Differences between DL and WDW

[goin2disneyagain]

I am thinking about taking a trip to DL next year. I have been to WDW many, many times. What are the noticable differences that I am used to at WDW that I won't have at DL? I am in the early stages of my research.

 

[iceskatejen]

First, the DL resort is a lot smaller. Everything is within walking distance. Park hopping doesn't require taking a bus, car or monorail. The 2 park entrances are literally a few hundred yards from eachother as is Downtown Disney. Another difference--DL's castle is much smaller--it doesn't dominate the park like MK's does. Actually, considering the Matterhorn is right next to it, it looks perfect. A mountain should be bigger than a castle. If the castle were any bigger, the Matterhorn would look funny. When I went to MK, it of course reminded me of DL, but the forced perspective on Main Street was gone and many rides are in different places--I couldn't use my DL autopilot. DCA has a very similar feel to the Studios. DCA is still pretty new and the trees there haven't matured yet, so it tends to be a hotter park in the summer. One other difference--no matter what time of year you come, you'll need a sweatshirt in the evenings--once the sun goes down at DLR, it gets chilly fast.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Thanks. I had hoped that my question wasn't too vague. Your answer was exactly the information I was looking for.

 

[iceskatejen]

Your welcome.

 

[dletz]

I created a document that roughly compares the two, as there really is not comparison. MK and DL have the same basic plan, but are different. I get so lost when I get to WDW, because things are not where they should be.

I'll post a link to my doc, when I get a chance this afternoon.

Basically DL has a few more rides than WDW (though WDW has a few more shows than DL), but DLs rides are packed into 2 parks, where WDW are spread out over 4. The castle is much smaller, which most people don't like, I however like the fact that its tucked away into all the trees and not a big icon seen from all over. It really surprised me to go to WDW and see this big castle sticking up, when I'm used to the less obvious castle.

 

[KAMLEM]

Do you have a list of all the rides at each park? I thought that the 4 parks at WDW had more rides than the two at DLR.

 

[dletz]

Here's a link to my document. It's an Excel document.

It's been a while since I've updated it, but it's mostly correct

http://f2.pg.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc...scounts&.dnm=Land+-+World+Compare.xls&.src=bc

I actually have plans to fill it in with more details on all the rides and stuff, but just haven't gotten to it. Any corrections let me know.

 

[KAMLEM]

I cannot access that page.

 

[dletz]

Neither can I, but it worked yesterday, let me fix the link.

Let see if this one works

http://f2.pg.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc...scounts&.dnm=Land+-+World+Compare.xls&.src=bc

 

[scrump]

Very interesting! We're trying to decide between DL and WDW, too. We're WDW die-hards, but realize we need to get over to DL, too. Thanks!

 

[MrShiny]

DL is about the size of MGM, but with more attractions (when they are all working!) than MK.

The buildings on Main Street are 7/8 scale (even most doors) and overall are smaller than WDW (as is the castle of course).

Pirates is the real ride here, with a legit drop and a running time about double that of WDW.

Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder are basically swapped. Big Thunder runs "backwards" to WDW.

The monorail is not a major mode of transportation, but a cool ride nonetheless.

Tomorrowland is mostly shuttered/under construction, sadly. Innoventions there (in the revolving old Carousel of Progress building) has a cool interactive Stitch on the top floor (usually 12-6PM).

It's very cute and quaint - you can see Walt's hand in most things.

Fantasyland has the charming Storybookland and Mr. Toad. The Teacups are small and currently don't spin very well (supposedly due to DL legal).

Pin trading has fewer sharks there, IMHO.

Toontown is great - especially the Roger Rabbit ride.

DCA is a very short walk across. It is big and spacious, but seldom crowded. Tower of Terror has that new ride smell still. Soaring over California reminds you that this is Disney. My family loves the underrated Golden Dreams and bread factory. You can get a curb side seat for the Electrcial parade 5 minutes before it starts.

The Disney Hotels are some of the farthest hotels. You can get one that's a much shorter walk for a third their prices.

You don't sweat as much nor do you buy as many ponchos.

You don't need nearly as many days there as at WDW.

For a frequent WDW'er, it is really a must do.

 

[Firefly777]

The Disney Hotels are some of the farthest hotels. You can get one that's a much shorter walk for a third their prices.

Two of the Disney hotels aren't as close as some of the Harbor hotels, but I can think of many hotels that are farther away.

 

[emmabelle]

I've been to WDW six times and have just returned from DL for the first time and loved it. It is smaller, but loved being able to walk between DL and DCA. Missed not having any water parks in the area only because it was July and hot during the day. Weather at night was perfect. DL was definately more crowded than DCA. I found DL to be very much like the Magic Kingdom. The only complaint I would have (if this could actually be counted as one) was the need for more counter service restaurants with air conditioning especially in DCA. We could only find one, Test Pilots, which didn't have very many tables inside. We kinda of felt like vultures hovering trying to get an inside table. This would only be an issue in the middle of summer luckily.