Thoughts on DL vs WDW

[Chris]

I just returned from my first trip to DL and DCA. All I can say is WOW. after 20+ trips to WDW, I was a prepared for a lot less in CA but boy was I wrong. First of all, the parks seem to be kept up better than the parks at WDW. I saw no burned out bulbs and everything was in perfect working order. I cannot always say this about WDW, at times it seems certain things are neglected. Second, the audio animatronics are better. You can actually hear the individual voices from each figure - I've never really been able to discerne that at WDW. FastPass was not nearly as crowded. We were able t get 6 or 7 fast passes a day and it was quite crowded (we were there during grad week). At WDW we are lucky to get 4 of 5 FastPasses. Third, they are pumping money into the parks. The fact that ToT is coming is old news but a cast member told me that they were also planning to add RnR, (both to DCA).

Overall, I was very impressed. I will never forsake WDW but I will definitely go back to DL and DCA again.

 

[bearboysnc]

I like DL's size, it's smaller. It basically has the same amount of rides in half the space. Walking from Tomorrowland to Fronteirland isn't nearly as tiring.

But when it's crowded... IT'S PACKED. Wall to wall guests. I'm not claustrophobic, but it's VERY uncomfortable.

Fantasyland at DL, FAR exceeds MK. Not only are the attractions less "cardboardy" but the exteriors are extremely detailed.

But, sometimes size works to MK's favor. Splash, Big Thunder, and Space Mtn. are FAR more impressive than DL's version.

Both Parks have their finer points.

 

[sig]

I have not been to DL in about 5 years (never to DCL) but am hoping to get sometime this fall. Since I am on the West Coast it is a lot closer (and cheaper!) to go. But I must say WDW is my fav have been the past three years and plan to go again in May 2003!

A question, is Indiana Jones still there? (for those not aware, it is a ride at DL not a stunt show) Definitely one of my favs, even the que line is fantastic! Did you enjoy it? I believe it is on the same track system as Dinasaur in AK but I think it is 10 times better!

 

[bearboysnc]

Indy is essentially the same track and vehicle as Dino. With 100 times more special effects.

In June was my first ride on Dino. I was REALLY disappointed. They could have accomplished the same effects with a stationary motion base (like Star Tours) and saved themselves a TON of money.

What Spiderman accomplishes in 3D, Indy does in real time and space. It really blows all other attractions out of the water. (And it came 6 years BEFORE Spiderman)

 

[steve2wdw]

DL has the history, WDW has the space. Some of the DL attractions are superior to their counterparts at WDW, most notably, ALL of Fantasyland, from the water UNDER Dumbo, to the facade of It's a Small World. BUT, DL does suffer when it comes to space. When it's crowded, it can be unbearable. (I was there on the 4th of July in '84, and it took an hour to get from Frontierland to Tomorrowland after the fireworks.) While DL does appear to have more attractions, if you count ALL the WDW attractions at ALL the parks, WDW has far more. For those of you who have been to WDW but not DL, I can say it's still worth the trip. DL has a feeling that WDW does not. Maybe it's the fact that Walt actually walked through DL. It's quite charming.

 

[Dizknee_Phreek]

ok, ever since the opening of DCA, i've wanted to go to DL! now you guys are making me want to go even more!!! especially after the praise Chris has given it! *sigh* but i fear it will be quite some time before i will ever have the chance to go.