1st time to DL after Lots of WDW

[my3boys]

We are surprising our kids with a trip to DL, and we have been to WDW many, many times. However, we overheard our boys talking about how they don't want to go to DL since they are sure it's boring - yikes! Can anyone offer advice about hints we can give about how wonderful and magical DL is? What unique offerings it has separate from WDW? Similar offerings?

THANKS!

 

[jlmarr]

This is the definitive article on the subject:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[DangerMouse]

However, we overheard our boys talking about how they don't want to go to DL since they are sure it's boring - yikes! THANKS!

This makes me

 

[nurse.darcy]

Here are a few. . .

#1: DLR has Indiana Jones Adventure. . .

#2: You can walk between two parks and downtown Disney as many times as you like in one day. . .

#3: California Screamin is AWESOME. . .

#4: There are nearly as many rides in 2 parks instead of having to bus it for that many rides in one park

and #5: Its the original, everyone must go to the original. . .

a. Mr Toads Wild Ride
b. Mickey's toontown cartoon spin
c. Storybookland Canal Boats
d. Casey Jr Circus train

Need I say more. . .

 

[Belle62442]

Here are a few. . .

#1: DLR has Indiana Jones Adventure. . .

#2: You can walk between two parks and downtown Disney as many times as you like in one day. . .

#3: California Screamin is AWESOME. . .

#4: There are nearly as many rides in 2 parks instead of having to bus it for that many rides in one park

and #5: Its the original, everyone must go to the original. . .

a. Mr Toads Wild Ride
b. Mickey's toontown cartoon spin
c. Storybookland Canal Boats
d. Casey Jr Circus train

Need I say more. . .

Not to mention the Matterhorn!

 

[luvdsny]

c. Storybookland Canal Boats
d. Casey Jr Circus train

Need I say more. . .

These are my FAVES at DLR.

 

[Parkhopper]

You all forgot to mention how much more awesome Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion are in Disneyland.

Suzi

 

[HydroGuy]

We are surprising our kids with a trip to DL, and we have been to WDW many, many times. However, we overheard our boys talking about how they don't want to go to DL since they are sure it's boring - yikes! Can anyone offer advice about hints we can give about how wonderful and magical DL is? What unique offerings it has separate from WDW? Similar offerings?

THANKS!

That is a tough one. If people have a closed mind and negative attitude it can be self-fulfilling. No, DLR is not WDW. Buy why would you want to go to a WDW clone (aside from the better weather )?

DLR is its own place. It is less than WDW. And more. If you compare DLR to WDW on the basis of WDW's strengths, then some might find DLR boring. If you compare DLR to WDW on the basis of DLR's strengths, then it will amaze you if you are a Disney lover at heart.

First, DLR is not as big as WDW and does not offer activities outside the parks like WDW. It does have DTD and the hotels, so there are some activities, but less than 10% of WDW outside the parks.

But what are DLR's strengths? Well, others have already mentioned many of them.

1. Proximity - the hotels, parks and DTD are easy walking distance. Once you arrive at DLR you do not need to set foot on a bus, boat, tram, taxi or any form of transportation for the entire stay. This also means more hours in the parks because there is no wasted time on transportation.

2. Weather - bottom line is Southern California weather beats Orlando weather hands down. Almost no rain or humidity. Summer visits are very tolerable (my favorite time at DLR).

3. Rides - WDW's four parks only have 10% more rides than DLR's two parks. Plus DLR has almost as many headliner type rides. Plus it is has some different headliners such as Indiana Jones, Matterhorn and California Screamin. And some of the headliners at DLR are much better than those at WDW - Space Mtn and POTC are examples.

4. Shows - the major shows at DLR right now are better or equal than those at WDW. The Remember Dreams Come True fireworks show is incredible and IMO better than any show at WDW including Illuminations.

5. Park Hours - It is easier to get in more park hours at DLR because the parks are so close and the park hopping is so easy and the park hours tend to be a little longer.

Put on a different mindset, accept DLR for what it is, enjoy being able to experience the resort in 4 days rather than 8-10 at WDW, and you will have a great time.

 

[Hound 109]

This is the definitive article on the subject:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Yes, the above (hydroguy) thread must be read if you want to compare & contrast the two Disney Resorts.

Also, in regards to all the comments made in the posts above:

- Mr. Toad, Indy, Space Mountain, California Screamin, Pirates, Pinocchio & the Matterhorn are all 100% accurate.

- the ability to see more, do more (in less time) at DLR resort is also accurate.

WDW & DLR are both great in their own way. WDW has more theme hotels & restaurants, (but DLR does have 3 nice hotels & 6-8 very nice restaurants to eat at). WDW also has water parks & golf courses. But, DLR can be seen/done in less time so you can see/do other stuff in SoCal (beach, zoo, Universal, etc.)

I compare it to a BBQ plate. Sometimes i want the beef & pork (the Rides & Parks) without beans, slaw & potato salad (water parks, myriad of fancy themed hotels & restaurants) & sometimes I want the meat AND the beans & slaw.

Both are great.... (but only one of them has the Matterhorn, Toad & Pinocchio).

 

[wishesUT]

We're closer to Disneyland so we end up there more frequently, but Disneyland is great if you have older kids. Paradise Pier is completely different from anything else in Disney and I actually like Disneyland itself better than the Magic Kingdom. Oh, and you can't compare the rafting ride in Disneyland to anything else anywhere. It's so great! I think there are a lot of things to love about Disneyland. Plus, you can see it in less time which opens up possibilities to go to other parks too.

 

[disneyfansmandl]

As usual, Trey has it right about the differences between the two. I might add that because of the fact the parks are so close, a break in the middle of the day is very doable and makes the rest of the day in the parks easier. Stay at Paradise Pier and go for a swim in the afternoon. It has a decent waterslide and you only have to miss an hour or so of parktime. Try that in Florida. Have fun.

 

[mnasf]

We've done a lot of both and have things we really like about each. We usually stay offsite at DL and onsite at WDW. But your kids will not believe how close your hotel is to the gate. It's amazing. And like others said, you can walk to California Adventure very easily. Most of California Adventure's attractions are unique to it - you won't find them at WDW (except Soarin', Playhouse Disney, TOT stuff). My kids love California Screamin', the rocking ferris wheel cars, Mulholland Madness, Aladdin, etc. And Disneyland is very close together, but they love things like the Pirates' ride, Indiana Jones, and Fantasyland attractions unique to DL. My kids even like Space Mountain better at Disneyland - they take pictures and my kids love posing for them. It's just a different feel. Try Goofy's Kitchen or Lilo & Stitch for character meals my kids enjoy. We also like Blue Bayou because it's unique to DL. We do Ariel's for the girls.

 

[Twinprincesses]

I was a dedicated WDW gal. I went to DL when I was 13 but did not remember much of it. When we decided to go last year I was pretty much set up for it to be boring. I was totally wrong!! The only thing that I like at WDW better is the castle. Everything else is DL all the way. I do not know if it was just cause it was not as busy but we felt so much more relaxed there. Toontown is so awesome there!!!

 

[bouncy54]

We went to WDW in 2005. I loved the The Osbourne Lights at MGM/Disney....awesome...and loved the feel of being in different countries at Epcot.

But I actually like DL better than the Magic Kingdom.

For one thing, and this may be a small issue for most, but the train actually stops in Tomorrowland and has the Grand Canyon and Dinosaur scenes. I love being able to hop on the train and let it carry me to a different part of the park...or just take a break from the crowds and ride it a couple of times around.

I also like that DL is more compact than Magic Kingdom...it just seems more intimate...more welcoming...and yes..more crowded. By the way...I think Sleeping Beauty's Castle fits the park perfectly.

I really enjoyed taking the ferry over to Magic Kingdom though.. watching the Castle & Space Mt. come into view and watching the monorail head into the hotel (I can't remember the name of the hotel)

I missed not having New Orleans Square when we were at Magic Kingdom..I love walking through the back streets and watching the artists.

As for the rides...DL's Pirates and Haunted Mansion are better...just my opinion, of course. Splash Mt. is better at WDW. I haven't been on Space Mt. since they refurbished it at DL, but I've always liked the 2 seats side by side better than the single seats at WDW.


And Fantasmic...well, I really feel that DL shines with this show. I really missed the Pirate Ship and Peter Pan in Florida.

I loved TOT at MGM/Disney, but now that they have one in DCA, I won't have to think about going back to Florida just to ride it.

I think the difference between the 2 Disney's is that WDW feels "rich" to me and DL feels more like who I am..."not rich".

But then, those are just my feeeeelings...doesn't mean anyone else feeeels the same.

 

[damo]

We did WDW until the kids were older teens and then we went to DL and CA. We much, much prefer DL and CA. The rides are better, you don't have to walk so far and there seems to be more stuff geared towards older kids.

 

[casaazul]

Just my opinion. The rides are longer and I think more fun. Pirates at MK is dull, while at DL it is great!! The Matterhorn is my fav and California Screamin, is, well SCREAMIN!!

They will have fun. DL is totally different.

 

[ibouncetoo]

And Grizzley River at CA is WAY better than Kali at AK!



Hey bouncy54, I miss New Orleans Square so much at MK, that I've discovered staying at POFQ is mandatory to get my 'New Orleans' fix when I'm there!

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Less than four weeks till my bacon wrapped asparagus at Bengal BarBQue!

.

 

[MunkyMe13]

Here are a few. . .

#1: DLR has Indiana Jones Adventure. . .

#2: You can walk between two parks and downtown Disney as many times as you like in one day. . .

#3: California Screamin is AWESOME. . .

#4: There are nearly as many rides in 2 parks instead of having to bus it for that many rides in one park

and #5: Its the original, everyone must go to the original. . .

a. Mr Toads Wild Ride
b. Mickey's toontown cartoon spin
c. Storybookland Canal Boats
d. Casey Jr Circus train

Need I say more. . .

Amen!!

 

[tinkermell]

We are surprising our kids with a trip to DL, and we have been to WDW many, many times. However, we overheard our boys talking about how they don't want to go to DL since they are sure it's boring - yikes! Can anyone offer advice about hints we can give about how wonderful and magical DL is? What unique offerings it has separate from WDW? Similar offerings?

THANKS!

Yikes is right!!!

I think your family will be blown away!!!

PS- Be sure to read Hydro Guys thread!!!!! So much super info!!!

And when are you going?? I hope you report back, and let us know what you thought!!!