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

[famy27]

ToT was the biggest thing I noticed, and not just the ride. The CMs. They weren't in character. They talked in their normal voices and didn't say anything foreboding. It was strange. I only rode it twice so I don't know if it's like that all the time or I just got unlucky.

I think you got unlucky. We had an amazing ToT CM in March at DLR. My DD and one other girl on our elevator had birthday buttons on. The CM sang, "Happy birthday to you and you. Happy birthday to you and you. You'll fall to your doom. Happy birthday bwahahaha." She was totally in character the whole time, and my DD thought it was hilarious. She sang that over and over the rest of the trip.

I totally agree about the lack of advance planning. We made one ADR for Blue Bayou and that was all the planning we did. We rode everything (including RSR) with little to no wait. We hopped a ton. And it was spring break and ridiculously crowded. We did get a same-day ADR at Ariel's Grotto after the toddler fell in love with the princesses.

My favorite advantage of DLR over WDW is probably the direct access from GC to DCA. I wish WDW had something like that. Boy, was that fantastic.

 

[wisblue]

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.

Thank you. This is the only point I was trying to make.

I think you also have to take into account how familiarity affects the need to plan.

When we go to WDW now during the holidays we hardly plan at all because we know exactly what we're getting into. We know the layout of the parks and the crowd patterns so we know how to go about doing what we want to do. We know that if we go to the MK at 7 AM we will be able to do our favorite 10 or so attractions in about 3 hours without FPs, so we don't even think about it. Last year when FP+ was available to us, we made reservations based on our best guess as to what parks we expected to be in on which days. But, by making those reservations in the late afternoon or early evening, they didn't dictate to us where we had to start the day. And, we wouldn't have let them dictate where we went if changing circumstances meant changing our plans.

At Disneyland, though, we feel like novices because we haven't been there in 8years, long before the DCA overhaul. We will have to do some guessing about how to approach the parks and how to use FPs most effectively. We also have to decide if it makes sense to pay for a sit down lunch that we probably wouldn't get otherwise to get a FP for World of Color.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

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

I also disagree - I greatly prefer the weather in FL over the weather in CA. But then again, I HATE the cold and firmly believe that it should always be between 85 and 110*F. (I also won't go in a pool or to a water park unless it's at least 95*F - I'll go on water rides like SM if it's colder, but I won't be happy afterward until I'm completely dried.) I also can't take the smog.

DL is the park I grew up going to, but I prefer WDW. I love both, and would rather be at a Disney park than almost anywhere else, but in general I just don't like California. Once I'm in DL I'm fine, but I can't stand all the low budget hotels and kitsch so close to the parks. I love that WDW is it's own 'world' away from everything. I like exploring the different resorts at WDW and being immersed in all the theming. The DLR hotels just don't compare (craftsman architecture is probably my least favorite of any, and I don't like the look of the Grand Californian at all).

It's been about 9 years since I've been to DLR, and I look forward to checking out Radiator Springs and seeing how DCA has changed. It was my least favorite of any of the parks I'd been to, mostly because I don't like Cali in general so the theming just doesn't do it for me. I especially was not a fan of Paradise Pier - you couldn't pay me to go to a *real* Cali boardwalk (I really don't like classic carnival rides, and I hate midway games (I avoid the midway area of Animal Kingdom, too). But I've heard the park has gotten much better.

DL does have a better version of POTC. I wish MK's IASW had the same facade as DL's; and I think DL's teacups are much prettier than MK's. I also prefer Indiana Jones to Dinosaur.

However, TOT at WDW is much better than at DLR (TOT is hands down my favorite ride ever). SM and HM are also better at WDW (though I would like to see the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay).

 

[MillauFr]

The weather is Florida is terrible. Too much humidity. I love going on the water rides at Disneyland. Even when you get soaked you are dry again in less than an hour. In Florida I got wet on Kali River rapids and I don't think my clothes ever dried out. Even after hanging them on a chair to dry they were still wet the next morning.

 

[Suvadoo]

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.

Great post. As I said in a previous post, the thing I love best about DLR is no FP+! I love standing in the middle of the Esplanade and being able to decide spur of the moment what park I want to visit first. On our last visit we did walk up to Carthay Circle and Wine Country Trattoria. IMO, these are both great restaraunts.

 

[Suvadoo]

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.

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.

I could understand your being insulting if I had said something totally derogatory, but I didn't. You chose to put a spin on my response and then told me I need to "open my mind" and that Disney wasn't there to accommodate my "whims".

Personally, if it was a choice between visiting the parks at the busiest time of year or not at all I would choose not at all. Again, this is my choice. Just as it's your choice to go at the busiest time.

 

[wisblue]

Great post. As I said in a previous post, the thing I love best about DLR is no FP+! I love standing in the middle of the Esplanade and being able to decide spur of the moment what park I want to visit first.

Yes, that was a good post in part because it recognizes that some planning at DLR is necessary, especially at busy times of the year.

If I could make FP+ reservations at DLR I would make them for later in the day, just like we do at WDW, so I would still be able to make a spur of the moment decision where to start the day. For example, if I had FP+ reservations for RSR, California Screamin, and TOT for times between 2 and 6 PM, I could go to either park at 8 AM to do other things. Just like when we make FP+ reservations at DHS for TSMM, TOT, and ST for times from 5 PM to 8 PM. That doesn't preclude us from going to any other park to start the day. If later in the day we decided that we wanted to go to Epcot instead of DHS, we would just do it instead of feeling like those FP+ reservations forced us to go to DHS.

It would seem that one of the reasons you dislike FP+ so much is that you allow it to dictate your schedule instead of using it as a tool to make it easier to do things you want to do. I see FP+ as an opportunity, not a sentence.

 

[wisblue]

I could understand your being insulting if I had said something totally derogatory, but I didn't. You chose to put a spin on my response and then told me I need to "open my mind" and that Disney wasn't there to accommodate my "whims".

Personally, if it was a choice between visiting the parks at the busiest time of year or not at all I would choose not at all. Again, this is my choice. Just as it's your choice to go at the busiest time.

I don't consider telling someone to open his mind and recognize that other people have different circumstances to be insulting or derogatory. You chose to put that spin on it.

 

[Suvadoo]

Yes, that was a good post in part because it recognizes that some planning at DLR is necessary, especially at busy times of the year.

If I could make FP+ reservations at DLR I would make them for later in the day, just like we do at WDW, so I would still be able to make a spur of the moment decision where to start the day. For example, if I had FP+ reservations for RSR, California Screamin, and TOT for times between 2 and 6 PM, I could go to either park at 8 AM to do other things. Just like when we make FP+ reservations at DHS for TSMM, TOT, and ST for times from 5 PM to 8 PM. That doesn't preclude us from going to any other park to start the day. If later in the day we decided that we wanted to go to Epcot instead of DHS, we would just do it instead of feeling like those FP+ reservations forced us to go to DHS.

It would seem that one of the reasons you dislike FP+ so much is that you allow it to dictate your schedule instead of using it as a tool to make it easier to do things you want to do. I see FP+ as an opportunity, not a sentence.

I'm glad FP+ works for you, it doesn't for me. Please do not presume my dislike of FP+ is based on my touring style. I have tried it and I intensely dislike it. I'm glad you see it as a tool for you, but I see it as a tool for Disney.

Again, I'm glad FP+ has not tainted DLR and I hope the Disney suits have enough sense to leave DLR alone.

 

[wisblue]

I'm glad FP+ works for you, it doesn't for me. Please do not presume my dislike of FP+ is based on my touring style. I have tried it and I intensely dislike it. I'm glad you see it as a tool for you, but I see it as a tool for Disney.

Again, I'm glad FP+ has not tainted DLR and I hope the Disney suits have enough sense to leave DLR alone.

I don't recall if you have ever described what your touring situation is. I think you would agree that different people, families, and groups face different situations when planning and enjoying Disney trips. People who are retired and/or who don't have children or other family members who are tied to school schedules can be a lot more flexible about deciding when to make their trips.

 

[Suvadoo]

I don't recall if you have ever described what your touring situation is. I think you would agree that different people, families, and groups face different situations when planning and enjoying Disney trips. People who are retired and/or who don't have children or other family members who are tied to school schedules can be a lot more flexible about deciding when to make their trips.

Yes ,you are correct. I have never provided information about my own circumstances. Yes, you are also correct about differences in touring styles. But if I could not got during a quieter time of year, I would skip Disney altogether.

You mentioned going to the Rose Parade. Another thing you might enjoy, if you have time, is going to Victory Park on 1/2/15. The Rose Parade floats are on display and you're able to see the details up close and personal.

 

[wisblue]

Yes ,you are correct. I have never provided information about my own circumstances. Yes, you are also correct about differences in touring styles. But if I could not got during a quieter time of year, I would skip Disney altogether.

You mentioned going to the Rose Parade. Another thing you might enjoy, if you have time, is going to Victory Park on 1/2/15. The Rose Parade floats are on display and you're able to see the details up close and personal.

I think providing information on how you tour and who you usually travel with really helps on forums like this because others can see how your opinions might relate to their situations. I think it is more helpful to say "I like/dislike FP+ because here is how it helps/hurts how we like to tour" than to say baldly "l like/dislike FP+". But, you are obviously entitled to keep that information to yourself.

Thank you for the suggestion about Victory Park, but January 2 is going to be our last day in California and is likely to be one of our DLR days. The last time we were in California we were able to visit one of the float decorating sites two days before the parade, but I don't think that's going to fit in this time. We are planning one day in San Diego, a place I have never had the opportunity to visit. A visit to the zoo there is on the wish list for the animal lovers in the family.

 

[DVCcurious]

let's try to move this off FP+ vs FP-. No one will change anybody else's mind on that one.

There is one thing I HATE when I read these types of articles.

It's the "DLR is better because Walt Disney actually walked around there" comments.

It's so snobby and elitist I just can't stand it. So what? Disney himself walked around at DLR 50 years ago. What does that do for your experience today? Nothing, zip, nada. Disney drove on I-5, too. So does that make waiting in traffic that more enjoyable because you know Disney also was driving on that road back in the 1950's?

Sorry to go off on this, but it's just so annoying and elitist. It's like "ha ha, Disney was here so that makes me better than you"

As for my list I'd say DLR is better than WDW because there are a TON more rides at DL than at MK.

Both DL and MK have Space, Splash, Thunder, Pirates, and HM as "adult/thrill rides' but DL has star wars, indiana jones and Matterhorn. Both DL and MK have IASW, PPF, and Pooh, but DL also has Mr Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio.

There are just SO many more rides at DL than at MK.

WdW is better than DLR because WDW is like a vacation destination. DLR is pretty much just DL. WDW is MUCH more than MK. With 4 parks plus water parks and tons of cool hotels, plus it's a world all into its own.

 

[Frozen2014]

let's try to move this off FP+ vs FP-. No one will change anybody else's mind on that one.

There is one thing I HATE when I read these types of articles.

It's the "DLR is better because Walt Disney actually walked around there" comments.

It's so snobby and elitist I just can't stand it. So what? Disney himself walked around at DLR 50 years ago. What does that do for your experience today? Nothing, zip, nada. Disney drove on I-5, too. So does that make waiting in traffic that more enjoyable because you know Disney also was driving on that road back in the 1950's?

Sorry to go off on this, but it's just so annoying and elitist. It's like "ha ha, Disney was here so that makes me better than you"

As for my list I'd say DLR is better than WDW because there are a TON more rides at DL than at MK.

Both DL and MK have Space, Splash, Thunder, Pirates, and HM as "adult/thrill rides' but DL has star wars, indiana jones and Matterhorn. Both DL and MK have IASW, PPF, and Pooh, but DL also has Mr Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio.

There are just SO many more rides at DL than at MK.

WdW is better than DLR because WDW is like a vacation destination. DLR is pretty much just DL. WDW is MUCH more than MK. With 4 parks plus water parks and tons of cool hotels, plus it's a world all into its own.

Good comparison of rides. Now that we'd been to Disney World, I would love to ride the same ones at Disenyland and see how they compare. This is especially true for Haunted Mansion...which I love love love at DW. But I've been watching the history of the parks and the one at DL seems really cool too. And IASM looks different from the outside and would also love to see BTMR and Pirates. And of course those rides that are only at one park would be cool too.

How does the castle and princess stuff compare at both?

 

[cuchu2005]

One other thing that caught my attention was that at DLR you may still encounter some characters wondering around that will actuall stop to take pics, and not pass you by like they are escaping from someone or guarded by CMs.

It happened to us and the one that I can clearly remember is the Mad Hatter (he was there by himself) by Alice's attraction.

I may be wrong, but Character M&Gs seem less stressing and more casual.

I suppose A&E are outlayers, and were not present at that time.

Mx

 

[TowMater92]

The one reason WDW is better the DL is WDW is not in LA. That alone makes WDW the winner

 

[hakepb]

At DL, they put their effort into adding and improving attractions.
At WDW, they put most of their effort into the physical and virtual queues. (Some of that concentration is due to the climate in Florida)

 

[Angel Ariel]

let's try to move this off FP+ vs FP-. No one will change anybody else's mind on that one.

There is one thing I HATE when I read these types of articles.

It's the "DLR is better because Walt Disney actually walked around there" comments.

It's so snobby and elitist I just can't stand it. So what? Disney himself walked around at DLR 50 years ago. What does that do for your experience today? Nothing, zip, nada. Disney drove on I-5, too. So does that make waiting in traffic that more enjoyable because you know Disney also was driving on that road back in the 1950's?

Sorry to go off on this, but it's just so annoying and elitist. It's like "ha ha, Disney was here so that makes me better than you"

As for my list I'd say DLR is better than WDW because there are a TON more rides at DL than at MK.

I understand what you are saying, but honestly I don't think it is meant as a "that makes me better than you" in a "na na na na na na" type way.

I do feel that DL has a different feel than MK, and I do think it is because Walt was an integral part of the design process. Not just because he walked the streets there, but because he was hands on in so much of the design and development of the park. He may not be there anymore, but he left his imprint in every part of that park's design, and I do feel that when I'm walking down main street especially.

I, personally, don't necessarily think that makes DL "better," but I do think it makes DL *different.*

 

[bumbershoot]

The one reason WDW is better the DL is WDW is not in LA. That alone makes WDW the winner

Well, neither is disneyland.

 

[grnflash]

let's try to move this off FP+ vs FP-. No one will change anybody else's mind on that one.

There is one thing I HATE when I read these types of articles.

It's the "DLR is better because Walt Disney actually walked around there" comments.

It's so snobby and elitist I just can't stand it. So what? Disney himself walked around at DLR 50 years ago. What does that do for your experience today? Nothing, zip, nada. Disney drove on I-5, too. So does that make waiting in traffic that more enjoyable because you know Disney also was driving on that road back in the 1950's?

Sorry to go off on this, but it's just so annoying and elitist. It's like "ha ha, Disney was here so that makes me better than you"

As for my list I'd say DLR is better than WDW because there are a TON more rides at DL than at MK.

Both DL and MK have Space, Splash, Thunder, Pirates, and HM as "adult/thrill rides' but DL has star wars, indiana jones and Matterhorn. Both DL and MK have IASW, PPF, and Pooh, but DL also has Mr Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio.

There are just SO many more rides at DL than at MK.

WdW is better than DLR because WDW is like a vacation destination. DLR is pretty much just DL. WDW is MUCH more than MK. With 4 parks plus water parks and tons of cool hotels, plus it's a world all into its own.

As a DL'er I'll weigh in here. I think you're taking the "Walt walked here" sentiments way to literally. It's not that he physically walked down Main Street. It is though that he so intimately planned and participated in the design and building of DL, down to quite small details. Details that make DL what it is today and the spirit of which, imo, carry over to the ongoing magic of the place today. And if DLR is "just" DL, well, that's still enough for me - because inside the walls of DL is absolute, pure magic. An immersive magic not found *for me* at MK.

If you think this is smug, so be it. I disagree of course. Because if you follow DL, and maybe you do, you'll find that DL'ers opinions have very little to do with being better than WDW. I think few care actually (maybe that's smug?) I certainly don't care. If someone likes WDW more, thinks it's better - that's great. Really and truly. Everyone should like what they like. There's no need on my part to convince anyone otherwise. What DL'ers do care about though, intensely, is that their park is the greatest it can be. Comparisons aren't necessary for this.