random thoughts from a WDW vet and DLR Christmas survivor

[princess lovers mom]

#1 - DLR is beautiful at Christmas time and am very glad we got to experience all of that

#2 IT WAS REALLY REALLY BUSY LAST WEEK!! except Wed when it rained in the am then everything was walk-on - kind of proves that a lot of people are day travelers - that day was forcast rain in am all week - still did not wait more than 30 minutes for anything with good plan and FP's

#3 - you do not have enough FP rides in your parks compared to WDW...seriously do not understand why more things do not have FP..mostly TSM...

#4- best part of staying at the GC was being walked over to TSM in the morning at 945 before rest of the park let in - was frustrating however to be in DL in the early AM and want to get to the GC entrance for early entry there at 9:30 - had to walk all the way around again - it is a long walk!

#5- need more "shows" - no castle show. more things like Lion King, Nemo, laugh factory, carosel of progress (I know it is not a show). lights motors action etc... to keep you busy between rides -

#6- need to be better at disseminating information- example - the whole WOC thing - I read and re-read all the advise here so knew so much more than the average Joe waiting in the mass of people - depending on who you asked you got totally different info from CM - where to stand and when to stand and what would happen when - they really have had enough time to figure this out and distribute some info - the parks are so crowded together they cannot accommadate a line forming - so they just do nothing - very frustrating as everyone is milling in the area waiting for a line !!

#7- sorry , I know I read this here before we left, but your food offering really are not as good - I missed that

#8- if you have young kids finding characters at WDW is much easier - and why do those poor characters not have handlers helping them come and go - the crowds were crazy and they were weaving in and out of people trying to get away - weird...

#9 - we could not figure out the "animation academy" I think it was called - no direction at all in there...a sign or two to explain the place would seem in order - and I am a smart cookie - seriously

#10- a comment for those who say everything is close and can walk - well that is true - but coming from WDW where although you may have to take a bus or monorail they almost drop you at the front door...staying at the GC I found the walking to be a lot more thatn I expected...through the hotel to DTD then down to park entrance - we were the closest - so if coming from the DL Hotel much farther and I do not even know where "Harbor Ave" was - never saw it - so although walking is possible - I wouldn't want to do it with a kid younger than 6 without a stroller...I think the difference with the walking and buses/monorail/boats at WDW you walk all day in the park - get a rest for a minutes during the ride then walk some more to your hotel - at DLR it is walk all day then walk home...just saying it was very doable - but further than I anticipated...

#11 - if going at a busy time the only way to see WOC is with the preferred dining and getting down to that front railing - amazing! and doing dessert for Fantasmic was the best....Holiday tour with front row for parade and walk on 2 busy rides was the best $ we spent!

#12 - I don't really get the midway section and the roller coasters and ferris wheel etc..seemed more like a 6 flags than disney with exception of TSM...

glad we did it to have the experience...but, actually prefer WDW - probably because I am more familiar with the park - but feel like WDW has more of a Disney immersion feel and has more Disney touches that if you take the time to notice can make it that special touch - didn't see as much of that at DLR

another thought - you all are much nicer about the line cutting thing than they are in WDW - everyone it seems it cutting in !! weird - but then again I even noticed on the freeway that people will let you in to change lanes where as in NYC that is not happening !!

great trip all in all - lots of people watching! ended the week in Pasadena for the parade and game 0 once in a lifetime trip - Thanks for all your help!!

 

[sonnyjane]

#3 - you do not have enough FP rides in your parks compared to WDW...seriously do not understand why more things do not have FP..mostly TSM...
I wish we had a FP for TSMM as well

#6- need to be better at disseminating information- example - the whole WOC thing - I read and re-read all the advise here so knew so much more than the average Joe waiting in the mass of people -
I will agree with this. If not for DISboards, I wouldn't have any clue about WOC and how their FP system works. I bet there are a lot of people that go into that experience blindly.


#8- if you have young kids finding characters at WDW is much easier - and why do those poor characters not have handlers helping them come and go - the crowds were crazy and they were weaving in and out of people trying to get away - weird...
I have always seen the characters with handlers

#9 - we could not figure out the "animation academy" I think it was called - no direction at all in there...a sign or two to explain the place would seem in order - and I am a smart cookie - seriously
Bummer It's in the Animation building in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of California Adventure, on the right if you're heading down the street from the main entrance.

#10- a comment for those who say everything is close and can walk - well that is true - but coming from WDW where although you may have to take a bus or monorail they almost drop you at the front door...staying at the GC I found the walking to be a lot more thatn I expected...through the hotel to DTD then down to park entrance - we were the closest - so if coming from the DL Hotel much farther and I do not even know where "Harbor Ave" was - never saw it - so although walking is possible - I wouldn't want to do it with a kid younger than 6 without a stroller...I think the difference with the walking and buses/monorail/boats at WDW you walk all day in the park - get a rest for a minutes during the ride then walk some more to your hotel - at DLR it is walk all day then walk home...just saying it was very doable - but further than I anticipated...
Harbor is on the complete opposite side of where DLH is. So, if you stayed on that side and walked in, the Harbor hotels walk through security into the entrance plaza from the opposite side (NOT through DTD). Many of those hotels on Harbor are closer to the parks than Paradise Pier and DLH, and since they are less expensive, it makes staying off-site popular for Disneyland visitors.

Glad you had a good trip!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

1. The Characters *do* always have a handler--you must have just not seen them or noticed them! They don't let them go out on their own.

2. As far as World of Color: I have done both the picnic option (prepaid) and fast pass option, and it actually worked better for us to do the fast pass option. I found I was making it too complicated, when it really wasn't that complicated! Getting the WOC fast pass was super easy, and this is coming from a woman who went Thanksgiving week, when the park was packed to capacity!

3. Harbor Blvd is across the street from the resort, near McDonalds, Quiznos, and all manner of hotels. It isn't that far, but it isn't pretty either!

4. I have been to both Disneyworld (my dad married a southerner!) and Disneyland, and both have their die-hard supporters. Sometimes you don't know you are in one camp till you visit the other and say "is this what all the fuss was about?". I am a Disneylander through and through, and it sounds to me like you are a Disneyworlder through and through. That's okay. It's what makes the world go round!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for your comments! Please do not take anything I say as argumentative! I agree with most of your comments.

#3 - you do not have enough FP rides in your parks compared to WDW...seriously do not understand why more things do not have FP..mostly TSM...

It is partly because DL and DCA have less space and hence less room for FP machines. Also there are rumors that DLR managers have fallen out of love with FP and are phasing it out. We will know this with more certainty if they do not bring back the Star Tours FP machines or have them in Radiator Springs Racers. We already know LMAUA will not have FP - again due to space limitations.

Also food for thought is that DL and DCA have a much higher ride concentration than the WDW parks and hence more places to put people. They also have a lot more headliners per park than the WDW parks.

I agree TSM could really use FP. It is by far the hardest ride at DLR to do without a long line. That will change once LMAUA and CarsLand are finished...

#5- need more "shows" - no castle show. more things like Lion King, Nemo, laugh factory, carosel of progress (I know it is not a show). lights motors action etc... to keep you busy between rides -

Hmmm, I have never thought of that. I do not know which castle show you are talking about, but DL does have shows in front of the castle. Maybe they are down during Christmas or because of the rain? COP at DL is in Yesterland and I wish they still had it.

Not to knock WDW, but I would take Aladdin over all the WDW shows. The only WDW show I really miss at DLR is FOTLK. LMA is in a different category than stage shows and I agree that LMA is really good.

Further, I would take DL's Fantasmic over DHS's and I would take the Remember Dreams Come True fireworks show (which is not shown at Christmas) over Wishes and Illuminations. And over all of the above I would take World of Color - now my favorite Disney show. Again, not to knock WDW but just to make an observation - I think DLR's four top shows are all better than their counterparts at WDW. That is WOC, RDCT, F! and Aladdin.

Your comments are interesting because one thing I really miss about WDW you did not mention - music - especially Off-Kilter and Mulch, Sweat and Shears. I also will add to this list British Invasion and the Sounds of Summer concerts at Epcot. I also really miss the Streetmosphere characters at DHS. The DCA version is really lacking.

#6- need to be better at disseminating information- example - the whole WOC thing - I read and re-read all the advise here so knew so much more than the average Joe waiting in the mass of people - depending on who you asked you got totally different info from CM - where to stand and when to stand and what would happen when - they really have had enough time to figure this out and distribute some info - the parks are so crowded together they cannot accommadate a line forming - so they just do nothing - very frustrating as everyone is milling in the area waiting for a line !!

I agree, especially regarding WOC. Disney tried to pull off something that was extremely difficult from a crowd control point of view and the final result is very imperfect.

#7- sorry , I know I read this here before we left, but your food offering really are not as good - I missed that

I agree. DLR is improving but I still like WDW better.

#9 - we could not figure out the "animation academy" I think it was called - no direction at all in there...a sign or two to explain the place would seem in order - and I am a smart cookie - seriously

The Animation Academy is the most overlooked area of DCA and one of the best areas for kids. Too bad it did not work out for you. It is more of a "go explore" type of area than a well documented, well directed attraction.

#11 - if going at a busy time the only way to see WOC is with the preferred dining and getting down to that front railing - amazing! and doing dessert for Fantasmic was the best....

I am glad you succesfully experienced these. I totally agree with you!

#12 - I don't really get the midway section and the roller coasters and ferris wheel etc..seemed more like a 6 flags than disney with exception of TSM...

Again, totally agree. The Paradise Pier area is the weakest area of all DLR and to me the most un-Disney. It reminds me of Dino-land at AK - which also does not work for me.

Other things about WDW I miss at DLR are Beaches & Cream, Whispering Canyon, Sci-Fi Dine-In and the water parks...

Thanks again for taking the time to write up you thoughts.

 

[Diznygrl]

There are some characters at DL who do not have handlers, like Alice and The Mad Hatter. They handle themselves, wandering around and interacting spontaneously. Generally speaking, I feel this makes for a more magical and natural interactive experience. However, it might not be the best idea during extremely busy times such as Christmas break where you can barely move. But yes, most characters DO have handlers these days.

 

[Raindown]

#8-and why do those poor characters not have handlers helping them come and go - the crowds were crazy and they were weaving in and out of people trying to get away - weird...

#9 - we could not figure out the "animation academy" I think it was called - no direction at all in there...a sign or two to explain the place would seem in order - and I am a smart cookie - seriously

#8: It is true that characters do not always have a host.

#9: Very true. There are a bunch of screens and pretty music but, people often miss the other places inside there.

 

[nunzia]

#12..EVERYONE agrees about that, hence the focus on that area during the re-do.

I agree about the Fantasmic dessert..doing it AGAIN in a couple weeks. When it's just me and DH or a friend I don't mind getting my place by the Tom Sawyer Island pier and seeing the show in lower crowds, but when I have a mess of kids the viewing area is so much nicer and worth the cost.
I went to WDW once and really didn't get the enthusiasm..of course this was before AK, and we keep thinking we should go back, but DLR always draws us

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Well, I like that DL does not have all the things that WDW has. That is what makes it unique and more intimate. However, I do wish there were more FP available for Peter Pan and TSM.

As far as all of the different shows and such that WDW offers, they have the room. DL doesn't have space for all the theater type pavilllions needed to house the shows.

People go to WDW for a week at a time so they have the time to enjoy the shows. DL is a shorter experience, with only 3-5 days needed to thoroughly enjoy the parks.

 

[princess lovers mom]

Harbor is on the complete opposite side of where DLH is. So, if you stayed on that side and walked in, the Harbor hotels walk through security into the entrance plaza from the opposite side (NOT through DTD). Many of those hotels on Harbor are closer to the parks than Paradise Pier and DLH, and since they are less expensive, it makes staying off-site popular for Disneyland visitors

we did see people coming from the "other side" of the entrance plaza - now I know where they were coming from!

the animation building we found but seriously could not figure out what to do in there once we got there! quiet place to watch a cartoon, but no where to sit

agreed Aladin is far superior to the WDW shows albeit there are more - we caught it 3 times in our trip as we were intregued to see what the genie would say during his improve section...sat in different areas each time - our favorite second section back just where there march through with the elephant

 

[pixiewings71]

Did you see the Zoetrope in the Animation Building? Did you do the Animation Academy? Did you walk thru and do Ursula's Grotto? Turtle Talk with Crush? I think you missed most of the Animation Building if you missed these things. Bummer, we love the Animation Building, we go in there daily, it's tons of fun!

 

[Disgram23kids]

This was my oldest granddaughter's favorite thing. She is an artist and she loved learning to draw the characters. The one she did of Grumpy was better than the character artists - in fact the girl who was teaching us to draw Grumpy came over after when we all praising her work and told her she should try to get a job working there. My little grandson loved Turtle Talk with Crush.

 

[ConnieB]

Just read somewhere on here today that one of the things in the works is a FP for TSM at Disneyland.

We've spent more time at WDW the last several years than at DL....this year is our DL year and I have to say I didn't miss the FP except TSM. Of course we didn't go during CHristmas week (YIKES!)....and when we did go (two weeks following Thanksgiving) TSM was the only one that had a wait longer than my tolerance, lol. We only went on it 2x in two weeks because it was always 30 minutes or more.

And I agree with almost everything you wrote! I love Disneyland for all the nostalgia of it, and like their POC much better among some others, but I did find myself wishing for EPCOT and HS more than I expected. It didn't help that DCA is so torn up that it's just sad to wander around....but then that's the reason we didn't do WDW this year, I don't want to see Fantasyland walled in. Thankfully DCA has never been a major draw for us.

 

[KCmike]

Interesting thoughts. I agree about the food and DL being especially beautiful at Christmas.

I'm wondering on your thoughts about the shows and if you saw Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe, the Disneyland Marching Band with the characters, Tiana and the New Orleans Jazz Band, Laughing Stock at the Golden Horseshoe to just name a few that come to mind??

Anyways I'm glad you got to visit it. I remember the few short years we went for the first time and were instantly hooked. We walked under the tunnel and saw mainstreet and I seriously got chills. Walt Disney had walked, worked, and lived on these streets. 55 years ago the hub had a Frontierland sign and an Advertureland sign that still look the same today. Presidents, celebrities, and famous dignitaries have all graced this treasured landmark. Disneyland is my favorite park. Like Hyrdoguy said, Fantasmic!, Remember Dreams Come True, World of Color, and Aladdin are the best in any Disney park. Those five are worth the trip to California all by themselves. But you also get Sleepy's walkthrough, a penny arcade that is still there, a magic shop where Steve Martin got his start, the ORIGINAL Tiki Room (Walt is turning over in his grave at the Under New management), and the list goes on. Sorry I am really protective over DL after these visits.

Still my favorite quote from Miceage:

There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

For all those thinking about going to DL.....go and enjoy. To those who don't think it has the total immersion...Your not getting it. Do you really need to be around a million other "tourists" to feel immersed?

Sorry for the rant.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Hmmm.... so, I have read your post 5 times and not replied because I just don't quite know what to say, but I'm going to try.

I think you came to DLR expecting a West Coast WDW, based on your comments. It's not. It's DLR. And it's different. And that's what makes it wonderful. Who needs two of the same, right? Just to address a few of your points...

#1 - DLR is beautiful at Christmas time and am very glad we got to experience all of that

Glad you enjoyed this special time of year.

#2 IT WAS REALLY REALLY BUSY LAST WEEK!!

Well, yes. It's the busiest week of the year. You actually got lucky. The rain slowed crowds a bit.

#3 - you do not have enough FP rides in your parks compared to WDW...seriously do not understand why more things do not have FP..mostly TSM...

I think the major flaw in the perception here is that you seem to be comparing WDW to DL. You cannot. That is comparing 4 parks to 2 (1 + 1 small) parks. Again, WDW and DLR are very different.

If you actually look at the FP attractions at WDW, per park, it looks like this:

Disney's Animal Kingdom:
Primeval Whirl
Kilimanjaro Safaris
DINOSAUR
Kali River Rapids
Expedition Everest

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Toy Story Mania!
Star Tours
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Magic Kingdom:
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Jungle Cruise
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan's Flight

Epcot:
Mission: SPACE Pavilion
Test Track
Captain EO starring Michael Jackson
Maelstrom
Soarin'

If you look at DLR, per park, it looks like this:

Disneyland
Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Indiana Jones Adventure
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain

Disney California Adventure Park
California Screamin'
Grizzly River Run
Soarin' Over California
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Both MK and DL have the same number of FP attractions. DCA and DHS have the same number of FP attractions.

As for TSMM, you have to remember that this is not WDW. Crowd patterns are different. Behavior is different. Flow is different. What works at one, does not necessarily work at another. People bounce back and forth between DL and DCA, much more frequently than they do between two parks at WDW. This affects how FPs are used, as well.

#4- best part of staying at the GC was being walked over to TSM in the morning at 945 before rest of the park let in - was frustrating however to be in DL in the early AM and want to get to the GC entrance for early entry there at 9:30 - had to walk all the way around again - it is a long walk!

Monorail

#5- need more "shows" - no castle show. more things like Lion King, Nemo, laugh factory, carosel of progress (I know it is not a show). lights motors action etc... to keep you busy between rides -

Again, I think you are comparing 4 Parks to 2 (1 + 1 small), and perhaps missed some offerings? I have spent an entire day in the park and done nothing BUT shows. I probably would say I enjoy them more than most rides. They are certainly not fillers to keep us "busy between rides."

Disneyland:

1. Captain EO
2. Enchanted Tiki Room
3. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
4. Say Hello to ASIMO
5. Jedi Training Academy
6. The Laughing Stock
7. Bill Hill and the Hillbillies
8. Musical Chairs
9. Fantasmic!
10. Bands in the evenings at TLT
11. Piano player at Coke Corner
12. Dapper Dans
13. fireworks
14. parade

DCA

1. Aladdin
2. Animation Academy
3. Turtle Talk with Crush
4. Disney Dance Crew
5. It's Tough to Be a Bug
6. MuppetVision 3D
7. Playhouse Disney
8. ElecTRONica - LaserMan
9. World of Color
10. parade

And I'm probably missing some.

#12 - I don't really get the midway section and the roller coasters and ferris wheel etc..seemed more like a 6 flags than disney with exception of TSM...

But... it's in DCA, not Disneyland. The midway area is supposed to feel like a pier/boardwalk area, i.e. roller coaster, games, ferris wheel, etc..., exactly as you said it is. It's a themed area.

WDW has more of a Disney immersion feel and has more Disney touches that if you take the time to notice can make it that special touch - didn't see as much of that at DLR

I just have to say that this is the part that has had me completely flabbergasted each time I've read your post. You didn't see much of the Disney touches? Disneyland is FILLED with them from the second you enter the Park. Did you go listen to the man singing in the shower from the window above your head on Main Street? Did you listen to Walt's opening day speech in morse code? Did you notice all the windows throughout the Park dedicated to those who made Disneyland (and for that matter, WDW) possible? Did you watch for the Queen to appear in the window in Fantasyland? Did you notice the theming as you walked from land to land? Did you notice the full show buildings for each attraction in Fantasyland, as opposed to the facades at MK? Oh, I could go on and on for pages and pages about the magic throughout Disneyland. It's what I most L O V E about the Park and feel is missing from the Parks at WDW, except for DAK which I feel is very magical. The special little touches at Disneyland are around every single corner. You will have to come back - if for no other reason than to take them in.

I'm happy that you love WDW and had a chance to visit Disneyland. I am sad to hear that you did not get swept away by your visit, but maybe it never had a chance to whisk you away amidst the comparisons to WDW. I have a great time at WDW and enjoy a lot about it, but to be honest, I adore Disneyland - and hope maybe one day, you'll come back and discover the magic it has throughout.

- Dreams

 

[nunzia]

Interesting thoughts. I agree about the food and DL being especially beautiful at Christmas.

I'm wondering on your thoughts about the shows and if you saw Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at the Golden Horseshoe, the Disneyland Marching Band with the characters, Tiana and the New Orleans Jazz Band, Laughing Stock at the Golden Horseshoe to just name a few that come to mind??

Anyways I'm glad you got to visit it. I remember the few short years we went for the first time and were instantly hooked. We walked under the tunnel and saw mainstreet and I seriously got chills. Walt Disney had walked, worked, and lived on these streets. 55 years ago the hub had a Frontierland sign and an Advertureland sign that still look the same today. Presidents, celebrities, and famous dignitaries have all graced this treasured landmark. Disneyland is my favorite park. Like Hyrdoguy said, Fantasmic!, Remember Dreams Come True, World of Color, and Aladdin are the best in any Disney park. Those five are worth the trip to California all by themselves. But you also get Sleepy's walkthrough, a penny arcade that is still there, a magic shop where Steve Martin got his start, the ORIGINAL Tiki Room (Walt is turning over in his grave at the Under New management), and the list goes on. Sorry I am really protective over DL after these visits.

Still my favorite quote from Miceage:

There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

For all those thinking about going to DL.....go and enjoy. To those who don't think it has the total immersion...Your not getting it. Do you really need to be around a million other "tourists" to feel immersed?

Sorry for the rant.

I have also heard the term: Disneyland is for purists, Disneyworld is for tourists...
just saying...

 

[HydroGuy]

I think you came to DLR expecting a West Coast WDW, based on your comments. It's not. It's DLR. And it's different. And that's what makes it wonderful. Who needs two of the same, right? Just to address a few of your points...

I had the same feeling as you...

Both MK and DL have the same number of FP attractions. DCA and DHS have the same number of FP attractions.

I think the difference is that DL has lot more rides than MK (25-30% more) and DCA lots more than DHS (like twice as many). So even if they both offer the same number of FPs it feels like less because there are so many more rides at DLR.

Even so, I agree with the rest of your analysis that DLR is not WDW and one should not expect the FPs to have some kind of similar proportion. I mean, if DCA has twice as many rides as DHS can you imagine having twice the FP attractions at DCA? What a mess that would be...

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Still my favorite quote from Miceage:

There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

So true!

I just have to say that this is the part that has had me completely flabbergasted each time I've read your post. You didn't see much of the Disney touches? Disneyland is FILLED with them from the second you enter the Park. Did you go listen to the man singing in the shower from the window above your head on Main Street? Did you listen to Walt's opening day speech in morse code? Did you notice all the windows throughout the Park dedicated to those who made Disneyland (and for that matter, WDW) possible? Did you watch for the Queen to appear in the window in Fantasyland? Did you notice the theming as you walked from land to land? Did you notice the full show buildings for each attraction in Fantasyland, as opposed to the facades at MK? Oh, I could go on and on for pages and pages about the magic throughout Disneyland. It's what I most L O V E about the Park and feel is missing from the Parks at WDW, except for DAK which I feel is very magical. The special little touches at Disneyland are around every single corner. You will have to come back - if for no other reason than to take them in.

I'm happy that you love WDW and had a chance to visit Disneyland. I am sad to hear that you did not get swept away by your visit, but maybe it never had a chance to whisk you away amidst the comparisons to WDW. I have a great time at WDW and enjoy a lot about it, but to be honest, I adore Disneyland - and hope maybe one day, you'll come back and discover the magic it has throughout.

- Dreams

I wish I had communicated my feelings this way. I totally agree!

 

[hurleyboy04]

It's funny because I've been to Disney World more times than Disneyland and one of my favorite things about Disneyland was that it seemed to use less of the FP system. I think it creates more line issues than actually helping the lines move. IMO I think the lines move a lot better in Disneyland.

 

[Hound 109]

Fantastic posts by KC Mike & Disney Dreams.

I agree 100%.


I'd love to have the Brown Derby, 50's Prime Time, a mini World Showcase along with Mission Space at DLR....but don't mind visiting the resort in the swamp every 3-5 years to enjoy them.

Other than that.....give me Walt's Park.

 

[funatdisney]

All great points everyone. I wish I could explain it as well as everyone does here.

Still my favorite quote from Miceage:

There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.

I have also heard the term: Disneyland is for purists, Disneyworld is for tourists...
just saying...

Great quotes and ones that hit the mark.

Oh, I could go on and on for pages and pages about the magic throughout Disneyland. It's what I most L O V E about the Park and feel is missing from the Parks at WDW, except for DAK which I feel is very magical.

I feel the same way. It amazed me how much DAK made me feel like Walt had done it himself. Those little touches of details are there and are joy to discover. Whereas walking into DHS seemed like I traveled 3,000 miles to go back to California!


When my friends ask me how to compare DL to WDW I explain it like this: When I go to WDW, I am going on vacation. When I go to Disneyland, I am going home.