DL vs. WDW - My observations

[redfive13]

I just got back from DL last night and wanted to share some observations and am interested in hearing whether or not people agree or disagree...

Hotel: Stayed in a newly refurbished room at the Disneyland Hotel (in the newly redesigned Adventure tower). The room was really, really well done. Very contemporary, but with a classic Disney touch. They have a wooden headboard with the castle carved into it and it lights up to show fireworks and twinkling stars. Nice touch.
Dining plan is not so well executed in DL. You have to work off of paper vouchers, instead of it being loaded onto your room key. Everything was separate, room key, tickets & dining vouchers.

Park/Rides: My wife said it best, DL is charming, WDW is grand. I'm not knocking DL in anyway, I like it there... I just like WDW better.
POTC - The ride at DL is better, the queue at WDW wins.
SPACE MOUNTAIN - The same, ride is better in DL, queue is better in WDW
BIG THUNDER MTN - Could go either way...
IASW - I liked the ride better in WDW, queue better in DL. I have mixed feelings about the addition of characters in this ride. Some were done well (Alladin, Lilo & Stitch, Ariel) some were bad (Pinocchio, Toy Story).
FINDING NEMO - Blows WDW out of the water (pun intended...)
INDIANA JONES - There needs to be one in WDW
MONSTERS INC - Kind of a waste of time. Laugh floor is better.
Tiki Room - With out a doubt better than WDW
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR - Close one, I'll give it to WDW.
SOARIN - Great at both parks
TOWER OF TERROR - I'll give ride and queue to WDW. The rides are totally different, DL does not move through the ride. You go up and then you think your car is going to move through the ride, nope - you heading back down. Unexpected and fun!
I could go on and on about the rides...

Shows - The fireworks are not contest. WDW wins by a landslide. Wishes is awesome. Magical is good. I liked that Tinkerbell made a few appearances and hung around for longer, but the addition of a flying Dumbo was no good and kind of corny.
World of Color is the 2nd best show behind Wishes! It was spectacular. My only advice is try to watch it from a high vantage point. We had preferred seating and felt like we did not have the best few of the show.

All in all, it was an awesome trip! Can't wait to go to WDW next September!

 

[Shunasee]

Park/Rides:
BIG THUNDER MTN - Could go either way...
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR - Close one, I'll give it to WDW.

QUOTE]


I think that BTMR is *much* better at WDW. Its my fav ride at DLR (we are passholders), and the one at WDW was just amazing!!

I think the Buzz at DLR is better, as you can actully pick the gun up and point it at things. The one at WDW was very frustrating for me. I am not a good shot, but not being able to pick up the gun make it worse.

Wishes is one of the best fireworks shows around. The only one I like better is the Halloween Screams at DLR.

Cant wait to compare things again in February. :ROFLOL:

 

[Thrill]

It's really hard to compare the two because of the scope and bottom line of the two resorts. At WDW, there is much more to do, even beyond the parks themselves. Disneyland still covers most major E-Tickets, with a few exceptions, and some things are done better at either resort. The size of either resort can be looked at as an advantage or a disadvantage. On one side, you can do just about anything on WDW property, but getting from place to place is often a hassle. At Disneyland, everything on property is in walking distance. You'll also notice that Disneyland's attractions are updated more frequently due to the fact that most of the guests are locals and thus won't be too upset about missing an attraction or two, and the new things ensure that annual passes get renewed. It seems like WDW is more about big new attractions every couple of years and any refurbs that happen are usually overhauls, as opposed to DLR's smaller refurbs.

Anyway, I prefer WDW because it has attractions comparable to almost all of DLR's major attractions, as well as a few additional big attractions, Downtown Disney is much better at WDW, and we have two water parks.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

I haven't seen Magical (DL's summer show), but Remember is far superior to Wishes IMO.

 

[the-reason14]

I just got back from DL last night and wanted to share some observations and am interested in hearing whether or not people agree or disagree...

Park/Rides: My wife said it best, DL is charming, WDW is grand. I'm not knocking DL in anyway, I like it there... I just like WDW better.
POTC - The ride at DL is better, the queue at WDW wins.
SPACE MOUNTAIN - The same, ride is better in DL, queue is better in WDW
BIG THUNDER MTN - Could go either way...
IASW - I liked the ride better in WDW, queue better in DL. I have mixed feelings about the addition of characters in this ride. Some were done well (Alladin, Lilo & Stitch, Ariel) some were bad (Pinocchio, Toy Story).

Disagree about Space mt. It's better in WDW, and overhyped at DL. Nice soundtrack, nice effects, horrible boring roller coaster.

I like the outside of IASW at DL, but the inside looks better in WDW.

Pirates, agree.

Thunder mt. I lean a bit more toward WDW's because of the "sinking town" that's missing at DL.

Oh ya, the fireworks, "Magical" was amazing at DL. I don't know if it's still running, but we saw it last year and it is way better than any fireworks show WDW has put together.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I haven't seen Magical (DL's summer show), but Remember is far superior to Wishes IMO.

Yes, Magical is the seasonal show that Disneyland runs in the summer. An accurate comparison would be Magical vs. Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular; Wishes needs to be compared to Remember...Dreams Come True.

Still, interesting to read your comparisons. :wave:

 

[spock]

I just got back from DL last night and wanted to share some observations and am interested in hearing whether or not people agree or disagree...

Hotel: Stayed in a newly refurbished room at the Disneyland Hotel (in the newly redesigned Adventure tower). The room was really, really well done. Very contemporary, but with a classic Disney touch. They have a wooden headboard with the castle carved into it and it lights up to show fireworks and twinkling stars. Nice touch.
Dining plan is not so well executed in DL. You have to work off of paper vouchers, instead of it being loaded onto your room key. Everything was separate, room key, tickets & dining vouchers.

Park/Rides: My wife said it best, DL is charming, WDW is grand. I'm not knocking DL in anyway, I like it there... I just like WDW better.
POTC - The ride at DL is better, the queue at WDW wins.
SPACE MOUNTAIN - The same, ride is better in DL, queue is better in WDW
BIG THUNDER MTN - Could go either way...
IASW - I liked the ride better in WDW, queue better in DL. I have mixed feelings about the addition of characters in this ride. Some were done well (Alladin, Lilo & Stitch, Ariel) some were bad (Pinocchio, Toy Story).
FINDING NEMO - Blows WDW out of the water (pun intended...)
INDIANA JONES - There needs to be one in WDW
MONSTERS INC - Kind of a waste of time. Laugh floor is better.
Tiki Room - With out a doubt better than WDW
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR - Close one, I'll give it to WDW.
SOARIN - Great at both parks
TOWER OF TERROR - I'll give ride and queue to WDW. The rides are totally different, DL does not move through the ride. You go up and then you think your car is going to move through the ride, nope - you heading back down. Unexpected and fun!
I could go on and on about the rides...

Shows - The fireworks are not contest. WDW wins by a landslide. Wishes is awesome. Magical is good. I liked that Tinkerbell made a few appearances and hung around for longer, but the addition of a flying Dumbo was no good and kind of corny.
World of Color is the 2nd best show behind Wishes! It was spectacular. My only advice is try to watch it from a high vantage point. We had preferred seating and felt like we did not have the best few of the show.

All in all, it was an awesome trip! Can't wait to go to WDW next September!

Glad you had a good trip! Overall I agree with most of your assessments, however it would be nice to read a little more rationale behind some of your comparisons. For example, you say Buzz Lightyear is "Close one, I'll give it to WDW". Just curious what it is about the WDW version that gives it the edge?

 

[redfive13]

Glad you had a good trip! Overall I agree with most of your assessments, however it would be nice to read a little more rationale behind some of your comparisons. For example, you say Buzz Lightyear is "Close one, I'll give it to WDW". Just curious what it is about the WDW version that gives it the edge?

I gave it to WDW because I like the fixed guns. I wasn't a fan of being able to pick it up. My wife on the other hand liked it better because the gun wasn't fixed... Besides that, the queues were comparable as well as the ride itself.

 

[BrerKev]

I love them both equally (just like a parent). They each bring their own unique charm to the table.

 

[WondersOfLife]

While Disneyland has the main history and is a classic, Disney World has got to be better in my opinion.

It seemed like the put more effort into WDW than DLR. Not saying they didn't do alot of work or anything but it's my opinion. WDW has alot more to do, it has 4 theme parks and as you see Disneyland is 2nd or 3rd on the scale to the best disney park and Magic Kingdom is even ranked 1st. The downfall of DLR is DCA, I heard t ranked lower than AK (i have never been there so i don't know but in my opinion, ranking lower than disney's AK has got to be the worst.) AK didn't appeal to me, worse in hot weather.

WDW has 4 parks, DLR has 2. not even gonna say how many resorts WDW has compared to DLR (cuz i don't know) but i've been to Disneyland once, i just think it ranks at #2 in the Disney theme park system.

 

[redfive13]

While Disneyland has the main history and is a classic, Disney World has got to be better in my opinion.

It seemed like the put more effort into WDW than DLR. Not saying they didn't do alot of work or anything but it's my opinion. WDW has alot more to do, it has 4 theme parks and as you see Disneyland is 2nd or 3rd on the scale to the best disney park and Magic Kingdom is even ranked 1st. The downfall of DLR is DCA, I heard t ranked lower than AK (i have never been there so i don't know but in my opinion, ranking lower than disney's AK has got to be the worst.) AK didn't appeal to me, worse in hot weather.

WDW has 4 parks, DLR has 2. not even gonna say how many resorts WDW has compared to DLR (cuz i don't know) but i've been to Disneyland once, i just think it ranks at #2 in the Disney theme park system.

FYI - I wasn't knocking either resort. They both have plenty of magic to offer everyone who attends. DLR is fantastic for its history and its use of limited space. DCA currently is under a much needed re-imagining, it looks like it will be a much better park when they are done with the changes. WDW is awesome as it should be with the scope of land, resorts, etc they have to work with. I love them both.

 

[_Scar]

If you could compare the cost of Disneyland Hotel per night basis to a hotel in WDW's price will you?

I'd love to stay here when and if I go, but I hope it's not too expensive. :/

 

[WondersOfLife]

FYI - I wasn't knocking either resort. They both have plenty of magic to offer everyone who attends. DLR is fantastic for its history and its use of limited space. DCA currently is under a much needed re-imagining, it looks like it will be a much better park when they are done with the changes. WDW is awesome as it should be with the scope of land, resorts, etc they have to work with. I love them both.

i love them both too. just sayin i prefer WDW to DLR

 

[spock]

I gave it to WDW because I like the fixed guns. I wasn't a fan of being able to pick it up. My wife on the other hand liked it better because the gun wasn't fixed... Besides that, the queues were comparable as well as the ride itself.

Yeah that makes sense. I was just curious what the reason was. Great thread by the way!! :wave:

 

[Thrill]

While Disneyland has the main history and is a classic, Disney World has got to be better in my opinion.

It seemed like the put more effort into WDW than DLR. Not saying they didn't do alot of work or anything but it's my opinion. WDW has alot more to do, it has 4 theme parks and as you see Disneyland is 2nd or 3rd on the scale to the best disney park and Magic Kingdom is even ranked 1st. The downfall of DLR is DCA, I heard t ranked lower than AK (i have never been there so i don't know but in my opinion, ranking lower than disney's AK has got to be the worst.) AK didn't appeal to me, worse in hot weather.

DCA vs. AK is a tough decision. In terms of attractions, DCA takes it with ease, having ToT, TSMM, California Screamin', a heavily praised Aladdin show, Soarin', and more. In terms of theming, Animal Kingdom is excellent, and DCA's is lacking. Now, I'm speaking out of my experience at DCA pre-expansion, so I can't say anything about World of Color, and Aladdin was closed when I was there so I can't give it a comparison to Festival of the Lion King or Nemo the Musical.

WDW has 4 parks, DLR has 2. not even gonna say how many resorts WDW has compared to DLR (cuz i don't know) but i've been to Disneyland once, i just think it ranks at #2 in the Disney theme park system.

Quality over quantity. Those two parks pack most of WDW's major attractions in some form, and in many cases, they are done even better. Disneyland is by far a better park than Magic Kingdom in my opinion, attendance isn't an accurate measure of the quality. Again, it's the bottom line that matters here, and that's what drives DL's attendance down. I think WDW has something between 25-30 resorts, and DLR has three (four if you count DVC villas separately from actual resorts, which I think the count of 25-30 does anyway).

 

[cowanfamily]

Does it really matter which is better. They are both Disney.............enough said!

 

[devoy1701]

If you could compare the cost of Disneyland Hotel per night basis to a hotel in WDW's price will you?

I'd love to stay here when and if I go, but I hope it's not too expensive. :/

If you are staying on property at Disneyland, it is more expensive than staying at Walt Disney World. Paradise Pier Resort is equivalent to a Moderate Resort (though priced higher), and the Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian are definitely Deluxe Accomodations. If you stay at one of the good neighbor hotels you can save quite a bit of money and get breakfast included....and IMO, if you're not staying at Grand Californian (only hotel I consider comparable to a WDW resort) or the Disneyland Hotel....it's not really worth it to stay on property.

DCA vs. AK is a tough decision. In terms of attractions, DCA takes it with ease, having ToT, TSMM, California Screamin', a heavily praised Aladdin show, Soarin', and more. In terms of theming, Animal Kingdom is excellent, and DCA's is lacking. Now, I'm speaking out of my experience at DCA pre-expansion, so I can't say anything about World of Color, and Aladdin was closed when I was there so I can't give it a comparison to Festival of the Lion King or Nemo the Musical.



Quality over quantity. Those two parks pack most of WDW's major attractions in some form, and in many cases, they are done even better. Disneyland is by far a better park than Magic Kingdom in my opinion, attendance isn't an accurate measure of the quality. Again, it's the bottom line that matters here, and that's what drives DL's attendance down. I think WDW has something between 25-30 resorts, and DLR has three (four if you count DVC villas separately from actual resorts, which I think the count of 25-30 does anyway).

My fiance and I LOVED DCA and spent probably 2.5 days in that park alone (and still didn't get to everything!). To us, DCA is the best of AK, DHS, and some EPCOT combined to make a very good combination of attractions. And not being from California, we loved the California theme! My list of favorite NA Disney Parks goes like this:

1) Disneyland
2) Hollywood Studios
3) Epcot
4) DCA
5) Magic Kingdom
6) Animal Kingdom

 

[Mickey_777]

FINDING NEMO - Blows WDW out of the water (pun intended...)

INDIANA JONES - There needs to be one in WDW

MONSTERS INC - Kind of a waste of time. Laugh floor is better.

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR - Close one, I'll give it to WDW.

FINDING NEMO - The being in a sub and underwater part is cool but I found it uncomfortable and the view was small with blurry/dirty. EPCOT's is better IMO.

INDIANA JONES - Yes. Probably what I mostly miss about DL...

MONSTERS INC - I really liked that dark ride and would love to have it placed in DHS/Pixar place.

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR - I too give it to WDW...I found it very annoying to have to hold the gun (hair dryer?) up the whole time.

Also, what did you think about most of the qeues/loading areas being outside? I didn't like it and found the theming to be weak in many cases.

 

[redfive13]

Also, what did you think about most of the qeues/loading areas being outside? I didn't like it and found the theming to be weak in many cases.[/QUOTE]

I liked seeing some outside queues. I disagree about the theming. I thought it was well in most cases. This is where its a matter of what appeals to you vs. what doesn't... Its different to everyone.

 

[Mickey_777]

I liked seeing some outside queues. I disagree about the theming. I thought it was well in most cases. This is where its a matter of what appeals to you vs. what doesn't... Its different to everyone.

How about the queues for Nemo Submarines, (most of) Space Mountain, and Matterhorn? They have little to no theming IMO...but I also didn't like loading outside for IASW either...you're right in any case about how it's just our individual taste...