Disneyland or The Gold Coast?

hibiscus on 10/06/2023 - 21:46

Always wanted to go Disneyland when I was little but my migrant parents worked their fingers to the bone in dead end jobs just to feed, clothe and educate us. I’m now in a position where I can give my kids that Disney experience. Something for them to look back on fondly when they’re adults. I want to do that for them sometime in the next couple years, before they get too old and the magic of childhood disappears.

We’re not rolling in cash or anything, but the one-off trip is within our means. Trouble is I don’t want to be stupid with money, and I keep thinking whether the money could be better spent on a real trip, like the pyramids or Great Wall of China or something like that. If Disneyland is just a collection of rides, would we be better off just going to the theme parks on the Gold Coast?

Has anyone been to both that can give me an idea of whether the cash to magic ratio at Disney is worth it? Has any other parent had this dilemma?

Many thanks,

Travel Disneyland Gold Coast Queensland

Comments

          • runamuck on 12/06/2023 - 07:55

            @Daabido: Thanks. Was not aware Egypt is that bad. Good to know.

          • GandalfTheCheap on 12/06/2023 - 08:56

            @Daabido: It's not just annoying, you can be assaulted by Egyptian police, thrown in prison for nothing, etc.

            • ass3ts on 12/06/2023 - 11:09
              +1

              @GandalfTheCheap: LOL, as I was walking in a 'nice' enclosed complex patrolled by police, one of them in a full uniform and a gun approached me saying he wanted to be my tour guide, when I politely declined he insisted by following me and stuck out his hand after 5 minutes asking for baksheesh

  • morse on 11/06/2023 - 05:53
    +1

    Gold Coast would be really accessible to do anytime so if you have the time and budget for Disney do it. Factor in the exchange rate and everything being super expensive though.

    The only other deciding factor might be, do your kids want to go?

  • cookie2 on 11/06/2023 - 06:52
    +6

    I'll ask this. YOU always wanted to go to Disneyland. Don't forget the weight that that holds on your struggle to decide. Do your kids desperately want to go? Have they expressed anything? Show them stuff and see what engages them more. Either way you'll make a great decision because both choiced are great.

    • souljah on 11/06/2023 - 20:02
      +5

      I think you have just answered it for him. Go to Disneyland for YOU and don't feel guilty about it. The kids will love it and are very lucky!

      It is always harder to spend money on yourself but your the one who has worked hard for this opportunity, sacrificed your body/mind and years.

      Your kids have plenty of time to grow up and make their own choices.

  • payless69 on 11/06/2023 - 07:16
    +2

    Make sure your kids are tall enough to do all rides. Go when local schools there are on to cut wait times. 3 days pass then show them the rest of Socal lunacy!
    The wall is boring.

  • Motek Benzona on 11/06/2023 - 08:49
    +10

    Shall I got to Paris or Wagga Wagga? This is basically what you just asked.
    How is it even a choice?

    • LFO on 11/06/2023 - 11:38
      +1

      Depends.

      Do you speak fluent French and/or have a passion for European cities and their lifestyle?

      Do you love easy and simple lifestyle, no language/cultural issues and architecture not too different to everywhere else?

      It is not black and white.

      • Motek Benzona on 11/06/2023 - 11:41
        +1

        So, let me get this right. You need to speak fluently the language of the country you are visiting and if you cant stay at home and holiday domestically! Like really? That's what you actually said yes?

        Each to their own i guess but to me, that's a dreadful way to live.

        Also, whilst we are here.. Paris was only an example but to be honest you could give 25000 examples better than Wagga (or the gold coast)

        Have a wonderful holiday in Broome

        • LFO on 13/06/2023 - 16:43

          "Have a wonderful holiday in Broome"

          You must know.
          Based in your experience, is it Broome or Wagga Wagga the chosen one?

          See, anyone can distort answers too.
          Not as well as you but close.

          • Motek Benzona on 13/06/2023 - 19:45
            +1

            @LFO: Either Either.. they are both crap holes.. that was the point

            • LFO on 14/06/2023 - 13:20

              @Motek Benzona: Concept applicable to any other crap holes in this world.
              What is the point?

    • wordplay on 11/06/2023 - 16:03
      +2

      from a bargain point of view, have to say wagga.
      Wagga beach was classed as one of australia's top 10 beaches in 2020.
      can get their by car, actually has a really good french patisserie (harans) that probably rivals those in paris.
      willans hill minature railway could be compared to euro disney in a childs eyes too.

      if i was on a budget i would choose wagga.

  • JimmyF on 11/06/2023 - 08:55
    +3

    Disneyland or The Gold Coast?

    They are chalk and cheese.

    Trouble is I don’t want to be stupid with money

    Then Disneyland isn't for you. Everything is 'stupid' with money regarding prices and even more so if you go to the USA with the exchange rate.

    and I keep thinking whether the money could be better spent on a real trip,

    Take the kids to Japan and do Disney parks as part of the trip in Japan. Shorter flights, not full of Americans, better food!

  • mattmel96 on 11/06/2023 - 09:09
    +1

    My kids have been lucky enough to be able to do Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong, and Orlando.
    They have also been to Gold Coast and the Gold Coast doesn't compare. Yes, you will stand in line but if you use the Disney apps you have aan understanding of where the queues are.
    As someone else mentioned, Orlando is more than just just Disney. If you stay in the area they do free shuttles to the various parks.

    • sumyungguy on 11/06/2023 - 09:11

      Which of the three did you like the most?

  • Stalker on 11/06/2023 - 09:22
    +7

    We did the Florida trip a few years back. 4 days at the Universal parks, 4 days at the Disney parks, a couple of days to explore Orlando and then we did New York for a week. Bucket list holiday for us and it was awesome. So glad we did while the kids were at the right age!

    Have also done Gold Coast a few times and while we enjoy the smaller crowds, the rides and overall experience is no where close to Disney and Universal.

    • GourmetFoodie on 11/06/2023 - 21:55

      How old were your kids? Really want to do this itinerary with mine!

      • Stalker on 12/06/2023 - 09:29
        +2

        They were 10 and 12 at the time. Young enough to enjoy it all and remember most of it, but old enough to handle walking around the parks (which are huge) for hours on end.

        • GourmetFoodie on 12/06/2023 - 20:52

          Thanks mate! Good to know I have some time to save up lol

  • Loopholio on 11/06/2023 - 10:18
    +5

    I have been to Disneyland and Disney World with a mate (no kids). Do it. It's an amazing experience and well worth the money. The Gold Coast theme parks are pretty shit. Sea World is good because you can touch and feed the sea flapflaps (which is currently unavailable).

  • Jeannie77 on 11/06/2023 - 10:33
    +5

    Disneyland in Anaheim has the magic. 4 days needed I think. We did both parks with 3 day tickets but seemed rushed to fit everything in. We had the early morning where you could get in early, that was worth doing as no queues.
    Universal was great too, we got VIP tickets at Universal so saved a lot of time. Well worth paying the extra for.
    Have been 3 times. Stayed once in Disneyland hotel, other times at cheaper places right oposite on South Harbor Blvd. They were all ok. I live on the Gold Coast, they are fun, but not sure if it comes from watching Disneyland on tv but there is something special about the original Disneyland.

    • GandalfTheCheap on 12/06/2023 - 09:04
      +1

      Agree with all of this.

      Especially that the VIP no-queue option at Universal was totally worth the money, it meant we only needed one day there to go on every good ride, so we saved enough on hotel and entry tickets to make it a good deal.

      If only all Disney parks had this.

  • Pungentia on 11/06/2023 - 11:09
    +5

    We love to travel as a family - great to do before you are paying for adult tickets and adult accommodation (generally when they are 12+). Don't wait too long to go.
    We mix international trips in with lots of family camping holidays.

    We've been to Disney Land HK and Tokyo Disney and Tokyo Disney Sea (and Universal Singapore and Osaka, Sunway Lagoon in KL and FujiQ in Tokyo).

    Disneyland is rides plus a curated experience.

    HK Disney I think I enjoyed the most - when we were there, crowds weren't too bad and we could go from ride to ride which was fantastic.

    Disney Sea - the kids cried as the queues were too long (hours and hours) in 6 degree weather and drizzle between Christmas and New Year. Saddest place on earth with kids literally begging us to leave.

    Tokyo Disney we picked a better day a year later and had fun. Staying next to the park meant we could see the fireworks comfortably from our balcony. Definitely would recommend staying close for a night or two if visiting - accom next to the park is moderately priced as it's great for Disney, but not much else.

    Universal was ok from recollection - can't really recall tbh. I think the Singapore one was best in terms of awesome tropical fish?

    Sunway Lagoon in KL (waterslides to the max!) was super fun! We really enjoyed ourselves!

    Fuji Q seemed really disorganised but has insane roller coasters.

    All in all, we like to try and add a park of some description to our family trips - this helps the kids deal with the more mundane sight seeing - but we have come to determine that we are more about the adrenaline rides than the character schmaltz. And the kids just piped in - both of their favourites are Tokyo Disney and FujiQ.

  • 2esc on 11/06/2023 - 11:21

    How old are the kids if they are little they most likely not remember much. If they are small they wont be able to go on a lot of rides. How much time do you plan to spend there? some kids have had enough after a couple of hours. Does it have to be Disneyland or Gold Coast? Or is this more for you?

  • azero on 11/06/2023 - 11:26
    +1

    Why don't you try the disneyland paris with a europe or paris + london trip. That is what we did and that way both the kids and adults can enjoy. Not saying adults cannot enjoy disneyland lol I really did like it.

    On a side note I don;t like it when people call it once in a lifetime trip. It is as if you have made up your mind to be in the current financial situation forever.

  • tabitha731 on 11/06/2023 - 11:48

    Perhaps consider a Disney cruise … I think it's only sailing around Australia when it does finally make it to Australia. Consider if ur kids will be old enough or too old for Disney when U do finally go

  • ColtNoir on 11/06/2023 - 12:03
    +1

    What about Mario world in Japan?

    You could get a bit of both that way.

  • Phreakuency on 11/06/2023 - 12:40
    +1

    Been to Disney (Tokyo) multiple times and the Gold Coast parks many more.

    The local one's are fun but don't compare to Disney.

    If you're interested in other things near where a Disney park is located, you could make the most of the trip.

    Even a week in Tokyo, you could stay at one of the Disney resorts (which are really nice and if your kids are keen, they have themed rooms), visit both Disneyland and Disney Sea.

    You could do a Mt Fuji day trip, visit a Pokemon centre, depending on you and your families' interests.

    I wouldn't bother with Universal Studios on your first trip, they let way too many visitors in and you either miss half the stuff or run around like headless chickens on a Contiki tour to see an ounce of everything.

  • duluxe2000 on 11/06/2023 - 13:25
    +1

    Make sure you buy Disney tickets in advance :(

    • nicend on 11/06/2023 - 14:05
      +2

      I disagree.

      While GC punches about it's weight in terms of cost/experience, it is still a lot smaller scale that a cashed up Japan/USA theme park.

      While GC parks might have $30-40M expansions planned, Disneyland's Galaxy Edge expansion was $1B, and Tokyo Disney has a $2.3B Fantasy Springs expansion. The end result is a better experience that is more unique and memorable.

    • morse on 11/06/2023 - 14:41
      +1

      That’s like saying to someone from Perth who has always wanted to go to Paris “Go to Sydney
      instead, it’s an incredible city, support local tourism”.

    • SydStrand on 11/06/2023 - 15:23
      +2

      No one who watched the Itchy and Scratchy Movie would say that.

  • belongsinforums on 11/06/2023 - 13:52
    +1

    tokyo disney is decent. you can do lots of other things on the trip too

  • Thorn69 on 11/06/2023 - 14:11
    +2

    if you want to save 50% go to Tokyo Disney/land/sea flights and accommodation and taxes are far less then america and the experience is just better as a whole, gold coast is nice but its limited

  • sbot on 11/06/2023 - 14:12
    +2

    The Gold Coast theme parks don't compare to disney. That being said I wouldn't do a trip just 100% for disney, every time I've gone it's been integrated with other things (japan trip, trip to canada with the LA stop being used for disney). A pure 100% disney trip would be kind of overstimulating and exhausting.

    I hear that Florida Disney is great but the stuff nearby seems a lot less appealing than if you went to say, Tokyo Disney. Tokyo Disney you have a lot of other awesome tourist stuff you can do in and around Tokyo as well. I have also been to the LA disney which is also wonderful but it's in a gross urban sprawl kind of place - LA didn't really appeal to me.

  • vengeance88 on 11/06/2023 - 14:13
    +1

    Have done Disneyland in Anaheim and Paris. Done Gold Coast twice. All trips were however before kids.

    Age of kids is critical. USA is a long way to go just for Disneyland. We did LA (Hollywood) and Hawaii on the same trip and it was great, but these places might be less kid friendly for your family.

    I'm planning on taking my kids to the gold coast soon but because they are young we will probably have to give Dreamworld a miss because they are too short for most of the rides. We recently went to Luna Park and I got a little frustrated that they were too short for all the fun adult rides (a bit selfish, I know).

    From a bargain perspective, I think you could save a heap of money by taking them to Movieworld/Seaworld and creating memories. I dare say a trip to the Gold Coast will be less stressful too which should be a consideration too.

  • Cherry12 on 11/06/2023 - 14:18
    +1

    I grew up watching Disney movies and now as an adult went to both Disney in California and all the theme parks in Gold Coast.

    Definitely, you can't compare. Disney is unique and it's worth it to travel. That being said, I made a tour like trip. Went to USA for a month and only 3 of those days to Disney.

    Totally worth it, took all my family there. Although you have to be prepared for the prices. Everything inside is very expensive. Just make a good plan and visit a Disney close to other nice touristic cities.

    Gold Coast theme parks are beautiful and so entertaining but smallish. I would go again on a normal interstate trip.

    I would go to Disney again but in a different city or country.

  • Yaren24 on 11/06/2023 - 14:29
    +2

    Why can't we have Disneyland in Australia?

    • sumyungguy on 11/06/2023 - 14:33
      +4

      Just not enough people, Florida alone has more than 21M, California 39M.

    • SydStrand on 11/06/2023 - 15:19
      +2

      We didn't even have the population to support Wonderland NSW.

  • sakinah on 11/06/2023 - 14:46
    +2

    We went to Disneyland paris last July then in Dec went to Goldcoast theme parks. Can’t even compare! Disneyland was amazing. Fireworks show was epic every night along with a drone show. After Disneyland Goldcoast theme parks are boring

  • CanadaAye on 11/06/2023 - 15:00
    +1

    Definitely do Disneyland, you can't compare them. I've been to the Gold Coast theme parks more times than I can count and have had a great time at them with the kids but there's no comparison to Disneyland. The caveat for this is you have to at least have an interest in Disney content to get the most out of it.

    Five days is a good amount of time to do Disneyland and the neighbouring Disney California Adventure (DCA). Especially with Park Hoppers and Genie+.

    Then once you're over in the USA there is plenty to do on or near enough to the West Coast. Big Sur coast, Yoesmite, SF, Sequoia, Death Valley, Grand Canyon etc. I would go for three weeks and fly into LA and have your 6 nights in Anaheim for Disney then get a car and do the other locations that interest you in a loop that will bring you back to LA to do Universal and then fly home.

    Note that USA is very expensive, more so than ever, dining out is very expensive. But you can spend much less by buying food from supermarkets and the like, taking snacks with you when you go to Disneyland, and that will make a huge difference over three weeks to your overall spend.

    IMO Disney World is overkill and too spread out so it's an easy choice to go Disneyland especially when it is closer.

  • H3R34TH4C0MM3NTS on 11/06/2023 - 15:17
    -1

    Disneyland is way overrated (and i have been twice once as a teenager and once as an adult) . There are plenty of other alternatives to spend your time and hard earned.
    Disneyland is marketed as a great experience for yourself and your family , but in reality it’s a logistical and expensive nightmare, think of the time spent in queues, overpriced souvenirs and concessions, i can’t imagine experiencing anything worse. Do yourself a favour a visit other theme parks around the world without the “Disney” branding and you’ll probably find yourself a much more enjoyable experience.

  • SydStrand on 11/06/2023 - 15:17
    +13

    As someone who was dragged along family holidays to the Pyramids and great Wall of China, that sort of travel is wasted on young children. They're picky with food, their feet get tired, and they're easily bored. Let's just say the family albums have a lot of photos of me with a Game Boy in front of heritage sites. But I do still remember loving Disneyland over 25 years later. Save yourself the pain and just do the theme parks.

    • sumyungguy on 11/06/2023 - 15:28
      +4

      I wholly agree, it's part of the human condition to be interested in different things at different ages. I was in Machu Picchu on a free entry day for locals who brought their kids - our guide remarked insightfully that archaeology (and history) isn't for children. My 7yo was busting to see Tour Eiffel, but then tried to spend our remaining time in Paris back in the hotel watching television.

      • serpserpserp on 11/06/2023 - 16:27

        A seven year old only wants to see the Eiffel tower only because an adult makes them excited about seeing it.

        • sumyungguy on 11/06/2023 - 16:30

          Nope, wasn't the case.

  • gromit on 11/06/2023 - 16:18

    Disneyland is massively overrated, for the most part you get to enjoy the Queuing ride. Though kids would definitely enjoy. I have been to both and while disneyland is way better than the gold coast theme parks I would never travel just to go to it, maybe if you look to see what else is in the area of the disney theme park you are looking to travel too.

  • serpserpserp on 11/06/2023 - 16:25
    +1

    Anyone that I knew that went to Disneyland as an adult who really wanted to go loved it. Ones that took their kids to enjoy with them, the kids were indifferent to it.

    The kids always seem to enjoy universal studios, Kennedy center or other parts of the trip better than actual Disneyland.

  • MrTruffle on 11/06/2023 - 17:19
    +1

    How old are the kids? My kids 6 & 10 camt go on half the rides. Eithet too small or too scared.

    Id go when they 13-15 thats peak 'oh shit my parents took me to disneyland and i went on all the rides'. They'll also be able to go on some rides themselves vs being baby sit the whole time.

    Gold coast is an easier and cheaper trip. You can then do other things than just theme parks (Aussie theme parks dont compare to the USA) so do other stuff also.

    • morse on 11/06/2023 - 17:24
      +2

      I agree with this if the intention is to go to Disney later not replace Disney with GC (presuming Disney is the target). Better to GC first and build up to Disney, but only if intending to do both.

  • Something Darkside on 11/06/2023 - 17:45
    +1

    I've done Disneyland and California adventure park a couple of times. First time was awesome when the kids were little, lost some magic the second time but the wife and kids still loved it. Research the fast pass system.

    If you can explore the mountains and national parks, last trip we drove 5,000kms and had a blast. Top of the list Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, driving through the desert (especially route 66), Vegas is fun to experience the energy, San Diego we didn't see much of but LegoLand is close by which is good. Also found Palm Desert/Palm Springs to be a great place to relax. Grand canyon was good, but rate Yosemite over it.

  • cnrmlj on 11/06/2023 - 18:23
    +1

    Chalk and cheese. I've been to both multiple times. Disneyland / California Adventure and Universal are exponentially better parks than the ones on the Gold Coast. However, they are exponentially more expensive too. If your kids are into the Disneyland characters, then they will have a ball. I had one that was and she loved it and we have lots of great photos of her (and in some cases me) with lots of characters. The other one is scared of them, which we weren't aware of until we got there. There is also a heap of other stuff to do in LA and the US generally that can't be done on the Gold Coast. I like the Gold Coast, but it is overall not as good by comparison IMHO.

  • try2bhelpful on 11/06/2023 - 18:59
    +1

    It has been a few years since we went to both Disneyland and Disneyworld but even as adults we enjoyed both. There are also alternative parks, like Universal, that are worth a look. My suggestion is do some research and see what is available not only with the parks but what is around them. If you are looking at Disneyworld there are three parks and Kennedy Space centre to visit. We also went to Busch gardens.

    There is also an order to how you should do the rides to maximise efficiency.

    The best thing to do is a lot of research on the various parks, where to stay, what the costs are and what the queues will be.

    Have fun.

  • peekabooo on 11/06/2023 - 20:03
    -3

    Disney land has got dudes posing as princesses.

    • try2bhelpful on 12/06/2023 - 14:19

      So, around me we have dudes posing as Queens. Generally they look fabulous and go to much more effort than most of us do. Most women wear “traditional” male garb so what is the big deal if people dress differently? The really worrying Americans are the ones in camouflage gear and carrying guns.

      • peekabooo on 12/06/2023 - 17:14
        -3

        The soil is washing away slowly from under the foundation of what our society was built on top. I just saw a video in which people have to chain their knives to the wall so they won't use it against the regime in China. They took the guns away a long time back.

        • try2bhelpful on 12/06/2023 - 21:01

          Look at the rate of gun deaths and knife violence in America. It is hardly a bedrock for society is it?

          There was never a time we lived in a Utopian society. We used to lock up gay people. DV was between a man and his wife. In the 50s my mother had to give up her government job when she got married. Frankly the “foundation” of society should be tolerance and acceptance of others living their own life.

          If you are going onto sites that talk about the “erosion of the foundations of our society” you have strayed into RWNJ territory. My suggestion is read more widely and engage your little grey cells.

          • peekabooo on 12/06/2023 - 22:21
            -1

            @try2bhelpful: Mental health is a problem America is facing, we shouldn't affirm it. We shouldn't let people with mental health roam around the streets. Those are the only people you should worry about. I can't ask you to use your grey cells but I wish you had some.

            • try2bhelpful on 12/06/2023 - 22:33
              +1

              @peekabooo: Yes mental health is a problem in America. It could be argued it has been a problem for centuries. If you stopped all the mentally ill people in America from travelling around in America you would be locking up a fair whack of the population. A lot of them voted for Trump. My grey cells do very nicely.

              • peekabooo on 13/06/2023 - 09:42
                -1

                @try2bhelpful: I don't really care about Trump or Biden but mental health, pedophilia and high crimes are associated with the Democrats.
                'your grey cells do very nicely'- it would have been correct if you had any.

                • try2bhelpful on 13/06/2023 - 10:07
                  +1

                  @peekabooo: What absolute bumkum that is. Have a look at the Catholic Church and Hillsong. Look at the “I have sinned” televangelists. Hardly Democrats are they? Honestly you guys are so brainwashed. Frankly your little grey cells have atrophied.

              • peekabooo on 13/06/2023 - 09:47

                @try2bhelpful: @try2bhelpful yourv white boomer guilt is killing your brain cells. Sell everything you've stolen from first nations people and give it back. Jumping on the trans/queer mess is not going to redeem you.

                • try2bhelpful on 13/06/2023 - 10:08

                  @peekabooo: And everytime you post you just reinforce what I have said. Thanks for digging yourself a bigger hole. You are filling up your RWNJ bingo card.

                  • peekabooo on 13/06/2023 - 12:33
                    -1

                    @try2bhelpful: Look here. A fake left sympathiser white boomer trying to redeem himself by selling his dignity. You can't redeem yourself, be yourself and at least you will die with dignity.

                    • try2bhelpful on 13/06/2023 - 13:24

                      @peekabooo: Ahhh. Another few entries in your RWNJ bingo card. Just waiting for “woke”, “virtue signalling” and “triggered”. Unless you’ve covered that ground elsewhere.

  • Blargman2001 on 11/06/2023 - 20:19
    +1

    Disneyland is 10x better than any of the theme parks on the Gold Coast. Just avoid the Hong Kong Disney as it is widely seen as the worst of all of them and just a money grab for Chinese tourists.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2023 - 21:26
      +1

      We had a wonderful time at HK Disney, preferred it to Paris by a long shot.

      • Blargman2001 on 12/06/2023 - 09:43

        Paris is known as the second worst Disneyland.

  • Herbse on 11/06/2023 - 21:28

    Honestly with the way prices are, both places are a money pit with little return in entertainment vs cost. You'd be spending $15k for costs to the USA for a decent holiday and not much less for the gold coast given how expensive stuff is in aus currently.

    Imo invest your money in a tropical country around aus and go for top of the line hotels or resorts.

    We're currently in Thailand and staying at 5 star resorts which would have cost us $3.5k a night in aus, yet the whole trip overall for us for 17 nights is $7k inc flights and hotels and internal flights within Thailand.

  • hibiscus on 11/06/2023 - 21:31
    +6

    Thank you everyone for your comments, I’ve read all of them. One thing that strikes me is how many of you have taken your kids, or have been yourself, some even multiple times. I guess I had built up a Disney trip to be this big thing in my own mind, cause of my modest upbringing. I was overthinking it way too much, when I know deep down that we can comfortably afford it.

    The other thing I hadn’t thought of was the age factor. I was going to aim for that early primary school period, but am rethinking this, maybe it’s better towards late primary/early high school. Which is fine, it’ll give us a few years to start off small with the GC theme parks.

    Thanks again everyone.

    • GourmetFoodie on 11/06/2023 - 22:00
      +2

      Hope you can make the trip happen! Was my dream as a kid of working class parents too!

  • lunartemis on 12/06/2023 - 07:39
    +1

    The only memeory they will have by going to Disneyland is spending most of the day in long queues

  • npnp on 12/06/2023 - 08:03
    +3

    I've been to Egypt and seen great pyramids (with kids) and also visited Disneyland and Universal studios (Japan). We've also been to Goldcoast. Egypt is amazing but from kids perspective, they enjoyed the Disneyland/ Universal studios experience far greater. Goldcoast is just meh in comparison and shouldn't even be in the list in my humble opinion (unless it's about the budget). Another thing though, both Disneyland and UJS are extremely busy with lots of ques, waiting etc. Probably try another disneland. Perhaps the Shanghai one so you could do the great wall as well?

  • ContinuousCustomer on 12/06/2023 - 08:20

    Visited the one Paris in the 90s, which is long gone. I’d say Disneyland by itself is meh, it needs to be integrated into something else. Tokyo sounds like a good idea. Gold Coast theme parks are not comparable but if you are running away from miserable Melbourne weather, it could be an option.

  • Bwell on 12/06/2023 - 10:20
    +3

    People are vicious on here.

    When I was 10 and my brother was 16 we went on a world trip with our parents (UK, Europe & USA).

    We went to Anaheim Disneyland and Universal Studio's, then a week later we were in Florida and went to Disneyworld and Epcot centre.

    Look back at my memories I always thought it was Disneyland that was the better of the two and I was wrong.

    I took the family to Disneyland just before the pandemic we all had a lovely time and the kids still talk about it. The kids were 6 and 5. This is the youngest age you would want to go. To be fair probably perfect around 8-10 years age each (Still believe in the magic and old enough to handle all rides). The Americans let kids ride much scarier rides then we do younger. My daughter begged me to do the guardians of the galaxy ride. Holy shit what a mistake that was 5 minutes of pure fear and screaming.

    With a family there is no question you want to go to Florida. I went back through all all my fondest memories in photos and realised I was mistaken and most of them were from the Florida trip. The additional stuff to do in LA is horrible. Unless you want to see a city littered with homelessness and crime take the family to Florida. San Diego is cool but after a quick Mexican meal there is not much else.

    Do not get me wrong your kids would still love Disneyland. But if the adults want to enjoy the trip as much as the kids go to Florida.

    I live in Brisbane and have been to the Gold Coast theme parks many, many times. You will be horribly disappointed. Also forget about HK Disney and Tokyo. Wonderful cities and you can always go there when the kids are much older and go to those theme parks if you want to.

    If you want to capture the magic for kids it has to be in the US.

  • luffyex2010 on 12/06/2023 - 10:29
    +1

    Universal Japan! Mario World

  • Hangryuman on 12/06/2023 - 12:40

    there are 'Six Disneylands—that is, “castle parks”—around the world—in California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong' - and this site rates Tokyo DisneySea as the best, and I agree - https://www.mousehacking.com/blog/ranking-every-disney-park

    it's right next door to Tokyo Disneyland so you can do both - 'land' more for kids, 'sea' more for adults - so if you want an exotic experience that Japan alone can provide, AND a Disney experience - I'd recommend Tokyo.

    P.S. we've been to Anaheim - the original Disneyland - and yes as others wrote, my main memory is spending most of the day standing in incredibly long queues - so long they break them into hidden parts them so you can only see maybe 1/5th the queue at a time, so you go 'OMG - but I can see the end so I'll just tolerate this' - then you finally get to the end of what you can see, turn the corner … and OMG there's ANOTHER queue just as long - rinse and repeat 4-5 times - so after 90 minutes you get to enjoy the 30-second splash ride - wheee !!

    next ?

    • try2bhelpful on 12/06/2023 - 14:24

      Generally there are things to see whilst queued up. The muppet movie had posters to read, the Star Wars ride had animatronic skits, the Tower of Terror had a mock-up of the basement of an old hotel. The other trick is to get to the park well before official opening time as they, usually, open early and to do the most popular rides as soon as you hit the park to minimise queues.

  • cimrak on 12/06/2023 - 14:28

    I see many suggestions for Disney Japan and would like to throw in an alternate proposal for Universal Studios in Singapore. It can get pretty busy, but unlike many places, you can buy fast-passes for most of the rides.

    Walking to the front of a 2hr line is almost as fun as the ride itself :D

    • infinite on 12/06/2023 - 17:54

      It can get pretty busy, but unlike many places, you can buy fast-passes for most of the rides.

      You can buy those passes at almost every theme park in the world.

  • MMM on 12/06/2023 - 14:29
    +2

    Best experience you will have with your kids, so take the opportunity while you can as they soon grow up and no longer want to travel with you. Our experience we took kids to L.A and I the dad got sick on the spinning cups first day and reluctant to go back with long lines, still feeling sick etc, spoiled the magic and got back to AU and with regret took another 5 years before we had an opportunity to go to Florida Disney. Due to my regret for spoiling the family holiday purchased several days tickets for Disney and Universal. Still remember the excitement on my kids faces which will never be equaled. I sent the wife on all the dangerous rides, haha while I bought a Buzz lightyear for my 3yo who wasn't allowed on the big rides. Took them to Cape Canaveral, NASA and have pics of then in astronaut suits also I think medieval world, all worth every cent looking from their perspective. Been to Gold Coast Disney and the magic is not the same. I love Americas excess and you have to look at it that way and not be affected by people who either have never been or don't think its worth it. Your kids grow up very quickly and I would never swap the travel looking thru their eyes as it is unequaled. my 2 cents :)

    • try2bhelpful on 12/06/2023 - 14:39
      +1

      I love Kennedy Space Centre. It takes me back to my 8 year old self watching the moon landing on black and white TV. The mock up of the launch control room, where they simulate the minutes before and after take off, had me with tears in my eyes. Seeing the old monkey shot areas with the huge concrete blast walls, because the Comms could only carry so far.

      We’ve been there, several, times. When my man was there, on his own, he got to go into the Vehicle Assembly Building. I was so jealous.

  • hopper on 12/06/2023 - 17:35

    Get a google cardboard and save money

  • infinite on 12/06/2023 - 17:53

    In terms of overseas, If you want the best park experience in terms of either "what money can buy" or "best value for money", the Universal parks are hands down the best choice for either option. Disney are completely irrelevant in that conversation now and have been irrelevant for a long time, their parks are second tier in comparison. Disney have been so desperate to get anyone to come to their parks in the last 12 months, they've dropped ticket prices from US $180 per person all the way down to US $70 and it's still a ghost town in them most days of the week - they've been decommissioning rides and closing down areas of their parks as a result. The Japan Disney is the best of them world-wide, but Japan's Universal park (USJ) is also by far the better option there anyway. Universal in Florida is amazing, not just their park, but their hotel/resort areas too.

  • Ononono on 12/06/2023 - 17:58

    My parents took me travelling a lot when I was a kid. Went to USA several times, Europe, Asia.. to be completely honest I barely remember any of those trips. I went to Disneyland in grade 9, the only thing I remember now was waiting 2 hours in line to go on Magic mountain, I genuinely couldn't tell you what else I did or saw. Went to NYC for a week, I know I've seen all the tourist places but it's really just a blur.

    If it's for the kids, just know they won't remember most of it a few years later. You should go if it's what you want to experience yourself.

  • Worf on 12/06/2023 - 18:03
    +5

    If this were a poll the options would be:

    (1) Disneyland
    (2) Gold Coast
    (3) I prefer to talk about politics and crap

  • Worf on 12/06/2023 - 18:10

    How old are the kids and are they die hard Disney fans?

    I’d probs steer towards Gold Coast, it sounds much more affordable and the kids will still have thrills from the rides. Plus local economy etc.

    If they are die hard Disney fans, and they’ll cherish it, then that may change things

  • ju2au on 12/06/2023 - 18:17
    +1

    Either one of the Asian Disneylands or the Paris Disneyland would be my vote. Besides visiting the theme park, you can also soak in the local culture and do sightseeing as well.

    I don't recommend the U.S. ones because I visited the California one a few years ago. The amount of homeless people and drug addicts wandering the streets in the U.S. is truly astounding. I have visited many places around the world and walking the streets in the U.S. was one of those rare occasions where I felt my physical safety was in question.

    • drfuzzy on 12/06/2023 - 20:26
      +1

      The U.S. is a dangerous place.
      I prefer to spend my time in third world countries where the people are not as desperate and still have hope.

  • ben10 on 12/06/2023 - 19:23

    If you can handle how woke Disney has turned, 100000% Disneyland is better than the Gold Coast theme parks. Me personally, I'm a Disney World person. You can't go past Disney World - completely different to the 5 Disneylands on planet earth!

    • try2bhelpful on 12/06/2023 - 19:49
      -1

      Woke means alert to injustice especially racial. So what does it say about you that you use it as a pejorative?

  • drfuzzy on 12/06/2023 - 20:23

    I would ask your children. You can research the options on YouTube with the kids.
    It's possible they are not interested. Occasionally the interest comes from the parent's desire.
    I'm not saying that is the case here, but ask your kids and gauge their reaction.

  • frugalftw on 12/06/2023 - 20:29

    I have done Anaheim in my 20s and Tokyo in my teen, never even considered Gold Coast. Not saying there’s nothing great in GC, just why would you even compare those two 😅

    Be sure to check local calendars, those queues are no joke 😰. Find a time where there aren’t too many people is crucial. Or do multi-day passes. If it is once in a lifetime experience, let the kids have it. And more importantly, let the kid in you have it 😎😁😀

  • havabeer on 12/06/2023 - 21:03
    +1

    Everyone saying the GC theme parks isn't even up for comparison, but in what way in Disneyland that much better? Mostly it seems to be the they've swallowed the marketing. I've watched some youtube vids with my nearly 5 year old daughter and I get the appeal for the kids but I feel like I would walk out feeling like I've been raped by a mouse.

    • sumyungguy on 12/06/2023 - 21:47
      +1

      In what way are Disney parks better? Overall guiding theme; immersive well-maintained built environment; range and quality of rides, shows, attractions, food, beverage & merch; cleanliness; safety; guest services and information systems; cast member engagement; themed accommodation choices; transportation. But the GC parks are way ahead on proximity to my home and price of entry.

    • berger on 12/06/2023 - 22:37

      Yeah it shits over what we have here. Fireworks. Parades, entertainment.. the quality of everything is amazing. I’ve been to 2 different ones now.:

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