Disneyland trip regret??

[Tonyspad]

We have been to WDW over 12 times the past 8 years. We LOVE WDW and always stay at the Poly, GF or YC. We are considering traveling to DL for our next vacation. I am concerned about missing DW and regreting the DL trip once we are there.
Has anyone ever traveled to DL after many trips to DW, if so please give me feedback.

 

[BCV23]

We have. We have around 40 trips to WDW and have made 5 or 6 to DL including this Feb. They are very different experiences but no regrets at all. WDW owns our hearts but visiting the original is very special too. Disneyland has many little delights. Fantasyland in particular is so charming. The Indiana Jones ride is amazing.

One of my favorite things to do is look for the light that is always lit in Walt Disney's apartment above the fire station. His spirit is alive and well in his first park.

 

[Big Willie]

We have done WDW too many times to count along with sailing the Disney Cruise. (I won't list them all: 2005 Four Night Disney Cruise, Animal Kingdom, WDW; 2006 WDL, Legoland; 2007 Four Night Disney Cruise, WDW) This past summer the entire family traveled from Virginia to Southern California for vacation. NO ONE was dissapointed nor had any regrets. Disneyland is of course samller and more intimate. WDL, Downtown Disney and California Adventure are all situated together. The teenagers headed left to California Adventure, Mom/Dad and the youngsters headed to Magic Kingdom to the right and Grandma/Grandad continued straight ahead to Downtown Disney. To meet for lunch or whatever it only took minutes for everyone to meet back in the center.

Uncle Walt didn't like that the nieghborhood is right at Disney's door step but there are advantages. You can litterally walk right of the sidewalk of the main street directly into the park. (NO meandering drives to a distant destination) We stayed at a Staybridge Suites a couple of blocks away. We could leave the suites and be in the park in 5 mintues (including parking the car...that's impossible at WDW). When the toddler needed a nap it was a quick five mintues back to the Suites; when everyone wanted to see the nightly Electric Parade or fireworks again it was a quick jump.

I have lived in California and Hawaii a large portion of my adult life yet the East Coast is my home. As a single young man WDW was my choice. As a father and husband WDL is overwhelmingly my choice. You don't have the selection of Disney Resorts as in Florida but there are quality hotels available.

GO FOR IT!!!!!!

 

[utilidor]

Same boat here - a couple of times to WDW a year, and went to DL 2 Febs ago with the whole fam. DL is better than MK (IMHO), and CA is interesting (if not a whole day park). It is different, but fun. We stayed in DCA, and it was neat to walk right from the hotel to the park.

You'll have a blast!

 

[LindaR]

This is just MY opinion.....

I live in New Mexico and when my daughter was younger, we went to DL and loved it! (age 4, 5, 6, and 7). When she turned 9 we had her first trip to WDW and have been going regularly since then. Last spring we were touring some colleges (how times flys) and I managed to squeeze a 3 day trip to Disneyland in there. It was the first time back in 9 years! We stayed at Paradise Pier and thought it was a very nice facility. However............we (mostly me cause dd didn't remember much from those trips) thought the park(s) had REALLY gone downhill. There was no California Adventure on our last visit, so that was a new experience (we were not impressed with their offerings and found it to be very un-Disney).

(Putting on flame-proof suit).......

We felt like we were in the middle of "gang-land". It wasn't just that we felt like the only Anglos (we live in an area that is mostly Hispanic anyway), it was that we were in a sea of foul-languaged, heavily tatooed, bandana wearing, chip-on-the-shoulder, rude people. We were very turned off by the "guests" and the general "condition" of the park. Lumps of chewing gum that used to be scraped off nightly, peeling paint, trash on the ground (I remember when there were CM's who just wisked trash off the ground almost before you could see it).

Yes, we were disappointed. We left after 2 days. Will we go back? I seriously, seriously doubt it.

We continue to visit WDW and will keep it that way!

 

[dkostel]

I spent 3 days at DL last year. Stayed at the DL hotel on the 2nd from top floor with a view of downtown. I loved it! It isn't the total immersion that WDW is in that you do see the "outside world" as well, but I definately recommend a trip there!

 

[E&BMom]

We have been to WDW 7 times and love it. We visited DL in march and had a really great time. We stayed at the Dl Hotel and really enjoyed it. We had just as much fun as we do at WDW. The only thing I was a little disappointed with was how small the castle was at DL. It is still pretty but much smaller than WDW's. HTH. Have a great time.

 

[MissRoseRed]

We love WDW, but managed to squeeze in a trip to Disneyland last month as part of a business trip. I had been on a day trip to DLR a couple years ago, and this time we stayed for 3 days (at the Carousel Inn).

Do I regret spending time/money at DL? No.

Given the either/or choice, would I go again? No.

IMO... Disneyland is a great supplemental Disney experience -- as long as you go in prepared. It's awesome to see where it started, and some of the rides really are better (or at least different enough to be exciting). We took a tour called "Walking in Walt's Footsteps" that I loved. DL is nostalgic and wonderful and the original. Everything is easily accessible -- no long walks or waits for transportation or park hopping.

The down side? It's in no way immersive. In fact, because of the nature of it as a local attraction, you kind of get immersed in the very things you might be trying to escape. There are very few places where you lose the actual geography/noise of the outside world. And the crowd is much, much different. DLR is FULL of obnoxious, half-clothed teenagers making out. Not that I behaved much better at my local amusement park when I was growing up , but this IS Disney... And I guess that's where the difference comes in -- DLR is a Disney themed amusement park (much as that was not what Walt wanted) and WDW is an immersive Disney experience.

There is also a different attitude from the cast members. I think of them more as park employees in California, rather than cast members. They are there to earn a paycheck and get through the day. We did encounter some fantastic CMs, but the majority looked the other way when people cut in lines, harassed other guests or threw trash on the ground. DL is far dirtier than WDW (which isn't dirty at all)and I was really surprised that the little things (rust, chipped paint, faded awnings) weren't being "magically" repaired when I wasn't looking.

All that said -- I'm glad we spent some time there. I'd go again if the opportunity presented itself, but I probably won't be saving up to take a dedicated vacation to DLR. Not as long as there's WDW!!!

If you're used to the deluxe resorts at WDW, also be prepared that the privacy/comfort level just isn't there at DLR. The Disney hotels are very nice, but they are hotels, not resorts...

Hope this didn't sound too negative. I really did enjoy my time at Disneyland, and I was able to look past the downside and have a great time -- but it does help to be prepared -- and, who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised!

 

[daneenm]

This is just MY opinion.....
We felt like we were in the middle of "gang-land". It wasn't just that we felt like the only Anglos (we live in an area that is mostly Hispanic anyway), it was that we were in a sea of foul-languaged, heavily tatooed, bandana wearing, chip-on-the-shoulder, rude people. We were very turned off by the "guests" and the general "condition" of the park. Lumps of chewing gum that used to be scraped off nightly, peeling paint, trash on the ground (I remember when there were CM's who just wisked trash off the ground almost before you could see it).

No flame, but I must say i find this VERY surprising! We visit DL every couple of years and the last time I was there (Feb 2006) I caught myself specifically thinking what a nice crowd and clean place it still was. As others have pointed out, DL is in an area that some might not consider ideal. Despite that, I have never felt that way in the parks. In fact, I was traveling with my children and am hyper-sensitive to the foul mouths of other people (been to the mall lately?) and found none of it while we were there.


To the question about DL being disappointing after WDW, I suggest you go. There are lots of things about DL that are different. In fact, my perosnal preference from the trip I took to WDW years ago was Magic Kingdom at DL over Magic Kingdom at WDW.

In addition, there are many other Southern California destinations that you might find fun as well. I was just listening to the DIS Unplugged PodCast where this question was raised. The info they gave might be helpful to you as well.

 

[Tam1067]

I grew up near Sacramento, and we went to DL about every other year. DH and I went there on our honeymoon and a few years after we were married, while we were visiting my family.

Since moving to the Midwest, I've visited WDW three times and am returning for a fourth this summer.

If you are a WDW veteran, DL will be a disappointment. There is simply no comparison of the two. If you want an immersive experience where you are completely removed from the outside world, you must do WDW. If you want to see a nice park in the middle of surburbia, DL is fine. My relatives and college friends love DL, but really, I think that's because they do not have much (if any) experience with WDW.

I would visit DL again if I were visiting Southern California for other reasons. Then, it's a nice 2 day diversion. But if you want a week vacation of activities, you'll be wiser to spend your money in Florida.

 

[Deb & Bill]

DL is a wonderful place. Some of the attractions that you find at both WDW and DL are so much better at DL. Like PotC, Fantasmic. And some are just different like Buzz Lightyear.

We did DL twice last year after nearly 20 trips to WDW. We had a great time. DL has so many attractions that you don't have at WDW. It's very compact - no space is wasted. It's like squeezing MK and Disney Studios with a bit of Epcot thrown in into one space.

Then you have the attractions that you don't have at WDW. The Sun Wheel is fun (as long as you sit in a fixed car). My son and husband love California Screamin', the Maliboomer and the Orange Stinger.

You can walk to everything at DL.

I keep hoping they will build a DVC resort at DL. I'd love to own points out there.

 

[BCV23]

With regards to necking teens, rough types, etc., we found the middle of the week to be much nicer. It is more family friendly and less crowded to boot. If/when we go back I will certainly try to go Tues, Wed, Thursday.

In our stays in the 90s, we too found the CMs to be not so magical. But both last year and this, most were wonderful. Some provided the kind of magic that used to be common at WDW and is less so these days. The DL CMs that are bad are really bad though! Few and far between for us thankfully.

 

[sharoncity]

We are just back from our second trip to DL. We have been to WDW 4 or 5 times. We also live in CT! We enjoyed DL. Yes, there were MANY hispanic people (probably 60% of guests the days we were there.) But we truly had no problems with anyone. They were all on their vacations with there families, etc. Yes, there were are few teenagers Sat night that were a little rude, but no big deal. It was just as clean as WDW, with people literally sweeping under our feet at lunch. No peeling paint or anything like that.

That being said, we found DLH to be a little run down for the price. The grounds were beautiful and we really enjoyed the pool and all. The bathrooms and the slider to outdoors were what I found to be "substandard" for $200 plus per night. We switched to GC Resort for one night. That resort was BEAUTIFUL! yes, the room was smaller than DLH, but it had a very nice lay out and worked well for us. It had a balcony to sit outside and we had a veiw of DCA. The lobby and overall set up reminded us very much of AKL in WDW.

The parks themselves - I think it is worth going just to experience the difference in the rides. Plus there are rides at DL that they don't have at WDW. Additionally, because it is a smaller place overall, we had a MUCH more relaxing vacation than at WDW. We combined it with a trip to San Diego and Huntington Beach to justify spending so much on the airfare.

IMHO, it was ALL well worth it!

 

[HydroGuy]

We have been to WDW over 12 times the past 8 years. We LOVE WDW and always stay at the Poly, GF or YC. We are considering traveling to DL for our next vacation. I am concerned about missing DW and regreting the DL trip once we are there.
Has anyone ever traveled to DL after many trips to DW, if so please give me feedback.

Lots of interesting answers already here, some of which greatly surprised me. In any case, I do not fit your description of many trips to WDW before trying DLR. I am the opposite with first trip to WDW in 2006 after many to DLR. Before the WDW trip I spent lots of time on DIS, TGM, reading the UOG, etc., and picked up a lot of how WDW visitors think and what they expect. So I think I can offer some perspectives that may help you in your decision.

The comments about DLR being dirty with a less-than-desirable crowd was surprising to me. I found WDW to be more run down than DLR, but neither WDW nor DLR are in terrible shape IMO and thus to me this is not a big issue.

The type of behavior described by others in this thread regarding foul language, teenager inappropriate dress and behavior, I can not remember ever seeing at DLR. I have four children and my DW and I are very sensitive to such things.

I did find the Cast Members at WDW overall to be more friendly that at DLR. On the other hand, I encountered many misinformed CMs who gave me incorrect information at WDW. I quickly learned that if the information I sought was important to me, to double and triple-check the answers with different CMs because the first answer I received was likely to be incorrect.

My intent is not to flat out disagree with other posts, but to say that I do not think they are fair overall representations of DLR (although I can accept they represent the posters' individual experiences when they were there). From reading some of the posts I was envisioning a dirty carnival-like atmosphere with gang members and raunchy teenage behavior. That is so far away from my experience at DLR it did not even seem like we were talking about the same place.

With all of that said, what I really wanted to say is something about expectations. WDW and DLR are different places with different strengths and weaknesses. DLR is not a WDW clone, and why would anyone want it to be? It has a different history and the experience is different. Someone who expects a WDW-like experience at DLR is going to be just as frustrated as someone who expects a DLR-like experience at WDW.

It is my observation that some Disney visitors get accustomed to how they experience their home Disney resort (e.g., WDW) and then conclude that that is the only way to experience a Disney resort. Thus anything that fails to achieve their expected experience is viewed negatively.

I would suggest that there are different ways to experience Disney resorts and thus no one single ideal way. Yes, many people who visit WDW like to be immersed for 8-10 days. And that becomes their ideal. DLR is more of 3-5 day resort. But why can't that be the ideal? Who says one is better than the other?

To turn the tables around, DLR vets like myself are accustomed to visiting Disney parks in nice weather without rain or humidity. When we visited WDW for 10 days (in mid-June) we got to experience a tropical storm for two days, and half our days it rained. Every day it was humid. If our ideal Disney visit was "nice weather" then we might have concluded that "WDW is a terrible place - too much rain and humidity". Well, we were mentally prepared beforehand and did not let weather dampen our trip. But it might have if we had forced our DLR-type weather expectations on WDW.

So where does that leave you? In summary, I think WDW vets who love Disney and are willing to set aside their WDW-based expectations and be open to DLR differences (and even embrace DLR strengths - of which there are many IMO), and are willing to do a little research to be pre-informed of the DLR differences are likely to have a wonderful time at DLR. Why? Because DLR is just an awesome place.

FWIW, DLR is less than WDW and more than WDW. Here is the "more" side:

1. Rides

WDW's four parks only have 10% more rides than DLR's two parks. The DLR parks are more concentrated with rides, and many good ones at that. A Disney trip is more than just mere rides, but rides are big part IMO. What I found interesting is that we went on less rides at WDW over ten days than we did on our most recent four day trip to DLR. Why? Because the DLR parks are so accessible, it is easier to park hop at DLR, easier to make rope drop, easier to take afternoon breaks, and the weather is better in Southern California.

2. Shows

It is my opinion and that of many others that the shows at the DLR parks right now are better than the ones at WDW. IMO the Remember Dreams Come True fireworks/laser/special effects show at DLR is better than any show at WDW including Illuminations. Most (not all) people who have seen Fantasmic at DLR and WDW find Fantasmic at DLR to be better. The Aladdin show at DCA is better than any stage show that WDW had in 2006. I have not yet seen Nemo at AK and cannot compare it to that.

WDW has more shows than DLR (including shows outside the parks as you know) and I saw 13 shows at WDW over ten days as compared to seven shows on our most recent four day DLR trip mentioned above.

3. Weather

It rains 50 inches per year in Orlando and 10 inches per year in Anaheim. And there is no humidity to speak of in Anaheim. The weather at DLR is better overall than at WDW.

4. Proximity

With the hotels, parks and DTD being so close to each other it is easier to access the parks and more thoroughly experience the parks at DLR.


I have collected my thoughts into a lengthy thread that might help you answer your question - "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Alex2kMommy]

We felt like we were in the middle of "gang-land". It wasn't just that we felt like the only Anglos (we live in an area that is mostly Hispanic anyway), it was that we were in a sea of foul-languaged, heavily tatooed, bandana wearing, chip-on-the-shoulder, rude people. We were very turned off by the "guests" and the general "condition" of the park.

No flame, but I must say i find this VERY surprising! We visit DL every couple of years and the last time I was there (Feb 2006) I caught myself specifically thinking what a nice crowd and clean place it still was. As others have pointed out, DL is in an area that some might not consider ideal. Despite that, I have never felt that way in the parks. In fact, I was traveling with my children and am hyper-sensitive to the foul mouths of other people (been to the mall lately?) and found none of it while we were there.

I'm also very surprised to see this.

I'm hardly a DL expert, having taken my first trip ever in September 2006. We were traveling with two small boys, and my DH is also very security-conscious, and 'keeps his eyes peeled', if you know what I mean. ::cop:

We, along with several other guests, were amazed at how clean the park was. In fact, while I was in line to get a Dole Whip, someone spilled their drink. The line moved quickly, and I was only 4 or 5 people back, but before I got to the front a CM had arrived, mopped up the spill, and left! I was stunned.

I saw garbage cans being emptied throughout the day. Never ever saw a garbage can that was even close to being full. No garbage or gum on the ground, well maintained flower beds and shrubs, clean tables and countertops in restaurants and shops, with big crowds on the weekend, so they must be continuously cleaning.

We did notice the occasional rude guest and uncontrolled child, but they were the exception rather than the rule. I'd read a lot before the trip about people using strollers to clear a path or kids on Heelys crashing into others, but we didn't see any of that. Even in the big crowd at the end of a parade or fireworks, where everybody is just trying to get out, people were courteous and patient and careful not to bump into anyone else.

We have been places where my DH seems to be in cop mode, serious and alert. At DL he was relaxed and enjoying the experience just as much as the kids. If DL was such a Every one of us (DS2, DS6, DH and I) had such an amazing time that we can't wait to go back!

I don't doubt LindaR's experience, I just think it must be atypical, since so many people feel comfortable bringing their young children to DL.

I say give it a try. I think you'll love it.

 

[BCV23]

HydroGuy, if you ever have the opportunity try WDW from October through April. It is usually gorgeous. Most of the rain falls in the summer months. In fact, our worst Disney trip weatherwise was a year ago in early March at DLR. Cold, rainy and humid. I think it was unusual though as there was snow in San Diego while we were at DLR!

I find the visitors at WDW nicer during those months too with the exception of holiday weeks.

sharoncity, I agree GCH is just stunning. The layout of the rooms worked well for us too.

 

[BCV23]

Oh, and I wanted to clarify that the few "rough" groups I saw on the weekend were not Hispanic. The Hispanic families I saw were typical of those around here...excellent and loving parents. No babies without blankets when it was cold unlike one poor "Anglo" baby I saw a year ago and no little ones baking in the sun this year.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

To the OP:

I always put it this way. There is nothing you can do at WDW for 3-4 days that will equal the joy and fun of 3-4 days at DLR. Nothing. The reason is this. DLR has nearly as many attractions in its two parks as WDW has in its 4. But due to its compact size, you can get to it all in 3-4 days tops. You cannot do that at WDW. Where WDW's advantages come into play is over longer trips with all its resorts and restaurants to go with em and the two water parks that go with em. You can spend 10 days there and never go off site. DLR doesn't have that kind of size. But you can partially make up for the water parks. The Ocean is about 20 miles away. Also within 20 miles is the #3 water park in the nation. Universal Studios also is nice out in California. It isn't as big, nor does it have as many rides, especially the thrill rides, as Universal in Florida. But it does have the best back lot tram tour HANDS DOWN. Blows Disney Studios back lot tour and Great Movie ride away.

If you set WDW up as your ideal and anything that deviates from that ideal as less than ideal, you will only notice what is worse than WDW, not better and you won't have a good time. But if you enjoy DLR for what it is, a really fun park, you will have a great time.

Several rides that are similar between the two are significantly better at DLR.
There are some things that DLR has that WDW doesn't. The shows and parades are different.

As for immersion, maybe it's just me. But I didn't feel any more immersed packed like sardines in a muni bus with a mouse on the side for 15-20 minutes than I do walking across a city street for 5. When I'm in the parks, that is all I'm thinking about.

As for the hotels, there are no Disney owned values or mods. One of the three Disney hotels is deluxe level. The other two are below that but above Moderate level. These will have more of a definite Disney theme to them than the Deluxes or mods at WDW, but less than the Values. However, there are hotels across the street on Harbor that aren't Disney owned but are about equal to or maybe a bit better in price than the values and have bigger rooms. Most are well maintained. They aren't fleabags like many were in Walt's day.

As for the crowds, I've seen two major incidents at WDW and zero at DLR. But that doesn't mean rudeness is the norm. The fact remains that rude guests are not the norm at either place. As for some of the other comments about Gang Bangers and Hispanics, I''m not going to change a closed mind. But at the same time, let me just convey to the OP that it is my experience that they act no better or worse as a whole than any other demographic group at WDW, DLR, or anywhere else for that matter.

As far as cleanliness and general state of the park, well the Country bears at WDW had fur missing and a garbled sound track. Haunted Mansion had real dust instead of Faux dust and a garbled sound track. COP looked like it hadn't had a seat cover change since it left DLR. Sounds Dangerous looked almost as bad. But the fact is that both places have had their cycles where they simply put off some refurbs and the like too long. As far as general litter, I noticed no real difference. Both WDW and DLR were kept litter free for the most part.

I find both places fun and both have some unique things worth going to. After all, if they were carbon copies of one another, would there ever be a reason to go to the one not closest?

 

[Deb & Bill]

To ...Haunted Mansion had real dust instead of Faux dust and a garbled sound track. ...

Oh, man, how could I forget HM at DL? It is so, so, so much better at DL than WDW. I wish they could box it up and bring it to FL for everyone there to see. I love the theme there with the widow and all her husbands.

 

[MissRoseRed]

Oh, no -- this thread was moved into the Disneyland section and now my new friends here will think I'm a traitor for talking about DLR over on the WDW threads...

Thanks for jumping in here Hydro Guy -- OP, if you get a chance, read every word HG has written. I did and I know my trip was much better because of it.

I should probably clarify, too, that I was there during Spring Break this year (and in February the time before, so the weather was lousy). So the local teenagers were out in full force. I never feared for my safety, but I was very disappointed with the CMs lack of caring. One example: My mother was repeatedly harassed by a group of kids in the line at Indiana Jones (which is awesome and unique to DL!) and when I went to report them, they taunted me and the CMs did absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, that was our last ride of the night and it left a very bad taste...

Good luck with whatever you decide and have fun, 'cause, either way -- you're going to Disney!!