Just back from Disneyworld ahhh

[snikelfrizt]

Hi all..... so I know this is the thread for Disneyland but wanted to let you guys know how much i appreciate Disneyland.
We have always gone to the Land, this past Jan we took a plunge and decided to go to the World. I spent months on the DW boards. I don't mean to offend anyone but is it just that west coasters are more mellow or are east coasters Disney snobs???
Anyhow don't get me wrong my family had a GREAT time at DW. It was 40 degress when we got there and our day at MK didn't get above 40 with a nightly low of 27!!!! It was great to see all the CM's reactions to the cold weather. By the time we leaft it was in the low 80's. We made it though all 4 parks in 5 days and went to disney quest(very cool ).
After all was said and done the question came DW or DL???? All 4 of our kids (ages 11-20) said DISNEYLAND!!!!! Reasons...... less crowed, more compact, not as much time on buses ect #1 reason...............drum roll please............. The people are more nice !!! This is from teenagers! Maybe it's because it's more expensive at DW so people are pressured to get it all in?? Who knows we meet alot of great people at DW some from the west some from the east some from other countries but none compare to the laid back relaxing times and nice people we have had at DL.
Anyhow just wanted to say Thanks! and I am glad to be back to planning my next DL trip so much less stress!!!! By the way would we go back to the World??? Oh yeah in a couple of years with atleast 10- 14 days!!!!!!!

 

[abouley]

It's funny, I found myself constantly comparing on our Dec trip! I actually thought the people were nicer in Florida but it may have been becasue we were there for 2 weeks and feeling very laid back ourselves! Because we live in CA, our trips to DL are usually 2-4 days max. We did have a car on our trip and drove a lot of the time rather than using transportation and that made the trip better for us (than our first trip in 2005 which was a whirlwind 4 days in the park followed by a week cruise). 2 young children with 2 strollers and buses are not all that fun to me which is why we always stay within walking distance at DL! I do prefer DL park over MK any day! I like the whole concept of WDW though and the fact that there is SOOOO much to do. For us to spend more than 4 days or so at DL would be a stretch. We'd want to go to San Diego or do some other LA attractions. I do have to say that the decorations at DL are way better than WDW. I was disappointed in that part. It's funny to me when WDW vets ask if they will be disappointed in DL...I always try to stress than DL does have most of the highlights of WDW just crammed into 2 parks!

We'll go back again too....probably in 4 years or so when our kids will be 6 and 8. We have already bought our DL season passes for this year (took advantage of that $50 giftcard offer costco had) and will be back there in a couple of weeks!

Alison

 

[dismom73]

Living in CA my family and I have been to DL quite a few times. Being a flight attendant and getting free airfare, we have also been to DW quite a few times. I have to say the only major thing that I think is better about DW is the Disney resorts. They are not hotels, they are resorts and there are a lot of them to choose from and their moderate ones are half the price of the DL hotels (and much nicer). That being said we've been to DW more than DL in the last few years, but we are going to DL next month and I must say I am very excited! It's nice to know that we will be able to see just about everything, and that within minutes of leaving our hotel we will be in one of the parks, and if we want to "park hop" we can do so in just a few minutes.
I haven't noticed which place people are nicer, but I do have to say that personally I am under more pressure when we go to the world, I don't know, that whole feeling of "there's not enough time". I don't ever get that feeling at DL.

 

[nunzia]

Funny you should bring this up. I just boooked our second WDW trip..the first was over 15 years ago! We decided we really had to give WDW another chance since so many people just love it..we figure..what did we do wrong the first time? So...looking forward to it,but not the busses!
My kids never wanted to go back to WDW after the one visit..we are DLR die hards..
I really hope we like it better this time around..I'm hoping to hit all the highlights but not feel too rushed. Already planning

 

[DSNY4ever]

We just went to WDW in December and I already miss it...but I love both resort parks. When I am in WDW I miss the DLR and vice versa. But WDW seems much more like a resort vacation to us...I just love the Disney Hotels there- such a treat. And we usually go off season to WDW (since it is such a big trip for us, I will only go off season) and we usually have pretty low crowds there. But WDW is much more exhausting than the DLR, we have to remind ourselves to slow down and we always plan a break day to just enjoy the non-theme parks aspects or it just becomes too much. In the DLR we don't need this- we would be bored to death stuck in a Harbor blvd hotel for a day

 

[WannaBeAPrincess]

I totally get what you are saying. DW is a totally different experience than DL. There is just so much to do at DW and people are in a hurry to get all of it done. DW is also more of a vacation destination whereas DL sees a lot of locals or frequent visitors.
And it is California after all. We are just way laid back here

 

[TinkSassy]

This is interesting for me as I'm a WDW regular who is spending all my time over here in DL getting ready for a March trip (first time I've been back since I was about 7 - Star Tours was BRAND NEW).

I've got WDW down to a science now and can complete all of MK in one day including parades and shows. I find it funny as I'm worried about seeing everything at the 2 parks with only 3 days and all the additional rides.

You are inspiring me to relax a bit -

 

[f15robyn]

Please tell me that when you say people are laid back at DL, you're talking about the average guest wandering the parks.

Because although we had a lovely, relaxing, 10 day stay at WDW in January, many of my fellow guests seemed crazed. I'm assuming for many of the reasons people have already metioned (expensive, so much to do, one time major event, etc, etc). And it's hard to stay zen about it when people all around you are complaining, arguing with each other, yelling at their children, etc. And we went at a slow time of the year

I've been looking at DL for late May and think I have husband convinced. But it would be so nice to know that on average, people aren't wandering the parks all stressed out like they seem to be at WDW.

 

[IandGsmom]

During our first trip to WDW my DH and I were constantly comparing the two until we realized that you just cant. They are so different. Both have a very special place in my heart and I will be so sad not to go to WDW this year but are making up for it with more little trips to DL. I didnt find the people any more rude at either location, you have good and bad CMs and guests everywhere.
Two things that DL just cant compare but need to catch up on are: FOOD. The dining rocks at WDW; and the budget resorts. I would love if DL had a POP type place. I know its a land issue but the DL reosrts are sooooo expensive that I am left with always staying offsite. I know its close to walk, etc but I love being surrounded by Disney 24/7 on vacation.

 

[Disney Dreams]

We had a wonderful 8 days at WDW and I cannot imagine trying to do everything (plus Disneyquest??) in 5 days!

I absolutely love DL and am lucky to be able to visit often, but would go back to AK and EPCOT tomorrow if it weren't 3,000 miles away!

I don't think you can compare the 2 parks - as so many people try to do. They are VERY different vacation experiences.

Glad you had fun on your trip and if you have any questions for your upcoming DL trip, you know people here are ready to help! How lucky you are to be able to plan trips to both!

- Dreams

 

[Sherwin]

I know I've been a little mean to WDW in my recent comparative analysis of both parks, but I really do love both. When I went in Dec. of 07, I wasn't thinking of matching up both resorts, and had an absolute wonderful time. I even wrote on my blog about how much I missed it. I guess the only reservation I had about WDW was indeed the fact that all four parks were so spread out.

 

[fairycat]

I have been wondering how to do a post on this for some time and this seems a good place. I realised that some of my issues with some of the CM's in WDW vs. DL and probably for others the other way, was cultural differences.

I was on the WDW monorail and we got to ride with the driver, the driver got very pushy and I thought rude to the one little girl, because she wasn't sure if she wanted to ride in front. It wasn't that she was moving or trying to get off she just was a little sulky about not being sure if she wanted to ride without her cousin. The CM told her she should be happy to be up there and was in my opinion VERY rude, and too familiar, telling her to behave almost like a grandparent would. But the parent reacted like this was normal. I have to say if she talked to my kid like that I would have been very unhappy.

I saw it in other areas as well. I think sometimes our cultures (even just west coast/east coast) can cause some people to think you are being rude if you do things that you feel are to familar, or just not common in your culture. As I watched other people's reactions to some of the things that seemed odd or rude to me, I noticed that not everyone shared the reaction, and I would not say it was based on who was more relaxed.

I also think expectations and regularity also effect your views. My first trip was shocking when we had CM's at HM yell and threaten us with violence (I wish I was kidding!!) this ruined MK for years for me. If I had a bad experience (though maybe if it was that bad maybe) at DL I would probably be quicker to write it off as a bad day, since I go all the time.

WDW will never be for me, because it is just impossible for me to treat WDW as a long getaway vacation. I have to visit the inlaws while there and there is no way they will ever let us go without seeing them. I am sure to go again, but I will never feel at home in the parks the way I am at DL!

 

[momrek06]

I love everything Disney. Having lived my whole life in New England our trips to WDW were every other year. We have done that for 12 years. We have also done the Disney Cruise.

DH received a job offer (in May) to good to refuse which brought us allllllll the way across the US to CA. DH came out to interview and first place he went was Disneyland. He called me from DL to say I will absolutely LOVE living just a few miles to Disney!!

AND I DO!!! But to those of you that have only been to Disneyland...the World is totally different...or to me anyway. It is HUGE. 4 HUGE Parks. Tons of resorts and loaded with dining. Many more attractions, parades, fireworks, characters, shows, tours!!

The first time we walked into DL, I was shocked at the size of the castle. BUT I had to quickly remember this was Walt's FIRST Park. There is so much history here. My birthday is in March and I am buying one of the 1955 Disneyland sweatshirts with my DL gift card.

Now I can go anytime I want with my SoCal AP. I actually live 20 minutes to the Land AND best of all, from my top floor condo, every single night I can see the fireworks from the Land. When my parents were here visiting over Xmas, they were so amazed at the nightly fireworks show!!!

DL is my NEW home and we will be driving over on Sunday!!!!!!!!

 

[Sherwin]

I was on the WDW monorail and we got to ride with the driver, the driver got very pushy and I thought rude to the one little girl, because she wasn't sure if she wanted to ride in front. It wasn't that she was moving or trying to get off she just was a little sulky about not being sure if she wanted to ride without her cousin. The CM told her she should be happy to be up there and was in my opinion VERY rude, and too familiar, telling her to behave almost like a grandparent would. But the parent reacted like this was normal. I have to say if she talked to my kid like that I would have been very unhappy.

Wow, this is OT, but that reminds me of a time long ago when my family went to Vegas; I was about 8 or so. We were walking through the Bally casino when we paused to do ... heck, I don't know what we were doing. But we paused, and some casino employee shuffled over and started yelling at us not to have children mingling on the casino floor. At that point, my dad got really upset with the employee for his attitude and boy, did he have a good talking with him. The employee seemed quite embarrassed afterward.

 

[fairycat]

I absolutely love DL and am lucky to be able to visit often, but would go back to AK and EPCOT tomorrow if it weren't 3,000 miles away!


- Dreams

Seriously I wanted to pack up AK into a little bitty box and bring it home with me I loved it!!

I can say I wish we had something like these two parks that I could just visit all the time and hang out and just eat and see the details in them all the time. I think they are sometimes underappreciated.

 

[Sherwin]

We had a wonderful 8 days at WDW and I cannot imagine trying to do everything (plus Disneyquest??) in 5 days!

I absolutely love DL and am lucky to be able to visit often, but would go back to AK and EPCOT tomorrow if it weren't 3,000 miles away!

I don't think you can compare the 2 parks - as so many people try to do. They are VERY different vacation experiences.

Glad you had fun on your trip and if you have any questions for your upcoming DL trip, you know people here are ready to help! How lucky you are to be able to plan trips to both!

- Dreams

EPCOT was something I truly truly enjoyed at WDW. We rode the Land like 5 times. (Those mickey head shaped fruits are so intriguing!)

I also loved World Showcase; unfortunately the Gran Fiesta tour broke down right when we were 5th in line. But man, was walking around the lagoon at night before Illuminations great!

 

[snikelfrizt]

I do agree that we found ourselves telling people you can't compare the 2 but we did it every ride that was comparable........ I loved AK, I think it was my favorite park as far as atmosphere. Epcot was great and I could spent days in the world showcase .
Maybe it had to do with the 4 day 3 day free deal and the parks were unusally busy for jan but it did seem as though everyone was hurried, everyone rushing to next thing. It just seemed like more people at DL would stop and just absorb.
Tons and tons of tired crying kids........ maybe because it is more of a distance to resorts. motels ect so people don't take a nap break for kiddos?? Like I said we will definatly go back but for longer and take the much needed break days........funny even our shuttle driver said too many people try to go non- stop and get too tired.
I think that west and east do react differently to things..... east coasters state facts in a firm way and are surprised when west coasters are offened. On the same note I think east coast people go to get there and west coast look along the way. We had a shuttle expirence where every one showed at the same time (off site) some were inside and some outside. One group threw a fit and we all had to wait for 10 minutes for another shuttle so no one got there before the others. Both groups were from the west coast, the shuttle driver was from east and said if they had been from the east they could have found common ground but they just wouldn't budge so we all waited.
I will take a sigh of relief when I return to DL, I guess it just seems more like home to me...............sorry this is sooooooo long

 

[momrek06]

Seriously I wanted to pack up AK into a little bitty box and bring it home with me I loved it!!

I can say I wish we had something like these two parks that I could just visit all the time and hang out and just eat and see the details in them all the time. I think they are sometimes underappreciated.

Ahh...I feel the same way about EPCOT. I just love all those WORLDS!!!

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

I haven't been to WDW since 1988 when I was just a teen on a zealous vacation, and I truly want to go back and take my kids to show them all the awesome things that WDW has to offer. (And to show myself since SO much has been added in 20 years!) But when we do go, it will be a "destination" vacation with itineraries and schedules and lots and lots of planning. There truly is so much to see and do that it can be mind boggling!!

I have been to DL several times, once with my kids and we are about to go back, and to me it a feeling like returning home. No stress, no worries. Just wander in a stay awhile, and tell some stories about beloved Uncle Walt when you find the time.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hmmm. Usually I am in the position around here of defending DLR from folks who have WDW set up as the "ideal Disney experience". When they do this, it can sometimes blind them to some of the awesome (and better) things at DLR because they are too absorbed with how DLR falls short of their ideal.

I understand where the OP is coming from, but still want to throw in a reverse defense of WDW. So my post is more for the general readership here on DIS and not for the OP who is clearly aware of these issues.

I too love the proximity of hotels and parks at DLR. However, we need to be careful about setting DLR up as the "ideal Disney vacation" and then WDW's greater expanse becomes a drawback somehow.

What I have learned to do is put on my DLR hat while at DLR, and put on my WDW hat while at WDW. At DLR I know I will have a walking distance hotel, easy parkhopping and high ride concentration. At WDW I know I will have more parks to choose from, lots more cool restaurants to choose from, and lots of cool activities outside the parks (including water parks).

FWIW, I have not noticed any real difference between CMs at WDW and DLR. The vast majority of them are great.