Adjusting from WDW to DL

[luvsTink]

Hi all,
We are big WDW fans, but we are finally going to DL (families first trip, my first trip in 20 years!) from Dec 30 - Jan 2 and I am beginning to realize that I have to significantly shift my thinking. Today I got the urge to try Goofy's Kitchen, but since we will be there in a month, I thought "no way, no how" but, lo and behold, as a family of 5 we had our choice of time!

What do I need to be most prepared for...in other words, what would be a big surprise for a WDW master?

Anne B

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Everything is walkable. DCA is right across the esplanade from Disneyland. And Downtown Disney is just a short walk away from both of them. And if you're staying at a Disneyland hotel, you can either walk to the parks or take the monorail right into Disneyland.

 

[undertheradar]

Everything is in a smaller, closer setting. Unlike the total immersion at WDW, DL is surrounded by an area that feels like I-drive. Due to the age of the park, there are fewer open areas and narrower pathways. You will notice many differences in how attractions board, etc. As for dining, way fewer options within the parks. CA feels like a combo MGM/Epcot with less to offer.
As my then 4 y.o. asked when she first gazed upon the castle...."Who shrunk the castle?" Be sure not to miss the train or any of the non-WDW attractions.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Big differences:

*No busses/travel time (everything is an easy walk).

*Narrower walkways at DL (although this can add to the charm of the park, especially in New Orleans Square).

*Fewer restaurants in the parks (but DTD is literally right there so no big deal).

*Much smaller castle (I guess Sleeping Beauty isn't as weathly as Cinderella - LOL)

*A HUGE amount of rides and attractions within only 2 parks.

*Not as much to do there (no waterparks, fewer shows, and only 3 resort hotels).

*Can pretty much do it all in 4 days. (Although you're going during one of the busiest times, so you may not get to do everything you wanted).

 

[HydroGuy]

Big differences:

*No busses/travel time (everything is an easy walk).

*Narrower walkways at DL (although this can add to the charm of the park, especially in New Orleans Square).

*Fewer restaurants in the parks (but DTD is literally right there so no big deal).

*Much smaller castle (I guess Sleeping Beauty isn't as weathly as Cinderella - LOL)

*A HUGE amount of rides and attractions within only 2 parks.

*Not as much to do there (no waterparks, fewer shows, and only 3 resort hotels).

*Can pretty much do it all in 4 days. (Although you're going during one of the busiest times, so you may not get to do everything you wanted).

Good list. Here are some more:

* Because the two parks are so close, parkhopping at DLR is best done with a different philosophy. Basically you will get more out of your trip if you hop a lot. There is a parkhopping section in this link: "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

* The different parkhopping philosophy leads to a different FASTPASS collection strategy which involves using both parks and FP runners. See "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132 and "Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

* FASTPASS has loopholes at DLR that do not exist as WDW. Learn how to use them. See FP links above.

* The proximity of the parks and hotels along with the higher number of local SoCal day visitors leads to a touring High Season strategy where taking breaks every day pays off bigger than at WDW. Much of the information in this link applies during all high season periods: "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

* The fireworks shows are much more susceptible to cancellation because of wind restrictions at DLR and the much closer (than WDW) surrounding residential areas. See the fireworks as early in your trip as possible. See "HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199851 which discusses the RDCT fireworks but applies equally to the Holiday fireworks.

* Not sure where you are staying, but do not drive your car to DLR unless you have absolutely no other choice. It wastes too much time, especially in the morning.

* Early Entry at DL (to be renamed Magic Mornings in 2008) works differently than EMH and is available also to those staying offsite. See the DLR Guide link above which has a section which discusses the differences

It is human nature to compare parks and resorts. Try to let this be a fun comparison and not a negative about DLR. DLR has areas where it blows away WDW. But it is lacking in some other areas. The experiences will not be the same so try not to force DLR to be like WDW.

 

[luvsTink]

Awesome answers! You all are fantastic...thanks so much. We will be staying at the DLH so, driving and parking are not an issue. As far as comparison, I am expecting to have an excellent, yet different, experience. Hey...I can't see Nightmare Before Christmas Haundted Manion at WDW now can I?

Thanks!
Anne

 

[kikiq]

Hi all,
What do I need to be most prepared for...in other words, what would be a big surprise for a WDW master?
Anne B

Remember this was the original park built directly under Walt Disney's direction. If you know the story behind Disneyland, then how it is laid out and the coziness makes sense. Stand by his statue in front of the castle during the day and look around you...can you tell that you are a densely packed area of Southern California? You can't tell but Walt hated all that suburban growth around DLR but Disney sure does a good job hiding it when you're in Disneyland.

We are DLR oldtimers. My DDs grew up in Disneyland, my oldest actually watched a parade holding Mickey's hand 17 years ago. We have a tape of her talking to my dad in WDW and telling him that Small World was "smaller" than DLR<G> when she was 4. Be sure to go on Small World the first day you are there while it's still decked out for the holidays.

 

[Disney Davo]

I would consider myself very familar with both DL and WDW as we I grew up in So. Cal and lived in Florida and just move back to So. Cal this summer. I have 7 trips under my belt to WDW, 5 in one year from March 05 to march 06. While living away from So.Cal we visited family everyear with a trip to DL everytime. My only advise it this, "It's all Disny so it's all good".

 

[fairycat]

Lots to see and do in a small area like everyone has said, I will let you know that you are going to be there on some very busy days, but I have to say I love spending NYE at DLR its amazing you will have a fantastic time!!!

 

[Davids-Coco]

If you are staying at a disney hotel and are use to staying on site at WDW, this is important... your room key is not your "key to the kingdom". That is, it is a room key. Thats all. So you have tickets separately. You can't charge to your room with it... so we found we really needed to carry the key, the tickets, a card (credit/debit) and some cash. It really threw us for a loop.

Also, even if you have a park hopper, you HAVE to get your hand stamped to re-enter a park. That is, if you go to Disneyland and leave to go into CA, they are going to ask for a stamp. Its kinda dorky... since we are use to park hoppers in the WDW sense. (It even says you need the stamp on the back of it in the disclaimer)

 

[ballarinamom]

We made our first Disney trips to Disneyland and stayed at the DLH both times. Then we made the trip to WDW. We really missed DL!!! The quality of the rides are better at DL. IASW has an amazing facade, especially during Cristmas. The Tea Cups are in the open air which makes it really cool at night. MATTERHORN!!!!!! NEMO!!!!! You will LOVE Nightmare Before Christmas. It really adds to the ride.
You will only go through security once for both MK and DCA. The animation area of DCA has characters mingling with the guests as opposed to a long que line.
Don't forget to look for the evil queen while you are standing in line for Peter Pan or Mister Toad.
Alice in Wonderland is one of our favorite rides.
Peter Pan has stars as you fly over London.

You WILL want to go to Toontown. At WDW, we walked in and walked right back out. Too small. Nothing to do except the Barnstormer. Mickey and Minnie can actually be found IN their houses!!! Minnie was making cheesecake when we were there last time and Goofy was hanging out in the living room. We love the way the skyline of Toontown looks surreal. And the Roger Rabbit ride is really fun.

AAA discounts at alot of the restaurants including character meals

Pirates is sooooooo much better at DL

Blue Bayou

Pixie dust on the ceilings at DLH

I know people have said the surrounding area of DL is dumpy. Since we flew and took a cab then stayed at DLH, we never left Disney. So we did not have any other view except Disney. We felt riding a bus to everything at WDW and having to wait to get back to the hotel was so inconvenient.

We also wanted a full Disney experience. The only hotel at WDW that had Disney themeing was All Star Movies. We have never stayed at a hotel that chained the furniture to the wall! DLH is a beautiful hotel with lots of Disney touches. You will love it!!!!

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[ballarinamom]

OOPS!!!! I can't leave out that Indiana Jones is so much better than Dinosaurs!!

 

[tmatthews]

After many trips to FL we too ventured out to CA last year. I can't say it was better or worse....just different. I think though I actually liked it better for the older kids. We were able to park hop between the 2 parks very easily. We did EE at DL and made opening of CA park! What I like about it is you can do OTHER things besides Disney like the great beaches and other tourist areas. I wasn't prepared for the weather though. It was still chilly in April in the AM and PM. During the day was good though. We stayed at the Hyatt....that is one thing I would do differently...stay closer to get more of that Disney feel. Have a great time.

 

[tink2dw]

DL will seem strange, and can jar a WDW vet. But soak in the parks. You won't need to be so commando, All thought get to the Parks Early it will be you best time to do the rides. If Fantasyland tops your must do's, head straight to it through the castle.

Blue Bayou is attached to POTC ride so try a 1st seating PS ask for a waterside seating, it will get you close to the waters edge. Enjoy the fire flies! The Monte Cristo Sandwich is the absolute favorite of many DIS'ers equal to Dole Whips. Kids will love the details specially for them. If you can't get close to the water any table is great at this restaurant. Deserts are share able.

 

[tink2dw]

This was a post here a couple of weeks ago, it is really neat Secerts of DL

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=844318&referrerid=&highlight=Disneyland+secrets

 

[OneLittleSpark]

OK, having only been to DLR for one day, I'm not exactly an expert, but I will say this: try not to go with too many expectations. Before everyone jumps on me for criticising DLR, I'd better clarify. I don't think one resort is better than the other, they're just different. If you go to DLR and spend your time comparing it to WDW, you may well miss some of the wonderful stuff DLR has to offer. Instead, go looking for the magic and you will find it. Though I didn't have very long to play there, it was wonderful to go on some of the attractions that have vanished from WDW, to see the original park that Walt designed, to see the beautiful castle and now worry about 'who's was bigger' .

In short, expect nothing from Disneyland and let it surprise you with its very own, unique brand of magic!

 

[Disney Davo]

I'd just like to say I love them both and can't imagine picking one over the other.

 

[sallyjane]

We have been to WDW 4xs now and DL once last spring. My kids said they enjoyed DL more than WDW. The walking is not as much many of the rides are better and longer. The beginning of the POTC ride is the coolest True not as many parks, no key to the world and not many good dining choices. But you also have cheeper choices just outside the gates you are not stuck having to eat what Disney offers if you dont have a car. Mimi's was great we ate there 2-3 times during our trip. We ate at Ariels Grotto for my DD birthday- the food was just ok but the princesses all came out in there fancy dresses not the peasant dresses they often where at WDW- so that was cool. The Small World ride is my daughters favorite but when we saw the DL small world we were blown away -much better exterior plus you will be there for the holidays so you will get to see it all decked out- lucky you!!! More rides for the amount of space than WDW Magic kingdom and you can just walk to DTD or California Adventure. I know many do not like California Adventure and they are re-doing it because of the complaints but my family really enjoyed it. We spent much more time in this park than we thought we would. The rapids ride is much better than the one at Animal Kingdom- no comparison. My kids loved all the water play areas and bugs land. The Aladden show is wonderful. It was all so fun. I really thought I would be disappointed after WDW but that was not the case. We are planning another trip this spring but sadly the Small World will be closed. My DD is so She said she is going to give them a real talking to about closing her favorite ride for 11 months- she is 5

Have a great trip and try to enjoy the wonderful unexpected differences.

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

Great info here. As a WDW vet, my absolute favorite thing about DLR was how close everything was. Park hopping and DTD shopping was a breeze and took minutes . . . didn't miss the WDW buses one bit!!!

They are just different resorts, so be open. Make it fun to compare rides, etc., as opposed to one or the other being better. (Ok, ok, PoC IS better at DL : ) Embrace the differences - I like the look of the Haunted Mansion itself better at WDW, but loved walking in the front door of the house at DL itstead of the back entrance. (The HallowChristmas deco is fun too.) I really missed the dining options (especially Epcot restaurants), but we never went hungry.

The only "disappointment" was the character meeting process. (There isn't one - it is chaos.) They have a much better handle on it a WDW. In DLR, the characters show up in the general area as stated on the daily guides, but there is generally no "handler" (CM), controlling the hordes of people wanting pictures & autographs. And the characters just walk away without warning. I have a 4 & 6 year old, and getting pics and autographs are a huge must-do. They were actually pushed aside by teenagers (and "grown-ups"), waiting patiently for a turn that would never come - it drove me CRAZY! You think you're "in line", but alas - no such thing! (In WDW every character has a handler, a line is established before the character appears (or quickly formed for surprise appearances), and the line is closed when the character has to go, so you don't waste time waiting for your turn.)

Love both parks!!!

 

[CoolPool]

*Much smaller castle (I guess Sleeping Beauty isn't as weathly as Cinderella - LOL)

We'll start a collection for her; bring in HGTV to do an addition.