Sitting at airport headed home - thoughts from a 1st time visitor

[lsumatt72]

just finished up 4 days in the parks, as a WDW vet, here are my personal thoughts (if anyone cares):

- the first thing that stands out is the DLR is SO much more laid back. The lack of planning and the people in general. Not one time did we have anyone shoving to try to get ahead in line or run to beat you to something, like I see all the time at WDW

- maxpass puts FP+ to shame. So easy to use and we were able to ride many of the headliners many times.

— we stayed at the Kings Inn on Katella, which was about a 10 min walk. It is so nice not having to wait on resort buses, especially being crammed on to one at the end of the night when you’re dead tired.

- CMs at DLR just seem so much more into their jobs and nicer overall. I know WDW is mostly college kids but the contrast was definitely observable.

- I will say WDW beats DLR in the food department overall. Though we didn’t eat one bad thing while we were at DLR

- I was wary of walking from the hotel to the parks but the resort area is so clean and well-lit that we never felt unsafe at any point, even though we passed quite a few homeless people

- I love how the characters tend to roam the parks, which is something we haven’t seen at WDW in a long time

- being able to visit Walt’s original park, ride attractions that WDW doesn’t have or no longer has, and seeing Walt’s apartment (we did WIWF tour) were all memories I will have forever. I don’t know when or if I’ll ever get back out here but I loved every second of it.

Sorry if I rambled...

 

[pblack]

Glad you enjoyed your trip! All the planning that goes into a WDW trip is why i'm really hesitant on going. I love the laid-back style of DL.

 

[lsumatt72]

Glad you enjoyed your trip! All the planning that goes into a WDW trip is why i'm really hesitant on going. I love the laid-back style of DL.

Yea it was very nice not to have dining and fast passes booked months in advance and the flexibility to basically do whatever rides/park you preferred

 

[felice]

I was wary of walking from the hotel to the parks but the resort area is so clean and well-lit that we never felt unsafe at any point, even though we passed quite a few homeless people

We've never had a problem when walking to and from the parks and even more so at night when the buses can be crowded. As you say, the area is well lit too, which helps a lot.

Whilst there are an increasing amount of homeless people around they have never been a problem either, particularly when they are just sitting down with their little cups and notices. I get the impression that were any of them to start harassing visitors to the area then the authorities, including the cops, would very quickly become involved.

Although in saying that it is sad to see the amount of homeless people increasing within the area. Hope the issues they are facing can be resolved properly so they can return to normal life again.

 

[Texans_loyal]

The not planning part is so relaxing!!

 

[maltdizzy]

I was wary of walking from the hotel to the parks but the resort area is so clean and well-lit that we never felt unsafe at any point, even though we passed quite a few homeless people

Well...it is a city that people live in, work in, go to school in, take vacations in, etc. ...everyday.

I agree with all your points, it's why DLR is our favorite, especially the more "laid-back" free-flowing aspect of it. It reminds me of what MK/Epcot (and eventually MGM) was like when I was a teen in the '80s.

 

[Disney127]

Thanks for your thoughts. Glad that you had a good time

 

[chickapin parterre]

j

- I will say WDW beats DLR in the food department overall. Though we didn’t eat one bad thing while we were at DLR

-..

thank you for writing.....did you eat in Tomorrowland at the fast food service near the Matterhorn?

 

[VandVsmama]

We went to WDW for the first time last summer and I agree with your DL observations! How was your stay at Kings Inn on Katella?

 

[Tink1987]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I am glad you enjoyed your trip.

I massively prefer DL to WDW but it is very much a personal preference. Mostly for the points you mentioned. It is just much more laid back and just has the better feel of all the worldwide parks I have visited.

 

[LizzyS]

just finished up 4 days in the parks, as a WDW vet, here are my personal thoughts (if anyone cares):

- the first thing that stands out is the DLR is SO much more laid back. The lack of planning and the people in general. Not one time did we have anyone shoving to try to get ahead in line or run to beat you to something, like I see all the time at WDW

- maxpass puts FP+ to shame. So easy to use and we were able to ride many of the headliners many times.

— we stayed at the Kings Inn on Katella, which was about a 10 min walk. It is so nice not having to wait on resort buses, especially being crammed on to one at the end of the night when you’re dead tired.

- CMs at DLR just seem so much more into their jobs and nicer overall. I know WDW is mostly college kids but the contrast was definitely observable.

- I will say WDW beats DLR in the food department overall. Though we didn’t eat one bad thing while we were at DLR

- I was wary of walking from the hotel to the parks but the resort area is so clean and well-lit that we never felt unsafe at any point, even though we passed quite a few homeless people

- I love how the characters tend to roam the parks, which is something we haven’t seen at WDW in a long time

- being able to visit Walt’s original park, ride attractions that WDW doesn’t have or no longer has, and seeing Walt’s apartment (we did WIWF tour) were all memories I will have forever. I don’t know when or if I’ll ever get back out here but I loved every second of it.

Sorry if I rambled...

Great points you've made here! I also did the WIWDF tour last week on Tuesday and LOVED being able to go into Walt's apartment SO MUCH.

 

[LizzyS]

thank you for writing.....did you eat in Tomorrowland at the fast food service near the Matterhorn?

Are you talking about Galactic Grill because my husband and I ate breakfast here (a breakfast burrito and a breakfast sandwich) and we loved grabbing breakfast here. I'd prefer a quick, very filling bite here than at the current, busy place that's serving the platters/Mickey pancakes any day (I believe it's currently Red Rose Taverne).

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

You've captured many of the reasons why we love Disneyland! Glad you had a great trip!

 

[lsumatt72]

We went to WDW for the first time last summer and I agree with your DL observations! How was your stay at Kings Inn on Katella?

For what it is I have no qualms. Very clean, friendly staff, breakfast included (which could use an upgrade) and only 10 minute walk. Would stay there again with no hesitation

 

[BecAus]

Thanks for posting about your trip - it sounds like you had a great trip!!

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

Thanks for your info. We're making our first trip to DL in May!

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

Thank you for posting your personal thoughts on your first visit to Disneyland. I'm always happy when I read that a first visit went so well. Isn't MaxPass awesome!

 

[tink too]

Thanks for your comments and glad that you enjoyed your first trip to DL. We usually visit WDW too as it's a shorter flight for us, but will be returning to DL this summer after 11 years.

 

[Violetspider]

Thanks for the comments. I will be returning to DLR for the first time in 14 years. Never have done more than day trips (used to live in SoCal), and it was before the FastPass system. I'm only used to WDW and have been somewhat nervous about the no planning approach. You've helped to ease my mind about a few things. I sure hope that the non-pushing/laid back part holds true once SWGE opens.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for the nice and thoughtful post. I am at WDW at this moment (Disney Springs to be specific) and have really enjoyed my visit here. Most of this trip was business but I have 3 days at the parks.