Will DL disappoint after WDW???

[TwingleMum]

I casually mentioned to a coworker I was thinking about going to DL next year and they went on and on about how disappointed I'd be because WDW is sooo much better ( which I can't believe I'm even entertaining them b/c they haven't even been to DL). They were saying its just the size of MK and not even as good as the MK in Fla. I'm getting nervous and I know I should tune them out but could you reassure me Please!!! My 3 kids are all under 6 yrs old. Thanks for the neurotic ear.

 

[Caprice]

You should so tune them out, just remember that it's going to be tiny and different. I've been to both DL and WDW and personally prefer DL. It's the original. It has basically everything the magicak kingdom has, give or take a thing here or there, and DL is known for having the better version of a ride that both DL and WDW have. You'll be able to a go a LITTLE slower and really enjoy the rides and be able to hit them more than once. Plus with your kids you won't want to be getting on bus after bus to see the other parks. Don't expect it to be exactly like WDW b/c it is a little different, but I'm sure you'll love it. Most people i know like DL better, i don't know why, maybe because it has Disney's actual personal touch to it, who knows. But don't freak, you'll have a great time, promise.

 

[Mandabella]

I enjoy them both. I see things in each that I really enjoy. I would go back to DL more often if it wasn't on the West Coast. Being on the East Coast and a DVC member just makes WDW more attractive to visit regularly.

Keep an open mind and try your best to not compare it to WDW. Allow it to stand on its own merits. DL has a totally different vibe/feel to it than WDW.
DL makes excellent use of the space it has. Their MK is filled with many attractions in close proximity. Don't forget DCA, it's a young park....like AK is. There are some things there I enjoy too....particularly the Aladdin musical show. If it is still running, do go see it!

I do have to disagree about some of the common assumptions about rides at DL vs. WDW. While I do agree with a lot of them, there are some rides at WDW that I feel FL got the better version IMHO.

 

[TravelGal]

I also prefer DL, WDW is so large and spread out that you always feel rushed to get everything done or that you will miss something. I love the intimate touches of DL, it's nice to sit on the front porch on Main Street and watch the reactions of people heading into the park. New Orleans Square is a gem, as is the the Big Thunder path between Frontierland and Fantasyland. Fantasmic is awesome at DL, the show is performed on the same waters you canoed on or the island you explored earlier in the day, the storyline also flows much better. It's worth fighting the crowds to see this. I like that California Adventures,Downtown Disney and the DL hotels are just steps away, no need for a car or waiting on buses. I enjoy the awesome scope of WDW and always have a terrific time, but feel I need at least a week there, DL can be a day escape and you still leave smiling.

 

[smilingmouse]

I have visited both parks (and DL Paris) and I really liked DL! Yes, it is smaller than WDw, but that also makes it easier to get around. I also enjoyed looking for differences and similarities between the three parks.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Disneyland will not disappoint. There are several attractions there that are not anyplace on property at WDW. They still have Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and The Indiana Jones Adventure is top notch. The Haunted Mansion had new effects added in 2005 and just recently, and Jungle Cruise underwent a refurb and added effects last year.

 

[doombuggy]

I wold probably ask your co-worker if he/she has ever been to DL, and when they responde "no," ask them how they can justify their opinion?

I have been to WDW many times, and have only been to DL 3 times. Since the MK is my favorite park whether I am in FL or CA, so I love them both. Others have said that you cannot compare the WDW resort to the DL resort, and the property in FL is soooooooo much bigger. You all know Walt's thoughts on that issue. There are many things that I like about DL's MK that the WDW MK doesn't have - Mr. Toad, Alice, Matterhorn, Indy. Some rides are different (some say better), such as POTC, Space Mtn, Fantasmic (definately better). It really is a different kettle of fish. Remember, DL has it's own staff - meaning the President (that might not be the correct term, but I am in a rush here) is a different person from he who is the head of the WDW resort.

The most important part - HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!! I am SURE you will!!!!!

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

Disneyland is unique and special in its own ways. I dont think you can compare the two at all. People always asked me which is better.. they are different. Each is special in its own ways. When we lived near Disneyland it was fun to just pop in for a few hours. It was so cool to only drive 25 minutes and be in "Disney"! But we still visited WDW and that was wonderful to. We are moving back to SoCal. We will visit DL regularly again and will still go to WDW several times a year. Have fun and enjoy California!

Matt

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

I have to admit my first trip to DL I laughed at the castle, but... I guess I was not expecting it to be so small in comparision... However... DL has a feeling to it that you can not get at WDW. When we walk into DL, just knowing that Walt was there and experienced the joy of seeing his dream come to life makes the park a little more sentimental. Hubby and I live in Orlando (and work at WDW, 10 years for me and 7 for him)... We both can't get enough of DL. In the last 7 years we have been to DL at least 8 times and we are planning a trip in January to bring our son for the first time.

So I agree with the others, don't listen to anyone that tells you it will be a let down. It is awesome in it's own way. It is a slower pace since everything is in the same place, no rushing to catch the bus, if you want to park hop you just walk out one entrance and into the other... I think the kids will like doing something new while still feeling at home. MK especially, it has some different rides, some rides that are a little more elaborate, but you know where you are going beacuse it is laid out the same. My only suggestion is this... I make all my friends do this too... Your very first trip to MK make sure you go in through the front entrance. Don't take the monorail. The monorail is great, but it drops you off in the middle of the park. Your first entrance in should be an experience from the main entrance, where the train station hides "the show" and the anticipation builds

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Another repeat offender here! We have been to both WDW and DL too many times to count and enjoy them equally. If you go, don't try to compare DL to WDW because they are different. They are both unique for various reasons and each can be enjoyed as much as the other. Our favorite thing to do is combine a trip to DL with a visit to San Diego. You can easily spend 3-4 days @ DL and then head down the road just a bit and do Legoland, Seaworld, San Diego Zoo, and the beach. Go for it -- you won't be sorry!!!

 

[crzy4mk]

Also, while California Adventure is not a "great" park, it does have some nice things to offer. The new Monsters Inc. ride, Wine Country (w/tastings), California Screamin', and my favorite at CA . . . the Aladdin stage show! Do not miss it!!!

To echo what everyone has already said, you will have a great time at DL Resort. Just know going into it that it will be different from WDW, and enjoy it for what it is: a completely different resort.

HAVE FUN!

 

[Ella1]

I have to say that WDW disappointed us after 2 trips to DL, we didn't like WDW at all,the best part of our trip was swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove, was worth going to do that, but we won't go back to WDW again.
Love Ella

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

Yeah, it's small but it's still so much fun. I don't feel fair comparing the two because they are so different. You can really take your time at DL because there are only 2 parks instead of FOUR to see.

Remember, DL is where it all started!

 

[ZeusNike]

We have been to both and love both. They are two completely different experiences...not really comparable. My family are not huge fans of MK. We all think that it is a pale (actually too colourful) imitation of DL. The rest of the WDW parks are terrific (IMO) so we concentrate on them when in WDW. Don't worry, you will have a great timeat DL!

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

Since Walt passed away shortly after announcing WDW, that magnificent resort is only a possible vision of Walt would have done. Disneyland is the only theme park in the world that has Walt's personal touch.

Disneyland is my favorite Disney theme park of all time. While I love the Magic Kingdom at WDW, it isn't as good as Disneyland. I love the charm of Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. I love how you can't see the spires of a fairy tale castle in the world of tomorrow or in New Orleans Square. If you compare the one and a 1/4 park at Disneyland to the 4 parks at WDW, you might be disappointed. But if you judge Disneyland by it's own merits and compare it to each park as a park in WDW, you'll probably love Disneyland(although California Adventure still needs help). I talked with a CM at EPCOT who told me how much he loved Disneyland and he hasn't been there in 20 years. Another one at Haunted Mansion told us about a tour called Walk in Walt's Footsteps. As great as WDW is, it will never have such a tour.

And last, but not least, remember this. Without Disneyland, we wouldn't have Disney World. Enjoy Disneyland. You'll have a great time.

 

[SamIAm21]

I'm actually worried about the opposite. I wonder if I am going to like DL more than the MK in WDW. I love the idea of Walt's personal touches. The sound of piano lessons in the alley way off main street. The dentist drilling sounds. The cute little telephones that you can listen in on conversations in the General Store. WDW's MK street is becoming more like a mall than a cute little street from the past. I can't wait to go into the music store and the magic store. The wicked Queen peaking out the curtain above Snow White's ride...

It just sounds more quaint at DL.

 

[princesstigerlilly]

Having only been to DL (that will change soon enough )

I can tell you what my east coast relatives, who were hare alst fall, did and did not like about DL after having only been to WDW (yearly trips)

Please remember I am only the messenger here, lol.


What they thought wasn't so great:

1. DL is in a city. The park is surrounded by small motels and restaurants, and is right off a busy freeway. (Walt didn't like this either, that's why he bought SO MUCH land in FL). Now, you DO NOT realize this when you are in the park, but be aware it is not a big sprawling resort destination with acres of open spaces.

My family missed this the most about WDW. I knew they would as they are resort lizzards, so they stayed at the GC and were happy enough with the hotel, but it still wasn't the same.

2. They missed having more park options. Not that they didn't like the 2 parks, but they missed filling a week with hopping from here to there. I told them a week would be to long if they were only doing DLR, but they insisted it was fine. They later told me 5 nights woud have been enough, including travel.

3. They thought the castle looked like somehting you'd find in a municipal park--"cute, but hardly fit for a king" were my uncle's words, lol.

What they really liked:

1. They liked seeing how the rides were the different at DL (they really LOVED the Tea Cups and the HM)

2. They said it has a more mellow vibe than WDW (?? LOL ) More easy going and less rushed.

3. They said everything was very, very clean and very, very well maintained. Not that things aren't at WDW, but they thought maybe because So Cal lacks all the rain central FL gets tings are easier to keep 'looking fresh'.


They had a great trip, but missed the resort feel of the WDW area.

 

[Mousemom]

We live on the west coast and have been to DL many timesl. We will be there again in June. I love the MK at DL over WDW. It is bigger and does not seem to be as crowded as the MK in WDW. Our family loves DC. It offers things that WDW does not offer. We also like being able to stay on site and walk to the parks and DD. It is great with two boys 16 and 22. They take off and do their own thing a lot. The only thing that we miss at DL are the water parks and variety of restaurants. We have a blast at BB and TL. I like the weather in DL better too. Our family has a difficult time with the summer heat and himidity in WDW.

 

[Disney Magic]

It all depends upon your interests and what you are looking for in a vacation. DL Park is a lovely park and chock full of rides, and the DCA park is also nice. I think DL Park would be perfect for your family, since it has more rides that kids your age can enjoy than the MK (good for your family since you have small children, bad for my family since my girls informed me that they "outgrew" the "kiddie rides" as they now call them....Peter Pan, Small World, Snow White, etc.

But, if you are looking for more of a "resort feel" to your vacation, you may be a bit disappointed. We had three fun days at DLR, but there just wasn't the diversity of attractions, shows, fabulous dining options, loads of recreational activities, water parks, beautifully themed resorts, etc., that we enjoy at WDW. We scheduled five days for the DLR, but only needed three, and we saw everything except the rides designed for the very little toddlers.

I will say, though, that if given a choice to spend a day at either the MK or DL park, I would choose the DL park. But, if given a choice to vacation at either the DLR or WDW, I would definitely take WDW.

Also, many like DL because it was Walt's park and and it gives them a special magical feeling. Unfortunately, we didn't experience that "special magical feeling", but maybe you will and that will make your trip even more enjoyable. Maybe we didn't feel "the magic" because our wonderful Disney family memories were all made at WDW. Nostalgic, sentimental memories may have something to do with creating "the magic".

Bottom line, it's a long trip from NY, but go....you and your children will enjoy yourselves. Every Disney fan should have the opportunity to experience as many Disney parks as possible.