Just back-my thoughts

[8caliace]

Just back from a 2 week trip out west, which included 4 nights at the Hojo and subsequent days at DL. Here are some of my random ramblings for anyone who is interested:

DL vs. WDW-I was born and raised in So Cal, so DL was a huge part of my life as I child. I hold many fond memories and a special place for DL in my heart. I even got engaged to my wife at DL about 15 years ago. With all that said, it saddens me to think, let alone say, that WDW has now become the favorite of the two. Don't get me wrong, I love DL, but it does not seem to hold nearly as much magic as WDW does for us now. Why am I saying this? Just some observations on our parts:
1. I can no longer get over the lack of total immersion at DL when compared to WDW. I love escaping the outside world at WDW. I guess unless you stay at the DL Hotel or GC Hotel, you could...but even then I would venture to say you still cannot totally escape.
2. The Castle: It has never been a second thought to me, but on this trip my 5 year old DD was quick to comment on how tiny it looked.
3. CM's: Sadly, I can count on one hand how many CM's at DL were truly magical. In retrospect to our visit to WDW last Oct, I can count on one hand how many CM's were not in the spirit.
4. Pin Trading: We have really gotten into this at WDW, however it seemed as though the majority of the CM's at DL did not wear any pin trading lanyards.
5. Lack of Character escorts: Each individual character at WDW seems to always have a CM escort with them...managing the lines, character breaks, taking pictures when asked. While at CA Adv, we saw a stage show which included Mickey, Cinderella, and Woody. They announced after the show that the 3 characters would be available for pictures/autographs. The one CM with the characters was more concerned with picking up confetti and streamers than maintaining any semblance of control over the character interaction. She did not announce anything to any of the 3 seperate "lines" about how much time the characters would be available, let alone stop people from joining lines based on a time limit. After 20 minutes of my DD waiting to see Cinderella, we were third back from our turn. The CM out of nowhere went to each of the characters and pretty much grabbed them by the arms and took them away with not even a word to anyone waiting in line. Needless to say, those still waiting their turn were livid. I went to Guest Relations along with a couple others to let it be known what happened. The CM apologized profusely, and offered us meal vouchers (which I refused) and fast passes, but I was really only wanting to relay what happened.

I guess my rambling has gone on long enough. At this point, I cannot see any plans for a return visit to DL anytime in near future. Maybe my feelings are isolated or maybe there are others out there with similar thoughts. Just needed to ramble somewhere. Thanks for reading and I welcome any comments...

 

[dizneekrazee]

I am sorry your trip wasnt as magical as expected. I haev never been to WDW, so I cannot say for myself, but usually I read it the other way around. Most stories I read and hear, guests prefer DL over WDW because the CM are more friendly here. But, like I said, I have never been to WDW, so this is just of stories I have been told.

But, if you prefer not to come back to DLR anytime in the near future as you have stated, that is fine by me. The less crowded the better!!

 

[8caliace]

I am sorry your trip wasnt as magical as expected. I haev never been to WDW, so I cannot say for myself, but usually I read it the other way around. Most stories I read and hear, guests prefer DL over WDW because the CM are more friendly here. But, like I said, I have never been to WDW, so this is just of stories I have been told.

But, if you prefer not to come back to DLR anytime in the near future as you have stated, that is fine by me. The less crowded the better!!

Wow, such constructive feedback. Thanks!

 

[SANDIEGOFAN]

Wow, such constructive feedback. Thanks!

Nothing wrong with stating the differences and what you liked/disliked between the two 'resorts'.
On that note, I've never had a bad experience at DL or DCA and visit frequently. As to your experience, I have several friends in Orlando that visit WDW and make the trek to DL once a year that prefer the DL resort.
Eh, unmet expectations happen every day and casual observances are just that, observances.

 

[Disneynut71]

Just back from a 2 week trip out west, which included 4 nights at the Hojo and subsequent days at DL. Here are some of my random ramblings for anyone who is interested:

DL vs. WDW-I was born and raised in So Cal, so DL was a huge part of my life as I child. I hold many fond memories and a special place for DL in my heart. I even got engaged to my wife at DL about 15 years ago. With all that said, it saddens me to think, let alone say, that WDW has now become the favorite of the two. Don't get me wrong, I love DL, but it does not seem to hold nearly as much magic as WDW does for us now. Why am I saying this? Just some observations on our parts:
1. I can no longer get over the lack of total immersion at DL when compared to WDW. I love escaping the outside world at WDW. I guess unless you stay at the DL Hotel or GC Hotel, you could...but even then I would venture to say you still cannot totally escape.
2. The Castle: It has never been a second thought to me, but on this trip my 5 year old DD was quick to comment on how tiny it looked.
3. CM's: Sadly, I can count on one hand how many CM's at DL were truly magical. In retrospect to our visit to WDW last Oct, I can count on one hand how many CM's were not in the spirit.
4. Pin Trading: We have really gotten into this at WDW, however it seemed as though the majority of the CM's at DL did not wear any pin trading lanyards.
5. Lack of Character escorts: Each individual character at WDW seems to always have a CM escort with them...managing the lines, character breaks, taking pictures when asked. While at CA Adv, we saw a stage show which included Mickey, Cinderella, and Woody. They announced after the show that the 3 characters would be available for pictures/autographs. The one CM with the characters was more concerned with picking up confetti and streamers than maintaining any semblance of control over the character interaction. She did not announce anything to any of the 3 seperate "lines" about how much time the characters would be available, let alone stop people from joining lines based on a time limit. After 20 minutes of my DD waiting to see Cinderella, we were third back from our turn. The CM out of nowhere went to each of the characters and pretty much grabbed them by the arms and took them away with not even a word to anyone waiting in line. Needless to say, those still waiting their turn were livid. I went to Guest Relations along with a couple others to let it be known what happened. The CM apologized profusely, and offered us meal vouchers (which I refused) and fast passes, but I was really only wanting to relay what happened.

I guess my rambling has gone on long enough. At this point, I cannot see any plans for a return visit to DL anytime in near future. Maybe my feelings are isolated or maybe there are others out there with similar thoughts. Just needed to ramble somewhere. Thanks for reading and I welcome any comments...

I read your post and can agree with most. Characters are often left alone. Many times I would find CM's having their "buddies" around. More focused on them then guests.

Main st feels like something is missing...The castle is so much smaller then WDW.

There are many good things about DL but WDW is so far my favorite park...but not to say I won't be back for a second visit.

 

[ACDSNY]

1. I can no longer get over the lack of total immersion at DL when compared to WDW. I love escaping the outside world at WDW. I guess unless you stay at the DL Hotel or GC Hotel, you could...but even then I would venture to say you still cannot totally escape.
3. CM's: Sadly, I can count on one hand how many CM's at DL were truly magical. In retrospect to our visit to WDW last Oct, I can count on one hand how many CM's were not in the spirit.

We've been going to both DL & WDW for quite a while and DL is still my favorite. That being said I love WDW too. To me they are two different types of vacations. I understand what you mean about the total immersion, which is why we never stay off site anymore. It just isn't the same as staying at one of the Disney resorts. As far as CMs go I've had pretty good luck on most of our trips to both DL & WDW. You'll always have a few that don't seem to have the magic within them. I hope you'll give DL another chance maybe in the off season when it's not so crowded.

 

[avalon451]

Sorry to hear your trip was less than you had hoped for. I guess it's hard for anyone to say for sure which resort has better CM interaction; there will always be differing opinions about it.

As far as immersion: maybe that's a preference, too? I have to say, I love Disney but unlike many people I am not a fanatic. We stayed at GHC the first time, and while it was a wonderful hotel, I recall by the last day, walking out of the hotel and hearing yet another tinkly rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star" on the piano down in the lobby... and after 5 days, I had had enough, you know? Some people could just live there and listen to Disney music on the Esplanade all day long every day. That's ok. Some people need a break from it. That's ok, too. I think I will enjoy being at HoJo this time, to get a bit of a break from the Mouse in the evenings, when my senses are overloaded.

But, that's too bad about the character stuff. That must have been tough on your poor daughter! I hope they straightened out that CM.

 

[stopher1]

I agree with you about the total immersion thing - that's just one of the things that Walt was trying to "correct" when the FL property was acquired - enough land to avoid all of the tacky motels, fast food and other "stuff" that sprouted up around the perimeters of the property so very quickly. Harbor Blvd has always been a mess - and still is to this day. No matter how many palm trees and flowers they put in all around - it's still a jumbled mess. WDW is definitely "better" in that sense, IMO.

I grew up in So. Cal too - and DL has always been a very special part of life for me, and my wife - but WDW is too. I worked at DL in high school and college - but we honeymooned at WDW. We get to both coasts each year, and enjoy something about both of the resorts.

It's funny, because the very first time I experienced Main Street at WDW and saw the castle there - I was like - WOW, it's just way TOO big!! Very imposing, and unfriendly - like the nice intimate one at DL. It's really just a perception thing. The size of the castles is always something that WDW vets notice and comment on when they go to DL. After all - with the MK being more than twice the size of DL acreage-wise, it would look kind of silly having a castle the size of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the heart of the MK - just as it would look silly having a castle the size of Cinderella Castle in the heart of DL.

I just like to look at it as DL is Walt's park - the only one in the Disney pantheon that he ever set foot in. Sure he walked the FL property, but died years before opening day. DL is still full of all kinds of Walt moments that you just don't have in the other parks. The history at DL is just amazing, since it is the original and been there for more than 50 years. Sure it isn't as grand in size and scope as MK or the entire WDW resort - but it's certainly an active and full park considering there's much more to do in that single park than any one of the parks at WDW.

Everyone is allowed to have their own opinions about the Disney parks - and you simply shared some of yours after your latest visit. Hopefully you'll give it another try.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

Thanks for your review! I am too sorry that your experience was less than magical as that is what we all hope for on each and every visit to any of the Disney parks.

Although I am sure the Hojo was less than magical compared to staying on site, how else would you rate your expericence there? We are planning a stay there in Oct., and our budget doesn't allow us a stay on property.

 

[Disney-Kim]

Over the years we have been to DL and WDW about 13-15 times each....yet I have to say that WDW is my favorite place in the world.

I completely agree with the submersion statement. The sheer size of WDW makes sure you never see the real world. DL has tried with the GCH and DD area...but its not the same. I agree. but....
I know they aren't the same and we plan accordingly. I would not go to DL for longer than a 3 day weekend...its just not enough for us anymore.

as all the others have said...DL is Walt's park and the original. We look forware to riding those rides that DL has and MK doesn't.... the small differences are what make DL magical.

I noticed on our last trip to DL (2004) that the CM's were mostly young kids uniterested in what they were doing..but its the same at WDW...but there are those CM's who always make it special.

We are going back to DL for the first time in 4 yrs and I am hoping to experience some of the DL "magic"

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Sorry that it didn't turn out like you hoped. Sounds like a lot of people go in to it already comparing the two parks. I think that can be a mistake. They are both different and have different qualities. I hope to visit WDW someday, and even more so I hope I don't go in to it comparing it to DL.

We were there last week and every character we saw had a CM with them. So I guess it's one of those things that will vary.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

While Disneyland does not have the total immersion that WDW does, it achieves something remarkable. When you step inside those gates, you forget that you're actually in the middle of southern California, a few miles removed from Los Angeles and it's snarling traffic.

Per the castle, while I love the grandeur of Cindrella Castle, for me seeing the spires of the castle everywhere I go in the MK jars me out of the illusion that I'm in colonial America, Frontierland, et all. Likewise, Main Street is missing the small town feel of it's counterpart because the buildings on Main Street are larger so as not be dwarfed by the castle in Florida.

All that said I understand that different people have different preferences when it comes to the parks. And I fully admit that many of my reasons for loving Disneyland over the MK are sentimental. I think stopher1 makes an interesting comment about the intimidation factor at WDW with the castle. Walt actually designed Sleeping Beauty Castle to be smaller because in medevial times, the castles were to intimidate the lower classes and Walt wanted none of that in Disneyland. This is not to say that Cinderella Castle intends to intimidate, just that Walt had a valid reason for making Sleeping Beauty Castle the way he did.

When I compare park to park, it's no contest. Disneyland in a landslide over the MK. However, I love WDW. I wish I could get out there more often.

I can see the original poster's frustration about characters suddenly disappearing. Most of the time I've seen them near handlers, and on occasion I've seen face characters explain that they have to go away for a while to the waiting crowd. Ultimately both places have their positive and negative aspects. I really enjoy the ability to still see characters roaming Disneyland and DCA freely without having to go through the production of waiting in line at Mickey's house or the princess fantasy faire.

 

[honeymom]

I agree with you on everything that you said. To me, DL is the city Disney and WDW the resort Disney. While I love DL, I get absolutely exhausted doing it because it is all about the rides. There are so many other great things going on at WDW that I can really relax there.

Another thing. I used to prefer DL, when I lived in LA. But, back then, there were times of the year that I could go for a day, have no lines, no crowds, do the park in a day and do all my favorites as many times as I wanted, too. I don't think that those uncrowded days ever exist anymore. I manage to avoid big lines by using early entry, always being in the parks as early in the day as possible, using fastpass, but honestly it does not make for the most relaxing vacation. Plus, I think that this trip's Nemo run just about did me in.

 

[KitKat_Tink]

I agree with the castle thing.

Sleeping Beauty's castle is a mere 77ft while Cinderella's castle is 189ft. But Sleeping Beauty's is older and no doubt they had less material and money when it was built.

I have noticed the magic "fading" a bit at disneyland. Not sure if its just me getting older, but since others notice it too maybe not. Last time i went there was some CM goofying of on POTC pretending to hang themselves with a noose. It wasn't so much a big deal but we didn't think that was an image Disney wanted to potray so we brought it up with the people at City Hall. Disneyland seems to be getting more crowded with all the new pixar theming (nemo, Buzz, cars, etc). Disneyworld still isn't my favorite but i will agree that the CM there seem to be friendlier.

 

[grumpyvet]

Since I live in San Diego, I go to DL about 6-8 times a year. But since I am local, I rarely do more than a day trip. So it is get up at o'dark o'clock, care for the pets and get ready and try to hit the highway before traffic is hideous. (Fond hope in Southern CA!!!). Then after a fun but tiring day at the park, drive home again, dreaming that will avoid the big Del MAa parking lot on 5.

When I go to WDW we stay on site, I get up in the AM, there is no rushing, there is no laundry, there are no pets. So, I cannot compare the experiences!!! WDW is a VACATION, DL is a day trip.

That said, my familiarity with DL and learning the history and seeing the same CM's trip after trip (I love all the Grandpas driving the train and the Main Street vehicles!!) DL is MY park which makes it the most special to me. But the whole package at WDW makes it the most special to me. Hmmm, seeing a trend here?

For me it is mostly a 'Love the One Your With " kind of thing!!!

I have had little trouble with CM's either place, just other crazy vacationers!!
Any kind of bad experience can really tarnish the magic!!

So, DL/WDW, it's all good!!!

 

[Disneyluvr2]

It's funny, because the very first time I experienced Main Street at WDW and saw the castle there - I was like - WOW, it's just way TOO big!! Very imposing, and unfriendly - like the nice intimate one at DL. It's really just a perception thing. The size of the castles is always something that WDW vets notice and comment on when they go to DL. After all - with the MK being more than twice the size of DL acreage-wise, it would look kind of silly having a castle the size of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the heart of the MK - just as it would look silly having a castle the size of Cinderella Castle in the heart of DL.

I just like to look at it as DL is Walt's park - the only one in the Disney pantheon that he ever set foot in. Sure he walked the FL property, but died years before opening day. DL is still full of all kinds of Walt moments that you just don't have in the other parks. The history at DL is just amazing, since it is the original and been there for more than 50 years. Sure it isn't as grand in size and scope as MK or the entire WDW resort - but it's certainly an active and full park considering there's much more to do in that single park than any one of the parks at WDW.

Perfectly said, stopher1 ! I always feel so sorry for the WDW people that spend all that money to travel across the country to visit Disneyland and then can't find anything good about the park because they're so focused on WDW. What a shame they don't notice all the special things about Walt's park that WDW doesn't have. I've never been to WDW and actually have no desire to visit. There's never been a sequel made that's better than the original, in my opinion!

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

Perfectly said, stopher1 ! I always feel so sorry for the WDW people that spend all that money to travel across the country to visit Disneyland and then can't find anything good about the park because they're so focused on WDW. What a shame they don't notice all the special things about Walt's park that WDW doesn't have. I've never been to WDW and actually have no desire to visit. There's never been a sequel made that's better than the original, in my opinion!

I 100% agree.

I'm not trying to flame anyone or put anyone out, but I have seen/heard WDW veterns tell other WDW vets/DLR newbies that they are not going to enjoy Walt's Park. I think that seed is already planted before they arrive to DLR. Just because WDW is bigger doesn't neccessarily mean it's better.

I've never been to WDW, but from just seeing through the tv and internet, WDW can't really be compared to DLR and vice versa. They are two totally different parks with two totally different experiences to offer. WDW has strong points (the so many different hotels, and like the OP said the immersion in Disney for example) and DLR has it's strong points (example, it being Walt's park, park hopping within 100 feet). I love the charm and intimacy that DLR has to offer. I hope to make it to WDW, but right now just thinking about it overwhelms me since it's so dang big.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think I will enjoy being at HoJo this time, to get a bit of a break from the Mouse in the evenings, when my senses are overloaded.

Ah, but you can hear the music from over the wall as you're walking back to HoJos... it was incredibly obvious to us (we didn't even have to try to hear it) most nights while we walked back! We liked it, but I was cracking up about the piano and GCH.

Walt actually designed Sleeping Beauty Castle to be smaller because in medevial times, the castles were to intimidate the lower classes and Walt wanted none of that in Disneyland.

That is really interesting!

Even looking at pictures of WDW's castle jolts me a bit. When we do go to WDW I know it's going to freak me out a bit, but I'm going to work hard on not disliking it. They are different castles!

Since I live in San Diego, I go to DL about 6-8 times a year. But since I am local, I rarely do more than a day trip.....
When I go to WDW we stay on site, I get up in the AM, there is no rushing, there is no laundry, there are no pets. So, I cannot compare the experiences!!! WDW is a VACATION, DL is a day trip.

I'm a huge fan of local vacations. We've been known to go up and stay a couple days at a hotel in Seattle, even when we were living in Federal Way (about 20 miles away), just for fun.

Since my brother lives in San Diego, our first two trips as adults were the day trip you describe, and while they were fun, staying there is WAY more fun. I highly recommend making the effort to experiencing DLR as a vacation, not just a day trip.



OP I'm so sorry those things happened!

We didn't see that show at DCA so I obviously don't know if it was normal, but whenever we've been in line, the CMs have been very VERY good about letting people in the back know about how long it will be (and letting those in line and very close, who didin't get a warning, meet the character). We got in line to see Buzz to get his autograph (he was the very first character DS met in September, but we didn't know DS would get into autographs so we didn't have a book, and we've been trying to get his signature on the first page of that book since then!), and just a moment or two later the CM came up the line letting us know how many more minutes he would be there, letting us decide if we wanted to chance it or not. For the Pooh characters in Critter Country they are even better at that (and always let people know what character is coming out next).

In DCA I've seen character start out without a CM, very close to the CM/character entrance/exit areas, but then as the characters move more to their "areas" the CM shows up and takes control of the line (and in our recent experience, the character knows more of what's going on, lol).

I'm sorry that happened, but I'm not sure it's normal, sounds like it was a mess-up, and I'm glad you complained! You should have taken the vouchers and FPs though! I know I would have.

 

[quest4dl]

We just returned from out trip to DLR - my last trip there was in '81! I was really worried about not feeling immersed but was pleasantly surprised. We did stay at the GCH and never left property so that probably had something to do with it. Take a senior along with you and the rate really goes down (we paid an avg. rate of $260 + tax).

I loved being abe to step out of our hotel into DD. I like the more intimate feel of DD at DLR (WDW seems mostly 'neon') and the live performances scattered throughout.

I also braced myself to be disappointed by the smaller castle but it was perfectly in proportion to the rest of the park and I thought it was very pretty!

My main disappointments were fewer characters on the streets, obnoxious groups of teens (and I'm not disparaging all teens because we did meet nice ones too ), and locals who had no regard for the people who make rare or once-in-a-lifetime trips to Disney.

Although we went at a very busy time (a convention was in town) we were able to do all the attractions we wanted, the ones we really liked several times over, and most of the shows and parades over the 4 days. At WDW we race around trying to do our priority list just once and end up feeling not quite satisfied because we don't have time to repeat favourites. Younger kids like my 7yo ds really like to repeat things.

I was also warned that the food was not nearly as good as WDW and I was very pleased with the food quality and variety. I am a 'foodie' so food is a very important part of my vacation. We dined at both counter-service and sit-down restaurants in the parks, hotels, and DD.

Also, DLR can be a less expensive trip than WDW because the tickets cost less. True you have half the number of parks but you still get your Disney fix.

And last but not least, the weather is so much nicer at DLR in June than at WDW!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

A few years ago I heard the number of attractions in WDW vs. the number in Disneyland. I'm don't remember the exact numbers, but I think Florida's 4 parks had around 9 more attractions than California's 2 parks. I was really surprised at how Florida didn't have that many more attractions considering that it's considerably larger. Disneyland itself has more attractions than the MK.