DL no longer an equal to WDW?

[999DoomBuggies]

Will WDW eventually completely overpower DL? Currently, DL has no room to grow. Walt et al. realized that DL was very limited not to long after DL opened. Walt also complained about the "vegas-like" appearance surrounding DL property. These issues continue today.

With the push for more attractions due to competition/demand from Universal and the subsequent expected growth of WDW how will DL remain an equal without the room to grow? In the next 10 years, WDW will likely be slated for a fifth gate, perhaps star wars land. Avatarland is already on the way. WDW has no choice but to continue innovating based on competition and other variables.

What will DL do to keep up with WDW? Is it possible for DL to keep up with WDW?

 

[Indio]

I don't think Disneyland can really be considered equal to WDW now, let alone 10 years from now. As you said, Disneyland is as big as it can get. WDW already has 4 parks and 2 waterparks in addition to DTD. So, I think it's already been topped. Of course that's my opinion. I did enjoy DL as well as Disneyland Paris, but I think WDW is still better than both.

 

[richmo]

Just my opinion, WDW overpowered DL the day Epcot opened.

You can certainly argue MK vs. DL, but the vastness of the Florida project is pretty overwhelming.

 

[Reddog1134]

DL is some advantages over WDW, but as a whole, I think WDW is better.

 

[Malachi85]

I wouldn't consider them equal to begin with. As the name implies... A world in general should be much larger than a land. Disney Land has its own magical experience where Disney world presents you with many factors of a magical experience.

Now I prefer the smaller intimate layout of DL over WDW but the options at WDW definitely outweighs DL. I can pick a weekend and go to DL where as my whole 2 week vacation will be set aside for WDW just based on sheer size alone.

 

[TimothyG]

I don't think so. Disneyland has a different type of crowd that WDW. Disneyland is generally considered to be a "locals" park, meant for people who live in and around Southern California. WDW is more of a vacation destination and less about the locals. Disneyland targets a different kind of crowd.

I would also contend that WDW is closer to the max size right now than people think. I know they want to build some more resorts, which is doable, but I can't figure out where a 5th theme park would best fit on property. Maybe to the northeast of Animal Kingdom, but then I would think that area would be better suited for more resorts.

I think that aside from more resorts, they would have to pretty much tear down something in order to really utilize any more of the space.

 

[Andyman33]

disneyland may not have the vastness of wdw -- but its also nice to be able to leave one park and head to california adventure. There are very similar (if not all) of the same rides and MOST attractions. It is much more compact but also they use their land like a city would instead of the country like all of dw.

 

[mm1971]

Will WDW eventually completely overpower DL? Currently, DL has no room to grow. Walt et al. realized that DL was very limited not to long after DL opened. Walt also complained about the "vegas-like" appearance surrounding DL property. These issues continue today.

With the push for more attractions due to competition/demand from Universal and the subsequent expected growth of WDW how will DL remain an equal without the room to grow? In the next 10 years, WDW will likely be slated for a fifth gate, perhaps star wars land. Avatarland is already on the way. WDW has no choice but to continue innovating based on competition and other variables.

What will DL do to keep up with WDW? Is it possible for DL to keep up with WDW?

DL won't try to keep up with WDW or any other Disney park. DL is where it all started and it will always have a certain charm and following. They will just do everything they can to keep it fresh and updated. it also doesn't need to be since it's competition is not at the level as what WDW deals with in Orlando.

With that said, Iger has already come out and said that US/IOA HP expansion is actually a positive for WDW and the other parks in Orlando. Getting more tourists into Orlando will not only help US/IOA, but it will increase visits to WDW, SeaWorld, etc.... It is not a direct negative when one park draws in tourists. WDW will have it's own "new" things over the next several years and it will be interesting to see how much that will help the others as well. I know when we head to WDW it's not uncommon to do SW or go see the HP stuff.

 

[hakepb]

There are many rumors floating around about a 3rd DL gate

Ie:
http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-third-gate-for-disneyland-anaheim-yes.html?m=1

Some say that Disney promised Anaheim the 3rd gate, too.

I also think that Disneyland has as many attractions in 2 parks as WDW has in 4 parks shows that Disney does not intend WDW to blow DL away.

 

[Crystal824]

I think DL and WDW are two entirely different experiences. Yes, some of the attractions overlap but they are really two different experiences. It isn't about one trumping the other IMO.

 

[Shock13]

I think DL and WDW are two entirely different experiences. Yes, some of the attractions overlap but they are really two different experiences. It isn't about one trumping the other IMO.

Agreed!

 

[becd]

I think DL and WDW are two entirely different experiences. Yes, some of the attractions overlap but they are really two different experiences. It isn't about one trumping the other IMO.

I also agree. We are WDW veterans, with AP's, but I have to say I love DLR. I went there with my DS-7 twins over Christmas and we loved it. Just as many rides as WDW but EVERYTHING is within walking distance.

Going in to the trip I did not expect them to be the same - to paraphrase the poster I quoted, even though they have some of the same rides, they truly are completely different. WDW will never overtake DLR for me because I do not think of them in the same way. Both are absolutely wonderful though!

 

[figment_jii]

I think DL and WDW are two entirely different experiences. Yes, some of the attractions overlap but they are really two different experiences. It isn't about one trumping the other IMO.

I agree with Crystal824. I love both DLR and WDW and see no reason for either to become more like the other. They are two different experiences, both fun and enjoyable in their own way. I wouldn't want DLR to try and become WDW and I wouldn't want WDW to become DLR.

Just because they currently don't have a lot of space to expand, doesn't mean ways won't be found in the future. They added DCA in the past, and, more recently, Carsland, which has been a huge success. And while land isn't cheap in Anahiem, it doesn't mean they can't find ways to buy more land and expand even more.

A Star Wars themed land is rumored to be part of Disneyland's long-term expansion, more so than at WDW. So while DLR might not grow in terms of acreage, there is always ways to add new things within the existing boundaries.

 

[mikaza]

I just came home from my first trip to DL (I had be to California Adventure when it was brand new, but never the DL side of the park).

I was surprised at how different the vibe is. DL is so quaint compared to WDW. It was so relaxing being there. The character interactions reminded me of how it used to be at WDW--they would just pop up all around the park and actually spent a good bit of time with every family.

SO yes, they are both Disney, but I already think you can't compare them at all because they are totally different experiences.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

There are many rumors floating around about a 3rd DL gate

Ie:
http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-third-gate-for-disneyland-anaheim-yes.html?m=1

Some say that Disney promised Anaheim the 3rd gate, too.

I also think that Disneyland has as many attractions in 2 parks as WDW has in 4 parks shows that Disney does not intend WDW to blow DL away.

where can a third gate go? Maybe the best western parking lot?

 

[sheetz]

where can a third gate go? Maybe the best western parking lot?

If you go to the link there is a photo which clearly outlines where the park is expected to go: the Toy Story Lot across the street. The amount of land available on the Toy Story Lot is just enough to build a park slightly larger than DCA. To make up for the lost parking Disney plans to build another mega parking structure on one of the smaller lots they own.

To help with transportation around the resort Anaheim is also planning a streetcar project to help circulate guests.
http://www.anaheimfixedguideway.com/

 

[dwheaton]

This question is interesting because I've been wondering if DL is just a better experience due to the proximity of the two parks, the ability to stay so close for a reasonable price, the small space of the parks, and the number of attractions there. Plus, the visitors are more knowledgeable and seem friendlier. DW has EPCOT, which I love, but it needs a serious overhaul in its FW section. DAK is finally getting love, but DHS is in poor shape.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't know why DL would want to compete with WDW. When we have a WDW "vacation" all we want to do at the end of it is go to DL so we can actually relax. We LOVE DL. We LOVE Universal. WDW keeps getting visits because we thought it would be like Disneyland, and bought DVC before we'd even visited. DVC has made our WDW visits more pleasant (though I have absolutely nothing against the Values and Mods where we've stayed on our multi-split-stays) but I wish there were a DVC at Disneyland that I actually liked! (dislike the Grand)

Walt also complained about the "vegas-like" appearance surrounding DL property. These issues continue today.

We think of Vegas and we get an image in our minds. Whenever WD said that, Vegas had a much different mental picture when you brought it to mind. Anaheim is NOTHING like Vegas is today. It's silly to even think it's like Vegas, unless you are literally thinking of a long street of motels.

 

[Missymouse18]

just my opinion, wdw overpowered dl the day epcot opened.

You can certainly argue mk vs. Dl, but the vastness of the florida project is pretty overwhelming.

ditto

 

[JimmyV]

where can a third gate go? Maybe the best western parking lot?

They could build an Avatar Park and have it float above DL!