Knotts has just as much history and heritage as Disneyland though and many fantastic entertainers like Krazy Kirk & the Hillbillies performed at Disney for many years.
He really not going to like the area outside of Disneyland. But that not stopping me to keep going. I been to Los Angeles and I couldn’t trade that city. Everywhere has problems.
I’m pretty used to it on the Strip but it is a bit sad to see it right outside the gates of DL, we just got back from a weekend at DL and the sidewalks along Harbor are getting busier every trip with people selling water, fruit, toys, playing music... this last trip there was even a guy with Parrots letting people take pictures with them (for a “donation”). I also don’t think we made a single trip to our hotel without passing a homeless person but they’re still pretty rare, maybe 1 or 2 in the half mile between the park and our hotel.
I agree with that take. Cause IMO most theme park fans aren't ride people. I find most like Disney and Universal more for the atmosphere then the rides.
And for me I like a balance on an attraction. Slow moving dark rides do nothing for me. I need some thrill for a ride to be enjoyable. IMO Disney needs more Tower of Terror type of attractions and less Remy. I find Universal is better at balancing thrill with attractions.
That will be an arguing point forever. I have nothing against thrill rides but that wasn't what Disney Parks were built on. Right now I think that Disney has just enough to not lose their original charm which really had no thrill rides other than a couple of mountains but were so themed that the fact that they were coasters didn't break the atmosphere.
They’ve really turned the park around, especially after Matt Ouimet took over. They’ve poured so much money into fixing up all their rides, lands, & entertainment over the years, it’s helped tremendously. It’s kind of the real California Adventure as it represents California’s history really well.
Why are we bring this up right now? Let's stay on topic.
I'm sure cost is a factor for many US-based folks who have the convenience of being located near one or the other (US Disney parks). For those living overseas, like you, it's even worse. Comparatively speaking, staying at WDW, on-property is a much better value than DL, where there are only three on-site hotels, all of which are obscenely expensive and beyond the reach of the average person. The cost of living in CA is also generally much higher than FL, but the resort pricing at both coasts on a par (merchandise, food, etc.) with accommodations being the exception. I doubt you could stay at any CA-based Disney resort for less than $400 USD per night. As for the park experiences themselves, I have visited both and agree with those who have said that DLR is "better" than MK. And Disney California Adventure has improved a LOT since its inception IMHO and is definitely worth visiting. You can adequately experience both parks over a three day period.
Those external hotels at DL that Walt hated have turned out to be it's savior. The last time I was in DL was in 2005 at it's 50th Anniversary. I don't remember the street name (I think it was something like Disneyland Drive) had many Good Neighbor Hotels that were way less expensive and were within easy walking distance from the Disneyland entrance.
How did they make you feel like you weren't wanted? I have been a tourist from the east visiting DL several times and never got that vibe. Quite honestly I never got any sorta vibe at all and last visit had great convos with locals while in line. People seem more relaxed there which I prefer to the some WDW guest vibes of "We spent lots of money to be here and and we EXPECT and DESERVE MAGIC all the time"
