NEED HELP deciding between DL & DW!

[Renae De Liz]

Okay... my husband and I just decided the other day that we want to take my oldest son to Disney this year during the Christmas season (probably around Dec. 1st onward). He's turning 9 in February. I'm pretty sure that this is the last "real" Christmas season he may have and we want it to be perfect. Also for the last 2 years he's gotten a baby brother, we've moved, and also his dad and I work a lot, and we want to go without the baby this time and make the trip all about him.

I grew up with Disney LAND, but I'm contemplating giving Disney World a try! I'd sincerely appreciate helping me decide with input on my (many!) questions!

1) Space Mountain; my favorite DL ride, heard it was the 'old' version at DW. Is it as good still?

2) I heard Pirates isn't as good at DW (shorter?)

3) No Indiana Jones Ride?! Gah! But I heard the Dinosaur ride was similar? If it is as good I'm willing try it!

4) No Matterhorn (this one really got me, that mountain is like the anchor to all of disney experiences!) but there's that new Everest ride at DW. How is it?

5) Which one has better Christmas experiences?

6) A big concern of mine from visiting Disneyland last in 2009; the service and the overall feel of the park felt not as good. In example, I went to DL in 2006. It was amazing! People greeted me going into the hotel, it seems cleaner, generally we felt like we were treated like a king & queen just for being there! 2009, we weren't greeted, the workers seemed "glummer" and worst of all, on the rides people used flash photography "nonstop" on every ride. Before they stopped the ride and politely asked for them to stop. Now they just let it go. It totally ruined many rides. Especially Pirates!!! People that know what I'm talking about, is it better now (heard it was because they needed money to refurb. Cal. Ad.) and does anyone know if you still get the "magic treatment" at DW? Do they still rule against flash photography?

7) The DW Fantasy Land expansion, no Toon Fair?? Also is Small World still open? Does Fantasy Land still feel like Fantasty land, is there still rides? Important to me as when I took my son 2 years ago to DL, they were refurbishing a lot there too so he missed a bunch of fantasy land too. Basically just want to know if there's still a lot of Fantasty Land to experience at DW.

8) The food! There was only a few places I HAD to eat at DL. Where are best places to eat at DW? I am the type that LOVES theme restaurants, not so much for the more normal ones.

9) how is Wilderness Lodge at Christmas? Also, any special Christmas disney candy/merch available in the park?


Thanks so much everyone!! Sorry for the many questions! This is a large purhase for us, we want to make sure we go to the right park!

 

[Lynne M]

Since most of your questions are related to the theme parks, I'm going to move this over to the Theme Parks and Attractions board.

 

[Renae De Liz]

Thank you!

 

[squirrel]

Well it sounds like you have done DL a fair amount.

I'd do WDW. My first Disney park was DL, but I'd rather go to WDW if given the choice.

WDW is huge compared to DL. How many days would you go for? Is it far from where you live. It is for me so I spend 2 weeks at WDW when I go.

With a nine year old, WDW will not be very hard. Hopping from park to park does take a lot more time than when at DLR. If it's your first trip, I wouldn't bother with hoppers. You can add that option if you want to hop while at WDW. Leaving it off the tickets will save you $, especially if you don't need to hop.

I stay at a WDW resort when I go. I don't need a car at all. ME picks you up at the airport and takes you to the resort.

There are so many dining options at WDW. For a 9 yr old I would recommend-HDDR (if you don't want to use up 2TS credits or it's too expensive-WCC is fun), Sci-Fi or 50's Prime Time, Tusker House, and 'Ohana. That's only a tiny fraction of the restaurants. I didn't even give you any character meals, unless you do TH and 'Ohana for breakfast.

Rides, well some are better at DLR and some are better at WDW. Splash is better at WDW. WDW has some rides that DLR doesn't have.

 

[sissy_ib]

Okay... my husband and I just decided the other day that we want to take my oldest son to Disney this year during the Christmas season (probably around Dec. 1st onward). He's turning 9 in February. I'm pretty sure that this is the last "real" Christmas season he may have and we want it to be perfect. Also for the last 2 years he's gotten a baby brother, we've moved, and also his dad and I work a lot, and we want to go without the baby this time and make the trip all about him.

I grew up with Disney LAND, but I'm contemplating giving Disney World a try! I'd sincerely appreciate helping me decide with input on my (many!) questions!

1) Space Mountain; my favorite DL ride, heard it was the 'old' version at DW. Is it as good still?
If you go to WDW go the the RIGHT side on Space. Space is DFHs favorite ride and he loved both DL and WDW. But we both agreed the right side is better at WDW.
2) I heard Pirates isn't as good at DW (shorter?)
The bayou scene at the begining is the major difference.
3) No Indiana Jones Ride?! Gah! But I heard the Dinosaur ride was similar? If it is as good I'm willing try it!
NOT as good. Same ride vehicles but very different. There are many "is Dinosaur that scary?" threads around. Do a search for one so you can get an idea of peoples opinion of it. I hate it but love Indian Jones at DL.

4) No Matterhorn (this one really got me, that mountain is like the anchor to all of disney experiences!) but there's that new Everest ride at DW. How is it?
Well, they both have a yeti! Everest is a better ride over all. Not as iconic as Matterhorn but you would probably enjoy it very much.
5) Which one has better Christmas experiences?
No idea
6) A big concern of mine from visiting Disneyland last in 2009; the service and the overall feel of the park felt not as good. In example, I went to DL in 2006. It was amazing! People greeted me going into the hotel, it seems cleaner, generally we felt like we were treated like a king & queen just for being there! 2009, we weren't greeted, the workers seemed "glummer" and worst of all, on the rides people used flash photography "nonstop" on every ride. Before they stopped the ride and politely asked for them to stop. Now they just let it go. It totally ruined many rides. Especially Pirates!!! People that know what I'm talking about, is it better now (heard it was because they needed money to refurb. Cal. Ad.) and does anyone know if you still get the "magic treatment" at DW? Do they still rule against flash photography?
The magic is very much there at WDW. I don't know if they stop flash photography or not. Did not experience much when I was there.
7) The DW Fantasy Land expansion, no Toon Fair?? Also is Small World still open? Does Fantasy Land still feel like Fantasty land, is there still rides? Important to me as when I took my son 2 years ago to DL, they were refurbishing a lot there too so he missed a bunch of fantasy land too. Basically just want to know if there's still a lot of Fantasty Land to experience at DW.
Town Town Fair was not a part of Fantasyland. Fantasyland is very much open. They will be closing Snow White at some point but I believe that is the only ride in FL scheduled for closure.
8) The food! There was only a few places I HAD to eat at DL. Where are best places to eat at DW? I am the type that LOVES theme restaurants, not so much for the more normal ones.
To many to list! Start reading some reviews on the restaurant boards. You will probably want to eat at Cinderellas Royal Table. There are many themed restaurants in Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
9) how is Wilderness Lodge at Christmas? Also, any special Christmas disney candy/merch available in the park?
There will be a ton of special merchandise. All of the resorts are decorated for the holidays. Also the is Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party that is an extra charge, hard ticket event after hours at Magic Kingdom. There is a lot of info on the Dis about it.

Thanks so much everyone!! Sorry for the many questions! This is a large purhase for us, we want to make sure we go to the right park!

My responses are in red. Good luck making a decision!

 

[Renae De Liz]

Thank you Squirrel! I did grow up with Disneyland, and have only ever been there. I love it so much, but I'm excited about discovering Disney World too. But I'm having trouble finding things I'm *really* excited about. I'm not big on water parks, there's a couple rides at Animal kingdom that look good, but I'm not big on the "zoo" aspects. Hollywood Studios looks like a bigger version of the one at DCA, and it was my least favorite place in either park. Epcot looks the coolest to me! I sound truly negative (which I promise I'm trying not to be!), but I REALLY DO want to love Disney World! But I don't know if I want to sacrifice my beloved Matterhorn, new Space Mountain, Alice in Wonderland, and most importantly, Indiana Jones!

But, if Disney World is tougher on flash photography during rides, I'm SO THERE!

Thanks so much for the input!!

 

[Renae De Liz]

My responses are in red. Good luck making a decision!

OH thank you so so much!! That does really help a lot!! Thank you!!

 

[Disneyhenry]

Okay... my husband and I just decided the other day that we want to take my oldest son to Disney this year during the Christmas season (probably around Dec. 1st onward). He's turning 9 in February. I'm pretty sure that this is the last "real" Christmas season he may have and we want it to be perfect. Also for the last 2 years he's gotten a baby brother, we've moved, and also his dad and I work a lot, and we want to go without the baby this time and make the trip all about him.

I grew up with Disney LAND, but I'm contemplating giving Disney World a try! I'd sincerely appreciate helping me decide with input on my (many!) questions!

1) Space Mountain; my favorite DL ride, heard it was the 'old' version at DW. Is it as good still? - True, but it is still good

2) I heard Pirates isn't as good at DW (shorter?)True, but it is still good


3) No Indiana Jones Ride?! Gah! But I heard the Dinosaur ride was similar? If it is as good I'm willing try it!

4) No Matterhorn (this one really got me, that mountain is like the anchor to all of disney experiences!) but there's that new Everest ride at DW. How is it?

5) Which one has better Christmas experiences?

6) A big concern of mine from visiting Disneyland last in 2009; the service and the overall feel of the park felt not as good. In example, I went to DL in 2006. It was amazing! People greeted me going into the hotel, it seems cleaner, generally we felt like we were treated like a king & queen just for being there! 2009, we weren't greeted, the workers seemed "glummer" and worst of all, on the rides people used flash photography "nonstop" on every ride. Before they stopped the ride and politely asked for them to stop. Now they just let it go. It totally ruined many rides. Especially Pirates!!! People that know what I'm talking about, is it better now (heard it was because they needed money to refurb. Cal. Ad.) and does anyone know if you still get the "magic treatment" at DW? Do they still rule against flash photography?

7) The DW Fantasy Land expansion, no Toon Fair?? Also is Small World still open? Does Fantasy Land still feel like Fantasty land, is there still rides? Important to me as when I took my son 2 years ago to DL, they were refurbishing a lot there too so he missed a bunch of fantasy land too. Basically just want to know if there's still a lot of Fantasty Land to experience at DW.

8) The food! There was only a few places I HAD to eat at DL. Where are best places to eat at DW? I am the type that LOVES theme restaurants, not so much for the more normal ones.

9) how is Wilderness Lodge at Christmas? Also, any special Christmas disney candy/merch available in the park?


Thanks so much everyone!! Sorry for the many questions! This is a large purhase for us, we want to make sure we go to the right park!

1) Space Mountain; my favorite DL ride, heard it was the 'old' version at DW. Is it as good still? - True, but it is still good

2) I heard Pirates isn't as good at DW (shorter?)True, but it is still good

As far as other ride WDW has so many great ones, Test Track,Rock n Roll roller coaster, Mission Space, Aminal Kingdom, Epcot, MGM are so fun. FOOD- it is great and so many more choices!
Dont get me wrong, I LOVE DL! Been there some 80 plus times, but WDW is a great experience

 

[StitchSpawn]

Okay... my husband and I just decided the other day that we want to take my oldest son to Disney this year during the Christmas season (probably around Dec. 1st onward). He's turning 9 in February. I'm pretty sure that this is the last "real" Christmas season he may have and we want it to be perfect. Also for the last 2 years he's gotten a baby brother, we've moved, and also his dad and I work a lot, and we want to go without the baby this time and make the trip all about him.

I grew up with Disney LAND, but I'm contemplating giving Disney World a try! I'd sincerely appreciate helping me decide with input on my (many!) questions!

1) Space Mountain; my favorite DL ride, heard it was the 'old' version at DW. Is it as good still?

2) I heard Pirates isn't as good at DW (shorter?)

3) No Indiana Jones Ride?! Gah! But I heard the Dinosaur ride was similar? If it is as good I'm willing try it!

4) No Matterhorn (this one really got me, that mountain is like the anchor to all of disney experiences!) but there's that new Everest ride at DW. How is it?

5) Which one has better Christmas experiences?

6) A big concern of mine from visiting Disneyland last in 2009; the service and the overall feel of the park felt not as good. In example, I went to DL in 2006. It was amazing! People greeted me going into the hotel, it seems cleaner, generally we felt like we were treated like a king & queen just for being there! 2009, we weren't greeted, the workers seemed "glummer" and worst of all, on the rides people used flash photography "nonstop" on every ride. Before they stopped the ride and politely asked for them to stop. Now they just let it go. It totally ruined many rides. Especially Pirates!!! People that know what I'm talking about, is it better now (heard it was because they needed money to refurb. Cal. Ad.) and does anyone know if you still get the "magic treatment" at DW? Do they still rule against flash photography?

7) The DW Fantasy Land expansion, no Toon Fair?? Also is Small World still open? Does Fantasy Land still feel like Fantasty land, is there still rides? Important to me as when I took my son 2 years ago to DL, they were refurbishing a lot there too so he missed a bunch of fantasy land too. Basically just want to know if there's still a lot of Fantasty Land to experience at DW.

8) The food! There was only a few places I HAD to eat at DL. Where are best places to eat at DW? I am the type that LOVES theme restaurants, not so much for the more normal ones.

9) how is Wilderness Lodge at Christmas? Also, any special Christmas disney candy/merch available in the park?


Thanks so much everyone!! Sorry for the many questions! This is a large purhase for us, we want to make sure we go to the right park!

Ok...you have a lot, but I'll do my best...& you need to consider a few extra things too.

1. I think Space Mountain sucks, but don't listen to me nesessarily because it's uber popular and a lot of people love it...the lights have been on the last two times I was at WDW and it ruined the ride for me. However, we do have Rockin'RollerCoaster and Hollywood Tower of Terror in HS, and Everest at AK, we have Test Track and Soarin' at Epcot. We have Spalsh Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in MK. Even if you end up not liking Space Mountain, everything else is great and makes up for it.

2. UH I don't know whatch ma' talkin' about our Pirates is awesome and I'd send anyone else to walk the plank that didn't think so, PLUS, we have the Pirates League and the pirate Tutorial where you get to fight Capt'n Jack Sparrow...so nobody better say anything bad about this ride ARG!

3. Uh? We have the Indiana Show which is awesome, and Dinosaur is pretty awesome, but I don't know how it relates? Indiana Jones Stunt Show is in HS, and so is the Lights! Action! Stunt show where you can see Lighting McQueen defeat a spy car...for REAL and Toy Story Mania...and RRC and HTT like I mentioned...and the Muppet Show and Star Tours.

4. Everest ROCKS!

5. All I know is WDW and I loved it in 2009/2010, a little less decor in 2010, but I think Disney will be in full swing this year.

6. LOL I just started a thread about that. It depends on the CMs and the day. They are people too you know and I know they are working, but they have to deal with millions of cranky guests and sometimes they are a little cranky too from dealing with us, and they are NOT on vacation, so keep that in mind. I have always found if I am nice to them, they are nice to me. It just depends. Some CMs let stuff go and others dont.

7. Yes small world and all Fantasy rides are open. I never thought Toontown was all that special and our Small world is different than yours so be prepared for that. We also have the others: Peter Pan, Dumbo, Mickey's Philarmagic, Carousel, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, & Tea Cups...plus all the Adventureland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland rides in MK. All the rides are open.

8. oh...you can find food. We have LOTS of food...good food is a matter of opinion though, I'd look around on wdwinfo.com at the different parks to see which ones your interested in. Your boy might really like T-Rex, it's like the Rainforest Cafe, but Dinosaurs. They move and act like live Dinosaurs while you eat and watch. It's like a show and is at DTD. Rainforest is gorillas and elaphants and stuff at AK and DTD.

9. Wonderful and YES! I love shopping at WDW around the holidays

We have more stuff to do and see, but a lot of it different. So, you have to decide, "If it isn't nastalgic to me, will I still feel my child is enjoying himself and enjoy it with him?" Some people need that sense of nastalgia on their vacation, but new is a lot of fun too.

And there is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal and Legoland too.

 

[squirrel]

Epcot-Test Track, Mission Space, Soarin (also at DCA)

DHS-Rockn' Roller Coaster, ToT (much better than DCA)

AK-Safari, EE, Dinosaur, Kali River Rapids

I know you said you don't like zoos, but AK is different. It's my favorite after MK. There are lots of areas to explore. I also like the shows at AK-Nemo, FotLK and Flights of Wonder.

 

[Renae De Liz]

Yay! Thanks guys! This is all so helpful! Keep it coming!!

Sissy, I don't know what they meant by Pirates, that it was shorter and less drops or something like that! But as long as it's essentially "Pirates" I will love it! I love me some Pirates!!

 

[Renae De Liz]

Epcot-Test Track, Mission Space, Soarin (also at DCA)

DHS-Rockn' Roller Coaster, ToT (much better than DCA)

AK-Safari, EE, Dinosaur, Kali River Rapids

I know you said you don't like zoos, but AK is different. It's my favorite after MK. There are lots of areas to explore. I also like the shows at AK-Nemo, FotLK and Flights of Wonder.

That's great to know! See, I just don't know any better when it comes to Disney World! I really rely on everyone telling me how awesome it is!

 

[sissy_ib]

Yay! Thanks guys! This is all so helpful! Keep it coming!!

Sissy, I don't know what they meant by Pirates, that it was shorter and less drops or something like that! But as long as it's essentially "Pirates" I will love it! I love me some Pirates!!

I think the WDW version has one less drop. Honestly I cant remember. But the ride itself, going through the town, jail scene, pirate ship scene, are all essentially the same. To me the very beginning at DL starting in the bayou is the biggest difference and it is missed at WDW, but not a deal breaker.
For me growing up in SoCal and going to DL a lot I was unsure about WDW before I went. But I think it is something you should do. There are so many new and different things at WDW that you wont spend much time thinking "this is better at DL..." But it is fun to see the differences on the rides they have on both coasts. To me DL is a great place to spend 2 maybe 3 days. WDW is a vacation destination. I could spend 10 days and not be tired of it or see everything. Epcot is my fav Disney park. Some of my fav rides are at WDW. I love the water parks, DTD and the resorts. There is sooo much more to do at WDW than parks, unlike DL.

 

[SplashMo]

WDW - More of a resort for folks on vacation. WDW is geared for a longer stay. Tables and lines are air conditioned.

DL - not as much air conditioning (more outside lines and tables). A few more locals.

Both are excellent. I would go to WDW for a once in a lifetime. Because there is more to see.

I can exhaust DL and DCA in three days with most rides hit multiple times. WDW I can hit the major rides in all parks in three days and for sure all of my favorites. However I like the 7 days or more to hit most of the parks twice.

WDW - Staying on site highly recomended. Disney Hotels start cheaper.

DL - Offiste is OK for most folks. Disney hotels start in the 200 range.

 

[Dexican]

Okay... my husband and I just decided the other day that we want to take my oldest son to Disney this year during the Christmas season (probably around Dec. 1st onward). He's turning 9 in February. I'm pretty sure that this is the last "real" Christmas season he may have and we want it to be perfect. Also for the last 2 years he's gotten a baby brother, we've moved, and also his dad and I work a lot, and we want to go without the baby this time and make the trip all about him.

I grew up with Disney LAND, but I'm contemplating giving Disney World a try! I'd sincerely appreciate helping me decide with input on my (many!) questions!

1) Space Mountain; my favorite DL ride, heard it was the 'old' version at DW. Is it as good still?

2) I heard Pirates isn't as good at DW (shorter?)

3) No Indiana Jones Ride?! Gah! But I heard the Dinosaur ride was similar? If it is as good I'm willing try it!

4) No Matterhorn (this one really got me, that mountain is like the anchor to all of disney experiences!) but there's that new Everest ride at DW. How is it?

5) Which one has better Christmas experiences?

6) A big concern of mine from visiting Disneyland last in 2009; the service and the overall feel of the park felt not as good. In example, I went to DL in 2006. It was amazing! People greeted me going into the hotel, it seems cleaner, generally we felt like we were treated like a king & queen just for being there! 2009, we weren't greeted, the workers seemed "glummer" and worst of all, on the rides people used flash photography "nonstop" on every ride. Before they stopped the ride and politely asked for them to stop. Now they just let it go. It totally ruined many rides. Especially Pirates!!! People that know what I'm talking about, is it better now (heard it was because they needed money to refurb. Cal. Ad.) and does anyone know if you still get the "magic treatment" at DW? Do they still rule against flash photography?

7) The DW Fantasy Land expansion, no Toon Fair?? Also is Small World still open? Does Fantasy Land still feel like Fantasty land, is there still rides? Important to me as when I took my son 2 years ago to DL, they were refurbishing a lot there too so he missed a bunch of fantasy land too. Basically just want to know if there's still a lot of Fantasty Land to experience at DW.

8) The food! There was only a few places I HAD to eat at DL. Where are best places to eat at DW? I am the type that LOVES theme restaurants, not so much for the more normal ones.

9) how is Wilderness Lodge at Christmas? Also, any special Christmas disney candy/merch available in the park?


Thanks so much everyone!! Sorry for the many questions! This is a large purhase for us, we want to make sure we go to the right park!

I just got back less than a month ago from DLR and am a WDW vet so I could probably help out.
1)Better ride but if anyone is your party is tall I prefer the WDW version (had a hard time getting my knees in at DLR)
2.Not near as good but still one of my favorite rides.
3) The ride uses a similar system but Indiana Jones is far superior!
4) Everest is a lot better RIDE and they really don't compare. I did love Matterhorn but a lot more tame than I expected.
5)Can't answer.
6) My wife was so excited when we went to World of Disney at DLR and one of the CM's said have a magical day, she remarked that was the first time she heard that at Disneyland. It is common occurence to hear this at WDW. I'd say the CM's at WDW are more of your style.
7)Fantasyland is good but doesn't compare to DLR's. More rides at DLR and the theming is better. The carnival style tents need to go at WDW
8) We go to places outside WDW so I can't speak from experience. I liked Cafe Orleans at DLR better than I have liked any food at WDW but in general I hear the food selection and quality is better at WDW.
9)Can't answer

 

[Dexican]

PS Splash is WAYYYY superior at wdw!!

 

[Renae De Liz]

Thank you Sissy! That really does help me get a feel for what to expect, especially from someone who grew up with DL like me!

I must say the biggest draw for me for DW so far are all the new restaurants ( at DL Goofy's Kitchen & Blue Bayou were the only ones we *had* to eat at) and seeing Epcot and all the different countries and their different versions of Christmas.

I also hear the DW lines are better. I actually sort of like standing in line when the queue is so awesome! That's why I keep holding onto Indiana Jones Ride.... the line is so amazing and fun to be in, on slow days I was actually sort of bummed I couldn't wait in line and enjoy the atomosphere for longer (silly, I know!) ;p

How does the Haunted Mansion look from the outside, I heard it was different but still awesome!!

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this with me everyone! It's so appreciated!!

 

[JoJoFromNY]

If you get the chance, private message a guy named bhbob and ask him his honest opinion. He had a trip report that I read and visited WDW for his first time back in May of this year. He came for 20 days all by himself as his family stayed home. Apparently it was his lifelong dream. He too had spent many times in DL. His trip report, although was very long, was really interesting to read. Check it out.

 

[Renae De Liz]

PS Splash is WAYYYY superior at wdw!!

Ooh really? Tell me more!

 

[squirrel]

Since you aren't taking the baby, this is the perfect time to go to WDW!

Stay onsite if possible. So much easier. You don't even need to see your checked bags after you leave them at the airport-they arrive in your room about 3 hrs after your plane lands. You can have all your purchases delivered to your resort. As I mentioned earlier, no need for a car rental.