WDW vet back from 1st trip to DL

[shmedly123]

I just got home from my trip to DL this past Sunday night and wanted to say thank you to all the DL vets that helped me out, your tips were much appreciated. I also wanted to share some of my observations (hopefully with some humor)for other so here goes...

Sunny Southern California huh?? Yeah right. We were there form the 16th to the 24th and the only days it didn't rain were the day we arrived and the day we departed. In fact it poured at least some part of the day from Sunday- Thursday. Californians should be ashamed for lying about the weather to increase tourism (all joking aside the weatherman hanging around Escondido on the Highways seemed a little too excited about the rain...)

As far as park observations go here goes...I LOVED Disneyland, as far as DCA goes...it was a solid C.

Disneyland:
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy was pretty cool. I thought the effects were done fairly well and it was definitely enjoyable but...
Haunted Mansion Holiday was AMAZING. When it comes to rehabs and overlays this one was by far the best one I have experienced. We were lucky enough to ride it 4 times in the 2 1/2 park days (see rain above and Californians being huge wimps when it rains) and would have ridden it again if we had more time. For anyone from the east considering making the trek out west I highly recommend you doing it during the time this overlay is at the HM...and I'm not even a big Tim Burton fan and I had never seen "The Nightmare Before Xmas". This was my favorite attraction out there.
Indiana Jones was great too. I almost wish I had more time in the queue (again rain = 10 min waits) but I won't complain about a lack of crowds for sure. This ride is the sister of Dinosaur at AK but is done a lot better IMO. This was probably my second favorite DL attraction.
POTC was good and the double drop was definitely cool but I think it was hyped up so much that it couldn't live up to the hype. Again I liked the version "maybe" better than the WDW version but I didn't feel that it "completely blows the WDW version out of the water" as some people have suggested.
Fantasyland as whole is better than the MK's Fantasyland. I can see now why Disney would want to invest so much $$ into making the WDW version better. DL has more rides and a better feel of it being it's own land.
Adventureland on the other hand is better in WDW. Again just my opinion but the WDW version I feel is themed better. Pirates works better in Adventureland than in New Orleans Square. And I know I am in the minority when I say I like the under new management version of the Tiki room better than the original. One exception though is of the tree houses...the DL Tarzan tree house I feel is placed better in working within the theme.
Frontierland better in WDW bc of splash mountain being part of that land. As far as both DL and WDW go I hope in the future they expand this land.


as far as DCA goes...
The park felt more like a greatest hits (or misses) of the other three WDW parks than anything else and is why i suspect they are dumping so much money into the park. Essentially if you wish you could go to wdw and park hop and hit only a couple of attractions among Epcot, DHS and AK then you are in luck. You want to ride Soarin' then an inferior version of ToT then Kali river rapids (grizzly river run) then you can do it all at DCA. You want to ride the cheesy carnival type rides in Chester and Hester's Dinorama? You got it...just go to a bugs land and as an added bonus you can ride even more of these cheesy rides by heading to paradise pier and riding the jellyfish or the swings or the zephyr. I will save the Ferris wheel bc at least it is beautiful to look at in the nighttime. Other than that Aladdin was not showing the 2 days we were there and that is about all I have for DCA. I think for the most part (except maybe the tiki room) that people would generally agree with what I have said above...

now here comes the part where I might get flamed...World of Color is overrated in my opinion. Let me preface this by saying that the show itself is beautiful, everything else about it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Disney should be ashamed of how it handles crowd control at this show. We had the WOC dining package as we weren't going to get to DCA early enough to grab the blue FPs so we figure this would be a great alternative right?

Wrong. First of all the food at Ariel's grotto was vastly overpriced (a family of four two being children 6 or under was over $160 with tip) and the food was just ok...by comparison we ate at La Brea in Downtown Disney the second night and the food was much much better and only about $65. But we got our "reserved dining" FPs so that was good right?

Wrong. You still have to line up with the herd of people an hour before they let you into the show, which is another 45mins before the show actually started. Then when they let people in even if you follow the advice here (which we did) and got to the front of the crowd so you could get a decent spot people will run you over and literally knock kids in strollers over to get by you. This was easily the closest I have ever come to punching someone in the face at a theme park. I was just about to snap as someone jumped over my daughter's head when I heard someone else yell at the kid before it even registered to me what had just happened. But we were still one of the first third of people in so our view was still good right?

Wrong again, I am 6'1" and I had to hold my 6yo over my head so she could see and I only saw about half of the show. My wife had to hold our 4yo for her to see. Again I blame Disney for this as they are usually really good about crowd control but this was a disgrace. Then on top of that there is no seating anywhere...which is also why the sight lines are so terrible. Put in seats even if it means less people will get to see the show, at least the ones who do will actually enjoy it. I thought i was just having a bad night but I heard the same complaints of several others that were sick of standing over 90 mins for a show and end up having a bad sight-line. I can't even imagine what the people who had "bad" views saw.

Again I thought the show itself was really beautiful but if you have small kids I can honestly say don't bother wasting your time at this show. That's right my advice is to skip it as even though it is nice it is just not worth the aggravation.


So all in all I loved the trip to DL with the exception of my WOC experience. I would say if you were a WDW vet you definitely want to set aside 2 full days to enjoy DL and maybe a half to 3/4 of a day for DCA. In conclusion here is how I would rank the U.S. Parks

Best: Magic Kingdom, DL, Epcot
Good: DHS, AK
Ok: DCA

 

[Sherry E]

Hey now...I'm a Californian...and there are many others on this board. Be careful with the "...Californians being huge wimps when it rains" sweeping generalizations!

Did you go into the Animation Building? Did you ride the Monsters, Inc. ride?

 

[Judy from Boise]

thanks for your report, I'm afraid I too would have no tolerance for WOC crowd control.

 

[Sherry E]

thanks for your report, I'm afraid I too would have no tolerance for WOC crowd control.

That's a big part of the reason I'm not leaping and bounding to see WoC yet. I'll get to it eventually, down the road. But it still sounds like a hassle as far as crowd control and viewing areas - at least more of a hassle than I'm willing to deal with right now!

 

[princesslillybug]

Thanks so much for the review. My family has been to WDW multiple times but never to DL. We will have full day, prior to a cruise in the spring, to tour DL/DCA. Trying to decide if we should focus on JUST DL. My son really wants to ride the roller coaster at DCA but not sure if the extra funds are worth park hopping. My son is 11 and daughter 8. Any opinions/suggestions??

 

[RallyMonkey]

Hey now...I'm a Californian...and there are many others on this board. Be careful with the "...Californians being huge wimps when it rains" sweeping generalizations!

We're natives and we love going in the rain too!

 

[Judy from Boise]

That's a big part of the reason I'm not leaping and bounding to see WoC yet. I'll get to it eventually, down the road. But it still sounds like a hassle as far as crowd control and viewing areas - at least more of a hassle than I'm willing to deal with right now!

Yup, although the thought of sitting in the bar and watching while enjoying some cocktails does pique my intrest.......

 

[FlameGirl]

Yikes....we have PS at Ariel's next month to see WOC and what you experienced has me very nervous. I don't care about the mediocre food because I feel that way about almost all DLR food. But the rest of the viewing experience....yikes.

Is this pretty much the norm? Anyone?

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks so much for the review. My family has been to WDW multiple times but never to DL. We will have full day, prior to a cruise in the spring, to tour DL/DCA. Trying to decide if we should focus on JUST DL. My son really wants to ride the roller coaster at DCA but not sure if the extra funds are worth park hopping. My son is 11 and daughter 8. Any opinions/suggestions??

I can see the dilemma. Look at the price of a hopper and decide if the extra cost is worth California Screemin. Also consider that DCA also has MM a version of the coaster in dinorama, Soarin, TSM(mania) and a version though not as nice or ToT. Some lesser rides that are DCA unique are the monster inc ride, Silly Symphony swings and Alladin show(people like this above all WDW shows). They would be fun just for the experience. The other rides are the same or more for a lower age. Of course depending on how you want to spend your evening WoC too.

 

[DisMike]

Thanks so much for the review. My family has been to WDW multiple times but never to DL. We will have full day, prior to a cruise in the spring, to tour DL/DCA. Trying to decide if we should focus on JUST DL. My son really wants to ride the roller coaster at DCA but not sure if the extra funds are worth park hopping. My son is 11 and daughter 8. Any opinions/suggestions??

ABSOLUTELY get the park hopper!!! Park hopping is what DL/DCA are all about. You can park hop in a matter of 2-3 minutes. DO IT!!

 

[Sweettears]

Also a long time WDW visitor, we visited DL/CA a few years ago for the first and only time. Our experience and impressions were similar to OPs however I think we liked DCA a bit more. We essentially did all of the rides exclusive to the parks (different from WDW) with the exception of the swings and such. Absolutely a wonderful experience and well worth it. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without the PH option.

I'll be returning in March and can't wait to revisit. I plan to attend WOC essentially because I'm not sure when I'll return. (This trip is unexpected.) We also are staying at the Pier Hotel with a theme park view. Totally overpaying but again not sure when I'll be back.

I highly recommend that all WDW fans go visit DL/DCA if they get the opportunity.

 

[shmedly123]

Hey now...I'm a Californian...and there are many others on this board. Be careful with the "...Californians being huge wimps when it rains" sweeping generalizations!

Did you go into the Animation Building? Did you ride the Monsters, Inc. ride?

lol...it's just in good fun

We did monsters inc and we liked it, unfortunately the kiddies were getting a little tired by the time we got to the animation building so we didn't do it. I also wish we had gotten a chance to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln too

 

[PinkBudgie]

As a Californian I just had to correct what I'm a whimp about. I'm fine with rain. It is annoying, but I won't let it stop me. Actually, we are getting ready for a big rain storm to move in tonight. However, I'm a whimp about COLD! If it is below 60, I'm just frozen. And at the school I teach at, if the temp is 40 degrees or below when kids arrive, a classroom must be open for them to choose to stay in until school starts. I don't know how people live in the snow.

Anyway, thanks for the report. I'm always interested to see what WDW people think. And I agree, they could have done the viewing for WOC much better. (Except that my family of 4 with two teen boys LOVED Ariels for dinner)

 

[shmedly123]

I can see the dilemma. Look at the price of a hopper and decide if the extra cost is worth California Screemin. Also consider that DCA also has MM a version of the coaster in dinorama, Soarin, TSM(mania) and a version though not as nice or ToT. Some lesser rides that are DCA unique are the monster inc ride, Silly Symphony swings and Aladdin show(people like this above all WDW shows). They would be fun just for the experience. The other rides are the same or more for a lower age. Of course depending on how you want to spend your evening WoC too.

I agree you should definitely Park hop if you plan on spending an entire full day open to close. If not then I would say stick to DL as there is so much to do there that isn't in WDW. Unfortunately only having 1 day you won't be able to see everything and I personally would rather give up DCA than missing out on DL especially if you have already experienced the WDW attractions. Of course if it is raining then those wimpy Californians won't be there so you will have less crowds But again, we are WDW regulars so I would rather ride the matterhorn or see the CA only attractions over attractions we will probably get back to FL to see in the not too distant future.

However if Aladdin was playing and the new little mermaid attraction is open by the time you go then that might sway my decision.

 

[shmedly123]

We're natives and we love going in the rain too!

you have to admit that you guys are definitely in the minority...in fact our first day there, last Monday, it started to rain pretty heavy for about 20 mins in the early afternoon. Later that afternoon we noticed that the wait for the Matterhorn went from over 30 mins at 11am to about 5 mins at 3pm.

 

[shmedly123]

As a Californian I just had to correct what I'm a whimp about. I'm fine with rain. It is annoying, but I won't let it stop me. Actually, we are getting ready for a big rain storm to move in tonight. However, I'm a whimp about COLD! If it is below 60, I'm just frozen. And at the school I teach at, if the temp is 40 degrees or below when kids arrive, a classroom must be open for them to choose to stay in until school starts. I don't know how people live in the snow.

Anyway, thanks for the report. I'm always interested to see what WDW people think. And I agree, they could have done the viewing for WOC much better. (Except that my family of 4 with two teen boys LOVED Ariels for dinner)

just wanted to let you know how we deal with the snow...we complain...A LOT! It's kind of funny though bc our cold is anything under 20 degrees and by mid Jan we love 40 degree weather. Trust me we hate the cold too for the most part, there are a few loony tunes that like this weather though.

 

[DisneyPups]

I agree wholeheartedly about your WoC assessment. It was confusing, people weren't nice, and we couldn't see a thing. Not worth the headache. On a perfect, crowd-free day it might be better, but I won't be rushing back to see it.

But as a frequent WDWer, I enjoyed going to both this summer. It's a nice change of pace. And sometimes it's nice that it's a bit more compact. And you don't have to hop on bus to move from one park to the next. That's extra credit in my book.

Still, I'd like to try the Halloween Party next year, so I can compare it to MNSSHP from last year.

Fun post, OP.

 

[shmedly123]

Yikes....we have PS at Ariel's next month to see WOC and what you experienced has me very nervous. I don't care about the mediocre food because I feel that way about almost all DLR food. But the rest of the viewing experience....yikes.

Is this pretty much the norm? Anyone?

if you can get there early enough to get a blue FP then there is absolutely no advantage in getting the PS. The PS people are corralled with the others in the "pen" for an hour then you get to enter a roped off area where the view is about the same as the blue FP viewing.
If you want to try Ariel's then by all means go for it but don't do it for the PS.

Again we spent $100 less at Le Brea and had a really good meal.

 

[tdashgirl]

OP, thanks for the WDW vs. DLR thoughts! I always find these posts interesting.

As for WoC ... I would recommend the picnic meals if you want a FP with no waiting. You can pickup midday so you can eat anytime, my family really liked the food and it's much more reasonable than Ariel's or WCT Yes you do have to wait in that queue before the time stated on the FP ... we did that and got a good spot in front of a railing And we got to eat the picnic lunches and chat with our neighbors while waiting for the show. Totally enjoyable experience overall

 

[shmedly123]

I agree wholeheartedly about your WoC assessment. It was confusing, people weren't nice, and we couldn't see a thing. Not worth the headache. On a perfect, crowd-free day it might be better, but I won't be rushing back to see it.

But as a frequent WDWer, I enjoyed going to both this summer. It's a nice change of pace. And sometimes it's nice that it's a bit more compact. And you don't have to hop on bus to move from one park to the next. That's extra credit in my book.

Still, I'd like to try the Halloween Party next year, so I can compare it to MNSSHP from last year.

Fun post, OP.

Thanks and I agree the ease of park hopping and having downtown Disney right there too is very cool and don't get me wrong I didn't hate DCA I just think it isn't on the level of the other parks but I have a feeling after the 1 bil they pour into the park it will be.

We did the Halloween Party and we liked it but it was PACKED. I hadn't seen one of the WDW parks that packed since the last time I went in the summer. Our walk on rainy day HM rides on Mon and Wed turned into an hour wait for a good portion of the night. That is another tip I have for people, if you do decide to go to the MHP the more popular attraction crowds are really busy early but die down quite a bit in the last 90 mins. By 11pm the HM was only a 10 minute wait.

Also at the beginning of the night the trick or treat line was about 20 mins, by the last hour the people passing the candy out were practically throwing handfuls of candy in your bags with only maybe a 2 or 3 person wait.