Is going to DLR worth it anymore?

[rileyz]

It's not worth going. Especially August 2-7th.

 

[whoever]

None of the areas that are closed are a big loss. The Island is a waste of space and we haven't been there in years. All of the good rides are still open.

There's only one ride in Disneyland. There's a LOT of attractions though. Those ATTRACTIONS (which BTR and TSI are part of) are what differentiates DL from amusement parks. Those spaces were and still are critical to the atmosphere of DL and will be SORELY missed.

 

[TexasErin]

We just returned from a week at WDW. Yes, there were a lot of things to do/see, etc. However, just to give my honest opinion, I think we are going to stick to DL for now on. I know it's different for everyone, but I just found it to be "too much". My husband is not a big Disney freak, so I think the Disney everything 24/7 was not his cup of tea. Also, my kids are 5 and 8, so although The Magic Kingdom and The Animal Kingdom were great for them, Epcot didn't have much for them (only ended up spending half a day there), and we were done with Hollywood Studios after half a day as well. It could be that I was raised in California, and my family visited Disneyland at least once a year, and I have a certain comfort level with DL, but I just find it so much easier. We will generally go to DL for 5 days with a 3-day hopper, and do a day on, a day off (go to the beach, etc.). We would go for rope drop, stay until about 1-2 in the afternoon, go back to the hotel, take a long break, swim, nap, etc, then return back to the park around 6-7 until close to closing. Then on the off day, we would sleep in and go to the beach later in the day. When we were at WDW, it was "go, go go go go go.......". Because everything is so spread out, park hopping just wasn't in the cards. Also, the threat of rain everyday was too stressful, and having to carry ponchos in my backpack everyday was a hassle. I also like that at DL, you can exit the park and have a bunch of normal (non-Disney) restaurants to choose from if you didn't want to spend $100 on a standard meal inside of the park. If you throw out Animal Kingdom, DL has pretty much everything that WDW has, divided between 2 parks that you can easily hop between. It also has Carsland! My son kept asking if we were going to do the Star Wars stuff, and where was Carsland, and I had to explain to him that we were only going to have 1 day at that park, later in the week. He's used to DL, and getting to do Star Tours every day. Also, having to sign up for Jedi training in advance, and getting there right at opening just to see a 75 minute long line just to sign up? No thanks. We will go back to WDW, maybe in a few years when the kids are older and will get more out of their visit, but at least for the next few years, we will go to DL instead. However, I did really like the magic bands, and would be thrilled if DL had something similar one of these days.
Another thing I really didn't like......parking at the Magic Kingdom, having to fight to get on a tram (I mean really, people were really acting like animals over this thing) just to wait in a herd of people to get on that ferry. That must have been an hour and a half process. In Anaheim, you might not have dozens of Disney owned properties to choose from, but you have other options like Marriotts, Hiltons, various boutique hotels that have access to a trolley that drops you off right in front of the park entrance, and averages anywhere from 5-10 minutes. I find that system to be less than a hassle, and on top of all of that, there are many hotels within walking distance as well. I have done both.
Some people who always go to WDW might think DLR is lame because it has less, but for me, and for my family, it's a better fit for us.

I totally agree. I could have written this post myself. We are WDW veterans who had our first DLR trip in 2014; we loved it so much that we went again in 2015. Per DS's request (and that we own DVC at AKV and BLT), we returned to WDW again 5/27/16 - 6/6/16. After having a taste of DLR, we don't enjoy WDW as much. WDW is just so much more hassle than DLR- I'm NOT a fan of FP+. And the horrible heat, humidity, thunderstorms, LONG commutes. While we will miss Spaceship Earth, Ellen's Energy Adventure (YES, we do LOVE it!), and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (SO MUCH FREAKING FUN!!), I'm so glad that my family is in agreement that we go back to DLR next year. We bought a GCV resale contract, but will still occasionally go back to WDW at some point.

Although we had a rental car at WDW, it is still a hassle to get to the MK. Having to park at the TTC means you still have to rely on cramped Disney transportation. We also think the food is better at DLR. And I love feeling Walt's presence!

 

[GatorChris]

While we will miss Spaceship Earth, Ellen's Energy Adventure (YES, we do LOVE it!), and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (SO MUCH FREAKING FUN!!), I'm so glad that my family is in agreement that we go back to DLR next year.

We also think the food is better at DLR. And I love feeling Walt's presence!

Hold on.... You actually LIKE Universe of Energy? That nearly invalidates any point you could ever make! The only time we rode it, I kept rooting for the dinosaurs to eat Ellen.

I guess that holds true for the food, too. What I miss about WDW is the amazing array of food - especially at Epcot. But even the Flame Tree BBQ at AK no longer has a counterpart at DL since they took out BTRBBQ. But this all leads to another question: is WDW worth it if I have to spend nearly $2K to get there? ... And that's why we bough DL APs.

 

[TexasErin]

Hold on.... You actually LIKE Universe of Energy? That nearly invalidates any point you could ever make! The only time we rode it, I kept rooting for the dinosaurs to eat Ellen.

I guess that holds true for the food, too. What I miss about WDW is the amazing array of food - especially at Epcot. But even the Flame Tree BBQ at AK no longer has a counterpart at DL since they took out BTRBBQ. But this all leads to another question: is WDW worth it if I have to spend nearly $2K to get there? ... And that's why we bough DL APs.

LOL. Yes, we are weirdoes who love the Universe of Energy. We think Ellen DeGeneres is hilarious....and I've always been a big dinosaur nerd....

We do love the food in Epcot. Our favorite meals this trip were Via Napoli, Teppan Edo, and San Angel Inn (yes, I know that is not a popular opinion either, but we do love San Angel Inn.) We will miss the food at Epcot, but I think everything else at WDW has little taste, especially the deserts. At Hollywood Studios, I sent my flavorless steak back at Mama Melrose because it was not as done as I like it; ironically when it was brought back, it was very well-seasoned and I ended up loving it---not sure why it was so bad the first time??

 

[Tigerlily75]

It is well worth a 14 hour flight for me!

We were there in January, just as things were starting to close down, for Stars Wars land and changes/refurbished. We saw Aladdin on it's very last day (lots of tears from locals). We also got to see the last Fantasmic.

Even with things shut down, there was so much to do that we still didn't get to see it all or do it all in our 3.5 days. We didn't even see Toontown. Never got to BMTR, or Splash Mountain. Never got to to do Enchanted Tiki Lounge, or Mickeys Big Wheel.

So we are coming back in September. This time 5 full days. It's well worth the cost and 14 hour flight for us, I absolutely loved Disneyland

 

[Isatricia]

I totally agree. I could have written this post myself. We are WDW veterans who had our first DLR trip in 2014; we loved it so much that we went again in 2015. Per DS's request (and that we own DVC at AKV and BLT), we returned to WDW again 5/27/16 - 6/6/16. After having a taste of DLR, we don't enjoy WDW as much. WDW is just so much more hassle than DLR- I'm NOT a fan of FP+. And the horrible heat, humidity, thunderstorms, LONG commutes. While we will miss Spaceship Earth, Ellen's Energy Adventure (YES, we do LOVE it!), and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (SO MUCH FREAKING FUN!!), I'm so glad that my family is in agreement that we go back to DLR next year. We bought a GCV resale contract, but will still occasionally go back to WDW at some point.

Although we had a rental car at WDW, it is still a hassle to get to the MK. Having to park at the TTC means you still have to rely on cramped Disney transportation. We also think the food is better at DLR. And I love feeling Walt's presence!

Interesting assessments....We went to WDW last year and decided to not go back there. We much prefer DL and that is our next trip in November. We were able to park hop at WDW - on our final day we did all 4 parks and would have ridden all the good rides if it weren't for the endless thunderstorms that hit late afternoon. I won't miss Seven Dwarf's Mine train - we all hated it. Expedition Everest was great though!

 

[22Tink]

I love Disneyland!! It's definitely worth it to me and I can't see that ever changing! Even if there are attractions closed I'm just happy being there. The whole atmosphere just makes me happy!!

 

[Hawaiian Style]

Just recently we paused to wonder if $1,300 for 4 four day PH tickets was too much. That pause lasted about 10 seconds and we decided that it would take much more than that to keep us away. We love Disneyland and when we cross Harbor Blvd on that first day it still gets the tears flowing. There's a feeling that we get that we don't get at WDW. We took the family to WDW last November for the first time and hated it. It's like they took DL and DCA, blew it up into 4 parks and surrounded the rides with a ton of stores and restaurants. The rides mostly felt like cheap knock off's that were miles apart. Just our personal preference, but DL is home, and I think I'd pay up to $400 a ticket before we had to think twice.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Regarding the original question of is it worth it anymore -- I think you have to put it in perspective. The question seems to be mainly centered on the closures due to Star Wars Land being built, increased crowds and prices. What if this question had been asked as Carsland was being built, or at any other time things were closed to make room for other attractions or lands? I'm just imagining someone asking this in the 60s when new things were going in and it caused some inconvenience and made things more crowded. Would have been a big mistake to say, no, I'm never going back, it's too expensive and just not the same as it used to be!!

 

[dotfurio]

Disneyland is still worth it to us. It's expensive, but it's all day entertainment. I've paid more for a 2 hour concert than I've paid for DL ticket. Our APs expired earlier this year and I was planning to wait for SW land to renew, but I don't know if I can hold out that long! DL is an escape from the worries of the real world for me.

 

[ClaraOswald]

There's only one ride in Disneyland. There's a LOT of attractions though. Those ATTRACTIONS (which BTR and TSI are part of) are what differentiates DL from amusement parks. Those spaces were and still are critical to the atmosphere of DL and will be SORELY missed.

I don't understand this post. What do you mean there is only one ride at Disneyland?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I don't understand this post. What do you mean there is only one ride at Disneyland?

Disneyland has attractions, but one ride, and that is "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." (Nicely done, @whoever )

 

[Kindermouse]

But this all leads to another question: is WDW worth it if I have to spend nearly $2K to get there? ... And that's why we bough DL APs.

This is the reason why we have been to DL countless times but have never been to WDW. We can drive to DL for less than 100 bucks round trip. to fly to FL and rent a car we are looking at nearly 2k and we would have to spend A LOT more on food.

I did just start planning and trip to WDW though sort of as a "you have to do it once" sort of thing. Hearing so many people here say that they didnt like it is making me think twice though. Its going to cost a fortune and we could do DL 2.5 times for what we have to spend for 7 days in WDW.

 

[GatorChris]

This is the reason why we have been to DL countless times but have never been to WDW. We can drive to DL for less than 100 bucks round trip. to fly to FL and rent a car we are looking at nearly 2k and we would have to spend A LOT more on food.

I did just start planning and trip to WDW though sort of as a "you have to do it once" sort of thing. Hearing so many people here say that they didnt like it is making me think twice though. Its going to cost a fortune and we could do DL 2.5 times for what we have to spend for 7 days in WDW.

Don't let anyone talk you out of it. They're nuts! WDW is totally awesome and a better experience, in my opinion. It's like bathing in Disney Magic because it's just all over the place.

If you stay at a Disney resort (which is way more affordable than a DL hotel at the values and moderates), you won't need a car. Just go to the bus stop near your room and wait for the Disney bus that says "Magic Kingdom" or "Epcot". If you've never been, you really need to treat yourself. But be warned...you won't see DL the same way. With 47 square miles, WDW is a baptism of the Whole Disney. I truly wish I weren't so budget conscience and value-minded so I could go back this year.

 

[Kindermouse]

Don't let anyone talk you out of it. They're nuts! WDW is totally awesome and a better experience, in my opinion. It's like bathing in Disney Magic because it's just all over the place.

If you stay at a Disney resort (which is way more affordable than a DL hotel at the values and moderates), you won't need a car. Just go to the bus stop near your room and wait for the Disney bus that says "Magic Kingdom" or "Epcot". If you've never been, you really need to treat yourself. But be warned...you won't see DL the same way. With 47 square miles, WDW is a baptism of the Whole Disney. I truly wish I weren't so budget conscience and value-minded so I could go back this year.

Thanks I needed to hear that. I am also very budget conscious. I just booked at POFQ for October 2017 but I didn't add the dining plan yet since I want to crunch the numbers and make sure its the best bang for my buck. Its just so much money. we're not going to be able to renew our DL AP because of the cost so I want to real sure its worth the cost of missing DL.

 

[GatorChris]

Thanks I needed to hear that. I am also very budget conscious. I just booked at POFQ for October 2017 but I didn't add the dining plan yet since I want to crunch the numbers and make sure its the best bang for my buck. Its just so much money. we're not going to be able to renew our DL AP because of the cost so I want to real sure its worth the cost of missing DL.

You'll LOVE POFQ. Be sure and try the beignets at the Sassagoula restaurant. BTW, Disney usually offers a free dining plan in the fall season. You'll need to be open to whatever hotel Disney might add that at, but all the Mods are really great. You might want to get a WDW expert travel agent to help get you that discount. It doesn't cost a thing and helps ease the mind that if there's any discount available, you'll get it. I've used SmallWorld Vacations and I think there's a sponsor on this site. Definitely take advantage. You'll spend less and they're a wealth of knowledge.

I would suggest a minimum of 6 full days in the parks so that you can hit all parks once and go back to two that you like. My last few trips were 8 or 9 full days so that we could do two days in each park. You'll see a lot of what you see at DL, but Epoct and the AK are simply amazing. PLUS, my favorite thing is that each park has a night show EVERY NIGHT OF THE YEAR. And only a hurricane will get them to cancel - unlike DL where a wayward sneeze can cancel the fireworks. Illuminations at Epcot will blow your mind. It's my favorite Disney thing ever. Have fun planning!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I love DL. I don't care how crowded it is or how many rides/attractions are down. I still love it. It's about the whole package. There's always something entertaining, something new, and a whole lot of nostalgia. If we could afford it, we'd still have APs because we love it so much. Honestly, I think the crowds will always be more than they used to be, but with the 60th winding down, I expect crowds to be not quite as intense, at least until Star Wars Land opens. I think trips to DL are what you make of them. If you go in feeling like you're going to be let down, you probably will be. If you go in with too many expectations, you'll also probably be let down. But if you go in knowing what you're getting yourself into, it can still be very magical.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Don't let anyone talk you out of it. They're nuts! WDW is totally awesome and a better experience, in my opinion. It's like bathing in Disney Magic because it's just all over the place.

If you stay at a Disney resort (which is way more affordable than a DL hotel at the values and moderates), you won't need a car. Just go to the bus stop near your room and wait for the Disney bus that says "Magic Kingdom" or "Epcot". If you've never been, you really need to treat yourself. But be warned...you won't see DL the same way. With 47 square miles, WDW is a baptism of the Whole Disney. I truly wish I weren't so budget conscience and value-minded so I could go back this year.

Thanks I needed to hear that. I am also very budget conscious. I just booked at POFQ for October 2017 but I didn't add the dining plan yet since I want to crunch the numbers and make sure its the best bang for my buck. Its just so much money. we're not going to be able to renew our DL AP because of the cost so I want to real sure its worth the cost of missing DL.

I completely agree. WDW is a beautiful and fun destination. We went on one family vacation there for 9 nights, and also visited the Kennedy Space Center (wonderful). It was a wonderful vacation. We stayed at Caribbean Beach, and no dining plan in those days. We ate breakfast in our room and had one really good meal, and didn't snack on junk food, and had a wonderful time. We also didn't renew our annual passes that year (my kids were 11 and 10 at the time), and it was a huge budget decision for me, and worth every penny.

And I love Disneyland - I think it's totally worth it to go now.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Don't let anyone talk you out of it. They're nuts! WDW is totally awesome and a better experience, in my opinion. It's like bathing in Disney Magic because it's just all over the place.

If you stay at a Disney resort (which is way more affordable than a DL hotel at the values and moderates), you won't need a car. Just go to the bus stop near your room and wait for the Disney bus that says "Magic Kingdom" or "Epcot". If you've never been, you really need to treat yourself. But be warned...you won't see DL the same way. With 47 square miles, WDW is a baptism of the Whole Disney. I truly wish I weren't so budget conscience and value-minded so I could go back this year.

We love Disneyland AND WDW. Yes, WDW costs us more but we still love going. (Disneyland is still my favorite park though.) And I agree that if you are onsite you won't need a rental car. We've never gotten on for our trips to WDW.