Am I crazy or is there missing magic at WDL?

[dizkneedreamers]

My wife and I were recently in CA visiting family and decided we needed to get our Disney fix being only an hour away from WDL. We used the excuse that we needed to check it out because we may want to use or DVC there in the future.

We were very disappointed. The attractions were good as we went on a ride rampage hitting all the must hits. Ride wise there were plenty of things that we liked better than WDW, but the magic was non existent. No creepy cast members at haunted mansion or tower of terror. No "have a magical day" greetings. I felt like I was at Disney with workers imported from six flags. Am I being crazy?

We love the magic of Disney, the total immersion in the happiest place on earth. So much of that is brought together by the cast members, and we both felt like it was missing.

We loved the hotel, but I don't think we'll be making the trip. Just doesn't seem worth it. Anyone feel differently?

 

[DebbieB]

My wife and I were recently in CA visiting family and decided we needed to get our Disney fix being only an hour away from WDL. We used the excuse that we needed to check it out because we may want to use or DVC there in the future.

We were very disappointed. The attractions were good as we went on a ride rampage hitting all the must hits. Ride wise there were plenty of things that we liked better than WDW, but the magic was non existent. No creepy cast members at haunted mansion or tower of terror. No "have a magical day" greetings. I felt like I was at Disney with workers imported from six flags. Am I being crazy?

We love the magic of Disney, the total immersion in the happiest place on earth. So much of that is brought together by the cast members, and we both felt like it was missing.

We loved the hotel, but I don't think we'll be making the trip. Just doesn't seem worth it. Anyone feel differently?

I've grown to love DL more than WDW. I think the castmembers are more interactive there and you get immersed in the history. One day last year my friends & I spent almost a whole day riding the old Fantasyland rides, the paddle boats, Toon Town. The new DCA is awesome! A friend & I were there at the end of September and spent most of our time at DCA checking out everything new. Looking forward to D23 in August.

I like both, I don't see the need to "compare". Love each on their own merits.

 

[lovesdumbo]

My family visited DL this summer for the first time after 30+ trips to WDW. I thought many of the rides were better at DL but think WDW is better managed. We did really enjoy DL and would like to return someday as part of a trip unlike our WDW trips were WDW is the only destination.

My Disney fanatic DS and I did the In Walt's Footsteps tour and really enjoyed that! We did the tour before it included going to his apartment so we will have to do it again if we go back.

 

[Deb & Bill]

So I guess WDL means Disneyland? I thought DL was fantastic. We've been to WDW about 30 times in the last 15 years and DL twice. DL was compact (you can walk everywhere), lots of attractions that WDW didn't have and the ones they did have like WDW were so much better at DL. I loved the Haunted Mansion at DL and Pirates was also better at DL. Small World is so neat because it starts outside and not under a roof. We really liked walking from GC and PP to the parks.

 

[dvcterry]

I loved DL. We were greeted right away with our "welcome home" when we checked in & heard plenty of 'have a magical days' and 'are you celebrating' throughout our trip. The CM at the hotel was so helpful on our arrival day. Actually there were many helpful and nice CMs throughout the entire trip. We are looking forward to our next trip.

 

[quentina]

Been to WDW numerous times but DL only twice. I must say, I love DL. I love the compact design. I don't feel so stressed...in a rush etc.

I don't really give a hoot about the conversation from cast members, I am always on a mission of sorts so- I cannot comment on that.

I also LOVED the VGC-oh my, that front door is amazing.

I struggled with the small castle, that was the only thing that gave me pause.....it looked like one I could buy at Disney store LOL.

 

[DisneyHeather]

I just got back two days ago from DLR and had a great time. It was my twin brothers birthday and every cast member said Happy Birthday when they saw the buttons, even the ones in the parades. Also the boys have autism and the cast did great with them shaking everyone's hands and asking everyone's names...there were even some guests who were good about that as the boys are still learning boundaries.

I love DLR and find it magical during my trips.

 

[MouseMomx2]

We have never had anything but wonderful visits to DL and great interactions with the CMs there. We have definitely not experienced a lack of Disney Magic and look forward to or next visit.

 

[PAGAS]

I am a huge DL fan, I have only been twice, but I like it more than WDW. The magic is all there for me, but it is on a much more manageable scale.

 

[bumbershoot]

I like both, I don't see the need to "compare". Love each on their own merits.

Agreed.


But then it turns out I don't need "magic", at least not like what others like/want/need. Being told to have a magical day makes my eye twitch like the boss in Pink Panther. I just want to go somewhere and have a great time.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have generally had better interaction with the DL CM's. I've run in to more out going CM's at DL and ones who are willing to talk although that doesn't apply to every single one of them. There is a different vibe between parks but I don't find either less friendly.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Agreed.


But then it turns out I don't need "magic", at least not like what others like/want/need. Being told to have a magical day makes my eye twitch like the boss in Pink Panther. I just want to go somewhere and have a great time.

I get that reaction with "Welcome Home" too. When I'm at a place where I can call and get the drippy tub fixed in 2 hours I'm definitely not at home and glad about that!

 

[jdubs808]

Each location has their own merits and I have stayed at both resorts. The one thing that I noticed about DLR is that both parks are more compact and seemed much easier to get to each attraction. At WDW, the distance between the parks and the parks themselves are much larger and I felt it took more time to do things there. I don't even want to go into the weather and the daily thunderstorms in Orlando. I don't have any bad experiences with cast members at either resorts.

 

[Chuck S]

I grew up in the greater Los Angeles area. Californians by nature are just not as "chatty" as the CMs in Florida. In fact, on Mom's and my first visit to WDW, we took a cousin who still lived in San Diego at the time. She was actually a little "put off" by all the chit-chat between guests and CMs. Just chalk it up to regional differences.

I'm not saying Californians aren't friendly...we had really nice neighbors in CA...always doing each others yards and bringing food over if someone was ill. They just don't chit-chat a lot. Not a lot of "small talk."

 

[MouseMomx2]

For the OP...just a bit of history...

Disneyland has always been Disneyland, no Walt in front. Walt Disney World was supposed to be named Disney World, no Walt in front. When Walt Disney died his brother, Roy, added Walt to the name as a way to honor his brother.

Today's lesson brought to you by the letters D and L ( and WDW)!

 

[PoohsFan1]

OP I am sorry to here you didn't care for DLR. We will be heading there for the first time in June and have talked to many people that have been before and from what they said, it is exactly what Chuck S explained the West Coasters to be like. According to one co-worker, California CMs are more laid back then the CMs in Florida. I can't wait to go Walt's Park and ride the rides that he had a first hand in making and creating (for me it will be more nostalgic) while my kids are very excited to see Carsland .

 

[MrShiny]

I think it do depends when you go to DL. It is do much smaller and the older queues not as well designed that when crowded, it can get quite claustrophobic. Also, during busy times I think you will see more local teenagers working at DL and while some are great, young labor can be young labor. You do get inexperienced workers at WDW too, but I think those are more college program kids than local high schoolers.

DL has better and more frequent live entertainment - I think in part because there is a greater concentration of talent.

Carsland is amazing. Pirates DL makes WDW's look like a knock-off (which it basically is). Indy is fantastic. Fantasmic! Beats WDW's hands down, and nothing in Florida comes close to WoC.

Also, much more fantastic weather at DL than WDW!

 

[DebbieB]

OP I am sorry to here you didn't care for DLR. We will be heading there for the first time in June and have talked to many people that have been before and from what they said, it is exactly what Chuck S explained the West Coasters to be like. According to one co-worker, California CMs are more laid back then the CMs in Florida. I can't wait to go Walt's Park and ride the rides that he had a first hand in making and creating (for me it will be more nostalgic) while my kids are very excited to see Carsland .

Be sure to checkout one of the buildings on the right of Town Square (can't remember the name). They have the bench from Griffith Park where Walt first thought of Disneyland and alot of the original plans.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Be sure to checkout one of the buildings on the right of Town Square (can't remember the name). They have the bench from Griffith Park where Walt first thought of Disneyland and alot of the original plans.

Thank you so much, I will definitely go and check that out. DH and I love the history of Walt Disney (we could spend hours in One Man's Dream at DHS, that is only if my kids would allow us ) and this will really blow DH away. I may not even say anything to him and let him discover it for himself .

 

[dvcterry]

OP I am sorry to here you didn't care for DLR. We will be heading there for the first time in June and have talked to many people that have been before and from what they said, it is exactly what Chuck S explained the West Coasters to be like. According to one co-worker, California CMs are more laid back then the CMs in Florida. I can't wait to go Walt's Park and ride the rides that he had a first hand in making and creating (for me it will be more nostalgic) while my kids are very excited to see Carsland .

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