Disneyland Resort from a WDW perspective

[999DoomBuggies]

This year we have made three trips to Disney theme parks. In January (7 park days, second week of January) and August (7 park days, third week of august) we went to WDW. My wife, children, and I are regulars of WDW, but not locals. We are living in Maryland and may relocate to the West Coast for job reasons, thus prompting a Disneyland Resort (DLR) visit.

This December we spent 4 park days at DLR (15-19). This is my review from the perspective a WDW regular. I believe my review is pertinent due to the lacking information from a fair/balanced wdw perspective. I will keep this review as short as possible. I hope this helps readers understand the differences between each park and thus appropriate strategies can be applied.

1. Size Differences
2. Cast members
3. Immersion
4. Notable attraction differences
5. Missing attractions
6. Shows
7. Fast passes
8. Parks
9. Final Notes

Acronyms: WDW=Walt Disney World, DLR = Disneyland Resort, DL= Disneyland

1. Size Differences: DLR is much smaller than WDW. DLR has two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure. Navigating both parks is rather easy due to relatively small lengths between attractions and a relatively flat terrain. As a family with children, we found ourselves quite a bit less tired at the end of each day. DLR is much smaller than WDW. Hopping between parks is only a matter of minutes whereas at WDW this can take between 30 to 60 minutes. Similarly, arriving at parks is a much easier affair at DLR.

2. Cast Members: DLR cast members tend to be career oriented. More often than not, I encountered career professionals rather than college-age employees. The college program at DLR seems to be less emphasized. In turn, the DLR cast members were polite and often reminded us of ways we could improve the park experience by sending comments to park management and filling out surveys. The cast members at DLR were much more polite, but we rarely heard “have a magical day” or the acknowledgement that we had “princesses” and a “prince” with us. These simple acknowledgements always make us feel more immersed and we often heard these statements at WDW. Overall, the cast members at DLR appear to care more about the park cleanliness and guest experience compared to WDW. The WDW cast members have become quite a bit ruder over the years, DLR was a throwback to the years when cast members were more polite.

3. Immersion: no question that WDW is a much more immersive experience. WDW is completely isolated and immersive on its vast compound. Whether onsite or within a short distance offsite, WDW provides an escape from reality. DLR, does well to immerse the visitor once past the gates, but prior to stepping past the gates, the DLR surroundings are terrible. At DLR, if you stay offsite, which most DLR visitors do stay offsite, expect to see numerous homeless people and hotels/motels that are far below what you will find at WDW. Note, I have lived in less than good areas while in college and the DLR surroundings definitely qualify as run-down. If you only get one chance to visit DLR, please pay to stay onsite, if you cannot afford to stay onsite then expect to be removed from the Disney bubble immediately after leaving the parks.

I believe the greatest shock for a WDW regular visiting DLR for the first time is just how bad the streets are surrounding DLR. It is shocking that DLR still has not managed to take over the surrounding areas. I dreaded leaving DLR in the evening because the magic was easily destroyed by the surrounding areas. WDW, offers many more resort hotels thus preserving the Disney experience, and this is something DLR cannot match.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

4. Notable attraction differences: DL is much better than the magic kingdom in terms of attraction offerings. At DL, the submarines are still in operation, Matterhorn is exclusive to DL, classic dark rides (Alice, Snow White, Mr. Toad, and Pinocchio) are still operating, and some rides are just plain better. For instance, Space Mountain and Pirates are better at DL. Also, instead of the Dinosaur ride found in Animal Kingdom, DL has Indiana Jones Adventure which is on the same track as Dinosaur but is vastly superior.

As for a comparison of similar rides found in DLR and WDW, some rides worth noting, WDW wins big in comparison to DL counterparts with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (although the refurbished blasting effects at DL is much better), Haunted Manson (by a mile), Jungle Cruise, Astro Orbiter, Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror, and a few others.

DLR rides are better than WDW for Space Mountain, Peter Pan, Nemo, DL Railroad, Cars (over Test Track – may not be fair to compare), Pirates, It’s a Small World, and Autopia.

5. Missing attactions: DLR is missing many attractions found at WDW and WDW is likewise missing attractions found at DLR.
DLR has the classic dark rides. DLR’s Fantasyland is impressive yet small. The classic dark rides like Alice, Mr. Toad, Pinochio, Peter Pan, and Snow White are incredible. WDW only has Peter Pan remaining. DLR also has Carsland with some weak attractions but also a very immersive Radiator Springs Racers ride. Radiator Springs Racers is like an updated, more immersive, but slowed down version of Test Track. Other notable rides DLR has is California Screamin (traditional coaster), Nemo Sub Voyage, Grizzly River Run (similar to Kali River), Monster’s Inc, Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin, and the Storybook Land Canal Boats. The rest are not as notable.

WDW has some very notable rides not found at DLR such as Expedition Everest, Journey Into Imagination with Figment (shut up haters), Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Living with the Land, Malestrom (will not acknowledge it’s untimely death), Mission: Space, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, People Mover, Carousel of Progress, and Wildlife Express Train.

6. Shows: WDW has way more shows than DLR. I am not going to focus on the numerous smaller shows such as the shows found in World Showcase, Animal Kingdom, or stage shows in Hollywood Studios, but rather I will focus on the major end-of-evening shows.

WDW is more superior with Wishes and Illuminations. DLR has World of Color and Fantasmic. Fantasmic is better at DLR but Fantasmic is used in place of Wishes. To me, Wishes is a much better show producing a more tangible magical feel. World of Color is a really imaginative watershow with fireworks, lights, etc. but does not provoke the same emotions as Illuminations. I remember seeing folks tear up while watching Illuminations and Wishes whereas World of Color and Fantasmic definitely did not bring about this sort of emotion in the crowds.

7. Fast passes: This will shock those of you that have read my consistent complaints about Fast Pass +. While at DLR I missed the ease of using an app for fast passes. If WDW could fix the many glitches and tiering with FP+ then this system would be better. At this point, the FP- system used at DLR is better. At DLR, we were able to get FP’s for all headliner attractions multiple times.

8. Parks: There are many differences between WDW and DLR. DLR is missing Epcot and made a major mistake building California Adventure instead of WestCOT. California Adventure is essentially a much better version of Hollywood Studios with many attractions smashed inside. California Adventure has no real theme. In fact, a huge portion of California Adventure is devoted to being a common amusement park. This section of California Adventure is not Disney and should not have been built. California Adventure must be re-themed and something similar to Epcot would be huge draw.

WDW has a great deal more to offer. To me, there is nothing better in terms of theming than Animal Kingdom. Similarly, the imagination and adventure provoked by Epcot cannot be matched. DLR is missing both these experiences. While at DLR, I found myself often thinking, DL is better than the Magic Kingdom but DLR is missing a whole chunk of experiences (wife disagrees and thinks MK is better than DL). I had a hard time accepting a Disney park visit without riding Spaceship Earth, Expedition Everest, the People Mover, Carousel of Progress, Living with the Land (hardliners know what I am talking about), Figment, Malestrom (still not accepting it’s untimely death), Safaris, etc., and then taking part in visiting the different countries and eating various cuisines. DLR only has two gates of which one is essentially a better version of Hollywood Studios with more attractions and no real identity (like Hollywood Studios).

 

[999DoomBuggies]

9. Final Notes: I loved my visit to DLR. I enjoyed seeing Walt’s apartment, riding the dark rides, and walking the steps Walt walked. I loved the cast members and the cleanliness. I loved the tight feel of DL as you walk in and are cuddled by a tighter mainstreet. I loved the better theming of Adventureland. I loved how the locals are super devoted with many visitors dressed as characters and lots of Disney tattoos and clubs (note, DLR is essentially a locals park). I loved how the locals focused on keeping the parks clean. I loved so much about DLR.

As a WDW regular visting DLR, I disliked the lack of onsite choices and lack of additional parks. I hated leaving the Disney bubble, when I leave the bubble in WDW the drop is not nearly as dramatic as leaving the bubble in DLR. DLR is surrounded by a very run down city. I felt sad for DLR visitors that will never really understand the “Disney Bubble”. I felt sad for those that have never visited the Florida project and walked through the only attempt at Progress City.

The future is big for WDW. Whereas, for DLR the future is unsteady. DLR has nowhere to grow. The surrounding city would need to allow eminent domain to occur in order for DLR to continue to grow. Those that believe Disney management is more focused on DLR are wrong. WDW is definitely receiving the most attention and the new Fantasyland, the soon to be Avatarland, and rumored refurbishments and developments are evidence of the laser-like focus Disney management has on WDW. All of these phenomena were obvious from my recent visit to DLR, which led to my conclusion - in my humble opinion, Disneyland Resort did it first but Florida did it better.

Please feel free to ask any questions. I will likely update my posts as thoughts come to me.

 

[jeanico2000]

Thanks for the excellent, well balanced review. I also have the privilege of being familiar with both WDW and DLR, and agree with most of what you said, especially with regards to the area surrounding the DLR.

 

[ScrapHappy]

I lived in SoCal for 8 years and drove past DLR every day on my way to work and I visited it many times when I lived there. I agree with your assessment of the WDW and DLR. I love them both for different reasons and I would never turn down a visit to either, but if I had a choice to visit either one, I would choose WDW. I too like the Disney "bubble" at WDW. DLR just doesn't have that feel. The area around DLR is waaaaaay better than it was for a while in the late 80s/early 90s. We used to call the corner of Harbor and Katella "Hooker Heaven" at night. You could stand at the stoplight at the corner during the day waiting to walk across the street and you'd see condom wrappers and drug paraphernalia in the gutters. It was nasty! Disney has bought up a lot of the property in the surrounding area and things really have improved a lot since those days, but it'll never be like WDW.

 

[leahlefler]

This is a great comparison! I grew up having annual passes to DL and the Hooker Heaven at Katella and Harbor is so accurate... the whole area was just nasty (with used car lots lining the way into Disney from where I was traveling from). The entrance into DLR is MUCH better now. We still haven't been on the Radiator Springs Ride (I lived in CA for 24 years, and now live in NY). We have California Adventure in our plans for our next California trip. We really love it there.

One thing I REALLY love about Disneyland is the lack of a need for ADRs. The last time we went was in late August 2012 - we walked right up to the BBQ at Big Thunder Ranch and got in immediately. No wait, no crowds. We've had to wait at Blue Bayou before, but I do like the ability to just walk up to a table service restaurant and get in. The closeness of Downtown Disney is also fantastic.

We are going to WDW for the first time ever (husband and kids) and for the first time in 15 years (for me). I cannot wait to go - there are so many positives at each resort, and we are looking forward to an entire week of being immersed in Disney. Animal Kingdom is SO cool, and I know my kids are going to love it. There is no EPCOT on the West Coast, so I cannot wait to show that to the family.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

Mods,

Please move to the correct forum. Not sure why a Mod moved this thread to a non-disney forum.

Thanks

 

[Dan Murphy]

Nice comparison, DB. Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes, this was moved to the wrong forum. Maybe send a PM to Mary Jo or Judy to move it correctly. Just a thought.

 

[Sherry E]

I don't know where the thread was to begin with, so I am not sure where you were intending it to go.

I am guessing that one of the mods on the WDW side of the board saw that it was a Disneyland-related thread, and moved it to this general DLR/California side of the board, placing it in the SoCal Theme Parks section. The mods on the DLR/California side of the board would not have moved a Disneyland-related thread to the SoCal Theme Parks forum, so I am not sure who did. I didn't move the thread, and I know Mary Jo wouldn't have moved it to that specific forum.

I will move this thread to the Disneyland Resort forum for you, as that is where it should be.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

I don't know where the thread was to begin with, so I am not sure where you were intending it to go.

I am guessing that one of the mods on the WDW side of the board saw that it was a Disneyland-related thread, and moved it to this general DLR/California side of the board, placing it in the SoCal Theme Parks section. The mods on the DLR/California side of the board would not have moved a Disneyland-related thread to the SoCal Theme Parks forum, so I am not sure who did. I didn't move the thread, and I know Mary Jo wouldn't have moved it to that specific forum.

I will move this thread to the Disneyland Resort forum for you, as that is where it should be.

thanks so much!

Also, I hope this thread I started does not sound argumentative. I really want DLR to take over as the best of the disney resorts because it will likely be my home park later this year after a job relocation. DLR is a truly wonderful experience.

 

[Sherry E]

thanks so much!

Also, I hope this thread I started does not sound argumentative. I really want DLR to take over as the best of the disney resorts because it will likely be my home park later this year after a job relocation. DLR is a truly wonderful experience.

I've never been to WDW (it's on the bucket list), so I always appreciate reading and hearing about the differences between DLR and WDW (aside from the obvious size), and also about the observations of WDW vets after visiting DLR! Sure, some folks may take offense but I think that, as a rule, most people on this forum enjoy the WDW vs. DLR discussions and debates (as long as they don't turn ugly!).

 

[999DoomBuggies]

Update, someone sent me a video link to the Remember Dreams show and it is better than Wishes. So disappointed the show was not playing during the holidays.

 

[VandVsmama]

A couple of thoughts in response:

• People Mover started at DLR
• re: weak attractions in Carsland - part of the appeal of Carsland is you really feel like you've stepped right into the movie. At least, that's how it felt to our family. Even though it only had 3 rides, we thoroughly enjoyed Carsland.
• FP+ vs traditional FP - This is often a case of 6 of 1, half dozen of another. There are plusses & minuses to both systems.
• re: DCA - I agree that the park has no real theme. Our family prefers DL itself much more, but DCA does have some awesome stuff in it that we enjoy every time (Carsland, Soarin' Over California, & some others).
• re: WDW has more to offer - it's a matter of opinion. 6 of 1, half dozen of another. I can spend a week at DLR for less than half what it would cost us to go to WDW for the same amount of time and we see & do/go on way more attractions in that same time frame as compared to WDW.
• Hydroguy has a sticky thread on here that has a really informative comparison of DL, intended for WDW veterans. Compares how things are different between the 2 and it's a great resource if one hasn't ever been to DL before but is used to how things operate at WDW.
• It's true that DLR is not set up as an all-inclusive resort like WDW was from the get-go. So if one is looking for an all-inclusive resort type of experience, go to WDW instead. See comment below. If WDW is 1 ice cream shop & they only serve chocolate and DLR only serves strawberry, don't go to DLR expecting chocolate. It'll be a slightly different flavor...you can probably get fudge ripple but not chocolate. It still tastes good, though!
• That being said, you can still have a "Disney-immersion" experience at DLR if you don't stay in 1 of the 3 DLR hotels. It takes a little more conscious effort on your part, though...you have to accept the fact that Walt Disney's original theme park was built in Southern California, where land is scarce. Probably not a good idea to broach any subject that touches upon Disney Corp using imminent domain to take over surrounding land & properties because that is a sore subject in Anaheim from what I understand. Your family could choose to not watch the news or surf the internet on any PC, tablet, or smart phone at all during your stay...reconnect with each other just like back in the good old days before cell phones & electronics were in our back pockets all of the time. Also, the VAST majority of people staying at Good Neighbor Hotels are there to go to Disneyland just like you.
• Which is better: WDW or DLR? To me, it's like which flavor of ice cream is best? Everybody goes to Baskin & Robbins & gets a different flavor of ice cream. Everybody leaves the ice cream shop satisfied...you just happened to have a different flavor.

 

[GatorChris]

This will come as a shock to no one: I loved this thread. If I were to write something similar, it would be nearly the same. There's so much I love at DLR, but there's so much I miss at WDW after being away for a few years. What I wouldn't give to take a relaxing ride on the People Mover again, to be screaming on ExEv, to see the beauty and wildlife of Animal Kingdom, and to walk the World Showcase again.

Like a PP said, there's so much crammed into DLR and that's great. And if you try, you can sorta feel that bubble. But you do have to try harder than just leaving a hotel room, catching the Disney bus, and riding to the parks through swamps and forests. Great article, though. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

 

[DahliaRW]

Having visited both resorts, I can honestly say I did not feel immersed in the disney bubble at wdw, even staying on site. Riding the busses was not magical (and you saw some pretty ugly "back areas" on the drive) and waiting over an hour after illuminations to get a bus back to our hotel was even less magical. I love how walkable DLR is. If WDW was walkable I'd probably like it better. I do think DLR packs nearly as much into 2 parks, ride wise, as WDW does into 4. We actually left HS early because it was raining and a lot of shows and such were closed/cancelled due to weather...There was nothing left to do! Never had that problem at DL in the rain!

 

[lorijohnhill]

I have to disagree with the comment that DCA has no theme. The theme is California. The "amusement park" section is a reflection of the beach boardwalk amusement parks. Hollywood land speaks for itself. Pacific Warf is reminiscent of the warfs in numerous cities along the Pacific. The Grizzly section is a nod to the mountainous regions. Bugs land (leafy, woodsy regions) and Cars land (desert regions?) are a little stretch, but I still feel that they fit in to show the diversity that is California. There is a huge misconception in many parts of the country where many people think that California is all beaches and palm trees, but the state is wildly diverse environmentally and culturally. I think that DCA is themed to show some of that diversity.

 

[KCmike]

Good review. I agree with quite a bit. I'm a WDW veteran who visited DL back in 2007 and fell completely head over heals with it. I saw Remember Dreams Come True from the hub back then, Fantasmic!, all the dark rides, and parades that essentially chanted "This is Walt's Park". It blew me away. The essence of Walt is alive and well there and it feels so evident in every little way.

I love how DL feels like a storybook land and all the details crammed pack in the smaller park.

DL favorites : Pirates, RSR, Space, Dark Rides and Fantasyland, Aladdin Stage show, IASM, Buzz (can remove guns and you get an extra room), HM Overlay beats MK's HM but I agree regular HM beats DL's regular HM.

WDW favorites :Splash, Carousel of Progress (1st at Disneyland), Peoplemover (use to be at DL), SSE, Journey Into Imag (with Dreamfinder), all the resorts and restaurants. As much as I use to love Epcot I can't help but feel that its turned into a giant World's Fair Garage Sale instead of learning the different cultures. Some of its still there but I think they've lost their way over the years. They currently have DL's old President of operations so it will be interesting as to how that goes. You can't beat taking the ferry from Seven Seas Lagoon into the Magic Kingdom.

Fireworks, parades and Fantasmic! are all better at DL.
Hotels, amenities, and Monorail fun are better at WDW.

We just got back from WDW at Christmas and were disappointed with the lack of decorations compared to DL. We also missed the overlays severely.

It's funny because we love both dearly, our kids grew up vacationing at WDW in their younger years and now as teenagers they love DL and California much more. I agree with them. The weather and the vast offerings that California has gives people the ability to expand their vacation to so much more. We love Monterey, San Diego, and Yosemite National Park (heaven on earth).

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.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

Having visited both resorts, I can honestly say I did not feel immersed in the disney bubble at wdw, even staying on site. Riding the busses was not magical (and you saw some pretty ugly "back areas" on the drive) and waiting over an hour after illuminations to get a bus back to our hotel was even less magical. I love how walkable DLR is. If WDW was walkable I'd probably like it better. I do think DLR packs nearly as much into 2 parks, ride wise, as WDW does into 4. We actually left HS early because it was raining and a lot of shows and such were closed/cancelled due to weather...There was nothing left to do! Never had that problem at DL in the rain!

The best part about DLR is the ease of getting in and out of the resort. WDW is a monster and unless you're staying at a monorail/boat resort, then things can be much tougher.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

I have to disagree with the comment that DCA has no theme. The theme is California. The "amusement park" section is a reflection of the beach boardwalk amusement parks. Hollywood land speaks for itself. Pacific Warf is reminiscent of the warfs in numerous cities along the Pacific. The Grizzly section is a nod to the mountainous regions. Bugs land (leafy, woodsy regions) and Cars land (desert regions?) are a little stretch, but I still feel that they fit in to show the diversity that is California. There is a huge misconception in many parts of the country where many people think that California is all beaches and palm trees, but the state is wildly diverse environmentally and culturally. I think that DCA is themed to show some of that diversity.

Why would one want to visit a fake Hollywood when the real one is down the road? Why does one want to go to a cheesy amusement park setup when you can do that anywhere in the country? This is essentially the equivalent of WDW having a whole section devoted to Miami, how ridiculous.

DCA is an abomination to all things Disney. Drastic changes need to happen, DLR is so limited on space and instead of coming up with a WestCOT, Disney Sea or something, the imagineers and management settle on what is already in their backyard. More over, we're taling about a resort that is essentially a majority locals park. Very poor management during this era.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

Good review. I agree with quite a bit. I'm a WDW veteran who visited DL back in 2007 and fell completely head over heals with it. I saw Remember Dreams Come True from the hub back then, Fantasmic!, all the dark rides, and parades that essentially chanted "This is Walt's Park". It blew me away. The essence of Walt is alive and well there and it feels so evident in every little way.

I love how DL feels like a storybook land and all the details crammed pack in the smaller park.

DL favorites : Pirates, RSR, Space, Dark Rides and Fantasyland, Aladdin Stage show, IASM, Buzz (can remove guns and you get an extra room), HM Overlay beats MK's HM but I agree regular HM beats DL's regular HM.

WDW favorites :Splash, Carousel of Progress (1st at Disneyland), Peoplemover (use to be at DL), SSE, Journey Into Imag (with Dreamfinder), all the resorts and restaurants. As much as I use to love Epcot I can't help but feel that its turned into a giant World's Fair Garage Sale instead of learning the different cultures. Some of its still there but I think they've lost their way over the years. They currently have DL's old President of operations so it will be interesting as to how that goes. You can't beat taking the ferry from Seven Seas Lagoon into the Magic Kingdom.

Fireworks, parades and Fantasmic! are all better at DL.
Hotels, amenities, and Monorail fun are better at WDW.

We just got back from WDW at Christmas and were disappointed with the lack of decorations compared to DL. We also missed the overlays severely.

It's funny because we love both dearly, our kids grew up vacationing at WDW in their younger years and now as teenagers they love DL and California much more. I agree with them. The weather and the vast offerings that California has gives people the ability to expand their vacation to so much more. We love Monterey, San Diego, and Yosemite National Park (heaven on earth).

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.

Love this post.

The final quote is really cute, as I am a father too and I can see the realities of the quote.