Just back-my thoughts

The World vs. The Land debate will never end I have a feeling! I think it depends on what you want! I LOVE DL. I'm sorry you had a bad trip. I hope that you are able to enjoy it if you ever try it out again.
 
About the immersion, I too also forget that im in the middle of a city, even though I totally see everything when Im at the top of tower of terror :) :) I enjoy it. Disneyland is sooo magical that I just forget the world around me. I really think that Disneyland is very humble, Disneyland only has 2 parks and at least for me, it achives more magic in my heart than the 4 parks at WDW. I think the people are much nicer at Disneyland, u spend way less money there. So I will always prefer Disneyland.
 
It's like comparing apples to oranges, the comparisons stop at they're both fruit. BMW or Mercedes-Benz? both german engineered, WDW or DLR? Comparisons pretty much stop at they're both Disney. You may prefer one over the other but that doesn't mean one is necessarily superior. When we see our monthly post about "which is better WDW or DLR?" a good response would be "do you like apples or oranges better?" or "you pick, BMW or Benz".
Both offer something a little different but both can be equally loved for what they have to offer. Just my thoughts.....back to my popcorn popcorn::
 
hi there, as i was growing up i probably visited DL about 8 times (i live in bc,canada)...Then i grew up :rotfl2: ...The first disney trip our family took was WDW...my dh and kids had never been and we loved it, it was amazing...we then went to DL the following year, and then, DL the year after...i ask my kids what they prefer and all 3 say DL...kinda shocked me, the only thing they like better at WDW were the water parks...so for us, this is a no brainer, WDW is a 7 hour flight, DL is 2 1/2..:rotfl: ...the one thing i will say about WDW though, it just seemed like there were way more characters around and the lineups for them were handled better...the otherfunny thing is, before our first trip, all i could talk about was POTC, and how much i loved it as a kid...we hit DW and my kids response was "is that it"...we did it once and never again, DL, we did it repeadetly and they loved it :bitelip: ...anyways, we do love both parks but somehow DL wins out for us, but i would really go to either, because it would mean i was at DISNEY :cool1:
sharon
 

I enjoyed reading this as we just got back from our first trip to DL last month and go to WDW about 3-4 times per year.

My son doesn't do the characters so I can't really comment on that, but I read that they are often without handlers, unlike at WDW.

I also thought walking down main st that it was missing something, sure that it was that the castle at the end didn't stand out and seem all magical like it does at WDW.

I must say though we really enjoyed DL. I am not sure I can say one is better over the other, there are so many differences. It is nice to go to WDW and never see the real world, yet was awesome to be in So Cal have so much to do nearby and I agree once you walked into the park it was as if LA and all the hustle and bustle were millions of miles away.

We stayed at Hojo and LOVED it! I thought it added to the disney experience with the matterhorn and fireworks being right out our window. We don't get that at WDW where we stay (usually values or moderates).

I also must say I thought the CM's and people in general were much more friendly in DL. I think that WDW is almost a fake nice that the people were so real at DL. We always have nice CM's at WDW but it was just different. I didn't find either more magical in any way.

We don't pin trade either so I didn't notice whether the CM's wore lanyards or not.

Heading out to California everyone kept telling us what a horrible time we would have and it has got to be one of the best vacations I have ever taken! We all loved it! I think we also went with so little expectation, where you go to WDW with alot of expectations! Which sometimes just aren't lived up too.

I enjoy reading about different people's opinions and everyone is different so I can imagine that they vary alot!
 
As the original poster, in re-reading my first post, I guess I can see that I may have come across a bit harshly in my statements. DL has always been, and always will be a special place for myself and my family. In my opinion, anytime at DL or WDW will be vacation time that is cherished and enjoyed by us all. It is just that on this trip, several other members of our extended family who also made the trip made similar comments about preferring our recent trips to WDW as opposed to recent trips to DL. I just wanted to see if there were any others out there who felt along the same lines.
 
I guess to me they are two totally different things. I love Disneyland because it is what I grew up with. I have MANY fond memories and it is "Walt's" park as they say. It is quaint and it has things that WDW doesn't have. I LOVE WDW but when I go, esp to MK I miss the things that it doesn't have like Indy, Matterhorn, Alice etc. I honestly prefer Disneyland to the Magic Kingdom. I do agree that the character interactions are handled much better in Florida. The first time we went in 02 my kids were much younger and I felt people and the handlers just handled things better. People linded up better and it was just done more orderly.

In DL it is chaotic. People cut in front and there is no order to it at all. I always try to stay in a line and people just walk right up and cut. It drives me insane and then the cast member say nothing. I also agree that many of the younger cm's at DL have the I don't care attitude. It seems that many at WDW seem older and more pleasant but that could just be my personal experience.

I like how WDW is laid out and the feeling that you are at a resort and far from the "city" like when you are in DL but again there are things at DL that you don't get at WDW too.

So I guess there are things about both places that I love. One thing I do know though that as much as I love going to Florida I "miss" DL when I go. When I am at the MK I definitely feel like I am missing out on certain rides and like it is not the same. And I miss things from CA even. I love the laid back resort feel of WDW but once I am back home I want to go back to DL to do the things I "missed" while at WDW if that makes sense.

We live in Northern CA and are AP holders to DL. That is what we are close to and we go as much as possible. I wish sometimes it were more like WDW but I do love it and go as much as possible. And I know that if I lived closer to Florida and couldn't go to DL I would def miss it!
 
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.


You hit the nail on the head. I grew up with WDW and loved it. I moved to SoCal about 9 years ago and began going to DL. At first I didn't like it and I was comparing it too much to WDW. But after awhile, I really realized that they are such different parks in so many ways. You really get a different experience from each of the resorts. Last summer we did DLR in June and a month later did WDW in July. I loved both trips, but took home very different memories and experiences for each.

I would have to say, if I had to pick a favorite now, it would be DLR because it seems more personal. But I love them both and will continue to visit both parks often.

Michele
 
We just returned from our 1st trip to DLR. We've been to WDW 10+ times. I know in another post I mentioned that the only downside to our trip was the screaming (just to scream) guests. Other than that, I enjoyed my visit without constantly making comparisons as to one being more superior than the other.

We absolutely loved CA. DL is like Magic Kingdom in some aspects but still different. Some things are better at WDW, some are better at DLR. Loved New Orleans Square! Space Mtn at DL blows MK out of the water, as does POTC. At WDW, TOT is better as is Splash, in my opinion. I didn't notice a big difference in CMs. Some were just okay, some were fabulous (Bruce, a photopass photog near HM/POTC, was so great!). :thumbsup2

For us, DLR was a treat, a trip that probably won't be repeated for a long while due to logisitics. We don't spend every vacation at Disney parks. Our next extended vacation will be at WDW as a group from my job, but in general we try to take family vacations to places we've never been. If I want to relax, I go to Ponce Inlet for a week but generally we like to experience new things. Last year it was Virginia and D.C. This year it was Vegas, Grand Canyon and DLR. Was it relaxing? Somewhat. Was it fun? Definitely! Was it better than WDW? No, just different. I think you have to appreciate things for what they are, not what you expect them to be.
 
I too grew up around DL and have many special memories there that makes it very special to me. But now that we live in the middle we go to WDW just as often. I think I agree with most of your observations. Personally I love both places about the same and just see them individually.

I dont know about the CM's but I think I will make a point to notice more on this next trip. However I completely AGREE about the characters! I hated when my kids wanted to visit with a character at DL. Always so unorganized and a madhouse. I usually left the experience irritated at some person for cutting in front of my kids or who refused to let them get a picture and just wait their turn. Im really glad my kids are getting past the age of characters.

I wish DL would add a little more ambiance to their restaurant selections too but they have so many great choices outside the park it kinda makes up for it.

Thanks for your thoughts I found them very honest. I think all the parks leave a little room for improvement.
 
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 could have wrote your post, those were my EXACT feelings after spending 5 days at DL 3 weeks ago. I left feeling like it was almost a waste of time, even my two young children weren't as excited as they were when they were at WDW. Trust me, I tried to keep the spirit high throughout the trip and it wasn't till we were done that I really truly felt disappointed.

I don't want to sound negative (and I know that I do) but after 3 days we were all pretty bored with the whole park. The ONLY thing that we didn't do on our trip was Nemo but that was the kids decision, they just wanted to go to the hotel and swim. DD who is 4 even commented on how small the castle was and on her birthday there I was really disappointed at how our lunch at Ariels grotto was. I thought it was going to be more "special" but really it wasn't, they didn't even write happy birthday in her autograph book :(

We will probably not return to DL again, for what we paid for a "good neighbour" hotel in Cali we could have stayed at one of the resorts at WDW.

Sorry to be a downer but we left very disappointed :(
 
I agree with the original poster. I, too, grew up at DL and it has very special memories for me. However, after many trips to WDW, DL now feels to me like a local park created by locals for locals. There are packs of kids roaming or locals with a few hour to kill. The result is that there is little emphasis on sit down dining or whimisical hotel and pool decor that allows you to completely immerse yourself in the disney experience 24/7, which can be a plus or minus depending on one's preference. Similarly, the huge ratio of locals to toursists creates outrageous crowds for parades and shows. I was disappointed to see that even on the monorail at DL, you "leave" disney for the reality of Anaheim. Disneyland is still a great park, a couple steps above Six Flags, but I prefer the family-friendly vibe of WDW.
 
Sorry but if you went to DLR and had a bad time because it was not "as good" to you as WDW please go enjoy WDW more!

I like both WDW and DLR but DLR simply has better attractions.

Who really cares about a bunch of sit down restaurants at Disney, is that really going to make your trip? Let's face it, Disney food is overpriced, is never better than decent (at best) and the service is marginal usually.

If anything more locals make the parades and shows more accessible as most locals don't care about those things and use that time otherwise. WDW is great fun but let's face it, the MK park is a knockoff.

I think going to a Disney resort and feeling it was a waste of time is more an indictment on your ability to entertain yourself than it is on the parks themselves.

As previously stated, for those who don't fully get why DL is the greatest, most magical and most loaded with attractions and history park please make more visits to FL! The rest of us won't mind!
 
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.

It's interesting you said this. I was born in Anaheim, and currently live about 10 miles from DL. I've had an AP for the past 20 years adn have been there more times than I can count/remember.

We went on our first trip to WDW last Nov. and that was the biggest comment we had - just how amazingly helpful adn friendly the CMs were at WDW compared to what we were used to at DL. We attributed it to 1) our 1st visit buttons, and 2) the fact that we aren't lost at DL, so rarely need to ask "ignorant" questions there, like we did, consistently, at WDW (you know, where's the nearest restroom, how do we get to xyz, etc...."). We assumed that the CMs just took pity on us since we were obviously new and confused, and wondered if we displayed the same level of confusion here "at home" if they wouldn't be equally "magical".

It's interesting that you found the same thing noteworthy.
 
OP, I can understand your points. I love DL, its the first Disney park I visited before and after I had kids of my own. I could never not love it but have to say WDW is sort of my favorite. Although Disneyland has its own special charm and magic WDW can never have for me.

The castle is small, I think its actually prettier, but I miss being the way you can see the castle from all over the various parts of WDW (I love to see it way off in the distance as you go up the hill on EE at AK). I also love the different resort and dining options at WDW.

I haven't had any problems with cm's at DL (most recent visit was January) but I know others have posted they have. I think its too bad and probably an issue of low pay and too many hours required to work for that low pay. So many cm's at WDW are retirees who work there part time. The cost of living is so much less in Florida vs. So. Cal, I can't imagine how anybody could be all that happy working at even such a happy place for such low wages in So. Cal. Still it stinks for you, the guest.

I will also add that if some posters have been a bit put out with you it might be becasue sometimes WDW regulars have come over here and bashed Disneyland. That wasn't the vibe I got at all from your post. But awhile back, before they spruced up the park for the 50th in particular, it seemed like every week there was some anti DL thread going. Again, I didn't get that from you at all. I do think a few of the snarky comments towards the OP posting his thoughts are not necessary.


I just always look at DL as its own thing. Its impossible not to compare the two but in a way its not fair to DL since it was built first and space became such an issue all the way around. Staying onsite at DL is wonderful and I love to do when I can, but its not the same as staying onsite at WDW and I am not sure it would have made a difference or not.

The thing about lack of character escorts is right on and it drives me nuts. The only organized character meet and greet at DL is the pooh one back by Splash Mountain.

I also have to say that I now go to DL in addition to WDW not in place of. I like a short trip to DL when I can find good deals but for my big, 10 day to two week Disney trips I do prefer WDW. There's just more to do for a long vacation.

Thanks for posting your experience, that is after all what the disboards is all about!
 
I just got back yesterday from DL and since I was at WDW for the last two years (combined with a DCL cruise) it was hard not to compare. There are positives and negatives to both locations, yet I love them both for what they are and its hard to know which is the clear winner in our family.

If you have a lot of time, then WDW wins out, as there is so much to do you will never run out! 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, plus a large downtown disney guarantee a minimum of a week, but I prefer 10 days. The resorts are much better in WDW. We've stayed at the POR and the theming on the grounds is fantastic! I feel I could stay at the hotel for a week and have a great vacation. This time we stayed at the DLH and the PPH (concierge) and while the rooms were large and beautiful, the grounds cannot compare! Plus, every night at WDW our housekeepers would do towel animals and special things around the room and we didn't get that at DLR.

However, its nice not to have to take busses everywhere!

Both are magical, both are special. Its hard not to compare, but they both serve different purposes. It depends on time and money where you go,and really, where you live. While it costs more to fly the Orlando from Victoria BC, once I'm there, its actually cheaper! Hotels cost less, food costs less, tickets cost less.

I respect the OP posts opinions, because I have strong ones too.

I actually thought CM's were nicer at DLR this time around. But, it just depends on who you meet that day.
 
Oh! I realized I didn't address something. I've seen plenty of CMs pin trading, but no, they don't always wear their lanyards around their neck. They tend to hold them, or have them in a pocket, I've noticed.

CMs working in the stores selling pins definitely tend to trade, but again, they don't have the lanyards on their necks. They have them behind the counter so they can bring them out, spread them out on the counter, and do a nice civilized, no staring at their chests, trade.

Might be good to know for those of you who like to trade!


The only organized character meet and greet at DL is the pooh one back by Splash Mountain.

Princess Fantasy Faire
Jack Sparrow on the back of Pirate's Lair
ToonTown
 
Princess Fantasy Faire
Jack Sparrow on the back of Pirate's Lair
ToonTown


Yes Molly there are those. However, as far as just in the parks not in a specific place DL cannot compare to WDW for character meet and greets. They are all over the place at all four parks (we even saw them at the waterparks last week) at WDW. And they NEVER are without an escort to keep the crowds nice and orderly. They are all over each and every park.

I hate princess fantasy faire. I miss the days when the princesses were near the castle and espc. Snow White at her Wishing Well.
 
I think going to a Disney resort and feeling it was a waste of time is more an indictment on your ability to entertain yourself than it is on the parks themselves.

As previously stated, for those who don't fully get why DL is the greatest, most magical and most loaded with attractions and history park please make more visits to FL! The rest of us won't mind!

It isn't about the ability to entertain myself it is about feeling "the magic" that Disney is supposed to bring. I didn't get the "magical" feeling, I got a theme park loaded with a lot of locals feeling. To tell you the truth, we went to San Diego Zoo and Seaworld and felt that it was comparable to DL.

For us, we expected magic...for the CM to really "love" what they do, to make our visit the most memorable. I was talking to one CM that told me that he didn't really even like his job he was just doing it because of there tuition program :confused:

Was the park itself satisfactory, yes. Does it have a lot of rides, yes. But did it have the same magical feeling as WDW, NO!

Everyone is entitled to there opinion, and to have people be rude and make comments like: " Make more trips to Florida, none of us will mind" are a bit harsh and just add to the negative vibe I felt at DL
 
To tell you the truth, we went to San Diego Zoo and Seaworld and felt that it was comparable to DL.


Everyone is entitled to there opinion, and to have people be rude and make comments like: " Make more trips to Florida, none of us will mind" are a bit harsh and just add to the negative vibe I felt at DL

First paragraph: :faint: ;)

Second: I guess my question would be (and please remember I'm NOT someone who said anything like that) what would be the correct response?

I mean, I don't want any forum to just be peaches and cream, no dissenting allowed, but at the same time, I get really really sad reading of peoples' bad times! And since I'm a promoter of Disneyland, LOL, I feel like I've failed, ya know? Like if I, or one of the other regulars here, had gone at the same time and showed you around, then you would have had a better time?

It's the same response WDW people get when they stay at a resort and don't like it...people have a variety of feelings when something they love isn't loved by others. And sometimes, just like on the WDW Resort forums, people do indeed feel like (and state) that it just means more room at a park or at a resort for them, if those who don't like it stay away. :confused3

I personally don't love the response, but it's another person's feelings, ya know?
 


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