DisneyLand or DisneyWorld

[willymaykett]

Hi all,

I am working out a RTW flight from Sydney later next year. Not sure whether to go to Disneyland in LA or DisneyWorld in Florida, mainly for the kids, (and the BIG kid in me ), then off to Toronto.

Anyone have any recommendations or experiences as to what would be better? Totaly open to opinions?

Also, from a flight perpsective, how hard is it to get to Florida via Sydney?

Thanks Will

 

[Mal]

Also, from a flight perpsective, how hard is it to get to Florida via Sydney?

Relatively easy, but a long flight.

Qantas or United to Los Angeles, Or New York. Los Angeles/New York to Orlando (sometimes you'll stop over on the way to Orlando. Reasonable flight availabilities.

SYD-LAX-MCO is around 18 hours flying time. with a couple of hours layover in LAX.

 

[Myrna]

we have been to both Disneyland (Anaheim) - many times, recently last month - and Disneyworld (Orlando) - once in January 2001. Not difficult to get direct flight from LAX to Orlando.

The choice between Disneyland and Disneyworld depends on your available time and money.

If you only have one day then I say go to Disneyland. But, if you have 4 or 5 days then I say go to Disneyworld. There are 4 theme parks in Disneyworld, and one of those (Magic Kingdom) is the same as Disneyland. We really enjoyed Disneyworld. We bought 5 days passes and went to one theme park each day - all the theme parks are large and take the whole day to do each. We went back to our favourite one on the fifth day. If you do go to Disneyworld, then I would also recommend to take an extra day to go to Cape Canaveral - where the space shuttles are launched. It is a worthwhile and awesome experience.

We also found that hotels in Anaheim were cheaper than they were in Orlando. Have fun, whether you choose Disneyland or Disneyworld.

 

[straitman]

I agree with Myrna.

If you want there is a lot more to do (other than Disney) within reasonable distance in Orlando. There are also many timeshare resorts in Orlando if you are into timeshare, so this improves your accommodation options.
With Disney World your multiday passes allow you to swap between Parks if needed which offers flexability.
I'll also point you toward an address that will help with ideas and possibly accommodation.
MouseSavers.com - Disney Discount Source - Disney World Discounts, Disneyland Discounts, Disney Cruise Discounts

 

[littl_flier]

AA has a daily flight from LAX to MCO departing at 8:35 and arriving 4:15pm (AA244). Unfortunately this leaves a 1:55 connection which may be a little tight. Another option is to route through DFW as below:

Itinerary Details
Random
30/09/2007 Through 30/09/2007 
------------------------------------------------------------
Depart:  SYD - Sydney, Australia (Kingsford Smith)
Arrive:  MCO - Orlando, United States (Orlando)
Via:  LAX - Los Angeles, United States (Los Angeles) / DFW - Dallas, United States (Dallas/Ft. Worth)
Leg 1:
Depart: SYD 1:25p 30/09/2007 Terminal: 1
Arrive: LAX 9:45a 30/09/2007 Terminal: 4
Flight: QF 11 -  Qantas Airways
744 - Boeing 747-400 Passenger
Operating Carrier: Qantas Airways
Connecting flight leaves in 2 hours 35 minutes 
Leg 2:
Depart: LAX 12:20p 30/09/2007 Terminal: 4
Arrive: DFW 5:25p 30/09/2007
Flight: AA 2446 -  American Airlines
757 - Boeing 757 Passenger
Operating Carrier: American Airlines
Connecting flight leaves in 2 hours 45 minutes 
Leg 3:
Depart: DFW 6:10p 30/09/2007
Arrive: MCO 9:35p 30/09/2007
Flight: AA 1866 -  American Airlines
757 - Boeing 757 Passenger
Operating Carrier: American Airlines
Total Duration: 22 hours 10 minutes

I'd tend to agree with Myrna and Straitmen about Disneyworld. I haven't been to Disneyworld but I did go to Disneyland last December and was a little disappointed. Depending on the age of the kids, Disneyland can be suprisingly small. I had a two day park hopper and definitely saw all the shows and rides I wanted too. I don't know whether it was just my trip or normal for the lead up to December but a lot of the rides were closed for maintenance. I was there Dec 10 & 11. The christmas cellebrations were amazing though.

Then again, you have to say "I've been to Disneyland." but .......

 

[willymaykett]

Thnak for the tips.

I heard that Disneyworld was a lot larger, my kids will be 13 and 10 when we go next year. looking at being there around begin October, so hopefully weather should be OK.

I am looking at perhaps 5 days or so, but also wanted to do some of the other things as well, don't know if we could last 4 days at the theme parks.

Also heard that the space centre was certainly worth a visit.

Suppose it comes down to whether we want to spend all the time at a theme park or do some other sites.

Any other tips / suggestions would be appreciated, as this will be our first time to the States, so we are pretty green when it comes to doing the touristy thing!

Thanks

 

[straitman]

Thnak for the tips.

I heard that Disneyworld was a lot larger, my kids will be 13 and 10 when we go next year. looking at being there around begin October, so hopefully weather should be OK.

I am looking at perhaps 5 days or so, but also wanted to do some of the other things as well, don't know if we could last 4 days at the theme parks.

Also heard that the space centre was certainly worth a visit.

Suppose it comes down to whether we want to spend all the time at a theme park or do some other sites.

Any other tips / suggestions would be appreciated, as this will be our first time to the States, so we are pretty green when it comes to doing the touristy thing!

Thanks

It's very easy to do 4, 5, 6, or 7 days at the theme park HOWEVER you need to be fit.
Certainly 1 day at Magic Kingdom,
1 day at EPCOT and
1 day at Kennedy Space Centre is a minimum.
You could then have 1 day at Universal Studios and
1 restful day at Wet and Wild. (sonewhere in the middle)

There are many evening shows and I particularly like Medieval Times. Not cheap, (wel priced) but a really great with great food. Much better in my opinion than Arabian Nights which is another favourite.
You do need to pre book the evening shows.

There are many places that offer discounts and I'm trying to find what I consider the best but it's in hiding at the moment. Some discounts are really good and others aren't worth the effort. Don't necessarily believe the prces that people say are the normal because they probably aren't.

 

[PPW]

IMHO, Disneyworld, Epcot Centre, etc. in Orlando are amazing... and Cape Canaveral, well... WOW! BUT... Disneyland is also good.

If I had to choose (based purely on 'Disney') I'd take Disneyworld.

There are other non-'Disney' considerations, though. For example, there is considerable extra flight/connection time required to go to Orlando. If you were to go to Disneyland, it would be a simple flight to LAX and then a simple flight on to Toronto.

There is also plenty to see and do in the greater LA area (including other themeparks, Santa Monica, Hollywood?/Beverly Hills, Universal Studios (though, there is one in Orlando), even a daytrip to Mexico or a quick trip to Vegas).

It is a tough choice... but one I wouldn't mind having to make. I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip.

 

[willymaykett]

Thanks PPW,

You're right about the extra travel time, I am a little concerned that going to Orlando might eat into "doing things" time. I am sure the kids would rather be doing things than sitting in a plane most of the time.

It is a hard choice, but perhaps a few days doing Disneyland and then doing other things might be more rewarding, giving a fuller experience of other attractions, seeing Hollywood etc might be a bit different, don't know when we will get the next chance to go away again, so I am sure the wife would prefer seeing other things rather than theme parks the whole time!

Any other tips welcome, and am happy to hear anyone with some personal experiences.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I have done both, went to Disneyland LA in 1998, and went to DisneyWorld in Orlando in 2005.

Disneyland well its easier to get to; flying cross country can waste a day, and there are other things you can do in LA.

What I did was fly into LA at 7:00am; rented car and drove to Universal studios in Hollywood; stayed there for maybe 6-7 hours then drove to Disneyland Anheim about 1 hour. Did Disneyland for 2 days; could do it in 1 if well planned but you would be rushed. 4th day drove to San Diego Wild animinal park; 5th day went to Seaworld San Diego.

If you get in early and do a whole day of touristy stuff then can you sleep early on your first night then you can wake up the next day almost time adjusted. Flying to Orlando might be worse on the Jetlag front, Flew to Orlando from St Louis so wasn't effected by it.

Other option is fly in and drive straight to Disneyland then you can stop when you get tired without needing to drive anywhere. Then you could do Hollywood/Universal Studios when you are more awake.

Almost the same stuff is in both areas just with California its more spread out.

 

[flyingzzzds]

Disneyland well its easier to get to; flying cross country can waste a day, and there are other things you can do in LA.

Have done both parks a couple of times, most recently December last year with an 11 & 13 year old, and IMHO Disneyland is just one of those "must dos" for kids. As others have said, DisneyWorld is more of a complete theme park destination and has more to entertain older teeangers with the latest and greatest technology. Disneyland is well, Disneyland - every childs dream.

We traveled to LA and spent most of the first day catching up on sleep, then had plenty of energy to do the Hollywood and Highland area. Spent one day at Universal Studios and then transfered to Disneyland. Unlike others here, we had 3 days at Disneyland and could have spent longer quite happily. I suggest you get a Park Hopper pass so that you get unlimited access to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park (the two parks are opposite each other). We had one whole day at Disneyland, the next day at California Adventure (more modern rides and obviously "Californian" themed) and then each family member got to chose their favourites to re-visit on the third day and we did the compulsory shopping then as well.

DisneyWorld is not stop fun - but I don't see enough of an advantage in travelling the extra distance with the children unless you want a full on, lose yourself for a week in theme park world type of expereince. While Disneyland to me is a good mix of activities and Disney Magic without having to pack them up for "anoooooother plane flight".

 

[serfty]

willymaykett, Given that you're planning on doing this as part of a RTW, I suggest going to Orlando and doing DisneyWorld would be your best bet. Of course you could always do both. :shock:

 

[wallacej]

willymaykett, Given that you're planning on doing this as part of a RTW, I suggest going to Orlando and doing DisneyWorld would be your best bet. Of course you could always do both. :shock:

Went with the kids couple of years ago... our trip to Orlando was thrown out a little. We were in New York when the lights went out...not 9/11 but the August blackout... kids were happy, we were locked into Toys R Us at the time, and wouldn't you know it, those little game boy displays continued to work, and my boys continued to play uninterrupted, neglecting the sight of their parents huddling together remembering history about the last time the power went out in NY!

Anyhoo.. the kids loved both. It comes down to a time perspective, you will need 3-5 for world and 1-3 for the land. The water park was great (world), and the itinerary suggested earlier in this thread to include Kennedy is almost exactly what we did.

Disney have what they call speed passes for the rides. I suggest you learn about these little gems before you go... they essentially pre-book a time for you to get on the more popular rides. Some lines can take hours. My suggestion, go get your speed pass for the busy rides, then work your plan around those times.... I am sure someone will have a link on the seed pass, but in terms of getting the most value from the parks, that is a MUST.

 

[dajop]

willymaykett, Given that you're planning on doing this as part of a RTW, I suggest going to Orlando and doing DisneyWorld would be your best bet. Of course you could always do both. :shock:

I agree with Serfty, and given that you'll be on a RTW then won't be that much difference in extra flying time. Haven't been to Disneyland, but I have had three fun days at Disneyworld, at Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Disney MGM studios, it was great fun (although didn't realise it was school holidays so took a bit of planning once inside each park to maximise the visit). As pointed out Magic Kingdom at Disneyworld is the Disneyland we all know and love anyway.

The main thing that would tip me in favour of Florida though is a visit to Cape Canaveral shuttle launch facility- quite fascinating, and set up quite well for children as well.

 

[willymaykett]

I agree with Serfty, and given that you'll be on a RTW then won't be that much difference in extra flying time. Haven't been to Disneyland, but I have had three fun days at Disneyworld, at Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Disney MGM studios, it was great fun (although didn't realise it was school holidays so took a bit of planning once inside each park to maximise the visit). As pointed out Magic Kingdom at Disneyworld is the Disneyland we all know and love anyway.

The main thing that would tip me in favour of Florida though is a visit to Cape Canaveral shuttle launch facility- quite fascinating, and set up quite well for children as well.

Some very good points, thanks for the tips, making me lean towards DisneyWorld, heard some good villa style accomodation at Kissimee. Will need to discuss with the boss if there is anything in LA she really "needs" to see.

I am hoping to use my FF points for the RTW trip (3 of us on points) , any suggested routing tips? Is it unrealistic to perhaps go from Sydney to San Fran, then to Orlando, then up to Toronto? I am then hoping to shoot across to London for a few days.

 

[Travel Guru]

I've done both parks (World in 2000 & Land in 2004), and as much as I enjoyed Disneyworld and Orlando, I really enjoyed Disneyland.

I'm big on nostalgia, and Disneyland, the only park Walt was actually here through to completion for has no shortage of it.

There is plenty to do in LA, Anaheim, San Diego and Mexico to more than keep 2 kids busy for 5-6 days.

Having said that, i'd love to go back to Orlando sometime in the future, and redo Disneyworld and Kennedy Space Center (which is absolutely awesome)

If you're doing it on a RTW itinerary, why not incorporate Orlando into it, as you can always pick up a cheap LA Package and do Disneyland some other time, but its a little more tricky to pick up a 'cheap' package to Orlando.

Good luck with the trip, you'll have a great time no matter which you choose.

TG

 

[Febs]

Apologies for the slight derail, but I guess it's fairly relevant.

littl_flier (and others) - for two adults (23, no kids), would you say a 1 day Disneyland pass would be sufficient, or would a 2 day pass be better?

When I was 12 we had a 5 day pass (used about 3 days), but now I'm a bit older I'm wondering if I'll find I'm able to do everything I want in a day, or if 2 days would be a safer bet.

(Heading there on Wed ).

Ta muchly.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Bundy Bear]

If you already been before then 1 day pass is plenty.

Best to plan what you really must see and then if you have time do the other things.

I spent 2 days in Disneyland in LA but only needed 1 day for Magic Kingdom DisneyWorld.

 

[straitman]

If you already been before then 1 day pass is plenty.

Best to plan what you really must see and then if you have time do the other things.

I spent 2 days in Disneyland in LA but only needed 1 day for Magic Kingdom DisneyWorld.

This really depends upon what rides you want to take. If you like taking the rides then more than one day is necessary.

Make sure you understand and us the FastPass system.

 

[PPW]

Make sure you understand and us the FastPass system.

There is a useful Fastpass info here: FASTPASS

I also recall a wikipedia page on it, which I looked at before we last went.

Have a great time.