Walt Disney World/WDW vs DL

Advertisement

Expert: Lori Hardegree - 2/10/2008


Question
I'm trying to plan a Disney trip.  I'm not sure which way (east of west)to go. How much of a difference is there between Magic Kingdom at WDW and the Disneyland park in California??  

Answer
Hi Jana!  What type of vacation were you hoping to plan?  A week long trip or a long weekend getaway?

Disneyland is Walt's original theme park and it will always have a lot of very loyal fans for that reason.  There are rides available here that you will not find at Walt Disney World such as the Matterhorn or the new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.  You can also visit California Adventure theme park.  This park has not been as well received as other Disney theme parks and does not have the same sort of immersive experience that other Disney parks do.  Disney is trying to change that though!  They have pledged to put $1 Billion into updating and revitalizing this park.  Visiting Disneyland is not as much of a "resort experience" as you would get at Walt Disney World but there are plenty of non-Disney attractions to visit in the area as well.

Walt Disney World has 47 square miles of property with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district as well as 23 resort hotels.  It's better suited for a longer vacation.  One of the things I love about Walt Disney World is that from the time you enter the gates, they do a great job at keeping you immersed in the Disney experience.  Even going from resorts to the parks or park to park, you don't see the influence of the "outside world" at all.  You can truly leave "real life" behind and enjoy being a kid again on vacation!

Both parks offer a great vacation option, it just depends on what you are looking for!

Walt Disney World

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Lori Hardegree

Expertise

As a travel agent and co-owner of an EarMarked Disney Specialist travel agency, I can assist you with everything from selecting the right resort for your family (and your budget!), dining recommendations, help finding discount offers, questions about traveling with children of all ages, planning a multi generational vacation, avoiding the long lines and crowds, traveling to Walt Disney World while pregnant or with an infant to where you are likely to find your favorite character for autographs and photos! You can visit Magical Memories Travel for more information about Walt Disney World vacations.

Experience

I am the co-owner of a Disney Specialist travel agency that has been declared an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I work as an agent myself. I have visited the Walt Disney World more than 12 times in the last 4 years with children ranging in age from 3 months to 16 years. I have planned travel for everyone from honeymooners to large leisure groups. On a personal level I have stayed at all of Disney's Deluxe resorts (including concierge level in all resorts), 3 of Disney's moderate resorts and 2 of Disney's value resorts. I have traveled to Walt Disney World while pregnant, with an infant, with a toddler, with senior citizens with mobility challenges. My family and I have visited "the world" at many different times of the year including multiple trips during the holiday season, Disney's busiest time of the year. In all of our trips, we've never stood in line for more than 20 minutes!

Education/Credentials
I am a Disney College of Knowledge graduate, the co-owner of Magical Memories Travel, a Disney specialist travel agency that has been designated as an Authorized Disney Vacation planner, a Universal Studios Specialist, Anheuser Busch Adventure Parks Specialist, Nick Hotel Specialist and Starwood Hotels specialist (including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin).

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.