WRAPPIN' IT UP - A final hug goodbye to our first DL vacation.
I know people are interested in what I thought about DL vs. WDW. I know I mentioned comparisons to what I remember some within our experiences as I wrote them in this report but I don't think it's entirely fair for me to do a full-blown comparison. WDW is ever-changing. I haven't planned or gone on a WDW vacation in going on 3 years because, quite honestly, I burned out on it. Now with all the FP+ stuff and the many changes I wouldn't even know where to begin. Frankly, I don't feel very motivated to relearn it either. That's terrible in itself and I know I shouldn't be that way. I'm trying to slowly reconcile my brain to it. I am. In the meantime, I can only compare to what I remember from nearly 3 years ago. That just doesn't seem like it'd be a very accurate thing to do.
I know WDW vets who've not been to DL look for validation that what's out west is as great as what they love about the resort in the east. It's a need to feel okay with letting go of a WDW vacation in exchange for a DL vacation. I felt that way at one time, too. Then I got sidetracked with cruising for a bit which pushed DL a little further down the line. I was definitely bored with WDW. I grew to loathe the planning process altogether. Each person will have their own feelings so it's hard to say with absolute certainty that every person will go to DL and feel like it's every bit as wonderful as WDW. Do I think it is? Yes. But I didn't go to DL looking for any resemblance to WDW. I went there wanting it to be different as much as possible.
I loved Disneyland. I loved Disneyland for all the things that are lovable about it. I loved that it wasn't massive. I loved that it was smaller and easily accessible. I loved that it was urban vs. isolated. I very much felt the historical value of the place. You really do feel Walt's presence in the details of his park. I loved the finite details. I loved the CMs who you could tell loved their parks. I loved all the locals who loved their "home". I loved that it was a place new to my eyes. I grew up going to WDW so I don't remember walking down Main Street for a true "first" look. WDW was always familiar to me.
On that note, I think I'd be remiss if I didn't bring up how surreal DL park initially was. You see so many of the same familiar elements that you're used to from WDW but it's not the same. And everything is "off" in it's arrangement from what is familiar for these familiar things. It's really surreal at first. How to describe it. Hmmm.... Okay. Stand in the middle of your living room, close your eyes, and spin around really fast several times. Now open your eyes and GO! Kinda weird. You know the place. But whoa! It's all shifted about so you're trying to get your bearings and sort it out. That's what it was like at first.
I loved that I didn't have to plan so much. I went with 2 dining reservations total and never felt like I was missing anything. I love that there's such a vast array of quick-service dining options. I love that the quick-service restaurants still served your food on a real plate with real silverware. It seems like a silly detail to point out but in the moment it makes a difference. Maybe it made me feel more welcome like I was important enough to bring out the dishes for. I dunno. But it was something that stood out and we liked.
I loved DCA. I loved it dearly. When I imagine going back that's what I most think about. I think of Tracey & I walking along holding hands there specifically. DL is where I think of going to hit attractions and ride rides. DCA is where I think of going to stroll and soak in the ambiance. DL being the older park, the walkways are much more narrow so it tends to feel congested very easily. If a place feels congested we''ll leave. Not the best translation for us, I know. And I know we miss a lot because of it.
I do think the west coast resort is in a bit of a transition. There's a LOT more people going now than in years past. We saw sooooo many people wearing 'First Visit' buttons. It seems a lot of folks are venturing out west to experience things like Carsland and the amazing detailed counterparts to the east coast incarnations. Pair the large influx of tourists with the large locals presence and it adds up quickly. Multiplies, really. The west coast parks are gaining a lot in the way of reputation and interest. Understandable. Those are 2 truly amazing parks that pack in as much to do and see as the 4 parks in the east. The west coast parks population will only grow from here.
I wish beyond wish we could be the people who go to the parks when it's shoulder-to-shoulder people and have an amazing time. Unfortunately, that's not the case. We aren't those people. So as the parks on both coasts keep packing in the people we'll be less and less likely to go join them. That makes me sad in a way. I love the Disney parks when I feel like I can enjoy the parks, not dodge people, strategize, schedule & plan, etc. I just want to show up and stroll where I can see my surroundings, not all the people shoe-horned into my surroundings. I guess it's okay, though, because there's so much to do and see in this world we'll not be relegated to our sofa at home. LOL!
The Disneyland Hotel. That was probably the coolest room I've ever stayed in! In that aspect, I was not disappointed. I'd love to stay at the Grand Californian for the resort experience. I'm still trying to reconcile myself to that price tag. Ha! We'll see. Would I stay at the DLH again? Sure I would! It's really a great grown-up interpretation of a nice Disney hotel. I enjoyed the sense of humor in the little details while still feeling modern and warm. Not kiddie at all. Intelligent. It's intelligent Disney theming.
Carsland. I dream of going back to Carsland. There's so much hype about it but it truly is warranted. Go to Carsland. Ride Radiator Springs Racers. Be in Radiator Springs because it's truly like you walked into the movie. This is what Disney does. It's amazing.
I think we really struggled with the active aspect of the parks vacation after being so spoiled to the relaxed, laid-back pace of the cruises. It definitely was a hurdle when we were there. It's definitely a consideration when deciding on future vacation destinations. That's where we did a lot of comparing. It was DL vs. DCL. Being at DL reminded us a lot of what we love most about cruising.
What's next? Will we go back to DL again? Well, we have APs so it's entirely possible. As mentioned several times, Tracey & I have airfare booked to go back for a week at the end of September without the boys. We're totally on the fence about it. Very unsure. Part of us does want to go back. I imagine the earlier times in the parks and that's heavenly. But the parks get busier and busier as the days go on and before you know it we're not enjoying ourselves so much as we're navigating point to point to point. September is more the "normal" time to get the crazy Santa Ana winds. We all know THAT isn't very appealing to me. LOL! When I think about going back west I think more about driving the coast more and seeing more of California. Right about now we're craving our solitude in our little stateroom with our verandah door open listening to the sea. We're craving that relaxation level. Tracey itches for his total disconnect. It's hard to say where we'll end up going. Our future plans as of right now include 3 Disney cruises by the end of 2015. Perhaps a 4th. Both our boys have said they'd be interested in going back to DL someday....but first they want to go on another cruise with Mickey.
I love that we went to Disneyland. Make no mistake. I'd totally recommend it to anyone who has a love or appreciation for what Disney does.
If you go, do not go looking for DL to be WDW. If you do you'll be setting yourself up for a whole lotta disappointment. Go to DL looking for all the things that DL is. It's really a remarkable place rich in history, incredible detail, and love. DL is a very loved place and you can feel it. Go with an open heart and mind. You won't be disappointed. If you never go you'll never know. So do you live with curiosity or do you satisfy it?
Reading about your last look at the light in Walt's apartment did me in. As did the very last picture. I was there when you took that! And when you took the opening picture! 
