Planning for DLR is making us miss WDW

[CluelessDisFan]

It's so different! And looking to buy tickets separately, and not as part of our vacation package is really scary. We have to rent a car, what? And we're not staying on-site. And I'm well over my 180 day mark, and haven't booked a single ADR. I'm pretty disappointed thus far about our DLR trip. DH and I keep talking about how different it's going to be, and how we just want to go to WDW.

We are looking forward to WOC and Carsland, and the rides stacked on top of more rides, without all the walking. That we keep hearing so much about. I guess we just have to stay focused on the positives that's why we wanted to go to DLR to begin with. I've read Hydro Guys post I know it will all be worth it, and I just need to get out of this WDW mind set.

 

[disneymom2003]

They are 2 different places for sure. We live in So. Cal. And love Disneyland but nothing compares to WDW. Have a great vacation.

 

[ssawka]

We are head to DLR in the Winter as well. I am looking forward to having everything within walking distance and not having to make ADRs 6 months in advance. I have been to DLR before, so I do know what to expect. We will be staying on-site however since we are DVC members. We have a 1 BR villa booked at the Grand Californian.

 

[Maddie2]

I felt the same way a couple of years ago when we went to DLR. WDW is all encompassing and DLR is just is not. However, once we got there, we kind of liked that fact that it wasn't ALL encompassing! I guess we'd say just encompassing enough! We enjoyed going other places in the area too.

We stayed "across the street" and it was lovely to run "home" to grab a jacket, take a swim or a bite to eat and then just go back - right there.

 

[sugarnspicex4]

We have only visited DLR once in the last decade (vs. 3 times at WDW) but some of the things I enjoy about DLR that haven't yet been mentioned on this thread are:

* Pirates of the Carribean is MUCH longer and has bigger drops at DLR.
* Indiana Jones ride - LOVE it! Would pick this over Dinosaur any day.
* Finding Nemo submarine voyage - nothing like this at WDW.
* Aladdin show - IMO the best of the shows at either park.
* Mattherhorn - love this for the nostalgia factor. I remember riding this as a kid.
* The weather - no extreme heat/humidity/frequent surprise rainstorms like you get at WDW.

 

[GMU MOM]

Even though we had been to WDW three times (our last time being Nov 2012) our trip to DLR this past January was very special and we can't wait to go back. We are going to WDW this August but hope to make it back to DLR next summer. We didn't stay on property but we stayed right across the street and the short walking distance was just wonderful. We also didn't rent a car as we only went to DLR, we booked a shuttle from the airport and back and that worked out really well.
If you go in with an open mind and know what to expect, you will have an awesome trip.

 

[megan10310]

We loved dlr. It is a very relaxed place vs wdw. We stayed close enough to walk and never needed a car. There are tons of hotels within 1 mile it seems.

Aladdin was awesome. Space mountain has side-by-side cars, which my ds5 loved. Park hopping is soooooo easy. I really dislike the busses at wdw and thought the quick walk to CA was amazing. You will have fun!

 

[Dizneydaz]

I love WDW but DLR has my heart! It is very different but you'll have a great time. Just being able to walk from DL to DCA in under 2 minutes is great. And of course you've already heard about Carsland and WOC.

Carsland is so cool! We stayed at AoA last Oct. and Radiator Springs was really cool but not as cool as Carsland, especially at night.

Eating at DLR is so different than WDW. At WDW you have to plan so far in advance but at DL it's just not that big a deal.

And yes, our weather is usually great. Just be ready once the sun sets-it can drop over 20-30 degrees, depending on the time of year.

As for the car, we always rent at car at WDW anyway. So much more freedom.

When are you going to DLR?

 

[eliza61]

It's so different! And looking to buy tickets separately, and not as part of our vacation package is really scary. We have to rent a car, what? And we're not staying on-site. And I'm well over my 180 day mark, and haven't booked a single ADR. I'm pretty disappointed thus far about our DLR trip. DH and I keep talking about how different it's going to be, and how we just want to go to WDW.

We are looking forward to WOC and Carsland, and the rides stacked on top of more rides, without all the walking. That we keep hearing so much about. I guess we just have to stay focused on the positives that's why we wanted to go to DLR to begin with. I've read Hydro Guys post I know it will all be worth it, and I just need to get out of this WDW mind set.

Wow clue,
I'm the exact opposite. I'm sick of wdw. It's old to us. food is mediocre and unfortunately my kids are too old to enjoy the new fantasy land. We reluctantly went on spring break only because we had ap's we had to use and I had points that were going to expire.

I actually have a free trip thanks to some job activites in September and I'm thinking of having my technician go instead of me.

We are planning for a DL trip next year, we just can't do wdw another time.

 

[hsmamato2]

it is a different feel...but so interesting in it's own way! we really loved the whole nostalgia feel to the place, it really is "Walts place" more than WDW- we spent 6 days there,my kids reveled in all the many many details that a disney fanatic can get lost in.... even staying 'offsite' isn't really offsite like in Fl.- it's just a short walk....I'm so glad we got the chance to see it! (Don't miss world of color,it's truly unbelievable)

 

[nunzia]

..and I'm a DLR girl and love every little thing about it and dread WDW..TOO big, TOO complicated, TOO hard to get around and mostly crappy weather.
It is nice to have a whim to eat and be able to just go eat without guessing what you want and when 180 days out..it is nice to decide you want to visit the other park and be there in under 5 minutes. It is nice to want to check out something in DTD and be there in under 3. It is nice to have just as many if not more attractions, shows and parades right where you are without ever seeing a bus. I'm going to force myself to do WDW a third time to hopefully 'get it' but DLR is so practically perfect it makes it hard to head east.
Try to see it as the park a man built for his family and appreciate the style and detail and originality and not compare it to the monster that is WDW.

 

[PatMcDuck]

We have only visited DLR once in the last decade (vs. 3 times at WDW) but some of the things I enjoy about DLR that haven't yet been mentioned on this thread are:

* Pirates of the Carribean is MUCH longer and has bigger drops at DLR.
* Indiana Jones ride - LOVE it! Would pick this over Dinosaur any day.
* Finding Nemo submarine voyage - nothing like this at WDW.
* Aladdin show - IMO the best of the shows at either park.
* Mattherhorn - love this for the nostalgia factor. I remember riding this as a kid.
* The weather - no extreme heat/humidity/frequent surprise rainstorms like you get at WDW.

Agree with aLL of the above. And DL has all that CHARM! Ride and enjoy the different rides, we fell in love with Casey Jr train (all adults on the trip too). RIDE THE FRONT ON THE MONORAIL! Can't do that at WDW anymore. Catch the amazing DL band, whenever you can, they pop up with little shows here and there. Space MT is FAR better at DL. The characters move around the park, without long lines, and usually without handlers. And they interact and play games with guests, unlike at WDW, where they stand there and sign autographs. Enjoy park hopping with no busses or boats involved. Carsland, amazing of course. Fantasmic? Way better at DL. World of Color? Better than Illuminations, and they adapt it for holidays and new film releases.

So, enjoy DL! Play musical chairs with Alice and the Mad Hatter too, that is on my list to try next month. and I and to ride in the Lilly Belle car, too.

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Thanks to everyone for the encouraging replies! I had no idea that SM had side by side seats, my DS will like that as well. So you think 60 days out is too soon for my ADRS? You know I'll be calling!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Agree with aLL of the above. And DL has all that CHARM! Ride and enjoy the different rides, we fell in love with Casey Jr train (all adults on the trip too). RIDE THE FRONT ON THE MONORAIL! Can't do that at WDW anymore. Catch the amazing DL band, whenever you can, they pop up with little shows here and there. Space MT is FAR better at DL. The characters move around the park, without long lines, and usually without handlers. And they interact and play games with guests, unlike at WDW, where they stand there and sign autographs. Enjoy park hopping with no busses or boats involved. Carsland, amazing of course. Fantasmic? Way better at DL. World of Color? Better than Illuminations, and they adapt it for holidays and new film releases.

So, enjoy DL! Play musical chairs with Alice and the Mad Hatter too, that is on my list to try next month. and I and to ride in the Lilly Belle car, too.

That's crazy that the characters just roam the park. My friend went to DL a year ago, without a clue, and she saw no characters at all. I assumed it was because she didn't know where to look. I'm glad I'm booking Ariel's grotto, I've got autographs to collect for my youngest's quilt. Maybe we'll add another character meal.

I'm definitely looking forward to WOC and some light up Mickey ears to go along with it!

 

[DianeW]

I grew up on the east coast and had always gone to WDW. I moved out west when I got married, and went to Disneyland for the first time as an adult. When I walked in and saw the castle, my first thought was, "You've GOT to be kidding me."

But then...it happened. The magic that only Disneyland has. Walt's magic. It's everywhere. Now I love MK in DL more than the one in WDW. I can't explain it...it just feels different. More magical. More intimate. Sweeter. It's so wonderfully nostalgic and has Walt Disney's personal touch all over the place. Not to mention, as a PP said...the rides are better.

Disneyland has a very special place in my heart, and we love going there. We stay at the Disneyland Hotel (my favorite resort), and love how close everything is. It's a magical place and I know you'll love it!!

 

[luv2sleep]

..and I'm a DLR girl and love every little thing about it and dread WDW..TOO big, TOO complicated, TOO hard to get around and mostly crappy weather.
It is nice to have a whim to eat and be able to just go eat without guessing what you want and when 180 days out..it is nice to decide you want to visit the other park and be there in under 5 minutes. It is nice to want to check out something in DTD and be there in under 3. It is nice to have just as many if not more attractions, shows and parades right where you are without ever seeing a bus. I'm going to force myself to do WDW a third time to hopefully 'get it' but DLR is so practically perfect it makes it hard to head east.
Try to see it as the park a man built for his family and appreciate the style and detail and originality and not compare it to the monster that is WDW.

Exactly. I live in southern CA and DREADED my trip to WDW for the above reasons and also because of the WDW crazy planning frenzy that seems so prevalent there. I've been going to DL since I was a kid (I'm 45) and i had never made a Reservation to just have a meal until WOC came along. Even then I just made it a month before. There are so many places to eat that you can just walk into. I also never planned my touring itinerary and had not heard of touring passes or scrambling to get FPs until I started planning my WDW trip. It's crazy there! We did go to WDW this summer and had a blast though. I only planned one ADR and didn't do any touring plans though. I refused to get sucked in, lol.

You will love the laid back feel and ease of DL. it will be fun!!!!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

I love WDW but DLR has my heart! It is very different but you'll have a great time. Just being able to walk from DL to DCA in under 2 minutes is great. And of course you've already heard about Carsland and WOC.

Carsland is so cool! We stayed at AoA last Oct. and Radiator Springs was really cool but not as cool as Carsland, especially at night.

Eating at DLR is so different than WDW. At WDW you have to plan so far in advance but at DL it's just not that big a deal.

And yes, our weather is usually great. Just be ready once the sun sets-it can drop over 20-30 degrees, depending on the time of year.

As for the car, we always rent at car at WDW anyway. So much more freedom.

When are you going to DLR?

We are going at the end of September.

 

[DizMe]

DLR is my home park. I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to rent a car. In fact, I'd recommend not doing so as you won't need it unless you plan to go to the beach or something. If you're flying into LAX, take the Disneyland Resort bus (google for coupons) to your hotel. If flying into SNA (Orange County), book SuperShuttle or take a taxi depending on the size of your group. With an online booking and code uyr59, you can get Supershuttle for $7 pp each way. A taxi will cost ~$45 for the whole group, even if you have 7 people. Neither of those prices include tip, though with SS you can prepay the tip online and not have to worry about it. If you're staying onsite, ask for a flat-rate voucher at the Guest Services desk and the taxi cost will be $35 for the trip back.

Not having a car can save you a lot of money on parking fees, too. Mostly, though, I just enjoy not having to worry about driving! It's very easy to take the shuttles, taxis, and DL Express. You don't even need a reservation but I like to use the coupon code for SS so I do that ahead of time.

I think you'll have a great time! It's just scary stepping out of what's known. When I went to WDW I was completely out of my comfort zone so I totally understand your position. It's also hard not to feel disappointed in the differences when you're used to your "own" park, but look beyond that and enjoy the special things each place has to offer and you'll enjoy it very much!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Exactly. I live in southern CA and DREADED my trip to WDW for the above reasons and also because of the WDW crazy planning frenzy that seems so prevalent there. I've been going to DL since I was a kid (I'm 45) and i had never made a Reservation to just have a meal until WOC came along. Even then I just made it a month before. There are so many places to eat that you can just walk into. I also never planned my touring itinerary and had not heard of touring passes or scrambling to get FPs until I started planning my WDW trip. It's crazy there! We did go to WDW this summer and had a blast though. I only planned one ADR and didn't do any touring plans though. I refused to get sucked in, lol.

You will love the laid back feel and ease of DL. it will be fun!!!!

It's so easy to get sucked in though. I'm already reading about the 20 min wait in the FP line for RSR, that's got me a lil scared. And reading about getting WOC reserved area passes then still going to stand in line 1 hour before the show. Maybe I'm reading too much on the boards, it freaked me out at first with WDW. But then you just go, and feel a lil' more prepared then everyone else I guess.

 

[CluelessDisFan]

DLR is my home park. I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to rent a car. In fact, I'd recommend not doing so as you won't need it unless you plan to go to the beach or something. If you're flying into LAX, take the Disneyland Resort bus (google for coupons) to your hotel. If flying into SNA (Orange County), book SuperShuttle or take a taxi depending on the size of your group. With an online booking and code uyr59, you can get Supershuttle for $7 pp each way. A taxi will cost ~$45 for the whole group, even if you have 7 people. Neither of those prices include tip, though with SS you can prepay the tip online and not have to worry about it. If you're staying onsite, ask for a flat-rate voucher at the Guest Services desk and the taxi cost will be $35 for the trip back.

Not having a car can save you a lot of money on parking fees, too. Mostly, though, I just enjoy not having to worry about driving! It's very easy to take the shuttles, taxis, and DL Express. You don't even need a reservation but I like to use the coupon code for SS so I do that ahead of time.

I think you'll have a great time! It's just scary stepping out of what's known. When I went to WDW I was completely out of my comfort zone so I totally understand your position. It's also hard not to feel disappointed in the differences when you're used to your "own" park, but look beyond that and enjoy the special things each place has to offer and you'll enjoy it very much!

I wish I didn't need a car, but we're staying at Dolphin's Cove. Also we're flying into SAN, and are spending our first couple of days there, before going to Anaheim for 5 nights. I wish we had booked on-site. We love not to have to worry about driving on vacation.