Just Back-- DL vs. WDW, my 2 cents

[ekatiel]

So, we just returned from a 3 day trip to DL (our first). We've been to WDW twice (once in 2009, and once just before Christmas in 2010). Here's my thoughts on the pros and cons of DL:

Pros:
1)You can walk everywhere!!! We stayed at GCH, and it was SO nice to just walk to the parks/DTD. We got soaked on GRR. No problem, walked twenty feet to the GCH exit/entrance, went back to our room, took warn showers, and we were back in the park in no time. SUPER nice.

2) Some of the rides were definitely better (Pirates, Peter Pan, etc). The story lines in the rides made much more sense than the WDW version.

3) WOC was AMAZING. VERY cool.

4) You can walk up to most any restaurant and get a table!

Cons:
1) No opening show at DL . This actaully made me very sad. I LOVE the family of the day and the characters arriving together on the Train, and the little song and dance they do at WDW before the park opens. Compare that with choosing a family of the day that counts down from 10 to 1, while nobody's listening . It's just not the same.

2) With the exception of the cast members at GCH (who were EXCELLENT), we found the cast members at DL to be a little too "laid back" and "relaxed"-- standing around talking with each other, etc. They just didn't seem to have the same professional courtesy at the CMs at WDW.

3) I have never seen so much line jumping/cutting in my life!!!! I know we were there at a really busy time, BUT we've been to WDW the week before Christmas (our trip ended on Christmas eve), so we've seen WDW during peak season, too. The line jumping was ridiculous. We had people jump the rope from the exit of Indiana Jones to cut in front of us . We saw one person "waiting in line" for groups of 5 or 6 people who arrived MUCH later many times. We saw people claiming that their kid "ran ahead in line" (I didn't think anything of this one until we saw it happen multiple times in one day) when they just were trying to cut. Really it was just RUDE. We did meet some very nice people while we were there, but the percentage of rude line cutters seemed to be way higher in DL.

At any rate, DH and I still give an edge to WDW. The line cutters really turned us both off, and we just haven't experienced that nearly as much at WDW. Well, that's my 2 cents. Flame suit is on . --Katie

 

[Huff]

We've been going to DLR 6-12 times per year for decades and have not seen the line jumping you've mentioned. The exception would be at Indy but not often and CM's often catch teens doing this and kick them out.

I've heard others mention CM's not as helpful and friendly at DLR but I just don't see that at all. We've had our share of lousy CM's at both DLR and WDW but for the most part both have great helpful and friendly CM's.

For short weekend trips DLR easily gets the edge. For better theming and attention to detail DLR again gets the edge. For longer trips, resort selection, Disney immersion and dining WDW gets the edge.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Wow. Sorry you experienced all that line cutting. I'm surprised to hear that CMs weren't more on top of that.

 

[twopeasonepod]

We have been to WDW twice and DLR once (and going on Mother's Day woo hoo!) in the last two years. The biggest difference of course, is size. I agree with the themed rides being better at DLR (except TOT is better at WDW).

I thought WDW had way more rude people (one lady tried to get in a fight with my 68-year-old mother when she parked herself right in front of my mom after we had been standing in our spot for fireworks for over 20 minutes). And way more scooters. I guess that is because of the huge space, but wow you need to keep on your toes so your kids don't get run over.

DLR has a different crowd, and way more locals. I love them both, though!

 

[disneyloveNY]

I can't believe your review. We could have written. We were just having the same conversation. Also stayed at GCH-amazing all around, CM's everything. However, although nice enoug, the CM's in the park were exactly as you described-standing around talking about their really long shift, how they'd much rather be working this ride or the entrance-things I have never heard in WDW. Also, my DS12 asked-Why does everyone here cut the lines. They have a technique where you are approaching the lines and they dash in from the side cutting you off-in rides, as you're entering the parks. Very strange. Of course, we are still having a fabulous time and definitely some of the rides are better here and we wish they would have Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad at WDW.. we also love being able to walk everywhere, get same day reservations at basically every restaurant- the food is great!!! We simply love both places!!!!!

 

[OrthoDad]

We were long time WDW regulars, until we moved to the West coast 5 years ago. Now, we go to WDW once every 2-3 years, and DL 2x a year.

And, I agree about the line cutting. I think with the more local crowd, there is a larger percentage of kids that come to the park without their families, compared to WDW where there are more "vacation families."

Still, I totally agree with the OP. We LOVE DL, and have found that we enjoy our trips there even better than the WDW....the buses just drag me down!

W

 

[blackjackdelta]

I have only seen the line cutting twice in the number of years I have gone and I just asked them go to the end, teenage kids. I have never been to WDW can not get wife and kids to go, maybe when my wife goes to a neonatal conference in Miami, I can tag along if I can get the boss to give me time off.
It makes no difference who gets the edge, we will continue with our yearly trip to DLR.

Thanks for your review.

Jack

 

[nana50]

Well Jack, looking at your avatar I don't doubt when you ask the teens to go to the end of the line they do. They will with me because I'm a librarian and have no fear of teens. However a lot of people are afraid to say anything.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Well Jack, looking at your avatar I don't doubt when you ask the teens to go to the end of the line they do. They will with me because I'm a librarian and have no fear of teens. However a lot of people are afraid to say anything.

I think most people just do not want the negativity on vacation, I do not have a problem with asking people nice to behave. Yeah for librarians, what a great and respected occupation.
I do not dress that way while at DLR, I look like an old biker.

Jack

 

[SleepingBeautyBride]

We've been going to DLR 6-12 times per year for decades and have not seen the line jumping you've mentioned. The exception would be at Indy but not often and CM's often catch teens doing this and kick them out.

I've heard others mention CM's not as helpful and friendly at DLR but I just don't see that at all. We've had our share of lousy CM's at both DLR and WDW but for the most part both have great helpful and friendly CM's.

For short weekend trips DLR easily gets the edge. For better theming and attention to detail DLR again gets the edge. For longer trips, resort selection, Disney immersion and dining WDW gets the edge.

Actually CMs dont do much about the line cutting. I have rarely/never seen them step in even after people have brought it up to them. Its too much of a he said she said and they are not allowed to take magic away from anyone.

its aweful and the line cutting does stink, but I jst dont let it get to ya.

But I agree about the DLR and short trips/theming. Very true!!!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I've been to WDW countless times through the years. We gave DL a try in October 2010 and have been back 4 times since! I guess you could say we LOVE DL, but...

I couldn't agree more! I could have written your post as well! We love the easy walking, less advance planning, and better attractions. I would also add that we think the parks have a beauty and charm that can't be beat at WDW.

Now your cons are what really had me itching to post. The CMs are way more relaxed, even snarky at times. Maybe they are younger than the average WDW CM. Maybe it's just the California vibe shining through, but the WDW are much more professional and courteous.

The biggest con for my family is the LINE JUMPING! Ugh...I'm sorry but this is a HUGE problem at DL. I've seen it happen so many times on all of our trips. People have made it an art at DL. And it isn't just teenagers...I saw people of all ages doing this. Your example of Indiana happened to us almost everytime we were in the queue. Once a whole family jumped from the exit back into the queue, even Grandpa. Someone did ask them and they said they forgot something in a vehicle. My dh and I watched and they just jumped into a vehicle when the time came. Liars.

Something else I notice at DL...the inappropriate clothes, language, and snogging (what my kids like to call it ). I think it's because WDW is a vacation destination, but I never have seen girls with skirts exposing much of their behind, being groped by their boyfriends in the queue. I'm no prude, but my kids have heard all types of saucy language from guests while waiting in line. I think it's just how DL can be a "date night" for locals.

I guess that's why we think of DL as a fun weekend destination rather than a full blown vacation. I doubt we would ever spend more than 3-4 nights there. I love DL, but WDW just has a better vacation vibe.

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

 

[skiingfast]

I have never been to WDW can not get wife and kids to go, maybe when my wife goes to a neonatal conference in Miami, I can tag along if I can get the boss to give me time off.

I hope you do get a chance at WDW. It may be different but it's more Disney and I think everyone that can should experience both places.




My opinion is different. The worst line cutting I've ever seen was at TSM in DHS. Too bad for some people I played a lot of soccer and if you played a lot too, you'd know how to keep people from getting by you. If I happened to step on your toes, I recommend learning queue etiquette.

CMs of course in WDW too I've seen them talking about when they are scheduled how soon till their break ect... But have found the ones in DLR much nicer to talk to.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

We've been WDW AP holders for over 15 years and we've been to DL only three times but I like nearly every aspect of DL better. The authenticity, history and uniqueness of DL is palpable. The size is so much more managable and DTD is a lot nicer.

We never saw any excess line cutting (other than Indy but that queue begs for it). It's true the DL crowd is local and we've noted on all three visits how many kids, many on dates at DL v WDW, making it more vibrant. Always found DL's CM's and crowds way more laid back, much less commando touring.

The sole advantage to WDW is size, IMO with the water parks and all. So for a week or more WDW would fit the bill but for 5 or less I'd ALWAYS take DL.

As for confronting line cutters ... Why? It can never cost you more than a couple of minutes but the aggravation of a confrontation will stick with you and weigh on your vacation, IMO. Just rise above it and be the civil person.

 

[ekatiel]

Well, it seems like our experience was not too out of the ordinary. I agree with posters who say a lot of the line jumping comes from teenagers, etc (Although the Indiana Jones incident was a man in his forties, his wife or girlfriend and their teenage daughters ). I also agree about the snogging!! More than once, DH wanted to tell people to "get a room"!! It was a good trip despite the line jumpers and CMs who were a little too casual. We'd like to take our boys sometime (they didn't come this trip-- it was just a conference for DH, and I tagged along), especially after Carsland opens!! We're totally spoiled by GCH now (we've always stayed at Values at WDW), so it's going to be hard going back to value hotels!! --Katie

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Good advice. If we happen to be ambushed in line by constant line cutters, I will have to not let it get to me and my family. I will think of it as Cedar Point lines....lots of unsupervised teens there so I am used to it. However, if my kids get pushed.....LOOK OUT.

 

[christine*]

I've never noticed "line jumpers" on any of my trips except a pair of kids who said they were meeting up with their parents in the front. So I guess I've been lucky or maybe just oblivious to what's going on around me.

 

[vew-tori]

I didn't notice the line jumpers when we were there in March but I did notice the CM's. I even thought that their uniforms were just not as crisp and neat as those at WDW. We had a great time though! It really enjoyed the differences. I can't say which destination I like better. Any day at a Disney park is a good day for me.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

RE: CM's, we found the DL CM's both more knowledgable about Disney history and territorial than at WDW and also more laid back. On Jungle Cruise (at DL) the skipper found out we were from Florida and a few minutes later during a lull we heard him singing softly "Disneyland's better than Disney World, do dah, do dah." It was very funny. As we were getting off he apologized over the mike "I hope I didn't offend you, I'm just real sorry ... ... That you're from Florida." LOL.

 

[Judy from Boise]

too funny !

 

[sabrecmc]

We're Florida natives and AP holders at WDW that are currently visiting Disneyland for a pre-cruise trip...I totally could have written your post, lol! I really love Disneyland for many reasons (the history, the ease of the resort, the great rides) but do miss some things I'm used to at the World. No morning show is really disappointing. That countdown thing is NOT a park opening. Please. I haven't had any rude CMs by any means, but I've heard several conversations about how they wish they were working this ride or they requested this ride or how many minutes until their shift ends, that kind of thing. Mostly from the younger CMs. I also miss the diversity of CMs you see at the World. Nothing like talking to someone from China or Ireland or wherever. This isn't to criticize at all. We're loving it here. Just different.

I also miss the Fantasmic arena...it was neat to see the pirate ship out here, but that tiny lagoon in front of Tom Sawyer's Island is a little disappointing. Just lacks the scale and grandeur of Fantasmic at the Studios. World of Color was neat. No light parade though...boo-hiss!

But, you have Mr. Toad's Wild Ride out here so...its a toss up!