[santa1961]

We have been to both and WDW by far is preferred more.

The castle is smaller (and pink to boot at least in 2001) at DL. It was smaller in the layout as well and you could make the rounds rather quickly. No fault of DL but they were first built and 1955 -vs- 1971 made a huge difference in the layout.

WDW is just that...a whole new world.

[zoey9797]

We really love both for all of the reasons everyone else has stated.
That said, when planning, the deciding factor is how much time can we take off and how much money do we have! LOL! If both are low then it is DLR. Not that it isn't valued equally, just that we can have a fun Disney vacation for less and in a shorter period. I have tried and I just can't go to WDW for a couple of days... I want to stay! Once we have spent a few days at DLR I am satisfied with my Disney fix.

Any Disney is a good Disney as long as I can see my main mouse. That is my motto!

[babets]

I have only been to one sooooo, WDW all the way for me!!

[emperisse]

Having been to both, as well as the DL in HK, my DH and I prefer WDW a whole lot more. Of course there's the mert of DL being the original, having Walt seeing it open himself, etc. However, if we had to pick one location for a vacation, it is almost certainly to be WDW, and this is why:

1. The moment you arrive, you are immersed, and however long your stay is, is how long you will be in this 'whole different world'. Once you're on the property, that's it, you're in. You eat, sleep, and breathe Disney. I found that at DL, my 'immersement' was only for about a day, two at most. I'm also more likely to stay at a Good Neighbor hotel in DL, which takes me out of the 'Disney mentality' once I leave the parks. When I'm in WDW, I'm drinking out of Disney cups, eating my meals, and even being picked up by them from the airport (Disney ME).
2. The Disney guests feel much more 'immersed' into Disney in WDW. The guests (and me included) are usually decked out in Disney gear and lose themselves completely. I have found that DL, while they also have a hardcore fan base, usually the CA residents, they're just not as excited, or at least outwardly. Yes, sure, I see lots of people wear Disney shirts and hats, but the truly decked out ones are in WDW. Pin trading also seemed to be more prevalent in WDW. DL, seems to me, (and I know this is grossly generalizing) is a Californian's weekend/backyard amusement park, whereas WDW is a true getaway and full on vacation, not just a weekend thing. When I'm in Disney, I want to be surrounded by others who feel the same love (and craziness, heheheheh) over Disney.
3. I find the CM's in WDW to be much more professional and guest-oriented. They also seem to be much more 'in character' and welcoming. While the CMs in DL aren't mean or terrible, they just don't seem as into their job as the CMs in WDW.

These are just my opinions and observations... but definitely, if me & hubbahubba want to getaway and get 'Disneyfied', it'd definitely be WDW.

[Cielei]

I grew up going to WDW and had never been to DIsneyland before earlier this year. Having done WDW the last week of April in '07 and then Disneyland the first week of May in '08, I can say that they truly are 2 different experiences. There is much more diversity in activities, dining and parks at WDW compared to just the 2 parks at Disneyland. Many of the rides are a little different (I have to say the redo of Space Mountain at Disneyland was great ... they should update it at WDW) which makes it fun to have done both. I loved them both, and both my boys loved them both! (I should say all three of my boys and include my husband too) It just depends on what you want from your vacation and know that no matter which place you choose .. it will be a great adventure. :)