WDW vets observations on DL

[Disney loving Iowan]

We have been to WDW many times and are mostly familiar with going there but since we moved to the west coast we have gone to DL a number of times. Just thought I would post some thoughts on the differences for anyone thinking about going to DLR for the first time. Some of this is just my opinion and may not be shared by everyone. I'm mainly talking about MK and DL. Not the other parks.
1. The security entrance is not updated like at WDW. They still do bag checks
2. When you enter DL grab a map. It still has the hub but if you expect it to be just like MK you will get lost lol.
3. There is a lot more activity on Main Street in DL. More entertainment and more vehicles. They even have 2 horses pulling the trolleys sometimes.
4. Tomorrowland is kind of disappointing compared to MK. Not as much to do without the People Mover and Carousel of Progress.
5. Fantasyland has some really fun and different rides with Snow White, Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, the Alice in Wonderland Ride, Casey Jr train and the canal boats. Also check out how beautiful It's a Small World is. Fantasyland is great.
6. Check out Toon Town! Still not fully open but it will be fun when it is and MMRR has a really cool queue.
7. They only have one Dumbo ride but they operate it differently. You can't choose your Dumbo. They will assign you a number to stand on and that will be the number of the Dumbo you ride.
8. Pirates is better at DL. Longer and has another drop.
9. Haunted Mansion is better at MK. You have to walk through some of the DL one and some of the rooms are different.
10. The track on Space Mountain is smoother at DL.
11. Many people think the food is better at DL. I really don't agree but there are different foods there and it's fun to try different things.
12. And of course the castles are different. DL's is smaller but make sure you go through the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough in it.
13. Fireworks are not shown nightly at DL. Sometimes only on weekends and even then they will cancel them if it's too windy. They will still show the projections though.
That is all I can think of right now. If you are on the fence about going to DLR you should just go!! It is cool to see the things there that are different from MK. It is quite charming and the atmosphere there is different and more laid back than at MK. If you don't go you are missing out on some fun things.

 

[dina444444]

Just wanted to comment on bullet 1. They’ve tested the WDW like security system a handful of times over the past 3 years but have yet to implement it. It’s annoying.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Just wanted to comment on bullet 1. They’ve tested the WDW like security system a handful of times over the past 3 years but have yet to implement it. It’s

I wonder why they haven't implemented it yet

 

[OKW Lover]

2. When you enter DL grab a map. It still has the hub but if you expect it to be just like MK you will get lost lol.

It's kind of like somebody came in and rearranged the furniture in your house. A bit confusing.

Haunted Mansion is better at MK. You have to walk through some of the DL one and some of the rooms are different.

Have to disagree on this one. I think DL's is just as good (maybe better) as WDW's.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

It's kind of like somebody came in and rearranged the furniture in your house. A bit confusing.

Have to disagree on this one. I think DL's is just as good (maybe bet

I mainly don't like the part where you have to walk through at the beginning. It was always crowded and I didn't feel like I could take my time and take that part of it in. We even tried to hang back but the next group comes in right behind you and you still can't take your time.

 

[bwvBound]

4. Tomorrowland is kind of disappointing compared to MK. Not as much to do without the People Mover and Carousel of Progress.

We miss the People Mover! And for DL, that round building was "America Sings!" I'm pretty sure the only reason I ride Spash Mountain is to revisit those sweet, singing chickens, the momma possum and other familiar characters.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

We miss the People Mover! And for DL, that round building was "America Sings!" I'm pretty sure the only reason I ride Spash Mountain is to revisit those sweet, singing chickens, the momma possum and other familiar characters.

I was never able to see America Sings! I wish I had seen it. I may have to see if there is a video out there somewhere.

 

[bwvBound]

I was never able to see America Sings! I wish I had seen it. I may have to see if there is a video out there somewhere.

I'm watching one now!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I'm watching one now!

Thank you. Yes I just found one and I'm watching it! I also saw about that poor girl who was killed there. How awful!!!

 

[Astylla]

These are great observations and I agree with almost everything as a born and raised Floridian for 23 years and now living in California since 2009 where I frequent DLR every month or so.

The security check is my least favorite , I get so spoiled when I go to WDW ( Going again in 11 days!) and just have to remember to grab my battery pack and hold it out , lol. I believe they did try to test the same system here numerous times and something about the technology , but also knowing California may have been * something something everything causes cancer*. I'm not being political at all , but literally had to get used to Prop 65 signs being everywhere when I moved here. But really think they just need to move the same system here !

I actually am with you on preferring HM at WDW..*hides* , I feel it's more..immersive story wise if that makes sense. Like actually going into the basement and up again. Though I absolutely LOVE our Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.

I also agree on Tomorrowland , they really need to do something more here. FWIW Carousel of Progress and People Mover are some of my favorite rides. Except in January when I was on COP and the intro went through..four..times..LOL.
Obviously had some technical difficulties but it's shaded , air conditioned so can't complain

Food at DLR is better overall at COUNTER SERVICE here for sure and while not a churro fan persay , I know they are better here. Table service though WDW and Disney resorts and Springs are king !
Spots I always recommend are :

DLR -
Breakfast Chimichangas from food cart across from BTMRR. THE BEST! When things reopened we didn't know if they would come back and was alnost 7 months before their return. They only sell them until 1030am and do sell out. It's my favorite breakfast to grab since I start in the back of the park and move to the front. Sitting by the Mark Twain and enjoying some peaceful time is perfect.

Harbour Galley across from Haunted Mansion - Clam Chowder Bread Bowls and Lobster rolls are so good here. They had kettle type chips as a side , and often rotate seasonal soups !

Plaza Inn - Fried Chicken / Pot Roast/ Magic Happens Dining package - So I slept on Plaza Inn the first year or so I went to DLR , then someone educated me lol. Their fried chicken is my favorite and when I drive down from the SF Bay area , I bring a cooler because they offer to go containers as well ! You can also ask for all white emat which I think is maybe $2.00 or so extra and so yummy.
I also have done the Magic Happens parade package twice , first time was the week before everything shut down for COVID , so I was one of the few ! Recently just did it again a few weeks ago and the meal was fantastic.

Docking Bay 7 - Galaxy's' Edge - Cold brew with cocoa puffs/ Entrees
I really feel like DB& doesn't get as much love as it should for it's food. They had these spicy pork noodles that I wish would return because I could have eaten them for DAYYYYS. But i've never had a bad meal here and even as a very casual coffee fan ( I get starbucks maybe twice a year..) , this cold brew is my favorite. I try not to mobile order because I like mine sweet so ask for extra cream cheese foam!

Little Red Wagon Corn Dog Cart- Next to Plaza Inn on Main Sreet - Hand dipped corn dogs
I will die on this hill - The corndogs here are better than ANYWHERE ELSE IN DLR.
Best thing they ever did was offer mobile order here , I love getting one on the way out for a midday break or late night snack.

DCA -
If there is a food festival then that is my suggestion , seriously. While not all winners its a great way to graze.

Award Wieners - Hollywood Land
Yes it's mostly hot dogs but what they do here they do well ! They often offer a seasonal feature , once had a pulled bbq pork dog that was absolutely amazing, Had to split it between my bf and myself even ! Their fimstrip fries are also really good. Funnel Cake fries are too sweet to me but many love them !

Studio Catering Company Truck - Hollywood Land by Monsters Inc.

Rotating menu but often have seasonal specials , nachos and soemtimes smaller portions of items during food festivals. Also sometiems offers slushies and freezes.

Thank you for sharing your insights and hope you enjoyed your time here !

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

These are great observations and I agree with almost everything as a born and raised Floridian for 23 years and now living in California since 2009 where I frequent DLR every month or so.

The security check is my least favorite , I get so spoiled when I go to WDW ( Going again in 11 days!) and just have to remember to grab my battery pack and hold it out , lol. I believe they did try to test the same system here numerous times and something about the technology , but also knowing California may have been * something something everything causes cancer*. I'm not being political at all , but literally had to get used to Prop 65 signs being everywhere when I moved here. But really think they just need to move the same system here !

I actually am with you on preferring HM at WDW..*hides* , I feel it's more..immersive story wise if that makes sense. Like actually going into the basement and up again. Though I absolutely LOVE our Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay.

I also agree on Tomorrowland , they really need to do something more here. FWIW Carousel of Progress and People Mover are some of my favorite rides. Except in January when I was on COP and the intro went through..four..times..LOL.
Obviously had some technical difficulties but it's shaded , air conditioned so can't complain

Food at DLR is better overall at COUNTER SERVICE here for sure and while not a churro fan persay , I know they are better here. Table service though WDW and Disney resorts and Springs are king !
Spots I always recommend are :

DLR -
Breakfast Chimichangas from food cart across from BTMRR. THE BEST! When things reopened we didn't know if they would come back and was alnost 7 months before their return. They only sell them until 1030am and do sell out. It's my favorite breakfast to grab since I start in the back of the park and move to the front. Sitting by the Mark Twain and enjoying some peaceful time is perfect.

Harbour Galley across from Haunted Mansion - Clam Chowder Bread Bowls and Lobster rolls are so good here. They had kettle type chips as a side , and often rotate seasonal soups !

Plaza Inn - Fried Chicken / Pot Roast/ Magic Happens Dining package - So I slept on Plaza Inn the first year or so I went to DLR , then someone educated me lol. Their fried chicken is my favorite and when I drive down from the SF Bay area , I bring a cooler because they offer to go containers as well ! You can also ask for all white emat which I think is maybe $2.00 or so extra and so yummy.
I also have done the Magic Happens parade package twice , first time was the week before everything shut down for COVID , so I was one of the few ! Recently just did it again a few weeks ago and the meal was fantastic.

Docking Bay 7 - Galaxy's' Edge - Cold brew with cocoa puffs/ Entrees
I really feel like DB& doesn't get as much love as it should for it's food. They had these spicy pork noodles that I wish would return because I could have eaten them for DAYYYYS. But i've never had a bad meal here and even as a very casual coffee fan ( I get starbucks maybe twice a year..) , this cold brew is my favorite. I try not to mobile order because I like mine sweet so ask for extra cream cheese foam!

Little Red Wagon Corn Dog Cart- Next to Plaza Inn on Main Sreet - Hand dipped corn dogs
I will die on this hill - The corndogs here are better than ANYWHERE ELSE IN DLR.
Best thing they ever did was offer mobile order here , I love getting one on the way out for a midday break or late night snack.

DCA -
If there is a food festival then that is my suggestion , seriously. While not all winners its a great way to graze.

Award Wieners - Hollywood Land
Yes it's mostly hot dogs but what they do here they do well ! They often offer a seasonal feature , once had a pulled bbq pork dog that was absolutely amazing, Had to split it between my bf and myself even ! Their fimstrip fries are also really good. Funnel Cake fries are too sweet to me but many love them !

Studio Catering Company Truck - Hollywood Land by Monsters Inc.

Rotating menu but often have seasonal specials , nachos and soemtimes smaller portions of items during food festivals. Also sometiems offers slushies and freezes.

Thank you for sharing your insights and hope you enjoyed your time here !

Thank you for your input. I gotta say that I do love Plaza Inn. Really love the roast beef. We eat there every time. We wanted to try Bengal BBQ but never had the chance. What is your opinion on it?

 

[Astylla]

Thank you for your input. I gotta say that I do love Plaza Inn. Really love the roast beef. We eat there every time. We wanted to try Bengal BBQ but never had the chance. What is your opinion on it?

OMG How could I forget Bengal BBQ!! It's SO good and being low carb I find it's a great option for protein and veggies too ! I dislike asparagus but hear good things about the bacon wrapped asparagus.
I love the beef kabobs and chicken. You can always ask for the sauce on the side too !
It offers mobile order but don't believe you can customize if that is a concern.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

OMG How could I forget Bengal BBQ!! It's SO good and being low carb I find it's a great option for protein and veggies too ! I dislike asparagus but hear good things about the bacon wrapped asparagus.
I love the beef kabobs and chicken. You can always ask for the sauce on the side too !
It offers mobile order but don't believe you can customize if that is a concern.

We will have to try it next time. We just ran out of time.