Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
The Disneyland Resort's two parks are only a few attractions short of WDW's four parks. You can't even see the outside parts, unless you ride the Monorail.
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I finally experienced Disneyland...
- Thread starter George Lucas on a Bench
- Start date
The Disneyland Resort's two parks are only a few attractions short of WDW's four parks. You can't even see the outside parts, unless you ride the Monorail.
Cosmic Commando
Well-Known Member
The building at DL is only about 2/3 the size of the WDW one.
I really like the look of the "Avenue of the Planets" where Stitch and Laugh Floor are, but once you get into the "plaza" area it's not nearly as great. DL's is the same way: nicer in front, falls apart towards the back. The Peoplemover track at DL is so sad; from the Astro Orbitor, you can even see gunk built up on top and sandbags (I presume) to keep water from running down the track into the Buzz and Star Tours buildings. It just totally dominates the skyline when you walk into Tomorrowland, because it goes right down the middle of the street. At WDW, the track runs on the sides there so it gives you a clear view into the land.
Minnie1976
Well-Known Member
I just came back from DLR Feb. 16trh. We were there for a week and spent 5 days between DLR and California Adventure. Having been to WDW approx. 25 times, I love it and it feels like home. I must say you don't have the same immersion as at WDW, but DLR and California Adventure were great. Really enjoyed both parks. I was scared to go on California Screaming and Mickey's Wheel. I went on both and loved California Screaming. It was great. Mickey Wheel was ok and I did the stationary gondola. Radiator Springs Racers was really something and made you believe you were at Radiator Springs. Lots for little people to do.
A lot of DLR's attraction are superior to WDW's attraction. A lot more detail and longer rides. Toontown is wonderful for little kids and so are a lot of the attractions in Fantasyland that WDW doesn't have. Pirates is so much better at DLR, but not Haunted Mansion. WDW's splash mountain is more better and a much better view when you are at the top before the drop. Space Mt. was a smoother ride than at WDW and you sat next to a person and not single file. Also the way they handled the handicap was really interesting. You got into the vehicle and the other vehicle moved sideways off the track and the handicap car moved over and took it's place.
You can still sit in the front of the monorail or the cone in the back. It is more an attraction than transportation and at DLR runs on the side of the city street for part of the way. I think it is better at WDW.
There Toontown is better than what WDW have and so is DLR's Snow White and Mr. Toad. Peter Pan is better than at WDW.
WDW's castle is bigger and makes more of a show, but DLR's is very pretty and has an attraction that you walk through about Sleeping Beauty. Very nicely done.
The food at WDW is superior than at DLR and WDW knows how to move people better. Just my opinion. At DLR they take your picture and match it with your card everytime you enter a park. You also still have to get your hand stamped when you leave the parks if you want to reenter. When we entered DLR through the handicapped line, it took 3 people to check us in. One checked our picture with our card, then we handed it to a person who handed it to someone to scan into the machine. No running it through the machine and no fingerprint. It seemed they weren't as up on things as WDW.
Oh, the riverboat was being worked on and the Columbia was running. That was really neat. They also used it in Fantasmic with Captain Hook and Peter Pan on the wires high up on the ship.
Overall I really enjoyed both of the Disney parks in Anaheim, but I didn't feel as sad as I do when I leave the Magic Kingdom at WDW to go home.
A lot of DLR's attraction are superior to WDW's attraction. A lot more detail and longer rides. Toontown is wonderful for little kids and so are a lot of the attractions in Fantasyland that WDW doesn't have. Pirates is so much better at DLR, but not Haunted Mansion. WDW's splash mountain is more better and a much better view when you are at the top before the drop. Space Mt. was a smoother ride than at WDW and you sat next to a person and not single file. Also the way they handled the handicap was really interesting. You got into the vehicle and the other vehicle moved sideways off the track and the handicap car moved over and took it's place.
You can still sit in the front of the monorail or the cone in the back. It is more an attraction than transportation and at DLR runs on the side of the city street for part of the way. I think it is better at WDW.
There Toontown is better than what WDW have and so is DLR's Snow White and Mr. Toad. Peter Pan is better than at WDW.
WDW's castle is bigger and makes more of a show, but DLR's is very pretty and has an attraction that you walk through about Sleeping Beauty. Very nicely done.
The food at WDW is superior than at DLR and WDW knows how to move people better. Just my opinion. At DLR they take your picture and match it with your card everytime you enter a park. You also still have to get your hand stamped when you leave the parks if you want to reenter. When we entered DLR through the handicapped line, it took 3 people to check us in. One checked our picture with our card, then we handed it to a person who handed it to someone to scan into the machine. No running it through the machine and no fingerprint. It seemed they weren't as up on things as WDW.
Oh, the riverboat was being worked on and the Columbia was running. That was really neat. They also used it in Fantasmic with Captain Hook and Peter Pan on the wires high up on the ship.
Overall I really enjoyed both of the Disney parks in Anaheim, but I didn't feel as sad as I do when I leave the Magic Kingdom at WDW to go home.
I kinda take back my feelings about the Pirates queue. Disney World's is incredible, but the charm and perfection of Disneyland's is undeniable. We waited in the outdoor queue surrounded by the evening New Orleans atmosphere, the treehouse and Rivers of America. Then you got the boats passing by inside and the bayou. Just magic.
Haunted Mansion is perfect. The real one, not that Nightmare Before Christmas crap. I'm actually shocked that Disneyland gave the ride this decidedly Under New Management-type overlay. I find it equally offensive, but it's odd that it isn't Disney World that does it.
Sorry, but Disney World's Fantasyland really blows these days. To be able to jump on all these wonderful classic dark rides, the teacups, carousel, Dumbo and all that other stuff is quintessential Disney. Compare it to the Magic Kingdom Fantasyland these days, which just seems like a waste of space. You still have Mr. Toad and Snow White, plus a mountain and submarines nearby. It's about that time where you start to think Magic Kingdom kinda sucks. But then you remember how it used to be and what it still does right.
Haunted Mansion is perfect. The real one, not that Nightmare Before Christmas crap. I'm actually shocked that Disneyland gave the ride this decidedly Under New Management-type overlay. I find it equally offensive, but it's odd that it isn't Disney World that does it.
Sorry, but Disney World's Fantasyland really blows these days. To be able to jump on all these wonderful classic dark rides, the teacups, carousel, Dumbo and all that other stuff is quintessential Disney. Compare it to the Magic Kingdom Fantasyland these days, which just seems like a waste of space. You still have Mr. Toad and Snow White, plus a mountain and submarines nearby. It's about that time where you start to think Magic Kingdom kinda sucks. But then you remember how it used to be and what it still does right.
dweezil78
Well-Known Member
Agree with you on Haunted Mansion holiday. I don't mind going on it once a year, but it more than overstays its welcome. Having it there from late August to the end of the year is crazy -- literally a third of the year now. I can understand maybe launching week of Halloween through end of the year. The reality is, the crowds still continue to line up for it -- much more than the regular version. (Unlike the weak draw for New Management)
Cool to see you coming around on DL! Took me a little while to warm up to it with all my childhood memories being at WDW. Nostalgia is a funny thing like that. Memories can often outweigh reality.
I think if you only know WDW's MK there's a bit of an uncanny valley type thing that goes on when you first visit DL. In so many ways it's so similar to WDW, but at the same time it's not, that there's this initial feeling of repulsion and wanting to not like it. Both parks have their pros and cons though and there's no reason why you can't enjoy both for what they are.
Cool to see you coming around on DL! Took me a little while to warm up to it with all my childhood memories being at WDW. Nostalgia is a funny thing like that. Memories can often outweigh reality.
I think if you only know WDW's MK there's a bit of an uncanny valley type thing that goes on when you first visit DL. In so many ways it's so similar to WDW, but at the same time it's not, that there's this initial feeling of repulsion and wanting to not like it. Both parks have their pros and cons though and there's no reason why you can't enjoy both for what they are.
devoy1701
Well-Known Member
really? Did you eat at a table service restaurant at DL? Their menus alone are miles above anything WDW has to offer. As for moving crowds...did you walk on Main Street before a parade or the fireworks? DL has crowd control down to a science, and keep in mind that people WANT to stand in the middle of Main Street to see the fireworks (still can't get over that MK absurdity), not to mention one way side walks during busy times, etc. Has any of the Disneyland locals ever experienced it taking 70 minutes to walk from the hub to the gates during busy season? I've done it quite a few times at MK!
I am minniemouse0830's husband. Yes we did eat at several table service restuarants. We did not eat the menus but the food was not very good.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Where did you eat?
lego606
MagicBandit
Then you missed out! Disneyland's menus are much more crunchy than Disney World's.
Minnie1976
Well-Known Member
This was only my 2nd time at DLR. We watched the fireworks one evening sitting at the Hungry Bear. Fireworks aren't a big thing for me. We didn't see the parades. I rarely watch them. They have to be special or I have to be at the right place at the right time to see them. so I wasn't in the crowds to see how they move after fireworks or parades. We ate at 3 sitdown restaurants. The one in New Orleans Square, Blue Bayou, was bad. They need to take lessons from a New Orleans chef. Also not much of a menu. Carnation we had breakfast twice and it was good. It too didn't have much of a selection. Enjoyed the character breakfast at Plaza Inn. I still prefer the food at WDW.
AswaySuller
Well-Known Member
I have to say I disagree with this. The food in Pacific wharf at DCA and at the plaza inn at DL is fantastic....
I would say the restaurants outside the parks are probably equal.... Although WDW does have Ohana which is phenomenal.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
The Plaza Inn is my favorite.
RandomPrincess
Keep Moving Forward
I prefer DL QS in the parks for standard fare Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders etc. I love Boudins bread bowls in Pacific Wharf! The Mexican QS is just as good as the WDW Mexican QS.
DL has a lot less dining options so I think people dismiss them over all but you rarely hear people complaining about any DL TS like they do about Tony's or H&V. DLs Signature level restaurants are on par with WDW Signatures and their regular TS and Character Meals are on par with the good WDW equivalents. There just aren't as many so they also aren't as diverse. You can't compare O'hana to anything in DL fairly because there is no equivalent but the ones their are equivalents are just as good.
DL has a lot less dining options so I think people dismiss them over all but you rarely hear people complaining about any DL TS like they do about Tony's or H&V. DLs Signature level restaurants are on par with WDW Signatures and their regular TS and Character Meals are on par with the good WDW equivalents. There just aren't as many so they also aren't as diverse. You can't compare O'hana to anything in DL fairly because there is no equivalent but the ones their are equivalents are just as good.