Going to DW when all I want to do is go to DL*Update*

[peyjax]

Why can't DL feel more inclusive? Everything seems to be seperated to where you feel nickled and dimed. For our family the hotel and dining is part of the vacation. It seems in DL to make it cost effective you have to stay at a roadside motel and eat churros for dinner! LOL not that there is anything wrong with that. It just seems like it is more of the day trip type destination when I want it to be the week long vacation destination.

We booked DW as a back up but all I really want is DL however it seems so overwhelming to plan it out like a vacation.

So how do you get DL to feel more like a vacation than a day trip all the while not breaking the bank?

ETA:Disneyland Won out!! We booked our flights and car rental. After some creative budgeting we realized it would not be much more than DW. We are super excited. We are even adding Yosemite in the middle.

 

[Huff]

For those that make dining and resort activities a major part of their vacation then by all means DW is a better choice. This is a big reason why we enjoy our DW trips.

For those that make rides and attractions their main part then DL is the better choice. DLR has roughly 85% as many rides, shows and attractions in two parks as DW has in 4. You can park hop in minutes rather than taking a bus, boat or monorail. That allows you to do more in less time. Everything is right there.

We love both DLR and DW but for different types of vacations.

 

[Magalex]

I think I am debating the same question in my mind. I would love to visit DL next July 2013. We are WDW vets & never been to DL. But not to thrill thinking I have to stay at a small old motel when we are use to staying on-site at WDW(value or moderate) & so immerse in Disney everything If we don't get to stay at DLH or PPH will I feel so let down to spend so much on the West Coast. We enjoy the WDW resorts as part of our total vacation experience

 

[AngelDisney]

Ditto here! Staying at DL onsite for 5 days costs more than staying at DW moderate hotel with free dining upgraded to deluxe for 9 days. Even flight from Toronto to LA costs more. Summer is the only time I can travel and the prices are much higher at peak seasons.

 

[HydroGuy]

Why can't DL feel more inclusive? Everything seems to be seperated to where you feel nickled and dimed. For our family the hotel and dining is part of the vacation. It seems in DL to make it cost effective you have to stay at a roadside motel and eat churros for dinner! LOL not that there is anything wrong with that. It just seems like it is more of the day trip type destination when I want it to be the week long vacation destination.

We booked DW as a back up but all I really want is DL however it seems so overwhelming to plan it out like a vacation.

So how do you get DL to feel more like a vacation than a day trip all the while not breaking the bank?

Why can't DL feel more inclusive? Why can't WDW be easier to plan for?

DLR and WDW are different. Folks who have over the years gotten used to all the issues at WDW sometimes no longer understand what it is like for first timers. How in the world is a first timer supposed to even know that they need to book ADRs and choose their parks 6 months in advance if they want to eat at the preferred places at the preferred times? If they even know what the preferred places are. If that is the price for inclusive then maybe WDW is too inclusive.

Really the bottom line is DLR is not WDW. If you want it to be more like WDW then maybe WDW is a better choice. If you want something different then maybe DLR is a better choice. Believe it or not DLR is better than WDW in many regards.

DLR's strength is not the combined resort level experience. It is the quality of the rides and shows. WDW vets tend to value the resort experience. DLR vets tend to value the park experience. Anyone who thinks that one experience is inherently better than the other is making a mistake IMO and will miss out on something truly magical.

 

[KCmike]

Ummm.....Grand Californian, Napa Rose, Storytellers, Trader Sams, Steakhouse 55, 2 parks no busses and a downtown disney, the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean within 20 minutes and better rides, fireworks, stage shows, and World of Color. Who needs Disneyworld? We went back in 2011 and the magic Kingdom felt big and heartless, seriously. The only thing I miss is Epcot. Just my two cents.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Why can't DL feel more inclusive? Why can't WDW be easier to plan for?

DLR and WDW are different. Folks who have over the years gotten used to all the issues at WDW sometimes no longer understand what it is like for first timers. How in the world is a first timer supposed to even know that they need to book ADRs and choose their parks 6 months in advance if they want to eat at the preferred places at the preferred times? If they even know what the preferred places are. If that is the price for inclusive then maybe WDW is too inclusive.

Really the bottom line is DLR is not WDW. If you want it to be more like WDW then maybe WDW is a better choice. If you want something different then maybe DLR is a better choice. Believe it or not DLR is better than WDW in many regards.

DLR's strength is not the combined resort level experience. It is the quality of the rides and shows. WDW vets tend to value the resort experience. DLR vets tend to value the park experience. Anyone who thinks that one experience is inherently better than the other is making a mistake IMO and will miss out on something truly magical.

Nice

I appreciate both for the different experiences I get at each one. I hope those of you who do come out to DLR can see just how special these parks are.

 

[HydroGuy]

Ummm.....Grand Californian, Napa Rose, Storytellers, Trader Sams, Steakhouse 55, 2 parks no busses and a downtown disney, the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean within 20 minutes and better rides, fireworks, stage shows, and World of Color. Who needs Disneyworld? We went back in 2011 and the magic Kingdom felt big and heartless, seriously. The only thing I miss is Epcot. Just my two cents.

Mike, I am glad you have been converted! Really. But I have to give WDW some love!

I love the DHS park. I love streetmosphere characters. I love the music at WDW (can you say Off Kilter and Mulch, Sweat & Shears?). I love the food variety. I enjoy Epcot more every time. MK is OK but yes DL is better. But WDW is just a ton of fun. And a ton of magic.

 

[PigletGurl]

small old motels? i don't know what you're referring too but the roadside motels are actually very nice HOTELS

 

[Happy Dreams1]

Why can't DL feel more inclusive? Everything seems to be seperated to where you feel nickled and dimed. For our family the hotel and dining is part of the vacation. It seems in DL to make it cost effective you have to stay at a roadside motel and eat churros for dinner! LOL not that there is anything wrong with that. It just seems like it is more of the day trip type destination when I want it to be the week long vacation destination.

We booked DW as a back up but all I really want is DL however it seems so overwhelming to plan it out like a vacation.

So how do you get DL to feel more like a vacation than a day trip all the while not breaking the bank?

This is certainly NOT true. I have been going to Disneyland since I was four and i'm 17 right now. We used to stay at the Embassy Suites hotel( very pricy and elegant) until I was a pre-teen. Then, we moved on to the Fairfield Inn Marriott. It is literally 4 minutes ( walking time) from Disneyland's entrance. This hotel is obviously not a motel and is actually quite nice. Why got to such extremes of mentioning roadside motels? In fact, I barely see any that are walking distance. We had a trip this May/June and stayed there for two weeks.

We've tried looking at the costs for WDW vacations and have trouble finding any hotel that first within the budget and quality of those like Fairfield Inn, Hojo and neighboring ones.

But seriously, consider the Fairfield Inn, we got it at about $100 per night and it is fairly huge.

I think I am debating the same question in my mind. I would love to visit DL next July 2013. We are WDW vets & never been to DL. But not to thrill thinking I have to stay at a small old motel when we are use to staying on-site at WDW(value or moderate) & so immerse in Disney everything If we don't get to stay at DLH or PPH will I feel so let down to spend so much on the West Coast. We enjoy the WDW resorts as part of our total vacation experience

Seriously? Can you name these "small old motels" you claim to be the only option?

Everyone who goes to WDW regularly seems to downgrade and underestimate DLR and just everything in its area. Why? Quality over quantity, people, not like WDW has MUCH more than DLR.

 

[peyjax]

For those that make rides and attractions their main part then DL is the better choice. DLR has roughly 85% as many rides, shows and attractions in two parks as DW has in 4. You can park hop in minutes rather than taking a bus, boat or monorail.

Awesome point to think about! Thanks

Really the bottom line is DLR is not WDW. If you want it to be more like WDW then maybe WDW is a better choice. If you want something different then maybe DLR is a better choice. Believe it or not DLR is better than WDW in many regards.

DLR's strength is not the combined resort level experience. It is the quality of the rides and shows. WDW vets tend to value the resort experience. DLR vets tend to value the park experience. Anyone who thinks that one experience is inherently better than the other is making a mistake IMO and will miss out on something truly magical.

That is just it I need to change my mindset. I certainly do not think one is better than the other, however with 3 small kids one does seem easier than the other. Did I mention I really really wanted to go to DL? Thinking I might need to get over the resort obsession.

 

[peyjax]

Ummm.....Grand Californian, Napa Rose, Storytellers, Trader Sams, Steakhouse 55, 2 parks no busses and a downtown disney, the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean within 20 minutes and better rides, fireworks, stage shows, and World of Color. Who needs Disneyworld? We went back in 2011 and the magic Kingdom felt big and heartless, seriously. The only thing I miss is Epcot. Just my two cents.

Umm.... if I could swing all that, DW would not be on my radar for a long time. LOL

 

[HydroGuy]

That is just it I need to change my mindset. I certainly do not think one is better than the other, however with 3 small kids one does seem easier than the other. Did I mention I really really wanted to go to DL? Thinking I might need to get over the resort obsession.

Hmmm. I would say DLR is better with three small kids. Walking distance hotels make it easier to get away on short notice. If you have strollers then no need to get them off and on buses. No need to make dining reservations which might change because of the issues with small children. A better Fantasyland at DL. Better weather so not as much need to deal with uncomfortable kids. More rides closer together so less walking.

To my mind WDW starts gaining ground over DLR as kids turn into teens and tweens. DisneyQuest. Water parks. Dining variety. Rock music bands. World Showcase.

 

[quantumottle]

For our family the hotel and dining is part of the vacation.

The quote above is the key to everything. For the past 5 years I have made a hobby of turning WDW fans into DL fans. I've had a 100% success rate so far, as long as they answer NO to these two questions.

1) Is your favorite WDW park Animal Kingdom or Epcot? (because there's nothing at DL to replace these two parks)

2) Does your family enjoy the hotel as much or more than the parks?

For my family, it's all about the parks. If you are going primarily to enjoy the hotel, then I've learned, you will prefer WDW to DL. This sounds like it applies in your case as well.

 

[Huff]

1) Is your favorite WDW park Animal Kingdom or Epcot? (because there's nothing at DL to replace these two parks)

For most where Epcot is their favorite they tend to like World Showcase. If its rides or attractions then DCA has Cars Land for Test Track fans, Soar'n and Turtle Talk. DL has Nemo Subs instead of Nemo dark ride and Captain EO. Main thing lacking is that ever popular free Beverly soda that only Epcot has.

Animal Kingdom has little thats at DLR. Bugs Life is at DCA, Goofy's Flight School in DCA is kinda like Primeval Whirl. The carnival games are mostly available at DCA.

 

[rsleleux]

I live in Louisiana and it is definitely much more convenient for my family to spend 7 nites/8days at WDW in a moderate resort (I've stayed in all the mods) then to spend 3nts/4 days at DLR on Harbor at FFI or Hojo! It is essentially cheaper for us to go to WDW with a dining plan for a longer period of time than to fly to SNA for A FEW DAYS!

Having said that...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DLR and I won't give it up! There are so many reasons to prefer DLR (for us, it's mainly the weather! It is absolutely perfect! A lite jacket in the morning and you are good to go!) Florida is hot and muggy. We like the atmosphere at DL and WOC and Fantasmic are phenomenal! WDW nighttime shows don't hold a candle to it! It's fun to experience the rides that the other park doesn't have! While I love DLR, (Splash,Space and BTMRR are the same essentially) I do miss Rocking Rollercoaster and Expedition Everest at WDW!

I love WDW for the fact that it is a completely different experience with a table service dinner or character breakfast scheduled each day! We like to experience the resorts there as well, I've been to each one to have a meal and check out the resort while there (but we usually drive so it is much more convenient to get around than the buses that don't go resort to resort)

We are surprising my son for his birthday this October and going back to DLR to see Carsland! I can't wait! Then we have the week off for MardiGras and we are heading to WDW to stay at the POR in the Royal Rooms and see the expansion of Fantasyland! I can't wait for that either! Both trips will cost EXACTLY the same amount of money, thanks to my disney visa and the 6 months free financing I will be able to pull this off! WDW will be easier to plan because I am a WDW vet.

Every trip is different with different Hotels and dining at different restaurants! Some ppl think we are crazy for going back over and over but We just love it! I can find things to love at both parks! I am exhausted at the end of the day at both parks too! Due to cost, I can't go to DLR as easy as I can every year @ WDW BUT I wish I could!

 

[rsleleux]

Why can't DL feel more inclusive? Why can't WDW be easier to plan for?

DLR and WDW are different. Folks who have over the years gotten used to all the issues at WDW sometimes no longer understand what it is like for first timers. How in the world is a first timer supposed to even know that they need to book ADRs and choose their parks 6 months in advance if they want to eat at the preferred places at the preferred times? If they even know what the preferred places are. If that is the price for inclusive then maybe WDW is too inclusive.

Really the bottom line is DLR is not WDW. If you want it to be more like WDW then maybe WDW is a better choice. If you want something different then maybe DLR is a better choice. Believe it or not DLR is better than WDW in many regards.

DLR's strength is not the combined resort level experience. It is the quality of the rides and shows. WDW vets tend to value the resort experience. DLR vets tend to value the park experience. Anyone who thinks that one experience is inherently better than the other is making a mistake IMO and will miss out on something truly magical.

I couldn't agree more! I just explained that in my previous post and when I read this, I thought it was stated in a way that could not be better!

 

[HydroGuy]

Animal Kingdom has little thats at DLR. Bugs Life is at DCA, Goofy's Flight School in DCA is kinda like Primeval Whirl. The carnival games are mostly available at DCA.

FWIW, Dino is like Indy and KRR is like GRR.

Not disagreeing about the sentiment about AK, just adding a couple rides you may have missed.

 

[Judy from Boise]

I love them both, but what I especially appreciate about WDW is that they run their night shows 365days a year. We are off time travelers , and it is so frustrating to not have fireworks at DL except on weekends.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Magalex]

Sorry I did mean to offend any DL regulars when I mention "small old motels" I do have a list what we may choose: HoJo's, Candy Cane Inn & the Fairfield Inn. We will be dancing & excited when we are packed & ready to go. But do I hope I can swing the DLH, oh yea! Just because as a little girl DLH was always shown with Disneyland in photos or tv.
Because we might not be ever able to return to DL or years in between.

I am sure it is similar for first timers at WDW looking at the GF but their budget fits POP.