Ok I Need To feel Better

[GOOFY4DONALD]

First of all I mean to offend no one. I have been to Disneyland (before it was Disneyland Resort) many, many, many times. I went as a kid into my young adulthood and it was never a week long vacation. Sine we lived a couple hours away and my Grandparents lived 20 minutes away it was never more than a day trip....at best a weekend getaway. When I moved away from California and started my own family we discovered Disneyworld and it was unlike anything I have ever seen. I loved everything about it. Most of all I love the totally immersive feel...leaving everything at the gates only to be picked up in a week. Now I have wanted to take my kids to Disneyland, especially since many of the Fantasyland rides are not available at WDW, at least once. Well I have planned what is going to be a great vacation. A week at DLR, Universal Studios, and the beach. My only problem is that I am missing WDW. The crazy early morning wake up call to plan my ADRs , the dining and especially the total immersion. I know this trip will be great so why am I filled with doubt?????

 

[skiingfast]

I know this trip will be great so why am I filled with doubt?????

It's not doubt, it's prejudice. Experience the resort and your thoughts will be a lot different.

If you are really concerned stay at the GCH, and you can walk to the parks so easy instead of spending hours on buses. You can call at your leisure to make dining reservations. In either place leaving to go to a beach or Universal ruins the immersive effects of the resort.

 

[Susie63]

Perhaps it is the lack of planning that needs to be done that gives you a sense of unease? I myself could never do WDW because I could never plan where I would want to eat 180 days out or even think about having to take transportation everywhere.Are you staying on property? You will absolutely be immersed in the magic.
They are definitely two different experiences and that is what makes them both wonderful....or so I have read. Have a great holiday and enjoy DLR

 

[Rhonna]

First of all I mean to offend no one. I have been to Disneyland (before it was Disneyland Resort) many, many, many times. I went as a kid into my young adulthood and it was never a week long vacation. Sine we lived a couple hours away and my Grandparents lived 20 minutes away it was never more than a day trip....at best a weekend getaway. When I moved away from California and started my own family we discovered Disneyworld and it was unlike anything I have ever seen. I loved everything about it. Most of all I love the totally immersive feel...leaving everything at the gates only to be picked up in a week. Now I have wanted to take my kids to Disneyland, especially since many of the Fantasyland rides are not available at WDW, at least once. Well I have planned what is going to be a great vacation. A week at DLR, Universal Studios, and the beach. My only problem is that I am missing WDW. The crazy early morning wake up call to plan my ADRs , the dining and especially the total immersion. I know this trip will be great so why am I filled with doubt?????

I understand what you are saying. They are two different beasts. I also grew up going every year to DL (we lived out of state) and it only took one day to do everything. Then we discovered WDW and stayed away from DL for many years. Awhile back we decided to stay on the west coast and have been back to DL a few times. It is definitely different but how do you pick from your favorite foods? They both have a lot to offer.

Just go with the expectation that it will be a very different vacation from WDW and if your expectations are not highly charged (don't do the: "This is Walt's original park!" attitude) you may find yourself getting into the groove and enjoying it.

Just remember you can always go back to WDW. If you don't prefer DL you don't have to go again. You can check it off your "bucket list" for you as an adult and for your kids.

Personally there are things I like and dislike about each. When I'm at WDW I want Blue Bayou in Pirates and when I'm at DL I want WDW's version of ToT. And I could go on and on....

So concentrate on the unique things you enjoy at DL. We make sure to eat at least once at Blue Bayou. We like F! better at DL so we are doing the dessert seating. I LOVE Monsters Inc. at DCA so we go on it over and over. Like you said, do the attractions unique to DL and focus on the differences you enjoy!

I don't think it ruins it to go other places in CA. This trip we are doing the central CA coast and then finishing at DL. We're really looking forward to it! (And it's better than no trip - we haven't been able to travel for 4 1/2 years!)

 

[Cinderpamela]

When was the last time you were at DLR? You say that you were there many times before it was DLR, so I am curious, if it's been a while, it is perhaps going to be a new experience for you as well.

I too love the immersive feel of WDW, but DLR is something to be appreciated for a whole different set of reasons. The quality is condensed and the magic of being in the park where Walt walked is undeniable.

Even though you have been to DLR before, it might be helpful to read (or re-read if you have already) Hydroguys DLR for WDW Vets article. He has some really insightful things to say that help one appreciate the differences,and enjoy both parks for what they are.

Here is the link just in case, it might be really helpful in getting you more excited for you trip.

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

I feel like I have been giving this link out to everyone lately

 

[CamoMama]

After having visited WDW for the first time in February I've determined that I prefer Disneyland, hands down. I'll go back to WDW again, twice early next year if possible. but Disneyland will always be my favorite park. I do like the ability to plan so far in advance at WDW, but I also prefer the fact that there's really no urgent need to do the same at Disneyland.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...I know this trip will be great so why am I filled with doubt?????

Because you are staring at a really great apple that you used to love before you started eating pears (just stick with me here and read the entire analogy). Then you tasted a pear. It was similar to the apple in some ways, so naturally, you made comparisons. After all, they are both:

• fruits
• similar in texture
• able to be sliced
• sometimes the same color
• taste great alone or with other fruits
• grown from the same farm (or at least farms with the same owners)

.

As much as you loved eating apples, you liked the pear, too. However, the store near you didn't have apples, so you have only eaten pears for a very long time now. And while they are similar to the pear, now that you are about to eat an apple for the first time in a long time, you are suddenly aware of the fact that there are some huge differences between these two and cannot remember why you loved the apple so much in the first place.

Here's the thing: They aren't the same. However, they are similar. And they are both wonderful in there own ways, but if you start trying to make the apple that you used to love into the pear that you have learned to enjoy, you will miss the all the sweetness the apple has to offer that the pear does not have.

Does that help? Seriously. Think about it for a second. And then realize the apple was your first love. How cool that you get to go back and taste it again --- and experience a few new things that you never experienced there before because the apple has grown and changed over the years.

- Dreams

P.S. If you think the only thing at DLR that isn't at WDW is the handful of rides in Fantasyland, I would suggest that you consider purchasing a DLR guidebook and reading online about what's a DLR now. There's a LOT more at DLR that isn't at WDW --- and lots that was probably not there the last time you visited.
Oh, and as someone who has planned those WDW trips, I encourage you to embrace the fact that you don't NEED an ADR at 99% of the places you will want to eat (whoah! FREEDOM!) at DLR and if you don't call at the crack of dawn six months prior, life's still fantastic (what a relief!).

 

[nunzia]

I stay onsite and feel totally immersed..I also stayed onsite my one WDW visit and felt disoriented, the kids didn't like how everthing was so far apart, the busses were awful and really, DLR has nearly the same number of attractions (or more, I think, if you figure in CarsLand) in one easy to navigate package. In WDW I totally lost the immersed feeling waiting for those stupid buses and the busses themselves really were well, busses..I did enjoy the boat trip to what was MGM Studios, but really..DLR is so easy and has much less stress.That said, I would like to try WDW again, but feel stressed just thinking of it.
Go in with an open mind and heart.

 

[SGMCO]

I know exactly how you feel. I love going to WDW, we stay onsite--love not having to rent a car, love Magic Express and WDW busses, but can only afford to go during certain times of the year and can't afford to go whenever my DS is out of school (he's in High School now and can't miss).

So this year we decided to visit DL, we won't be able to stay at a DL hotel because of the cost so we are staying at a Good Neighbor across the street, trying to think positive. We have only visited DL once when DS was younger, alot has been added since then, which is a Plus. We have a whole week there also, planning to go to both parks for 4 days, looking forward to watching WOC (since WDW doesn't have this). For me, I think it's the not knowing the parks as well as I know WDW that has got me nervous, eventhough I'm doing lots of research, I still feel kind of lost. I think after the first few days, everything will work out. Try to think positive and have a Wonderful Trip!

 

[starshine514]

I think you'll love DL as well. As other posters said, I love the freedom of it. I love staying within walking distance so that the girls and I don't have to try to drag DH out with us (we've stayed off-site at WDW (timeshare) when we've gone to WDW as a family), he stays more rested, and we get in as much park time as we want. I love not having to park the car or fold up the stroller the entire time we're there. I love not having to take DH's ECV apart (and not having to worry about flying with it, since we're in driving distance of DLR). I love park-hopping so easily and I love California Screamin', getting to ride Toy Story, and Soarin', and Big Thunder EVERY DAY of my visit if I so choose (not just on HS day or EPCOT day).

That being said, my girls are excited about the new Fantasyland in Florida, so we'll be planning another trip there after it's complete and I can't wait for them to ride Expedition Everest (now that they are tall enough).

We love them both, and I think you will, too!

 

[JennyWren]

First of all I mean to offend no one. I have been to Disneyland (before it was Disneyland Resort) many, many, many times. I went as a kid into my young adulthood and it was never a week long vacation. Sine we lived a couple hours away and my Grandparents lived 20 minutes away it was never more than a day trip....at best a weekend getaway. When I moved away from California and started my own family we discovered Disneyworld and it was unlike anything I have ever seen. I loved everything about it. Most of all I love the totally immersive feel...leaving everything at the gates only to be picked up in a week. Now I have wanted to take my kids to Disneyland, especially since many of the Fantasyland rides are not available at WDW, at least once. Well I have planned what is going to be a great vacation. A week at DLR, Universal Studios, and the beach. My only problem is that I am missing WDW. The crazy early morning wake up call to plan my ADRs , the dining and especially the total immersion. I know this trip will be great so why am I filled with doubt?????

I totally get where you are coming from, I'm planning my first Disney cruise and I am filled with these same feelings. I agree with the PP that you will feel better after the trip, it's just doubt. I'm sure your trip will be terrific.

 

[bumbershoot]

You will be fine. It will be a great trip.

For me, the immersion is "meh". WDW shocked me because you have to drive or ride on HIGHWAYS to get from park to park! Highways! I was expecting little 30mph roads, not 50+ mph highways....

No need for THAT with Disneyland. And if you stay close enough offsite, you can actually hear some of the music inside the parks while outside. It's pretty neat.

Enjoy the freedom.

I keep wanting to plan a stop at Disneyland after our WDW trips, so we can *relax*....

 

[soaringirl]

Well I have planned what is going to be a great vacation. A week at DLR, Universal Studios, and the beach. My only problem is that I am missing WDW. The crazy early morning wake up call to plan my ADRs , the dining and especially the total immersion. I know this trip will be great so why am I filled with doubt?????

I am planning my 2nd visit to DLR, and finding missing WDW so much! Love the ADR's, love the busses, love everything!
BUT.. I also remember loving DLR a lot when going for the 1st time (as an adult.. I went to DLR when I was 11 and again at 12). Loving not to be in WDW all the time and looking at the different things that California has to offer (in your case, the beach, Universal was a really turndown for us).
My suggestion: look at pictures of DLR, it really, really has help me to enjoy the anticipation of the trip. And if you like ADRs, then you like food, so go to alleras.net and look at the menus, and try to figure out what restaurant appeals you the most. I put down my list, knowing that we'll decide on the moment, but at least I know which are my options.
Skiinfast hit on the nail: if you can, stay at GCH or the DLH, you'll definetely not miss WDW.
As all the others have stated, they are two completely different vacations, and you need to think of them separately. Disneyland for me it was way more fantastic than Magic Kingdom, it has a something that I just can't explain.
Enjoy.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thank you all for the wonderful replies. We are planning on staying at The Desert Palms Inn since there will be 6 of us. If anyone has a better suggestion for 6 I'm always interested. I am doing my research and actually the food looks even more creative than WDW...yes I love the food. We are planning on US since I love movies and growing up in So Cal it was just a part of life. That being said, I haven't been to US in 10 years. If it has taken a turn for the worse just let me know. I'm having fun planning (yes I'm a planner) and I think it will be great.

 

[limace]

I really love both parks....but Disneyland is hands down my favorite single park. Nothing compares to it for me-the sense of being where it all begin, the ease of navigation, the history. The weather in So Cal is so much nicer than Florida weather, which is a huge perk for me. And it's soooo much easier handling park days with small children in Disneyland, as the logistics of getting park to park, and from the park to the hotel for naps, are so much easier.

Man, I hate being tied to specific ADRS I made 6 months ago (and I really, really love food). Maybe this would be easier if I didn't have kids, but I really like being able to eat when we're hungry, and head to the park we're in the mood for, without thinking that we have to be at a certain place at a certain time for food. I'm a big park planner, and a total commando touring geek, but this does not work well for our family.

 

[Keurigirl]

I feel far, far more immersed in Disney at Disneyland than I do at Disneyworld, actually. Disneyworld is SO HUGE, driving/riding between parks and resorts really takes away the magic from me because everything is so far away from each other. Even staying on property. Also, navigating all that is more complicated, takes longer, and is exhausting.

I love Disneyland so much more. Because it's so small and intimate, you can stay in this little world instead of having to leave it to go back to your resort. You can walk everywhere. It seems like it has almost all the same rides/experiences but in a smaller area, so you're not as tired at the end of the day.

Disneyland is just as magical. They have ADRs (and the food is better!). Pirates is better! Space Mountain is WAY WAY WAY better! Disneyland has a lot that Disneyworld doesn't. It is no less magical. Just different

 

[KSL]

I think the more you plan and the closer your trip gets, the more excited you will feel.

We are "WDW vets" and I grew up going every year. Now that I have my own family, we purchased DVC to be able to do the same (or at least every two years) and we love it. This summer DH and I were planning a trip just for ourselves for our 15th anniversary and wanting to save DVC points for trips as a family, so were thinking "no Disney this trip" and were looking at a bunch of other places we might go. Much as we love Disney, we didn't even THINK of DLR until about 3 of our earlier choices were ruled out for various reasons. And even when it did occur to me, I was really 'meh' about the whole idea until I started doing research and reading more about it (why go there? It's so small and waaaaay over in CA, and they don't have as much to do, etc., etc.). Boy was I wrong! Now I have a sense of what I have been missing and am SO excited to go, and wishing our DDs would be with us (though we really do need a DH-DW-only getaway) -- so we'll have to plan ANOTHER trip! LOL (DH doesn't know I'm thinking of that, yet!).

So my point with this long story is just what everyone else has said: that they are similar enough that you know you will enjoy but different enough for some new things to enhance the anticipation and fun when you get there. I really think that the more you read/research/learn, the excitement will grow and you'll find you are very eager to get there as it approaches.

Have a great trip!

 

[OurDogCisco]

I like DL and WDW for different reasons. We own DVC so we always stay onsite at WDW and DL. One thing that I love about WDW is the busses and monorail and never having to drive any where and being able to have a few drinks at dinner and not having to worry about how to drive back to your resort. We drive a lot at home and for us we love the whole transportation thing and never had issues with it. We also love the variety of restaurants that WDW has to offer. We've been going to WDW since 2002 and on each trip we experience a new restaurant. So, if you like the whole restaurant experience I highly recommend that you make reservations to eat at some of the finer establishments like Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Goofy's Kitchen, etc... I love DL's fantasyland and all the original character it has. I like how much closer the rides are together but when it is super crowded I prefer WDW as there is more space. I like how at DL everything is OUTSIDE where WDW everything is inside like the line queues. DL has a lot to offer. I do love the different themed hotels at WDW. To me WDW is something that is a week long vacation where DL is a 3 night vacation. We do both regularly and always have fun no matter where we are at.

P.S. One year we were out of points so we stayed offsite at WDW and had to drive in and it just wasn't our cup of tea. I know a lot of people love it but we don't. We love being totally in the Disney Environment. If you stay onsite at DL you'll have that same feeling.

 

[Kelnick]

I am in the same situation, my husband doesn't want to go to WDW this year, we own DVC. But for Christmas he wants to go visit family in Cali. I was going to see if we could do two nights at DL, but just looking at the web site it doesn't even look as exciting. I have been to DL before and was so disappointed in how small it was. Bt I guess DL is better then nothing at all!!!

 

[soaringirl]

I am in the same situation, my husband doesn't want to go to WDW this year, we own DVC. But for Christmas he wants to go visit family in Cali. I was going to see if we could do two nights at DL, but just looking at the web site it doesn't even look as exciting. I have been to DL before and was so disappointed in how small it was. Bt I guess DL is better then nothing at all!!!

Small? Did you know that DLR & DCA has more rides (or at least the same!) than all 4 parks at WDW?? It's true, they made a comparision here with all attractions for all 6 parks.
But if you're saying small in land, yes, it's smaller. But its heart is BIG.
One of the things that I love Disneyland more than Magic Kingdom is that you can enjoy ride after ride after ride, it's awesome! Specially when you leave the attraction and you DON'T encounter a gift shop for that attraction.
As said before, I love WDW, but now for my 2nd trip to DLR, I know I won't miss it (not even Epcot, my favorite park of all times).