DL Crowds Seem Genuinely Happier

[Erik_in_TN]

I grew up visiting WDW, but got to take my first DL trip last month. No, this isn't one of those full-blown DL vs WDW comparison threads. All I'll say on that is: While WDW may have the size...DL by far has the substance. (Our MK in Fla will from here on out seem 2nd-rate ). But I'll talk about that more in my trip report.

But one thing we noticed was the behavior of the crowds at both DL park and DCA. Maybe we hit on a good week...maybe it was due to the holidays...but you West Coast-er's seem genuinely happier than the crowds we are used to in Orlando. I'm not saying WDW guests are unhappy by any means. The Orlando crowds just seem more rushed, sometimes "fake" happy if that makes any sense. It's hard to describe and I cannot pick out individual circumstances to illustrate this. I go to WDW every year, but never have I seen so many grown-ups relaxed and letting their inner child free than I did while visiting DL park. It was like "we've got a whole day on a playground...and we're gonna make every second count." Whereas in Orlando it's more like..."I paid good $$$ for this, so I'd BETTER get a good view of the fireworks."

And something else I noticed. When I hold the door for people..you West-Coast'ers say those two appreciated words "Thank You". It was a pleasant shock. If I had a nickel for everytime I was at a park in Orlando...held a door open for someone..and they gave me a silent look as if they expected this gesture for their holiness.

So hats off to you West-Coast DISer's. Your behavior & attitude I witnessed while visiting DLR really helped bring out my inner child as well...and your genuine happiness DID rub off! Kudos. Walt's original park truely is the happiest place on earth!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I grew up visiting WDW, but got to take my first DL trip last month. No, this isn't one of those full-blown DL vs WDW comparison threads. All I'll say on that is: While WDW may have the size...DL by far has the substance. (Our MK in Fla will from here on out seem 2nd-rate ). But I'll talk about that more in my trip report.

But one thing we noticed was the behavior of the crowds at both DL park and DCA. Maybe we hit on a good week...maybe it was due to the holidays...but you West Coast-er's seem genuinely happier than the crowds we are used to in Orlando. I'm not saying WDW guests are unhappy by any means. The Orlando crowds just seem more rushed, sometimes "fake" happy if that makes any sense. It's hard to describe and I cannot pick out individual circumstances to illustrate this. I go to WDW every year, but never have I seen so many grown-ups relaxed and letting their inner child free than I did while visiting DL park. It was like "we've got a whole day on a playground...and we're gonna make every second count." Whereas in Orlando it's more like..."I paid good $$$ for this, so I'd BETTER get a good view of the fireworks."

And something else I noticed. When I hold the door for people..you West-Coast'ers say those two appreciated words "Thank You". It was a pleasant shock. If I had a nickel for everytime I was at a park in Orlando...held a door open for someone..and they gave me a silent look as if they expected this gesture for their holiness.

So hats off to you West-Coast DISer's. Your behavior & attitude I witnessed while visiting DLR really helped bring out my inner child as well...and your genuine happiness DID rub off! Kudos. Walt's original park truely is the happiest place on earth!

I think west coasters always seem to be in better spirits than the east coasters. NY, DC, B-more, Boston etc always seem to be in the "are you going to mug me mood". I travel alot and has been my experience. I do love Nashville though, great town, great people.
But there are jerks in every park no matter what and for some reason I seem to run to them, I really try to ignore them but it is hard to do.
Really glad you enjoyed your trip. Have not been to WDW because no one will go with me, some day, maybe.

Jack

 

[MagicalMomAZ]

I'm going to attribute this to our ample parking spaces & wide open "frontier" so to speak. It's hard to be happy when you're crammed close to everyone else in a itty bitty state! I didn't mean FL...I had Delaware in mind - it's SO tiny!

This was a great thing to post & I thank you, it really is nice to hear my people are nice.

 

[Rapunsel]

We try! I think its that awesome weather that we have! We also don't have to shovel white stuff!!!! And the sun shines on us 99% of the year!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I grew up visiting WDW, but got to take my first DL trip last month. No, this isn't one of those full-blown DL vs WDW comparison threads. All I'll say on that is: While WDW may have the size...DL by far has the substance. (Our MK in Fla will from here on out seem 2nd-rate ). But I'll talk about that more in my trip report.

But one thing we noticed was the behavior of the crowds at both DL park and DCA. Maybe we hit on a good week...maybe it was due to the holidays...but you West Coast-er's seem genuinely happier than the crowds we are used to in Orlando. I'm not saying WDW guests are unhappy by any means. The Orlando crowds just seem more rushed, sometimes "fake" happy if that makes any sense. It's hard to describe and I cannot pick out individual circumstances to illustrate this. I go to WDW every year, but never have I seen so many grown-ups relaxed and letting their inner child free than I did while visiting DL park. It was like "we've got a whole day on a playground...and we're gonna make every second count." Whereas in Orlando it's more like..."I paid good $$$ for this, so I'd BETTER get a good view of the fireworks."

And something else I noticed. When I hold the door for people..you West-Coast'ers say those two appreciated words "Thank You". It was a pleasant shock. If I had a nickel for everytime I was at a park in Orlando...held a door open for someone..and they gave me a silent look as if they expected this gesture for their holiness.

So hats off to you West-Coast DISer's. Your behavior & attitude I witnessed while visiting DLR really helped bring out my inner child as well...and your genuine happiness DID rub off! Kudos. Walt's original park truely is the happiest place on earth!

Nice of you to post. I do believe that the crowd makeup at DLR varies a lot. I hope what you are describing is typical. I have not noticed this difference between DLR and WDW. Yes, of course as Jack said there are differences around the country. But while at DLR or WDW folks in my experience seem to be, on average, in a good mood no matter what. it's Disney for goodness sake!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I think there are huge cultural differences between the two coasts. This is even illustrated day in and out on our own main Community board.So many threads talk about "going off" on people or loudly asserting their right, or letting someone know they "offended" the other party etc etc. I used to tell my family after watching some family interactions at WDW "they treat each other harsher(tone of voice, volume, word choice, and yelling across the room as opposed to getting within talking distance) when they aren't angry, than I do when I am angry.
I so agree with you. Not to say their differences are wrong, they just impact my own enjoyment sometimes, since i am used to laid back westerners!

 

[deejdigsdis]

I grew up visiting WDW, but got to take my first DL trip last month. No, this isn't one of those full-blown DL vs WDW comparison threads. All I'll say on that is: While WDW may have the size...DL by far has the substance. (Our MK in Fla will from here on out seem 2nd-rate ). But I'll talk about that more in my trip report.

But one thing we noticed was the behavior of the crowds at both DL park and DCA. Maybe we hit on a good week...maybe it was due to the holidays...but you West Coast-er's seem genuinely happier than the crowds we are used to in Orlando. I'm not saying WDW guests are unhappy by any means. The Orlando crowds just seem more rushed, sometimes "fake" happy if that makes any sense. It's hard to describe and I cannot pick out individual circumstances to illustrate this. I go to WDW every year, but never have I seen so many grown-ups relaxed and letting their inner child free than I did while visiting DL park. It was like "we've got a whole day on a playground...and we're gonna make every second count." Whereas in Orlando it's more like..."I paid good $$$ for this, so I'd BETTER get a good view of the fireworks."

And something else I noticed. When I hold the door for people..you West-Coast'ers say those two appreciated words "Thank You". It was a pleasant shock. If I had a nickel for everytime I was at a park in Orlando...held a door open for someone..and they gave me a silent look as if they expected this gesture for their holiness.

So hats off to you West-Coast DISer's. Your behavior & attitude I witnessed while visiting DLR really helped bring out my inner child as well...and your genuine happiness DID rub off! Kudos. Walt's original park truely is the happiest place on earth!

What a nice post! I'll have to share your comments with my husband. I grew up in Oregon, he grew up in D.C. He spent his early adult years in the West and he had trouble getting used to people appearing more on the happy/friendly side than what he was used to. If people smiled or just said "hi" -- he would wonder what they were after. He just thought it was weird. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to Disneyland!

 

[sonnyjane]

Thanks! What a nice observation! I personally always try to smile and strike up a friendly conversation with people waiting in lines, as well as hold the door open for people (or say thank you if it's done for me), pick up something for someone if they drop it, etc. Glad to see I'm not the only one and that you had a great visit!

 

[PoohBearFriends]

We had a rough point in our trip to WDW last year with a very rude group of people in HM. Never had that happen at DLR except trying to go against the flow up main street before a parade where the street seems much narrower at DLR.

May have ben an out of country cultural thing large group from South America. My girls still talk about how bad HM was at WDW and they can't wait to get back to HM at DLR.

 

[jjstinson]

This will be my first trip to the west coast but I have to agree with the OP on the east coast thing. In the bigger cities it is exactly like that but worse in the north. I grew up in the Boston area and moved to the south (NC) for a bit. I could not understand why people who I did not know were talking to me! I admit it did make me nervous. It did teach me manners though.

 

[goofswife]

Our family felt the same way after our trip to DL last June. The people were so friendly to us even in the lines. People who were frequent visitors to DL were willing to share hints and ideas throughout our stay at DL. We've been to WDW numerous times, but as you stated, DL is a different experience. Maybe it is the weather because our June visit was wonderful with the mild climate.

 

[pixiewings71]

Awww thanks!!! That's so nice of you to post! I'm glad you enjoyed your time in CA!

 

[Erik_in_TN]

And East Coast DISer's....PLEASE don't think I was taking a swipe at you if any are reading. DISer's in general are happier people because, well, we're DISer's.
But something else that really struck me about DL was the historical factor (which added to our family's happiness). Seeing different spots around the park grounds, wondering if Walt stood there observing the crowds having fun, seeing where the original MMC did shows/promos..etc. Truely a magical experience that is not often felt in Fla. This was, afterall, Walt's Park. My wife loves to people watch and she picked up on this within moments of entering Mainstreet. Facial expressions, gestures, behavior, etc.

Another thing that will be missed when we return to WDW will be having the Matterhorn in the skyline.

 

[HydroGuy]

Another thing that will be missed when we return to WDW will be having the Matterhorn in the skyline.

Yes!

Here we have Erik who appears to have made the transition from "DL's castle is so small" to "we will miss the Matterhorn"!

Now be prepared to experience what I did after a trip or two to WDW. Now when I am at my home resort DLR I find myself missing (a little) EE, RnR, FOTLK, and Philharmagic. On your next trip to WDW you may be missing Matterhorn, Indy and California Screamin. Kind of a strange feeling. But maybe an indication that both resorts have a lot to offer.

 

[Jaina]

I have noticed a difference between westerners and some of the rest of the country too. (Though I'm sure there are many exceptions in both cases) I am from Arizona and have spent a lot of time in California and Utah, but am currently living in the midwest, and when I go "home" it always surprises me at first how much friendlier people can be! And I absolutely love Disneyland, and really can't think of any bad experiences I've had with other guests. Little annoyances, but nothing big that has ever messed with the excitement I have just to be there! (though I am still hoping to go to WDW again someday, WITH my DH.)

 

[Jollean]

I have been to Disneyland 3 times (once in peak season July at the launch of Splash mountain) and WDW once in March around spring breaks but we missed most of the schools spring breaks.

We fell in love with Florida. We are nature people and it had lots of it still. But we definetly found the parks a little more exhausting than at DL. It felt as though we could not survive a park without a plan.

In DL you can still wing it and see mostly everything (note I have yet to experience the California Park).

In March at WDW the heat was incredible. In MARCH! The tempurature made a huge difference in the day and the experience. And by lunch time at WDW the crowds were incredible. We had to leave after lunch for a daily break to hold your sanity.

DL we have never left mid day. Even when crowds are heavy they have been comfortable (only exceptions are after parades etc).

So although we love both parks and would go back to either for totally difference reasons, my theory is that WDW can overwhelm a lot more travellers. Especially if they did not plan ahead.

 

[lauritagoddess]

In March at WDW the heat was incredible. In MARCH! The tempurature made a huge difference in the day and the experience. And by lunch time at WDW the crowds were incredible. We had to leave after lunch for a daily break to hold your sanity.

DL we have never left mid day. Even when crowds are heavy they have been comfortable (only exceptions are after parades etc).

So although we love both parks and would go back to either for totally difference reasons, my theory is that WDW can overwhelm a lot more travellers. Especially if they did not plan ahead.

I can't say that I noticed a difference in the attitude of the crowds from WDW to DL, but if there is a difference maybe it is because of these factors. The heat, the size of the parks and how it tires you out, and the cost factor. Lots of people go to DL for the day or for short trips. With WDW, alot of people either invest alot of money in the trip or consider it a once in a lifetime trip and feel like they should be getting their moneys worth and get upset at the lines, the heat, the crowds, etc.

 

[Jazziered]

I think west coasters always seem to be in better spirits than the east coasters. NY, DC, B-more, Boston etc always seem to be in the "are you going to mug me mood". I travel alot and has been my experience. I do love Nashville though, great town, great people.
But there are jerks in every park no matter what and for some reason I seem to run to them, I really try to ignore them but it is hard to do.
Really glad you enjoyed your trip. Have not been to WDW because no one will go with me, some day, maybe.

Jack

I was born and rasied in California, I live in Utah now.. And I LOVE the people of New York... I find them super friendly... If you take the public transit system in San Francisco.. The transit people are* some of the rudest nastiest people ever.. They yell at old people (I have seen this more than once.. UGLY!!) As I was getting off the bus in Chinatown in San Francisco, I guess I didn't get off fast enough and a little old lady started hitting me on the arm... lol.... I was like, HEY, don't hit me...

The transit people of New York are SO helpful, and nice.... I LOVE getting on the bus or subway in New York and talking to the peeps... So. much. fun!


I have never been to WDW, but one of the reasons why I love Disneyland is that the CM's are so nice.. They are *the* best preformers of any park I have ever been to...

 

[ballarinamom]

The thing I remember most about WDW was the difference in people. It seemed like so many people were screaming at their kids at WDW. I saw more kids smacked and screamed at by parents in 7 days than I care to think about. Spouses were yelling and arguing with each other.... Maybe the previous poster was right about the stress and not veing prepared.
The smoking rules in Florida are also different from CA and there were so many more smokers there it seemed. That made a difference for us as there were cigarette butts EVERYWHERE and a smokers mentality can be a little edgier than a non smoker. And the folks just did not seem to be enjoying themselves. DL, well, it's DL!

 

[geekypeach]

On our first family trip (I had been as a kid, DH had not) we were both utterly struck with the completely whole atmosphere. The guests contribute, the CM's, the park itself. It's an amazing place to be.

We're from UT, and we ALWAYS get comments on how nice we are. It's kinda cute sometimes! I can't speak for everyone, but we just really care about other people and their experiences and not just our own. I think that helps a lot!