Disney World vs. Disney Land

I haven't been to Disneyland, but I'm a HUGE fan of Disney World. (Actually I'm hoping to run a 5k there in November!!) But let me just say this about Disney World...there is SO much to do there. There's all the different parks AND the water parks, downtown disney, the boardwalk, etc etc etc. I think the transportation is fabulous, the parks are top notch, and I cannnnt wait to go again!

3 nights isn't enough to do WDW in July. That's there's busiest time of next (next to the week between Christmas and New Years). Crowds in California won't be much better but the weather will be and there's a lot less to do. If you're keeping it to that short of a trip, go to California.

I'm an expert, I just got back from my 10th trip on Sunday

I live in Florida and work for Disney World....so of course I have to say come down to Florida
it is huge and you will have the best time
4 theme parks
2 water parks
shopping at downtown Disney
2 mini golf course
and a few major golf places

I second those that are suggesting Disneyland if you are planning on this being a shorter 3 night trip. WDW is so large that 3 nights will be pushing you into a schedule that is hectic, especially at the time of year you are planning. We typically go to WDW a couple of times a year and just took some family for a first time visit in November. We stayed 6 nights and even though they were skeptical that it was too long, they agreed at the end they would have been too rushed to have done 4 nights or less, and that was with a Disneyholic Aunt who knew the ropes. :-)

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!

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....

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.

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
Stay Connected with the Downtown Disney District!

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

Dynamic live performers kick up the energy and give the Downtown Disney District a party-like atmosphere. A talented cast of professional musicians specialize in diverse musical styles, ranging from classical, to Latin, to acoustic guitar, to rhythm and blues. Acts and times vary. View the Entertainment Schedule for details.

Special Offers and Coupons

Save money and take advantage of special offers at select Downtown Disney District shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. View all special offers and coupons!

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/

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

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.