This WDW vets opinion on DLR versus WDW

[Masonmj84]

Last week, I made my first trip to DLR since childhood (stayed on-site at DLH and left on the morning of the 24 hour event).

What I liked better about DLR:

1. The rides (overall). While the total number of rides at the 2 DLR parks and 4 WDW parks is about the same, the average quality of the top 10-15 rides is better at DLR than WDW. Radiator Springs Racers is, in our opinion, the best attraction at either resort, and buries its closest WDW counterpart (Test Track). Along those lines, we thought that both of the DLR parks were better than any of the WDW parks (including Magic Kingdom) for rides. While Magic Kingdom has more rides than California Adventure, the top 6 California Adventure rides (RSR, Soarin', Cali Screamin, TOT, Grizzly River Run, and TSM) are, in our opinion better, on average, than the top 6 Magic Kingdom Rides (Splash, Big Thunder, Space, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Mine Train). Disneyland has more rides than Magic Kingdom and its top 6 are also, on average, better (while the DL version of Splash isn't quite as good as the MK version, DL Space Mtn. is much better, DL Pirates is much longer, and DL has Indy).

2. Cars Land. Now I understand the clamor of WDWers to have this in Hollywood Studios. I was blown away. Amazing theming, especially in the evenings (we also really liked the theming of the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure). Overall, we expected California Adventure to be a slightly bigger and better version of Hollywood Studios. Boy were we surprised. While it's not apples to apples to compare the two parks, the former park is SOOO much better that it's laughable to compare the two. Disney would have to invest billions into Hollywood Studios just to get it in the discussion, let alone the ballpark.

3. The proximity of everything and no waiting for busses.

4. Better weather (less rain and humidity).

What I like better about WDW:

1. The all-inclusive immersive factor. Even staying on property, the immersive factor just isn't the same at DLR as it is at WDW. And its not just the physical aspect of the property being so much smaller at DLR but also the average guest. At DLR, you had the sense that many of the guest were locals who came frequently. While they carried an excitement and enthusiasm for being at Disney, it's more of a "been there, done that" type of excitement, which isn't the same as the excitement of the average WDW guest, many of whom are experiencing Disney for the first time. That added level of excitement adds to the immersive feel.

2. The variety of resorts and restaurants. For us, half of the fun of WDW is all of the different resorts and restaurants (and the accompanying variety of immersive theming). Along those lines, WDW would be a really fun place to visit even if it didn't have theme parks. For us, the DLR hotels and restaurants, even the nicer ones, just didn't have quite the same excitement and magic to them (and we ate at most of the best/most iconic DLR restaurants, including Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Carthay Circle, Blue Bayou, etc.). That being said, we thought the food quality and service at the best DLR restaurants was every bit as good as at the best WDW restaurants, DLR just doesn't have the quantity and variety of dining experiences.

3. Magical Express. We took the Gray Line/Disneyland Resort Express bus from LAX and didn't like having to walk across airport traffic with all of our kids and luggage in tow and then wait for a bus while breathing cigarette smoke. Magical Express is just so much nicer, more convenient, and, for lack of a better word, magical. Being immersed in the Disney bubble from almost the minute you step off the plane just really adds to the excitement and all-inclusive feel of the vacation.

4. Epcot World Showcase. Nothing like this at DLR.

5. Water Parks. We're big fans of both WDW water parks.

6. The Castle. I know Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland is the original that Walt built but it's just so tiny compared to Cinderella's castle in Magic Kingdom.

Bottom line: we still prefer WDW for vacations of at least a week in duration. While the rides aren't quite as good overall at WDW as they are at DLR, a Disney vacation is, to us, much more than just rides and the immersive, all-inclusive feel of a WDW vacation just can't be beat. DLR, on the other hand, is better for trips of less than a week, especially if your major focus is the rides.

 

[ADLFAN]

Awesome comparison! I have never ventured to WDW, but the restaurant variety looks amazing! And the lodging options on site, with all their dining options. Makes me almost ready to brave that Florida weather and the time zone change from WA sTate!

 

[AngiTN]

I'm anxious to do my own reviews on this here in about 2 weeks. We are WDW vets, returned this morning from a 6 night stay at WDW and leave one week from today for a 8 night stay at DL (yes, we are doing the entire 8 nights doing nothing but DL, no leaving the properties at all the entire time). I don't want to go in looking for a "this is better, that is better" concept. I want to go in to DL and embrace the differences. I'm sure it's going to be impossible to not do comparisons I just want to prevent myself from constantly saying "I like this better, or I like that better". I'm working on setting my mind up to not do that.

 

[GatorChris]

I definitely agree with everything you wrote here, from the rides being better to the missing WS at Epcot. The one thing that I would add that I like about DLR over WDW is the relaxed feeling. I didn't really "get it" until after our second week long trip to DL. No crazy getting up early to get ADRs at 180 days out (though I miss the great restaurants), and no planning your FPs months in advance. You get to the parks and do things your way, aside from a Dinner here and there.

And I'm with you: WDW is still my fave with it's immersive feeling from the moment you step off the plane. But DLR is great when you live 333 miles from the parks. And unless I strike it rich, I can't see me heading to FL anytime soon.

 

[GatorChris]

I'm anxious to do my own reviews on this here in about 2 weeks. We are WDW vets, returned this morning from a 6 night stay at WDW and leave one week from today for a 8 night stay at DL

Whoa, did you win the lotto??!?! I'm jealous.

 

[TechGuy]

Wow... I have been going to DLR since I was 3 years old. I want to do WDW but I will just enjoy my time at DLR. It is a magical place for me. So much so that my wife started teasing me (and our then 10 YE DD) two years ago that we were going to DL for our 25th anniversary. Well, life carries on and we ARE going to DLR, 5 days in park, for our anniversary. Our plan is to hold hands and stroll the park doing whatever we want. We have two meal reservations...

I guess I have not missed as much as I was afraid of not going to WDW. We want to go to WDW, but we'll see.

 

[77catwoman]

This is incredibly helpful. We are locals in Orlando and PAP holders for WDW going to DLR for five days in December. I really like the insight and it provided me with some tips as well. Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[disneymom0104]

I agree with everything you said! I like DLR better as a whole, but having been to DLR 3 times in the last 3.5 years (we travel from CO), and not having been to WDW in 4.5 years- I really miss parts of WDW- the immersion experience, the dining plan with all the character meals and variety at the different parks and the affordable Disney hotels. We stayed at Paradise Pier the first time we went (and actually had free dining from Disneyland- a rare thing as I haven't heard about it since- and it was great, but not the same) but we are now a family of 6 and cannot afford the amount of space we would need at a DLR resort. Staying across the street is fine and doable, but it is not the same. DL park is my favorite park of all the parks, and MK and CA are tied for 2nd, and then comes Epcot. I really miss Epcot. I also miss being able to go for 10+ days at WDW. This was our first trip to DLR where we could only stay 5 days instead of 6. We still had the extra day and went to Knott's Berry Farm and the beach, and the entire time I was at Knott's I was upset I couldn't be at DLR. We are people that like to go for a long time and I hate being limited to 5 days. We aren't able to get there quite enough to justify annual passes- but flying the 6 of us to WDW is not real budget friendly, either.

Anyway-great comparison!

 

[cjnix29]

Spot on!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Disneyland! But it's not a week long destination experience. If they could take DL and DCA and plop it in WDW for the resorts, restaurants and buffer zone, I really may never ever leave!!

 

[tiffjoy]

I always find these posts interesting.

I like both places. They are completely different and yet very similar. I agree with some of your points, although I don't tend to focus on a "this vs that" and instead just enjoy each. DLR will always be my favorite for that invisible magic quality that it has over WDW... it feels intimate and original and detailed and truly as if it is the character's real home. I have no trouble pretending that Mickey lives in DLR. Although WDW was my first experience and I went there quite a few times before heading West, DLR stole my heart.

But I do love WDW and the fun experiences there, like the many character dining opportunities and wandering through Epcot's WS. I don't like that I never feel relaxed there and all the planning that goes into it. We are going to be spending nine days at DLR in August, and as AP holders, I know we will be popping in and out and doing other LA things. I don't have to plan hardly anything, though. With the 60th, I am making a Fantasmic reservation, and a BBB for my girls and one character dining. But otherwise, we can wing it and still make reservations or stop in to places as we feel like it. I love that.

It will be a few years until we head back to WDW with other vacations we have planned, but I'm hoping the Avatar expansion will be done by then and some additions to DHS- that might make it tip back more in favor for me. Either way, they are both amazing places, and I love them both.

 

[TheDisneyNurse]

I've only been to DLR once, but it was a great experience. Definitely different than WDW, but still a wonderful time. Absolutely loved Word of Color. I'm dying for them to bring that to WDW. I do agree on the size difference. It was so surreal to be able to walk through the DD area and end up right at the entrance to both parks. And we stayed in the Grand California, too. So awesome to be able enter CA straight from our resort. I'd love to go back-- that Paint the Night parade is giving me the urge to hop on a plane right now! WDW will always hold a special place in my heart, though.

 

[pindecisive]

I loved this review!

I've been considering going to WDW for awhile and it's actually the need to be there an entire week that keeps me from going. DL is doable in a day and I'm local to Cali. Honestly, I just can't see taking off a week to go - no matter how magical it is.

I may consider dividing up the kingdoms and making short trips. Has anyone done this?

 

[tiffjoy]

I loved this review!

I've been considering going to WDW for awhile and it's actually the need to be there an entire week that keeps me from going. DL is doable in a day and I'm local to Cali. Honestly, I just can't see taking off a week to go - no matter how magical it is.

I may consider dividing up the kingdoms and making short trips. Has anyone done this?

We have done this multiple times. After moving to the West Coast, we only visit WDW when we go see my in laws, who winter in Cape Canaveral. Since we don't see them often, and our main reason for going is to see them, we only spend 3-4 days at WDW. Our kids have actually never been on a longer visit there. Longest has been 4 days.

It works just fine for us. We usually skip one park each time, although never MK. This past time, we skipped DHS. The time before we did half day at AK and the rest of the day at DHS. We've also skipped AK before.

My girls don't get to do everything, but that leaves something for the next trip. WDW has great character dining experiences, so I do take away some park time to fit those in, but it's all part of the WDW experience IMO.

You certainly don't "need" more than a few days at WDW anymore than DLR is only a short trip. We always spend longer at DLR than WDW just because of logistics, and there's plenty there to keep us busy for a week. It's fun no matter the length of the trip!

 

[superlarz]

I feel the same way... Disneyland is better for a short 2-4 day theme park trip. Walt Disney World is a better week long vacation option. Both are awesome!

 

[cgh]

I think this is really great comparison and I agree. One advantage I would say for DL is the size I think makes it much, much better for the under 5 set. We normally spend a week at DL.

 

[HydroGuy]

Last week, I made my first trip to DLR since childhood (stayed on-site at DLH and left on the morning of the 24 hour event).

What I liked better about DLR:

1. The rides (overall). While the total number of rides at the 2 DLR parks and 4 WDW parks is about the same, the average quality of the top 10-15 rides is better at DLR than WDW. Radiator Springs Racers is, in our opinion, the best attraction at either resort, and buries its closest WDW counterpart (Test Track). Along those lines, we thought that both of the DLR parks were better than any of the WDW parks (including Magic Kingdom) for rides. While Magic Kingdom has more rides than California Adventure, the top 6 California Adventure rides (RSR, Soarin', Cali Screamin, TOT, Grizzly River Run, and TSM) are, in our opinion better, on average, than the top 6 Magic Kingdom Rides (Splash, Big Thunder, Space, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Mine Train). Disneyland has more rides than Magic Kingdom and its top 6 are also, on average, better (while the DL version of Splash isn't quite as good as the MK version, DL Space Mtn. is much better, DL Pirates is much longer, and DL has Indy).

2. Cars Land. Now I understand the clamor of WDWers to have this in Hollywood Studios. I was blown away. Amazing theming, especially in the evenings (we also really liked the theming of the Grizzly Peak area of California Adventure). Overall, we expected California Adventure to be a slightly bigger and better version of Hollywood Studios. Boy were we surprised. While it's not apples to apples to compare the two parks, the former park is SOOO much better that it's laughable to compare the two. Disney would have to invest billions into Hollywood Studios just to get it in the discussion, let alone the ballpark.

3. The proximity of everything and no waiting for busses.

4. Better weather (less rain and humidity).

What I like better about WDW:

1. The all-inclusive immersive factor. Even staying on property, the immersive factor just isn't the same at DLR as it is at WDW. And its not just the physical aspect of the property being so much smaller at DLR but also the average guest. At DLR, you had the sense that many of the guest were locals who came frequently. While they carried an excitement and enthusiasm for being at Disney, it's more of a "been there, done that" type of excitement, which isn't the same as the excitement of the average WDW guest, many of whom are experiencing Disney for the first time. That added level of excitement adds to the immersive feel.

2. The variety of resorts and restaurants. For us, half of the fun of WDW is all of the different resorts and restaurants (and the accompanying variety of immersive theming). Along those lines, WDW would be a really fun place to visit even if it didn't have theme parks. For us, the DLR hotels and restaurants, even the nicer ones, just didn't have quite the same excitement and magic to them (and we ate at most of the best/most iconic DLR restaurants, including Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Carthay Circle, Blue Bayou, etc.). That being said, we thought the food quality and service at the best DLR restaurants was every bit as good as at the best WDW restaurants, DLR just doesn't have the quantity and variety of dining experiences.

3. Magical Express. We took the Gray Line/Disneyland Resort Express bus from LAX and didn't like having to walk across airport traffic with all of our kids and luggage in tow and then wait for a bus while breathing cigarette smoke. Magical Express is just so much nicer, more convenient, and, for lack of a better word, magical. Being immersed in the Disney bubble from almost the minute you step off the plane just really adds to the excitement and all-inclusive feel of the vacation.

4. Epcot World Showcase. Nothing like this at DLR.

5. Water Parks. We're big fans of both WDW water parks.

6. The Castle. I know Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland is the original that Walt built but it's just so tiny compared to Cinderella's castle in Magic Kingdom.

Bottom line: we still prefer WDW for vacations of at least a week in duration. While the rides aren't quite as good overall at WDW as they are at DLR, a Disney vacation is, to us, much more than just rides and the immersive, all-inclusive feel of a WDW vacation just can't be beat. DLR, on the other hand, is better for trips of less than a week, especially if your major focus is the rides.

Wow, it is not very often I see something so balanced and (IMO) right on the mark. While you were at DLR I was at WDW LOL. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[Angel Ariel]

I think this is really great comparison and I agree. One advantage I would say for DL is the size I think makes it much, much better for the under 5 set. We normally spend a week at DL.

This is one major reason we're looking forward to taking our (the) 3 y/o on her first trip to DLR in the fall. From the park hours to the proximity to the rides..just so much more friendly for her!

 

[elaine amj]

This is making it harder and harder for me to decide what I want to do next summer! I have been missing WDW rather badly (so what if I was just there in December for Christmas? LOL!) and want to plan a full out 10-12 day trip to WDW next summer. That said, we will be in DLR this summer and the temptation to upgrade to a Deluxe AP is really strong! Partly so we can do more than 5 days in the parks (not happy about my "forced" break day).

 

[PinkBudgie]

I feel the same way... Disneyland is better for a short 2-4 day theme park trip. Walt Disney World is a better week long vacation option. Both are awesome!

That's hilarious! To me DLR is good for a 6 day trip and WDW good for a 2 week trip!
We went to WDW for the first time last June. We loved Epcot and staying at POFQ. The green grass and trees and river was just beautiful! Some of my favorite trip pictures are from there.
We hope to get back to WDW in a few years and this is what we would do different:
Not bother with Space Mountain or Buzz or Fantasmic. Those are all soooo much better at DLR, they are not worth bothering with at WDW. And we would spend a little more time at MK because it was so big I don't feel like we really got to see it all that well. Epcot is still our favorite though.

Looking forward to going back to DLR this July though. I missed it!

 

[canyoncam]

I too finally made it to Disneyland after numerous WDW trips. I had no expectations going in. I knew the castle was smaller (actually liked that).

Personally I just cannot compare the two. They are two different entities. Both fun in their own way with some similarities but way more differences. All the rides that are in both felt really different to me (agree with OP most are better in California with exception of Splash). Enjoyed using the old FP system there even though I actually like FP+ at WDW. Loved starting day in DCA and getting RSR FP before leaving for DL then coming back to ride it one last time for the day. If they do bring FP+ to Disneyland I feel all the benefits of park hopping there go out the window.

I live in Colorado and though airfare is cheaper to CA than FL it is usually cheaper for me to spend a full week in WDW onsite than 5 nights in Disneyland across the street as I travel either solo or as part of a small group paying my own cost. I do not have the financial responsibility of paying for a family and know that would change things. That being said I did enjoy Disneyland so much I am toying with changing my 8 night trip to WDW this fall to 4 nights in Disneyland because I did enjoy it that much! However I do still want to return to WDW so may hold off until next year for CA.