Hello everyone, and thanks for stopping by today as we talk about why I think Disneyland is better than Walt Disney World! I know for many people the title of this post is reason enough to switch to another site, but please bear with me and read my reasons below. What would make a seasoned Walt Disney World veteran make such an outrageous claim? So, without further ado, here are my top ten reasons why Disneyland is better than Walt Disney World!
Reason #1: It’s the Original
With it’s quaint charm, small sized everything, and yes, even that itty bitty little Castle — by the way, did you know that Sleeping Beauty Castle is only 77 feet tall, which is 113 feet shorter than Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World — it feels like everything is just crammed together. Of course, Disneyland is the original, the baseline that all the parks that came after it used as a measuring stick to improve upon — but the fact that it is the original, that it was built with Walt Disney’s imagination, drive, and determination — that single fact alone contributes a lot to why it is better.
Reason #2: The History of it all
When I talk about the history, I’m not just referring to the Disneyland History, as incredible as that is. One of the things that I found astounding during my research was all of the incredible historical significance that Walt Disney placed on preserving and retaining as much history of our great country as he could. Case in point: the Sailing Ship Columbia — an incredible voyage aboard a replica of the Columbia, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe!
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is an incredible show — sadly, the show does not get nearly the interest that it should receive. Our country, sadly, appears to have forgotten much of it’s history, but my family has not forgotten it, and we are thankful to Walt Disney for perpetuating the history of our nation in such exhibits as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which led to such shows as the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and The American Adventure at Epcot’s World Showcase.
Reason #3: Pirates of the Caribbean!
Pirates of the Caribbean — what an incredible Disneyland attraction! My friend Brenda told me that Pirates was going to blow the socks off of me — and she was spot on! Experiencing Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland in the New Orleans Square area of the park was incredible — and ten times better than Pirates at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Topping it all off — eating at the Blue Bayou and watching the boats of the ride come drifting by!
Reason #4: Cars Land
Sometimes, something impacts you in such a way that you know that words can not do justice when you attempt to describe it to someone. Cars Land — especially when seen at night — is just such a place. Rather than clutter it all up with words, I’m going to let these next pictures do the talking. I hope you enjoy!
Reason #5: Paradise Pier
Paradise Pier is the land where so much of the “non-Cars Land” action occurs! Paradise Pier is located at Disney’s California Adventure, and has such incredible attractions as California Screamin’, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Toy Story Midway Mania, Goofy’s Sky School, and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. On top of that, the land is also the host location for the World of Color! So much happens in Paradise Pier, it was easily our favorite part of California Adventure, and is a place not to be missed at any cost when you visit Disneyland!
Reason #6: World of Color
The World of Color, pure and simple, is a must see show at Disney’s California Adventure park. These poor photos attempt to share some of the majestic beauty of this incredible masterpiece, and fail miserably, but let me tell you — if you have the chance to see it, do so — at least once — or you will regret your decision.
Reason #7: California Screamin’
California Screamin’ was an absolutely incredible ride! We had so much fun on this ride — it is easily our favorite Roller Coaster at any of the Disney parks that we have been able to visit! The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in Disney’s Hollywood Studios attempts to emulate this to a degree, and it is a good ride, but it has nothing on this great roller coaster! I hope you enjoy these photos!
Reason #8: Mickey and the Magical Map
We happened upon the show Mickey and the Magical Map in the Fantasyland Theater one morning, and decided to stop and take in the show. We had heard a little bit about it, but I’ve got to tell you — we never expected to be floored as much by this show as we were! The music, the performances by cast and characters, the story, it all adds up to an incredible show that you will not want to miss — and that Disney should seriously consider bringing to Walt Disney World!
Reason #9: Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular — is an incredible show. Some of my friends think it may be the best show that Disney has, it is that good! Here are some photos from the show, tell me what you think!
Reason #10: Mickey’s Toontown!
Mickey’s Toontown — that area of Disneyland that is incredible in it’s design and theming — is the home of all of the cartoons! Take a look at some of these pictures that paint a better picture than I can of how cool this area is to explore!
As you can see, there is an incredible amount to see and do at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California! Come back tomorrow to learn why Walt Disney World is better than Disneyland!
Don’t forget the Indiana Jones Adventure!! Sure the Stunt Show at DHS is cool, but the ride at Disneyland is awesome!
Heading there October 11th for a magical Team hangout!
I have to agree with you 100%. I recently went on a trip to Disneyworld expecting to come back and tell my family to get out the DIsneyworld savings jar so we can make a trip there as a family, and while it was an amazing experience to be able to go, it was not the Disney I knew. I have no desire to go back. Disneyland has the sort of magic that has not been able to be duplicated. Disneyworld is just an overwhelming spread out adventure that leaves you too tired to feel the magic. Driving back to the hotel on Disney transportation buses whilte its standing room only. Little kids unsafely holding on for their dear lives, woman siting on the floor of the bus holding their babies was sad sight, I really thing DW could do better with their transporation system. I was also dissappointed to find that most of the rides we have here in Disneyland are spread out to all of the other parks that need separate entry tickets. Great money making marketing ploy but not quite what I think Walt Disney had in mind. I will say though that the Magic Kingdom has two things that Disneyland needs to find room for, that is Cinderellas Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurants. Hands down the most impressive things I brought back from DW. The ambience at both were fantastic. If DL could bring those two. Disneyland would be perfect! Great article, glad you enjoyed DL as much as I do.
I couldn’t agree more with what you say about Disneyland, Mike! Except… I didn’t care for Paradise Pier so much. But overall, the Original Park is not to be missed.
That said, I still like WDW better because of its increased value for the dollar with so much more to do.