DL no longer an equal to WDW?

[DebbieB]

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. I alternate between the two and love both. This year is WDW, next year is DL.

 

[Kristina4109]

I grew up with WDW. First trip 1976. I watched as that property grew and changed over the years. I moved to L.A. in 1995. Fell in love with Disneyland and watched the expansion to where it is today.

I continue to go to both WDW and DL. They are two completely different experiences and I plan for them very differently. Asking me which I like best is like asking a mother of two which of her kids she likes best.

As for the size factor - there are people who will say that WDW will always be superior because they have more room to expand and bring in new things. But there are also people who say they prefer the smaller size of Disneyland and the fact that it's so compact makes it easier to tour effectively.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that Disneyland is itself a superior park to any individual park in Florida but of course overall the resort in Florida is way better. Luckily there is a lot to do in California too which will likely help bring in the tourists.

 

[mefordis]

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.

IMO it is indeed. I can stay at Grand Californian, walk out the back door into Calif Adventure. Then later walz on over to DL, and then in the evening hit DTD -- all on foot and not that much walking!

Oh, and I can grab Fast Passes all day long. Also it's not as crowded.

 

[999DoomBuggies]

It would not hurt if disney decided to do away with the amusement park phenomenon in Cali adventure and focus on making this portion an actual theme park. Maybe that can allot for expansion?

Either way, if disney gets something like lord of the rings land then there are very few paths for disneyland to bring it to life in the same way universal is throwing down on Potter. Space is the issue. There is no ignoring this issue. I love both parks and will likely be at dl in August but I just can't see how growth is possible at dl.

 

[scoker]

For me it is almost an apples to oranges comparison. They are similar yet different experiences. My family is doing a "big" WDW trip this year but we've done 3 shorter DLR trips in the past 4 years. For us DLR is an "easier" vacation. It doesn't require quite as much planning yet still has plenty of Disney magic. No matter how big WDW gets I don't think DLR is going away. We live in Texas so we are a little closer to WDW but 4 night trips to DLR work really well for our family.

 

[Maggie7313]

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.

I adore DL for all of these reasons. It is just so easy. Add in better weather, the corn dogs at the Little Red Wagon, and the pure joy of the DL versions of Pirates and Space Mountain, and the only things that keep me going back to WDW are Boma and the PeopleMover.

I know a lot of people love being in the Disney bubble and that doesn't exist so much at DL but I actually love the proximity to the real world. I can fill 10 days far more enjoyably in Southern California than I can in Florida.

 

[famy27]

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.

We just did our first onsite DL trip in March for spring break. It was fantastic, for all of the reasons you mention. We walked out of Grand Californian and into DCA, got some FPs, rode some ride, went to DL, got more FPs, rode more rides, went back to DCA and rode RSR with our FPs, and then walked to DTD for dinner. We walked a lot, but it didn't feel like as much walking as WDW. No buses, no waiting. And the food prices were so much better. A character breakfast where you can order off the menu and not do a buffet? I think my meal was $15, and it was delicious.

I love WDW as well, but I was pleasantly surprised by DLR. They are different, but they are both wonderful.

 

[DebbieB]

It would not hurt if disney decided to do away with the amusement park phenomenon in Cali adventure and focus on making this portion an actual theme park. Maybe that can allot for expansion?

Either way, if disney gets something like lord of the rings land then there are very few paths for disneyland to bring it to life in the same way universal is throwing down on Potter. Space is the issue. There is no ignoring this issue. I love both parks and will likely be at dl in August but I just can't see how growth is possible at dl.

Not a theme park? Have you been there recently? California Adventure is awesome after the recent renovation. Carsland is probably the best themed area of DL or WDW. The Paradise Pier section is more amusement park. California Screamin is my favorite coaster anywhere. World of Color is a great show (wish they had seating). Grand Californian Hotel is the best hotel of DL or WDW.

 

[MillauFr]

As for the size factor - there are people who will say that WDW will always be superior because they have more room to expand and bring in new things. But there are also people who say they prefer the smaller size of Disneyland and the fact that it's so compact makes it easier to tour effectively.

Disneyworld's vast size seems like a huge weakness in my mind. Read any thread about the buses and ask how much time you should plan for on traveling between resorts. Many people will recommend allocating a hour. This is completely unacceptable in my mind. I can stay offsite at Disneyland and be at the front gate in 10 minutes. There is no way you can do this at Disneyworld.

They did a poor job on planning the World. Starting with a blank slate you would have expected they would have made efficient movement around the complex a top priority. They did not and guests now have to suffer the consequences.

 

[sethschroeder]

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.

Go to google maps satellite view and get back to me. Many spots to add another park including just north of Epcot which could then connect 3 parks via monorail.

Also check out
http://**************.net/2011/11/1...om-and-walt-disney-worlds-5th-park-continued/

 

[Networth]

WDW already dwarfs DL. You will find the DL die hards that will deny it but it's a fact. It's larger by thousands of acres, it has more theme parks, has water parks, a larger DD, many many more hotels, more restaurants, more recreations and so on. Walt new Anaheim's limitations which is why "The Florida Project" was ever even started. It's like comparing a high school football field to the astrodome.

DL is great for being the first and Walt's baby it will always be special but you can't compare the two. Also their will never be a 3rd gate at DL their is physically no room to do it. Technically Disney could try to buy land already in use but that land would cost a heck of a lot per acre. Point being 3rd gate at DL, never gonna happen. Which I'm glad keep it small and nostalgic. As for room at WDW they could probably build for another 20-30 years before running into problems. Just look at the county/zoning maps.

 

[Daddy Mack]

I'm from Georgia and have always gone WDW growing up. My first time at DL was 5 years ago. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DL because:

(a) I can stay in affordable hotels right across from the parks,
(b) DL is better than MK because Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Indiana Jones Ride,
(c) DCA is right across from DL, again all within walking distance of my hotel,
(d) DCA has some of the best rides at the other WDW parks: Soarin, TSM, Rapids, TOT,
(e) My kids get out of school in late May. I won't to WDW then because it is way too crowded. DL, however, does not get real crowded until mid-June when the California schools get out. I've been twice in that two week window. It's wonderful.

I say all of this as someone who has been to WDW 6 times in the last 5 years.

 

[happysummer]

I think DW surpassed DL a long time ago. DL is great for the local people and someone looking for a quick trip. DW is a vacation away from the real world. I hate the area around DL and it just seems to get worse and worse.
Everyone has their preferences but I love the disney bubble and the safety of staying on the property.

 

[MillauFr]

safety of staying on the property.

Just make sure you are never at the head of the rope drop and in front of the masses trying to Anna and Elsa. Talk about not safe...

 

[Donut23]

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.

Amen!

DL has a special magic WDW will never have. It's the original.

DL is a special park. Closer to the Grownups in Burbank, it has not been allowed to become shabby around the edges like WDW. The castmembers are more on their toes out there because you just never know who could show up.

Funny. DL attendance surged during the last few years as WDW has held pretty flat.

DL needs not look in the rear view mirror and worry about WDW. It is a park altogether unique with all the charm many of us miss now at WDW. Not to mention so many of the similar rides are so much better at DL!

Besides having the best Disney Resort in the US (Grand Californian), so much is so much better out there.

 

[mummabear]

WDW already dwarfs DL. You will find the DL die hards that will deny it but it's a fact. It's larger by thousands of acres, it has more theme parks, has water parks, a larger DD, many many more hotels, more restaurants, more recreations and so on. Walt new Anaheim's limitations which is why "The Florida Project" was ever even started. It's like comparing a high school football field to the astrodome.

DL is great for being the first and Walt's baby it will always be special but you can't compare the two. Also their will never be a 3rd gate at DL their is physically no room to do it. Technically Disney could try to buy land already in use but that land would cost a heck of a lot per acre. Point being 3rd gate at DL, never gonna happen. Which I'm glad keep it small and nostalgic. As for room at WDW they could probably build for another 20-30 years before running into problems. Just look at the county/zoning maps.

But the fact is that DL/DCA have more attractions between their 2 parks than WDW does between its 4.
And many of them are considered to be the superior versions (POTC, TOT, Indy, Cali Screamin, Teacups, HM)
Obviously the MK's castle kicks butt!

 

[mikana876]

The two parks are not meant to be equals. They are each their own experience. And it's all about personal preference.

I personally like DL better because:

A)I grew up on the west coast, so I grew up going to DL.
B) I'm still closer to DL and can get there without needing flights. Flights to WDW for my family of 4, from my rural area cost $2500.
C) I save a ton of money on hotels at DL since I don't have to stay on property like at WDW. (I know I don't "have" to stay on property at WDW, but there is so much more incentive to do so at WDW than at DL).
D) The attractions at DL are so much closer together.
E) DL needs far less planning.
F) Food is cheaper at DL since we don't do any table seating meals.
G) I need less time off work to go to DL.

 

[sheetz]

Also their will never be a 3rd gate at DL their is physically no room to do it. Technically Disney could try to buy land already in use but that land would cost a heck of a lot per acre. Point being 3rd gate at DL, never gonna happen. Which I'm glad keep it small and nostalgic.

I don't know why you and other WDW fans insist that DLR has no room to expand when it's been already explained otherwise. Back in 2001 Disney themselves put up a website explaining future expansion possibilities. It was taken down after DCA flopped and 9/11 but was saved by fans.
http://thirdthemepark.tannerworld.com/

Then in 2007 as the economy improved there was renewed speculation in the LA Times.
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/22/local/me-disney22

Disney won't say what the latest plan is for Anaheim, but sources familiar with the planning process said Disney wants to mimic its Florida blueprint in Anaheim: add time-share units, bring its popular cruise line to the West Coast and zero in on high-end consumers with boutique hotels. New attractions for its lackluster California Adventure are in the works, and Disney is giving fresh consideration to its long-promised third theme park.

Now in complete recovery from 9/11 -- and sitting on a pile of cash after posting 30% revenue increases following its successful 50th anniversary -- Disney is looking ambitiously toward the future.

"It's about changing Anaheim into Orlando -- making this into a national and international tourist space," said blogger Jim Hill, a Disney watchdog.
.
.
.
In Anaheim, there's no shortage of demand. Disney's three hotels -- the original Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and the Grand Californian -- are operating at an extraordinary 93% occupancy. Citywide occupancy rates hover around 72%.

The company has slowly but steadily amassed 460 acres in Anaheim, including a prime chunk of strawberry fields down Harbor Boulevard from Disneyland that is the designated site of a third park.

And someone is approaching the field's neighboring landowners, trying to buy up land. Corona del Mar resident Benjamin Kraut, 81, said Disney offered to buy his 5 acres several years ago. Then, six months ago, a suitor Kraut declined to name offered him $14.5 million for the land where he co-owns a 90-unit apartment complex. He said it is not for sale.

Then just last year they bought another 11 acres of land nearby.
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201309/3643/

Disney has slowly been buying up parcels in Anaheim for years, likely decades. To think they haven't been planning for future expansion is foolish, and severely underestimates their financial acumen.

 

[DOOM1001]

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.

I've heard Disney has room for up to 8 parks,I remember hearing a 5th parks most likely location would be on the west side of World Dr. around Epcot Center drive.If they have room for 4 more parks you know there's room for another 8-10 resorts as well as another water park,they also have the unfinished Flamingo Crossings area where they already built some nicely landscaped roads but apparently the economy stopped it from getting developed.