A DLR Guide for WDW Vets

[Verstehen]

I just returned from a trip to Long Beach, and I took an extra day to visit DLR, both parks. Had a blast! I wasn't sure what to expect, but hardly anything disappointed, even the stuff that was near carbon-copy of a WDW attraction. Despite everyone warning me about the castle, I was still surprised at how tiny it was. I could put that thing in my pocket! I particularly loved Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and PotC. Thank you for your guide!

 

[BC1836]

Wonderful, detailed info that compares and contrasts WDW and the DLR in splendid fashion!

As WDW veterans, we're making our third trip to the DLR next week (1st trip in 1990; 2nd in 2008) and appreciate all the informative notes.

"Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes," here we come!

All the best.

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Thanks for all the great information! I booked marked it as I will need to re-read because our trip to DLR will not be for another 12-18 months.

Where's the common place to fly in to? I'm assuming LAX. I have a family time share I'll be using, and used the Google maps to see the walking distance it's saying 1 mile, but for some reason goes past the park entrance by at least 1/4 mile. Is a 15-20 minute walk the norm for an off site stay?

 

[skiingfast]

Where's the common place to fly in to? I'm assuming LAX. I have a family time share I'll be using, and used the Google maps to see the walking distance it's saying 1 mile, but for some reason goes past the park entrance by at least 1/4 mile. Is a 15-20 minute walk the norm for an off site stay?

LAX is most common, simply because it is by far the largest airport in the area. SNA is much closer and nicer to use. In making the choice it depends on prices and airlines. Sometime the best deal is to one airport or another, sometimes specific airlines only serve certain airports.

For offsite 15 minutes is about the limit of reasonable walks.

What is the name of the place you booked?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for all the great information! I booked marked it as I will need to re-read because our trip to DLR will not be for another 12-18 months.

Where's the common place to fly in to? I'm assuming LAX. I have a family time share I'll be using, and used the Google maps to see the walking distance it's saying 1 mile, but for some reason goes past the park entrance by at least 1/4 mile. Is a 15-20 minute walk the norm for an off site stay?

Check this link for airport info:

"Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information" by 3TinksAndAnEeyore www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297

Most folks would not walk 15-20 minutes to DLR - at least not every day. Not sure what you are seeing on Google maps but distances around DLR can be deceptive because there are just two entrances. This map may help:

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8092124&lon=-117.9188132&z=19&l=0&m=b

 

[DizDays]

Subbing for upcoming trip. Thanks so much for compiling such a great guide!

 

[BC1836]

We returned this week from Disneyland and found the compare and contrast roster of info to be quite accurate. Thanks again.

Alas, the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes were not in use during the Monday to Friday period.

Back to WDW in August!

All the best.

 

[kmrein]

Just chiming in to say THANK YOU from another WDW vet and soon-to-be first time visitor to DLR. Not only have you helped me feel much more relaxed about our upcoming trip and the process of planning it, but you've increased my excitement about the experience so much!

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Such a great post, thank you!!!!

 

[Albytaps]

Thanks for this post, I will read it completely as I am interested in visiting DL and plan on it for next year. However, I do have to wonder about this statement:

DLR has 100% of the magic as that at WDW.

When I was a kid (in the 80's) heading to the MK from the TTC, it felt like I was leaving the real world behind and arriving into a fantasy world... there was a certain "magic" to it. Somehow, I don't belive I'll feel the same way when I arrive at DL.

I'll keep reading for now, and I understand the logic behind "not a lesser experience but a shorter experience" however, there seems to be a little bit of DL fanboism behind some of this.

 

[ValpoCory]

When I was a kid (in the 80's) heading to the MK from the TTC, it felt like I was leaving the real world behind and arriving into a fantasy world... there was a certain "magic" to it.

So you stayed offsite, leaving the magic every night?

At DLR, you can stay on-site, staying completely immersed in the magic.

Don't get me wrong. I am a WDW vet and prefer WDW to DLR, but Cars Land opened and now we must try a VGC (DVC rental) stay. We are not renting a car, just like our WDW trips. At this point, the magic in the planning stages has been the same. I fully expect that to continue all the way through.

 

[HydroGuy]

When I was a kid (in the 80's) heading to the MK from the TTC, it felt like I was leaving the real world behind and arriving into a fantasy world... there was a certain "magic" to it. Somehow, I don't belive I'll feel the same way when I arrive at DL.

I'll keep reading for now, and I understand the logic behind "not a lesser experience but a shorter experience" however, there seems to be a little bit of DL fanboism behind some of this.

I guess it depends on what you mean by magic then. I would not say that DLR and WDW both make someone feel the same way. The experiences are different. However, when it comes to underlying Disney magic they both have it. So the feeling of Disney magic is the same whether or not the overall experience feels the same.

Using your example, I could say something similar. When I was a kid I remember driving to Disneyland and it was always a game with my father and family members to see who was the first to spot the Matterhorn peak as we drove in. There was an excitement and anticipation to the search. And then there was the "I see it!" moment.

MK at WDW does not have a Matterhorn. So when I visit MK I never get the same feeling as I did at DL when I was a kid. That does not mean that MK lacks magic. It just means that MK is different. The monorail or boat approach to MK also gives a sense of anticipation and build up. But it differs from DL.

Don't be so quick to assume that since the setting at DLR is different from WDW and that somehow lessens the magic.

In some ways DLR will feel lesser. But in other ways it will feel like it is better. Overall the feeling of Disney magic is very strong. At both DLR and WDW.

 

[ValpoCory]

The monorail or boat approach to MK also gives a sense of anticipation and build up.

My kids have been to WDW for 3 separate week-long trips and have never experienced either of those approaches. I doubt they ever will.

My kids love the moment where our Disney bus passes under the sensor and theme park welcome music starts playing over the bus' sound system.

 

[DLR29]

Just a small update, Snow White's Scary Adventures has recently become a ride at DLR that is not at WDW. Now the only FL dark ride that they share in common is Peter Pan.

 

[Hound 109]

99 out of a 100 WDW Dis'ers who read this thread (& then visit Walt's park) gain invaluable information from this thread & swear by the accuracy of the information in this thread.

.....
When I was a kid (in the 80's) heading to the MK from the TTC, it felt like I was leaving the real world behind and arriving into a fantasy world... there was a certain "magic" to it. Somehow, I don't belive I'll feel the same way when I arrive at DL.

I'll keep reading for now, and I understand the logic behind "not a lesser experience but a shorter experience" however, there seems to be a little bit of DL fanboism behind some of this.

You do realize that most folks who have posted in this thread have visited both WDW & DLR several times? (& HG has visited the 2-3 other Dis Parks as well as DLR & WDW dozens of times??)

Many of the dis posters here keep it civil (or they absolutely believe) that BOTH parks have equal magic & are equal DIS destinations. Not "fanboism" but that is their take.

Me?.....I've been to both parks (WDW 4 times.....3 times as a certified DIS board commando & now DLR 7 times). & I don't think the resorts are even close. DLR is superior in MANY, MANY different ways in regards to:

- "magic". (It's Walt's park).
- weather
- transportation.
- no heat or humidity
- better attractions
- heat humidity (saying it twice because I HAVE visited WDW in July )
- no love bugs & brazillian youth groups
- no stinkin' busses.
- more classic rides (especially in FL)
- both parks & DTD are NEXT to each other!!
- LOTS of other stuff to visit nearby. (LA, SD etc.)

(The only things i miss about WDW is World Showcase, Mission Space, Mickey's Philharmonic, about 4-5 of their very cool restaurants & the dining plan. Don't miss the golf or water parks because we have golf & water parks (better than Orlando) where i live.)

For me, the magic & goose bumps hit when i pass under the Railroad arch way & read Walt's plaque. (not when i read a billboard or leave a parking lot). But HG, seeing the Matterhorn for the first time DOES put an extra skip in my step.

Albytaps, please post back after your visit & share your take.

 

[Hound 109]

Just a small update, Snow White's Scary Adventures has recently become a ride at DLR that is not at WDW. Now the only FL dark ride that they share in common is Peter Pan.

So MK doesn't have:

- Toady
- the Matterhorn
- the wonderful Storybookland
- the very cool Alice
- Casey Jr.
- & the very underated Pinocchio.
- & Snowy.

(Plus superior versions at DL of 6-8 E & D ticket rides (plus DL has Indy).

If a DLR vet had only 3-4 days to visit WDW, is there any reason to even visit MK at this point??

 

[subtchr]

I'll keep reading for now, and I understand the logic behind "not a lesser experience but a shorter experience" however, there seems to be a little bit of DL fanboism behind some of this.

And holding that kind of skeptical attitude almost guarantees that your experience will be less "magical" than it could be.

We just spent two great days at DLR (should have been two and a half, but thanks to Delta, the first day turned into only 20 minutes in the park!), and we had a wonderful time!

 

[Keyser]

Now the only FL dark ride that they share in common is Peter Pan.

Can you clarify this a bit for me? I've heard conflicting information on the Pan ride, with some saying in vague terms that the DL version is somehow nicer than the WDW one. Is there really much (or any) difference?

We are WDW vets, planning our first family trip to DL. I understand Peter Pan is one of the busiest rides in DL (in the race to it like you would to Dumbo at MK sense). While the one in WDW was nice, it's not a favorite of ours and we would certainly not mind skipping it at DL if it was going to be a major time sink, or would let us ride other things more easily. But, if the DL one is significantly better/different, we might try it (we do have a MM entry we will use at DL).

 

[HydroGuy]

Can you clarify this a bit for me? I've heard conflicting information on the Pan ride, with some saying in vague terms that the DL version is somehow nicer than the WDW one. Is there really much (or any) difference?

We are WDW vets, planning our first family trip to DL. I understand Peter Pan is one of the busiest rides in DL (in the race to it like you would to Dumbo at MK sense). While the one in WDW was nice, it's not a favorite of ours and we would certainly not mind skipping it at DL if it was going to be a major time sink, or would let us ride other things more easily. But, if the DL one is significantly better/different, we might try it (we do have a MM entry we will use at DL).

I did not see anyone say that PP at DL or MK is better. They seem pretty similar to me.

DLR29 was saying that PP is the only "dark ride" at both parks. DL also has Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and Pinnocchio.

If you do not care for PP at MK then you will likely want to skip it at DL.

 

[HydroGuy]

So MK doesn't have:

- Toady
- the Matterhorn
- the wonderful Storybookland
- the very cool Alice
- Casey Jr.
- & the very underated Pinocchio.
- & Snowy.

(Plus superior versions at DL of 6-8 E & D ticket rides (plus DL has Indy).

If a DLR vet had only 3-4 days to visit WDW, is there any reason to even visit MK at this point??

Philharmagic would be #1 reason. Country Bears and TTA would be secondary reasons.

Once New Fantasyland is done then MK gains a ot of ground on DL.