Just returned Friday from my first trip to DLR after dozens of trips to WDW. I was a Central FL resident for years, and I consider WDW my home park.
First, I loved the MK at Disneyland. Dare I say, more than WDW. I missed the castle, but the charm of New Orleans Square made up for any deficit.
I went to DCA my second day. I first went to the Studio area. My first impression was, "Where is everything?" It seemed so empty. Part of it was the low crowds that day. I thought, oh this is Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Then I went to Paradise Pier and thought, oh this is Six Flags. Very unimpressed with PP except for TSMM. I had been looking forward to Mickey's Fun Wheel, but after riding felt like the 25 minute wait just wasn't worth it. Slow loading and not that much fun. CA Screaming was a great thrill ride, but not so much better than anything at a typical amusement park. TSMM was the only ride which I felt really themed the experience beginning with the qeue. Maliboomer looked like similar tower rides, but was much slower up and down than what I've experienced elsewhere. I was underwhelmed by most everything on the Pier.
Then I headed to the Wharf which I found charming, and I thought, oh this is Epcot. The tortilla factory and the bread tour were nice diversions. There just wasn't much to do or see, but I found the atmosphere relaxing and ate lunch there twice.
Though I was traveling solo, no kids, I went into Bug's Land. I was blown away!
This is where I really felt the Disney magic! Creativity oozed out of this location. I took dozens of photos here. The lamposts were incredible. Even the bathroom entrance was imaginative! I didn't ride anything but Heimlich's Chew-Chew train. I wanted to see if Cory's imitation was accuarte! 
It was. I enjoyed the creativity and imagineering of this one slow kid's ride more than anything but TSMM on Paradis Pier! It was a pleasure to ride. The sights and smells were remarkable.
I had the same magic feeling about the Golden State area. Well-themed and interesting to view. GRR was a great ride and the cast member at the FP location was excellent and engaging. The Redwood Trail was informative about CA, but I can see why locals wouldn't be as engaged.
Condor Flats was ok. Just small. Soarin' is still a great ride. The fact that I worry about losing a shoe tells me the illustion is working!
The Blue Sky Cellar was interesting. The cast member, John, was knowledgeable and easy to speak with. We spoke for at least 15 minutes and he was attentive and responded to my questions. He kindly deflected some criticism from a passing AP holder. I will return once Cars land, Fountain show and the other improvements are completed.
Overall, I enjoyed DCA, but I view it as a park that can't make up its mind what it wants to be. Hollywood Studios? Epcot? Six Flags? The problem is that it doesn't give enough effor or space to do any one of those parks well. In each area, besides Bug's Land, I kept thinking, "Is this it?"
First, I loved the MK at Disneyland. Dare I say, more than WDW. I missed the castle, but the charm of New Orleans Square made up for any deficit.
I went to DCA my second day. I first went to the Studio area. My first impression was, "Where is everything?" It seemed so empty. Part of it was the low crowds that day. I thought, oh this is Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Then I went to Paradise Pier and thought, oh this is Six Flags. Very unimpressed with PP except for TSMM. I had been looking forward to Mickey's Fun Wheel, but after riding felt like the 25 minute wait just wasn't worth it. Slow loading and not that much fun. CA Screaming was a great thrill ride, but not so much better than anything at a typical amusement park. TSMM was the only ride which I felt really themed the experience beginning with the qeue. Maliboomer looked like similar tower rides, but was much slower up and down than what I've experienced elsewhere. I was underwhelmed by most everything on the Pier.
Then I headed to the Wharf which I found charming, and I thought, oh this is Epcot. The tortilla factory and the bread tour were nice diversions. There just wasn't much to do or see, but I found the atmosphere relaxing and ate lunch there twice.
Though I was traveling solo, no kids, I went into Bug's Land. I was blown away!
This is where I really felt the Disney magic! Creativity oozed out of this location. I took dozens of photos here. The lamposts were incredible. Even the bathroom entrance was imaginative! I didn't ride anything but Heimlich's Chew-Chew train. I wanted to see if Cory's imitation was accuarte! It was. I enjoyed the creativity and imagineering of this one slow kid's ride more than anything but TSMM on Paradis Pier! It was a pleasure to ride. The sights and smells were remarkable.I had the same magic feeling about the Golden State area. Well-themed and interesting to view. GRR was a great ride and the cast member at the FP location was excellent and engaging. The Redwood Trail was informative about CA, but I can see why locals wouldn't be as engaged.
Condor Flats was ok. Just small. Soarin' is still a great ride. The fact that I worry about losing a shoe tells me the illustion is working!
The Blue Sky Cellar was interesting. The cast member, John, was knowledgeable and easy to speak with. We spoke for at least 15 minutes and he was attentive and responded to my questions. He kindly deflected some criticism from a passing AP holder. I will return once Cars land, Fountain show and the other improvements are completed.
Overall, I enjoyed DCA, but I view it as a park that can't make up its mind what it wants to be. Hollywood Studios? Epcot? Six Flags? The problem is that it doesn't give enough effor or space to do any one of those parks well. In each area, besides Bug's Land, I kept thinking, "Is this it?"
)
).
Not to be down on anyone, but I wish folks could see the whole picture of the park instead of always saying that it doesn't know what it wants to be.
