The difference between DL and DW.

[Stinky2u4u]

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[mattsdragon]

One's in California, the other is in Florida.

J/K

that is a big difference if you don't care for one particular type of weather, but otherwise. . .

WDW is bigger, much, MUCH bigger. There is a lot more to do. There are different rides at the two parks that you may want to research.

Look at the official sites for the ride differences.

That's the start, others can now join in.

 

[phantom728]

I definitely prefer WDW better than DL. It's worth going to if you've never been there and I would visit frequently if I lived near there, but not one that I would visit every year otherwise. I was disappointed in the castle because it was so small compared to Cinderella's castle.

Even though they have many of the same rides, the differ in some of the execution and display. The only ride I liked better was BTMRR, but the rest of the rides didn't win me over. I did enjoy the few rides that they have that WDW didn't, such as Matterhorn and Indiana Jones ride, plus they have Mr. Toads Wild Ride, which I miss at WDW. Rest about the same.

I did enjoy DCA very much and hope that they bring some of that to WDW.

 

[thompsonsstation2dis]

I don't know what differences there are, any significant differences, which is better for people who've been to both?

I am guessing DW is better.

DW definitely better...however, your bananas are driving me bananas!!

 

[Micca]

The MK at DLR is superior, except for the castle which is...lacking. For the rest, there is no contest...WDW all the way.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Its really about "home park". If you post this (and it gets posted ALOT) over on the Disneyland side, you will have many DL regulars who will tell you that Disneyland is better. Over here, the WDW regulars will do the same for their home park. Personally I think its the proverbial comparison of apples to oranges. Yes, WDW is WAY BIGGER. It was supposed to be. Walt was dismayed early on that since he was unable to purchase enough land, he couldn't control what went directly around DL and there was little room for expansion. So WDW was born and I would say that even though it was built after his death, his goal of a bigger theme park, with lots of room for expansion and quality control, was very much achieved. There's really nothing like it in the world and its a world all in itself.

But I always say bigger is different, not necessarily better. At one point in the not too distant past (and this may still be true, haven't checked lately), DL/DCA had more rides and shows than all four of the WDW parks combined. So there is a lot packed into that place. It doesn't have the resort feel to it, Disneyland is situated in a big city right off an interstate so it cannot be removed from the real world. Most people will tell you that ride wise the Disneyland counterparts are better, namely POTC which is almost twice as long and has two drops. It was the first. The newly revamped Space Mountain at Disneyland is incredible. Also, Disneyland's Fantasyland has lots of attractions that are very charming and not found at WDW. The compact nature of Disneyland is wonderful, park hopping is a 100 yard walk and DTD is right there too. And the castle is smaller but its very pretty and not a bit underdone in my opinion. Its also situated next to a mountain and the affect of the Matterhorn would be lost if the castle towered above it.

So I think Disneyland is wonderful and not a shabby relation to WDW at all. I love the Walt Factor and the fact that it has so much history. But I also love WDW and the fact that we can stay almost two weeks and still come away feeling like we escaped but didn't see it all. Disneyland is wonderful for shorter trips and I think should be experienced by every Disney fan at least once. We go to DL once a year now and WDW two times. And we don't miss either one when we're at the other! They are both wonderful, unique and similar.

Here is a very detailed thread by a DL regular who visited WDW recently. It can really give you some great info and detail:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599&referrerid=&highlight=

 

[alyssa810]

I have to agree w/Amy& Dan on the Walt factor. DL is the original, and Walt was there while it was open, so it has that little extra magic just for that. I personally prefer WDW, but that's only because we're DVC members and only a 3 hour flight away in the same time zone, and it's just easier for us to get to Florida a few times a year than it is to get to California. The biggest shock for me the first time I went to DL was the castle- it was almost a "where is it?" and then "that's it?!?!"
What I do like better about DL is the on site hotels' proximity to the parks, and that you can walk everywhere....although the hotel selection in WDW is incomparable!!! We've stayed at DLH twice, and we weren't really blown away for the price...I think I remember snack foods like drinks were more expensive at DL too...and I think the TS restaurants in MK are lacking... The smaller size of DL is nicer on the old feet too
The big challenge for us is always going close to the parks and not being able to go in, ie, we're headed to anaheim this saturday to do some pin trading in the hotels and DTD, but we won't be able to go into the park And another time, we were in Orlando visiting Universal, and headed to WDW to ride the monorail and check out the hotels. It was such a tease being so close!
Either way, both resorts are definite must sees!!

 

[autumnbaby9]

Comparing DL to MK......DL wins. I will admit that Cinderella's Castle is better than Sleeping Beauty's Castle (with almost a 20 years difference in construction what do you expect) but over all DL is better IMO.

However

Comparing DLR to WDW......WDW wins hands down. Better resturant options, better resort hotel options (more budget hotel options too), lots more to do and see.

I love both resorts and will continue going to both. I will go to DLR when I don't have alot of time because you can see it in a few days. When I have more time on my hands or I find a really good deal on flights to Orlando I will go to WDW.

 

[Stinky2u4u]

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[kaze1sd]

I just got back from WDW two days ago. I am a veteran DL'er and it was real interesting to compare the two resorts.

Comparing the DL to MK, I agree with autumnbaby and say that I prefer DL. At MK I liked TTA, CoP, CBJ, and Philharmagic which are not available at DL. IaSW, HM, BTMRR, PotC, and Toontown (versus Toontown Fair) I like better at DL. At DL, they also have the Matterhorn and Indiana Jones rides which are missing from MK. Also, check out this link from AllEarsNet.

As a resort, WDW puts DLR to shame. Out here in CA, we don't have Epcot (my favorite park), DS, or AK. We do have California Adventure but I am still not convinced that this is a full fledged park. I would never go to DLR just for C.A.

One more for good luck --->

 

[wendy darling]

I have visited WDW and DLR... and I love both of them for different reasons. WDW- is incrediably big, and every time I go I never have the same experience twice. My heart will always belong to main street in WDW because of memories and family vacations (such as waiting with my family for the parade, etc...)

DLR- is very sweet and I love the different rides they have to offer... Indiana Jones, the Matterhorn, Alice in Wonderland, and the different versions of Pirates, and Mansion. And I enjoy California Adventure ( I miss The Main Street Electrical Parade- which is now there)...

I think everyone should experience both parks at least once in their life!!

Good Luck in your decision

 

[Ride Junkie]

Comparing DL to MK......DL wins. I will admit that Cinderella's Castle is better than Sleeping Beauty's Castle (with almost a 20 years difference in construction what do you expect) but over all DL is better IMO.

However

Comparing DLR to WDW......WDW wins hands down. Better resturant options, better resort hotel options (more budget hotel options too), lots more to do and see.

Well said! I prefer DL to MK for the 'original' atmosphere and the rides (DL has Indiana Jones, and their PoTC is better & longer). But there is so much more to see at WDW! Four parks and two water parks is a tough act to follow. But DL is very near & dear to my heart.