I grew up going to DL, was an AP when I lived in SoCal, never been to WDW. I'm planning a long DL trip for the first time ever- most of my visits to DL have been day trips. I love that you can do so much in even just a few hours at DL. From everything I've read, that doesn't really seem doable at WDW. I may want to give WDW a try one day, but DL has always seemed more affordable to me, mostly because I don't NEED to spend a whole week there to come away with a magical experience. Last time I was in DL, we had a late character breakfast, rode maybe 5 rides, watched the parade, met Tinkerbell, enjoyed the BB. It wasn't everyone's definition of perfect. We definitely took the time to smell the roses. But it was still magical. I've never been to DL and NOT had a wonderful time.
I had never even heard of this "bubble" thing until I'd started reading this and other Disney forums. I've still been confused by it, because to me the bubble or the magic is what happens in the park- it's the Disney experience in the park, in the moment. I don't mean any disrespect, but if you're taking the time to be bothered by outside interference (like city noise, or homeless people- poor things!- or seeing a street on the monorail, or whatever else takes you 'out of the bubble') then perhaps your focus has shifted. It's like going to Venice and only remembering the pigeons instead of the amazing architecture. If you are looking for the magic, you will find it!
For me the magic is in seeing the Castle or Spaceship Earth and losing myself in the park. It has nothing to do with walking, or transportation, or the resort, or trimmings. WDW is certainly more of a vacation resort. No argument. But I feel some people are confusing luxuries with magic
I love how you make this distinction between luxury and magic. This makes sense to me. I guess it's a matter of your priorities for a vacation. Am I here to experience the amusement park, or to be pampered at the hotel?
So, if a wonderful vacation to you means you need LUXURY, spend the moolah to stay at the GCH, pay for the extra club perks, insist on valet and a bell hop. You can have a resort experience in CA, too, if that's what magic means to you.
They can both be magical. I don’t feel the need to insult either experience to make the other seem superior. I love them both.
I think this is the perfect mindset! No need to compare, just enjoy!