Wonder if DLR is gaining ground on WDW....

[luvgoing2disney]

I bet that title caught the attention of some of you thinking it should be the other way around. But actually, I think DLR is gaining ground on WDW from my viewpoint. See, WDW is my "home" park and we are planning just our second trip out to DLR. But the more I read and plan, I can see the advantages of DLR over WDW.

Obviously it is the original, so it will always be special. But the size, while smaller in scope to WDW may actually be an advantage. I can already tell that we will be able to save many hours spent in travel from park to park at WDW, or even from the hotel to each park. Being able to walk across the street and enter the parks will be SO much easier.

The number of attractions is almost identical, and just after our first, and so far only trip, to DLR, I had a sense of care and style that is not at WDW. Don't get the wrong---I love WDW world, but DLR has something unique that can't be found in WDW.

One minor concern, and this is just me, is that being from the South, I feel more at home in Orlando. I always feel as though I've got to not do or say something that would embarass me or make others think "Boy that guy just did the dumbest thing." Again, this is probably more something I feel as to any reaction I've ever gotten in California.

Anyway, just a few thoughts to pass the day. Only 101 more days to go till we are back at DLR and yes, I AM counting the days!

 

[sonnyjane]

One minor concern, and this is just me, is that being from the South, I feel more at home in Orlando. I always feel as though I've got to not do or say something that would embarrass me or make others think "Boy that guy just did the dumbest thing." Again, this is probably more something I feel as to any reaction I've ever gotten in California.

We're California, not New York City (just kidding to any NYC'ers out there). We are super friendly here and laid back. Each time I go to the parks, even though there are lots of locals, I see a really mixed bag of out-of-towners too. I assure you the only thing that gets my attention in the parks is somebody being rude, mean, or disrespectful to Cast Members or other guests.

 

[skiingfast]

Don't get the wrong---I love WDW world, but DLR has something unique that can't be found in WDW.

One minor concern, and this is just me, is that being from the South, I feel more at home in Orlando. I always feel as though I've got to not do or say something that would embarass me or make others think "Boy that guy just did the dumbest thing." Again, this is probably more something I feel as to any reaction I've ever gotten in California.

What I bolded, I agree with and also agree with the exact opposite if you switch DLR and WDW. They both are different for better and worse.


Don't be too worried about what you say. I've heard people make the mistake of saying that the Matterhorn is both in DCA and while in WDW that it's in the MK. Makes me smile but reminds me I'm lucky that I've had more than one Disney trip in my life. Many went with thier parents to DL as a child and are taking thier kids or Grand Kids to WDW as adults for the second disney trip of their life. Everyone should just be happy that they are going again.

 

[Hound 109]

Gaining ground??

In my eyes, DLR has always had the "resort in the swamp" in it's rear view mirror.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

DL is now our favorite. I thought I could never lose my obsession and admiration of WDW, but DL has so much more to offer my family.

I miss Epcot. It's still my favorite Disney park, but DL has a magic and charm WDW can't beat. Plus it is an easier vacation to plan. My parents prefer DL now because they hated the bus situation at WDW. It's so much easier to tour and you seem to do much more at DL.

 

[HydroGuy]

FWIW, here are attendance numbers - http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm. And here is 2009's attendance report - http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm

I appreciate the OP's perspective and being a DLR homie agree with a lot of it. But to me it misses something.

DLR fans are more apt to look at ride count - and see that WDW and DLR are almost equal (especially after CarsLand is complete) - even with WDW's four parks to two advantage.

WDW fans are more apt to look at restaurant and hotel count - and see that DLR is far behind WDW.

My favorite things about WDW are not the rides - although I really, really love EE and RnR. It is the many diverse and original restaurants at the parks and the hotels. It is the music off Off-Kilter and British Invasion and whoever is playing at the American Pavilion area at Epcot, as well as Mulch, Sweat and Shears at DHS. It is DisneyQuest and the water parks.

So when I see ride count comparisons I think that point needs to be made to WDW vets (who always seem surprised to hear it), but also feel like ride count is an imperfect measuring stick and not really WDW's strength - or at least does not relate to my favorite parts of WDW.

My two cents.

 

[nunzia]

FWIW, here are attendance numbers - http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm. And here is 2009's attendance report - http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm

I appreciate the OP's perspective and being a DLR homie agree with a lot of it. But to me it misses something.

DLR fans are more apt to look at ride count - and see that WDW and DLR are almost equal (especially after CarsLand is complete) - even with WDW's four parks to two advantage.

WDW fans are more apt to look at restaurant and hotel count - and see that DLR is far behind WDW.

My favorite things about WDW are not the rides - although I really, really love EE and RnR. It is the many diverse and original restaurants at the parks and the hotels. It is the music off Off-Kilter and British Invasion and whoever is playing at the American Pavilion area at Epcot, as well as Mulch, Sweat and Shears at DHS. It is DisneyQuest and the water parks.

So when I see ride count comparisons I think that point needs to be made to WDW vets (who always seem surprised to hear it), but also feel like ride count is an imperfect measuring stick and not really WDW's strength - or at least does not relate to my favorite parts of WDW.

My two cents.

Yes, I do wish DLR had some of those really interesting and different restaurants that WDW has...I also want to go back and redo my one trip with a different slant and see AK

 

[Captain Hindsight]

The only thing WDW has that I would love to see at DLR is EMH!
EMH is 10x better than MM!

 

[Dobie]

I think that comparing DLR and WDW is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. I see WDW as a place to enjoy when you want to spend quite a bit of time (at least 10 days, IMHO) completely immersed in a resort experience with Disney touches. For people who are looking for a shorter, more intense, all Disney all the time experience (with MUCH better weather) DLR is a better choice.

And personally, I find that the dining experience at WDW is highly overrated. There is variety, but very little of the food is SO GOOD that it is worth all the angst people go through!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I think that comparing DLR and WDW is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. I see WDW as a place to enjoy when you want to spend quite a bit of time (at least 10 days, IMHO) completely immersed in a resort experience with Disney touches. For people who are looking for a shorter, more intense, all Disney all the time experience (with MUCH better weather) DLR is a better choice.

And personally, I find that the dining experience at WDW is highly overrated. There is variety, but very little of the food is SO GOOD that it is worth all the angst people go through!!!

Hey, hey, hey! We would (almost) fly across the country just for a No Way Jose at Beaches & Cream.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Was DLR ever behind???

Yes, the title of your thread caught my eye, but not because I thought it should be the other way around. It caught my eye because I thought, "Gaining? I didn't know DLR was behind!"

As for size, just because it's bigger, does not mean it is better. I think this is a misconception of WDW'ers that is often reconciled after a DLR visit. I will say that I LOVE the AK and EPCOT, but as for Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom, I think you will LOVE DL.

I don't think one has to pick DLR or WDW. They are similar, but different, and equally lovable. That's what makes them so wonderful!

- Dreams

 

[blackjackdelta]

Gaining ground??

In my eyes, DLR has always had the "resort in the swamp" in it's rear view mirror.

 

[Mister Skellington]

Osbourne Lights, Epcot Food and Wine Fest, a much better DTD with a great Cirque, Universal Orlando and IOA, Expedition Everest, diverse restaurants, Candlelight Processional......the list could go on.

Disneyland is the park I grew up with and I do love it but WDW has it beat in almost every way possible. Since DLR is our closest park we go there when its just not feasible to go to WDW.
There is a reason Walt wanted to build WDW!

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Not exactly in mind with the intention of this thread, but had to tell somebody---Just completed the purchase of the flight tickets and 100 days to go. I am SOOOOOOOOOOO excited to be going back to DLR!!!!!!

 

[luvgoing2disney]

We're California, not New York City (just kidding to any NYC'ers out there). We are super friendly here and laid back. Each time I go to the parks, even though there are lots of locals, I see a really mixed bag of out-of-towners too. I assure you the only thing that gets my attention in the parks is somebody being rude, mean, or disrespectful to Cast Members or other guests.

I promise that will not be me!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

We want to go to WDW at some point (we think 2013) but MK is not the draw for us. We really want to go to Epcot and we want to stay in one of those Savannah room views at AK I want giraffes & zebras in my view. Those are the things that top our list for WDW not MK although I know we will do that too. Celebrate the differences but DLR is Walt's park and part of my love for it is the history that touches you every time you walk through the tunnel.

As far as planning goes I have to say that is the #1 thing I already know I like better about WDW. Oh to have a 6 month ahead of time schedule at DLR! WDW has so many more planning tools all around. As big as it is I know the planning tools are necessary for WDW but oh are they nice!

 

[HydroGuy]

Osbourne Lights, Epcot Food and Wine Fest, a much better DTD with a great Cirque, Universal Orlando and IOA, Expedition Everest, diverse restaurants, Candlelight Processional......the list could go on.

Disneyland is the park I grew up with and I do love it but WDW has it beat in almost every way possible. Since DLR is our closest park we go there when its just not feasible to go to WDW.
There is a reason Walt wanted to build WDW!

Now that I disagree with.

DLR has WDW beat in a number of significant areas including weather, major shows, simplicity, ride concentration, upkeep and maintenance, accessibility/parkhopping/park hours.

WDW does offer more than DLR but requires a lot more investment of time to setup a good trip.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

.

WDW does offer more than DLR but requires a lot more investment of time to setup a good trip.

I agree with that totally. In fact, just a few days ago I was about in panic mode as by now I would have my spreadsheets completed for WDW as to what park to visit on what days, where to eat, parade and show times, etc. It will be so much easier having things in a more compact area, and the only sit down meal will be the Dinner Package for WOC. The rest of the time we are going to wing it and eat when we are ready, wherever we are, using counter service.

 

[KCmike]

Gaining ground??

In my eyes, DLR has always had the "resort in the swamp" in it's rear view mirror.

Totally agree Hound. Wish I knew about it sooner.

 

[KCmike]

Osbourne Lights, Epcot Food and Wine Fest, a much better DTD with a great Cirque, Universal Orlando and IOA, Expedition Everest, diverse restaurants, Candlelight Processional......the list could go on.

Disneyland is the park I grew up with and I do love it but WDW has it beat in almost every way possible. Since DLR is our closest park we go there when its just not feasible to go to WDW.
There is a reason Walt wanted to build WDW!

Unfortunately Walt didn't build WDW.

Now for the other part California has better:
1- rides (think POTC, INDY, SPACE, Fireworks, Fantasmic!, WOC, Stage Shows in Aladdin, Parades, IASM, Fantasyland!!!, etc.

2- Weather. Hands down. Would you rather be sweating in 100 degree temps and humidity or loving the CA weather? Oh yeah don't forget the downpour everyday in the summer.

3- Pacific Ocean. No denying its better then the gulf or the Atlantic.

4- Would I rather see Universal in Florida or see San Diego, Yosemite National Park, San Fran, Monterey, Santa Barbra, Redwoods, Catalina.......please don't go there about Florida. It sucks. Been there, seen everything and trust me it doesn't compare.

5 - My favorite quote. "There's an answer the old timers at Disney like to give when asked to compare the Anaheim and Orlando main parks, and to me it still applies as to how they are currently run: Disneyland is a park designed by a father for his daughters, while the Magic Kingdom is designed by a committee for the hordes.