is better depends on what your budget looks like and how much time you have to spend. With only 2 disney parks in CA, you won't feel the need to spread yourself as thinly as you would in FL. OH! and Disney's CA adventures had the World of Color show, which is absolutely amazing. The effects will simply blow you away.

True! It was soooo cool!

ishallnotwant

I love Disneyland! My family used to go once per year when I was growing up. We took our 5 kids last February and my husband and I spent this past weekend at Disneyland/California Adventure. If you get the park hopper passes it's not too bad. Ours were $114 each. We spent Friday evening at Downtown Disney and had a nice dinner together and Saturday and Sunday we park hopped. If you go to California Adventure, the World of Color show is AMAZING! Make sure to get a FastPass for it in the morning, before they are all given out-that way you can be in a good viewing area. Be warned though, if you go all the way in front, you WILL get wet. Also, the Aladdin stage show is really great-amazing effects and really funny as well. California Adventure has a lot of construction going on right now but they are unveiling all of the new stuff this summer. Don't miss Soarin' Over California, it's really beautiful!

Things you don't want to miss at Disneyland:
*Pirates of the Carribean is my favorite.
*Of course, It's a Small World is classic.
*Star Tours is really fun-it's a motion simulator but it's very realistic and exciting.
*Splash Mountain is nice on a hot day but it breaks down a lot.
*If your little guy (I don't know how old he is) likes faster rides, Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Space Mountain are the faster ones. You can run round the park first thing in the morning and get FastPasses for all the good rides, and just when you are done rounding up the FastPasses it will probably be time to start boarding your first ride. To get a FastPass you just walk up to the FP machine at the ride you want to go on, slide your ticket in, and it spits the ticket back out and issues you a pass to go to the front of the line-you come back at the time on the pass and just basically walk on instead of waiting in a long line.
Big Thunder Ranch has a bbq joint that is all you can eat. It's delicious. It serves ribs, chicken, sausage, camp beans, corn on the cob, cornbread, sweet tea, etc. They bring it to your table in little pails and when you need more they just keep refilling until you are done. It's a bargain compared to the little tiny hamburgers and corn dogs they charge 10 to 15 dollars for.
If you want to sit down and eat, there is a restaurant called the Blue Bayou that is located right inside of the Pirates ride. It's really pretty, all "dark and "starlit" as if you were sitting out in a bayou area and you get to watch the boats go by as people start their ride on the POC. I would make reservations though because it does get pretty busy in the evenings. There are a few other sit down restaurants in the area as well, but most of them don't have table service. I think there are only 3 or 4 table service restaurants in the park-the rest you walk up and order and then sit down.

Also, you can just pick something up to eat at Downtown Disney. My husband and I had brunch at the Jazz kitchen Express Saturday morning before we hit the parks. I had chicken and sausage gumbo, a fried chicken po boy with fries, and a coffee for probably the price of what one hamburger with fries would cost me in Disneyland.

At Disney, the best time to get on the rides is during the parades and fireworks show. if you've seen the parade already, head for the rides because most people will be sitting on Main Street watching the parade and the ride lines are shorter. The firework show starts around 8:40, I think, and everyone just stops and watches it. We walked right onto the Matterhorn last year while everyone else was gaping at fireworks-there was no line at all.

You don't have to stay at a Disney hotel, there are plenty of cheaper places within walking distance. We stayed at a small place that was right across the street and just walked to our room each evening after we were done at the parks. Also, if you stay further away, most hotels have shuttles to drop you off at the park and pick you up as well. There is transit all over Anaheim to get you to the parks-free shuttles and whatnot. if you have a hotel room you can just park on the hotel property, and avoid the 15 dollar per day parking fee. Also if you are coming from far away renting a car isn't even necessary because everything is within walking distance.

Anyways, i'm sorry that was all so long lol! I live in Southern California, about a 20 to 30 minute drive from the parks. If you have any other questions, please feel free to message me.:flowerforyou:

LuckyLeprechaun

FYI everyone, Small World and Matterhorn are currently closed in Disneyland. Matterhorn is going to reopen in June, not sure when Small World is.

dawlschic007

Ishallnotwant - Have you been to the new Pirates since they finished construction? Is it still good? I went back in October and it was closed until December or something like that. One guy said they were incorporating Toy Story into it somehow. Not sure if that is true or not.

dawlschic007

I'm glad they are working on the Matterhorn. That ride needed some work!

daryls

For three days - I'd do Disneyland. It's smaller and easier to do (rides are closer together). Disney World is huge and covers a lot more land and takes more time. I've done Disney World 5 times and Disneyland 3 times.

ishallnotwant

FYI everyone, Small World and Matterhorn are currently closed in Disneyland. Matterhorn is going to reopen in June, not sure when Small World is.

Small World is open. We went on it both Saturday and Sunday. Matterhorn is closed though.

ishallnotwant

Ishallnotwant - Have you been to the new Pirates since they finished construction? Is it still good? I went back in October and it was closed until December or something like that. One guy said they were incorporating Toy Story into it somehow. Not sure if that is true or not.

Not true at all. I went last year and this year and didn't see any differences so I wonder if they were just doing maintenance. the only thing I think that has changed on it since I was a kid is the addition of Jack Sparrow and some of the other movie characters. .I definitely didn't see any Toy Story stuff, i hope they don't ever do that! lol! I think it would totally ruin the ride.

dawlschic007

Ishallnotwant - Have you been to the new Pirates since they finished construction? Is it still good? I went back in October and it was closed until December or something like that. One guy said they were incorporating Toy Story into it somehow. Not sure if that is true or not.

Not true at all. I went last year and this year and didn't see any differences so I wonder if they were just doing maintenance. the only thing I think that has changed on it since I was a kid is the addition of Jack Sparrow and some of the other movie characters. .I definitely didn't see any Toy Story stuff, i hope they don't ever do that! lol! I think it would totally ruin the ride.

Oh good! It may have just been for Christmas then. Sort of how they remake The Haunted House over and change it into the Nightmare Before Christmas.

ishallnotwant

Ishallnotwant - Have you been to the new Pirates since they finished construction? Is it still good? I went back in October and it was closed until December or something like that. One guy said they were incorporating Toy Story into it somehow. Not sure if that is true or not.

Not true at all. I went last year and this year and didn't see any differences so I wonder if they were just doing maintenance. the only thing I think that has changed on it since I was a kid is the addition of Jack Sparrow and some of the other movie characters. .I definitely didn't see any Toy Story stuff, i hope they don't ever do that! lol! I think it would totally ruin the ride.

Oh good! It may have just been for Christmas then. Sort of how they remake The Haunted House over and change it into the Nightmare Before Christmas.

Yeah, it could just be seasonal. My husband and I went on Pirates 3 times! lol! We're silly pirate people. Our honeymoon cabin was decorated like a pirate ship, complete with sunken treasure by the hot tub. :laugh:

LuckyLeprechaun

Even for Christmas, Toy Story has never been a part of Pirates. They closed it for maintenance, but it is exactly the same as it ever was since the Captain Jack Sparrow overhaul.

I go almost every weekend.

LuckyLeprechaun

FYI everyone, Small World and Matterhorn are currently closed in Disneyland. Matterhorn is going to reopen in June, not sure when Small World is.

Small World is open. We went on it both Saturday and Sunday. Matterhorn is closed though.

Sweet! I figured Small World was going to be open soon, I think it was just the change from Christmas to regular. I was there on Fat Tuesday and it was still closed then. Glad they finished that one!

Matterhorn is getting all new bobsleds, and each person will have their own seat. This IMHO is a major improvement, should make the ride a lot more comfortable.

dawlschic007

Even for Christmas, Toy Story has never been a part of Pirates. They closed it for maintenance, but it is exactly the same as it ever was since the Captain Jack Sparrow overhaul.

I go almost every weekend.

You are Lucky! I don't know what that guy was talking about then. Probably just making stuff up.

ishallnotwant

Even for Christmas, Toy Story has never been a part of Pirates. They closed it for maintenance, but it is exactly the same as it ever was since the Captain Jack Sparrow overhaul.

I go almost every weekend.

Oh no, I wasn't saying Toy Story was part of it. I meant the maintenance was probably seasonal. I heard that Disney likes to fix their rides in winter when there are not as many people in attendance.

lumina0o0

At Disney, the best time to get on the rides is during the parades and fireworks show. if you've seen the parade already, head for the rides because most people will be sitting on Main Street watching the parade and the ride lines are shorter. The firework show starts around 8:40, I think, and everyone just stops and watches it. We walked right onto the Matterhorn last year while everyone else was gaping at fireworks-there was no line at all.

8:40 in off season 9:30 in July

msmimi

World hands down!

dawlschic007

[/quote]

Matterhorn is getting all new bobsleds, and each person will have their own seat. This IMHO is a major improvement, should make the ride a lot more comfortable.
[/quote]

YES! That is a MAJOR improvement. They stuffed me and my husband into one seat last time and I thought I was going to die the entire ride because he's 6'3 and takes up the majority of the space. LOL

ishallnotwant

FYI everyone, Small World and Matterhorn are currently closed in Disneyland. Matterhorn is going to reopen in June, not sure when Small World is.

Small World is open. We went on it both Saturday and Sunday. Matterhorn is closed though.

Sweet! I figured Small World was going to be open soon, I think it was just the change from Christmas to regular. I was there on Fat Tuesday and it was still closed then. Glad they finished that one!

Matterhorn is getting all new bobsleds, and each person will have their own seat. This IMHO is a major improvement, should make the ride a lot more comfortable.

Wow! I hope my husband can still fit into it! lol He's 6 foot 9 and last time he was barely able to "fold himself" up enough to fit.

Looks like Small World opened just in time for us to ride it! I would have been bummed it if was closed because we don't get to go that often.

ishallnotwant

YES! That is a MAJOR improvement. They stuffed me and my husband into one seat last time and I thought I was going to die the entire ride because he's 6'3 and takes up the majority of the space. LOL

:laugh: I was just posting something similar! lol!

MB_Positif

I've only been to Disneyland and only for a day. My husband is from Santa Barbara, so we always go to Disneyland when we visit California. I personally would recommend doing a mini Southern California tour...you've got Legoland and Sea World down there too. Florida is pretty much icky hot in July.