A jillion trips to WDW but first time to DL CA...am I going to be disappointed?

[HydroGuy]

I always disagree with this sentiment. I went to DL from the time when I was 4 and through HS. I remember at the age of 14 hearing my Uncle and Aunt were going on their honeymoon to DisneyWORLD and thinking "Why would they go there when DL is better?"...even though I'd never been to Florida. And then my wife and I went to WDW....it was like Disneyland but x10!!! So HUGE!!! They have everything there. We went there 6 more times, until we got to a budget point where we couldn't fly a family of 5 there all the time (thinking about college is more important than trips to Florida....I keep telling myself). And while I've spent almost as many days at DL in the past 4 years as we did at WDW in 10 years(2002-2012), I miss WDW terribly. Though like you said at the end....if we return to WDW, there are many things I'll be missing from DL. Like POTC, Cars Land, Bugs Land, Legacy FP, PtN, and WoC. Each resort has it's own special-ness.

Although I did a lot of research on WDW before my first trip there in 2006, there were still things I could not get my head around. Like the buses and boats. At DLR I always stay very close to the parks as you can see from my signature. The buses and boats felt like a barrier to me at WDW and I felt a level of frustration of how much time I was wasting waiting for a bus or boat and then riding that bus or boat. I knew it had to be that way because of WDW's larger size. But I like the idea of controlling my own schedule using my feet like I do at DLR.

I also did not get the whole ADR thing. I never approached DLR with any thoughts about dining.

Over time I just think of the buses and boats as part of a WDW experience. And I have gone all the way over to the diehard WDW vet mindset when it comes to ADRs. Now I do dining at DLR totally differently. As well as spend way too much money on dining at WDW.

I travel to Florida a bit on business and have driven around a good part of the state. I have not been to the northern part yet. Gainesville is as far north as I have traveled. Sorry, but I just do not like Florida. I do not get the easterner's fascination with Florida. And I have many eastern relatives who hold that fascination. Some have retired there. Florida to me is hot and terribly muggy and has way too many bugs. I think California is a million times better than Florida. The one part of Florida I do like is the Florida Keys. I also like the vibe around the Kennedy Space Center. And I like WDW once I am on property.

So part of my (slight) preference for DLR is that I like California much better and it is where I was born and is my "home".

Once I am inside DLR or WDW I really don't think about it much. And I thoroughly enjoy both places for what they are.

 

[GatorChris]

I travel to Florida a bit on business and have driven around a good part of the state. I have not been to the northern part yet. Gainesville is as far north as I have traveled. Sorry, but I just do not like Florida. I do not get the easterner's fascination with Florida. And I have many eastern relatives who hold that fascination. Some have retired there. Florida to me is hot and terribly muggy and has way too many bugs. I think California is a million times better than Florida. The one part of Florida I do like is the Florida keys. I also like the vibe around the Kennedy Space Center. And I like WDW once I am on property.

So part of my (slight) preference for DLR is that I like California much better and it is where I was born and is my "home".

I'll agree that CA is a better location weather wise. I only did WDW once in the summer - the other 6 trips were between Vet's Day and Valentine's Day when it's absolutely perfect there. There's a reason 40 million people live in this state despite the highest income tax in the nation, super high property costs, earthquakes, snobby Google execs, and now an extra 18 cents per gallon of gas - the weather is the best and the vibe is just cool everywhere you go. And although my beloved Gators play in Florida, I could never live there. Just visit...in the winter. Weather is where DL definitely has WDW beat by a long shot.

 

[Delilah1310]

I wonder how the responses would vary if this same question was posed on the WDW thread?

 

[Xenorye]

I wonder how the responses would vary if this same question was posed on the WDW thread?

I'm not sure how it would translate to the message boards, but I can imagine people would just hold up their arms towards a map of how huge WDW is and be all, "I mean... come on."

 

[Xenorye]

Related: Saw a Facebook friend the other day say that Disneyland is "Disney for poor people." I (and this other person) live in Oklahoma -- it's cheaper for us as far as plane tickets and such to go to WDW most of the time. But this is the (mis?)conception that people have.

 

[DisBabe94]

Related: Saw a Facebook friend the other day say that Disneyland is "Disney for poor people." I (and this other person) live in Oklahoma -- it's cheaper for us as far as plane tickets and such to go to WDW most of the time. But this is the (mis?)conception that people have.

Disney for poor people??!!!???? Oh right... that $800 AP and $600/night at Grand Californian.. chump change am I right?

 

[tasha99]

We go to WDW every 3 years and DL every 3 years and love them both. They are different, but I prefer DL because I love how close the rides are, prefer the old fast pass system, and Grand Californian is my favorite Disney hotel. I also like it that ADR's don't need to be made 6 months in advance. I think if you go, knowing it's different and less "resort-like" than WDW, you won't be disappointed. People say there is no Disney bubble, but we stay at the villas at GC, and never leave the property--that bubble works for us.

 

[HydroGuy]

I wonder how the responses would vary if this same question was posed on the WDW thread?

LOL it would tilt in the direction of WDW most likely. Especially for people who have never been to DLR but happen "to just know" how much better WDW is.

For people who have visited both resorts with an open mind there would be more balance. Sort of like what I posted.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I'm not sure how it would translate to the message boards, but I can imagine people would just hold up their arms towards a map of how huge WDW is and be all, "I mean... come on."

Well if that's the case I'll NEVER make it to WDW. ROFL I briefly considered selling a child to get to DL this time. (KIDDING, I SWEAR)

Honestly WDW intimidates me. But I haven't been so I can't accurately judge it.

 

[Xenorye]

Well if that's the case I'll NEVER make it to WDW. ROFL I briefly considered selling a child to get to DL this time. (KIDDING, I SWEAR)

Honestly WDW intimidates me. But I haven't been so I can't accurately judge it.

We are in the early planning stages of a Thanksgiving 2018 WDW trip... and intimidating is a GREAT word to use. Honestly, we might switch back to DLR. The main thing that has us considering WDW is that we're going to take my mom, who grew up in CA and has all sorts of friends and family out there, so we wanted to go to FL where we wouldn't have to deal with that.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

We are in the early planning stages of a Thanksgiving 2018 WDW trip... and intimidating is a GREAT word to use. Honestly, we might switch back to DLR. The main thing that has us considering WDW is that we're going to take my mom, who grew up in CA and has all sorts of friends and family out there, so we wanted to go to FL where we wouldn't have to deal with that.

Avoiding all of that might be nice. And then you will at least be able to say you did WDW. But while I am a HUGE planner and LOVE that stuff, I wouldn't even know where to begin!

 

[DDhunter]

Related: Saw a Facebook friend the other day say that Disneyland is "Disney for poor people." I (and this other person) live in Oklahoma -- it's cheaper for us as far as plane tickets and such to go to WDW most of the time. But this is the (mis?)conception that people have.

Disneyland is for "poor people?" Wow, that is maybe one of the most obnoxious things I've heard. However, I would prefer people with that mentality go ahead and keep on heading east.

I wonder if that statement was really just a veiled attack on people from California, since the cost of Disneyland and WDW are pretty similar for a vacation (other than cost of travel).

 

[mlayton14]

We have been to WDW around 10x and some things have us hesitant to fly 3000 miles to visit DL . While the parks seem really nice at DL, can it really be a Disney vacation ???? Or is the answer that it cant be a Disney vacation , only a vacation with SOME disney magic? THat is what I think have most WDW vets seem weirded out about

We love a resort experience- a nice room , expansive and themed areas , large pools , and many onsite dining options or close by. The resorts scream Disney as much as the parks. Just strolling the other Disney Resorts, grabbing a bite to eat, here the music and smell the smells are part of the vacation experience (multiple times per trip)- the Wilderness Lodge Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian - no such variety at DL right? For other downtime, there is renting surrey bikes and exploring different areas, mini golf, water parks, mouse boats, etc. Where do you get this type of experience at DL??

We like vacationing for more than 3-5 days. Disney is a vacation in itself for us, not a 3 days at Disney and then goto the beach or Hollywood, it just seems kind of strange - like 2 or 3 vacations in one. Rent a car? - This represents the hassle of everyday life that we dont want on a vacation. Nor do we want to pay $20 a day parking just keep a car around nor I do I want to deal with traffic. Size of the WDW resort- shocked that people complain about Disney transportation. I can see if you are staying at all stars or moderate , but a magic kingdom or Epcot resort boat and monorail transportation is enjoyable after a fun day at the parks for most I would say is part of the vacation experience for us.

Dining - with over 100 options on Disney property, there just isnt this variety at DL right? If you want Mexican one night, a dinner show another, burgers and fries at the SciFi or Beaches and Creme the next, then an African buffet - or just escape the parks and walk to dinner "offsite" ANYWHERE from the parks is there something other than McDonalds or IHOP?

When DL is crowded (which is all year right?), how does the small space of DL not bother you - crowded walkways and lack of places to just sit an relax and take it all in and smell the roses since this is vacation right? - is there anywhere to do this at DL? Not talking about Xmas or Easter or Peak Summer at WDW by the way which we would never bother with

Finally - planning. For many of the WDW faithful planning is part of the fun (similar to just cruising the DisBoards). Thinking about where you want to eat and when, what parks you want to visit on what day and when. What do you "plan" just for the anticipation for Disneyland?

Is it true that WDW is a true vacation, and Disneyland is just a really fun stopover as part of a larger vacation? i can see flying 3000 milles to stay 7-10 at WDW with all of the resorts, the dining, (the Disney BUBBLE), but flying 3000 miles for a "Disney vacation" at DL just has alot of people spooked

 

[DisBabe94]

Disneyland is for "poor people?" Wow, that is maybe one of the most obnoxious things I've heard. However, I would prefer people with that mentality go ahead and keep on heading east.

I wonder if that statement was really just a veiled attack on people from California, since the cost of Disneyland and WDW are pretty similar for a vacation (other than cost of travel).

I know that statement really made me mad, so if it is an attack on people from CA then it worked hahaha!!! But mostly, it just sounds like that person's Facebook friend is a jerk.

 

[DebbieB]

I love them both on their own merits. I don't feel the need to compare which is best. Because of the distance, we usually go every couple years, mostly D23 years recently. I have a friend who is a true WDW junkie who went to DL for the first time in 2011. I expected her to say it was nice but WDW was better. Nope, she was blown away, despite DCA being a total construction mess. We spent a day doing all the old Fantasyland rides, plus the canoes. There's just something there. She called it her trip to the "mothership". Last time (2015), Paint the Night was amazing. We're going for our 4th D23 in July, staying at VGC and PPH. Then WDW in December (BWV).

 

[DisBabe94]

We have been to WDW around 10x and some things have us hesitant to fly 3000 miles to visit DL . While the parks seem really nice at DL, can it really be a Disney vacation ???? Or is the answer that it cant be a Disney vacation , only a vacation with SOME disney magic? THat is what I think have most WDW vets seem weirded out about

We love a resort experience- a nice room , expansive and themed areas , large pools , and many onsite dining options or close by. The resorts scream Disney as much as the parks. Just strolling the other Disney Resorts, grabbing a bite to eat, here the music and smell the smells are part of the vacation experience (multiple times per trip)- the Wilderness Lodge Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian - no such variety at DL right? For other downtime, there is renting surrey bikes and exploring different areas, mini golf, water parks, mouse boats, etc. Where do you get this type of experience at DL??

We like vacationing for more than 3-5 days. Disney is a vacation in itself for us, not a 3 days at Disney and then goto the beach or Hollywood, it just seems kind of strange - like 2 or 3 vacations in one. Rent a car? - This represents the hassle of everyday life that we dont want on a vacation. Nor do we want to pay $20 a day parking just keep a car around nor I do I want to deal with traffic. Size of the WDW resort- shocked that people complain about Disney transportation. I can see if you are staying at all stars or moderate , but a magic kingdom or Epcot resort boat and monorail transportation is enjoyable after a fun day at the parks for most I would say is part of the vacation experience for us.

Dining - with over 100 options on Disney property, there just isnt this variety at DL right? If you want Mexican one night, a dinner show another, burgers and fries at the SciFi or Beaches and Creme the next, then an African buffet - or just escape the parks and walk to dinner "offsite" ANYWHERE from the parks is there something other than McDonalds or IHOP?

When DL is crowded, how does the small space of DL not bother you - crowded walkways and lack of places to just sit an relax and take it all in and smell the roses since this is vacation right? - is there anywhere to do this at DL? Not talking about Xmas or Easter or Peak Summer at WDW by the way which we would never bother with

Finally - planning. For many of the WDW faithful planning is part of the fun. Thinking about where you want to eat and when, what parks you want to visit on what day and when. What do you "plan" just for the anticipation for Disneyland?

Is it true that WDW is a true vacation, and Disneyland is just a really fun stopover as part of a larger vacation?

It seems like DL might not be your style, and that's okay!! For tons of other people, getting to see all of what Southern California has to offer is a great bonus on top of a Disney vacation.

Now to some of your points, regarding Dining offsite, there are TONS of restaurants within walking distance, but I don't see how that would be necessary given the amazing restaurants that Disneyland has. Sure the number of choices is fewer, but the amazing food more than makes up for that. I don't think you'll be found wanting for more in the food department!

Regarding the crowds, Disneyland resort is so easily navigated it's ridiculous. Heavy crowds? Just hop to California Adventure! It takes literally 5 minutes to walk there! Or go to Downtown Disney, it's literally right there! Or hop on a ride they are so closely spaced it's super easy to find a short wait at any time. There are tons of places to sit and relax as well.

 

[Aimeedyan]

We loved it!

We are on the east coast so obviously visit WDW a ton more. However, I'm not a "resort" person at WDW. I have never taken the Magical Express to my hotel, nor do I intend to. I ride the buses as little as possible (they waste so much time!) and stay onsite half the time, maybe. The Disney bubble people love at WDW is lost on me. I don't get it. So I definitely did not mind the lack of Disney bubble at Disneyland. And yes, our DL trip was paired with other Southern CA adventures and it was an AMAZING trip, though we ended up staying at Paradise Pier due to rate/bed size available.

You can't help but compare some things - like rides that are in both parks - but overall, it was just different. Not better, not worse, just different. We missed the expansive Downtown Disney, the heavily themed restaurants, nightly fireworks, and the interior queues for rides. We went in November and it was HOT HOT HOT. We were hoping for that beautiful CA weather everyone keeps raving about!

While we were just going to do 2 days, we adjusted our trip last minute and did 3.5 days - and still didn't do it all! And I gotta say, World of Color was worth the trip alone. We did the dessert party and it was a highlight of the entire 2 week trip. I cried I loved it so much.

No one can say whether or not you'll be disappointed but I do think people often get what they put into it. Go in excited for a new adventure and I think you'll have a great trip

 

[halfmonkey]

Please allow to give you the opposite perspective as I'm a DLR AP holder and live in San Diego. Although we haven't been a jillion times, we do go about 4-6 times a year. First off though, this write up may contain some ride spoilers so please be aware before you continue reading.

We recently just came back from a trip to WDW for the first time. We went into the park Mon-Fri. Went into Hollywood Studios, Epcot, 2 days at Magic Kingdom, and then Animal Kingdom. So we were thinking that WDW was going to be super awesome from what everybody was telling us. Don't get me wrong. We had a blast but going into Hollywood Studios and then Epcot, we all said that same thing that these parks just didn't "feel" like we were at "Disneyland/Magic Kingdom." I hate to say this but they felt like secondary parks. Loved some of the unique features but we didn't really feel like we were at a Disney vacation until we walked into Magic Kingdom. Once we got there, since everything is spread out between 4 parks, we actually finished a lot of the must do rides for us pretty quickly so we actually had some free time.

So a couple of things that we didn't like about the WDW set up. First up is that there are 4 main parks, whereas DLR/DCA is just two parks. So in order to experience everything, instead of just paying for two parks like at DLR/DCA, we have to pay for four parks. Didn't like that. I will say that all of the designs and buildings, and queue areas were much more elaborate. Considering that WDW was built after DLR and it has a ton more space, I'm not surprised that it's built the way it is. DLR/DCA is definitely more intimate because they have limited space to build on. I don't call it small. At WDW, my iPhone said that I walking about 20,000 steps per day that we were there! I think at DLR, we're in the 12,000-15,000 range. Another thing that I didn't like was how far apart all of the hotels and resorts are. WDW definitely has their transportation system down but the key word there is transportation. You HAVE to use some kind of transportation to get behind between the parks, hotels, and Disney Springs. It really is its own little "world." Disneyland on the other hand, is more intimate so it's all closer together but unfortunately, our Downtown Disney is definitely not as large as Disney Springs but hotels are much closer. Many are within walking distance. If not, there are Disney trailer trams not like the bus trams that WDW uses. The city of Anaheim also has public bus transportation that you can use too.

Other things to mention is that although WDW has some of the same rides that DLR/DCA may have, they're still a little different. I will be biased here because I grew up going to DLR and of course, it's the original park that Walt Disney built so to compare some of the rides that are available at both parks is tough because what I might find appealing, someone else might not like and vice versa. In any case, I will mention some notable differences for better or worse. First off is Space Mountain. This is hands down way better at DLR because we have Hyper Space Mtn which I was told you guys don't even get. Aside from the layover being 1,000,000 times better, I think the ride at DLR is better. It was kind of bumpy at WDW and the ending was much of a finish like DLR. I think Big Thunder Mountain at WDW may be better because it had some unique twists and turns. It's a Small World is basically the same ride at both places but I will say that since WDW has the Magic Band, the ending personal good bye is a nice touch so I give it to WDW there. The Merry-Go-Round has Cinderella's horse at WDW so that's kinda cool (although I don't believe this is official from WDW.) Also, WDW doesn't have Matterhorn. DLR doesn't have Mission Space. WDW has Test Track but DCA has Radiator Springs which in my opinion is way better. They also have Mater's ride and Luigi's ride too. Dinosaur is comparable to Indian Jones. Both are good rides but my kids actually like the Indiana Jones ride more because of the giant ball. WDW has the Mine Trains and our most favorite Disney ride of all, Everest. We loved that ride. of course DCA has California Screaming but it doesn't compare to Everest. That is just a spectacular ride and I wish they will put that at DLR/DCA someday. The Frozen ride was cool too and was totally caught off guard when it went backwards. We thought that was cool. The water raft ride at WDW was not spectacular at all. It was actually a letdown compared to our version in DCA. We all thought it was too short and didn't offer much thrill.

These are just some of our notes from our trip and again, I'm sure you will agree and disagree on some of my points but please keep in mind these are our opinions and observations of what we saw and experienced. I think either way, you'll have fun. What I told my kids was to have fun and let's get on all of the rides that we can. We'll compare and contrast what we have at DLR/DCA and talk about what we like more and which ones we don't like more. Definitely good topics for good discussions and now that they've been on them, they can actually have an intelligent conversation about why they like or don't like a ride because they have the experience of going on it at least once.

 

[HydroGuy]

We have been to WDW around 10x and some things have us hesitant to fly 3000 miles to visit DL . While the parks seem really nice at DL, can it really be a Disney vacation ???? Or is the answer that it cant be a Disney vacation , only a vacation with SOME disney magic? THat is what I think have most WDW vets seem weirded out about

We love a resort experience- a nice room , expansive and themed areas , large pools , and many onsite dining options or close by. The resorts scream Disney as much as the parks. Just strolling the other Disney Resorts, grabbing a bite to eat, here the music and smell the smells are part of the vacation experience (multiple times per trip)- the Wilderness Lodge Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian - no such variety at DL right? For other downtime, there is renting surrey bikes and exploring different areas, mini golf, water parks, mouse boats, etc. Where do you get this type of experience at DL??

We like vacationing for more than 3-5 days. Disney is a vacation in itself for us, not a 3 days at Disney and then goto the beach or Hollywood, it just seems kind of strange - like 2 or 3 vacations in one. Rent a car? - This represents the hassle of everyday life that we dont want on a vacation. Nor do we want to pay $20 a day parking just keep a car around nor I do I want to deal with traffic. Size of the WDW resort- shocked that people complain about Disney transportation. I can see if you are staying at all stars or moderate , but a magic kingdom or Epcot resort boat and monorail transportation is enjoyable after a fun day at the parks for most I would say is part of the vacation experience for us.

Dining - with over 100 options on Disney property, there just isnt this variety at DL right? If you want Mexican one night, a dinner show another, burgers and fries at the SciFi or Beaches and Creme the next, then an African buffet - or just escape the parks and walk to dinner "offsite" ANYWHERE from the parks is there something other than McDonalds or IHOP?

When DL is crowded, how does the small space of DL not bother you - crowded walkways and lack of places to just sit an relax and take it all in and smell the roses since this is vacation right? - is there anywhere to do this at DL? Not talking about Xmas or Easter or Peak Summer at WDW by the way which we would never bother with

Finally - planning. For many of the WDW faithful planning is part of the fun. Thinking about where you want to eat and when, what parks you want to visit on what day and when. What do you "plan" just for the anticipation for Disneyland?

Is it true that WDW is a true vacation, and Disneyland is just a really fun stopover as part of a larger vacation?

Wow, lots of questions there!

No doubt, if you think of the resorts as part of the Disney magic, then DLR does not compare. Well, it does a little. But not like what a WDW vet is talking about.

Please do not take what I say personally. I will say that you are defining Disney magic extremely narrowly. I mean, if you define it that way, then a Disney cruise ship can't have Disney magic either.

A DLR vet could define Disney magic only as a place that Walt Disney personally helped create. Just knowing that "Walt walked here" is what defines Disney magic is this line of thinking. Therefore WDW is excluded by definition.

How about a DLR vet's "definition" that Disney magic must involve rides that transform throughout the year? Like DL's Haunted Mansion Holiday, It's a Small World Holiday, and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy? WDW does not have the flexibility that DLR has to do this because they are catering more to out of town guests on vacation who would not accept having HM and IASW going down for several weeks at a time each year to add holiday overlays.

Anyone is free to define Disney magic however they want. I prefer a broader definition which includes the following elements:

o Immersive storytelling
o References to characters we know and love
o Use of advanced technologies
o Use of music
o Optimistic view of the future
o Nostalgic view of the past
o Feeling like you were transported somewhere
o Connecting with family and friends

These can happen anywhere, and do not need resort hotels for them to happen. DL had Disney magic from the beginning without any resort hotels and was amazingly successful. MK had limited hotels to begin with and was also successful.

If you want to experience Disney magic only like it exists at WDW, then by all means keep going there. If you want to experience how Disney magic exists in other ways, then consider visiting DLR. Also consider visiting DLR Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disney, or the new Shanghai Disney. They all have unique things about them and the ones I have visited have elements that I think are better than anywhere else.

If you visit DLR, there is nothing stopping you from planning as much as you plan at WDW. I do not follow the idea I seem to be getting that since DLR takes less planning, it is not as fun.

Is it true that WDW is a true vacation, and Disneyland is just a really fun stopover as part of a larger vacation?

Absolutely not. Unless you define it that way. Believe it or not, there are MANY people that do not view Disney trips as vacations at all. I don't. When I want a vacation I go to Hawaii or Europe. Disney visits for me are more like entertainment - like movies, sporting events, concerts, Broadway musicals, Las Vegas, etc. Disney is multi-day entertainment for me.

The idea of connecting "Disney" with "vacation" and putting the word "true" in there is your definition.

Disneyland Resort has so many fun things to do - many of which you cannot do at WDW. I think World of Color is the best Disney show anywhere. If you have not been to DLR you have no idea what you are missing in WOC. WDW's Fantasmic is just sad next to DL's Fantasmic IMO. POTC at MK? Sheesh. Way overshadowed by DL's POTC. I could go on and on.

Anyways, if you want to keep having the same Disney experience over and over, then there is no reason to ever leave WDW. If you want to have Disney experiences you just cannot have at WDW, then consider branching out and being open to a different type of Disney trip.

 

[halfmonkey]

I know that statement really made me mad, so if it is an attack on people from CA then it worked hahaha!!! But mostly, it just sounds like that person's Facebook friend is a jerk.

I wouldn't pay too much attention to that quote as we're from SoCal and went to WDW for the first time a few weeks ago. One thing we noticed were the people in FL and WDW were not as nice as the people at DLR/DCA so like you said, if this person is directly attacking people from CA, they can just stay away from CA.

Besides, we all know that statement is false because DLR/DCA has a high percentage of AP from CA and CA is one of the most expensive places to live in North America so how can DLR/DCA be for poor people when a large number of attendees are from CA? Pay no mind to that comment and move on.