Are you a traitor (Disney World vs Disneyland)?

[CaptainAmerica]

My biggest complaint about Disneyland is that you're completely screwed if the weather is bad. There are too many lines, restaurants, and rides themselves that are outdoors that the place basically grinds to a halt if it rains. I also much prefer FastPass+.

My favorite parks:

• Animal Kingdom
• Disneyland
• Magic Kingdom
• Epcot
• California Adventure
• Hollywood Studios

My favorite resorts:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Grand Californian
• Disneyland Hotel
• Wilderness Lodge
• Fort Wilderness

 

[Californian Elitist]

“Many areas of Anaheim are very dangerous...”

Me as an ex Anaheim resident:

 

[Stevek]

Have been to WDW 4 times and other than the extreme heat/humidity on our last visit, loved it every time. Really enjoyed being in the WDW bubble, truly immersed 100% of the time. So much to do and see outside of the parks...Disney Springs is great now, visited multiple hotels, tons of dining options, recreation. That being said, DL will always be my favorite purely for the history and sentimental reasons. I could not see myself making it a 9 day vacation destination on it's own like we have at WDW though.

 

[Stevek]

“Many areas of Anaheim are very dangerous...”

Me as an ex Anaheim resident:

I worked in Anaheim from 1992-2006 and "safety" was one of the reasons our leader (at the time) cited for us moving. We were at the corner of Harbor and Broadway in the Wells Fargo building and there were many homeless, several robberies of the bank and multiple bomb threats. However, I never felt unsafe (to be fair, we moved to Irvine which was much nicer). There are definitely some less desireable areas of Anaheim that I would likely not want to be at late at night but I can say that about many cities, including my current city of Corona.

 

[Stevek]

I would never fly all the way to Florida just to stay at WDW and WDW only for two weeks. I wouldn’t do it for one week. Sounds like a waste of time and a waste of good vacation time to me.

We did 9 days with our 2 daughters. Gave us 2 days each at MK & Epcot, 1 day each at AK & DHS and a couple of down days to visit the resorts or play at the pool. With girls at the age of 8 & 10, it was a great vacation where we could utilize Disney transportation to get everywhere and always felt safe because we were in the bubble. However, now that they are older, I could easily see them wanting to do other things like Uni along with Disney.

 

[Phroobar]

I worked in Anaheim from 1992-2006 and "safety" was one of the reasons our leader (at the time) cited for us moving. We were at the corner of Harbor and Broadway in the Wells Fargo building and there were many homeless, several robberies of the bank and multiple bomb threats. However, I never felt unsafe (to be fair, we moved to Irvine which was much nicer). There are definitely some less desireable areas of Anaheim that I would likely not want to be at late at night but I can say that about many cities, including my current city of Corona.

You haven't lived until you've walked the streets of Stanton at night.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I worked in Anaheim from 1992-2006 and "safety" was one of the reasons our leader (at the time) cited for us moving. We were at the corner of Harbor and Broadway in the Wells Fargo building and there were many homeless, several robberies of the bank and multiple bomb threats. However, I never felt unsafe (to be fair, we moved to Irvine which was much nicer). There are definitely some less desireable areas of Anaheim that I would likely not want to be at late at night but I can say that about many cities, including my current city of Corona.

I know the exact Wells Fargo building you’re referring to. I used to live within walking distance from it, right around the corner. I felt safe as well.

Banks will always get those types of threats, unfortunately, due to the nature of the establishment. I went to Fairfax High in Los Angeles, on the corner of Fairfax and Melrose, a wealthy and prestigious neighborhood. There’s a Chase bank down the street that had multiple robbery scares, so we were on lockdown during those times. Even nice areas get those scares. Like you said, it happens everywhere.

I feel safe in Anaheim at night, but I’m from South Central Los Angeles, so Anaheim is one of the last cities that scare me lol.

We did 9 days with our 2 daughters. Gave us 2 days each at MK & Epcot, 1 day each at AK & DHS and a couple of down days to visit the resorts or play at the pool. With girls at the age of 8 & 10, it was a great vacation where we could utilize Disney transportation to get everywhere and always felt safe because we were in the bubble. However, now that they are older, I could easily see them wanting to do other things like Uni along with Disney.

That’s awesome. I like theme parks, but when I hit up Florida, I will be looking for more local things to do and less touristy things. I really like small and quaint towns, so I will be looking to visit those, if there are any. I like unique experiences when I travel.

 

[socalifornian]

I know the exact Wells Fargo building you’re referring to. I used to live within walking distance from it, right around the corner. I felt safe as well.

Banks will always get those types of threats, unfortunately, due to the nature of the establishment. I went to Fairfax High in Los Angeles, on the corner of Fairfax and Melrose, a wealthy and prestigious neighborhood. There’s a Chase bank down the street that had multiple robbery scares, so we were on lockdown during those times. Even nice areas get those scares. Like you said, it happens everywhere.

I feel safe in Anaheim at night, but I’m from South Central Los Angeles, so Anaheim is one of the last cities that scare me lol.



That’s awesome. I like theme parks, but when I hit up Florida, I will be looking for more local things to do and less touristy things. I really like small and quaint towns, so I will be looking to visit those, if there are any. I like unique experiences when I travel.

Ale House was a popular place to go for their half off appetizers, just down the street from Disney Springs (Downtown Disney)
12371 Winter Garden Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32836

The old Dateline Disneyland writer from Micechat posted about a place called Bok Tower Gardens a while back

Finding magic beyond the kingdom at Bok Tower Gardens

Finding magic in Florida beyond the kingdom at Bok Tower Gardens

theworldkey.com

You could also tube down a river. I think Kelly Park might be the closest

There could be some more things but the Orlando area and its closest beaches generally just feel like a giant tourist trap. You might want to check out the Tampa/St. Petersburg area

 

[Kram Sacul]

I would never fly all the way to Florida just to stay at WDW and WDW only for two weeks. I wouldn’t do it for one week. Sounds like a waste of time and a waste of good vacation time to me.

Agreed. Have to go to Universal too.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Ale House was a popular place to go for their half off appetizers, just down the street from Disney Springs (Downtown Disney)
12371 Winter Garden Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32836

The old Dateline Disneyland writer from Micechat posted about a place called Bok Tower Gardens a while back

Finding magic beyond the kingdom at Bok Tower Gardens

Finding magic in Florida beyond the kingdom at Bok Tower Gardens

theworldkey.com

You could also tube down a river. I think Kelly Park might be the closest

There could be some more things but the Orlando area and its closest beaches generally just feel like a giant tourist trap. You might want to check out the Tampa/St. Petersburg area

Absolutely, I don’t plan to stay in Orlando the whole time. That’s the fun part about visiting new places, you venture out and explore more places.

I’m flying to Rome, Italy this July, however I’m planning to see Naples, Venice, possibly Florence, and other little pockets and areas. I don’t see the value in never leaving Rome.

 

[mickEblu]

Absolutely, I don’t plan to stay in Orlando the whole time. That’s the fun part about visiting new places, you venture out and explore more places.

I’m flying to Rome, Italy this July, however I’m planning to see Naples, Venice, possibly Florence, and other little pockets and areas. I don’t see the value in never leaving Rome.

Try to make it a little further down South to Sicily for a few days. You won’t regret it. And no I’m not biased as a Sicilian. Beautiful beaches, amazing food/ street food, and so much history. I remember once being at a night club one starry summer night in the middle of these rolling hills with remnants of a beautiful lit up Greek temple on another hill in the distance and thinking “ya Hollywood sucks.” Or another nightclub that was literally on the sand inside of this natural cove.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Try to make it a little further down South to Sicily for a few days. You won’t regret it. And no I’m not biased as a Sicilian. Beautiful beaches, amazing food/ street food, and so much history.

I was trying to make Sicily work, but based on my research, it doesn’t have that great of a public transportation system, which is essential for me. I’m so bummed, but I still may look into it!

 

[mickEblu]

@raven24 . I remember once being at a night club one starry summer night in the middle of these rolling hills with remnants of a beautiful lit up Greek temple on another hill in the distance and thinking “ya Hollywood sucks.” Or another nightclub that was literally on the sand inside of this natural cove.

The food consists of a lot of fresh seafood and great pasta dishes. Of course Sicily/ Palermo is known for having the best cannoli (the real deal is made from sheeps milk and might be an acquired taste) and ice cream in Italy. Get some ice cream in a brioche with panna (fresh whip cream). The pizza in Sicily was just good/ ok...Naples is the place for that.

My favorite thing to eat there is a street food called Pane e Panelle. They re fried chick pea fritters in a soft fresh roll. Squeeze lime, sprinkle salt and wash down with a cold beer.

 

[Phroobar]

Try to make it a little further down South to Sicily for a few days. You won’t regret it. And no I’m not biased as a Sicilian. Beautiful beaches, amazing food/ street food, and so much history. I remember once being at a night club one starry summer night in the middle of these rolling hills with remnants of a beautiful lit up Greek temple on another hill in the distance and thinking “ya Hollywood sucks.” Or another nightclub that was literally on the sand inside of this natural cove.

Did you meet anyone "special"?

 

[Darkbeer1]

Let me add, I wouldn't want to be in the WDW bubble, I would want to check out the WDW parks. But I would also want to spend a few days at Universal and its Hotels, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Cape Canaveral, Bargain Shopping, unique dining, etc.

I would feel trapped at WDW (the way Disney wants you to be).

 

[mickEblu]

Did you meet anyone "special"?

On the very last day of a month long trip. True story.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Let me add, I wouldn't want to be in the WDW bubble, I would want to check out the WDW parks. But I would also want to spend a few days at Universal and its Hotels, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Cape Canaveral, Bargain Shopping, unique dining, etc.

I would feel trapped at WDW (the way Disney wants you to be).

“Trapped” is the word that comes to mind when I think of staying on property and never leaving.

No, thanks.

 

[Stevek]

Let me add, I wouldn't want to be in the WDW bubble, I would want to check out the WDW parks. But I would also want to spend a few days at Universal and its Hotels, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Cape Canaveral, Bargain Shopping, unique dining, etc.

I would feel trapped at WDW (the way Disney wants you to be).

I think it feels different for different people. We never felt trapped, we felt completely immersed in Disney which is exactly what we wanted. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Little Green Men]

Absolutely, I don’t plan to stay in Orlando the whole time. That’s the fun part about visiting new places, you venture out and explore more places.

I’m flying to Rome, Italy this July, however I’m planning to see Naples, Venice, possibly Florence, and other little pockets and areas. I don’t see the value in never leaving Rome.

That's awesome! I went in 2015 and went to Rome, Milan, and Tuscany. Personally Rome was my least favorite of the 3, I did enjoy the Colosseum and the Vatican though.

 

[Californian Elitist]

That's awesome! I went in 2015 and went to Rome, Milan, and Tuscany. Personally Rome was my least favorite of the 3, I did enjoy the Colosseum and the Vatican though.

One of my best friends lives in Rome, so I have to visit him! The Colosseum is what intrigues me the most. After watching Gladiator when it was released, I’ve been fascinated with the Colosseum.