1st time :/

[njpsteacher]

Hello everyone, we are planning our very 1st trip to DL in October (with 2 kids under 2). I live in NJ and Ive been to DW 25+ times. I know NOTHING about DL. How many days do I need there? From what Ive heard there are 2 parks and only 2 or 3 on site hotels? Please help me by telling me EVERYTHING I need to know. Thanks

 

[furb & dez]

Help yourself first. Read the sticky threads in this forum.

 

[GrandBob]

Everything you need to know? It's right here --

A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

 

[Huff]

DW and DL are vastly different but each has its unique qualities that make them special. Disneyland park itself while physically smaller than Magic Kingdom actually has more rides, shows and attractions. Between the two parks, DLR has about 80% of the attractions that WDW has in four parks. That will go up with the opening of Carsland in 2012.

There are 3 Disney resort hotels onsite, all Deluxe. Grand Californian has its own enterance into California Adventure park. What I and many others love about DLR is that the two parks, 3 resorts and Downtown Disney are all in walking distance from each other. No need to ride buses, boats etc.

Park hopping is totally different than at WDW. We tend to park hop back and forth 2 or 3 times in a single day as the two parks are only 5 minute walk between them. Its also easy to dine at Downtown Disney and return to the parks without the lengthy travel time you would have at WDW. Staying onsite at DLR is fun but not as needed as at WDW. There are numerous walking distance hotels at DLR as well as many resorts within a few minute drive or shuttle bus ride. There are also resorts across the street from the Toy Story parking lot which makes it easy to walk to that lots free Disney shuttle buses.

The biggest difference in the overall experience I feel is the vastness of dining at WDW thats not present at DLR. There are some great restaurants at DLR but no comparison to the variety at WDW. Only on packed days do you need an ADR at DLR, and even then, certainly not 180 days out as is often the case at WDW.

I find Disneyland to have far more attention to detail and that special Disney feeling to it than Magic Kingdom. Just compare Small World outside building for starters.

That said, I love both WDW and DLR but for different reasons. They offer different vacation experiences so never go to one and say...dang, this isn't like the other.

 

[igomezkailua]

We went to WDW in May. Now I live in Hawaii, so usually we go to DL every year. Some positives and negatives.

WDW=
Postitives:
More Parks, More rides, More things to Do. Better Space Mountain.
Negatives:
More Crowded, Parks are Far Apart, Longer Lines.

DW=
Positives:
California Adventure and DL are walking distance away from each other. No need to stay at Disney Resorts. More things to do in Southern Cali less than a few miles away. Matterhorn, Pirates is better in Cali.
Negatives:
Always Renovating.....thus rides always closed

I liked Disneyland better because everything I like at Disney World they already have at Disneyland. But i'm a little prejudice since I don't go to DW often since it's a 12 hour 2 layover plane ride.

* Remember do not compare DW to DL when you are up their, then you are going to be disappointed, go in with and open mind and have fun!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

WDW=
Postitives:
More Parks, More rides, More things to Do. Better Space Mountain.

Better Space Mtn at WDW? Are you sure that was not a typo for Splash Mtn? I believe the voting tends to be about 99.9% that DL's Space Mtn is better than MK's.

And the "more rides" at WDW is a bit misleading. Yes, four parks, but only about 10% more rides. DLR's parks have a much higher ride concentration.

 

[KCmike]

better space mtn at wdw? Are you sure that was not a typo for splash mtn? I believe the voting tends to be about 99.9% that dl's space mtn is better than mk's.

and the "more rides" at wdw is a bit misleading. Yes, four parks, but only about 10% more rides. Dlr's parks have a much higher ride concentration.

+1
Space Mountain is light years better in DL. Splash is just the opposite for me. I love Splash at WDW and it is my favorite ride in any Disney park. Disneyland is the best park though.

 

[igomezkailua]

No I do like Space Mountain at WDW better, reason being.

WDW Pros: Awesome waiting line/Games etc during the line.
Also Their are 2 bigger Drops, I like a little more thrill!

Cons: Outdated a little.

DL Pros: Renovated often, better intro during ride ala "crazy lights".


I like the WDW space mountain rollercoaster lay out better. But that's just my opinion

 

[BackIn33]

Hello everyone, we are planning our very 1st trip to DL in October (with 2 kids under 2). I live in NJ and Ive been to DW 25+ times. I know NOTHING about DL. How many days do I need there? From what Ive heard there are 2 parks and only 2 or 3 on site hotels? Please help me by telling me EVERYTHING I need to know. Thanks

Just a few "off the top of my head" tips:

If you're going in October, I'd make a note to check which days Disneyland closes early for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. For example, Disneyland will be open until 7pm for regular guests, and Special Event Ticket guests can start arrive as early as 4pm to mix in. They then do a wristband sweep and all of the regular guests move to the other park (DCA). Both parks are therefore greatly impacted. I'd try to make sure that your trip avoids as many of these days as you can.

Otherwise, MNSSHP is a lot of fun, and they dole out a TON of candy!

Hotel-wise, I'd seriously consider off-resort hotels as far as budget goes. If budget is not a factor, I'd stay on-resort to utilize the Magic Morning perk.

I don't know how extra hours at WDW work precisely, but at DLR, the park opens 1 hour earlier for Hotel Guests and all that is open is Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. And within each land, the rides are limited. Space Mtn, Star Tours, and Buzz are open... And for Fantasyland it's usually Peter Pan, Snow, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Toad, Alice, Teacups, and the carousel. Also Matterhorn is open. It's a great way to get all of those rides out of the way to make more time for the rest of the park!

Hope that this helps a little bit. OH! and by Oct 2012, Carsland should be open! yay!

 

[HydroGuy]

No I do like Space Mountain at WDW better, reason being.

WDW Pros: Awesome waiting line/Games etc during the line.
Also Their are 2 bigger Drops, I like a little more thrill!

Cons: Outdated a little.

DL Pros: Renovated often, better intro during ride ala "crazy lights".


I like the WDW space mountain rollercoaster lay out better. But that's just my opinion

OK, just wanted to check.

One of the things that always bothered me about the old DL Space Mtn was it was not dark enough. Now it is perfect. MK's Space Mtn is not dark enough and that ruins it for me. Yes, better queue for sure, but the ride is a let down for me. Also, I think MK's version has no music? Is that right? I think the music on DL's Space Mtn really makes the experience much better.

 

[KCmike]

I use to like WDW's Space Mountain and I guess I still do but not over DL's. WDW's version feels like one of the first rollercoasters I ever went on. The problem with WDW version over DL is you can see where your going(we're in space right?), the ride vehicles sit three front to back (who just has three, you usually have to split up), and I rode Disneyland's version.

Disneyland's has better seating, completely dark, and the music gives in another dimension. The first time my son and I rode it we got off the ride and looked at each other. Our hair was standing up, we were both smiling from ear to ear, and both said "let's do it again!".

This mountain ride goes to Disneyland.
BTMR and Splash Mtn go to WDW.