What the best things in DL that differ from WDW?

[eileenkeeney]

If someone has been to WDW often and has not been to DL, and only plans to go to DL one or two days in the foreseeable future, what should the person not miss?

Personally, I think that the following attractions are better in DL than in WDW:
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Small World (especially the architecture on the outside of the ride)
- Haunted Mansion during the Holidays.

What attractions do other people think should be on the must-do-or-see list for people visiting DL who often go to WDW?

 

[Redcon1]

Storyland Canal Boats and Casey Jr Train
Matterhorn
Indy Ride
New Fireworks
The intimacy of the park in general...and just the great feeling you get when you realize that Walt actually walked these same paths.

 

[got2travel]

Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Indy
Small World
Matterhorn
Tower of Terror - not sure if its better, but different from WDW
Fantasmic

 

[JDarling]

I agree with all of the above! With 2 days, they should be able to make a pretty darn good dent in the parks. I would include a meal at the Blue Bayou (requesting a waterside table). I would add the 50th Parade. It's AMAZING! Also, the Electrical Parade and Aladdin if they plan on stopping at DCA. The movie "Golden Dreams" is DEFINATELY worth it, and will give them a quick over-view of what went into the history of California.

Personally, I dislike comparing WDW and Disneyland. To me, they are two seperate experiences to be savored and enjoyed for what they are.

 

[Redcon1]

Personally, I dislike comparing WDW and Disneyland. To me, they are two seperate experiences to be savored and enjoyed for what they are.

That's true, but I think it's human nature to want to compare the two if you've experienced both.
That being said, each has their plusses and minuses. Of course, there's more to do at WDW, but the scales tip in favor of DL(in my opinion), because, as I previously mentioned, it was Walt's park.

 

[raidermatt]

The ones mentioned are all good. As far as the true best things that are different, I especially agree with:

Pirates
The Matterhorn
Indy
Fantasmic
Blue Bayou restaurant (for the atmosphere)

Then there's Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, which I'd include with the best as well.

Alice in Wonderland is nice, though I wouldn't put it in the top tier.

Autopia, though still pretty "lame", is better than the Indy Speedway.

 

[Peter_noPan]

One of the biggest differences we noticed was that you can walk everwhere. Unlike WDW you never sit and wait for a bus, boat or monorail.

It is much smaller too of course, but it is charming when WDW is specatular.

 

[dlboy]

DL has the real Mickey !

 

[lntsmom]

they leave your stroller alone!!!

At WDW there was the eternal post-ride stoller search.

I even commented about this to one of the CM's at Buzz. He just laughed and told me WDW has so many CMs that they have to do something to keep them busy.

 

[iceskatejen]

I was talking to a friend who had come back from WDW a few weeks ago and one area we totally agree on is that DL has better entertainers. The performers in our live shows are just more talented--everyone sings, dances, acts, etc... He noticed that in the B&B show at MGM, only Belle had a microphone, while at any live show at DLR, everyone with a speaking/singing part has one.

 

[Gwene65]

When people include Indy, I assume they are talking about the Indiana Jones Ride. That is one of a kind and an awsome ride.

I haven't been to Disney in 4 years. It will be so wonderful to walk Main St. again. While WDW is great, the charm and sense of history at DL is unsurpassable.

 

[YoHo]

Wait wait, Did I see Whoopi saves Californ.....err I mean Golden Dreams listed up there? Please tell me that was a joke. Even castmembers make fun of this film.
WORST ATTRACTION EVER!

 

[eileenkeeney]

{some stuff deleted} ...
Personally, I dislike comparing WDW and Disneyland. To me, they are two seperate experiences to be savored and enjoyed for what they are.

Comparison is a useful tool, for making decisions.

 

[eileenkeeney]

Wait wait, Did I see Whoopi saves Californ.....err I mean Golden Dreams listed up there? Please tell me that was a joke. Even castmembers make fun of this film.
WORST ATTRACTION EVER!

I sort of have to agree with this.
However, if everything else is really crowded, this can be a good place to just get away from the crowd and chill for a while.

 

[eileenkeeney]

{ some stuff deleted}
Blue Bayou restaurant (for the atmosphere)
{more stuff deleted}

Every time I go on the Pirates ride, I tell myself that I should eat there sometime.
However, after looking at the menu, I think it will be too spicy for my tastes.

Can someone recommend a nice place, for a couple to have an anniversary dinner, which is not spicy?

 

[YoHo]

I go on Golden Dreams about once every 3 months just to laugh at it. It's one of those so so very bad it's funny things. It would make a good MST3K episode.

Also, it's the worst open attraction ever. I forgot about Superstar Limo.

 

[chucknjulie]

We LOVE Disneyland, and we go as often as we can manage, but this year we were going to be in FL anyway, so we checked out DW.

We enjoyed a lot of things about DW...however, my husband said he was not impressed enough to go back (I was). We agreed that Big Thunder Mtn and Space Mtn (the family fave ride, btw) seem longer and more intense at DL. Soaring over CA is fun with the smell of the oranges and the Roaring Rapids ride is a LOT better than the water ride at DW. The Pirates of the Carribean ride is not to be missed at DL, and of course Indy. (Of course! )

A day at Disneyland would not be complete without lunch on the water at the Blue Bayou though - so before you hit the rides - hit that restaurant and get a reservation - and hopefully you'll get a chance to enjoy a Monte Cristo - unbelievably good... and probably unequalled anywhere in the world!

P.S. Apparently the limo ride at DL is not like the one at MGM DW???