First of all, California drivers are distinctly unpredictable. Florida drivers might be worse, but Floridians are consistent and easy to predict. California drivers would brake at weird times. Floridians drive faster, but driving in Florida just seemed easier and smoother.
Disneyland, at first, was shocking. As there are only two Disney hotels, many people stay outside the gates. We walked everyday from our hotel walking by real life. No one wants to see real life on the way to Disney though it was nice having a CVS on the way.
Disneyland is very condensed. The castle is the size of a postage stamp. I think not even half the size of Disney World’s. Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, and 23 hotels. (I googled the size of the castles – Disneyland is 77 feet tall and Disney World’s is 189 feet).
I have been converted to the Magic Band system at Disney World. Disneyland does things the old way with paper tickets and Fastpasses.
The things I did like about Disneyland:
- The food seemed better. Many of the quick-service restaurants used real plates and silverware.
- There were a few, different rides at Disneyland including a submarine ride and a ride where we were able to paddle a canoe. It’s a Small World seemed better too.
- California Adventure was really neat. It doesn’t really compare to any at Disney World. I liked all the different lands including the National Park land, Carsland, and San Francisco. The theming was well done.
- I liked the Aladdin Musical. I think it is comparable to Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios. It might even be better.
- The two hotels are nice.
- It is nice to not have to walk as much as Disney World as the parks and Downtown Disney are all near each other.
- It is much cheaper to be an annual passholder to Disneyland. Pass holders also receive more discounts than Disney World passholders.
- I liked the petting zoo.
- Characters seemed more accessible.
Some of the major problems:
- Too close to the outside world
- Cast Members didn’t really played the part. Most seemed to be local Californians. (but I was only there two days, so who knows)
- Disney World is a vacation/ resort. Disneyland just seems like a day-park on a trip to Southern California.
- I do not like the switch in weather in California in one day. I don’t like that the mornings and nights could be in the 50s/60s and during the day, it might be 75 to 80. I get sick when weather changes like that. I can handle 70 in the morning, 80 to 90 during the day, and 75 at night.
- Disneyland didn’t seem as efficient as Disney World (which to some might be a good thing)
- There is only one EPCOT (and it is in Disney World).