Seriously, both are Disney parks so a lot of people think that they are similar or that you can compare the two. But to me, that's like apples and oranges. Both fruits, but totally different tastes and textures.
Each resort has its own plusses and minuses. People think that since DLR has only 2 parks, there is less to do. However (thanks to Hydroguy I have learned that) DLR has only 10% rides in its two parks than WDW's 4 parks. That means they are really crammed in there, which makes for a different atmosphere. Plus there are some really great rides at DLR that WDW doesn't have such as Indy, Matterhorn, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, Alice, Roger Rabbit, California Screamin, Monster's Inc.
Dining is a major aspect of a WDW trip. You make ADR's half a year in advance and they have several detailed, cost-effective dining plans. Not so much at DLR. Dining options are not as varied and the dining plan doesn't save you any money. Plus restaurants aren't as busy, making it so that you can make PS (Priority Seating, just like ADR's) only 60 days in advance.
Transportation is a huge deal at WDW. Not so much at DLR. All you need at DLR is your feet. No buses, boats, monorails (there is one, but it's more of a ride than a form of transportation) to travel from hotels or parks. Everything (both parks, Downtown Disney, 3 onsite hotels, dozens of offsite hotels) are all within walking distance. Park hopping takes a minute or two. No buses needed.
The last big difference is between onsite and offsite. At WDW there are huge advantages of staying onsite (transportation, EMH, dining, location), but at DLR there aren't that many advantages. There are quite a few offsite hotels within the same walking distance from the parks as the onsite hotels at a MUCH lower price. There are also no "value" or "moderate" hotels. All 3 DLR hotels would be considered "deluxe" by WDW standards.
There are some other little differences such as:
DLR: -Longer hours (especially during busier seasons)
- Rides (and night shows) at both resorts are (in general IMO) better such as Buzz, Space, and Pirates
-Usually less crowded on any given day
-Usually runs ticket promotions (for all guests) during Spring every year
-Usually better weather (especially during summer. No humidity)
WDW: - More (other than parks) entertainment options close by such as the water parks, Disneyquest, water sports, golf, mini golf, Cirque du soleil.
- Better entertainment in general such as Festival of Lion King, Finding Nemo: the Musical, Illuminations, Lights Motors Action, etc.
