Anyone else feel a "difference" between DL and WDW?

[drinkme]

Hmmm......well, I notice a different feel, definitely. But I find the magic at DLR. I used to feel it at WDW, but it has gotten so overcrowded. I don't think the changes they have made have enhanced that magical feeling. I just hope that DLR doesn't go in the same direction.

Same with me. The magic is there at DLR. WDW used to almost be just as magical as DLR, but not anymore. It's getting too hard to feel the magic at WDW.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Do things like this happen at WDW? If not, they should.

http://instagram.com/p/sYVoshJSNR/

 

[RnbwSktles]

Just back from my 2nd (but don't really remember the first) trip to DLR! I ended up going to CA first due to things, so that may have ruined the magic a little for me. The biggest difference and "unmagical" thing I noticed was the demeanor of the CMs. For many of the younger CMs, this just seemed like any part-time job to them, not the magical once-in-a-lifetime experience it seems to be for many CPs in WDW. Some examples:

1) The CMs at ToT were not in character at all, which really disappointed me. They were joking around, with one making faces and hand puppet things behind the other who was giving his safety spiel.

2) I also had two CMs talking over my sled on the Matterhorn. I have no idea what they were talking about at the time, but the female said to one of the guests in front of me "Oh, he's just mad because we used to date and I broke up with him." I don't mind this kind of talk anywhere else, but it just seems out of place at Disney.

3) While sitting at the rope in the hub waiting for opening, two male CMs were talking to some adults also waiting at the rope. Their conversation led to them discussing their managers and the various things they are allowed to get away with during their job. Again, this just seemed out of place at Disney. Are the CMs at WDW just under stricter rules?

I also think the lack of utilidors really takes away from the magic as well. I didn't like seeing CMs in uniform walking past my hotel on Harbor, and I really hated seeing one walk briskly across the hub right before park opening carrying her [some name brand clothing store] bag and purse.

There are a lot of things that I did love about DLR though Some of the rides are better, I like the overall feel of Fantasyland better. Cars Land is phenomenal! I loved that my hotel was a 5 minute walk from the gate, even though I hated leaving the "bubble."

Overall, DLR grew on me during my stay, but WDW is still my favorite

 

[GatorChris]

Let me say this, too. In just browsing about WDW, I get stressed out. There's TOO MUCH to plan for, consider.

When I planned my first trip to Anaheim, I was nothing but excited and it was easy.

Another reason why I lean WDW. For me, DL doesn't have enough to plan for. Though I'm not a fan of planning for FP+, there's just so much to do at WDW. You can never run out options there. DL is definitely easier, but I do feel like I'm a bit short changed by the end of day 4.

 

[GatorChris]

Oh, and one thing I can't believe I haven't brought up yet. There's lots of discussion here about objective data, but this is subjective and completely quantitative.

Fireworks!

I like doing Disney in the off-season. In fact, that's when I always go. It's not as crowded and not as hot. But at DL, that means sacrificing fireworks until the weekend. I'm glad that DCA has WoC (if you can manage to see it over all the basketball players that normally get in front of us), because it's nightly. To me, a Disney day isn't complete without a nighttime show. At WDW, you have incredible fireworks at MK and at Epcot EVERY NIGHT OF THE ENTIRE YEAR! Same with Fantasmic! It goes all year long. In order to get this at DL, I need to cook under the sun and be jammed in with capacity crowds. At WDW, I can have small crowds, good weather AND fireworks each night.

I just picked up an AP for DL this year - fireworks on a nightly basis is the one big thing I know I'll miss from my FL trips. Christmas-time does provide nightly fireworks, but they're only 10 minutes long and don't compare to regular DL show. I know there's a lot of people that live near DL, so they can't launch every night. But didn't those same people move there knowing that DL does fireworks? It's like moving next to a dairy and telling the cows to fart and poop just on the weekends. Ugh.

 

[RnbwSktles]

Another reason why I lean WDW. For me, DL doesn't have enough to plan for. Though I'm not a fan of planning for FP+, there's just so much to do at WDW. You can never run out options there. DL is definitely easier, but I do feel like I'm a bit short changed by the end of day 4.

It's funny, I realized on my recent trip that I actually don't like legacy FP all that much anymore! There were so many times where I thought about going to a ride to see if there were FP left and I just couldn't muster up the energy to walk over! Walk to IJ to discover it's broken, so try Splash instead. The FP time doesn't work for me or is all gone. The only other ride I really want to do that needs a FP is Space

At times I like spontaneity, but other times a lack of schedule leads me to end up doing nothing! The mornings typically go well, but later in the day I go from ride to ride looking for one that has FP left, or a line short enough to wait on, and I come up with nothing. So I check out a show and find out the next one is over an hour away. How about a character meet? Eh, the lines are still a little long or the character is on break. I'll admit I was a little lazy on this past trip It would have been nice to have some guaranteed things to do in the afternoon.

 

[Disney0010]

We are currently at DL. First time back here since 1988. I have been to WDW over 100 times. We all have our lown favorites but I will take WDW every single day. DL felt compact and very crowded and the park was far from full. Fantasyland is so small. Some may call it intimate but I call it cramped. I agree that some of the rides like POTC and SM are much better at DL.

WDW feels like a resort and I love Epcot. Was not a fan of DCA. RSR does not match that of Test Track. Very little at DCA appealed to us. In the end to each their own. It's great that we gave choices to choose what we like best.

 

[HydroGuy]

We are currently at DL. First time back here since 1988. I have been to WDW over 100 times. We all have our lown favorites but I will take WDW every single day. DL felt compact and very crowded and the park was far from full. Fantasyland is so small. Some may call it intimate but I call it cramped. I agree that some of the rides like POTC and SM are much better at DL.

WDW feels like a resort and I love Epcot. Was not a fan of DCA. RSR does not match that of Test Track. Very little at DCA appealed to us. In the end to each their own. It's great that we gave choices to choose what we like best.

I would say that "WDW feels like a resort" has nothing to do with whether WDW is "better" - unless one's definition is that a resort feeling is what makes it better. Which has very little to do with "Disney" itself and much more to do with the offerings, space and services outside the parks.

I am fine with that definition, but just need to point out for the general readership here that other definitions are equally valid.

To wit...

WDW is better because it feels more like a resort (already stated by the PP)

DLR is better because the weather is better especially in the summer

WDW is better because it is much larger and has more parks

DLR is better because it is easier to navigate and does not require buses, boats or trams

WDW is better because of Epcot

DLR is better because it has been getting lots more new rides and shows in recent years

WDW is better because it has MyMagic+ and FP+

DLR is better because it does not have MyMagic+ and FP+

WDW is better because it feels more immersive

DLR is better because it has better shows

WDW is better because I can spend an entire vacation there

DLR is better because it has the best theme park in the world - Disneyland


One can go and on.

Having visited Tokyo Disney and Disney Paris as well, I can say all the resorts have things about them that are better than the other resorts. Taking one particular thing as the definition of "better" is likely to result in one not enjoying things as much as they otherwise might have.

 

[DizMe]

I would say that "WDW feels like a resort" has nothing to do with whether WDW is "better" - unless one's definition is that a resort feeling is what makes it better. Which has very little to do with "Disney" itself and much more to do with the offerings, space and services outside the parks.

I am fine with that definition, but just need to point out for the general readership here that other definitions are equally valid.

To wit...

WDW is better because it feels more like a resort (already stated by the PP)

DLR is better because the weather is better especially in the summer

WDW is better because it is much larger and has more parks

DLR is better because it is easier to navigate and does not require buses, boats or trams

WDW is better because of Epcot

DLR is better because it has been getting lots more new rides and shows in recent years

WDW is better because it has MyMagic+ and FP+

DLR is better because it does not have MyMagic+ and FP+

WDW is better because it feels more immersive

DLR is better because it has better shows

WDW is better because I can spend an entire vacation there

DLR is better because it has the best theme park in the world - Disneyland


One can go and on.

Having visited Tokyo Disney and Disney Paris as well, I can say all the resorts have things about them that are better than the other resorts. Taking one particular thing as the definition of "better" is likely to result in one not enjoying things as much as they otherwise might have.

Very well said, HydroGuy!

 

[adventuregirl]

This thread actually made me feel better about never having been to WDW. I would still like to go someday, but I think DLR will always hold that magic for me. It was my first mainland vacation with my cousins (I grew up in Hawaii, so it was a big deal for my whole family to go to the mainland). My grandfather would ride all the coasters with us. I have been there as a teen with my best friend, as a new mom with a toddler, again (and again) with 2 children finally old enough to go on the "big rides" and will be there next month with my Mom, Aunt and now teen daughter. I will bet that WDW would be an awesome vacation, but those things that make a park special are often built on the memories of all the times that came before and the ability to share them.

Also, NOS is my favorite place in the park. My mouth is watering at the thought of beignets with the sound of sweet jazz in the background!

So, instead of WDW as the next big Disney destination, we have chosen Tokyo. I can't wait to see what special things we find there.

 

[ClaraOswald]

This thread actually made me feel better about never having been to WDW. I would still like to go someday, but I think DLR will always hold that magic for me. It was my first mainland vacation with my cousins (I grew up in Hawaii, so it was a big deal for my whole family to go to the mainland). My grandfather would ride all the coasters with us. I have been there as a teen with my best friend, as a new mom with a toddler, again (and again) with 2 children finally old enough to go on the "big rides" and will be there next month with my Mom, Aunt and now teen daughter. I will bet that WDW would be an awesome vacation, but those things that make a park special are often built on the memories of all the times that came before and the ability to share them.

Also, NOS is my favorite place in the park. My mouth is watering at the thought of beignets with the sound of sweet jazz in the background!

So, instead of WDW as the next big Disney destination, we have chosen Tokyo. I can't wait to see what special things we find there.

If you do ever go to WDW, based on your love of NOS and beignets...you should stay at Port Orleans French Quarter resort.

 

[HydroGuy]

This thread actually made me feel better about never having been to WDW. I would still like to go someday, but I think DLR will always hold that magic for me. It was my first mainland vacation with my cousins (I grew up in Hawaii, so it was a big deal for my whole family to go to the mainland). My grandfather would ride all the coasters with us. I have been there as a teen with my best friend, as a new mom with a toddler, again (and again) with 2 children finally old enough to go on the "big rides" and will be there next month with my Mom, Aunt and now teen daughter. I will bet that WDW would be an awesome vacation, but those things that make a park special are often built on the memories of all the times that came before and the ability to share them.

Also, NOS is my favorite place in the park. My mouth is watering at the thought of beignets with the sound of sweet jazz in the background!

So, instead of WDW as the next big Disney destination, we have chosen Tokyo. I can't wait to see what special things we find there.

Your original experiences especially as children are of course often central to how one feels about the various resorts. Some folks who are fascinated by Disney magic want to see it in other context like WDW or TDR. Going to WDW is definitely worth it IMO. TDR the same for those who can manage it. Have a good trip to TDR!

 

[Nole95]

We went to DL/DCA for the first time last week. Here are out thoughts.

Disneyland
For things we were able to ride we thought the DL versions of Pirates, Big Thunder, Space Mountain were all better than their WDW counterparts.
We felt Splash and Small World are better at WDW.

We knew DL would be small, but it is really more compacted than we even expected. Especially the Fantasyland area. DL always felt crowded even though the wait times were not bad. I think this is just because the walkways are not as wide.

California Adventure
We loved this park, and after reading some on what a disaster it was when it first opened, it is amazing what they have done with it. Perfect example of what Disney could do if they spent some money on Epcot and DHS. In our opinion, DCA is better than both Epcot and DHS. Easy to get around, great rides and theming.

Overall Resort Area
We stayed at Paradise Pier. Being able to walk everywhere was great and is probably the biggest advantage Disneyland has. Being able to quickly walk back to the hotel for a couple hours during the hottest part of the day is great. We could eat dinner at DD before heading back into the parks.

I will add that the majority of the counter service places in the parks serve much better food than their WDW counterparts. We did not have one bad counter service meal the whole time.

 

[Suvadoo]

I love both resorts, but I think DLR is far more magical because of the recent changes at WDW. If you want to use FP+ it takes a lot of planning. Also WDW seems to be increasing prices but not improving guest experiences, unless you want to attend a hard ticket event!

 

[Amommy21]

Just got back from a quirky Disney trip to DL, all courtesy of my mom....or the kids DGM. (thanks mom). I seem to feel a great difference between the two areas (DL vs WDW) and I was wondering if anyone else "feels" the same way. I am not talking about the size, or rides...but that "Disney magic" feeling you get when you're at the parks. I keep comparing it to like if your hungry and go out to eat for say...steak. DL is sort of like going to "sizzler" but going to WDW is more like going to a four star restaurant and getting a nice aged cut of prime rib, or NY strip...it doesn't matter. Either way I get my fill, but the EXPERIENCE and satisfaction is different. Hey, I'm not knocking either place, but I can't help this "feeling". Anyone else? And if so, HOW?

We TOTALLY notice a difference between the parks and feel like Disney LAND is much, much better atmosphere. We feel WDW is more "touristy" and cheesy. We like the intimate feeling of vintage Disney at Disneyland. WDW seems built for stroller parking... so big and sprawled out there isn't as much to find in every nook and corner.

As for dining, Disneyland does have more counter service... which is well, counter service, cafeteria style. But we always eat at Napa Rose, Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle and Storytellers at some point during our trip and feel they are nice enough for us to feel "special."

I felt like more part of the herd at WDW. We have been twice now. Once when DS was small and once recently. We stayed at French Quarter the first time and Beach Club the last time. While they were fine resorts and I would totally choose Beach Club again, I'd rather have three days at The Grand in Disneyland anytime. I just don't like WDW as much AT ALL! In fact it's what makes me understand people who aren't into Disney Parks.

 

[Amommy21]

I love both resorts, but I think DLR is far more magical because of the recent changes at WDW. If you want to use FP+ it takes a lot of planning. Also WDW seems to be increasing prices but not improving guest experiences, unless you want to attend a hard ticket event!

The planning part of WDW takes all the fun away for me. And when you don't go all the time, have to spend your entire first day traveling just to get there it's frustrating to figure out how best to navigate the parks and plan your day. Making reservations 6 months in advance and now rides is just ruining the fun for us. We often don't even plan to go until a couple months before a trip or sometimes sooner.

I always tell myself next time we go to WDW with a whole different attitude and try to "do it right" but it's just an exhausting trip for us and never as much fun.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

...I just don't like WDW as much AT ALL! In fact it's what makes me understand people who aren't into Disney Parks.

I get this. We live in Chicago, and half the time I tell people we're Disneyland vets, they ask me how we can stand repeated visits to Disney. I *always* respond, "You've never been to Disneyland, have you?" And not one of them ever has. In my experience, they have always been people who have only been to WDW.

Of course, the other half respond by telling me how much they love Disneyland too. And then go down a list of all the things they love about WDW.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Your original experiences especially as children are of course often central to how one feels about the various resorts. Some folks who are fascinated by Disney magic want to see it in other context like WDW or TDR.

Not always true, though. I have wonderful WDW memories from my first two visits when I was in elementary school in the 1970s. I had a very positive feeling about WDW from then on, and after becoming a DLR vet in my early 30s, I always assumed the magical I felt (and feel) in Anaheim was similar to my childhood experience in Orlando. But last year when I visited WDW for the first time as an adult, it didn't feel magical at all to me and was a pretty big letdown. Perhaps it's different if you grow up with regular, more frequent visits to one resort or the other?

 

[ClaraOswald]

Not always true, though. I have wonderful WDW memories from my first two visits when I was in elementary school in the 1970s. I had a very positive feeling about WDW from then on, and after becoming a DLR vet in my early 30s, I always assumed the magical I felt (and feel) in Anaheim was similar to my childhood experience in Orlando. But last year when I visited WDW for the first time as an adult, it didn't feel magical at all to me and was a pretty big letdown. Perhaps it's different if you grow up with regular, more frequent visits to one resort or the other?

That was my experience as well. I went to WDW a handful of times as a child and LOVED it. I didn't go to Disneyland until I was an adult. I really do love all of the parks but if I had to choose my favorite, it would be Disneyland.

 

[DizMe]

I think one thing that influences a lot of people to prefer their "original" park is the fact that MK and DL are eerily similar in many ways so the differences throw you off. It's like going to a Target in another town and it's set up almost like the one at home but not quite. It gives you that Twilight Zone feeling.

When I first went to WDW, I thought so much was awesome. I loved everything that was different. But I found that I was constantly missing DL when we went to MK. It felt like DL, only "off"; it was like stepping through the looking glass. I was a lot younger and instead of just going with it, I missed the park I grew up with. If MK had been completely different, I think I would have liked it more! Instead, it felt like a bad copy of DL to me. I've always been afraid to go back and have that experience again. I also went in August and the weather was miserable.