Disneyland Help for an avid Disney World fan

[vek239]

DH and I went to DLR in January. We'd been 15 years ago so lots of changes. I was optimistic that we'd have a good time...but we enjoyed it even more than we expected- so much so that we're planning to go back next year with all our kids and grandkids. We stayed at VGC and it was wonderful to just walk out the door and be in the middle of the action. We'll still continue to go to WDW but want to return to DLR now and then too.

 

[krisbars]

I have been trying to convince one of my co-workers that he needs to check out Disneyland this year instead of doing his usual WDW visit this year. I have been to both (having grown up in California, I have been to the DLR at least 30 times, and even though WDW is probably a tad closer to us (we live in Houston) than DLR, I still prefer DLR). In my opinion, with younger children, I think DLR is much more convenient and a lot easier to navigate because you only have the 2 parks that are literally across from each other, so hopping is easy. There are also many hotels to choose from that are within walking distance, or a couple minutes away by shuttle, so afternoon breaks are very easy. You pretty much have everything that WDW has, but condensed into 2 parks rather than 4 spread out places (no Epcot or Animal Kingdom, but I'm okay with that). DLR also has Carsland, and in general, I think the rides are just better, after my first trip to MK at WDW, many of the rides left me feeling a little let down, especially Pirates. Now with that being said, I think if somebody wants to spend an entire week, WDW might be the better choice. DLR is better if you have 2-4 days to spend at the parks. The longest I have ever spent at DLR is 3 days. I definitely want to go out and spend a week at WDW when the kids are older and we will all get more out of the trip. Right now they are 3 and 6, so when they are 7 and 10, I think we'll give WDW a try, but until then, we'll stick with DLR.

I hadn't even realized how much easier afternoon breaks will be at DL versus DW! Good point...granted, we won't have kids so everything will be slightly easier (except for when I cry because I miss them). I agree with you that taking younger ones to DW is challenging. My son's first trip there was when he was two. He is now five, and I loved taking him at this age. Five, from my experience, is just right for DW. I know we will go back to DW, but I really can't call myself an avid Disney fan if I don't experience DL.

 

[krisbars]

DH and I went to DLR in January. We'd been 15 years ago so lots of changes. I was optimistic that we'd have a good time...but we enjoyed it even more than we expected- so much so that we're planning to go back next year with all our kids and grandkids. We stayed at VGC and it was wonderful to just walk out the door and be in the middle of the action. We'll still continue to go to WDW but want to return to DLR now and then too.

This makes me feel so much better!

 

[krisbars]

You may experience what I call the first time "boomerang effect". You are concerned you will miss things from WDW. And guess what? You do. As part of that you experience DLR and do not think much of it. Then on your next trip to WDW you find yourself missing things from DLR. That surprises you. And you are then on your way to becoming a bi-coastal Disney fan! Now when I am at DLR I miss RnR, EE, Philharmagic, Off-Kilter, FOTLK, Beaches & Cream and a bunch of other things. I can't ever be truly satisfied at DLR or WDW now!

I seriously think you have hit it on the head!!! I get this way now just thinking of the Disney Cruise!! When I'm one place, I think about the other. When I was at Castaway Cay, I missed Aulani! When I was at Aulani, I missed the parks. This will just add one more to the mix. Haha!

 

[chrisaman]

To answer ur question about dining, if you enjoy an outstanding steak go to steakhouse 55. If ur in the mood for a little fancier food with a better ambiance, go to napa rose. Either one, you won't be disappointed. I like them both equally for different reasons. Carthay circle to me isn't an anniversary restaurant. It is a nice restaurant with good food but the primary draw is it is in the park. The blue bayou is cool, it has by far the best theme and scenery but the food isn't anniversary level in my opinion. I only do lunch there

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Hey, is Off Kilter still around? Love those guys!

We are in to rides, OP, and we hear that DLR has LOTS of them, our faves and new ones, all with easy hotels to get to and less logistical concerns. After what's going on at WDW (did you see all the tier exchanges going on today?! Pick one, Living with the Land or Soarin? Great Movie Ride or Toy Story Mania???) I'm going to be SO glad that when I get there, it ISNT WDW!

I don't live in Seattle, Twinkie does. But we flew out there from BNA and LAX was one of our stops, so that's why I'm thinking it should be easy to get to. I think you West Coasties are so lucky being that close. You may find out it's your weekend getaway in between dramatic WDW big trips. Also Wonder cruises Alaska by you in Vancouver. Ever thought about that? I just can't bring myself to go somewhere cold on a ship but people seem to LOVE it.

 

[krisbars]

Hey, is Off Kilter still around? Love those guys! We are in to rides, OP, and we hear that DLR has LOTS of them, our faves and new ones, all with easy hotels to get to and less logistical concerns. After what's going on at WDW (did you see all the tier exchanges going on today?! Pick one, Living with the Land or Soarin? Great Movie Ride or Toy Story Mania???) I'm going to be SO glad that when I get there, it ISNT WDW! I don't live in Seattle, Twinkie does. But we flew out there from BNA and LAX was one of our stops, so that's why I'm thinking it should be easy to get to. I think you West Coasties are so lucky being that close. You may find out it's your weekend getaway in between dramatic WDW big trips. Also Wonder cruises Alaska by you in Vancouver. Ever thought about that? I just can't bring myself to go somewhere cold on a ship but people seem to LOVE it.

I did read about the new DW fastpass tiers. Honestly, we had no issues last month with the FP system. In fact, I was so thankful that I could modify almost all of my FP's from my phone app. It allowed us to get more sleep on days we needed it. DW requires detailed, intricate planning. Having a break from that will be nice. I think you might be right about DL becoming our couples getaway. There is actually a cruise leaving Vancouver and going to Hawaii that I was so close to booking for 2015, but no one will go with me!! I am so sad. I hear the Alaska cruise is amazing, but I'm totally with you that I typically vacation to get warm. Everyone says we have to go. I may consider it. It is so rainy and cloudy here that Vitamin D is a commodity. My husband complains about being on a boat, but I think that is a husband's job--to complain.

 

[krisbars]

To answer ur question about dining, if you enjoy an outstanding steak go to steakhouse 55. If ur in the mood for a little fancier food with a better ambiance, go to napa rose. Either one, you won't be disappointed. I like them both equally for different reasons. Carthay circle to me isn't an anniversary restaurant. It is a nice restaurant with good food but the primary draw is it is in the park. The blue bayou is cool, it has by far the best theme and scenery but the food isn't anniversary level in my opinion. I only do lunch there

Based on your description, I'm thinking Napa Rose. We can do more than one restaurant, but it sounds like this May be a great option for anniversary dinner.