DL vs WDW

[LindaOwl1]

Just visited DL for the first time in 20 years, and have been to WDW several times in those 20 years. LOVE WDW, but really felt the Walt's Magic in DL! And DH liked that there was less walking involved.

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

To the OP, watch out! Apparently, there are some DL natives who are VERY into the "our resort is better" attitude (and I'm SURE there are WDW nativs who think the same thing about their resort!). I just had no idea it was such a "which one is better" type of thing... I always just figured that they were both great for different reasons. We'll see, I guess, as we're taking our first DL trip in a little over a month (yay!!) and we're also doing some other SoCal visiting, all of which we're REALLY excited about. Anyway, I think it's funny, but be careful with how you say "is it worth it" if you don't want to start something.

 

[HydroGuy]

To the OP, watch out! Apparently, there are some DL natives who are VERY into the "our resort is better" attitude (and I'm SURE there are WDW nativs who think the same thing about their resort!). I just had no idea it was such a "which one is better" type of thing... I always just figured that they were both great for different reasons. We'll see, I guess, as we're taking our first DL trip in a little over a month (yay!!) and we're also doing some other SoCal visiting, all of which we're REALLY excited about. Anyway, I think it's funny, but be careful with how you say "is it worth it" if you don't want to start something.

Surprised to hear you say this. While I do see WDW vets saying such things, I rarely see it from DLR vets. And I did not see it in this thread.

What I do often see on this forum are DLR vets who point out areas where DLR has advantages over WDW. I also see people who prefer DLR saying they prefer DLR. Not that it is better, but that they prefer it. And why.

DLR vets like me will get there hackles up when we see people post how WDW is better. Why? Well in my case it is because they have often rigged the game. They define what "better" is, and their definition lines up exactly with WDW stengths. They sort of define WDW as the standard for Disney vacations. And then everything that is different from WDW is somehow inferior.

There are many WDW vets who are open minded and say they "prefer" WDW and list the reasons why. As WDW has many areas where it exceeds DLR then people who prefer WDW strengths will then prefer WDW. Makes sense to me.

But there are people who prefer DLR strengths.

As for me, I am a DLR person at heart - hard not to be if you have been going all your life - but I see where WDW offers better things than DLR and I think it is cool that they do and I appreciate those things. I can't wait to get back on EE, RnR, the DHS Streetmosphere characters, Philharmagic, eat at the Sci-Fi Dine-In, see Illuminations, and a host of other things.

I am not looking forward to the humidity or the long transportation times between parks and hotels.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

There are many WDW vets who are open minded and say they "prefer" WDW and list the reasons why. As WDW has many areas where it exceeds DLR then people who prefer WDW strengths will then prefer WDW. Makes sense to me.

what? i read that three times and the second sentence still makes no sense to me.

 

[HydroGuy]

what? i read that three times and the second sentence still makes no sense to me.

Maybe an an example would clarify.

Most would agree that WDW offers more and better dining options than DLR. If dining is someone's #1 priority then they will most likely prefer WDW over DLR.

Futher, if they then say that WDW is better than DLR because it has better dining options, they have rigged the game. Why does dining get to be the #1 criteria? For them it may be. And for them it may make WDW better. But that does not make WDW better for people who do not have dining as the #1 priority. It would thus be misleading for such a person to then make a blanket statement that "WDW is better than DLR". A better, more useful statement would be "We prefer WDW over DLR because it has better dining and dining is very important to us."

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Maybe an an example would clarify.

Most would agree that WDW offers more and better dining options than DLR. If dining is someone's #1 priority then they will most likely prefer WDW over DLR.

Futher, if they then say that WDW is better than DLR because it has better dining options, they have rigged the game. Why does dining get to be the #1 criteria? For them it may be. And for them it may make WDW better. But that does not make WDW better for people who do not have dining as the #1 priority. It would thus be misleading for such a person to then make a blanket statement that "WDW is better than DLR". A better, more useful statement would be "We prefer WDW over DLR because it has better dining and dining is very important to us."

i understood the general point of your post. it was just that one sentence that confused the heck out of me. i don't know if it's the way it was worded or what.....haha.

but yeah...i agree about the dining example.

 

[bumbershoot]

To the OP, watch out! Apparently, there are some DL natives who are VERY into the "our resort is better" attitude


Anyway, I think it's funny, but be careful with how you say "is it worth it" if you don't want to start something.

Odd.

The OP asked it in a "which is better" way, and the post has been answered in many helpful, calm ways for going on 3 full days now, and no one has started something.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I agree , this has been a well mannered thread.
Can you not kinda understand why visiting a board devoted to DL, and having your main question be "is DLR worth visiting" or a variation on the theme.....might be a little insulting ?
Then consider that the same type of question is answered literally hundreds of times over the year......I think we are very gracious. Of course, that is the standard at DIS Boards.....so we are just meeting expectations, but we do it well.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

I've encountered a lot of DLR vets that are very outspoken about how "Disneyland is the better park."

And I've encountered a lot of WDW vets that are very outspoken about how "WDW is the better park."

I went to WDW three times at the ages of 6, 10, and 14. And once this year at the age of 26. My first visit to Disneyland was when I was 23 and I've been hundreds of times since. I don't consider either park "MY" park or my "home." I love them both for many different reasons. They are difference experiences...both of which are wonderful!

To WDW vets that are wondering if they should take the time to visit Disneyland...I'd say YES.

To Disneyland vets that are wondering if they should take the time to visit WDW...I'd say YES.

EDIT - to clarify. When I type "Disneyland" I mean Disneyland park and DCA. I've always just called the whole place "Disneyland." And I'm only recently starting to say WDW....because to me it's always just been "Disneyworld."

 

[HydroGuy]

I've encountered a lot of DLR vets that are very outspoken about how "Disneyland is the better park."

And I've encountered a lot of WDW vets that are very outspoken about how "WDW is the better park."

I went to WDW three times at the ages of 6, 10, and 14. And once this year at the age of 26. My first visit to Disneyland was when I was 23 and I've been hundreds of times since. I don't consider either park "MY" park or my "home." I love them both for many different reasons. They are difference experiences...both of which are wonderful!

To WDW vets that are wondering if they should take the time to visit Disneyland...I'd say YES.

To Disneyland vets that are wondering if they should take the time to visit WDW...I'd say YES.

Most WDW and DLR vets I read say DL is a better park than MK. Since you speak about parks here as opposed to resorts then I wanted to clarify. You may or may not see that and whatever you see is fine with me.

As for comparing resorts as a whole, I usually see both WDW and DLR vets (who have been to WDW) lean towards WDW as being better. IMO size does matter and WDW has it.

It is all very subjective and I agree with you that both are great destinations.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Most WDW and DLR vets I read say DL is a better park than MK. Since you speak about parks here as opposed to resorts then I wanted to clarify. You may or may not see that and whatever you see is fine with me.

As for comparing resorts as a whole, I usually see both WDW and DLR vets (who have been to WDW) lean towards WDW as being better. IMO size does matter and WDW has it.

It is all very subjective and I agree with you that both are great destinations.

In my post...I added a clarification at the bottom. I will restate it here for you as well.

I've always referred to both "resorts" (I think that sounds weird so I say "parks") as "Disneyland" and "Disneyworld"....I've recently started typing WDW because I've spent a lot of time with the fine people over on that board. But I have a hard time with "DLR" because I just call everything "Disneyland." I'm working on it...and sometimes I do say "DLR" but I'm just so used to "Disneyland."

There are quite a few people on the WDW section of the board that think The Magic Kingdom is better than Disneyland park. Personally, I like them both pretty much the same. But Fantasyland is a million times better at Disneyland. And Disneyland has better versions of a few rides. But The Magic Kingdom has a lot to offer as well. If I HAD to choose...I'd pick Disneyland. But as I said...they are both pretty awesome.

 

[nutty4wdw]

thanks everyone for the insightful input. i apologize if i gave some the impression that i was asking which park is better. not my intention.

i was asking the question in the way mrs bee answered. meaning would i be disappointed as a wdw vet if i went to dlr since i am use to several parks at wdw. but as everyone said both parks have their differences and can be enjoyed in their own right. as mrs bee suggested is it worth the time for wdw vets and dlr vets to visit the other park--yes.

once again appreciate the responses and again sorry if i seemed to insult anyone. i personally don't get into the "my park is better" thing.

 

[CoolPool]

Oh, nutty4wdw, I hope you aren't scared away by all this hoopla. I live about an hour away by car from DLR, and I still love WDW every inch as much. WDW is Florida, its a plane ride and real vacation for me. Its going to a place apart and feeling like a real kid again. And I absolutely love humidity. So good for the skin; there's a reason those Southern Belles don't look like dried up botoxed prunes like women here. DLR has its glory which consists of many of the same rides, slightly different, in a more compact area. It can give you a feeling of "where's the rest of it?" but its all there and a lot of fun. I love staying at the Disney resorts at DLR because I like that you can park your car and achieve at least a certain level of immersion, but nothing on the level of WDW. I think 5 days pretty much tops it. The max. You can easily do only 3 and still ride everything twice if you come during a slow season. And Alice in Wonderland is my favorite ride here. Really. And Soarin never has the long lines like you see at WDW.

*Written by an DLR Annual Pass holder.

 

[Hound 109]

thanks everyone for the insightful input. i apologize if i gave some the impression that i was asking which park is better. not my intention.

i was asking the question in the way mrs bee answered. meaning would i be disappointed as a wdw vet if i went to dlr since i am use to several parks at wdw. but as everyone said both parks have their differences and can be enjoyed in their own right. as mrs bee suggested is it worth the time for wdw vets and dlr vets to visit the other park--yes.

once again appreciate the responses and again sorry if i seemed to insult anyone. i personally don't get into the "my park is better" thing.

DLR is a great 3-5 day visit. As a WDW vet i do recommend you stay on-site your first time. Walking thru DTD to your room & for swims is much more of a Disney Vacation feeling than crossing Harbor to your hotel.

Do read the stickys on the DL first page & be aware of the ride differences, the restaurant differences & the touring strategy differences & you'll have a great time. & I agree with Cool Pool....Alice is great (but so is Matterhorn, Toadie & Pinocchio. )

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Oh, nutty4wdw, I hope you aren't scared away by all this hoopla. I live about an hour away by car from DLR, and I still love WDW every inch as much. WDW is Florida, its a plane ride and real vacation for me. Its going to a place apart and feeling like a real kid again. And I absolutely love humidity. So good for the skin; there's a reason those Southern Belles don't look like dried up botoxed prunes like women here. DLR has its glory which consists of many of the same rides, slightly different, in a more compact area. It can give you a feeling of "where's the rest of it?" but its all there and a lot of fun. I love staying at the Disney resorts at DLR because I like that you can park your car and achieve at least a certain level of immersion, but nothing on the level of WDW. I think 5 days pretty much tops it. The max. You can easily do only 3 and still ride everything twice if you come during a slow season. And Alice in Wonderland is my favorite ride here. Really. And Soarin never has the long lines like you see at WDW.

*Written by an DLR Annual Pass holder.

love the botox line!! HAHAHA!!!

 

[Mrs. Bee]

DLR is a great 3-5 day visit. As a WDW vet i do recommend you stay on-site your first time. Walking thru DTD to your room & for swims is much more of a Disney Vacation feeling than crossing Harbor to your hotel.

Do read the stickys on the DL first page & be aware of the ride differences, the restaurant differences & the touring strategy differences & you'll have a great time. & I agree with Cool Pool....Alice is great (but so is Matterhorn, Toadie & Pinocchio. )

Have fun planning a visit to Walt's Park.

Yeah....and Snow White's Scary Adventure is good for a laugh.
"....and they lived happily ever after." The ending is so abrupt and barely finishes the story. WDW's is more of a complete story. But it's still fun to see how "the other park" does it.

 

[fairycat]

I've encountered a lot of DLR vets that are very outspoken about how "Disneyland is the better park."

And I've encountered a lot of WDW vets that are very outspoken about how "WDW is the better park."

I went to WDW three times at the ages of 6, 10, and 14. And once this year at the age of 26. My first visit to Disneyland was when I was 23 and I've been hundreds of times since. I don't consider either park "MY" park or my "home." I love them both for many different reasons. They are difference experiences...both of which are wonderful!

OMG seriously you are only 26??? Here I thought you were old enough to be my Mom!!!

 

[Mrs. Bee]

OMG seriously you are only 26??? Here I thought you were old enough to be my Mom!!!

why did you think i was old enough to be your mom??

 

[fairycat]

why did you think i was old enough to be your mom??

Your husbands avatar with all the kids, the fact that you made it sound like you had been to DLR in the old days and just some other stuff. I just thought you were much older.

It's kind of like when you first see a picture of a person you met online and think OMG your not blond! Because for some reason you thought this person looked a certain way in your head and you see they don't after you may have talked to them for years.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Your husbands avatar with all the kids, the fact that you made it sound like you had been to DLR in the old days and just some other stuff. I just thought you were much older.

It's kind of like when you first see a picture of a person you met online and think OMG your not blond! Because for some reason you thought this person looked a certain way in your head and you see they don't after you may have talked to them for years.

so that wasn't meant as an insult then?

my hubby's avatar is a screen shot from National Lampoon's Vacation (which is where he got the screen name Quest4Fun...search youtube for the video clip the the "quest for fun" speech...it's pretty funny..unless you don't like crude language.)

And nope...never went to DL in the old days. I have all the dates of my trips underneath my screen name.

And if you wonder what the hubby and I look like...I have tons of pictures in my WDW trip report in my sig...haha. And in case you were picturing me as a blonde or brunette...I'm a redhead. Haha.

I know what you mean though...it's often shocking to find out what people actually look like.

I'm babbling and it's off topic. Sorry.

DL vs. WDW. I love both. I want to go back to both parks ASAP.
The order in which I like the Disney parks I've been to...

1. Disneyland and Animal Kingdom are basically a tie.
2. Epcot
3. California Adventure
4. The Magic Kingdom in FL
5. MGM (or Hollywood Studios as it's called now.)

Really DCA and MK are pretty much a tie. Some day I feel I like MK better and some days I like DCA better. It's a toss up. But I LOVE DL, AK, and Epcot!