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

[KCmike]

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

Just wondering what you thought of the fireworks, fantasmic!, Aladdin stage show? All of these in my opinion are far better at DL than WDW as well. You also have to admit that Fantasyland completely blows away WDW? Right? It's a SMall World is so much better as well. We were veteran WDW fans and thought we needed to visit the original just to see it, well.... We have been back five years in a row! It is now our home resort. We just love it and California so much. Glad you had the chance to see it.

 

[newmouse82]

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[/QUOTE]

Oh my gosh, I thought that was the norm, we just had our first trip to DL and I couldn't believe the cutting, really busy too but it bugged me a bit, glad to know I'm not the only one.

 

[ekatiel]

Just wondering what you thought of the fireworks, fantasmic!, Aladdin stage show? All of these in my opinion are far better at DL than WDW as well. You also have to admit that Fantasyland completely blows away WDW? Right? It's a SMall World is so much better as well. We were veteran WDW fans and thought we needed to visit the original just to see it, well.... We have been back five years in a row! It is now our home resort. We just love it and California so much. Glad you had the chance to see it.

I thought the evening fireworks at DL were "cooler" than Wishes-- I loved how some of them went off behind you and how they sort of recapped a lot of the rides. BUT, Wishes pulls at my heart strings and makes me tear up . So, I'd say fireworks were about equal, just different!

We didn't see Fantasmic! It just didn't fit into our schedule. Maybe we'll have to return to compare the two .

Alladin was WONDERFUL!!! The guy who played the Genie was AWESOME-- he did a great job improvising and interacting with the audience. It is even better than Beauty and Beast, which IMO, is the best stage show at WDW. So, yeah, Alladin wins !

Fantasyland was better. We really enjoyed the rides that are not around in WDW plus the rides that are at both places seem to be better at DL.

It really was the line cutting, lack of morning show, and lack-luster CMs who really cut out some of the "magic" for us. And that's why we give WDW a slight egde. --Katie

 

[cloudconnected1039]

In my experiences, the CMs at DL are fantastic. Granted, I've never been to WDW before, but I do know someone who was part of the College Program at WDW and she always commented on how most of the other CP CMs were itching to leave the World.

Alot of the CMs at DL are locals basically needing a job, but not all of them of course. Most of the CMs I've come across have been exceptionally polite and genuinely interested in how your stay is and want to know more about you. There's been many times were DBF and I have gone into the a candy store for a snack and have spent 20 minutes with a CM talking about all the different treats they have. Of course I've had the off time where a CM was probably having a bad day or was tired or had alot of stuff on their minds, but we all have those kind of days so rarely do I criticize someone for being that way The only problem is when it's a reoccurring issue. But overall, the CMs I've had the pleasure of talking to at DL have been great, and I can't wait to see them at WDW, especially after hearing about how great they are as well!!

 

[daneenm]

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.

Interesting note on how everyone is different...

I prefer the DL Fantasmic as it feels much closer and more intimate than the big arena.

 

[Dobie]

I agree with the people who posted about about "casual" dress at DL...overexposure to adolescent ****s butts and belly buttons is why I transferred from high school psychology to elementary school psychology!

 

[basketballmom]

No light parade though...boo-hiss!

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

we DID have a light parade....until it got shipped off to WDW.

 

[basketballmom]

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.

this made me laugh!!!!

 

[dreaming-of-disney]

I will have my first DL trip in June (22-25). Been to WDW many times. I wonder how busy it will be on that Saturday. I know it will probably be pretty busy as we are with a conference and that is our only free day. Is it usually real busy with just the locals? How many rides do you think we can get done at DL in a day?

 

[HydroGuy]

I will have my first DL trip in June (22-25). Been to WDW many times. I wonder how busy it will be on that Saturday. I know it will probably be pretty busy as we are with a conference and that is our only free day. Is it usually real busy with just the locals? How many rides do you think we can get done at DL in a day?

If you get to the gates early, collect FPs and focus on rides, you can ride 20 rides that day. It will probably be busy that day but not insanely busy. Be aware that Saturdays are Magic Morning days so day trippers will be behind several thousand guests who got in early to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

Use www.ridemax.com to create an itinerary if you need one.

 

[Shunasee]

As a DLR local...

the line cutting is horrible! But I tend to just ignore it, as we dont hit rides everytime we go. DH and I have a habit of going for dinner and a walk, then heading home.

WDW is amazing and my favorite vacation destination (no plans on going anywhere else for quite a while).

The DLR is a totally different feel than WDW.

I dont think they are comparable, as they are totally different.

 

[coopersmom]

We're Florida natives and AP holders at WDW that are currently visiting Disneyland for a pre-cruise trip...

Not too venture off topic, but are there any ticket (or other) discounts in Disneyland for Disney World AP holders? I'm guessing not but since we have them, thought I'd ask, just in case.

 

[granismith]

I never really saw any line jumping while there but there were always people catching up with their family in line. That doesn't bother me. I had to take my 5 year old to the bathroom and try to get back in line. I hope no one thought I was line jumping!

This was our 1st time there in 12 years and I noticed alot of casual employee stuff going on too, along with all the construction, the place felt alot less magical than I remember

DL vs WDW

pros DL
closer walking everywhere
some of the rides are better
walk up eating
Indiana Jones
something to see & do around every corner
World of color although I think they need a better viewing situation

cons DL
seems really congested in most areas
not as much to do & see
not as many Characters at Character meals
or walking the park
not as many photopass photographers
can be REALLY crowded

pros WDW
lots of great hotels & restaurants
they have an area where you can go meet all the Mickey & Friends Characters & get pictures plus there are alot walking around and alot at the Character meals
lots of Photopass Photogrophers everywhere
water parks
easy driving and store locations etc.
it seemed alot cleaner to me
great transportation systems everywhere

cons WDW
very spread out, have to take buses or drive
some rides were dissapointing
must have dining reservations, must plan everything out and stay on schedule


They both are fun but I think I enjoy WDW a little more (maybe) I don't know!

 

[3darlings]

We just returned from our first visit to DLR a few days ago. We go to WDW every year so it was interesting to compare. I didn't really notice line cutting. But I did notice the lackluster CMs. Most things just didn't run as efficiently as they do in WDW - the lines seemed much slower (more like at regular big amusement parks). Many rides went off with empty seats which almost never happens at WDW. There didn't seem to be as many CMs around to help either. I didn't think the CMs were rude or anything but as stated earlier, they just don't seem as professional/helpful.

We were shocked at the size of the castle - it is so much smaller at DLR than the one in WDW. DLR did seem to have more rides geared to little ones. Space Mtn. is way better at DLR. We were only able to ride twice using FPs because the line was really long (FP are a huge plus on that ride!) We loved WOC but the viewing arrangement is terrible. We stayed at PP and although it was perfectly adequate, I thought it was way overpriced even by Disney standards. I'll take a Value at WDW any day. My kids thought DD was better at DLR because they have more non-Disney shops. Another thing about DLR, it did not clear out like WDW does after fireworks/late at night.

It was fun to be able to compare the two. They both have their pluses and minuses. Our favorite, however, remains WDW because of the all the activities there.

 

[HydroGuy]

We were shocked at the size of the castle - it is so much smaller at DLR than the one in WDW.

Yep, just like DLR vets can be shocked by MK not having a Matterhorn. When you don't have something you do not miss it. The Matterhorn has been DL's central landmark for decades.

On my recent trip to MK I noticed that the castle there - while spectacular - just seemed tooooo big. It dominated the view from Main Street as opposed to just accenting it. Felt strange.

The new Memories show in the evening on the MK castle was incredible though!

 

[nana50]

I haven't thought about it but you are right. I think of the Matterhorn as the landmark I look for. when I was a kid (in the 60's) I always looked for the Matterhorn from the freeway as my touchstone.

 

[Magalex]

We are planning our very first trip to DL for July 2012. As WDW vets we are very excited to visit DL & we are true Walt Disney(the man) fans & what he created as an family entertainment mecca. Also looking forward to Carsland & just something different while WDW focus renovations on Fantasyland at MK. We are also looking into the CA beach tour that is offered from Anaheim. Can't forget what all the posts say about the weather: CA summer weather beats high humidity summers in FL.

 

[perlster]

I haven't thought of line jumping as DLR being that big of a problem, especially when compared to KBF and SFMM. Yesterday, it was literally an issue just after park opening - a couple of people jumped over the rails to get to the front of the Peter Pan line as others were proceeding through the switchbacks.

 

[lovebug33]

I haven't thought of line jumping as DLR being that big of a problem, especially when compared to KBF and SFMM. Yesterday, it was literally an issue just after park opening - a couple of people jumped over the rails to get to the front of the Peter Pan line as others were proceeding through the switchbacks.

This is kind of mean, but somebody was doing this at Universal Studios at the Mummy ride. DH was getting mad, but I said let em, the line's not long. Right after I said that, the kid's foot got caught and he went down HARD. They ended up calling the paramedics because they thought he had broken something. It made me smile a bit, not because he got hurt but because he will probably NEVER do that again!

 

[skiingfast]

Yep, just like DLR vets can be shocked by MK not having a Matterhorn.

What do you mean? Thier Matterhorn is in AK.

Joking aside I was surpised when I heard somone say that thay want to go to AK to ride the matterhorn WDW on my first morning in WDW. But after that still heard people say this each day I was there. SGT material for sure.