Reflecting on the eternal DL vs. WDW comparison

[vpalmer]

Having recently spent five days at DL after having only visited WDW in the past decade I set out to enjoy DL for all the positive things it has to offer. And it is a wonderful place! Since the end of my trip I have been trying to find a way to verbalize the differences and I think I finally have. Wait for it...

Disneyland vs. Disney World
Rides vs. Atmosphere

Yes, both parks have both rides and atmosphere. But, I think DL has the edge on rides and WDW has the edge when it comes to atmosphere.

As a WDW vet, it's easy to get caught in the trap of saying, "At DL, I only want to experience everything that is different from WDW." That is where I started. However, once I started experiencing the attractions, I realized that many of the rides that seem the same (Peter Pan for instance) are in fact just a tad better at DL.

Also, due to sheer volume, DL takes the prize in terms of attractions. I read that DL has only 10% fewer rides than all four parks combined at WDW and I believe that to be true. However, I don't think that is an automatic slam dunk in terms of comparison of the two parks.

Because DL is almost entirely all rides, you miss out on a lot of the atmosphere that you get at WDW. Disney Imaginers are masters at taking places that many of us will never experience and transporting us through time, space and across oceans. Be it the Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Trail at Animal Kingdom or the country pavilions in the World Showcase at Epcot. These experiences and many more like them, transport you to another time and place without stepping foot onto a ride. With the extra real estate, WDW is able to create a place where you don't even have to step foot on a ride to feel the Disney Magic.

This is especially true of the WDW resorts. Each resort transports you to a completely different time and place in a way that only Disney can. Wilderness Lodge is an excellent example. With all the details put into that resort including a lifelike geyser that erupts every hour, wildlife and being surrounded by Bay Lake, it's hard to imagine that The Magic Kingdom is just a short boat ride away.

Both WDW and DL are special in their own ways, and I encourage everyone to experience both if you can.

So, what are your thoughts?

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for your thoughts.

Since DLR has traditionally served a local base, rides have played a larger role than at WDW. WDW draws folks on week long vacations who look for a more immersive experience. If you stay onsite at WDW it definitely has better atmosphere. You are quite right.

I think DL's smaller space than at MK works in its favor overall. Fantasyland at MK in particular seems too disjointed, while at DL it hangs together and self-reinforces. I like MK's Tomorrowland better though.

 

[Raindown]

I enjoy reading threads on this topic. Thanks for posting.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Thanks for your thoughts.

I think DL's smaller space than at MK works in its favor overall. Fantasyland at MK in particular seems too disjointed, while at DL it hangs together and self-reinforces. I like MK's Tomorrowland better though.

I agree with HydroGuy's comments on the size aspect. That was one thing we really liked about DLR over WDW. It seemed more manageable.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Like the OP, I am much more a WDW vet than DLR, having visiited DLR only once, though we are planning a return in 2011.

It's ifun to read comments from guests--as long as it does not grow into a "MY park is better than YOUR park" thread, and I found your comments about the atmosphere interesting. I took away from our visit that the atmosphere was much stronger in DLR than in WDW, particularily in Fantasyland and on Main Street. To us, it just had a more authentic feel in Anaheim. That may be because we knew that this was "where Walt walked" and had a sentimental feeling about it, can't say for sure.

In either case, it's just fun visiting Disney parks, and also just consider ourselves lucky enough to visit one, let alone 2 or more Disney parks and to visit them more than once. There are many people who will never get to experience any of them.

 

[Disney Dreams]

It's an interesting perspective. I'm not sure I complete agree, but I completely understand your point.

I think if you compare MK to DL, there is something about DL that is missing at MK. A non-tangible feel that is in the ambiance and little detail that we just didn't see at MK.

HOWEVER, beyond that, I agree with you.

At The Animal Kingdom or at EPCOT, you are completely transported to a new place, far removed from reality. Both offer amazing experiences where the imagineers succeed having one can completely forget about the real world and escape to the safari or an array of countries around the world. Atmosphere completely surrounds you.

The same is true at the Resorts at WDW, which have the advantage of space that the hotels at DLR just don't have. The Animal Kingdom Lodge completely pulls you into another world with animals everywhere, The Yacht Club takes you to a water paradise.

It's the theming we remembered when our WDW vacation ended. It's the overall Disney magic we love when we thing of DLR.

Interesting topic. Thanks for sharing.

- Dreams

 

[AmyPond]

For me, the atmosphere at Disneyland Park vs. the Magic Kingdom - Disneyland wins. I think it's much more magical for me at Disneyland.

However, the atmosphere at Animal Kingdom and at Epcot cannot be found in the parks in Anaheim. But Disneyland park is still a notch above those two parks for me.

I also think the WDW resort atmosphere is far superior. Then again, I've never stayed onsite at Disneyland (just can't rationalize the price.)

 

[dalstitch45]

Like the OP, I am much more a WDW vet than DLR, having visiited DLR only once, though we are planning a return in 2011.

It's ifun to read comments from guests--as long as it does not grow into a "MY park is better than YOUR park" thread, and I found your comments about the atmosphere interesting. I took away from our visit that the atmosphere was much stronger in DLR than in WDW, particularily in Fantasyland and on Main Street. To us, it just had a more authentic feel in Anaheim. That may be because we knew that this was "where Walt walked" and had a sentimental feeling about it, can't say for sure.

In either case, it's just fun visiting Disney parks, and also just consider ourselves lucky enough to visit one, let alone 2 or more Disney parks and to visit them more than once. There are many people who will never get to experience any of them.

Well said!! I am also a WDW vet, and hoping to become a DLR vet soon. I have been to WDW more times than I can count, and it was always my favorite because I had not been to DLR. I have now been to DLR three (3) times. I totally fell in love with Disney all over again. Some of it was for different reasons, and some were for the same reasons. There is just a special magic at both.

As your moniker so well states, I too, love going to Disney. Every chance I get. I hope I never get tired of it. I truly feel so fortunate and blessed I get the opportunity.

I usually compare things I like more at WDW or DLR, but I love each one so much for different reasons. It is what makes them unique and oh so special.

 

[Cali Dis Kid]

Both DLR & WDW rock!

 

[Disneylander55]

I think alot of the people that like WDW who also dislike DL are biased to begin with. Disneyland and WDW may be similar yes, but it's apples and oranges. You have to take them both for what they're worth. Personally, I prefer Disneyland, but I'm absolutely not biased Disneyland

 

[SD33]

Growing up on the west coast, I did DL a lot as a kid. Now that I am in my late 20's, I have finally been to DL and WDW. I find it impossible to choose between which I like better because, like you, I like them both for different reasons. I love that at DCA I can see Turtle Talk with Crush, Aladdin (the best Broadway style theme park show at any Disney park), Toy Story Mania, Soarin, and Tower of Terror within a couple hours, and they are all right next to each other. The size thing makes for a super convenient and manageable park. Also, I was incredibly disappointed in Space Mountain at WDW after having been on DL's version. Same goes for Pirates of the Caribbean too. Some rides are just better at DL.

So as far as rides and attractions go, I sorta think DL has the edge. Lots of stuff to see and do everywhere, yet still carries the same charm and whimsy you would expect from the best Disney parks.

Now, as far as overall escapist entertainment goes, you just can't beat WDW. For instance, when the doors on the Tower of Terror open in DL, you see....well, you see Anaheim (Bam! Suddenly you are back in the real world). Not so at WDW. Massive expanses of trees and waterways surround each park and add to the illusion that you are in an entirely different world. Plus the dinning and hotel options are second to none. I still haven't seen a sunset as breathtaking as the one I saw over the Magic Kingdom as I was eating at the California Grill on top of the Contemporary Resort.

If Disneyland ever gets that third theme park that has been rumored for all these years, it may develop a bit of an edge on the competition, at least for me. But still, 40 square miles of Disney "land"...WDW has a lot going for it.

 

[amym2]

I completely agree. We just returned from our first DLR visit a couple of weeks ago and while we had a fantastic time, it was different. We absolutely thought DLR has the edge on rides- now I understand why everyone said we had to ride Space Mtn, Pirates, IASW (what happened when they built Pirates at WDW?). I loved that we didn't have to walk far to get to Soarin' (my absolute favorite) and park hopping was great.

That being said, as others have suggested, DLR overall didn't have the same "feel" for me personally. There's something about walking into EPCOT and seeing the huge ball, seeing all the countries around the lagoon. Obviously DLR doesn't have that, and there was nothing at DCA that made me go "WOW." Knowing that when we went to DLR, I was completely fine with it, but I don't think I can NOT go to WDW in the next few years to get that feeling!

I certainly think what you grew up with plays into opinions as well. I have wonderful memories of various trips to WDW as a child, on my honeymoon, and with my own kids when they were little and totally mesmerized by WDW. Now that my kids are 6 and 8, they don't care so much about the "magic" and just want to ride Space Mtn and CA Screamin for the thrill. I'm guessing that will be the case on our next WDW trip as well (whenever that is), so maybe WDW won't feel the same to me anymore either. Bummer, now I'm all depressed thinking that my kids will probably like WWOHP at Universal more than Disney. How can anyone not be completely fascinated by Disney? I guess I never lost the "magic" whether I'm at DLR or WDW!

 

[rn448698]

Went to DL for the 1st time as an adult back in January, after visiting WDW numerous times.

That said... I loved, loved, loved DL. While it was smaller (and yes, had more rides) than the MK, I found DL to have more paths and areas to get away from crowds than the MK. I agree with the comments about immersion and how Epcot and AK give WDW an edge over DL and DCA. However, DL just seemed more magical that the MK across the board (rides, workers, stores, etc.).

I'm a little concerned about going to the MK in October for the 1st time since going to DL. I'm honestly scared that I'm going to think MK is a giant monstrosity with not enough attractions. *sigh*

BTW, did I say that I love DL?

 

[HydroGuy]

LOL, those of you who are WDW vets who went on your first DLR trip, watch out! You will have the reverse of my experience. It used to be that I went to DLR and just loved it. Now I still love it but somewhere in the back of my mind I am thinking "I want Expedition Everest, Rock 'N Rollercoaster, Festival of the Lion King and Beaches & Cream!" When at WDW I similarly think about DLR's Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Space Mtn, Aladdin and California Screamin. I am afraid you may be bi-coastal Disney fans now!

(Hoping to get back to WDW next year early June!)

 

[vpalmer]

It's an interesting perspective. I'm not sure I complete agree, but I completely understand your point.

I think if you compare MK to DL, there is something about DL that is missing at MK. A non-tangible feel that is in the ambiance and little detail that we just didn't see at MK.

HOWEVER, beyond that, I agree with you.

At The Animal Kingdom or at EPCOT, you are completely transported to a new place, far removed from reality. Both offer amazing experiences where the imagineers succeed having one can completely forget about the real world and escape to the safari or an array of countries around the world. Atmosphere completely surrounds you.

The same is true at the Resorts at WDW, which have the advantage of space that the hotels at DLR just don't have. The Animal Kingdom Lodge completely pulls you into another world with animals everywhere, The Yacht Club takes you to a water paradise.

It's the theming we remembered when our WDW vacation ended. It's the overall Disney magic we love when we thing of DLR.

Interesting topic. Thanks for sharing.

- Dreams

I actually agree with you completely! If you only compare DL to MK, DL wins hands down! Most of the rides that are similar between the two parks are somehow better at DL. There is a ton of atmosphere at DL. DL's Toontown blows WDW's Toontown out of the water. Fantasyland is also much better. I think that may be part of the reason why WDW is completely redoing FL and getting rid of Toontown completely at WDW. The way it is now, it just doesn't work.

I was trying to do more of a macro analysis and compare DLR and WDW as a whole from a tourist perspective because with all the big changes there are more and more people just like me: tourists who want an immersive experience. That is why we stayed at DLH. One thing we just loved about DLH was the character interaction at DLH. That was AMAZING! I have never seen characters milling around at WDW resorts. They might walk through to character meals but at DLH, we saw quite a few characters and they always interacted with my DD. As a matter of fact, Goofy even met us as we Bell Services as unloading our rental car. He watched cartoons with my DD as I checked in. Then came up to the check in desk and started disassembling my planning binder. It was a great moment that I've never experienced at WDW.

 

[AmyPond]

LOL, those of you who are WDW vets who went on your first DLR trip, watch out! You will have the reverse of my experience. It used to be that I went to DLR and just loved it. Now I still love it but somewhere in the back of my mind I am thinking "I want Expedition Everest, Rock 'N Rollercoaster, Festival of the Lion King and Beaches & Cream!" When at WDW I similarly think about DLR's Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Space Mtn, Aladdin and California Screamin. I am afraid you may be bi-coastal Disney fans now!

(Hoping to get back to WDW next year early June!)

That's pretty much how I am. When I'm at WDW, I find myself missing tons of things about Disneyland. And inevitably I plan a Disneyland trip when we get home.

When I'm at Disneyland, I miss things about WDW (People mover!) and plan a trip when we get home.

Overall though, if I could only go to ONE single park, I would choose Disneyland.

 

[mhalpern]

Great thread. We just got back from our first DLR trip. As a WDW vet I was prepared to be a little disappointed with DL but boy was I wrong! If I magically won tickets today and had to choose which Disney park to use them in I would have trouble deciding whether to go to WDW or DLR. I have to say that the one single solitary thing that bothers me at WDW is how long it takes to get from one place to another. It was a dream come true to be in DLR and walk everywhere. I'm afraid when I go back to Florida that it will now seem more inconvenient than ever. That said I am a huge fan of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. The entertainment in those parks is so great.

Oh well I'll just have to keep going to both. Maybe I should move to Kansas so I'll be equal distance from both.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am enjoying this thread. I am a WDW Vet visiting DLR for the first time on Saturday! And yet I am already missing WDW! I know that this is a different vacation and am expecting to fall in love with DL ... but I know I will miss EPCOT and AK. I have read so much about the differences, I don't feel that I will be in any way disappointed with DLR but I do know that I will 'miss' our favorites from WDW that are not in DLR. And yes, we are already planning next years WDW trip. Hopefully while there, we will want to start planning 2012's DLR trip!

 

[dalstitch45]

LOL, those of you who are WDW vets who went on your first DLR trip, watch out! You will have the reverse of my experience. It used to be that I went to DLR and just loved it. Now I still love it but somewhere in the back of my mind I am thinking "I want Expedition Everest, Rock 'N Rollercoaster, Festival of the Lion King and Beaches & Cream!" When at WDW I similarly think about DLR's Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Space Mtn, Aladdin and California Screamin. I am afraid you may be bi-coastal Disney fans now!

(Hoping to get back to WDW next year early June!)

You have described me to the tee. How did you know? Too late, I am already a bi-coastal fan. I find myself wishing they had FOTLK and Aladdin in the same place. Now that would be awesome!

 

[vettegirl]

I love both!