WDW or DL?

[Drew Perri]

I don't know if I am allowed to post the same thread in 2 different places, I just wanted some input from people who have been to both parks. So I am posting this here as well as in the DL section.




I (with so much help from you guys) took my GF to DL 3 months ago.
Well we already wanna go back. My GF absolutely LOVED it. She has never been anywhere other than ATL six flags.

Well this time I brought up Orlando as an option. She didn't even bat an eye and said she would rather go to Land. I've been to land about 10 times my whole life, but never World. I know I am VERY much interested in riding rides such as Everest, Rockin Coaster, Test Track and ToT ( I rode GoG but never ToT, because I'm very scared of heights but sucked it up so she could enjoy it) but here is my concern.

AT Animal Kingdom, I am only gonna wanna ride EE, MAYBE dinosaur so I can feel like I got to ride Indy.
Soarin made me sick (fear of heights)

At Hollywood Studios - RnRC, ToT, Star Tours and I guess slinky dog even though it looked underwhelming.

At EPCOT, PRetty Much just Test Track and I guess Mission Space.

MK my concern is Pirates being shorter and Space Mountain being worst from what I hear. Pirates was down for the auction scene refurb last time we were there and I REALLY want my GF to experience the whole ride and not just half of it.

As mentioned 3 months ago, I am a bigger guy. Even walking DL and DCA all day was exhausting but I liked being able to hop from park to park and fast pass either park.

My overall concern is not just the MUCH LONGER walk between attractions in MK but also the LONG walks just to get to the few attractions that REALLY draw me to WDW overall at the outer parks (the rides mentioned above)

Everyone and everywhere online thats not a So Cal local says WDW is the easy choice but is it really?

The FP+ system seems weird and seems like you will actually get less rides out of. In DL we probably fast passed everything 4+ times a day. The concept of choosing ahead of time seems weird to me.

Not to mention the 30-40 ride between parks. Is it worth it to take a 40 min trip all the way to AK just to ride 1 ride maybe 2, once maybe twice???

Incredicoaster, cars, and bobsled are kind of like RnRc, test track and EE. (I dont enjoy the matterhorn it kills my knees, so I imagine EE is much better) except I dont have to hope 3 parks and track a million miles to do it.

I just wanted to give you guys my overall perception of the 2 locations and see if anyone had any insight.
I know you might say "Your post is answering the question for yourself, just go to DL"

I was hoping for someone who has been to both parks with the intention of riding as much as possible and being as efficient as possible could give me a fair shake. Because I REALLY want to find the reason to make myself go to WDW instead, but I'm starting to feel like it might just be better to do DL again.


For what its worth we would do 5 days in DL or 7 days at WDW. Also if we do DL we might get passes, since we plan to go every 3 or 4 months and itll save money.


I know this is ALOT but thanks for any feedback!

 

[BrianL]

Okay, so you're not wrong in that your post is saying that you should go to DL, if for no other reason than that's what your GF wants - I'm thinking that's one good reason right there!

I don't think your perception that there is much more walking at WDW as opposed to DLR is accurate. Yes, the parks are a bit bigger, but I usually treat DL and CA as one huge park, and it increases my walking. At WDW when you park hop, you ride transportation or some kind (usually anyway - one can walk between Epcot and HS). So, Honestly, miles put on your feet shouldn't be too much different.

Now the rides, it sounds like you're not that interested in the WDW exclusives. Space Mountain in WDW is very similar to the Matterhorn in its ride system, so I don't think you would like it (I actually prefer the WDW one). It seems like you are ride-centric, so the shows aren't going to woo you, and you're right that DL has something comparable to most things, and in many cases the superior version (though not always - I think Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, and Splash are all better at WDW, some others too - but not Priates, DL owns that one!).

So, I think you are right to question yourself. What is the draw for WDW to you? Your post kinda shoots most of them down. Pandora and Flight of Passage are big ones for many people, but if you don't like Soarin', then I don't know that FoP is for you (though you are not lifted up on FoP and always have a floor under you - a floor that moves, but still). There are many other great things that you don't address, mostly in the show department. Would you be into Happily Ever After? Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular? Rivers of Light? These are not available at DLR (and Fantasmic! too since DL changed theirs for the worse - just my unpopular opinion). So, why do you want to go to WDW? Answer that and you can answer your question.

It does sound like you plan to frequently visit DLR no matter what, so don't stress. It's not going anywhere, and neither is WDW. Maybe do another DLR with the GF first, then plan a WDW one later. Maybe WDW is better for this time, then you can decide which one you guys truly like better. Like to travel? I can state that Tokyo Disneyland blows away the US parks! Once you two are Disney super-fans the world's waiting for you. Mostly though, just have fun. You'll have fun at DLR. You'll have fun at WDW.

Talk it over with your GF, then do what she says. Whatever you do, have a great time!

 

[hakepb]

The big advantage of WDW is the total immersion in the Disney “bubble” that you only experience in DL if you stay at the Grand Californian or possibly DLH.
(WDW has more affordable hotels in the bubble)

If you don’t want FOP, then it’s a harder sell for WDW. I see no problem enjoying DL for a few trips on a pass before going to WDW.
WDW is currently building several new rides (Guardians coaster, Ratatouille, Tron plus the SWL duplicate) for it’s 50th anniversary in 2021 so it may be worthwhile waiting a few years.

 

[shanew21]

Both parks have their pros and cons. WDW has a better "Disney bubble", it's significantly bigger, and has more food/resort variety. However, for the rides that are shared between the two, Disneyland has the better version (except Splash Mountain which is way better at WDW).

WDW is just a completely different beast in terms of size since it has 4 parks that are spread out. While I prefer Disneyland to Magic Kingdom (minus the castle), there are a lot of unique attractions in Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot that Disneyland/California Adventure don't have.

I'd also not discount the theming and animal aspect to Animal Kingdom. It's a gorgeous park with various animal attractions, including the really cool Kilimanjaro Safari ride.

 

[Ambehnke]

Even if you don’t want to do the rides at some of the parks the theming and entertainment is AMAZING. What about meals and wandering World Showcase at Epcot. AK theming is amazing and have some incredible shows. Staying in the bubble is also a plus!

 

[Drew Perri]

I've never felt more love and care online than when im on the DISBOARDS. I absolutely love all you guys. Thank you!
I'd love to here more opinions and thoughts!

 

[Drew Perri]

I will also say we wont be staying on property at WDW, so that might kill the "bubble" effect, We are looking at Towneplace Suites. I can get their rates, down to 67 a night if we go there and the rooms include a kitchen, to cut cost eating outside of the park on our down time

 

[shanew21]

I will also say we wont be staying on property at WDW, so that might kill the "bubble" effect, We are looking at Towneplace Suites. I can get their rates, down to 67 a night if we go there and the rooms include a kitchen, to cut cost eating outside of the park on our down time

I'd say if you can't stay onsite, you'd be better off doing DL. The fastpass system, free transportation, etc. all favor onsite guests at WDW.

Would you be renting a car or Ubering? Because WDW has a shuttle that takes you to and from the airport for free and free bus transportation to/from parks that can make it pretty close between the Value resorts and offsite hotels.

 

[SoCalDisneyFan2708]

Even if you don’t want to do the rides at some of the parks the theming and entertainment is AMAZING. What about meals and wandering World Showcase at Epcot. AK theming is amazing and have some incredible shows. Staying in the bubble is also a plus!

I agree with everything here. I feel the same at Disneyland too but WDW has even more options just because of the sheer size of it all.

I'd say if you can't stay onsite, you'd be better off doing DL. The fastpass system, free transportation, etc. all favor onsite guests at WDW.

Also agree with this. As a Disneyland local I've been to WDW three times and stayed on site all three times. Couldn't Imagine ever doing it differently.

 

[Drew Perri]

I'd say if you can't stay onsite, you'd be better off doing DL. The fastpass system, free transportation, etc. all favor onsite guests at WDW.

Would you be renting a car or Ubering? Because WDW has a shuttle that takes you to and from the airport for free and free bus transportation to/from parks that can make it pretty close between the Value resorts and offsite hotels.

We found a good car on turo for $20 a day plus tax and insurance.

 

[Mome Rath]

I took my first trip to DL last year and loved it (I'm a WDW vet), and here's my perspective. If you love Disney and love Walt, you need to experience both if you can. The atmospheres are different, the CM's are different, the food is different, etc... Now, what that means is that sometime in your life, you need to go to WDW at least once. When you go is up to you. I will add to the chorus of those suggesting on-site at WDW. If that is "break it" type thing this time around and you absolutely won't stay on-site, then do DL til you can eventually stay on-site in WDW. The bubble is part of the reason Walt wanted to build WDW, so I think that is a very Disney thing to do (I've stayed on and off property and really prefer on).

I will also add my sadness over your lack of FoP excitement (), as it is hands down my favorite ride in any park (for me, star tours is a bit more of a fair comparison than Soarin). But I will say that Animal Kingdom is neat to experience (no safari for you?), and EPCOT is my favorite park. WDW and DL are just different and wonderful in their own ways. WDW is about the whole entire atmosphere even more so than DL, and if it is only rides you really want, you might as well stay at DL. So, I don't know if that helps with this decision, but that's my take.

 

[shanew21]

We found a good car on turo for $20 a day plus tax and insurance.

Make sure you're including theme park parking ($20 per day) into your calculations. I would really recommend staying onsite even at the All Star resorts if you can (those regularly go for around $120 a night or so depending on time of year). You book Fastpasses 60 days out instead of 30 for offsite, don't have to worry about a rental car/parking/etc, and you get Extra Magic Hours in certain parks each day. There's much more of a benefit in staying onsite at WDW than at Disneyland (not to mention it's way cheaper than the onsite DL hotels)

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I echo the sentiment that if you can’t stay onsite, you might be best to do DL. It sounds like that is where you and your GF’s hearts lie anyway.

For me personally, it is not even a contest. My husband and I love WDW, but will probably only visit DL again if we are passing through LA at a quiet time of year. I’ve tried to work out why we feel that way, given that a lot of our favourite rides (except EE) are at both, and I’m pretty sure it’s the ‘bubble’. That feeling of being immersed in the happiness 24/7 is difficult to quantify but, for us, it overrides our enjoyment of any single ride. Plus, it makes all the advance planning (of which there is so much more at WDW) worth it.

 

[hakepb]

Make sure you're including theme park parking ($20 per day) into your calculations. I would really recommend staying onsite even at the All Star resorts if you can (those regularly go for around $120 a night or so depending on time of year). You book Fastpasses 60 days out instead of 30 for offsite, don't have to worry about a rental car/parking/etc, and you get Extra Magic Hours in certain parks each day. There's much more of a benefit in staying onsite at WDW than at Disneyland (not to mention it's way cheaper than the onsite DL hotels)

Remember, Value resorts now charge $13/night to park.

 

[china mom]

I will also say we wont be staying on property at WDW, so that might kill the "bubble" effect, We are looking at Towneplace Suites. I can get their rates, down to 67 a night if we go there and the rooms include a kitchen, to cut cost eating outside of the park on our down time

$67 room
$20 car rental
$11.50 (estimated airport fees and taxes for car)
$22 parking at parks
________
$120.50

You can find a room onsite for $129 depending on season. You will have a smaller room and no kitchen but you will greatly make up for that in amenities (bus service, drop off at Magic Kingdom instead of TTC)

 

[shanew21]

Remember, Value resorts now charge $13/night to park.

I would recommend skipping the car entirely though. You don't need it.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Well to me it seems like you've already talked it out yourself.
You don't seem thrilled about the thought of WDW so stick to DL.
Personally I think which one you like more depends on which one you went to first and more.
I would much rather do WDW than DL but WDW is my "home" destination and I have been way more times and it just has lots of awesome memories for me.
DL was very underwhelming and I'm unlikely to return anymore.

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

DH and I have been to Disneyland many times and WDW just twice. We have our third WDW trip coming up the end of Nov 2018. We consider DL our "home" park. We live closer to DL so we will continue to vacation there, and also travel to WDW when we can afford it. We also take non-Disney vacations, too.

Here is our take: If you are just going for the rides, stay with DL. We enjoy both DL and WDW, however WDW has so much more to offer. WDW is huge: 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 27 themed resort hotels, 9 non-Disney hotels, several golf courses, ESPN complex, Disney Springs, and so much more dining and entertainment to choose from.

There's a lot more planning involved in a WDW trip (dining at 180 days, FP+ at 60 days). You need more days to experience WDW, which means more $$$. We stay onsite for the Disney Bubble. Totally worth it for us. When we tour the parks, we take it all in: attractions, shows, dining, evening entertainment, theming, the works. We also like to visit the other Disney resorts for the dining and theming. We don't rent a car while at WDW. We use Disney transportation, or occasionally Uber/Lyft.

We fell in love with Animal Kingdom. The theming of this park is amazing. We love Kilimanjaro Safari. (We enjoy Dinosaur, but the Indiana Jones ride is so much better.) Oh, and the Lion King Show is so good! And we love Tusker House. If you're into dining there are so many more choices at WDW. Same goes for Epcot. There's nothing like it at DL to compare to. We love to wander around World Showcase. There just seems like there's so much more to do at WDW. You really can't go wrong with DL or WDW. They are both magical!

 

[reluctantredhead]

You've already received some fantastic advice! As a DL AP from 2002-2107 (and for 3 years we lived 12 minutes door to door from DL) and as someone who's made 20+ trips to WDW since 1994, I'll chime in to agree with several points others have made.

I don't think your perception that there is much more walking at WDW as opposed to DLR is accurate. Yes, the parks are a bit bigger, but I usually treat DL and CA as one huge park, and it increases my walking. At WDW when you park hop, you ride transportation or some kind (usually anyway - one can walk between Epcot and HS). So, Honestly, miles put on your feet shouldn't be too much different.

I totally agree with this.

Both parks have their pros and cons. WDW has a better "Disney bubble", it's significantly bigger, and has more food/resort variety...

WDW is just a completely different beast in terms of size since it has 4 parks that are spread out. While I prefer Disneyland to Magic Kingdom (minus the castle), there are a lot of unique attractions in Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot that Disneyland/California Adventure don't have.

I'd also not discount the theming and animal aspect to Animal Kingdom. It's a gorgeous park with various animal attractions, including the really cool Kilimanjaro Safari ride.

Agree here as well, except to add that I don't have a preference of DL vs MK...they are both great but different IMHO. They each have unique attractions that can't be found at the other park (e.g., the Indiana Jones Ride, the Matterhorn, Mickey's Philharmagic, the Hall of Presidents, etc.).

Even if you don’t want to do the rides at some of the parks the theming and entertainment is AMAZING. What about meals and wandering World Showcase at Epcot. AK theming is amazing and have some incredible shows. Staying in the bubble is also a plus!

Absolutely. Epcot is my favorite park of all, for both the attractions and the food! There's a thread on the Dining board asking whether DL or WDW food is better, but for me it's hands down WDW for the variety and quality, especially at Epcot.

I'd say if you can't stay onsite, you'd be better off doing DL. The fastpass system, free transportation, etc. all favor onsite guests at WDW.

Sad but true, IMHO.

I took my first trip to DL last year and loved it (I'm a WDW vet), and here's my perspective. If you love Disney and love Walt, you need to experience both if you can. The atmospheres are different, the CM's are different, the food is different, etc... Now, what that means is that sometime in your life, you need to go to WDW at least once. When you go is up to you. I will add to the chorus of those suggesting on-site at WDW. If that is "break it" type thing this time around and you absolutely won't stay on-site, then do DL til you can eventually stay on-site in WDW. The bubble is part of the reason Walt wanted to build WDW, so I think that is a very Disney thing to do (I've stayed on and off property and really prefer on).

Totally agree with this. I think at DL the contrast between on and offsite is much less. It's hard to fully appreciate it until you've experienced it, but WDW really is like a world in and of itself. Once you're inside "the bubble" you can't see anything outside it, and my H and I always feel worlds away from our stresses and troubles...it's one of the reasons we love taking trips there so much. I love DL too, but for me there isn't that same feeling of being worlds away from "the real world".

Make sure you're including theme park parking ($20 per day) into your calculations. I would really recommend staying onsite even at the All Star resorts if you can (those regularly go for around $120 a night or so depending on time of year). You book Fastpasses 60 days out instead of 30 for offsite, don't have to worry about a rental car/parking/etc, and you get Extra Magic Hours in certain parks each day. There's much more of a benefit in staying onsite at WDW than at Disneyland (not to mention it's way cheaper than the onsite DL hotels)

These are huge perks IMHO. And I know you expressed some reservations about the FP+ system at WDW, but I promise you it's waaaay better than the DL system and you can get so much more done at WDW than at DL, especially if you use the "refresh" system (see the various threads about this...it's amazing!).

For me personally, it is not even a contest. My husband and I love WDW, but will probably only visit DL again if we are passing through LA at a quiet time of year. I’ve tried to work out why we feel that way, given that a lot of our favourite rides (except EE) are at both, and I’m pretty sure it’s the ‘bubble’. That feeling of being immersed in the happiness 24/7 is difficult to quantify but, for us, it overrides our enjoyment of any single ride. Plus, it makes all the advance planning (of which there is so much more at WDW) worth it.

My sentiments exactly! You also really have to watch out for non-blockout days at DL for the So Cal passes (I forget what the levels are called because we used to get the no-blockout-dates ones)...when we lived there it was Sundays...total nightmare of long lines and very heavy crowds.

I would recommend skipping the car entirely though. You don't need it.

Agreed. At WDW, you can use the free transportation and save yourself some $$. Another benefit of that...all parks at WDW serve alcoholic beverages, so you can have a drink (or a few) with peace of mind knowing you have a safe way back to your hotel.

I wish you and your girlfriend a wonderful trip whatever you decide!

 

[pmaurer74]

We walked the same amount at DLR at WDW mainly because of the layout not being a wheel. WDW offers so much more than DLR. We loved DLR but plan to go every 5 years compared with 2 times a year for WDW but everyone has their preference.