Long time WDW visitor considering DL

[Tonyspad]

We have visited WDW over 20 times. We LOVE WDW and it's many different parks and hotels. We are from the northeast and the travel is a snap as well. We are considering a trip to DL next year and would like some feedback from those that have visited both parks. My biggest concern is the fact we are very happy with WDW and would hate to be disappointed in our choice. We have stayed at the Polynesian, GF and YC and would stay at the GC hotel if we decide to go west.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I grew up in AZ and then CA, so I have been to DL many times. I then moved to TN and have now been to WDW several times. They both have some great things about them. Here are my opinions:

WDW:
pros -
Great variety of rides, shows, shopping and other attractions
You can spend longer than a week and never get bored
Wonderful restaurants
cons-
It's tiring riding a shuttle or driving to the parks
It's also tiring walking so much
(those are the only two cons I can think of)

DL:
pros -
Everything is within walking distance
They have many rides that WDW doesn't have and several unique shows
DTD is right there in the middle of everything, you don't have to take shuttles or drive anywhere
If you want to go back to the hotel for a break, it only takes 10 minutes
Also, you can't beat CA weather. I have been all over the US and the weather in CA is some of the best in the country
cons -
They don't have four parks, there are only two, so you will be able to see and do everything in a shorter period of time. No World Showcase, no Spaceship Earth, etc. Although they have much more in DL than in the Magic Kingdom.

All in all, I enjoy going to both places. I look at it this way. For a shorter vacation without all the running around, DL can't be beat. Everything is right there and it's never a hassle to get there. If you want a longer vacation, there are many fun places to visit while in CA.

WDW is a great all-inclusive type place to go for a week or more. They've got such a wonderful variety of things to do that you never need to plan going anywhere else. (We also visit Universal/IOA for a couple days on our trips though).

We are going to DL for 6 nights this Oct. Then to WDW in March. It's kind of like having the best of both worlds!

 

[spazzyjazzy]

The worst you can do is go in with a fear of disappointment. They are two different vacation destinations. Disneyland is smaller and easier to maneuver around in. Hydroguy has a a wonderful link about Disneyland and Disneyworld

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[tinkermell]

I just bumped up Lives4Disney thread, because I think it might help in your decision. She and family had the same doubts you are having. But they really had a great time, and want to come back again. Give DL a chance. I think you might be pleasantly surprised!!!!

Also check out HydoGuy's thread for sure. So much great info for a WDW veteran just like you.

 

[noladave]

we went to DL for the 1st time this past February, and plan to go back more often there, than WDW. Obviously, WDW has some things that DL does not - Animal Kingdom and World Showcase at Epcot. However, just about everything else is either the same, or similar. We loved the fact that you walk out of the Grand Californian, and right into either DTD or DCA. I can't tell you how much I hate taking buses to every park you visit (like WDW).

As for crowds, we hit both WDW (last year) and DL (this year) during President's week. While the crowds at DL were thick, they were NOTHING compared to the madness at WDW.

Enjoy the sights. Additionally, we made a side trip to Hollywood - can't do that at WDW.

 

[Twinprincesses]

I have been to WDW 20 + times as well. I visited DL when I was about 13 and went back again last year. I loved it. It is so different from WDW and we loved it. We loved the different rides there and the closeness of all the cheaper hotels. We stayed at the Best Western which was $89 a night and walked to the park in 2 minutes.

It is honeslty so hard to discribe the layout compared to WDW until you see it. You just cannot believe how close it all is. I mean their DT Disney is right by DL. I will say there is no hotel close to the caliber of GF but the Disney properties there look wonderful. We decided to go cheap on a hotel and spend the extra money on suveniers.

We love DL so much we are going back in October. I love it!!