DL instead of WDW

HydroGuy · Apr 26, 2015

mummabear said:
We also live in NZ (can't wait for the new Houston direct flight!), we basically alternate both and love them both for different reasons.
There is a thread over on the Disneyland boards called something like Disneyland for WDW vets. It is excellent.

Ahh, music to my (mouse) ears...

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

:wizard:

mummabear · Apr 26, 2015

shirleyb said:
Great thread! My first Disney experience was DL back in 1986 I think but since then, have only been to WDW. Last visit to WDW in 2013.

This summer, DD18 and I will be visiting Southern California and were planning 2 days at DL - one for each park, but this thread has me wondering if we need a 3rd day and a hopper, instead of 1 park tickets. I'd appreciate any input..

Yes add another day-we can spend 5-10 days there happily but I think 3 gives you a good amount of time, and personally we love hopping at DLR (at WDW we can do without as hopping is such a hassle)

Experiment · Apr 26, 2015

mummabear said:
Yes add another day-we can spend 5-10 days there happily but I think 3 gives you a good amount of time, and personally we love hopping at DLR (at WDW we can do without as hopping is such a hassle)

Totally agree. Hopping is great at DLR

Davey Jones II · Apr 27, 2015

PinkBudgie said:
Yes! Every time I mention that RnRc is bumpy and rough, no one else seems to have noticed or know what I'm talking about! It gave me a headache. (Imagine if the Matterhorn went upside down!) I wanted to like that ride and did it twice just to be sure. Screamin so smooth and actually less twisty. Just the one loop.

RnR is rough in the back now. Try the front cars, those are considerably smoother. We noticed the difference during our WDW trip last October.

By the way, some people like to say that DLR has as many attractions as WDW. That's not quite true. I just did a count; DLR has 74 attractions in total, whereas WDW has 86. Granted, that's pretty close. But when we visit WDW, we also do the water parks, and that adds a lot more fun to the mix.

I do feel that any theme park fan should visit both at least once.

Astridia · Apr 27, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
RnR is rough in the back now. Try the front cars, those are considerably smoother. We noticed the difference during our WDW trip last October.

By the way, some people like to say that DLR has as many attractions as WDW. That's not quite true. I just did a count; DLR has 74 attractions in total, whereas WDW has 86. Granted, that's pretty close. But when we visit WDW, we also do the water parks, and that adds a lot more fun to the mix.

I do feel that any theme park fan should visit both at least once.

DLR may have fewer attractions, but the rides our family really enjoys are on both coasts. The only attraction we miss when we visit DLR is the People Mover. The hassle factor of planning and going on a WDW vacation is just not worth it to our family.

PinkBudgie · Apr 27, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
RnR is rough in the back now. Try the front cars, those are considerably smoother. We noticed the difference during our WDW trip last October.

By the way, some people like to say that DLR has as many attractions as WDW. That's not quite true. I just did a count; DLR has 74 attractions in total, whereas WDW has 86. Granted, that's pretty close. But when we visit WDW, we also do the water parks, and that adds a lot more fun to the mix.

I do feel that any theme park fan should visit both at least once.

Ok, I'll give that a try next time. I can't remember where we sat both times but it was middle to back.
When I think about wanting to go back to WDW, most of it revolves around us enjoying our resort so much. (and we really both enjoyed Epcot) At DLR it is about being in the parks.

HydroGuy · Apr 27, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
By the way, some people like to say that DLR has as many attractions as WDW. That's not quite true. I just did a count; DLR has 74 attractions in total, whereas WDW has 86. Granted, that's pretty close. But when we visit WDW, we also do the water parks, and that adds a lot more fun to the mix.

I think usually people do not compare "attraction count" between DLR and WDW but they compare "ride count". And by my count those are just about the same. Note I have not updated this for a year or so but I do not think anything significant has been added or lost at DLR or WDW since then. See

"Ride Count Comparison Between DLR and WDW" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3221332

:wizard:

Angel Ariel · Apr 27, 2015

KCmike said:
I personally think that DL plays better for kids of that age. Fantasyland has so many rides and unique fun attractions (casey jr, storybook canal boats, mickey and the magical map). I will warn you though that LA feels dirty till you get out into the suburbs. The ocean and the beaches are gorgeous though. Would you stay onsite or out on Harbor Blvd?

I agree. For a long time I've firmly believed that DR is a better park destination for toddlers and the younger set. There's just so much more in FL alone! I can't wait to take our (then) 3 y/o there this year!

Angel Ariel · Apr 27, 2015

Astridia said:
I think a combination of the expense and the customer backlash will prevent MB's from coming to DLR. Not that the MB's are bad, FP+ is the only thing that I hate about MDE.

I agree...I actually like MBs themselves. It was fun to find deals for them we liked, ad they were really convenient. I wouldn't have an issue with MBs coming to DLR, just FP+.

Davey Jones II · Apr 28, 2015

HydroGuy said:
I think usually people do not compare "attraction count" between DLR and WDW but they compare "ride count". And by my count those are just about the same. Note I have not updated this for a year or so but I do not think anything significant has been added or lost at DLR or WDW since then. See

"Ride Count Comparison Between DLR and WDW" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3221332

OK, but that means people are cherry picking their info in order to make a point. To most theme park guests, it's not all about rides. How many people just do the rides and never experience the shows, parades, fireworks, meet and greets, etc.?

Besides, the water parks don't have any rides (unless you classify water slides as a "ride"); so does that mean that they are an insignificant part of WDW's entertainment package? Tell that to the millions who visit them every year.

HydroGuy · Apr 28, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
OK, but that means people are cherry picking their info in order to make a point. To most theme park guests, it's not all about rides. How many people just do the rides and never experience the shows, parades, fireworks, meet and greets, etc.?

Besides, the water parks don't have any rides (unless you classify water slides as a "ride"); so does that mean that they are an insignificant part of WDW's entertainment package? Tell that to the millions who visit them every year.

As I said in the ride count thread, the definition of "ride" is highly subjective and open to debate and disagreement. I have no problem with your debate and disagreement. I will respond to your questions here in the spirit of debate and hopefully I do not come across that I think I am absolutely correct - because I do not think that.

One ends up with a "weighting factor" kind of approach when it comes to attractions. I mean, at DL they have a series of Main Street vehicles and trolleys listed as attractions last I looked. How does a ride up Main Street in a little car with a capacity for about 50-100 guests per hour compare to a ride like POTC with a capacity of 3000 per hour? Should they both count as a "ride" even though they are different in scope and capacity by a factor of 1000? I would argue most guests do not think so no matter what the official park map lists as an attraction.

Yes, one could argue that the water parks have rides too. One could also argue, I suppose, that each water slide at each Disney hotel also could count as a ride - even though Disney does not list those as attractions and most guests would not think they are. One could even argue that the trams that transport guests from the parking lots to the park entrances are also rides. Maybe the WDW buses are also rides as they literally give you a ride from place to place around the resort?

As I summarized in my ride count thread, to me a show like Fantasmic, Illuminations or World of Color might be attractions or might not - I think Disney call those "entertainment" and not attractions - but most guests would call them "shows" and not rides. Most guests would call the Boneyard at AK or HISTA "Movie Adventure Set" at DHS play areas for kids and not rides - even though Disney calls them "attractions". More murky are things like Soarin (which IMO is a ride but is also a movie show) or MI Laugh Floor or Turtle Talk With Crush - which I counted as rides even though maybe they should not be and should just be shows. But really, how different is TTwC and Flights of Wonder at AK - they are both interactive shows. I called TTwC a ride and FoW not a ride but a show. Disney calls TTwC an "attraction" and FoW "entertainment".

My list of rides is just my list and I think it fairly represents more or less what many would consider a ride at a theme park. But the line is murky and debatable. POTC is clearly a ride. Illuminations is clearly a show. But what is Turtle Talk?

:wizard:

agamble · Apr 28, 2015

Angel Ariel said:
I agree...I actually like MBs themselves. It was fun to find deals for them we liked, ad they were really convenient. I wouldn't have an issue with MBs coming to DLR, just FP+.

Fantasyland is the heart of Disneyland. It is great for kids of all ages, and the best for little explorers. I'm glad they have left so many of the rides intact in Fantasyland.

Angel Ariel · Apr 28, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
OK, but that means people are cherry picking their info in order to make a point. To most theme park guests, it's not all about rides. How many people just do the rides and never experience the shows, parades, fireworks, meet and greets, etc.?

Besides, the water parks don't have any rides (unless you classify water slides as a "ride"); so does that mean that they are an insignificant part of WDW's entertainment package? Tell that to the millions who visit them every year.

I think the main point people are trying to make when comparing attraction count is that DLR has a lot more attractions than its size (only 2 parks) would lead one to think. Many expect or think that because it has 1/2 the # of parks, that means it has 1/2 the number of attractions - and that just isn't the case.

Astridia · Apr 28, 2015

Angel Ariel said:
I think the main point people are trying to make when comparing attraction count is that DLR has a lot more attractions than its size (only 2 parks) would lead one to think. Many expect or think that because it has 1/2 the # of parks, that means it has 1/2 the number of attractions - and that just isn't the case.

My favorites are on both coasts, but they are much easier to ride at DLR because of the close proximity. It's another reason that our family regards WDW as too much of a hassle.

Davey Jones II · Apr 29, 2015

Angel Ariel said:
I think the main point people are trying to make when comparing attraction count is that DLR has a lot more attractions than its size (only 2 parks) would lead one to think. Many expect or think that because it has 1/2 the # of parks, that means it has 1/2 the number of attractions - and that just isn't the case.

If that's the point people are trying to make, then they should say that. Overstating the case -- by claiming that both resorts have the same number of attractions -- or by blurring the destinction between a ride and an attraction, actually weakens their argument. Once people realize that you are fudging or exaggerating, then they tune you out.

VandVsmama · Apr 29, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
If that's the point people are trying to make, then they should say that. Overstating the case -- by claiming that both resorts have the same number of attractions -- or by blurring the destinction between a ride and an attraction, actually weakens their argument. Once people realize that you are fudging or exaggerating, then they tune you out.

Well, anyone can go on DL's & WDW's websites and count up all of the attractions themselves. The data is there and available online.

What's the point? Both resorts have unique things to offer that the other resort doesn't have. They are both unique in their own ways and yet also similar in other ways. It's like going to Baskin & Robbins Ice Cream...some people like cookies & cream, some people like jamocia almond fudge. They all leave the ice cream parlor feeling satisfied. Yet sometimes you want to try jamocia almond fudge instead of the regular cookies & cream that you've always had. And that's when you venture to the other side of the country to try out the other park that you don't visit quite so often.

If you want to count the # of cookie bits or # of almond pieces in your vs the other person's scoop of ice cream, go right ahead. :teeth:

They both taste delicious and they're both wonderful in their own way.

tarheelalum · Apr 29, 2015

I've never been to WDW but I've been to Florida in the summer. Nothing like being in a place where the sun is shining and then all of a sudden it is raining like its the end of the world, and the sun, is still shining. Then 20 minutes later it stops and steam is coming off the ground like you are in the middle of a swamp. Crazy hot all day/night and you constantly sweat due to the jungle like atmosphere.

I'll stay here in Southern California and go to DL. It can get hot, but not jungle hot.

Angel Ariel · Apr 29, 2015

Davey Jones II said:
If that's the point people are trying to make, then they should say that. Overstating the case -- by claiming that both resorts have the same number of attractions -- or by blurring the destinction between a ride and an attraction, actually weakens their argument. Once people realize that you are fudging or exaggerating, then they tune you out.

You may think its exaggerating, personally I don't. I have always personally found there to be just as much to do in dlr as in wdw. You say the difference is 14. What does that 14 come from, though? Rides, shows, streetmosphere? As hydroguy pointed out, the count can be very close depending on your criteria for a ride or attraction. And as HG also pointed out, those definitions can vary from person to person, without it being exaggeration.

Personally, I've always found there is as much for us to do at dlr as in wdw. That isn't exaggeration, that's our experience. Yours may vary.

mom2rtk · Apr 29, 2015

Angel Ariel said:
You may think its exaggerating, personally I don't. I have always personally found there to be just as much to do in dlr as in wdw. You say the difference is 14. What does that 14 come from, though? Rides, shows, streetmosphere? As hydroguy pointed out, the count can be very close depending on your criteria for a ride or attraction. And as HG also pointed out, those definitions can vary from person to person, without it being exaggeration.

Personally, I've always found there is as much for us to do at dlr as in wdw. That isn't exaggeration, that's our experience. Yours may vary.

I agree. The count might vary based on what you actually include. But it's close enough to make the point. No exaggeration needed.

We live in the middle of the country so have been to both resorts a number of times. There are various advantages to each. But when it comes to sheer attractions? DL wins in our book. Not only because they have about the same number, but because they are so close together they are all easy to get to on a given day.

VandVsmama · Apr 29, 2015

OH!! His/her ice cream cone has a few more sprinkles than mine! Well, then give me a refund because I want to go home if I don't get the same # of sprinkles on my ice cream. Lol.

DL instead of WDW

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