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

[HydroGuy]

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.

I agree with much of what you are saying. For me my first time at MK happened when I was just past 40. What helped me at MK were the things that were unique to MK (Philharmagic/Hall of Presidents) or had at one time been at DL (Country Bear Jamboree/Carousel of Progress/Tomorrowland Transit Authority (People Mover)/Astro Orbiter (above TL like it used to be at DL) or just plain better (Splash Mtn).

I embraced MK pretty quickly and enjoy it whenever I am there now.

 

[nervous1sttimer]

I have not read every post and almost hesitated to comment since this is a very touchy subject (particularly on a DLR board) but we were there 8/25-8/31 and I ABSOLUTLELY felt a difference from WDW. While I hesitate to call one "better" than the other, I 100% preferred WDW to DLR.

DLR is smaller. And that can absolutely be a benefit. But that also has an impact on overall experience. I also noticed the "regulars" or DLR AP holders impacting our trip. On an August trip report before we left, someone mentioned being snapped at by an AP holder in the park about referring to "Space" instead of "Space Mountain." *** is that about? We saw that attitude all over the place, and although we never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome (as I absolutely would have in the Space Mountain example) there were lots of other experiences where it became clear to me that DLR is a local park.

Legends of Frontierland is a prime example. My son had a great time playing this one afternoon, but I cannot say that I was not creeped out by the local kids (not CMs) who were dressed up in corsets and western wear and part of the game, giving instruction to and interacting with my son. All these people were perfectly polite, but it was obvious they were not CMs and it felt strange to me to have them be such integral parts of the experience.

I also love at WDW looking at the name tags and seeing people from all over the world. While, yes, we saw international name tags at DLR, 90% of the tags we saw had SoCal counties listed. There is a big difference between European, Latin America, Asian, and cross-North American CMs and the huge majority being from SoCal. It made the park feel different.

Lastly, on our very first day, I did a double-take crossing at the light into the park when I was walking with CMs in their restaurant/ride uniforms. To see someone dressed to work in Fantasyland, who is carrying an Adventure Time or Walking Dead lunch bag and talking on their cellphone, it interrupts the magic. Again, it's not an experience killer, it's just something that doesn't happen at WDW and a big part of the difference. There is a bubble at WDW that doesn't exist at DLR. You may not care, but it's true.

Did we enjoy DLR? Of course! Was it as magical as WDW? No. Did it feel different? 100%, absolutely. To each their own.

 

[nervous1sttimer]

those darn stores at the end of each ride. It seems that at WDW, each ride they add almost always exits into some store for you to buy things from.

Aside from the ease of hopping (and IMO they should just call it one big park instead of two separate ones anyway), this was the only thing I preferred at DLR to WDW. I noticed it right away!

 

[nervous1sttimer]

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.

As someone who only came to DLR for the races, let me just say that I was SHOCKED when there were no fireworks at the race start. I started at the front for the 10K and the half-marathon and all I could think was "this is not how it would happen at WDW." The PHM has fireworks for every corral! All we got was a few red flares during the national anthem. And I know that has to do with the City of Anaheim regulations - but it's just another example of DLR vs WDW experience.

 

[Aspoonfullofsugar]

When I was a child, we lived in Orange County and Disneyland was my home park. Later we moved to the East and Disneyworld was where we went. I'm old enough that I've been to Disneyworld when they only had the Magic Kingdom so for a long time they both felt very similar. I had children and kept going to Disneyworld as they added more parks. I very much enjoyed it. Until this year the last time we went to Disneyworld was about 15 years ago.

We moved to CA about 10 years ago and began to visit Disneyland once again and my husband and I got season passes. We visit several times a year. I love both parks and enjoy differnt things about both of them but I always wonder about people who feel that they are more in the Disney bubble at Disneyworld. When exactly do they feel in that bubble? The resorts are very nice. I do wish Disneyland had moderate resorts (and NO good neighbor hotels are NO substitute for a Disney moderate resort. No comparison). Is it when they head to a bus stop to wait for a bus? Is it when they roast in the humidity waiting for one to show up that actually has room left? Is when they stand there in the aisle trying to hold on to something for a long time as they drive to their park? No matter where you stay at Disneyworld eventually, if you visit all the parks, you are in for a very long ride on a crowded bus. Everyone need to plan on a very long window both to get to a park and then to return back to the hotel when they are already tired from the day. Add an extra hour or so standing in the aisle bouncing around on a bus. How is that the Disney bubble?

I really feel more in the bubble at Disneyland. I can walk from my hotel through Downtown Disney right to the park. I can go from park to park in a matter of minutes. If I'm tired I have a quick walk back to my hotel. It's very easy to get from place to place. I actually feel more in the Disney bubble at Disneyland than Disneyworld.

 

[grnflash]

I have not read every post and almost hesitated to comment since this is a very touchy subject (particularly on a DLR board) but we were there 8/25-8/31 and I ABSOLUTLELY felt a difference from WDW. While I hesitate to call one "better" than the other, I 100% preferred WDW to DLR.

DLR is smaller. And that can absolutely be a benefit. But that also has an impact on overall experience. I also noticed the "regulars" or DLR AP holders impacting our trip. On an August trip report before we left, someone mentioned being snapped at by an AP holder in the park about referring to "Space" instead of "Space Mountain." *** is that about? We saw that attitude all over the place, and although we never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome (as I absolutely would have in the Space Mountain example) there were lots of other experiences where it became clear to me that DLR is a local park.

Legends of Frontierland is a prime example. My son had a great time playing this one afternoon, but I cannot say that I was not creeped out by the local kids (not CMs) who were dressed up in corsets and western wear and part of the game, giving instruction to and interacting with my son. All these people were perfectly polite, but it was obvious they were not CMs and it felt strange to me to have them be such integral parts of the experience.

I also love at WDW looking at the name tags and seeing people from all over the world. While, yes, we saw international name tags at DLR, 90% of the tags we saw had SoCal counties listed. There is a big difference between European, Latin America, Asian, and cross-North American CMs and the huge majority being from SoCal. It made the park feel different.

Lastly, on our very first day, I did a double-take crossing at the light into the park when I was walking with CMs in their restaurant/ride uniforms. To see someone dressed to work in Fantasyland, who is carrying an Adventure Time or Walking Dead lunch bag and talking on their cellphone, it interrupts the magic. Again, it's not an experience killer, it's just something that doesn't happen at WDW and a big part of the difference. There is a bubble at WDW that doesn't exist at DLR. You may not care, but it's true.

Did we enjoy DLR? Of course! Was it as magical as WDW? No. Did it feel different? 100%, absolutely. To each their own.

Good post! And no need hesitate, this is a really friendly board. DL'ers in general aren't really defensive about park flaws and whatnot. It's kinda the opposite actually, and what they're so protective about is park quality - so discussing flaws/dislikes is accepted, sometimes encouraged.

And even though my magic is found at DL, I agree with all your main points. I'm used to seeing the CM's in costume out and about so I don't really notice it anymore, but I definitely did when they first started doing this. And the different nametag locations are fun to see at WDW.

As for the ride name police, yeah they're out there. But I've been going to DL since before there was a Space Mountain - and it's "Space", "Haunted" and even "Soarin" (yikes!) to me. So while overall I do think that the largely local audience contributes to many of the high standards at DL, there's always a few who take things too far.

Anyway, glad you enjoyed your trip! Hope you make it back again.

 

[grnflash]

When I was a child, we lived in Orange County and Disneyland was my home park. Later we moved to the East and Disneyworld was where we went. I'm old enough that I've been to Disneyworld when they only had the Magic Kingdom so for a long time they both felt very similar. I had children and kept going to Disneyworld as they added more parks. I very much enjoyed it. Until this year the last time we went to Disneyworld was about 15 years ago.

We moved to CA about 10 years ago and began to visit Disneyland once again and my husband and I got season passes. We visit several times a year. I love both parks and enjoy differnt things about both of them but I always wonder about people who feel that they are more in the Disney bubble at Disneyworld. When exactly do they feel in that bubble? The resorts are very nice. I do wish Disneyland had moderate resorts (and NO good neighbor hotels are NO substitute for a Disney moderate resort. No comparison). Is it when they head to a bus stop to wait for a bus? Is it when they roast in the humidity waiting for one to show up that actually has room left? Is when they stand there in the aisle trying to hold on to something for a long time as they drive to their park? No matter where you stay at Disneyworld eventually, if you visit all the parks, you are in for a very long ride on a crowded bus. Everyone need to plan on a very long window both to get to a park and then to return back to the hotel when they are already tired from the day. Add an extra hour or so standing in the aisle bouncing around on a bus. How is that the Disney bubble?

I really feel more in the bubble at Disneyland. I can walk from my hotel through Downtown Disney right to the park. I can go from park to park in a matter of minutes. If I'm tired I have a quick walk back to my hotel. It's very easy to get from place to place. I actually feel more in the Disney bubble at Disneyland than Disneyworld.

I know a lot of people do not like the buses, but the week we were there, we had nothing short of an excellent experience with them. And it was the first week of August - crowded, and hot & humid 24/7. But we had absolutely zero troubles with the buses and actually appreciated the transportation.

It probably helped that our strategy was to rope drop every morning at a recommended park that did not have early entry. So we never waited a long time for a bus, they were never full in the am, we always got a seat. Coming back for a pool break was much the same, though leaving at night we did stand a few times. We also stayed at a central hotel (POR) so trip lengths were more like 15 - 20 min, except maybe to AK.

Outside of the parks, I absolutely felt more of a Disney bubble. Unfortunately, it was inside the parks that the bubble broke.

 

[B-Ride]

As first time (with the kids) Disneyland visitors and 9 time WDW visitors we definitely noticed the differences.

Disneyland had some big pros. We stayed at the Grand Californian and walking everywhere was a big plus. As late August regulars the lack of rain and humidity was also great as much as I felt sorry for California residents having to deal with a terrible drought.

As for the parks I felt that Disneyland packed a lot into its two parks with the extra headliners at each. Sure there was some noticeable attractions missing (Mickey's Philharmagic the most noticeable) but many of the headliners were there or had comparable rides. In fact we had fun calling RSR Test Track West and Indiana Jones Dinosaur Jones.

We definitely felt we were at Disney, just not Disney World. Makes sense since we weren't at Disney World. The atmosphere at Magic Kingdom has its own special feel and the music we hear walking around Epcot is part of the experience.

Still, we loved Disneyland and would recommend it to anyone planning a trip to California as we were. This vacation was a trip to San Francisco and a drive down the coast so visiting Disneyland was a no brainer for our Disney family.

 

[MontanaMickey]

My family has always had magical experiences at DL. About a week ago my sister took her friend (whom had not been to DL for years) and her two little girls, 5 and 7. The girls are very tall for their age and Mom insisted they would love SM and IJ. Needless to say my Sister had a hard time talking them into going on Ariel's! Two CMs nearby overheard the conversation and one got down to the 5yo's level and had a long and sincere conversation. This was all it took to change their minds, and at the end Ariel's, the other CM was waiting with 2 special Fastpasses to go on any ride (even front of the line on non-fastpass rides!) It was so sweet and the kind of magical experience tat makes DL amazing!

 

[dsny1mom]

Legends of Frontierland is a prime example. My son had a great time playing this one afternoon, but I cannot say that I was not creeped out by the local kids (not CMs) who were dressed up in corsets and western wear and part of the game, giving instruction to and interacting with my son. All these people were perfectly polite, but it was obvious they were not CMs and it felt strange to me to have them be such integral parts of the experience.

Legends was designed for guests to interact with other guests. CMs ask guests to assist other guests with the game, so it is not something they are doing on their own. The objective of the game is for guests to become a part of the story, so some do dress up (although I too felt the gal in the corset was a bit much), become a part of Frontierland and have fun! Guest interaction is encouraged to the largest degree, with titles of Hero and Legend being given to the guests that are the most creative and helpful to others! And it's not just regulars that receive these titles. I saw multiple day guests receive titles 8/31-9/1.

The game spans a large area and at times there are 100's playing so there is no way Disney could have enough CMs there assisting all the guests in playing, hence the guest involvement.

This is the first time this type of entertainment has been attempted in any Disney park. They are still adjusting and trying to determine if interactive role playing games like Legends is a viable addition to Disney parks. For the most part it is working at DL. Not sure how well it would work at DW as they just don't have the regular customer base DL has. To advance the story and for the game to work it is necessary for people to return multiple times.

Glad your son had fun! No one knows if Legends will ever surface again after it goes away 9/27, so consider yourselves lucky that you had a chance to be a part of a very fun and unique type of entertainment.

dsny1mom

 

[fairestoneofall]

i grew up going to WDW. DH and i visited DL for the first time this past weekend for Dumbo Double Dare. and i am SO in love with DL. yes, it is different, but still wonderful. i honestly think it has a little more magic to it. we saw fewer grumpy CMs. and i really adored the more quaint feeling of the parks. i didn't love the tiny pathways though.

both parks have their pros and cons. i know i'll visit WDW more because we live in SC and it's a quick drive down there. but i also know that i want to get my kids back to DL because they would adore it too.

we really loved being able to walk between the parks. and we didn't have to ride a single bus while there!

 

[ClaraOswald]

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.

I don't think anyone here is saying that ONE thing makes a certain park better than the other. But some things may play a larger role in whether or not someone prefers a specific park. I like all of the parks I've visited for various reason (well, Hollywood Studios is fairly awful) but I would still call Disneyland my favorite. There isn't just ONE thing that makes it better, overall, for me.

I have not read every post and almost hesitated to comment since this is a very touchy subject (particularly on a DLR board) but we were there 8/25-8/31 and I ABSOLUTLELY felt a difference from WDW. While I hesitate to call one "better" than the other, I 100% preferred WDW to DLR.

DLR is smaller. And that can absolutely be a benefit. But that also has an impact on overall experience. I also noticed the "regulars" or DLR AP holders impacting our trip. On an August trip report before we left, someone mentioned being snapped at by an AP holder in the park about referring to "Space" instead of "Space Mountain." *** is that about? We saw that attitude all over the place, and although we never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome (as I absolutely would have in the Space Mountain example) there were lots of other experiences where it became clear to me that DLR is a local park.

Legends of Frontierland is a prime example. My son had a great time playing this one afternoon, but I cannot say that I was not creeped out by the local kids (not CMs) who were dressed up in corsets and western wear and part of the game, giving instruction to and interacting with my son. All these people were perfectly polite, but it was obvious they were not CMs and it felt strange to me to have them be such integral parts of the experience.

I also love at WDW looking at the name tags and seeing people from all over the world. While, yes, we saw international name tags at DLR, 90% of the tags we saw had SoCal counties listed. There is a big difference between European, Latin America, Asian, and cross-North American CMs and the huge majority being from SoCal. It made the park feel different.

Lastly, on our very first day, I did a double-take crossing at the light into the park when I was walking with CMs in their restaurant/ride uniforms. To see someone dressed to work in Fantasyland, who is carrying an Adventure Time or Walking Dead lunch bag and talking on their cellphone, it interrupts the magic. Again, it's not an experience killer, it's just something that doesn't happen at WDW and a big part of the difference. There is a bubble at WDW that doesn't exist at DLR. You may not care, but it's true.

Did we enjoy DLR? Of course! Was it as magical as WDW? No. Did it feel different? 100%, absolutely. To each their own.

I guess the CMs outside the parks never really bothered me much since I'm an adult and I know these are real people with real lives outside of work.

 

[SusanMatt]

I don't understand some of the (albeit polite) criticisms some have of Disneyland related to the cast members.

For example the issue of not having more cast members from around the world doesn't seem like a deficiency to me. Even a 1958 company report about Disneyland proudly proclaimed, "A survey of the staff reveals that the composite average Disneyland employee...lives in Orange County, spends the great majority of his earnings in the county...," (The Disneyland Story, Sam Gennawey). The company was and is proud to be a member of the community that helps support the community, city, state it lives in.

Also, this issue of seeing cast members arriving for work with costumes on. I'm happy to see and appreciate cast members as regular people.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We stay at Candy Cane Inn and walk back to our room at the end of the day. We pass that little pick up/drop off area and often see CMs there waiting for a ride. It has always reminded me of those old cartoons where the wolf and the dog spend all day together- one is trying to get the sheep, the other protecting them. At the end of the day, they clock out together, have a pleasant chat, and go home. This what seeing the CMs at the end of day makes me think of. We spend all day playing our parts and at the end of the day we all leave. I've always kind of liked that.

 

[HydroGuy]

I don't think anyone here is saying that ONE thing makes a certain park better than the other. But some things may play a larger role in whether or not someone prefers a specific park. I like all of the parks I've visited for various reason (well, Hollywood Studios is fairly awful) but I would still call Disneyland my favorite. There isn't just ONE thing that makes it better, overall, for me.

It is not uncommon to hear sentiments that focus on one thing a making a resort better. Often it is "WDW is better because it offers a whole vacation experience".

I think a lot of more thoughtful folks understand that it is more than one thing.

 

[fairestoneofall]

i don't think seeing the CMs is a bad thing. but for those of us who've grown up at WDW, it is a little odd. seeing the Photopass or food service CMs didn't bother me. but i'll admit to being a little taken aback when i passed a TOT bellhop. that doesn't happen at WDW, so it was a little surprising at first.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Does Disneyland have a college program like WDW? If not, I'm sure that's a big reason people from around the country don't end up at DLR. Plus, they don't have an Epcot...which likes to employ people from specific countries.

I honestly don't pay much attention to where the CMs are from though.

 

[nervous1sttimer]

I guess the CMs outside the parks never really bothered me much since I'm an adult and I know these are real people with real lives outside of work.

This is really unnecessary. And an example of the attitude I was talking about in that post!

 

[ClaraOswald]

This is really unnecessary. And an example of the attitude I was talking about in that post!

I don't think it's unnecessary for me to give my perspective on this public forum. (Side note - I am not one of those southern California locals. I am a Midwesterner.)

 

[Suvadoo]

Actually, I think this has been a really pleasant thread, for the most part. It was nice hearing what others have to say. That being said, FP+ is total garbage, IMO and I hope it doesn't ruin DLR.