A Rebuttal: Top 5(+) things that are better at Walt Disney World than at Disneyland

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Bigger may not always be better, as Tom Bell posts, but it isn't always worse, either. So while Mr. Bell has laid out his "Top 5" things at Disneyland that are "better" than at Walt Disney World, I can't resist countering Mr. Bell's article with one that lists, in my view, the Top 5(+) things that are better at Walt Disney World. Continue Reading

 

[jade1]

Resorts are better at WDW, and fishing to.

 

[CinderElsa]

I just enjoy the immersion of WDW. I definitely want to visit DLR again in the future, because it's been so long & I was so young, but there are too many visible reminders of "the real world" in DLR. Even as a little kid, something felt "off."

 

[jade1]

I just enjoy the immersion of WDW. I definitely want to visit DLR again in the future, because it's been so long & I was so young, but there are too many visible reminders of "the real world" in DLR. Even as a little kid, something felt "off."

Yep same-esp for the massive size.

DL has come along way in that regard though. We stayed a year ago and it was much improved from about 25 years ago-adding the 2nd park and some resorts in the mix provided a nice little escape-but 2 nights was way enough, can't imagine the usual 12 days at WDW being done at DL. Adding it in on a Cali trip is great though.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

Surprised after the DL one listed rides you can't get at WDW that the rebuttal mentioning rides like the People Mover missed one of Walt's favorites: Carousel of Progress.

 

[hakepb]

Yep same-esp for the massive size.

DL has come along way in that regard though. We stayed a year ago and it was much improved from about 25 years ago-adding the 2nd park and some resorts in the mix provided a nice little escape-but 2 nights was way enough, can't imagine the usual 12 days at WDW being done at DL. Adding it in on a Cali trip is great though.

I disliked that DL only sells up to 5 day hoppers. I could finally stop looking at a map and start enjoying the sites on that 5th day, and wished I had a few more. I suppose this is a "watch what you wish for". DL built room many cool rides in 2 parks so it's too popular and DL essentially has to tell you to get out to make room for the next guest.

And maps.. WDW owns DL when it comes to distributing maps. WDW has maps at every store /souvenir stand. DL only has maps at the park entrance

But, yes DL is a ton different from 20+ years ago. I visited DL in '92 and had no desire to return. We went to DL this summer because of Cars Land, and found DL a much, much better destination than it used to be.

 

[Sparkly]

The size, scope and feel of WDW. 4 parks vs 2, 25,000 acres vs 160, a entire vacation destination vs a day trip for locals. You can't really compare the two.

The resorts are far more plentiful. A week onsite at WDW is far less expensive because you don't have to pay deluxe prices.

The immersion. Once you pass the gates, the real world disappears, completely immersed in the fantasy.

And of course there's New Fantasyland. Epcot with the World Showcase. More park space means more fun.

And cupcakes, cupcakes everywhere! From what I've read DLR doesn't seem to do as many.

And the biggest thing, Cinderella Castle. It's big, it's beautiful and gorgeous all lit up at night.

Still, I would love to visit Disneyland someday to experience the original Disney park.

 

[RustManFan]

The resorts at DL are all in the deluxe expense category and we always stay moderate. For that reason we stayed a year ago at one of the Good Neighbor hotels across the street. Missed the total immersion in the Disney experience somewhat but had so much to do the 2 days we were there. Obviously much more to do at WDW. Doesn't make DL any less appealing though! And where a 1 to 1 comparison can be made, neither is better than the other in my opinion....just different.

 

[Suvadoo]

I love the total immersion at WDW, but I don't love the technology, namely FP+. I wish WDW had used the technology to create new attractions instead of FP+.
Things I love at WDW the nightly shows: DHS Fantasmic, Epcot Illuminations, and MK Wishes. DCA has nightly WOC , but DL only has Fireworks and Fantasmic nightly during busier times and on only on weekends during slower times.
WDW resorts: not the rooms, but the grounds. I love walking around because everything is so beautifully landscaped.
OP said transportation, but I disagree. Once I arrive at DLR, I never drive again. I walk from a good Neighbor hotel to DLR which includes Downtown Disney, DL and DCA. So there may be traffic getting there, but you can stay within walking distance of the resort. WDW requires additional transportation throughout your vacation.

 

[PEC]

Kilomanjari Safari. For that matter Animal Kingdom. Some can call it a 1/2 day park but even then it is a half day not at Disneyland.

 

[mummabear]

There are easily 5 ways DLR is better than WDW, Tom hit the nail on the head. There is also easily 5 things that WDW does better than DLR-but this list isnt them

 

[Superspectral]

As a long time fan of WDW it pains me to disagree and admit that DLR is, since the rehab of DCA, is the better Disney resort experience. As a Disney fan this is not bad at all. Disney has done a fabulous job making DLR a pocket WDW. DLR recognizes people attend for the theme parks.

WDW is facing strong headwinds of dubious strategic focus, the net effect of which are remaking its character not so much to my taste. Among these are:

1) A point of no return when they overbuild the resort;
2) Excaserbation of non Disney development on the outskirts, eg Four Seasons and Disney springs;
3) Over development of vacation club, including creating false scarcity at deluxe resorts to bolster DVC prices;
4) My magic plus and magic bands and FP+ -an attempt to increase capacity without adding theme park attractions;
5) Questionable theme park expansion - Avatar land;
6) Strange nickle and dime-ing, eg rfi tags in soda cups.
7) A sense of constant construction, most of which of items 1-3 benefit a small portion of attendees;
8) While doing everything in their power to discourage off site stays - not by having better hotels, but by gimmicks.

YMMv of course, and some or none of this may bother you.

Regarding the OP'. IMHO . WDW superior elements: traffic, alcohol, and magicbands are dubious callouts. Getting to DLR from SNA is arguably easier than to WDW these days. Alcohol is hardly associated with Disney - there are better places to drink. FP+, magic bands, seriously?

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I really didn't agree with the Disneyland list, personally. Don't get me wrong, I can easily name 5 things better about Disneyland compared to Walt Disney World, but I didn't think that the list did a good job of pointing out the top 5, ya know? Anyway, with your list, I do completely agree that the driving (or, in my case, the lack of driving) with Walt Disney World is better than Disneyland (though, I must admit that I like that the airport I used at Disneyland was closer to the park than MCO). I also agree that Disneyland not having Peoplemover is a negative. I did decide to come up with my own list:

5. Many of the rides. I grouped together all of the rides that I think are better at WDW as well as the ones that you can only find there. Rides on that list are Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Astro Orbiter, Tower of Terror, Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, Spaceship Earth, Great Movie Ride, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Expedition Everest.

4. Cast Members! People might agree and that's okay, but I much prefer the cast members at Walt Disney World. So many at Disneyland acted like it was a job (which, okay, it is), but at Walt Disney World, many of them act as though it is a privilege. They act happy to be there and will go out of their way to help you. You get the impression that it is a joy to be employed by Disney and you find yourself thinking about how you could make it work if you quit your job and applied to work there yourself.

3. World Showcase! It's fun to be able to dine on the cuisine of the various countries, but it's just as much fun to talk with the cast members from there. I love World Showcase and can spend a whole day there and not feel like it was enough.

2. Resorts! Walt Disney World has a resort for anyone and everyone. Whether you like the pacific northwest of Wilderness Lodge, the African feel of Animal Kingdom Lodge, the swank of Contemporary, the whimsy of Art of Animation, or the romance of Caribbean Beach, you will find something that fits you and the theming will be over-the-top. Sadly, that's just not the case with Disneyland's three resorts.

1. Immersion! Once in Walt Disney World Resort, it is very easy to completely escape the world around you. I suppose this might could be done at Disneyland if you stay on property and never venture off, but it is significantly harder and you have to make a conscious effort to avoid the world. Walt Disney World is the opposite. I have to make an effort to find out what is going on outside the parks.




ETA: Honorable mentions go to the monorail because I love that I can ride the Epcot monorail without ever having to purchase a park ticket, and the guests. Don't get me wrong, the guests aren't bad at either park, but since Disneyland is more of a locals park and the average WDW guest saves for 5 years for a trip, I think that the WDW guests seem a little more excited to be there which helps me stay excited.

 

[Jennasis]

Cinderella Castle.

***drops mic. Walks off stage.***

 

[Angel Ariel]

There are easily 5 ways DLR is better than WDW, Tom hit the nail on the head. There is also easily 5 things that WDW does better than DLR-but this list isnt them

I agree that there are definitely 5 things that WDW does better than DLR, but I agree that this list isn't it.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Cinderella Castle.

***drops mic. Walks off stage.***

I know I"m an odd one here, but I love Sleeping Beauty Castle. I know it doesn't have the same "impact" at the end of Main Street as Cinderella Castle does, but I think it's beautiful all the same. I'm sure a large part of that has to do with me visiting DLR more frequently as a child than WDW (we had family that lived 30 mins from DLR), but it has stayed with me as an adult.

I love photographing it..I think Remember, Dreams Come True is a spectacular fireworks show - and IMO it beats out Wishes easily. I love that you can go inside it and visit Aurora's story, and that you don't have to have a reservation 180 days in advance in order to go inside.

I love Cinderella castle too, so I can't say I love one more than another...I don't think either castle is lesser. They are both magical in their own distinct ways.

 

[RustManFan]

I do NOT agree that WDW cast members are superior at WDW. This is one generalization that I cannot go along with at all

There are delightful ones at both DL and WDW as well as the not so delightful.

 

[Suvadoo]

As a long time fan of WDW it pains me to disagree and admit that DLR is, since the rehab of DCA, is the better Disney resort experience. As a Disney fan this is not bad at all. Disney has done a fabulous job making DLR a pocket WDW. DLR recognizes people attend for the theme parks.

WDW is facing strong headwinds of dubious strategic focus, the net effect of which are remaking its character not so much to my taste. Among these are:

1) A point of no return when they overbuild the resort;
2) Excaserbation of non Disney development on the outskirts, eg Four Seasons and Disney springs;
3) Over development of vacation club, including creating false scarcity at deluxe resorts to bolster DVC prices;
4) My magic plus and magic bands and FP+ -an attempt to increase capacity without adding theme park attractions;
5) Questionable theme park expansion - Avatar land;
6) Strange nickle and dime-ing, eg rfi tags in soda cups.
7) A sense of constant construction, most of which of items 1-3 benefit a small portion of attendees;
8) While doing everything in their power to discourage off site stays - not by having better hotels, but by gimmicks.

YMMv of course, and some or none of this may bother you.

Regarding the OP'. IMHO . WDW superior elements: traffic, alcohol, and magicbands are dubious callouts. Getting to DLR from SNA is arguably easier than to WDW these days. Alcohol is hardly associated with Disney - there are better places to drink. FP+, magic bands, seriously?

I wholeheartedly agree with your post and the reasons you list are the reasons DLR is becoming my favorite disney destination. I feel like WDW is becoming a gigantic ripoff, rather than a valuable vacation destination.

 

[sheetz]

I'm waiting for someone to come up with the top 10 reasons why Tokyo beats both of them!

 

[mesaboy2]

I'm waiting for someone to come up with the top 10 reasons why Tokyo beats both of them!

In no particular order (since you asked):

- Pooh's Hunny Hunt
- Monsters Inc. Ride and Go Seek
- Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
- Mysterious Island theming and Mount Prometheus
- Riding monorails up front and with no driver
- Most cheerful, polite, and helpful CMs anywhere
- Huge Hub and walkways
- Flavored popcorn
- Themed vending machines
- No tax on purchases

There are many ways the U.S. parks beat Tokyo, but it wasn't hard to come up with 10 ways they don't.