Top 5 things that are better at Disneyland than at Walt Disney World

[andeesings]

Ok so when people say Pirates is better, Small World is better, (and heck throw Dino in there too, Indiana Jones is WAY cooler than Dinos and I LOVE Dinosaur)- I DO NOT GET IT when people say Space Mountain is better. It is SO not better!! The ride is WAY more exciting in WDW-- in DLR the ride just turns around and around in a circle, it's not as fast, the ride car is like any other roller coaster and isn't unusual in any way... When people say it's better and DLR I just scratch my head and wonder what on earth they're talking about!!

Yeah, DLR Fantasyland blows WDW's out of the water, and so do the previously mentioned rides, but ToT at WDW and Space are MUCH cooler in WDW (so is Splash Mountain, now that I think of it). Haunted Mansion goes to DLR for the AWESOME Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at the holidays!!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I went over to TTC to get my car and went into the restroom. DIRTY. Water all over the floor, toilet paper everywhere, toilets stopped up. I also avoid any bathrooms near a character breakfast. Looks like a tornado hit it. Also the bathroom behind Journey into Imagination. It was cleanish but the floor was sticky.

I saw suits but very few custodial CMs. I haven't seen any grumpy CM's either but I don't deny that they are there either. I try to be friendly myself. I see a lot of grumpy guests at WDW don't know about Disneyland.

I also think that if you Compare Disney World to Disneyland, WDW is going to lose every time.

That's of course your opinion. They are so different from each other and I do not notice more grumpy guests at one versus the other.

 

[moondoggle]

Ok so when people say Pirates is better, Small World is better, (and heck throw Dino in there too, Indiana Jones is WAY cooler than Dinos and I LOVE Dinosaur)- I DO NOT GET IT when people say Space Mountain is better. It is SO not better!! The ride is WAY more exciting in WDW-- in DLR the ride just turns around and around in a circle, it's not as fast, the ride car is like any other roller coaster and isn't unusual in any way... When people say it's better and DLR I just scratch my head and wonder what on earth they're talking about!!

Yeah, DLR Fantasyland blows WDW's out of the water, and so do the previously mentioned rides, but ToT at WDW and Space are MUCH cooler in WDW (so is Splash Mountain, now that I think of it). Haunted Mansion goes to DLR for the AWESOME Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at the holidays!!

WDW Space Mountain doesn't have the music though! I had to a capella the song for the whole ride

 

[Itinkso]

No one has mentioned DLR's "churro availability?" That is one of the two main differences we noticed on our first WDW trip. The other was our DDs could not believe there was not an Indiana Jones ride!

 

[Suvadoo]

So, you're telling me that when we visit DLR during the week of New Year's Day, we'll be able to decide on the spur of the moment when we want to experience Radiator Springs Racers, World of Color, Indiana Jones, etc. and that we don't have to do any planning at all to do whatever we want?

For people who can visit DL (or WDW for that matter) at the least busy times of the year, maybe paper FP gives you more flexibility. But, having experienced FP+ over the Christmas holidays last year, I know that I wouldn't mind having 3 FPs lined up in advance every day when we visit Disneyland, including on our arrival day.

Different strokes. Especially for people who live a lot closer to DLR than WDW.

You choose to visit the parks at the busiest time of the year. Regardless of the reason, it's your choice. I would never visit either WDW of DLR over the holidays, regardless of the circumstances. I also don't think citing the busiest time of year as a defense for FP+ is exactly accurate. There are many times of year when crowds are still low at DLR.
IMO FP+ is awful, and on the bright side of things, I don't think it will ever come to DLR.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

I would add Fantasmic to the list of things better at DLR than at WDW. At DLR, Fantasmic takes place on the river and you can just watch it from tons of places along walkways, etc. within Disneyland. There's no big patience-trying process like at DHS where you have to wait to get seats or waste a FP+ on it. And I think the show is just as good. I'm not sure they still do Fantasmic at DLR, though, since my experience was about 10 years ago.

Another thing I like about DLR is that they have more "kiddie" rides within Fantasyland and Storybookland that absorb crowds better than the rides at MK's Fantasyland do.

A few things were better, the Mickey is much higher at WDW for the ending-but I will take the seating at WDW way over the Fantasmic set up at DL.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I do WDW all the time without much advance planning, but I go frequently.

I think having the ability to go frequently has a significant impact on one's feelings about FP+.

(Before it's said - I understand there are those that also go infrequently who also enjoy FP+. I'm not saying there aren't. Just that I think FP+ is a lot less of an issue for those who can go many times/year, and therefore don't feel as much of a need to see as much as possible on each trip.)

 

[Angel Ariel]

No one has mentioned DLR's "churro availability?" That is one of the two main differences we noticed on our first WDW trip. The other was our DDs could not believe there was not an Indiana Jones ride!

Churro availability in WDW is sorely sorely lacking. DLR definitely has the upper hand here!

I also disagree with the article's characterization of DLR's table service. We really, really enjoy Blue Bayou and Napa Rose. DLR certainly doesn't have as many TS options as WDW, but what they do have - especially the "signature" experiences like Napa Rose - are definitely on par with WDW.

 

[drinkme]

Yeah, DLR Fantasyland blows WDW's out of the water, and so do the previously mentioned rides, but ToT at WDW and Space are MUCH cooler in WDW (so is Splash Mountain, now that I think of it). Haunted Mansion goes to DLR for the AWESOME Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at the holidays!!

This is the first post I've ever seen that said Space at WDW is better than at DLR! lol.

 

[wisblue]

You choose to visit the parks at the busiest time of the year. Regardless of the reason, it's your choice. I would never visit either WDW of DLR over the holidays, regardless of the circumstances. I also don't think citing the busiest time of year as a defense for FP+ is exactly accurate. There are many times of year when crowds are still low at DLR.
IMO FP+ is awful, and on the bright side of things, I don't think it will ever come to DLR.

When the only choices are to visit at a busy time of year or to never visit at all, I choose to visit at a busy time of year. And, if I want to travel with other family members, it has to be at busy times of the year.

One of the things we plan to do on this trip is to see the Rose Parade, and it's hard to do that at a different time of year.

If you opened up your mind a little maybe you'd realize that not everyone's situation is the same as yours and that Disney is not operating to cater to your whims. Even some of the most ardent opponents of FP+ recognize that it offers some significant benefits at the busiest times of year.

You are entitled to your opinion about FP+. But to state that there is no planning required to visit DLR just because it doesn't have FP+ is pure BS. Sure, once you've visited a place several times and know your way around you don't have to do much more planning. But at both WDW and DLR first time and infrequent visitors who don't do some research and planning are going to have a hard time touring efficiently.

 

[Frozen2014]

NO FP+.

I must be missing something (and I know there are many complaints about FP), but why is NO FP a good thing? I loved the fact that we could have 3 rides pre-booked in the fast lane before we arrived. We prefer not having to rush and get to the park rope drop so this helps with that.

 

[Kristina4109]

Great article, Tom! I was raised on WDW, and with the attitude that DL was this cute little park that Walt and Roy built but they made a lot of mistakes and they fixed all that when they designed WDW. Well, when I first visited DL I realized I had been lied to. I've been going to WDW since 1976 and DL since 1995 and I love both places. My thoughts:

1) Weather is better at DL, period. I'll take California's sometimes oven cleaning cycle dry heat over Florida's soul sucking humidity any day.

2) However, WDW has better options for when it rains. You could spend hours in the enclosed pavilions in Epcot.

3) I actually like FP+. I'd love to be able to ride Radiator Springs Racers without being in line for California Adventure at 6:30am on an Early Entry day.

4) Holidays. DL is way above WDW in the case of holiday overlays and decorations. It's probably because DL has a much larger local fan base who need to be enticed into coming back throughout the year, while WDW has a larger complement of vacationers who may be taking a once in a lifetime trip.

5) DL's Dole Whip Floats come with a little paper umbrella and a cherry. Seriously. Awesome.

 

[Suvadoo]

When the choice is to visit at a busy time of year or to never visit at all, I choose to visit at a busy time of year. And, if I want to travel with other family members, it has to be at busy times of the year.

One of the things we plan to do on this trip is to see the Rose Parade, and it's hard to do that at a different time of year.

If you opened up your mind a little maybe you'd realize that not everyone's situation is the same as yours and that Disney is not operating to cater to your whims. Even some of the most ardent opponents of FP+ recognize that it offers some significant benefits at the busiest times of year.
You are entitled to your opinion about FP+. But to state that there is no planning required to visit DLR is pure BS.

Wow, I'm sorry that the only method you have of defending yourself is to insult me because I don't agree with you. I, however, do not feel compelled to insult you simply because I disagree with you.
DLR, IMO does not require planning. I can choose what park I want to go into based on a "whim". Not based on a stupid FP+ reservation that was made 1-2 months prior to my visit.
Face it, just because you like FP+ doesn't mean everyone else has to like it. Unfortunately, your arguments are not going to "open my mind" to your way of thinking, no matter how many times you insult me. Let me reiterate: FP+ is lousy and I'm glad it's not a DLR.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I must be missing something (and I know there are many complaints about FP), but why is NO FP a good thing? I loved the fact that we could have 3 rides pre-booked in the fast lane before we arrived. We prefer not having to rush and get to the park rope drop so this helps with that.

DLR has legacy fp, so it isn't fp+, but it isn't "no fp" either.

 

[Suvadoo]

Great article, Tom! I was raised on WDW, and with the attitude that DL was this cute little park that Walt and Roy built but they made a lot of mistakes and they fixed all that when they designed WDW. Well, when I first visited DL I realized I had been lied to. I've been going to WDW since 1976 and DL since 1995 and I love both places. My thoughts:

1) Weather is better at DL, period. I'll take California's sometimes oven cleaning cycle dry heat over Florida's soul sucking humidity any day.

2) However, WDW has better options for when it rains. You could spend hours in the enclosed pavilions in Epcot.

3) I actually like FP+. I'd love to be able to ride Radiator Springs Racers without being in line for California Adventure at 6:30am on an Early Entry day.4) Holidays. DL is way above WDW in the case of holiday overlays and decorations. It's probably because DL has a much larger local fan base who need to be enticed into coming back throughout the year, while WDW has a larger complement of vacationers who may be taking a once in a lifetime trip.

5) DL's Dole Whip Floats come with a little paper umbrella and a cherry. Seriously. Awesome.

Have you tried single rider line at RSR? It's fabulous! We've never waited longer than 15 minutes.

 

[BugsDaddy]

I must be missing something (and I know there are many complaints about FP), but why is NO FP a good thing? I loved the fact that we could have 3 rides pre-booked in the fast lane before we arrived. We prefer not having to rush and get to the park rope drop so this helps with that.

There is a contingent of FP+ haters out there that attempt to blame all of WDW woes on FP+. You will see them show up at some point in most of the threads.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me but they are entitled to their opinion of course.

 

[btk2333]

There is a contingent of FP+ haters out there that attempt to blame all of WDW woes on FP+. You will see them show up at some point in most of the threads. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me but they are entitled to their opinion of course.

+1

With regard to the thread both have their charms- I've been to wdw over 30 times in my life and I've been to dlr 2x in my life and I honestly can't remember it very well- I'll have to get back sometime! The Star Wars half marathon will likely get me out to dlr

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

1) Weather is better at DL, period.

I disagree, but that's because we travel to get out of the winter. Orlando is warmer and drier Dec thru March.

 

[Angel Ariel]

There is a contingent of FP+ haters out there that attempt to blame all of WDW woes on FP+. You will see them show up at some point in most of the threads.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to me but they are entitled to their opinion of course.

No one in this thread is blaming all of WDW woes on FP+.

This is a thread specifically about comparing DLR and WDW, and people sharing what they feel is better in each resort. Some people prefer the less amt of planning DLR requires. That doesn't mean WDW sucks or is terrible...just that it is different.

In 2011 my husband and I took a.spontaneous trip to DLR. We decided less than a week before our arrival date that we were going. We had just found out we would be moving cross country back east in less than a month, and we wanted one last DLR trip before we went. It was April, and the height of spring break season for DLR, so very much *not* a low crowd time. We had no planning time at all. We were able to eat at Napa Rose, Blue Bayou, and get a World of Color dinner (which came with a fp) at Ariel's Grotto. All of this was done easily...no haunting a website or subscribing to cancellation threads required. When in the parks, we got many legacy fps (and used them within their windows) and rode absolutely everything we wanted to with very little issue. We didnt do amy kind of touring plans at all. Even TSMM was only about a 45 min wait in the middle of the afternoon, and DCA doesn't have FP for that ride at all.

I'm not saying DLR doesn't require any planning or thought...but, IME, it is nowhere *near* the same level as required at WDW. It has nothing to do with FP or FP+...even when both parks had legacy, DLR required much much less planning.

Now, for those going during Christmas week, is planning more necessary? Absolutely. It's the busiest week of the year, and the parks close to capacity. Pf course planning is needed. And I can see how one might.prefer fp+ in that scenario. But Christmas is but 1 week/year...the rest of the year, it is pretty safe to say that dlr requires very little pre-planning.

 

[wisblue]

Wow, I'm sorry that the only method you have of defending yourself is to insult me because I don't agree with you. I, however, do not feel compelled to insult you simply because I disagree with you.
DLR, IMO does not require planning. I can choose what park I want to go into based on a "whim". Not based on a stupid FP+ reservation that was made 1-2 months prior to my visit.
Face it, just because you like FP+ doesn't mean everyone else has to like it. Unfortunately, your arguments are not going to "open my mind" to your way of thinking, no matter how many times you insult me. Let me reiterate: FP+ is lousy and I'm glad it's not a DLR.

My "insult" to you has nothing to do with the fact that you disagree with me about FP+. I understand that you hate FP+ and I have no delusions that I am ever going to change your mind. But, when you basically tell me that it's my fault for "choosing" to go to Disneyland when it's busy, that comes across to me as rude and dismissive of my opinion, and evidence of a closed mind.

Technically, going to a park at WDW doesn't REQUIRE planning either. You just have to plan if you want to take maximum advantage of the FP+ system by making reservations in advance. Similarly, IMHO you have to plan in advance to tour efficiently at Disneyland. From the sources I have read, if you want a FP for Radiator Springs Racers you have to go right to the FP distribution location and be prepared to wait in line there because the FPs run out within an hour and a half after opening.

If you let a FP+ reservation you made 1-2 months ahead of time dictate what you do, that's a choice you made. Some people like to have some things scheduled in advance instead of having to learn and adapt on the fly, especially when they are in an unfamiliar setting. Personally, I would gladly give up a little spontaneity to have FPs for 3 top attractions in hand before I enter the park, especially on a crowded day. I understand that you think that that is too restricting.