Why do you choose WDW over DLR?

[ariel326]

I grew up going to WDW- my grandparents had a condo in ft. myers and I would go down every year to visit them. They would take me to WDW for 2-3 days around my birthday (3/26). The last time we all went together was in 1997. I was 17 years old and my grandpa went on every ride with me - thunder mountain included. He was 85 years old when we went the last time.

Now that I am married my husband and I have gone a couple times, and I still do a lot of things in memory of my grandparents. Small World, Peter Pan, Carousel of Progress, Space ship Earth, and taking our time in the world showcase.

To me, WDW is a combination of great parks, and lots of memories. I love that there are 4 parks, and water parks and it is all together on the property vs at DLR it seems to be more in the city with the "real world" around it.

I don't mind DLR, it is fine, I have been there a couple times. But my preference is and always be WDW.

 

[Itinkso]

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

And when you do make it to DL, you will be able to walk up and through Sleeping Beauty's Castle to view the classic tale in diorama form... much better than a restaurant!

 

[henry72]

I was all for going to DL next time but since DH didn't go to WDW last time with us, he wanted WDW. Both are about the same distance away and airfare is close to the same (it use to be Orlando tickets were cheaper). DH's reasoning was 4 parks were better than 2. Plus you throw in SWW and it was a done deal!

 

[Karebear]

I live in N. CA, so DLR is obviously closer to us. I agree with some of the posters above, WDW is a more fully immersive experience. HydroGuy points out the % of locals who go to Disneyland and I do find it to be a negative. In WDW, you hear other people around you who are on vacation and have that "vacation mindset". At Disneyland, you hear locals talking about going home and doing laundry, etc. While it might not be a negative to some, it doesn't give me that "vacation feel" that WDW has.

 

[Son of Gadsden]

Location is obviously our main factor, living in Virginia.

However, hypothetically, if we lived exactly in between both parks, or close to it, I'd say we would still pick WDW.

My wife was the Disney fanatic when we met. I wasn't that interested. I had been several times as a kid, but wasn't very interested in going. She talked me into going, and now I'm a convert too. Why? The isolation from the real world. I'm not nearly the Disney fan my wife is, but I have a high stress job that I can't easily leave at home, but when we get to WDW, it's hard to think about the outside world at all. You forget you're in Florida. You can't see anything that isn't part of Disney's world. You don't have to drive. You don't have to worry about a designated driver. You don't have to worry about your cell, because of the crowds/rides you can't hear anyone on the phone anyway, or hear it ring. It's one of the best ways I can unwind.

I haven't been to DL. But we have a friend that used to be a CM there and he explains it as black and white between the two. That DL is more like something to do in the city, it isn't an immersive world.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've never been to California/DL, but have always wanted to go. We are thinking of possibly going sometime in 2015 as there are so many things to see/do, with DL being just one of the highlights.

 

[kkgunn]

I like DLR much better. Maybe it's my age (50). It's got more rides/attractions in less space. Less walking and all the fun. They have Matterhorn, Snow White, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Nemo Submarine, Casey Jr. Train and the Pirates of the Caribbean is MUCH better in DL.

Then there is California Adventure, which is almost like another bunch of "lands" because it is only about 50 ft away from DL, so just walk on over.

WDW has more parks, but for me, there is very little I like to do in AK or HS.

 

[kjs1976]

Been to both...WDW more because it's cheaper and more to do there. While I like both and they each have a unique feel, I didn't like the layout of DL because there whereby too many areas that circled around. A lot of areas went into the back, them you hit a dead end and had to retrace your steps to get out. Obviously, they tried to correct it when designing MK. The counter service places were more like counter service, sit down. Sorta like cafeteria style...more specialized and less fast food. While this is nice, it always seems to me that it takes longer to wait, get food, and sit down. And the whole layout of DL is squished in the middle of Anaheim so it does take away from the magic of just being totally on Disney property. While we liked staying literally across the street from DL, it was an old motel and lacked magic and comfort. Could watch the fireworks every night like they were literally right over us...but at the price of being in a cheap off prop motel. Cast members were there in packs walking with you to their work locations so it was like, hey, here I am...no attempt to have special parking and transport for them like at WDW...obviously could plan for that when they created WDW. And don't get me started on the freakin traffic!!!! Ugh!!! It's a nightmare.

 

[ellie05]

Never been to DL for now the only reason why I prefer WDW is because we are closer and it is way cheaper for us to get there. Airfare to get to DL would cost us 5 day trip in WDW.

 

[kbelle8995]

Would love to go to DL someday. What's stopping now the cost of flying out there. I go to WDW because of proximity. I can drive there.

 

[Laz]

At the present time DLR is a better value for me than WDW. I can enjoy the parks the way I want to, when I want to. It is worth the cost of the plane fare. I may not go as often as I use to go to WDW, but it feels like a true Disney vacation.

 

[becd]

While I do love both, and we go to WDW much more often because it is so close, I like DLR better. Everything is within walking distance - no buses necessary. To me that just cannot be beat. Plus, I love the "original Disney"