Disneyland or Ocean Park?

Hi everyone, Just looking for some advice on what is better at this time of year. I was going to take my daughter to Disneyland for her second birthday as I have heard it is great for kids her age. However I started to think about it and although I have never been there, I presume most of it is outside which is probably not a good thing for this time of year. I was wondering if Ocean park is any better in terms of shade, shelter from the sun.

Thanks in advance for any advice anyone has.

Cheers :-)

We took our daughter to Disneyland few months ago and we had a blast. It felt like a little "out of town" get-away because we'd stayed one night at the disneyland hotel, which was just lovely. We're doing it again next weekend for our daughter's third birthday.


Like Saikunga said, it's much more spacious there, and because it's sooooo hot this time of year, we're going to put our little one in the stroller, even if she prefers walking. She was so tired from walking last time that she fell asleep at the dinner table while munching on a piece of bread and we had to miss the fireworks!

We did the Disneyland Hotel thing for my daughter's birthday. The children loved it. The advantages over Ocean Park at this time of year include the characters (especially the character breakfasts in the hotel), the shade, the air conditioned rides and shows, lack of hills or need to queue for the cable car.


If you're staying at the hotel, the pool is a welcome break during the day. You can also bring the children back for a nap and return for the fireworks at night.


The acquarium, shark tank etc at OP are excellent, but you have to get there by baking hot cable car (or very steep escalator). The children's attractions at the lower level are great, but very hot at this time of year. Probably more suitable in the autumn.

Saikunga - you mean Kid's World is closed at Ocean Park?

Thanks everyone for all the hot tips! it looks like we will be heading to Disneyland. maybe we will be lucky and it will be a little bit overcast!

cheers :-)

Wow, I've never been to Disneyland and I think after reading all of your comments, I think it's worth taking my 3 year old toddler there.


I was debating whether to buy an annual pass at Ocean Park or Disney (Disney being closer to us). My friends have told me to go for Ocean Park because it's bigger with more to do and her 5 year old son got bored with Disney. She said overly crowded and you could finish seeing everything in half a day.


I guess it's worth going to Disney at least once. My annual pass at Ocean Park will expire soon.


I haven't been to Disney but there are lots to do at Ocean Park. Kids World has to be my little girl's favourite. She loves all the rides there. She loves the dolphin pools (the ones where you can go up close and personal - I don't mean touching) nearby where she gets to see them being fed and playing in the water. She also loves the aquarium because you get to touch the starfish and all the other small marine animals. She loves to see all the colourful fish swimming past as well.


Ocean Park also has lots of activities for the kids such arts and crafts, face painting etc. They even have a jumping castle there.


They've recently opened the Giant Panda section.


The jellyfish is also fascinating for my toddler.


They also have a bird show that's really entertaining for her.


We don't usually stay for the dolphin show. Too crowded unless you go during the weekdays.


In terms of shade, there are lots of shady areas around where you can sit and snack with your kids. I'm sure this won't be a problem when you're there.


The food's great at Ocean Park too. They have lots of take-aways and restaurants around.


I'm sure Disney's just as good too. I'll probably take my little girl this holiday!!!

We went to OP on Sat and the kidds world is definitely open. However it was baking hot and very crowded (mainlanders mostly). If you can go on a weekday. We also went to Disneyland a week before (2nd July). It was hot but luckily there was a breeze and its easier to walk round. I would say goto Disneyland for a 2 year old.

Hope that helps.

Our family also prefers Disneyland (kids age 1, 3 & 12). We enjoy the wildlife at OP, but it's a nightmare to try to navigate the place with little ones. Don't even think about bringing a stroller there as you'll wind up trying to carry your kids & the stoller up all steps.


However, Disneyland is crowded and it's still small. Although I've heard people say they could do it all in a half day, we've never managed it. Then again we generally spend half of a day standing in line. I suppose that's to be expected given it's popularity. One complaint that I do have about DL is the food. It's truly awful.