we love WDW... would we be disappointed with DL?

[chris4disney]

We've been to WDW 6 times in the past 4 years and LOVE IT!! Now DH and I are tossing the idea of doing an adults only trip for a long weekend to DL. All I've heard about DL (comparing it to WDW) is that it's smaller. So if that's the case, is there any reason why we should make the trip out there? (we're in Ohio) We would not be staying in one the three Disney resorts at DL (too much money for what we'd like to spend on a room). Or should we just stick to what we know and love... WDW? From what I can tell, WDW offers so much more outside of the parks. We love the Epcot resort area and spend quite a bit of time around the Boardwalk and SAB without even going into the parks. Does DL have anything similar to that? I know they have a downtown disney area, but again... so does WDW. So what's the draw for us to go to DL?

I checked flights out to California and it appears to be more expensive to fly there rather than Orlando. Another plus for WDW.

TIA

 

[Judy from Boise]

well, most would agree that DL beats the Magic Kingdom, and is a great park. DCA has a lot of very nice attractions too. There are many, many people who prefer DLR to WDW just because of the ease of pulling a trip together, and the stress free park hopping.

If you are really just kicking a round the idea, and you are willing to wait, 2012 will be the year that will forever change DLR.

 

[Robo]

We much prefer WDW to DL because there is so much more to do for so
many days at the Florida parks,

BUT...

Many of the attractions shared with WDW are a bit
"better" at DL.

Pirates, Fantasmic!, Space Mtn., just to name a few.

Indiana Jones ride is one of the best Disney creations
in the US parks (with, by far, the best queue.)

And the fireworks show ("Remember Dreams Come True")
at DL may be the BEST, most elaborate and creative
fireworks show ever designed.

And yes, DL can be crowded most any day of the year.

One more thing. WALT spent a lot of time there.
He loved that park.
DL is special for that reason alone!

Lots more, but that's a thumbnail from me.


DLR for WDW Veterans by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

WDW for DLR Veterans by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

 

[NancyK]

We've been to WDW 25+ times. Went to DL for a few days in October and I loved it! It's kind of like comparing apples and oranges though. It's two different experiences. WDW is a destination unto itself. Kind of an escape from the real world. DL is in the middle of a city, so it does have a different feel to it. We spent four nights in Howard Johnsons and it was the perfect amount of time for a Disney trip. If I were to go back, we would stay longer and explore more of California. We loved the fact that we could walk back to our hotel whenever we wanted and that you could hop from one park to another in less than 5 minutes. Have to agree that Pirates and Space Mountain are far superior in California. I loved the fact that DL was different enough to be exciting, but familiar enough to feel at home. I thought we would only ever go to DL once, but I think we'll go back again someday.

 

[Goof-abulous]

You certainly will not be disappointed. I went in 2006 and I loved it!!!

First, you can't compare WDW with DL. They really are two distinct places. You could spend days and days in each park. The downtown area is large and really well laid out with plenty of places to eat and shops.

What I really loved about DL was the charm of it. When you walk down Main Street you really feel like you are. Also, IASW is a ride all by itself. It looks amazing walking up to it. They also have the Mattahorn which is a crazy rollercoaster.

In the California Adventure park you find aspects of all the parks at WDW. There is this really cool movie narrated by Whoopie Goldberg. Part of the park is set up like an old-fashioned Amusement park.

If you go with an open mind you will find you enjoy DL for its own merits.

As for things to do around DL there are excursions you can go on. We went on a private tour of Hollywood that took us past many stars homes. We also went to Graumans Chinese theater which is across from El Capitan, Disney Theater. We also went to a look out point that has a wonderful view of the Hollywood sign.

I will definitely go again and I recommend it to anyone!!

 

[bumbershoot]

DLR for WDW Veterans by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

WDW for DLR Veterans by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

Emphasizing Robo's links to HydroGuy's links b/c they are very very helpful.

 

[csarenz]

We went to DL this past year in February (followed by an impromptu trip to WDW in April).

We loved DL and it was a completely different experience. Even though there are a good number of similar and the same rides, there are many different rides/shows and the set up is great. I loved being able to walk across the plaza from DL to CA and back, and back. Now that was park hopping.

I loved Indiana Jones, one of the best rides in any park, and the expanded Pirates.

The downsides, are that TS restaurants do not have the same emphasis in DL, and the resorts are not the same.


If you go over to the Disneyland board, there are some good stickey threads about the differences between the two parks.

 

[mycutiepatooties]

well, most would agree that DL beats the Magic Kingdom, and is a great park. DCA has a lot of very nice attractions too. There are many, many people who prefer DLR to WDW just because of the ease of pulling a trip together, and the stress free park hopping.

If you are really just kicking a round the idea, and you are willing to wait, 2012 will be the year that will forever change DLR.

Why is 2012 such a special year?? We are considering our first ever trip to DLR instead of WDW and this may be the time frame we're thinking of going. Thanks!

 

[Plumeria9]

Why is 2012 such a special year?? We are considering our first ever trip to DLR instead of WDW and this may be the time frame we're thinking of going. Thanks!

Yes, please fill us in! I would love to know what you mean by that 2012 thing.
I grew up in So. Cal. an went to DLR a hundred times. I have been to WDW twice, loved that, of course. I think DLR has some rides that are presented nicer on the outside, like Small World and Pirates. If you go to DLR, you can see all that So. Cal. has to offer besides theme parks, which is a lot. So, if you have been to WDW and never to DLR, check it out. DLR is a much more "do-able" size, not as overwhelming as WDW. That helps me, I am completely stressed over our upcoming trip to WDW in March. We are going to DLR in mid Jan, and I'm not really worried about it, except for getting that free birthday present for my DD when we go into the park on her birthday. HTH!

 

[EnnEss]

DCA is being totally redone. 3 new e tickets are being built and going in by then. Park should be amazing.

OP. I like DL more than WDW, so much more at DL than MK. I just go there for 4 or 5 days though instead of 10.

 

[DebbieB]

I visited DL for the first time 2 years ago as part of a work trip and had my first actual vacation this year. I love it! I don't like to compare it to WDW but look at each on their own merits. Unfortunately, Golden Dreams with Whoppie Goldberg recently closed, I did like that, kind of like American Adventure but for California. California Screamin' is the most awesome roller coaster. They are doing a redesign and expansion of California Adventure, which might be what 2012 refers to.

 

[snow.white]

I love Disneyland! That is the first park that i visited (I was only a month old), but I have been back many times ... Since I lived in Las Vegas , DL was a lot closer to me than WDW . I see DL as a bigger and better MK, I especially loved the matterhorn bobsleds and the indiana jones ride, but of course now that I live in Florida I love Disneyworld too! But if i were you I would stick to the cheaper option...

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

For me I will always love WDW way more than DL even though that is where the magic all began, but I wouldn't nix taking a trip there. You will still have your favorite rides, just some are missing. They even have TOT at California Adventure which is pretty cool... The plus is that Cali is cheaper than Florida... and for us way closer so we spend a lot less on gas. I would just weigh the cons hindering your decision with the pros. See which are more abundant.

 

[Judy from Boise]

in 2012 the entire makeover of DCA will be finished, with an entire new land based on "Cars" including a new Test Track type ride, and a new night time lagoon fountain show.Of course right now DCA has a great looping coaster, ToT, the original Soaring, a great Monster's dark ride etc......

 

[Tiffany]

We've been to WDW 6 times in the past 4 years and LOVE IT!! Now DH and I are tossing the idea of doing an adults only trip for a long weekend to DL. All I've heard about DL (comparing it to WDW) is that it's smaller. So if that's the case, is there any reason why we should make the trip out there? (we're in Ohio) We would not be staying in one the three Disney resorts at DL (too much money for what we'd like to spend on a room). Or should we just stick to what we know and love... WDW? From what I can tell, WDW offers so much more outside of the parks. We love the Epcot resort area and spend quite a bit of time around the Boardwalk and SAB without even going into the parks. Does DL have anything similar to that? I know they have a downtown disney area, but again... so does WDW. So what's the draw for us to go to DL?

I checked flights out to California and it appears to be more expensive to fly there rather than Orlando. Another plus for WDW.

TIA

Well, I got to visit DL for the first time this past October and to be honest I was underwhelmed. There were some things that I thought DL did better than WDW. PoC better at DL, Space Mountain better at DL, Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder seemed different, not better but just different. Main Street seemed small and not as WOW as when I walk into the MK. I liked the fact that DL still has Mr. Toad and the Nightmare Before Christmas theme of the HM was great.

I was out in LA for a conference so it was nice to check it out but I am glad that I did not drag my hubby across the country. So for me it was nice but not worth the cross country trip.

 

[safetymom]

If you have never been to DL I say go for it. DL you can see Walt's hand in the attractions and buildings. I think DL is great in many ways. There are rides that I think are better at DL over WDW. I also enjoyed California Adventure.

 

[Sophie_2003]

Went to DLR in November and loved it. Did everything we wanted in 3 days, stayed at the HoJo and walked in everyday. Many attractions are far superior in my opinion (Space, HM, POTC) and Calif Screaming at DCA was fantastic!!!

 

[vettegirl]

DL is by far my favorite, with DL Paris coming in 2nd and MK third.

 

[TLinden16]

We're going to move this over to the Disneyland board. We think you'll get some great answers over there.

 

[JenniBarra]

I will preface my message by saying that I live on the West Coast so Disneyland was my second home long before I made my first trip to WDW. I have now been to WDW six times and will soon be making my seventh trip.

If you consider yourself a Disney fan, you must get to DLR at least once. As others have said, it's like comparing apples and oranges. While it's true that it's not as immersive as WDW, there's no replacing the charm of DL as "Walt's park."

Additionally, I would recommend that diehard fans consider making a side trip to Hollywood to visit the El Capitan Theatre and the Studio Store & Soda Fountain. (Walt Disney's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is also located in this vicinity.) If your trip happens to coincide with a day that Walt's Barn is open in Griffith Park, that's an interesting place to visit as well.