First ever DL trip....

[outbackjack]

Many of you are probably yawning, as you've been there plenty of times.

 

But as a 40 year old Disney freak, I FINALLY got to go (just returned today).

 

I grew up in FL, live in Atl, and have been to DW numerous times, loving it even more as I get older.

 

I couldn't wait to make my own comparisons.

 

No need to tell you what everyone knows....DW resort is better, Walt's influence is felt at DL, DCA is odd, rides aren't terribly "thrilling", DL is smack dab in Anaheim, walking distance of 7-11, IHOP, McDonalds, etc.

 

But I thought I could add some things we noticed that we loved...and overall, I liked DL better than DW.

 

There were several times I just stopped, looked around, and could not believe the beauty of the place. Especially around NOrleans, Rivers of America.

 

There is not a square inch that doesn't appear to be thought out precisely.

 

The constant music, played loudly, always makes it feel like a park should.

 

Main Street is stunning.

 

The rides seem so LONG...Nemo, Autopia, Small World, Space Mountain.

 

Space Mountains darkness is so much more effective than at DW.

 

Star Tours is just weak. It just feels like motion simulators are so cheesy for Disney (though the cue line was awesome).

 

The cue lines are incredible....long, winding, never boring, detailed to a T (Star Tours, Space, BTMR, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones...

 

Speaking of Indiana Jones, OMGosh. The room where it opens up, across the bridge, it does not get cooler than that.

 

The only thing I didn't like at DL was the Haunted mansion is so classic, I'm not a fan of pumpkin and Christmas theming. The ride is literally perfect as is....in fact, where I'm hoping to get a ghost riding along side my daughter and I, we got a....present.

An actual wrapped present, floated with us. Boo.

 

Pirates was closed, nobody's fault, just sad to not get to see it.

 

And Storybook Canal, absolutely awesome. What amazing detail in the miniatures.

 

Rode Matterhorn several times, just tried to think about what people thought riding this thing in the early 60's. It must have blown their mind.

 

Across the courtyard to DCA.

 

I didn't want to like this park, as it seemed the opposite of Disney to me. And I thought it would be scattered, taking some of the best parts from the great parks of DW. Plus the horrible construction fences, no I refuse to like it.

 

After going, I still can't tell if I like it or not. There were times sitting by the swings that I thought..."I get it. The California theming, the boardwalk, Hollywood, the Pacific, OK." Then I'd hate the park because swings, Zephyr, Mouse coasters, midway games...WAY too cheesy for Disney.

 

But I have to admit, it was themed really well.

 

And I love the rides, individually. Toy Story is just so unique and awesome. TT, Soarin, all awesome.

 

And I'm a major sucker for dark rides, and Little Mermaid blew me away. The colors, the songs, the fun, the dead on perfect Ariel and Ursela.

 

And I loved Monsters Inc. Again, they don't rely on cardboard cutouts, rather in depth AA's and great sets, like the city, the chinese restaurant, and the doors in the scare factory.

 

I guess I ended up liking it more than I thought I would, and really liked the dark rides. I think once Cars is complete and the front fences come down, it will be good.....but it isn't DL.

 

Overall, I really loved the trip.

[Chrisrad]

Great comparisons! I've never been to DW, but I've been to Disneyland hundreds of times, and go at least every few weeks. I guess I'll just comment on a few things that caught my attention.

 

Also, remember that DCA has been a 'mess' for a few years - construction walls are constantly shifting, parades have disappeared because of the walls, the entrance is brand new, yet the original 'main street' is now closed, etc.. I didn't see any comments about World of Color - did you see it?

 

 

 

There were several times I just stopped, looked around, and could not believe the beauty of the place. Especially around NOrleans, Rivers of America. There is not a square inch that doesn't appear to be thought out precisely.The constant music, played loudly, always makes it feel like a park should. Main Street is stunning.

 

Since I've never been to DW, is that not something you'd see in Florida? I guess I just take Disneyland for granted since I go so often. I do know how often they refurbish areas/lands/etc. because there are seasonal construction walls that pop up all of the time all over the park.

 

 

The only thing I didn't like at DL was the Haunted mansion is so classic, I'm not a fan of pumpkin and Christmas theming. The ride is literally perfect as is....in fact, where I'm hoping to get a ghost riding along side my daughter and I, we got a....present.

An actual wrapped present, floated with us. Boo.

 

You know that it's a seasonal overlay, right? For some reason, when they add the overlay, it necessitates the need for fast passes, and creates long lines. I was on it yesterday and the gingerbread portion was awesome!

 

Pirates was closed, nobody's fault, just sad to not get to see it.

 

Yeah, I saw that.. not sure what it was closed. It's definitely an immersive experience.

 

Rode Matterhorn several times, just tried to think about what people thought riding this thing in the early 60's. It must have blown their mind.

 

Glad you got to go on the 'original' - while the trains are newer, they will be changed out soon. I'm pretty sure the new ones have lap bars and will not allow people to, um, cuddle.

 

 

 

DCA

 

I didn't want to like this park, as it seemed the opposite of Disney to me. And I thought it would be scattered, taking some of the best parts from the great parks of DW. Plus the horrible construction fences, no I refuse to like it.

 

After going, I still can't tell if I like it or not. There were times sitting by the swings that I thought..."I get it. The California theming, the boardwalk, Hollywood, the Pacific, OK." Then I'd hate the park because swings, Zephyr, Mouse coasters, midway games...WAY too cheesy for Disney.

 

But I have to admit, it was themed really well.

 

As I said, it's a mess right now - pretty much a disaster if you've never been there before.

 

The swings just re-opened on the open platform and used to be inside a big metal orange. And there would be buzzing during the ride cycle.

 

Goofy's Sky School (the mouse) just reopened with new theming/paint, and will probably be replaced entirely in the future. For what it is, it works - it's heavily themed now with a Disney character, and used to be about Mulholland (someone who had a lot to do with CA).

 

But anyway.. we still have Soarin', Grizzly River Run, CA Screamin (ok, it was closed while you were there), ToT, TSMM, etc. - there are some unique/quality rides. As a regular at DCA, I almost avoid the park for the time being - it's just not the best experience with all of the construction going on. Come back in a year or so and you'll be blown away.

 

And I love the rides, individually. Toy Story is just so unique and awesome. TT, Soarin, all awesome.

 

Toy Story is great! It always has a 45+ minute line, unless you go during WOC - it gets a little bit shorter at that time.

 

And I'm a major sucker for dark rides, and Little Mermaid blew me away. The colors, the songs, the fun, the dead on perfect Ariel and Ursela.

 

I still can't figure out if I like it or not - I've been on it at least ten times. The Ariel AAs just creep me out.

 

I guess I ended up liking it more than I thought I would, and really liked the dark rides. I think once Cars is complete and the front fences come down, it will be good.....but it isn't DL.

 

I agree - Cars Land will be insane! But I don't think it's supposed to be DL - if you've been to other parts of CA, you would understand everything at the park more. At the same time, Disney is changing all of that.. so I guess we'll have to wait to see how things turn out.

[outbackjack]

Thanks. I know HM is a holiday overlay.....but it's 6 weeks before Halloween and 3 months before Christmas.

 

And the original ride is perfect, seasonal overlays ruin the original (in my opinion).

 

I guess MK is beautiful as well (it really is), I've just been so many times.

 

Where as I was taking EVERYTHING in DL, just so awesome.

 

Saw World of Color, and yes, it's really impressive.

 

And you MUST get across the country for MK.

 

It is so cool to compare with your own eyes. You will not believe the size of the resort.....and if you like dark rides, the "Great Movie Ride" in Hollywood Studios is completely original.

 

I will definitely be returning for Screamin, Cars and POTC.