The Disneyland Pilgrimage & Cruise - COMPLETE

Obviously I got sidetracked...but it's probably good because I've had a lot of time to reflect on what I liked about WDW and what I liked about DL. After much reflection, I have to say that in total, assuming that the flight was same time/cost, I prefer Disneyland to Walt Disney World, but I CAN'T say that I would travel exclusively to Disneyland and never go to WDW again even if DL was closer. I would go to DL more frequently I think, but there are simply too many experiences at WDW that don't exist at WDW.

Things I like better at DL:
* The smallness - the park is much more intimate and charming.
* I know it sounds cheesy, but you really can feel Walt's presence in that park and it makes the whole experience so...sweet.
* Being able to walk through the castle
* Cars Land - just amazing
* The atmosphere - both the CM's and the other guests were friendlier and seemed more passionate about the place. Not to detract from the CM's at WDW (and there are some who are AWESOME), just an observation about the culture that they create as a whole.
* Heightened presence of characters from my favorite stories - Alice in Wonderland (ohmygosh that ride!!) and Mary Poppins
* The ability to be completely pedestrian and never having to touch a car or a bus while on property.
*Fantasmic
* Space Mountain, Radiator Springs Racers (as opposed to Test Track), It's a Small World, Alice in Wonderland & the rest of the Fantasyland Dark Rides, Silly Symphony Swings, Jungle Cruise

Things that I like better at WDW:
* World Showcase (and Figment - he doesn't exist at DL)
* Festival of Fantasy Parade
* Wishes
* Pirates and Haunted Mansion
* variety of resorts
* Disney Springs - I think when it's done, it will be better than DTD at DL Resort. It already has more to do with Splitsville, Characters in Flight, DisneyQuest, and La Nouba
* Typhoon Lagon & Blizzard Beach
* All of the animals at AK and the rides that go with them
* The Utilidors
* The variety of restaurants
* mini golf

I think that both parks are worth visiting and if you've only been to one, make it a point to check out the other park sometime. If you're going to DL, maybe wait until after the 60th anniversary. It's going to be a mad house out there!!

If you're doing to DL soon and need to figure out where your favorite ride or show is, here's a handy dandy guide that I've been working on. If anyone has time to proof it and let me know what I've missed, your help would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks for reading and have a magical day!