Why do you choose WDW over DLR?

[mom2rtk]

There are no "rides" at either locations.

How does that change the point I was making?

 

[surferdave]

2075 miles.

 

[TowMater92]

I live about 45 minutes from Disneyland so I go there weekly. I have never been to Disney World, but we are planning our first family vacation there. From what I have gathered, if planning is not your thing go to Disneyland. I asked if it were possible to have a great Disney World vacation without much planning and people overwhelmingly said no. I took everyone's suggestions and made reservations for everything, with the thought that it was insurance and not a plan that is set in stone. We seem to be planning everything around our reservations now, and they are becoming plans set in stone. Since I now have an annual pass to Disney World as well as Disneyland, I am able to see that there are attractions with fast passes that are already not available 30 days from today at Disney World!

We only plan what we have to special parties, tours, excursions(fishing/golf), sit down meals(if we do any) and we always do everything we want. So no you don't have to plan everything. The new magic bands will be a pain in the you know what for us but we will just pick a park the day before and change our fp's the night before on MDE if we need to/can and we will park hop if we want to like always. We've been to WDW enough to not rush and not do a commando trip but it also helps we always go for at least 10 nights.

 

[hammie59]

2075 miles.

Lol...I was gonna say 2266.

 

[abbylaura19]

I've never been to DLR but even if it was equal distance I'd choose WDW. It's simple for me because I love WDW so much and have such a great experience every trip that there's no reason I would want to go to DLR instead when given the choice of either of the two. The only reason I'd find myself going to DLR is if I was in California anyway. That said, WDW does have a LOT more to offer and if you're going on a long trip that would be the right choice for sure. However if you're going on a short vacation it's really up to your preference.

 

[Sacha_L]

I live 8 hrs from DL and I'm more excited to visit WDW. I enjoy DL quite a bit, and we buy AP's but it's not as an immersive experience as WDW.

 

[luv2sleep]

DL is my favorite because it's so much easier to tour than DW. I'd choose DL.

 

[HydroGuy]

It's not that simple. There's not twice as many rides at WDW. Not even close. DLR packs much more into those 2 parks than you would think. I'm not sure if the source I used is the most current but it showed 97 total WDW attractions and 87 in DLR. And at DLR you don't have to spend so much time traveling to get from park to park to experience those attractions. In fact, the entrances to the 2 DLR parks are only about 100 yards apart.

There are still lots of reasons to prefer WDW over DLR. But don't make up your mind on sheer numbers of attractions or parks.

FWIW, see

"Ride Count Comparison Between DLR and WDW" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3221332

 

[MustangMike]

I would love to go to DLR & I'm sure 1 day I will but for now it all comes down to distance. 2 hrs in a plane to Florida vs. 6+ hrs to California. I just can't stand being cramped up in a plane that long.

 

[KittyKitty]

Over the years I became partial to WDW because of the friends I've met, many things to do during a 2 week time, feel safe, total immersion.

But went to DL a year ago, it was great. I only stayed 5 days, air was cheap, stayed offsite(1 blk away), and rode I think the best ride in either place, for now, Radiator Springs!

 

[HydroGuy]

We are trying to decide between WDW and DLR for our Spring Break 2015 vacation. What makes you like WDW over DLR? We are from Colorado, so flights are a little cheaper to California than Florida. However, we have been to both and like both. Is there a reason to tip you one over the other?

As someone who has been many times to DLR and WDW, as well as once each to DLR Paris (DLRP) and Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR) I find things at each resort that just cannot be matched at other resorts.

I have read all the posts in this thread and find many of the comments interesting. Folks have so many different things they value.

For me there are pros and cons to DLR/WDW that depend on different factors.

1. Weather - For much of the year the weather at DLR is better. Since I usually visit in the summer and DLR weather is - on average - way, way, WAY better in the summer, then DLR is a better choice. However, in the spring time WDW weather is often a bit better - about 10 degrees F (5-6 C) warmer. See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

2. Immersion - I get it, WDW has a better immersive feel to it than DLR. If you make some good choice at DLR for lodging you can minimize this but not completely remove it. For those who stay offsite at WDW then the immersive feeling is not that different than at DLR.

3. Resort offerings - WDW cannot be beat as Disney has built an entire resort there that they cannot replicate at DLR because of space. Those who prefer the resort experience will prefer WDW. For me, I do not go to Disney for the resort experience. I go to experience the special magic that Disney offers and to spend time with my family. So the resort aspects of WDW do not count a whole lot for me. A little, but not much.

4. Quality - DLR has focused much more on quality than has WDW. The rides and shows are just plain better at DLR. The upkeep on the parks at DLR is better as well. The effort to expand the resort offerings has been stronger at DLR. Some people see negatives that DLR draws more on locals (DLR has 70% local day trip visitors and 30% out of town vs. 15% locals at WDW and 85% out of town) but that forces DLR to constantly invest in new things to keep locals coming back. When it comes to quality and variety of dining offerings then WDW has the advantage - although DLR is catching up in recent years.

5. Simplicity - a DLR trip is much easier to plan and do than a WDW trip - especially now with FP+ which DLR does not yet have - and may never have. It is much easier to tour spontaneously at DLR. It is much easier to make last minute dining and park switches at DLR. It is much easier to make a last minute decision to visit DLR than WDW and not be penalized for it. Overall a DLR trip is IMO more simple and more relaxing than a WDW trip.

6. Options outside Disney resort - I read with interest some who think there are more in Florida. But IMO by any objective measure there are just WAY more things to do on a California trip than a WDW trip. The list is long but the short version includes access to awesome national parks like Yosemite (the most beautiful location on the entire planet IMO), Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Death Valley NPs, San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Napa Valley wine country, entertainment industry (Hollywood and live access to Hollywood production studios and tapings), a Universal Studios that is a real studio and not just a theme park, aviation history, Spanish mission history, whitewater rafting, and snow skiing.

7. Efficiency - DLR wins here. The price you pay for the large resort feeling of WDW is that it is much more complicated to move around. At DLR you can just walk everywhere. And parkhop in one minute flat. There is less wasted time on transportation.

8. Disney magic and fun - it is a tie. Both resorts have tons of it. Anyone who thinks one resort is more magical than the other has not had an open enough mind. If one insists that Disney magic = large resort then WDW will win. If one insists that Disney magic = easy park access and spontaneity then DLR wins. But for me Disney magic transcends all of that and is the feeling of being connected to timeless characters and deep emotional themes, being transported to another place and time, being emotionally moved by a show, being thrilled by an immersive ride or just being amazed by a fascinating entertainment technology. And both WDW and DLR excel at this.

So OP, what tips one vs. the other depends on many personal factors. Good luck!

ETA: 9. Cost - aside from transportation cost which of course depends heavily on where you live, a WDW trip is generally much less expensive than a DLR trip on a per day basis. This is for many reasons including that California is a more expensive place than Orlando.

 

[ilovemk76]

We don't choose one over the other.

WDW - Closer to our home. More parks. A complete vacation destination. Pooh ride better.

DL - The original. Part of a larger vacation. Pirates ride better. DL hotels are in walking distance to both parks.

 

[Donut23]

No longer any comparison. DisneyLAND all the way.

We found ourselves wandering across country as the Grownups began to ignor WDW. Standards dropping, things we love disappearing. Lights Of Winter was the last straw - of many for DH.

DisneyLAND has it's own special charm. It was Walt's vision. His personal touch is everywhere. Be sure to take the Walk In Walt's Footsteps Tour. It should be required for any DISer it's just that good.

DL is close enough to be familiar but enough different to offer surprises as you wander around. Many of the rides are FAR better out there......Pirates, HM, Space Mountain. Christmas time out there is still filled with magic and not...."what did they take away this year" like WDW.

World of Color at DCA is the best nighttime show at a Disney park in the US.....have not be outside of the US.

You are so close to the Disney Grownups and families in Burbank the two parks are in FAR better condition and no bathroom Sewars like WDW. Clean parks alone is almost worth the long flight!

Grand Californian. Hands Down. Best run and most beautiful Dusney hotel. The Grand Floridian would LOVE to have a staff this good. The hotel itself is a celebration of the Californian craftsman style with tours available. Take the tour ....you can appreciate the hotel so much more.

Convenience? You are a 10 minute walk to the head of Main Street for fireworks, two minutes back after the Dam$ Bear Ride (Grizzly River Run) to change your soaking cloths.

Want to escape into the Disney experience you remember from 10 years ago, pixie dust, smiling castmembers, clean parks and resorts, no stupid magic bands? It's all waiting for you in Anaheim.

Leave the forgotten stepchild and come on out for some Disney memories. You will not regret it.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

As someone who has been many times to DLR and WDW, as well as once each to DLR Paris (DLRP) and Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR) I find things at each resort that just cannot be matched at other resorts.

I have read all the posts in this thread and find many of the comments interesting. Folks have so many different things they value.

For me there are pros and cons to DLR/WDW to each resort that depend on different factors.

1. Weather - For much of the year the weather at DLR is better. Since I usually visit in the summer and DLR weather is - on average - way, way, WAY better in the summer, then DLR is a better choice. However, in the spring time WDW weather is often a bit better - about 10 degrees F (5-6 C) warmer. See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

2. Immersion - I get it, WDW has a better immersive feel to it than DLR. If you make some good choice at DLR for lodging you can minimize this but not completely remove it. For those who stay offsite at WDW then the immersive feeling is not that different than at DLR.

3. Resort offerings - WDW cannot be beat as Disney has built an entire resort there that they cannot replicate at DLR because of space. Those who prefer the resort experience will prefer WDW. For me, I do not go to Disney for the resort experience. I go to experience the special magic that Disney offers and to spend time with my family. So the resort aspects of WDW do not count a whole lot for me. A little, but not much.

4. Quality - DLR has focused much more on quality than has WDW. The rides and shows are just plain better at DLR. The upkeep on the parks at DLR is better as well. The effort to expand the resort offerings has been stronger at DLR. Some people see negatives that DLR draws more on locals (DLR has 70% local day trip visitors and 30% out of town vs. 15% locals at WDW and 85% out of town) but that forces DLR to constantly invest in new things to keep locals coming back. When it comes to quality and variety of dining offerings then WDW has the advantage - although DLR is catching up in recent years.

5. Simplicity - a DLR trip is much easier to plan and do than a WDW trip - especially now with FP+ which DLR does not yet have - and may never have. It is much easier to tour spontaneously at DLR. It is much easier to make last minute dining and park switches at DLR. It is much easier to make a last minute decision to visit DLR than WDW and not be penalized for it. Overall a DLR trip is IMO more simple and more relaxing than a WDW trip.

6. Options outside Disney resort - I read with interest some who think there are more in Florida. But IMO by any objective measure there are just WAY more things to do on a California trip than a WDW trip. The list is long but the short version includes access to awesome national parks like Yosemite (the most beautiful location on the entire planet IMO), Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Death Valley NPs, San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Napa Valley wine country, entertainment industry (Hollywood and live access to Hollywood production studios and tapings), a Universal Studios that is a real studio and just a theme park, aviation history, Spanish mission history, whitewater rafting, and snow skiing.

7. Efficiency - DLR wins here. The price you pay for the large resort feeling of WDW is that it is much more complicated to move around. At DLR you can just walk everywhere. And parkhop in one minute flat. There is less wasted time on transportation.

8. Disney magic and fun - it is a tie. Both resorts have tons of it. Anyone who thinks one resort is more magical than the other has not had an open enough mind. If one insists that Disney magic = large resort then WDW will win. If one insists that Disney magic = easy park access and spontaneity then DLR wins. But for me Disney magic transcends all of that and is the feeling of being connected to timeless characters and deep emotional themes, being transported to another place and time, being emotionally moved by a show, being thrilled by an immersive ride or just being amazed by a fascinating entertainment technology. And both WDW and DLR excel at this.

So OP, what tips one vs. the other depends on many personal factors. Good luck!

ETA: 9. Cost - aside from transportation cost which of course depends heavily on where you live, a WDW trip is generally much less expensive than a DLR trip on a per day basis. This is for many reasons including that California is a more expensive place than Orlando.

Great post HydroGuy! I agree with everything you said. Gotta say I was shocked when I read that some feel there is more to do outside of Disney in Florida than in California and they mentioned better beaches in FL???!!!. California wins hands down in the beach category!

One thing I would add to your list - childhood memories.

I think the park a person spent their childhood visiting plays a huge part in which park they prefer as an adult.

 

[katt789]

I choose WDW simply because I like it better.

Currently as an adult, I've only been to DLR once, and it was solo, and apparently solo travellers are not a common thing there (it seemed this way by the treatment I got from quite a few cm's). I stayed off property as it was FAR cheaper and honestly took me less than 5 mins from the door of my hotel to the gate, but I didn't feel as safe.

Honestly, the "bubble" burst the second you stepped out into the parking lot region for me. The parks themselves were still great, and I do want to return, but I WDW is a complete "vacation destination" where you immersed into the magic and kinda forget about the real world, where as you leave the bubble in DLR.

I dunno, that's my opinion!

 

[L&Lfan]

I love them both but being in NJ, it's much cheaper for me to go to WDW. In fact I can do 2 WDW vacations (deluxe hotels) for less than one vacation at DL (also at DL hotels). I end up going to WDW 2-3 times per year and to DL once every 2-3 years. Again I do love them both and they are unique!

 

[sandgrace]

As a DLR regular that's going to WDW this May for the first time in 10 years I can say that the difference that I see so far is the planning! WDW just requires soooo much more planning especially for newbies.

WDW is more spread out and there is so much distance between the parks that park hopping seems overwhelming to us! We're used to staying a crossed the street from DLR and walking 5 minutes over to DL and DCA. Park hopping from one to the other is just so easy that planning dinner shows etc. is a no-brainer for us. Some dining requires ressies, but really not that far in advance, and I've gotten same-day ressies at the best places many times.

As far as the parks I can't fairly say yet. I must say that I'm more excited to be staying onsite at WDW than at DLR, there's just not much of an advantage at DLR. We're staying at WL for our trip in May and I'm excited about the resort experience and taking the boat over to MK. It's just so different than DLR where we use the crosswalk to get to the park. We've stayed at the Grand Californian and while we liked it the premium that we had to pay to stay there just wasn't worth it to us. We're not paying much more to stay at WL than we usually pay to stay at the not-so-nice motels that we usually stay in at DLR. I'm not really super excited about the buses to the other parks though, since we didn't have a good experience with buses back in 2004. However, I've done planning this time so hopefully that will make a difference.

I really think that there isn't one that's better than the other, they're both a different experience and it depends on what you prefer. Also, where you live and how much money and time you want to spend to get there. We love Disney and both places have plenty of Disney magic going for them that's for sure!

 

[Nancy F]

It's closer to us and has more to do. But I'd like to go to Disneyland some day. Oh... And another thing... Our Castle is better than their Castle. LOL
Nancy

 

[mom2rtk]

And another thing... Our Castle is better than their Castle. LOL
Nancy

Not many would argue with that point. But we got over it pretty fast. And what SB Castle lacks in grandeur, it makes up for in charm.

 

[fbb]

Grand Californian. Hands Down. Best run and most beautiful Dusney hotel. The Grand Floridian would LOVE to have a staff this good. The hotel itself is a celebration of the Californian craftsman style with tours available. Take the tour ....you can appreciate the hotel so much more.

Like the GC but strongly disagree about it being better than the WDW monorail deluxes. Rooms are much smaller and while we were there the quick service closed at 8pm.