Why choose DL over WDW?

[smcbaker]

There is definitely a different "feel" to being at DL. Maybe the charm is more concentrated because the parks are. The weather has always been lovely -- no humidity! Without the temptation to park hop as much, it seems that you really feel you've experienced the bulk of it rather than wondering what you've missed because you've spent so much time going back and forth. I like the DTD layout at DL better as well. While I love WDW, DL is a different and charming experience. Don't miss it!

 

[sacteach]

I've been to both and I definitely prefer DL. I've lived in CA all my life, so I'm sure that influences my decision. I still remember my first visit (I was 4) and how excited I was to see Mickey and Minnie and go on the rides.

For me, DL feels much more intimate and magical than WDW. I loved it even when there was just one park. WDW is too big in my opinion. I was just there in July for 6 days and still feel like there was so much that we missed. And, even without the flight, it was so much more expensive because there is so much more to do. WDW was more overwhelming - where to eat, which park to go to, what rides are at what parks, etc. With DL/CA you just walk across the walkway to get to the other - no busses, no monorail, no boat, etc. You walk a few minutes and you're there. All the rides, shows, parades, etc are there in one place!

I like that I can drive to so cal and spend even just one day and still be able to see and do a lot. There is no way I could do that at WDW - and I tried it once.

Even though I loved my vacation to WDW, I just didn't feel that same magical feeling I get when seeing the castle at DL. I can see Walt's dream at DL and it feels perfect, and I don't get that same feeling at WDW - I get the feeling of "What more can we add? How many more hotels can we build? How much more money can we make?"

The other thing that I love about DL compared to WDW is the It's a Small World ride/entrance. At DL, it is huge and beautiful and such a landmark to me. At WDW, it's just a little sign outside a building - it was extremely disappointing the first time I saw it.

I've loved the three times I've been to WDW, but it still does not compare to Disneyland in my opinion. I'm taking my bf to DL for his first visit in December and I can't wait!

 

[hugabearjo]

I am for the "magic" being at DLR more the WDW. I have to say that DLR was my first love and I am sure that influences my opinion. I don't know how to explain it, but definately a magic beyond compare. I love the fact that Walt Disney walked and played where we are playing today. I have to add the tiki room to the better at DL the WDW world. I agree with all the others but, this one is not to be missed as is Lincoln.

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

I lover DL because:

New Orleans Square
Alice
Better theming of each land ( you cant see three other lands from any given spot in another land)
Pirates is WAAAAAY better in CA
Small World (duh!)
Indy
etc.

Plus...the WEATHER!

Kevin

 

[joanjett1976]

I've been lurking on this thread. Getting some pointers as to what to expect for my first trip at DL.

I love WDW and adore the fact that you can spend a week there without seeing anything but I am also loving the fact that so little preparation seems necessary for DL.

I did my basic research and am a Fastpass wizard! Combine my 3 day DL jaunt with planning 7 days of shopping an clubbing in Los Angeles and i would have been exhausted if the grounds were of WDW scale!

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

What does that mean?

 

[joanjett1976]

I was extra worried about navigating my way through WDW last time, coordinating my Fast Passes (having never used them before) but we did wonderfully and managed to see absolutely everything with less than twenty minutes wait in mid summer. I guess our family was feeling quite content with our Fast selves and took on the Wizard name.

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

Not sure if you know this or not...

Unlike WDW, the FastPass machines at DL are not all linked together, and it is possible to have several overlapping appointments. Check it out...you'll love it. At one time i had a stack 2" thick in my pocket (passes for several rides for a group of 12 people...).

Lines? What lines?

 

[joanjett1976]

Goofy-------You are fabulous!

I had dog eared a page describing this little gem of information and was going to look into it later.

Any reason why DL chose to do this as opposed to the stricter WDW Fast Pass rules?

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

I have no idea why they chose NOT to link them. Most likely reason: too much $$$ to run the wiring or install the wireless infrastructure and Darth Eisner needed to redecorate the guest bathroom on his 2nd yacht.

But...it works in our favor! Great stuff!

Kevin

 

[dw123]

We're debating to go to either DL or WDW in December. I've been to both this year, and am leaning towards DL because it's a little different and has some other things in the area we'd like to see.

However, I disagree with most people saying Main St in DL is more magical than WDW. I think WDW has much more of a magical feeling in general. There are areas in DL - primarily New Orleans - that are really great, but WDW has that something extra.

 

[eileenfk]

Originally posted by SomeSayImGoofy
Not sure if you know this or not...

Unlike WDW, the FastPass machines at DL are not all linked together, and it is possible to have several overlapping appointments. Check it out...you'll love it. At one time i had a stack 2" thick in my pocket (passes for several rides for a group of 12 people...).

Lines? What lines?

The machines are linked, I have had a fast pass attempt rejected due to the other fast passes I held.

However, at least one trip I was on, had the fast pass policy altered, so one could not hold multiple passes to "prime" rides, but could hold multiple passes to other rides.
At the time the Haunted Mansion was decked up for Christmas, and that was on the "prime" ride list.

Actually, I like WDW better, but DL has its charm. I go to DL more because it is closer. If I did live on the East Coast, I would still want to go to DL at least once.
At DL it is possible to get a decent priced room, within walking distance to parks. There is a very low risk of Hurricanes. Other weather factors already mentioned such as heat and humidity keep me away from Florida June - October. I love WDW December - February. My Disney Vacation club points go much further in WDW (I can get a one bedroom with washer/dryer full kithen, whirlpool bath) for less points then one room at the Paradise Pier hotel.
If I didn't live significantly closer to DL then WDW, I doubt I would visit DL more then once every several years (unless I was somehow forced to take my Vacation between June and October).

- Eileen

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

Originally posted by eileenfk
The machines are linked, I have had a fast pass attempt rejected due to the other fast passes I held.

However, at least one trip I was on, had the fast pass policy altered, so one could not hold multiple passes to "prime" rides, but could hold multiple passes to other rides.
At the time the Haunted Mansion was decked up for Christmas, and that was on the "prime" ride list.

Hi Eileen...

Here's the real scoop:

There is no "prime" list... there ARE a few different networks of FastPass rides in DL (and at least two at DCA). The rides on the SAME NETWORK are (obviously) linked...i.e.: you can't have concurrent FPs for multiple rides on THAT network.

However, since there are a few networks, it is possible to have concurrent FPs for Autopia, Splash Mountain and Indy... (for example) because the different networks don't know what you're holding on the other ones...

I PROMISE this is true! We do it all the time.

What I'm not sure of is WHICH rides are linked, so you'll just have to try by inserting your ticket... I guess I should figure that out next time and report back to you guys...

Kevin

 

[meeko66]

I have gone to both DL and WDW. I find that DL is much more intimate than WDW. I enjoy being able to walk between both parks. The courtyard between the two parks and the entranceway to DTD is wonderful. Especially in the evening when things are starting to wind down. My DH and I experienced it late at night with only two other people in the courtyard with the music going. That was nice.

One poster said you don't need to do as much planning when you go to DL and that is true. I planned the trip the WDW for five very different people and managed to get ressies for all of us, but I find you don't have to do as much planning for meals in DL.

Hope this helps!