WDW Vets visiting DLR for the first time review

[pmaurer74]

Hello,

I am sitting on a place right now on my way back home. We are AP holders for WDW and wanted to do something different this summer to try out DLR. Overall we had a great time and will go back someday. To me it was not "home". It was not my park but I still loved it. We spent 6 nights and 5 days are the parks. We added on an extra day because the weather was not nice enough to go to the beach


Grand Californian
We love this resort and loved the location especially to CA. In fact I started preferring to go through CA from DLR back to the resort and pick up Soarin' FP as I was walking through to get to my room. Rooms were large with plenty of storage. I would not stay anywhere else.

The Food
Every meal we had was excellent. Much better than the food at WDW. Here is where we ate:

Whitewater Snacks - loved the burger and chicken nachos

Storytellers - dinner... really good turkey and mashed potatoes.

Goofy's Brunch - it was ok.

Minnies - this breakfast was good and there were 9 characters but for some reason they kept skipping our half of the restaurant so in 90 minutes we saw 5 of them. Characters were: Minnie, Fairy Godmother, Chip, Dale, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, Captain Hook, Max.

Skyjumpers - Good food

Aerial's Grotto - excellent food and character interaction.

Flo's V8 Cafe - Really good turkey dips!

(CS in Tomorrowland...cannot remember name) - good chicken sandwich.

French Market in Disneyland - Really great food! I had the Pirates of the Caribbean pulled Pork sandwich and DH had the chicken.



The Weather
This was unexpected. I did not know what June gloom was... I do now. We were unprepared and had to buy sweat shirts. It was sunny the first and last day but had a cold, overcast drizzle the other days and was in the 60s most of the day.


Disneyland
It was quaint and charming. Our highlight was Peter Pan taking the girls by the hand and running them through Fantasyland in search of treasure. We were in Disneyland only a few minutes when this happened and was truly magical. The fireworks show was hard to see where we were but seemed ok. It was nice seeing MSEP again and I miss it. It was nice to go on rides we had not experienced before. The rides kept breaking down though. We had bad luck and 4 rides in a row broke down. It was getting very frustrating. With WDW they would have given FPs. We did get Fps back for the Star Tours one that went down.

California Adventure
LOVED THIS PARK!!! This is not my second favorite park. GOTG... I was not planning to go on but the ride had shut down and I walked right on it when it started back up... it was fantastic! Carsland was really great and our favorite land. It was my DHs happy place. World of Color was break taking and the most beautiful show I have ever seen. the Frozen show was excellent too.


It was definitely worth the trip and I am glad that we went. I logged an overage of 20,000 steps which surprised me. What was missing for me were the tiny details and "magic" I feel at WDW. I cannot describe it. I know that Disneyland is much older and the queues are note themed as much as WDW. I appreciate the differences in all of the parks and what makes them unique. 3-4 days is good to experience everything.

 

[pblack]

Glad overall that you had a good trip! Carsland is pretty spectacular.

 

[chickapin parterre]

thank you for writing and hope that your report will help folks in the future.

you mentioned the " the lack of magic", that cannot be described. I had the same feeling about visiting WDW in 1983. I do not remember anything of my visit to the Magic Kingdom in April, other than it rained. I was 29 years old and was taking a first time visitor to Disneyland, but it wasn't Disneyland, no Matterhorn, no California parking lot, just a great illusion of moving into a Magic Kingdom, but i didn't buy it, and to this day I call it Disney trauma. Now I do remember everything about Epocot and all the other day trips in the area. But nothing about Magic Kingdom.

as for the tiny details you missed, how many times have you been to WDW and had the leisure to soak in the tiny details? I am guilty of not taking in all the details in Disneyland and always feel guilty about my rushing from attraction to attraction. The guilt was erased yesterday when a video of the BRAND NEW LAND ENTRANCE that opened, and in the video were folks intently walking to the next attraction, without taking in all the tiny details in the new land. These were folks making walking history and they didn't slow down. That could have very well been me walking pass all the detail. I could ask a veteran Disneyland visitor tiny details and find very few who could score 100%, because, by human nature, it is hard to take in every tiny magical detail, be it the Oregon coast surf line on a gloomy june day or to standing in line on a gloomy june day in Disneyland. Indeed, it is hard to get a good dream in a foreign kingdom

 

[pmaurer74]

thank you for writing and hope that your report will help folks in the future.

you mentioned the " the lack of magic", that cannot be described. I had the same feeling about visiting WDW in 1983. I do not remember anything of my visit to the Magic Kingdom in April, other than it rained. I was 29 years old and was taking a first time visitor to Disneyland, but it wasn't Disneyland, no Matterhorn, no California parking lot, just a great illusion of moving into a Magic Kingdom, but i didn't buy it, and to this day I call it Disney trauma. Now I do remember everything about Epocot and all the other day trips in the area. But nothing about Magic Kingdom.

as for the tiny details you missed, how many times have you been to WDW and had the leisure to soak in the tiny details? I am guilty of not taking in all the details in Disneyland and always feel guilty about my rushing from attraction to attraction. The guilt was erased yesterday when a video of the BRAND NEW LAND ENTRANCE that opened, and in the video were folks intently walking to the next attraction, without taking in all the tiny details in the new land. These were folks making walking history and they didn't slow down. That could have very well been me walking pass all the detail. I could ask a veteran Disneyland visitor tiny details and find very few who could score 100%, because, by human nature, it is hard to take in every tiny magical detail, be it the Oregon coast surf line on a gloomy june day or to standing in line on a gloomy june day in Disneyland. Indeed, it is hard to get a good dream in a foreign kingdom

I have been to WDW probably 16 times or so and can see your point in the details being overlooked. We did have 5 days there so we had time to takes things slowly. I think WDW is so large scale both in property and everything... the floats are bigger in the parades, bigger buildings and castle, seems like more cast members in the parades, more CMs.. WDW has a wow factor for me that was missing in DLR. I still enjoyed it a great deal and not trying to say DLR is bad at all just not my "home".

 

[Malcon10t]

We are planning on going to WDW this next New years. My daughter went in Oct last year to scout for us. Her report back to me was "It isn't Disneyland, don't expect the same loving feeling we have for Disneyland. It is a different theme park. You will enjoy it, but you won't have the same love."

I love the intimate feeling of Disneyland. I think everyone will prefer "their home park." I can easily spend 5-10 days on a trip to Disneyland just to soak everything in. MSEP was the same floats on both coasts, but I do prefer Paint The Night parade. I will have to wait to see what the parades are like on the other coast.

We will have 10 days in WDW, 3 at Animal Kingdom Jambo House, and the rest at Bay Lake. I am hoping to love WDW. But I already don't like to have to plan meals 6 mos out.

 

[HydroGuy]

We are planning on going to WDW this next New years. My daughter went in Oct last year to scout for us. Her report back to me was "It isn't Disneyland, don't expect the same loving feeling we have for Disneyland. It is a different theme park. You will enjoy it, but you won't have the same love."

I love the intimate feeling of Disneyland. I think everyone will prefer "their home park." I can easily spend 5-10 days on a trip to Disneyland just to soak everything in. MSEP was the same floats on both coasts, but I do prefer Paint The Night parade. I will have to wait to see what the parades are like on the other coast.

We will have 10 days in WDW, 3 at Animal Kingdom Jambo House, and the rest at Bay Lake. I am hoping to love WDW. But I already don't like to have to plan meals 6 mos out.

I agree. I just got back from my 8th trip to WDW. When I went on my first trip it was more of a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip for 10 days. Ooops! Now I have been 8 times in 12 years.

What I did feel at WDW on my first trip was Disney magic. But I did not care for all the planning and buses and boats. Now I just kind of "put on my WDW hat" when going there and "put on my DLR hat" when going to DLR. What I am really after is the Disney magic and both resorts have it.

Up until the trip I went on 2 weeks ago to WDW I would say that DLR still edged WDW for me because the shows were better and, overall, the rides were better. I think WDW has finally closed the gap on rides (and, gasp!, maybe passed DLR) and they have made strides to close the gap on shows but still have not IMO. I am expecting big things from Fantasmic 2. The new fireworks show at MK Happily Ever After (HEA) is frankly as good and maybe better than Disneyland Forever. Remember Dreams Come True holds high nostalgia for me so it will be hard for anything to truly surpass that. But HEA is now competitive with DL fireworks shows.

Not sure why Paint the Night went away but that kills any parade at WDW (and DLR, for that matter).

Nothing can surpass World of Color in my book, and nothing at WDW comes close. With the new Rivers of Light show WDW is making strides. I think DLR still holds the edge in shows, but WDW is catching up.

Overall this was the first trip I have felt that WDW holds an equal pull on me than DLR. DLR will always be home. But WDW really rocks. A single trip you may or may not get there. A second trip may be needed. I felt a lot more comfortable on trip #2 at WDW.

AKL Jambo House and BLT are both beautiful places but kind of at the far ends of WDW. I would suggest you hit AK hard when at Jambo house (at least one day if not two while there) and defer MK until you are at BLT.

I have never made an ADR 6 months in advance at WDW. Usually I do it at 2 months and it has always worked fine for me to get ADRs at good times. But I have never gone at New Years. So if you can do 6 months, do it.

Hope all goes well for you! Let me know if you need any tips! I hope to update my WDW guide for DLR vets some time this summer. It is in bad need of an update!

 

[Malcon10t]

AKL Jambo House and BLT are both beautiful places but kind of at the far ends of WDW. I would suggest you hit AK hard when at Jambo house (at least one day if not two while there) and defer MK until you are at BLT.

I have never made an ADR 6 months in advance at WDW. Usually I do it at 2 months and it has always worked fine for me to get ADRs at good times. But I have never gone at New Years. So if you can do 6 months, do it.

I am fortunate to be going with friends who are "pros" at the scheduling thing for WDW. We have had "team" meetings (we are 1 family of 4 and another of 8 (mine)) and when I start getting overwhelmed, she threatens me with Xanax. She will handle making the reservations. We have a Grand Villa for the beginning and my understanding is we are spending NYE at Epcot. But our first and 3rd days are dedicated to AK before moving to BLT which was selected due to my disabilities and should be easier for transportation for me. Will learn as I go. It was one reason my daughter scouted to see if this was feasible for me. I plan on rereading your info a few more times before we head out...

 

[HydroGuy]

I am fortunate to be going with friends who are "pros" at the scheduling thing for WDW. We have had "team" meetings (we are 1 family of 4 and another of 8 (mine)) and when I start getting overwhelmed, she threatens me with Xanax. She will handle making the reservations. We have a Grand Villa for the beginning and my understanding is we are spending NYE at Epcot. But our first and 3rd days are dedicated to AK before moving to BLT which was selected due to my disabilities and should be easier for transportation for me. Will learn as I go. It was one reason my daughter scouted to see if this was feasible for me. I plan on rereading your info a few more times before we head out...

Sounds like you are set up for success. As I always tell WDW vets coming to DLR, keep an open mind!



ETA - As Ia m sure you know, the new big thing at WDW is Flight of Passage. I hope your physical issues will still allow you to ride it. It is just awesome!

 

[pmaurer74]

We are planning on going to WDW this next New years. My daughter went in Oct last year to scout for us. Her report back to me was "It isn't Disneyland, don't expect the same loving feeling we have for Disneyland. It is a different theme park. You will enjoy it, but you won't have the same love."

I love the intimate feeling of Disneyland. I think everyone will prefer "their home park." I can easily spend 5-10 days on a trip to Disneyland just to soak everything in. MSEP was the same floats on both coasts, but I do prefer Paint The Night parade. I will have to wait to see what the parades are like on the other coast.

We will have 10 days in WDW, 3 at Animal Kingdom Jambo House, and the rest at Bay Lake. I am hoping to love WDW. But I already don't like to have to plan meals 6 mos out.

and I felt it was weird that we could not make ADRs until 60 days out.

 

[pmaurer74]

I agree. I just got back from my 8th trip to WDW. When I went on my first trip it was more of a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip for 10 days. Ooops! Now I have been 8 times in 12 years.

What I did feel at WDW on my first trip was Disney magic. But I did not care for all the planning and buses and boats. Now I just kind of "put on my WDW hat" when going there and "put on my DLR hat" when going to DLR. What I am really after is the Disney magic and both resorts have it.

Up until the trip I went on 2 weeks ago to WDW I would say that DLR still edged WDW for me because the shows were better and, overall, the rides were better. I think WDW has finally closed the gap on rides (and, gasp!, maybe passed DLR) and they have made strides to close the gap on shows but still have not IMO. I am expecting big things from Fantasmic 2. The new fireworks show at MK Happily Ever After (HEA) is frankly as good and maybe better than Disneyland Forever. Remember Dreams Come True holds high nostalgia for me so it will be hard for anything to truly surpass that. But HEA is now competitive with DL fireworks shows.

Not sure why Paint the Night went away but that kills any parade at WDW (and DLR, for that matter).

Nothing can surpass World of Color in my book, and nothing at WDW comes close. With the new Rivers of Light show WDW is making strides. I think DLR still holds the edge in shows, but WDW is catching up.

Overall this was the first trip I have felt that WDW holds an equal pull on me than DLR. DLR will always be home. But WDW really rocks. A single trip you may or may not get there. A second trip may be needed. I felt a lot more comfortable on trip #2 at WDW.

AKL Jambo House and BLT are both beautiful places but kind of at the far ends of WDW. I would suggest you hit AK hard when at Jambo house (at least one day if not two while there) and defer MK until you are at BLT.

I have never made an ADR 6 months in advance at WDW. Usually I do it at 2 months and it has always worked fine for me to get ADRs at good times. But I have never gone at New Years. So if you can do 6 months, do it.

Hope all goes well for you! Let me know if you need any tips! I hope to update my WDW guide for DLR vets some time this summer. It is in bad need of an update!

thank you so much for your guide it was VERY helpful!

 

[jessrose18]

did you book your dvc ressie at 11 months out? is it harder to book since theres only one resort with points? did you rent points? thinking of doing the same..........

 

[Malcon10t]

did you book your dvc ressie at 11 months out? is it harder to book since theres only one resort with points? did you rent points? thinking of doing the same..........

Yes, rented points and did it right at 11 mos.

 

[Malcon10t]

and I felt it was weird that we could not make ADRs until 60 days out.

I am used to making dining the week before at most, and sometimes day of. Being told "If you want Be Our Guest or some other place you need to make them at 3am 6 mos out." This has been one of the biggest reasons we have never done WDW before.

 

[Linkura]

I am used to making dining the week before at most, and sometimes day of. Being told "If you want Be Our Guest or some other place you need to make them at 3am 6 mos out." This has been one of the biggest reasons we have never done WDW before.

It's really not as hard as people say, especially if you have a smaller party. Touring Plans's free Reservation Finder is a great help too.

 

[HydroGuy]

I am used to making dining the week before at most, and sometimes day of. Being told "If you want Be Our Guest or some other place you need to make them at 3am 6 mos out." This has been one of the biggest reasons we have never done WDW before.

I got a Be Our Guest dinner ADR for Memorial Day Weekend for 2 people in late March - 2 months in advance. It can be done but as the PP said, it is easier with a smaller party.

Yes, the ADR thing at WDW is just plain crazy. WDW vets are so accustomed to it it seems normal to them. Even so, WDW really has DLR beat on dining. Especially with the themed dining spots. So it is worth bending your mind into the WDW approach and making it work for you.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

and I felt it was weird that we could not make ADRs until 60 days out.

lol - so funny. I'll be heading to DL in 2 weeks and am thrilled to not have had to do all the planning that WDW requires now. That alone is Magical! I actually have booked a couple of dining events but most trips to DL wouldn't do that. For me - all the history of DL is magical and I've been going to both parks since I was pretty young. DL is just intimate and charming and as you mentioned about WDW - it's more large scale. Love both in different ways. Sometimes I think a WDW veteran goes into a bit of shock at DL - there's a deja vu feeling that it seems familiar yet isn't. Another trip and I wouldn't be surprised that you'd start losing the comparisons and finding the magic just like at WDW. Not that it's required of course!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yes, the ADR thing at WDW is just plain crazy. WDW vets are so accustomed to it it seems normal to them. Even so, WDW really has DLR beat on dining. Especially with the themed dining spots. So it is worth bending your mind into the WDW approach and making it work for you.

Not all - I still think it's absolutely crazy! I think about dinner the day I'm going to eat it! And I remember the days when you could walk up to any restaurant at WDW and get in to eat. sigh

 

[Nonsuch]

...Grand Californian
We love this resort and loved the location especially to CA. In fact I started preferring to go through CA from DLR back to the resort and pick up Soarin' FP as I was walking through to get to my room. Rooms were large with plenty of storage. I would not stay anywhere else...

I love GCH, but I've not heard anyone call the rooms "large" -- except a suite or villa.
Was your room renovated?

 

[Nonsuch]

I am fortunate to be going with friends who are "pros" at the scheduling thing for WDW. We have had "team" meetings (we are 1 family of 4 and another of 8 (mine)) and when I start getting overwhelmed, she threatens me with Xanax. She will handle making the reservations...

I highly recommend dining at the Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table
This will be a challenge for your friend assisting with reservations.
Only one party per night (even a party of 1), and closed some nights. Easy monorail access from BLT.

 

[pmaurer74]

I love GCH, but I've not heard anyone call the rooms "large" -- except a suite or villa.
Was your room renovated?

no, but it seemed larger than the typical deluxe rooms at WDW. Perhaps it had a lot more storage. I am not sure if I was in a renovated room or not but appreciated the space under the beds to store luggage. I was in the DVC studio are they different in size?