WDW vs. DLR

[soontobeatdisney]

I'm from the west coast and my DH grew up in Orange County, CA. So between the two of us we've been to DLR about 3 million times. My sister is a DLR fanatic, she should write tour plans for unofficial guides.

Anyway, we'll be in WDW next week. I went there once, 5 years ago, and I had so much work to do I barely had time to enjoy WDW. But I do remember feeling it didn't have the same "magic" that DLR has. We decided to go this year on a whim, we have 17-mo-old and wanted to vacation somewhere that he might enjoy, and with FTP, that closed the deal for us. My sister and brother are joining us. Anywy, there's so much to do there I'm sure we'll have fun but I'll definitely be comparing to DLR.

Do you think WDW and DLR comparisons are apples and oranges, or just different types of apples that are hard to compare, or are you a hard-core "WDW" or "DLR" lover?

 

[LadyAurora]

I have only been to DLR once, on a high school trip. Having said that, they are both magical. WDW is AT LEAST as magical as DLR, personally I think it is more so. Since you don't have to work on this upcoming trip, soon you will find out why we all love WDW so much!

 

[Twigs]

We were just at DLR in July, and the one thing my family agreed on is that DL didn't feel as magical as WDW. It might just be a matter of what your used to and that is what you like best. WE have been to WDW so many times and its so familiar to us. At DL we didn't know the park well at all and had a hard time finding our way even with the map, and because everything is closer together we did not get that "disney feeling". At WDW I find that we are much more laid back and enjoy everything more. We also found the CM's to be nice or down right rude at DL where as when we are at WDW the Cm's have always been exceptional. I know there are exceptions to everthing but that has been our experience. We did have a great time at DL and we would definately go again.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I'm from East coast (Florida) but when my DN and I traveled to West coast we had to go to DL broke away from group we were with headed out on our own. We loved Disneyland but as we where walking thru small walkways and lines that where all over. It just seemed you couldn't move and get away from crowd. Walt knew what he wanted here in Florida room lots of room. Disneyland will always be special, but land area has kept it from being what WDW is today..I would say it's like comparing a beautiful mother to a child. The same in many ways but different ....(gotta Love them both)

 

[funhouse8]

We love them both. Never been to CA yet but I'm hoping to go next summer. Oh don't tell my husband yet. He thinks we are just going to visit my sister.

 

[Grog]

I've been to both about the same number of times and have become a confirmed DLR fanatic. I do think that in many ways it is comparing apples to apples, but in a few ways, such as size, number of resorts, number of restaurants, it is an apples-oranges debate. As for magic, I feel WDW can't touch DLR. At DL, you can almost feel Walt's touch in many of the rides. Someone on another board put it quite well, IMHO... When I think of DL, I think "Walt Disney". When I think of WDW, I think "Disney, Inc."

 

[chrisn]

who now resides in Utah and has been to both places numerous times, I feel I can be pretty objective.

Disneyland will always have a hold on my heartstrings and the first time I visited the Magic Kingdom, all I kept thinking was this is lame! But after consecutive visits, Magic Kingdom has grown on me and I love it almost as much. I think if you are comparing just the two parks Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, Disneyland is the better park in my opinion but if you factor in DCR AND WDW, WDW as a whole wins hands down! Another thing I really like about WDW compared to DCL is it is a WAY nicer area. It's clean and smells pretty. Not so with DCL. As soon as you leave the front gate, you are in ghettoville (no offense-just my opinion). I have come to love Magic Kingdom and what started with "how lame" end up being tears of joy walking into and down Main Street. I will always however love my Disneyland.

 

[doombuggy]

I have only been to DL 3 times, but to WDW many times, and I like them both! It is comparing apples to oranges, though, b/c there is so much more in WDW than at DL.

We went to DCA last year, and I LOVED IT! The first time I went to DL, I noticed that it was not as clean, and you would see the CMs walking around after their shifts, but DL has lots that the MK at WDW doesn't have. My answer would have to be WDW, but I would live at both, given half the chance!

Ok, i am a Libra, and can never make up my mind!

 

[sharktums]

I have annual passes to both Disney's and I much prefer WDW to DL. I live in California now and see the attitudes of the people who grew up with DL though and I understand how you must feel. There are certain things that are undeniably better at WDW but the DL people just won't admit it! DL is much more a park where locals go to and is an easy drive just to go and spend a few hours. WDW is much more a resort and a place you go and spend time away from reality. Try not to compare the attractions to each other, or the parks to each other, try to view them as separate theme parks which is what they are and have a good time! An open mind is the key! For example, I love Indiana Jones much more than Dinosaur even though they are nearly the same, but I don't bother comparing and judging every little different aspect of the various Haunted Mansions or Pirates!

Have a great time!

elissa

 

[jimmiej]

DW & I were at DL for the first time this past March after six trips to the World over 13 years. We're addicted to WDW & decided to try DL since we hadn't ever been to CA.

We felt the magic at DL for sure. After all, it's the original! When friends ask us which we prefer, we say DL is cozy & great for a 4-5 day trip. For WDW, you need at least a week to do it right. WDW probably feels like more of an escape because DL is surrounded by Anaheim. I will say though, once you're in DL park, you don't even notice the city.

We're going back to WDW next June & hope to go back to DL in '06 for our 25th anniversary(along with a trip to Hawaii).