A WDW Vet's Impressions From A First Trip to DLR

[tiffjoy]

I think you're doing yourself a disservice and missing out on an amazing Disney experience.

Definitely! I love them both! We do spend more time at DLR simply because of location and the purpose of our trips to FL (to visit family), and I honestly do prefer DLR slightly, but both are just wonderful in their own ways. I am a Disney parks fan, period. I am hoping to get to all the parks someday!

 

[MermaidMommy]

I'm so sorry, I'm not trying to be rude, but this struck me as so funny. We have always viewed it as just the opposite- nothing else in Orlando to do besides WDW.

There is SOOOO much to do in SoCal!! The weather and beaches are wonderful. LA has so many great attractions. San Diego is my DH's favorite city (San Francisco will always hold first in my heart, followed by NYC, but San Diego is special and unique and so lovely) and we have spent an entire week there before, in addition to many shorter trips, and we still haven't seen everything. Balboa Park alone, with all its amazing museums, could take up days! Nothing to do in SoCal?!?!? So not true!

In return, please feel free to tell us what we might be missing in Orlando! We are always there as the second half of our yearly visit to my in laws in Cape Canaveral, so we get 3-4 days at WDW and that's it, but one of these days, we will take a longer trip there, and I'd be interested in hearing the other things Orlando has to offer (besides the other amusement parks).

I don't think the poster you're referring to was saying that there's more to do in Orlando. If you re-read the post, PP said that there's more to do in WDW besides the parks. It seems to me that the poster was pointing out one of the differences between DL and WDW - that there are many other activities at WDW itself in addition to the parks.

 

[crz4mm2]

THanks for your report. We will be there in July. We are researching like crazy!!

 

[nannyz]

I'm a Florida gal stuck in the desert.
But let me tell you, if there is a part of Heaven here on Earth, its name is Daytona Beach.

 

[PirateFish989]

[*]Big Thunder Mountain, while similar in both parks, has some great effects at DLR that are absent in WDW ...

Churros!

My boyfriend and I are Disneyland AP holders and we go often. We just made our first trip out to WDW this last March and it was incredible! Both resorts are equally as magical, just a different kind of magic. In my opinion, WDW is something every Disneyland lover should experience at least once.

Disneyland's Thunder Mountain just went under a massive, year-long refurbishment and the new effects are great! We did really like the part in WDW's version where the track goes out over the water though!

We LOVE churros, they are our favorite snack when we are at Disneyland. We were really bummed when we found out that the only place in WDW where you can get churros is in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom! We are used to being able to get them anywhere. Oh well. The food options in WDW are just overwhelming though, there is definitely something for absolutely everyone!

 

[tiffjoy]

I don't think the poster you're referring to was saying that there's more to do in Orlando. If you re-read the post, PP said that there's more to do in WDW besides the parks. It seems to me that the poster was pointing out one of the differences between DL and WDW - that there are many other activities at WDW itself in addition to the parks.

Oops!! Thank you! I see that now. That's what I get for reading late at night when I'm tired.

 

[elaine amj]

I don't think the poster you're referring to was saying that there's more to do in Orlando. If you re-read the post, PP said that there's more to do in WDW besides the parks. It seems to me that the poster was pointing out one of the differences between DL and WDW - that there are many other activities at WDW itself in addition to the parks.

Oops!! Thank you! I see that now. That's what I get for reading late at night when I'm tired.

In WDW, if I had 5 day passes and 7 days in the park, I could still occupy myself touring the resorts, checking out entertainment at the Boardwalk, going to the campfire singalong, cane pole fishing, rent a surrey bike, watch Wishes from the Poly resort beach. Lots of things to do that don't cost a whole lot extra all right on Disney property.

I have 7 nights booked at a DLR offsite hotel. I will only be able to get 5 day passes. Really not sure what to do for the other 2 days. Especially with trying not to spend too much extra. Prob not in the mood to do a lot of driving either especially with having to return to our hotel in Anaheim to sleep. Wish I could have gotten 7 day park tickets

Anyway, I know there's loads to do...just have to do some research to find what appeals to us

 

[HydroGuy]

Things like this just secure my view that I dont need to visit WDW. I just don't have an interest. Everything I love is here at DL. It sounds like going to WDW requires a lot of planning and I enjoy the laid back go where your mickey heart desires at DL.

I think you're doing yourself a disservice and missing out on an amazing Disney experience.

I agree.

Amber, you are missing the point. WDW is not just a bigger DLR. It is a different Disney experience from DLR that allows you to do cool things you could never do at DLR. The list is actually very long. I am not talking about just rides and shows. It is much more than that.

It is sort of like saying "I like California beaches so I do not need to go to Hawaii and see their beaches". The fact is that Hawaii offers much more than beaches and the ones they have are very different than CA beaches. Yes, both have sand. Both have sea water. And both have sun. But Hawaii is not just "more beaches". It is something altogether different than CA.

 

[HydroGuy]

Just returned from our first trip to DLR, and had some observations I wanted to share. I suppose some could argue that this belongs in the trip report section, but I think it's more just a collection of thoughts than a blow-by-blow of our trip, so I'm putting it here. Mods, please feel free to move it if you think it's appropriate.

Anyway, let me start off by saying that you all in SoCal have a charming, awesome park, and we had a great time and expect that we'll be back. I believe in HydroGuy's primer on DLR for WDW Vets, he described DLR as not a lesser experience, just one of shorter duration, and I think that's a very good description. I'll actually take it a step further, though, and say that if you only have 2 or 3 days and you're looking to get your Disney fix, I'd recommend DLR over WDW because everything is so close and you spend so much less time in transit. I still favor WDW for a longer trip, though, because I think it just lends itself more to a more drawn-out experience.

I enjoyed your review and thoughtful observations.

 

[HydroGuy]

Note: A lot of my reason for thinking WDW would not be worth it could be that I can't imagine flying with my 3 kids at their current ages. Give me about 10 years and I might be singing a different tune.

One of my common observations is that DLR works better for families with younger children and WDW works better for families with older children (teens and maybe tweens).

The small size of DLR is nice for smaller kids. The larger size of WDW and pretty evolved transportation system makes it easy for older kids to explore the entire resort - hit water parks, DisneyQuest and a dozen other things.

 

[HydroGuy]

I find it helpful, thanks for sharing your experience! I'll be a first-time DLR visitor in less than two weeks.

Be advised that I for one am looking forward to a detailed trip report from you!

 

[mesaboy2]

Be advised that I for one am looking forward to a detailed trip report from you!

I'm not really a trip report kind-of-guy, but I guess if you want one....

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm not really a trip report kind-of-guy, but I guess if you want one....

Have a great trip and keep good notes!

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm not really a trip report kind-of-guy, but I guess if you want one....

Looks like a commitment to me!

We'll be looking for it when you get back.

 

[94bruin]

One of my common observations is that DLR works better for families with younger children and WDW works better for families with older children (teens and maybe tweens).

The small size of DLR is nice for smaller kids. The larger size of WDW and pretty evolved transportation system makes it easy for older kids to explore the entire resort - hit water parks, DisneyQuest and a dozen other things.

I completely agree. I will not consider WDW until my kids are old enough to handle a full day of being out and about. We are almost there... just need a few more years. We just started a full day touring schedule this past April as my youngest only dropped her nap within the past 6 months. There is no way she could last through all that is needed to get around at WDW.

 

[tiffjoy]

In WDW, if I had 5 day passes and 7 days in the park, I could still occupy myself touring the resorts, checking out entertainment at the Boardwalk, going to the campfire singalong, cane pole fishing, rent a surrey bike, watch Wishes from the Poly resort beach. Lots of things to do that don't cost a whole lot extra all right on Disney property.

I have 7 nights booked at a DLR offsite hotel. I will only be able to get 5 day passes. Really not sure what to do for the other 2 days. Especially with trying not to spend too much extra. Prob not in the mood to do a lot of driving either especially with having to return to our hotel in Anaheim to sleep. Wish I could have gotten 7 day park tickets

Anyway, I know there's loads to do...just have to do some research to find what appeals to us

Yes, WDW does have a lot. We have only been spending short times there since the kids were born (3-4 day trips) as we are in FL to visit family, but I am looking forward to when they are a bit older and going for a weeklong vacation.

DTD is always an option. We enjoy a pool day combined with shopping, eating, and wandering. There are three character meals as well as several very nice restaurants at the Disney hotels, and all are right there. Trader Sam's is definitely worth a stop to relax and get some drinks (also kid friendly before 8pm). Steakhouse 55 or Napa Rose are wonderful dining experiences, although with our young kids we don't do those and instead prefer Storytellers. You can see the fireworks from the esplanade between the parks, too. You don't have to be actually in the park to see them. If you go relax in the lobby at the DLH, you are quite likely to see some characters hanging out there for M&Gs.

This trip, we are breaking up our four park days with a day at the beach. The local beaches are not a long drive at all. We are staying at the Annabella Hotel, so we will be driving over to the beach and then back again after dinner. I'm deciding between Newport Beach and Hunnington Beach.

 

[mrsbicewdw]

Love your review! I am a WDW vet and worked there as well, so that is my instinct for any vacation time. But we are doing a Disney trip next year and considering DLR instead of WDW, mainly because of Cars land. But then WDW has new Fantasyland that we haven't seen yet, and they will have the new WWoHP expansion open as well over at Universal. Very interested in the better version of PotC though - it is my favorite ride. My DH was raised on DLR but has come to love WDW more due to the HUGE variety of activities.

(Which PS to the person wondering about what else to do in Orlando or surrounding area - Universal and IoA, Sea World/Discovery Cove, WonderWorks, Bush Gardens in Tampa (only a couple hour drive), if you are willing to drive further there is Gator Land as well. Lots to do and see.)

 

[mesaboy2]

Looks like a commitment to me!

We'll be looking for it when you get back.

Fabulous. Now I have to.

(Let's see if she follows me over here.)

 

[mom2rtk]

Fabulous. Now I have to.

(Let's see if she follows me over here.)

Mine got stalked by one of the dynamic duo. We'll have to wait and see if you rate the same.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

In WDW, if I had 5 day passes and 7 days in the park, I could still occupy myself touring the resorts, checking out entertainment at the Boardwalk, going to the campfire singalong, cane pole fishing, rent a surrey bike, watch Wishes from the Poly resort beach. Lots of things to do that don't cost a whole lot extra all right on Disney property.

I have 7 nights booked at a DLR offsite hotel. I will only be able to get 5 day passes. Really not sure what to do for the other 2 days. Especially with trying not to spend too much extra. Prob not in the mood to do a lot of driving either especially with having to return to our hotel in Anaheim to sleep. Wish I could have gotten 7 day park tickets

Anyway, I know there's loads to do...just have to do some research to find what appeals to us

A PP mentioned Crystal Cove. I second Crystal Cove! My sister lives 15 minutes from DLR and Crystal Cove is her all time favorite SoCal beach. She takes her family there all year round when the weather is decent. You should definitely check it out. It's history alone is pretty awesome.