Will we like DL? Help me out WDW-lovers!

[LglBlonde]

Here's the background: DH & I, married just shy of two years. I went to WDW 3-4 times as an older child (8-12 ish). Had not been back until May 2004 when DH & I went. This was DH's first trip. He loved it. Proclaimed it best vacation ever. When we got back, we learned we won two roundtrip tickets anywhere Southwest flies.

Contemplating a trip in May 2005. Quite frankly, if we go to WDW the following become an issue: Would like a one week trip, but resort prices would only allow a 4 nt trip (moderate) to WDW; grandparents live in FL (guilt factor-probably the biggest concern for me); short trip = higher short stay admission prices.

Began looking into DL - figure, with free airline, good opportunity to fly across country. Hotels that are "off-property" but still walking distance (HOJO) very inexpensive; tickets are cheaper for a 3-day visit; could visit other attractions in So. Cal. However, DH's concerns are: DL would be disappointing to us after WDW last year; So.Cal. concerns in general; having to drive to places other than DL is not very relaxing. Help!

 

[jellydisney]

I've been to DL, but not any of the other parks in Southern CA, so I can only speak for DL: you will love it just as much as you love the MK. It's actually physically smaller in area, but it's very similar. Plus it has some great rides that you can't go on in MK: the Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (among many others).

There's so much to do there, it'll take you 2 or 3 full days to see it all. Then there's also Downtown Disney (very similar feel to the WDW DTD) and California Adventures, which I am not as familar with.

When I stayed at DL, we were at the Grand Californian hotel. I can't tell you how nice it was to be able to walk 50 feet out of the hotel and be in DTD, and then another 50 feet and you're in Disneyland (don't call it the MK though, as I did, or you'll get laughed at )

WDW is still the best full experience, but DL is just as good as the MK.

 

[Regina]

I hadn't been to DL in ages, and was very pleasantly surprised when I was there last year. I loved it. I think that California Adventure is great, DL was a lot of fun and I really liked the Downtown area.

It's much more compact than WDW, which is fine with me. There are some days that I feel like I've walked 10 miles at WDW getting from one thing to another. Everything at DL is close by making it easy to fit in a lot more than what we're able to at WDW.

I still love WDW, but DL is also a great destination.

 

[grad_dis_nut]

Hi,

DH and I are thinking about the same thing. We love WDW, he's never been to DL...but I have, as a kid. Haven't been since the new park opened and the new hotels. We always stayed at one of the "good neighbor hotels".

Honestly, it's a fabulous trip, you just have to be prepared that you're not going to the same kind of place. IMHO, the MK is nicer in DL, and it's fun just to look around and identify all the little differences. You'd get to go on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, try out the different version of the HM and Space Mtn., plus ride the Matterhorn! Fantasyland has more rides (Alice, Pinocchio, etc.). For me, the biggest plus would be getting to see the Electrical Parade again. It is shown at DCA now and I miss it when we go to WDW.

What you don't get are the variety of parks and restaurants--although with the new hotels, the restaurant options have probably increased. If you stay offsite you don't get the Disney theming.

But you can also take "side trips" to other spots, and since you're going all the way to CA, you might want to take day trips to the ocean, or to Knott's Berry Farm, or the San Diego Zoo....

You will have a great time. I think I just made the decision for myself too

 

[keagansmom]

My family just went to DL in September and loved it. True, it's not as big as WDW but that is some of it's charm. I was worried that we were going to be disappointed because we absolutely love WDW. But I have to say, I loved DL. It's great for shorter trips. If you can swing it financially-- staying at one of the Disney resorts is worth it. We stayed at the Paradise Pier and had an amazing room-- they upgraded us to a suit which was beuatiful-- it's all recently been refurbished so it felt clean and new. We also had awesome views of both parks from our windows and could see both the fireworks and the electricla parade from our room at night. We also tied in a trip to Legoland (our 6 year old loved this place) and Sea World ( good trip, but really long and probably won't do that again unless we are staying in San Diego). The pool at the Disneyland hotel looked neat for kids. The Grand California Hotel is beuatiful and somewhat reminds me of WL at WDW. Also, because of the 50th celebration, should be a neat time to visit. California Adventure turned out to be more fun than we thought it would (I was worried that there wouldn't be enough for my son(6) to do. Met a ton of characters, many we have never seen at WDW. I still would pick WDW over DL but for a short stay, DL is worth it. Just my thoughts.

 

[hokiefan33]

I went to DL frequently as a child, but haven't been there in 20 years, so my recollection is limited to about age 10. However, at the age of 10, I remember it being fantastic! It is smaller in physical size, but I think it has more rides and just seems to be more packed with things to do. Fantasyland has more rides definitely (Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, etc...), and the IASW ride at DL is MUCH better than the one at MK, if only for the huge building it is kept in with the clocks on the outside. Great memories. Plus, it has all the mountains that MK has (Splash, Space, Big Thunder), but also has the Matterhorn, so you get another coaster out of it! Not sure if the Skyway is still going there (obviously it's closed at MK), but always loved that as a kid. POTC is much better, I always liked the Blue Bayou restaurant INSIDE the POTC ride, thought that was neat. And I think that New Orleans Square as a whole is much better than the whole Adventureland area in MK. The places to eat are at least as good at DL as at MK (try the big banana split at one of the outdoor cafes in NOS; I remember eating nothing but one of those for lunch when we would go!).

Plus, as others have pointed out, there is DCA, Knotsberry Farm (which I thought was really neat), and other things as well. You won't be disappointed. If you want, I'd be happy to go with you and would be your personal tour guide, if you pay my way!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

We spent a week at DLR last february, and loved it. There are some unique things there---much longer pirates, Indy, alice, an arguably better fantasmic.

An Imagineer on one of those travel channel specials put it best: Disneyland is "charming", WDW is "stunning". It's a different, more laid-back vibe---everything is close by, and you can walk between everything once you are there.

We also visited Knott's, which we liked. We are fans of both theme parks (Disney) and amusement parks (e.g. Cedar Point). Knott's is sort of a cross between the two. It's not Disneyland, but it's entertaining in its own way. I haven't been to Universal Studios since I was in high school---a long time ago, but that's another obvious place to think about visiting.

We had been to the San Diego Zoo many years ago. Best. Zoo. Ever. Better than the national zoo in DC, by a landslide, and that's my second favoriate of the dozen or so I've visited. If you are also going to San Diego, Sea World is probably worth a visit, particularly if you've never been to one. We visited SW on the same trip as the San Diego Zoo visit. I don't know that I'd make a special trip there just for that, though. It's not a very multi-faceted experience.

 

[bjsmico]

When it comes to comparing MK to Disneyland,Disneyland wins hands down. It really holds the spirit of Walt. The feel of it is more nostalgic and of course,it IS the original. Now when you talk about a week long vacation destination, I think you could do DL and CA in 4 days. With the remainder I would drive west bound on Harbor Blvd. and spend the day at Newport Beach or Long Beach and the the other day take Ball Rd. over to Knott Ave. and go to Knott's Berry farm.
I was born and raised on SO. California and have been to DL about 20 times. Any ? you can PM me. I would be glad to help.

 

[lclark0621]

We loved DL when we were out there a few years ago. It really is very nice & a lot of fun. And hey, it is Disney!

We are going back this fall sometime & can't wait.

 

[puffkin]

Given your situation, I would probably use the free airfare to go to DL. I think every Disney fan should get to experience Walt's original park at least once. Ask yourself, in the future would you be willing to fly to California? Plus, there is a lot of things to do in the surrounding area besides DL. It seems that you will be more willing to make return trips to WDW, so I would use the free tickets to go to California this time.

As for if you will like DL as much as WDW, that truly is a personal opinion. While I enjoyed my trip there, it just wasn't WDW. I hated how the workers treated you like a day guest, not a vacation guest. I hated how everything was built right up to the gates. I hated how compact the park was. It just wasn't an overwhelming vacation experience like WDW is. IT was like spending a day at a very, very nice theme park but not a vacation. I know it is hard to explain, but that is how I felt.

That being said, I would go again. I spent 4 days exploring the parks last time, but we didn't do any of the areas other attractions. I would go again and spend 3-4 days at DL and spend some time at the other attractions. Hope this helps!

 

[wdwoldtimer]

I think most people who consider WDW their "home" park really enjoy visiting DLR. Like someone said, they have a number of attractions we don't have or no longer have. Plus the ones that are common to both are often better in DLR. The only thing is, if you're used to on-property resorts in WDW, you will be disappointed with most of the hotels surrounding DLR. And there are some nice parks in the surrounding area, especially if you like thrill rides.

 

[jellydisney]

I hated how the workers treated you like a day guest, not a vacation guest.

I had this experience as well. The people who worked there just weren't as friendly as WDW. It was just another amusement park to them, and I was just another paying customer. I'll never forget (and I mentioned it earlier haha) the rude way one CM laughed at me when I asked her where the entrance to the Magic Kingdom was and she told me "about 2000 miles southwest from here" and then walked away.

Still, it's a fun park. Those of you who mentioned POTC--I totally forgot how awesome it is at DL! It's much longer, more drops, etc.

And I must have ridden Indiana Jones 15 times, it was so awesome! I wish they would build that one in MGM.

 

[4mykids]

I am a WDW fanatic! Have been over 20 times. Have been to DL 3 times. DL has many pros. As the previous posters said, there are different rides in the MK. Indy is one of our favs. DCA is truly a walk thru California. We loved Soarin'. It is by far our favorite ride in all of Disney (DL an WDW combined). You can truly park hop at DL as you are out one gate and into the other in minutes with DTD and all 3 Disney hotels right by you. We had fast passes at both DL and DCA. Went back and forth with no trouble.

If you like coasters, then California Screamin' is incredible. My DH and DD 10 loved it! Rode several times. Lots to eat in the parks and nearby.

I was overwhelmed with the motels outside the gates. Trying to decide from 2000 miles away. I read the discussion boards and had 3 different reservations. Finally I called Get Away Today Vacations (www.getawaytoday.org). They were incredible. We stayed at a Hampton Inn in Garden Grove (adjacent to Anaheim - 5 mins from DL) at the suggestion of the travel agent. It was new, clean, comp continental bfast and ITS OWN BUS. The hotels, even within walking distance, can be a little hike after a long day in the parks. The option those in Anaheim have is the Anaheim Resort Transit (I think). There is a fee for that one and it stops at many hotels. The Hampton's bus was free.

Get Away got us a much better deal on hotel and tickets than I could find anywhere else.

Hope it helps! If you have time, rent a car for the day and see Beverly Hills. We love it too. The adult Disney!

 

[EvilinaDM101]

SO when I NEED my Disney fix we normally just head to DL. When we first moved here (Vegas) from the South (Mississippi) We were both SO use to seeing WDW and Cinderella's Castle. When we visited DL for the first time it still had the same feeling as WDW but there was some shock about the size of the DL Castle. It seemed SOO small compared to Cinderella's. Also you are right there at the parks. Instead of the bulit up excitement like WDW, once you exit the freeway you are practically there. All in all you'll LOVE seeing the original Disney and grant it it's not as big as WDW but it is A LOT of FUN! Now regarding the So Cal theme Parks, Knotts Berry Farm is a few exits down from DL and it's kinda like a six flags, there is also a Lego Land down the way. Ummm I think it's about an hour drive to San Diego for Sea World. OH and there is also Universal Studios Hollywood and a Six Flags magic mountain which is also a lot of fun (from DL it takes us about 30 to 45mins to get there). There is actually A LOT to do in California. Good luck planning!!

HTH

 

[nursemelis374]

I am a Disneyland APH of 10 years now and so I obviously love it! I have probably been over 300 times. I went to WDW for the first time this past October and of course had a fabulous time. I will say that the park I was least impressed with (well, other than AK) was the Magic Kingdom. It just doesn't capture that same feeling that DL does. I think that it is totally worth it to experience both Disney coasts in your life. Let me know if you need anything!

 

[Amy&Dan]

We consider Disneyland our home park but absolutely fell in love with WDW. I really enjoy them both equally. For a short trip, I think Disneyland is the much better option. You won't feel cheated or that you missed so much with just a three or four day visit. If you do stay offsite you might want to check the Sheraton on Harbor (not the Fullerton Sheraton). Mary Jo, one of the moderators on the Disneyland section of Disboards loves this property and I would really trust her opinion. I have seen rates as low as $109, not much more than the HoJo. Have stayed at the HOJO and would stay there again but think that the Sheraton will be our next offsite choice. It looks kind of like a castle on the outside so it has some theming at least! Also they have a free shuttle to take you to and from the park. The HOJO is close but that walk can seem kind of long at the end of the day. Another offsite hotel I hear raves about is the Candy Cane Inn. You really need to try Disneyland at least once and if the airfare is free than you can't go wrong! As far as dining, the Blue Bayou inside the Pirates ride is absolutely my favorite Disney dining choice to date, in either park. Also, DTD is right there so you have a lot of nice dining options there, Rainforest Cafe, Naples (our favorite), Ralph Brennans, to name just a few. You can literally park hop between the two parks, do DTD, and walk to Goofy's Kitchen (like Chef Mickey's) in the Disneyland Hotel, all in one day without batting an eye! As far as rude or uncaring CM's have not experienced a single one in my 8 visits in the last 15 months. Maybe I'm just lucky but they have all been nice and helpful to our family! Good luck!

 

[ebockelman]

As an AP holding Orlando resident, I visit WDW frequently. I also really enjoy visiting Disneyland when I'm out that way. Having been to WDW first, there were several things that disappointed me about DL.

First, the park is small. If there are a lot of people there, certain areas get shoulder to shouldner. Not fun.

The castle is a huge disappointment. When you are used to seeing Cinderella castle towering over the park as you approach the Magic Kingdom, it's a big letdown to see the castle when you enter the DL gates.

The isolation of the Magic Kingdom adds to its charm. When you enter WDW property, things change. Street signs are different. Hotels are Disney themed. You never leave the "magic". At Disneyland, you play frogger as you cross the street from your "good neighbor" hotel, enjoy the noxious odor of the busses dropping off others, and the wham, you are at the park gates.

I also second what was said earlier about the cast members. It seemed (at least in the trips I've made) that the cast members always seemed like they had something better to do than assist me.

With all this in mind, I still recommend going, and plan to return. Lots of things about DL are great. Pirates is so much better than the WDW version. I love the Haunted Mansion holiday.

Hopefully knowing these things before you go will make it a bit less disappointing when you get there.

 

[EvilinaDM101]

First, the park is small. If there are a lot of people there, certain areas get shoulder to shouldner. Not fun.

The castle is a huge disappointment. When you are used to seeing Cinderella castle towering over the park as you approach the Magic Kingdom, it's a big letdown to see the castle when you enter the DL gates.

The isolation of the Magic Kingdom adds to its charm. When you enter WDW property, things change. Street signs are different. Hotels are Disney themed. You never leave the "magic". At Disneyland, you play frogger as you cross the street from your "good neighbor" hotel, enjoy the noxious odor of the busses dropping off others, and the wham, you are at the park gates.

I also second what was said earlier about the cast members. It seemed (at least in the trips I've made) that the cast members always seemed like they had something better to do than assist me.

With all this in mind, I still recommend going, and plan to return. Lots of things about DL are great. Pirates is so much better than the WDW version. I love the Haunted Mansion holiday.

Hopefully knowing these things before you go will make it a bit less disappointing when you get there.

I feel the same way!! and Haunted Mansion Holisday is GREAT!! I never miss it!!

 

[Micca]

I think any true Disney fan would enjoy a trip to DLR. WDW will always be my home park, but I'd never pass on a chance to go to the original

 

[LYNSUE]

DH and I are big fans of WDW. Been there too many times to count and are DVC owners. In April DH has a convention in SanDiego. I agreed to go along if we could take a few extra days to go to Disneyland. We were there once before about 12 years ago. Now I not sure I want to go. I'm worried it just won't be the same and I might be disappointed. Definately not the same level of enthusiasm as when planning for Florida.

DH says I'm just spoiled. He may be right. But reading all the positive posts above do make me feel better. Thanks you guys!