Convince a WDW-lover to try DLR!

[Hound 109]

Exactly.

I am a WDW veteran myself, and had grown up visiting the parks in Fla. Finally in 1993, we got to visit DL for the first time. There was something very magical about stepping into the gates of "the original". All the history behind the park, imagining where Walt himself once stood, or where Fess Parker rode a horse in Frontierland, or where all those classic Disneyland shows were filmed for Wonderful World of Disney. Seeing the original Disney theme park castle and getting to walk through it. It was a special day that I will never forget.

One of my first big impressions of DL was their version of POTC. I remember the boat ride going through all those different caves and scenes that we don't have at our version in Orlando. The bayou scene at the beginning with the banjo, and looking toward BB restaurant from the ride. That was the first attraction we went on at DL. And of course there's the Matterhorn, like one of the pp's mentioned. It was really special getting to ride that, considering the history behind it and how it was the first of its kind. Another big impression was how much more Fantasyland at DL has to offer in comparison to MK in Orlando. Alice in Wonderland, Toad, Pinocchio, Storybook Canal, Casey Jr...all those that are not in Fla.

There was a very special feel about the place that is hard to describe. I wouldn't trade that experience of visiting "Walt's Park" for anything, and plan to go back (soon).

And this is coming from a WDW die-hard. GO to DL! You will not regret it.

Quoting this because i can.....& because I agree with every word of Mr. Crockett's post.

 

[CoolPool]

Well, ah, let me see. I was trying hard NOT to weigh in because I really hate it when DLR and WDW are pitted against each other like a competition. Each resort has its pluses. (I understand there are minuses at both but I'm not going there...) I live 45 minutes or so from DLR and I'm an annual passholder.

BUT. I recently stayed at the Yacht CLub for the first time for a week...and I gotta say...walking into Epcot anytime you want...taking the boat to DHS...Stormalong Bay...Blizzard Beach...walking to the Boardwalk...and a quick bus ride to AK (favorite Disney park evah!) plus lots of just loveliness everywhere. UHM, well, I really think that if all you have is 4 days, then DLR. If you want to spend a 5+ days on a real vacation, then stick with WDW.

Discovery Science Center is a wonderful little side trip here though.

 

[ebtbmom]

I think that you should be prepared for a different type of experience. DLR is much smaller and closer to DCA, you can easily park hop between the two. Lots of the rides that are at both DLR and WDW are better at DLR.

One feature that lured me to DLR instead of WDW this time was the opportunity to do offsite days. They actually offer day trips to US, Knotts Berry, Legoland, etc. as part of your package. We're trying Legoland for 1 day.

 

[PHXscuba]

I think everyone who considers themselves a Disney-phile should visit Disneyland at least once, if nothing else to see where it all started. And it won't be just like WDW, and that's the point! There are very few rides that are exactly the same, down to the queue, and of course the view!

Yes, it will probably cost more than going to WDW, especially since the plane tickets will be pricier. With staying onsite not being as critical as WDW, it opens up a whole 'nother set of lodging options in Anaheim, including better options for a family of 5. One favorite on these boards seems to be HOJO's, and they just opened kids' suites and have a pirate-themed pool area. The on-site options are more like the Deluxes at WDW in $$$.

Depending on the length of your trip, you could do DLR for 3-4 days and still comfortably do other So Cal attractions like Hollywood, the beach, etc. in a week's vacation.

PHXscuba

 

[D. Crockett]

Quoting this because i can.....& because I agree with every word of Mr. Crockett's post.

Thank you kindly.

And this thread is really making me consider going back to DL sometime this winter.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

For me I love both the same, only in different ways. If we have a longer vacation planned we love WDW however, you can have a great fun filled magical vacation at DLR in 3 or 4 days. This will be our first DL vacation in 5 years due to going to WDW the past few, however I am very excited to head back to the place where it all started! I say every Disney fan should try to visit both WDW and DLR at some point!

 

[queenie82]

I was blown away by the castle in Paris. It takes first place for me over MK. Plus they have that secret down there under the castle in Paris which is a lot of fun.

Ah yes....the secret....hmmm...that I think puts them on par. I couldn't believe it when we went down there. They should have that in all the castles. :

 

[KCmike]

Exactly.

I am a WDW veteran myself, and had grown up visiting the parks in Fla. Finally in 1993, we got to visit DL for the first time. There was something very magical about stepping into the gates of "the original". All the history behind the park, imagining where Walt himself once stood, or where Fess Parker rode a horse in Frontierland, or where all those classic Disneyland shows were filmed for Wonderful World of Disney. Seeing the original Disney theme park castle and getting to walk through it. It was a special day that I will never forget.

One of my first big impressions of DL was their version of POTC. I remember the boat ride going through all those different caves and scenes that we don't have at our version in Orlando. The bayou scene at the beginning with the banjo, and looking toward BB restaurant from the ride. That was the first attraction we went on at DL. And of course there's the Matterhorn, like one of the pp's mentioned. It was really special getting to ride that, considering the history behind it and how it was the first of its kind. Another big impression was how much more Fantasyland at DL has to offer in comparison to MK in Orlando. Alice in Wonderland, Toad, Pinocchio, Storybook Canal, Casey Jr...all those that are not in Fla.

There was a very special feel about the place that is hard to describe. I wouldn't trade that experience of visiting "Walt's Park" for anything, and plan to go back (soon).

And this is coming from a WDW die-hard. GO to DL! You will not regret it.

YOU NAILED IT!!!
I was once a WDW vet but we have gone three straight years to DL. We love the west coast. San Diego, Monterey, SF, and the awesome Yosemite National Park. DL is just plain magical. The attention to detail I kind of got goosebumps when I walked into the park. It is so much smaller and yet has just as many rides and attractions. I absolutely adore it. You should know that in 2011 most of the upgrades to DCA will be complete. Here is my favorite quote:
There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

I hope you get to go and experience it.