I recently spent five days at the Disneyland Resort in California. It had been four years since my last visit and I needed to check out all the new additions to Disney California Adventure. While there, I started to think about all of my Walt Disney World readers who have never vacationed at this wonderful resort and decided to devote an entire article to convincing you to visit.
I know that many of you visit WDW every two to three years. I know others of you make a yearly trip to Orlando. And there is still another group of you that visits multiple times a year. You all love the magic and the wonderful experiences that can be found at the flagship of Disney resorts. Yet many of you have never visited the Disneyland Resort – and I simply don’t understand why not.
I believe that many of you read my articles because I provide you with a Disney “fix” to hold you over until your next visit. But others of you enjoy my blogs for the details and trivia that I share about WDW. You thrive on the history of the parks and hotels. But in many ways, WDW pales in comparison when contrasted with the history and details that can be found at Disneyland. After all, this is where it all started. This is the park that Walt built. And even if Disneyland has changed dramatically since his death in 1966, Walt’s mark on the park can still be seen if you know where to look.
If you’re a regular reader, you know that I often start my articles about WDW with a look back at Disneyland. That’s because there wouldn’t be a WDW today if there wasn’t first a Disneyland. Walt stated that it all started with a mouse, but the other 10 Disney theme parks around the world (soon to be 11 others) all started with this magnificent park in Anaheim.
The only reason I don’t do in-depth articles about Disneyland is that I don’t live nearby and can’t do the in-person research and picture taking necessary to write a comprehensive piece. But believe me, if I lived nearby or could visit more regularly, I’d be covering this fantastic spot in much greater detail than I do today.
After my visit to Disneyland four years ago, I wrote an article comparing the Magic Kingdom to Disneyland. Not the resorts, just the two parks. In my humble opinion, Disneyland wins hands down. If you’d like to take a look at this blog, click here. Mind you, a few things have changed since I wrote this piece, but not significantly enough to change my opinion. Disneyland is the better park!
Although Disneyland is physically smaller than the Magic Kingdom, it has significantly more attractions. I took a look at the most current guide maps for both parks. Not counting character Meet-&-Greets (which both parks have), Disneyland has 48 attractions to the Magic Kingdom’s 31. You can see everything offered at the Magic Kingdom in one day. It takes a day and a half (or two) to experience everything at Disneyland.
Another thing fun for you WDW visitors is attraction comparisons. (See my previous article.) It’s wonderful to watch “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” and realize that this was the humble beginnings of “Hall of Presidents.” Although the same attraction, “it’s a small world” is very different both inside and out at the two parks. And not only is “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” located in a completely different section of Frontierland, they run mirror image to one another. Personally, I revel in these differences and think many of you would too.
Disneyland also offers a number of attractions not found at the Magic Kingdom. Wouldn’t you love to experience the “Matterhorn Bobsleds,” “Storybook Land Canal Boats,” and the “Sailing Ship Columbia?”
And how about reliving some of your old favorites like the “Submarine Voyage” (updated to include Nemo and Friends), “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,” and the “Davey Crockett Explorer Canoes?”
You’ve heard the old adage, “Good things come in small packages.” Well that’s Disneyland. It definitely has fewer acres than the Magic Kingdom. Walt often spoke of the “blessing of size” when talking about WDW. But bigger isn’t always better. Being a smaller park, the Imagineers have had to be more innovative in order to fit everything in. And this gives the park intimacy. I often tell people that (metaphorically) Disneyland wraps its arms around you and hugs you. The Magic Kingdom just says “welcome.”
Of course, not only is Disneyland smaller than the Magic Kingdom, the entire Disneyland Resort is smaller than Walt Disney World. But this works to your advantage. The Disneyland Resort’s second park, Disney California Adventure, is literally across a plaza from Disneyland. Park hopping is a breeze. There is no need to take a monorail, bus, boat, or car to go from one park to another. Just a short jaunt and you’re there.
I like the “new” Disney California Adventure – a lot! The $1.1 billion invested to refurbish this park has paid off in spades. It is now worthy to be called a “Disney” park. However, I’m not going to go into detail about DCA in this week’s article. There is so much I want to talk about in regards to this rejuvenated park that I’m going to devote an entire article to it next week. Disney California Adventure is worth your attention.
Something to keep in mind about the Disneyland Resort, it caters to a local audience whereas WDW caters primarily to out-of-state visitors. Because of this, the hours of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are more erratic. They might open at 7am, 8am, 9am, or 10am on any given day. In addition, during the school year, Monday through Thursday is significantly slower than Friday through Sunday.
The Disneyland Resort’s version of Downtown Disney can be found at the doorsteps of the two theme parks.
I like Disneyland’s version of this shopping and eating mecca better than WDW’s for several reasons. First, it was built all at once rather than in three segments (Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and Westside). This gives the area continuity that the Florida version lacks. Everything seems to flow better.
Another thing I like about Disneyland’s Downtown Disney is the larger selection of non-Disney stores and merchandise. With a few exceptions, all Disney souvenirs are contained in one store, World of Disney. The rest of the arcade is filled with all sorts of interesting shops offering a wide array of tantalizing goodies.
Besides some of your favorite Disney World restaurants like Rainforest Café and Earl of Sandwich, Downtown Disney Disneyland offers a number of restaurants not found at its Florida cousin. Some of these include, Catal Restaurant, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Goofy’s Kitchen, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and Tortilla Jo’s.
At night, a number of musical groups line the thoroughfare, offering live entertainment to those passing by. This is something else missing at the Florida Downtown Disney.
That’s it for Part One. Check back tomorrow as I’ll be discussing the three Disney Anaheim hotels and I’ll continue my efforts to get you to visit the Disneyland Resort.
Hi Jack:
I was searching for something else, and came across your blog. The following has some major errors.
1. Which was NOT an opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom?
a. Tom Sawyer Island
b. Haunted Mansion
c. “it’s a small world”
d. The Jungle Cruise
e. None — all were opening day attractions
a. Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island did not open until May 20, 1973. In the early years the island was just a tree-studded piece of land in the middle of the Rivers of America. In the following picture taken in January 1972 you can see the south tip of the island. Notice Harper’s Mill is missing.
The ONLY attraction that was there on opening day in 1955 was the Jungle Cruise, which is the oldest ride in the park.
a. Tom Sawyer Island 1956
b. Haunted Mansion 1969
c. It’s a Small World 1964
(created for the NY World’s Fair)
Please correct.
Thanks,
Marcia
Jack’s Comment:
If you had read the opening paragraph of my quiz, you would see that I was talking about the Walt Disney World Resort, NOT the Disneyland Resort. My question is correct as stated. Although Disneyland is sometimes referred to as the Magic Kingdom, the only park that is officially named Magic Kingdom is in Florida.
I live in Florida and visit Disney World quite frequently. However, my husband and I took our first trip to Disneyland while dating and had such a great time that we went there on our honeymoon as well! It is definitely charming and compact. We love all the little touches that you just don’t find at Disney World, such as the all female strolling mariachi band, the Mickey Mouse shaped pretzels and beignets, the restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean, being able to go inside the castle…. I could go on and on! I very much enjoyed this blog and can’t wait to read about California Adventure and all the changes that have occurred in the two years since we visited!
Hi Jack!
We just got back from a short trip to Disneyland (Nov 18-20)…it was our first trip there and had a lot of fun seeing the differences between Disneyland and WDW and soaking in all the little details!
Looking forward to reading all you have to share about Disneyland!
Hi Jack,
You are so right about Disneyland! My family is so lucky to live on the East Coast and visit the family on the West Coast every couple of years – with must do trips to Disneyland. We visited both Disneyland and WDW this year (as we have done in the past). Don’t get me wrong, I love WDW, but the atmosphere that Disneyland creates is just fabulous! We tried to focus this year on the attractions that are different between the two resorts, and we realized that there is so much more to see and do at Disneyland. I love the Disneyland monorails because they are smaller and so cute. Also, the Cars Land was such a great treat! We really enjoyed the new and improved DCA. We can’t wait to go back! Three days was not enough – although there are only two parks there!
Hi Jack! I’ve been waiting for you to do a blog like this!
Being a fan of ALL things Disney, I have always wanted to go to DL. However, the transportation cost is what is so prohibative. The airfare alone for 5 of us would be outrageous. And, I don’t know that we would survive a cross country road trip! LOL. It is MUCH easier to throw everyone in the car and be a WDW in 9 hours.
The last few years, my drive to visit DL has increased and maybe in 2014 we can make it happen. Especially because my 4 year old son is THE biggest Lightning McQueen fan and saw the commercials for the Cars Land grand opening. He is just beside himself wanting to “go to Radiator Springs” and walk down main street, seeing Sally’s Cozy Cone office, ride in McQueen, etc. Maybe I’ll win airfare in a contest. LOL.
Thanks for the great blog full of info!
Although I live in So Calif about 40 miles from Disneyland, I’m one of those ‘odd ducks’ who much prefers Magic Kingdom and WDW.
In fact, I’ve visited WDW about 5 times for every 1 DL visit !
At WDW I am there typically 1 week at a time in a WDW hotel, so I am much more relaxed and in a “vacation” state of mind. DL is always much more frenetic for me.
Furthermore, WDW is in a huge, beautiful, natural environment, with lots of space. By comparison, DL is located in dense urban area, some of which is very unattractive.
One of my favorite attraction at DL missing at MK, is the “Indiana Jones Adventure dark ride. Don’t know how MK could thematically fit it. Perhaps it’s more logical at Disney Studios, but there’s already the Indy stunt show.
I live in Central FL and have been to WDW hundreds of times, I never fail to leave without feeling the magic! My dream after reading all of your blogs is to visit every Disney park in the world! No need to convince me at all! My only problem is $$, but someday, yes I will visit the magical place where it all started!
Hi Jack,
What a fabulous article, thank you so much. I am really looking forward to the next 2 parts..
Becky*
Hi Jack,
I would definitely love to visit Disneyland. The time change and the higher cost especially when travelling with smaller kids made it less appealing in the past but we definitely hope to visit in the next few years.
In the meantime I’ll enjoy your article and look forward to WDW in 26 days 🙂
Wendy
How exciting, looking forward to all the articles.
We love WDW and visit it multiple times each year. But I was raised going to DL, as I lived out West as a child. DL is the best of the best.
In the fall of 2011, I took my three young children to DL for the first time, in August, when WDW is so dreadfully hot. DL is such a wonderful experience, a fabulous 6 days with perfect weather. Stayed at the Grand Californian (which was still the DL parking lot on my immediately preceeding visit to Anaheim) with immediate walking access to everything. So much new to enjoy and so many things I remembered from my own youth.
Hi Jack,
You don’t have to sell me. I went to DL in 2008 (after going to WDW for the third time in 2007). Hands down we liked DL land better. Your “hug” analogy is spot on. DL seems like so much more of a “park” (more benches, trees, small town charm). We even added it to part of our Honeymoon (we live in Michigan).
Can’t wait for part 2 and for your California Adventure blog.
Your Friand,
Dan
Hi from Buenos Aires Jack!! I went to LA in 1995 and didn´t go to Disneyland, can you believe that? I went to Universal Studios only. The disney bug didn´t bite me until long time later.
Next trip (2013) is already payed for WDW but I´m already planning for our California trip, I hope 2015!!
you know, for us, qho live so far away, is a lot of money only in airplane, so we must do more things in one trip.
so, I would love to read more or Disneyland, can´t wait!
I finally convinced my husband to make a trip to Disneyland this spring. (As a die-hard WDW fan, he was tough to convince.) We had a GREAT trip! Yes, there are differences – which is cool… But there are also similarities, which made all of us feel the “Disney magic” that we’ve grown accustomed to by visiting WDW so often. At one point on our first day, I glanced over to see a smile on my husband’s face. I asked him if he was having a good time, and his response? “This is it. I feel it.”
Our planning was a tad off – the Matterhorn was being refurbished, and Carsland wasn’t complete yet – but it was a fun vacation! I’d definitely go back again, and stay longer!
hey Jack
I have yet to visit Disneyland but it is on my long bucket list. I know there is a lot of history behind it and it would be nice to experience some of the attractions i miss like the submarine and mr. toad’s wild ride. can’t wait for part 2 and as always keep up the great work.
Good Morning Jack! Thanks so much for sharing about Disneyland and why you think it’s the better park! I moved away from Southern CA when I was around 5, but family trips back there every other year ALWAYS included a trip to Disneyland. Of any place I’ve visited, I think I’ve been to Disneyland more times than any where else! A few years ago, with my parents and my own kids – we visited Disney World for the first time. While it had always been this fantastic dream for my Mom, after the trip we both decided that we needed to go back to Disneyland for another comparison trip. Hands down, Disneyland won for some of the brief reasons you listed. Park hopping was a breeze, we just really enjoyed the ambiance of the park better – we could go when crowds were fewer. Over all, Disneyland just felt like home to us. I’ve always (jokingly) said “Disneyland is where it ALL started, so IT’S the better park” – when I was unable to get a visit to Disney World 🙂
I can’t wait to read the rest of this! I plan on visiting my brother in San Deigo this summer with a trip to Disneyland! I would love to get your take on the differences and what to expect!
While I am thankful that all the wonders of Walt Disney World exist, there really isn’t any place on the planet as full of “Disney” as Disneyland. Being there absolutely feels like one is at the heart of all things Disney. Every visit we find new details and layers we never noticed before. The park’s legendary status is well-deserved.
Hey Jack,
Thanks for the blog post. While I live in the vicinity of WDW and love it there, you don’t have to convince me too hard to visit DL. The only issue is $$….
Anyway, I have a detail question. I’ve always been intrigued by the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. When you ride, are you really paddling a free-floating boat, or is there some sort of motor or “guidance system”? How far do you actually go?
Thanks for another great article.
Diane
Jack’s Answer:
Oh yes. You’re really paddling your canoe. There are no tracks and no motors. These are free floating craft. Guests travel all the way around Tom Sawyer Island. The cast member in the back steers and the one in the front keeps you all synchronized. The Magic Kingdom at WDW also had canoes at one time, but due to budget cuts, they were removed. The guests at Disneyland would never stand for such a travesty and Disney knows this.