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View Full Version : Do Disney World employees have a problem with Disneyland?



Babe the Blue Ox
06-15-2009, 03:37 PM
About 10 years ago, I took my family to Disneyland. It was ok but nothing like Disney World.

I had apparently purchased a t-shirt and then stuffed it in my closet and forgot about it. While packing for my recent trip I ran across this Disneyland shirt, took the price tags off and threw it in the bag.

I wore the shirt last Thursday to the Animal Kingdom. It just has a picture of Mickey and says "Disneyland". You wouldn't believe the amount of negative comments that I received from cast members. I was shocked.

Is there some fued between the two parks that I'm not aware of. I'll be the first to agree that Disney World is much better, but the truth is that it probably wouldn't exist if not for the success of the original park.

Am I missing something?

Mendelson
06-15-2009, 03:55 PM
Ah, this is a bit of a sticky wicket.

During recent labor negotiations a bit of a rivalry simmered up between the employees of the two parks, with Disneyland employees deciding to sign a seperate peace, of sorts, and trying to grab a bigger chunk of the pie due to the fact that they work in the park where Walt used to roam, thus thinking themselves more special.

There were some new rules put in place as part of this deal. Primarily, WDW employees must register when attending DL, after which point:

Their tickets will be permanently be recognized as a "slow pass" - they must stand only in the stand-by line and after reaching the ride loading area they are sent back to the end of line, effectively having to stand in each line twice. If the wait time is under 10 minutes, they are not even allowed to consider riding the ride.

They are entirely banned from rides that both parks have but which are considered "inferior" at WDW, like POTC.

For each hour in the park they must spend two at California Adventure.

The only food they can buy in the park is a smoked turkey leg.

Lastly, they MUST stay until 3am to help clean, unpaid, simply for reparations for foisting Stitch's Great Escape upon the rest of us.

WDW employees are, as you would imagine, a bit saucy about DL as a result.

drummerboy
06-15-2009, 03:58 PM
I heard they could use the water fountains to wash down the turkey leg, as long as they had a special pass.

Mendelson
06-15-2009, 03:59 PM
But they have to insert their ticket to activate the water fountain, at which point it only runs for two seconds.

And it comes out hot.

Ryan Towle
06-15-2009, 05:21 PM
It's because Disneyland's good, and it's fun.....(total sarcasm there <<<, by the way.)

Giggy
06-15-2009, 07:38 PM
Ah, this is a bit of a sticky wicket.

During recent labor negotiations a bit of a rivalry simmered up between the employees of the two parks, with Disneyland employees deciding to sign a seperate peace, of sorts, and trying to grab a bigger chunk of the pie due to the fact that they work in the park where Walt used to roam, thus thinking themselves more special.

There were some new rules put in place as part of this deal. Primarily, WDW employees must register when attending DL, after which point:

Their tickets will be permanently be recognized as a "slow pass" - they must stand only in the stand-by line and after reaching the ride loading area they are sent back to the end of line, effectively having to stand in each line twice. If the wait time is under 10 minutes, they are not even allowed to consider riding the ride.

They are entirely banned from rides that both parks have but which are considered "inferior" at WDW, like POTC.

For each hour in the park they must spend two at California Adventure.

The only food they can buy in the park is a smoked turkey leg.

Lastly, they MUST stay until 3am to help clean, unpaid, simply for reparations for foisting Stitch's Great Escape upon the rest of us.

WDW employees are, as you would imagine, a bit saucy about DL as a result.

I got about half way through that before I realised it was a windup..... in my defence it is past midnight here! :blush:

biodtl
06-15-2009, 07:50 PM
Well, the Orlando Magic vs. LA Lakers NBA finals have were going on, so the parks were having a rivalry. That might have been part of it.

TheRustyScupper
06-15-2009, 07:50 PM
I got about half way through that before I realised it was a windup..... in my defence it is past midnight here! :blush:

1) It is?
2) I thought everything was per "Addendum D" of the union contract.
3) In fact, the WDW employee parking for DL is in San Diego.

crltkcagle
06-15-2009, 08:59 PM
1) It is?
2) I thought everything was per "Addendum D" of the union contract.
3) In fact, the WDW employee parking for DL is in San Diego.

LOL do they atleast have a tram to escort them to from the parking lot to the park?

JPL
06-15-2009, 10:00 PM
LOL do they atleast have a tram to escort them to from the parking lot to the park?

Nope they must walk barefoot through the snow(and not that bubbly WDW snow) uphill all the way :thumbsup:

TheRustyScupper
06-15-2009, 11:39 PM
LOL do they atleast have a tram to escort them to from the parking lot to the park?

1) No.
2) But employee skateboards are available for rent.

SpecJoe Magic
06-15-2009, 11:45 PM
This thread is quite entertaining. In all seriousness, my family and I visited Disneyland in 2001, and we noticed that Disneyland Cast Members were very pleased that we had decided to come all of the way from Tennessee to be there. It almost felt like they wanted us to prefer Disneyland over Walt Disney World, so it seems there is a bit of competition between the two. I have no idea why.

fupresti
06-16-2009, 11:18 AM
This thread has me in :stitch2:

As a resident of AZ. I see far more Disneyland shirts that WDW. I thumb my nose at them.
:thedolls:

Imagineer1981
06-16-2009, 11:40 AM
This thread is funny. There is no real fued. At the end of the day, WDW cast members just like to remind guests that WDW is bigger and better. Its like sibiling rivalry, they tease each other, but at the end of the day, they are one big family

nicster
06-16-2009, 11:47 AM
The thing that I don't get, is people that work at WDW not understanding why we would come all the way out there, when DL is so close! I guess they have never been to DL to know the difference. We do DL, and enjoy it, but we have a true Adventure & vacation at WDW.

EmmMOM2
06-16-2009, 01:12 PM
Disney world is HANDS DOWN! the better of the two parks. Sure walt made Disneyland first...but hey, everyone needs a rough draft..:thumbsup:

lilient
06-17-2009, 12:01 PM
I live in Vegas, so Disneyland is closer. I love it, but WDW is better overall. I'm leaving for a week at AKL tomorrow! So excited! Anyhow, I'm glad that my first Disney experience was at Disneyland. I often hear that people who have been to WDW are disappointed in DL. I don't think they give Disneyland a chance.There are so many nooks and crannies to explore, especially in New Orleans Square. We alternate summers between DL and WDW and I'm always happy to go to either.

Ian
06-17-2009, 08:10 PM
At the end of the day, WDW cast members just like to remind guests that WDW is bigger and better.Bigger, yes. Better ... uh ... no.

I can't believe how many people actually think WDW is better than DL. IMO, it's not even a contest. If I lived closer to DL, I might visit WDW once every couple of years (just to get a dose of Epcot), but outside of that it'd be DL all the way.

DL blows the doors off of WDW.

JPL
06-17-2009, 08:21 PM
I have to agree Disneyland does things right and WDW tends to do things cheap.

WDW has some unique experience and so does Disneyland but for the most part I prefer Disneyland over the Magic Kingdom hands down which is really the only true comparison IMHO.

MNNHFLTX
06-17-2009, 09:54 PM
Disney world is HANDS DOWN! the better of the two parks. Sure walt made Disneyland first...but hey, everyone needs a rough draft..:thumbsup:

This is like comparing apples and oranges--they are certainly two different parks, both with unique characteristics. To proclaim one better than the other is sure to rile things up. :nono:

Mendelson
06-17-2009, 10:16 PM
Bigger, yes. Better ... uh ... no.

DL blows the doors off of WDW.

Wow....I didn't realize this was a strong sentiment and just assumed it was vice-versa, but I've only spent about five hours at DL so I can't really compare. I'd be curious to know your feelings behind it, Ian. Can you do it in five bullet points?

Hammer
06-18-2009, 06:12 AM
Bigger, yes. Better ... uh ... no.

I can't believe how many people actually think WDW is better than DL. IMO, it's not even a contest. If I lived closer to DL, I might visit WDW once every couple of years (just to get a dose of Epcot), but outside of that it'd be DL all the way.

DL blows the doors off of WDW.


Totally disagree with Ian on this statement. I have been to both parks. While there are some things that DL does better (SM and POTC) it is not enough for me to want to travel out there that often. Some points:
The lack of table service dining options drives me crazy. I still have sit down restaurants to try after numerous trips to WDW; I have done almost every restaurant at both parks and the hotels in two trips to DL (except for the Goofy restaurant and club 33).
Of the restaurants I have eaten at, most were not that spectacular. The exceptions were Napa Rose and the steakhouse at the Disneyland hotel. Had lunch at the Blue Bayou (at a table on the water) and it was decent, but not worth the hype, much like Le Cellier. Also, had the worst creme brulee at the Blue Bayou.
Everyone talks about how great the cast members are at DL, but that was not my experience either time I have gone there. I had more bad CM experiences at DL than I have ever had at WDW.


I could go into other things I do not like such as the setup for Fantasmic (not a fan of dealing with the sea of humanity to see the show), but do not have time. Now, I think the next big Intercot gathering is probably going to be at DL and I'll go, but more so out of loyalty to the site as a moderator than love for DL.

trackbarroness
06-18-2009, 08:02 AM
Your making this WDW MK CM rather nervous, and I thought fast passes were available for "all Guests" so that is not the case there?
Thank you Rusty Scrapper for that bit of information. Now I'm going to dread my upcoming trip? Why oh why did I read this thread? egads :confused: :confused: :ill:

BMan62
06-18-2009, 08:06 AM
Your making this WDW MK CM rather nervous, and I thought fast passes were available for "all Guests" so that is not the case there?
Thank you Rusty Scrapper for that bit of information. Now I'm going to dread my upcoming trip? Why oh why did I read this thread? egads :confused: :confused: :ill:

Does the word SARCASM mean anything to you? :mickey:

dixielandings
06-18-2009, 09:28 AM
I have to chime in here b/c I'm fairly passionate on the subject.

First of all, I agree with Ian. Bigger does not automatically equal better. DL is a beautiful place to vacation. DCA is far better than the criticism would have one believe (and, of course, now they're practically rebuilding the entire Park - I hope it turns out like they want it). And yes, DL is the original - without it, there would be no WDW or DL Paris or anything else. For that reason, this Park tends to get special attention and still has unique experiences that you can only find there.

Second, to use the phrase "both parks" when comparing DL to WDW shows a little bit of a lack of understanding. DL is basically one Park (unless you're actually referring to the entire Resort, which is 2 Parks, 3 hotels, and Downtown Disney now). WDW is an entire vacation Kingdom, per Walt's design and intention. He'd probably say WDW is better just b/c he intended it to be better. So, whoever said it was really comparing apples to oranges was right. They're 2 different kinds of places to visit. To suggest that someone shouldn't visit DL b/c it's smaller and a waste of time (I've heard people say that - :nono:) is not fair.

Ok - off my soapbox. And yes, I do believe that DL is superior to the MK. And DL is considerably smaller.

BTW - Mendohlson, your original response was hilarious.

Carry on.

Ryan Towle
06-18-2009, 09:54 AM
First of all, I agree with Ian. Bigger does not automatically equal better.

This is very true, and mostly true all of the time, but not in this situation. WDW is both bigger and better than DL.

Marceline
06-18-2009, 12:11 PM
I have to chime in here b/c I'm fairly passionate on the subject.

First of all, I agree with Ian. Bigger does not automatically equal better. DL is a beautiful place to vacation. DCA is far better than the criticism would have one believe (and, of course, now they're practically rebuilding the entire Park - I hope it turns out like they want it). And yes, DL is the original - without it, there would be no WDW or DL Paris or anything else. For that reason, this Park tends to get special attention and still has unique experiences that you can only find there.

Second, to use the phrase "both parks" when comparing DL to WDW shows a little bit of a lack of understanding. DL is basically one Park (unless you're actually referring to the entire Resort, which is 2 Parks, 3 hotels, and Downtown Disney now). WDW is an entire vacation Kingdom, per Walt's design and intention. He'd probably say WDW is better just b/c he intended it to be better. So, whoever said it was really comparing apples to oranges was right. They're 2 different kinds of places to visit. To suggest that someone shouldn't visit DL b/c it's smaller and a waste of time (I've heard people say that - :nono:) is not fair.

Ok - off my soapbox. And yes, I do believe that DL is superior to the MK. And DL is considerably smaller.

BTW - Mendohlson, your original response was hilarious.

Carry on.

Here! Here! and sooo true!!! I am a long time WDW lover and just had my first DL visit this May. Many warned me, "you will be dissapointed, it's basically just Magic Kingdom". Oh how wrong they were. My delight was in the details and the differences. I loved DL and will go back in a few years. It just augmented my love for WDW.:mickey: But my personal feelings are beside the point.

When I mentioned to castmembers that it was my first visit to DL but I was a WDW vet they always asked why I choose the other when I live in between. To me it's about the resorts and EPCOT. There is just more to do in the World. And, unfortunately, DL costs about the same if not more for the same amount of days if you stay on property. And I am a purist and must stay at Disney resort. Otherwise, I'd alternate years between the two. WDW is just more bang for your buck.

My rambling is done now. :cowgirl: heh

trackbarroness
06-18-2009, 12:30 PM
Does the word SARCASM mean anything to you? :mickey:

Obviously not because the Sacasm was completely lost on me. I took the posters' per diem, that it could very well be that way. So you posted to ask me a question instead of answering my question. That's a good one, answer a queston with a question.
So the question stands unanswered still. :confused: :confused:

dixielandings
06-18-2009, 01:11 PM
I feel the need to say that I love and am devoted to WDW. DH and I are there all the time, even before we were DVC members. I'm sure we'll feel the same about the overseas properties if we ever get the chance to visit. That's why these comparisons bother me, I guess. Each place has its own merits and they're all great.

Thanks...

Mendelson
06-18-2009, 01:21 PM
Obviously not because the Sacasm was completely lost on me. I took the posters' per diem, that it could very well be that way. So you posted to ask me a question instead of answering my question. That's a good one, answer a queston with a question.
So the question stands unanswered still. :confused: :confused:

Sorry for the confusion! Yes, the entire first post was simply to attempt to be funny. That's all. So far as I know your experience at DL will be very pleasant.

But please do give me back my per diem, as I need to buy lunch now.*

(*also a joke)

WDWdriver
06-18-2009, 01:57 PM
...Now I'm going to dread my upcoming trip? Why oh why did I read this thread?

Don't mind the humorous responses. They were just having fun with your topic. You will enjoy DL, and you will be treated just fine by your fellow Disney CMs there. Be sure to have your Main Gate Pass with you, as well as your ID. When I was there a few years ago I needed both to get in.

johnO
06-18-2009, 02:07 PM
DL is great and has a lot of nostalgia, but......

WDW is AMAZING with food and entertainment diversity that DL can't begin to match.

DL may be the original but Walt was not satisfied with it, he wanted the vacation experience to go beyond what DL has to offer. Really it's like comparing a 7-11 to Wal-Mart. 7-11 is nice and convenient but has nowhere near the options that Wal-Mart has.

:twocents:

trackbarroness
06-18-2009, 06:39 PM
Thank you guys I really was getting a bit worried about what they posted about DLR.
I can't wait to get there to experience DLR first hand.

Lizzie
06-18-2009, 07:43 PM
We live in WA state so Disneyland is closer. We are a family with three young kids two three year olds and a newborn. Right now we only go to Disneyland because it is easy. We can stay at a hotel right across the street fully pack up the stroller for the day without having to worry about loading it in on and off the bus.

I think there are some great option for rides for the little kids. I also grew up going to Disneyland.

But we love Disneyworld its a destination you can get away from it all. I can't wait to get back. But with so many young kids Disneyland just works for us right now.

But we have been planning our next trip back to DW since last year. Can't wait to get back.

But we will love all our little trips to Disneyland until we do.

Jared
06-18-2009, 09:08 PM
I have to agree Disneyland does things right and WDW tends to do things cheap.

WDW has some unique experience and so does Disneyland but for the most part I prefer Disneyland over the Magic Kingdom hands down which is really the only true comparison IMHO.
I think this post is the best in this thread thus far. I totally agree with you, Jeff. To compare Walt Disney World to Disneyland is ridiculous. The two resorts are so different that it is unfair to both. Personally, I prefer the Florida complex for a full vacation because of its size and diversity, but that's another conversation.

A more interesting and worthwhile discussion is debating the merits of Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. Like many people on this thread, I prefer the California park with its incredible Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones ride. But to say that makes Disneyland better than Disney World doesn't seem right.

Hammer
06-18-2009, 10:23 PM
I have to chime in here b/c I'm fairly passionate on the subject.

Second, to use the phrase "both parks" when comparing DL to WDW shows a little bit of a lack of understanding. DL is basically one Park (unless you're actually referring to the entire Resort, which is 2 Parks, 3 hotels, and Downtown Disney now). WDW is an entire vacation Kingdom, per Walt's design and intention. He'd probably say WDW is better just b/c he intended it to be better. So, whoever said it was really comparing apples to oranges was right. They're 2 different kinds of places to visit. To suggest that someone shouldn't visit DL b/c it's smaller and a waste of time (I've heard people say that - :nono:) is not fair.

Ok - off my soapbox. And yes, I do believe that DL is superior to the MK. And DL is considerably smaller.


When I used the term "both parks", I was in most cases referring to both parks in CA. The only time when I said both parks (should have said both destinations, but it was somewhat early) was in the first line.

Of course WDW would have more dining options as there are 4 parks and over 20 hotels vs. 2 parks, 3 hotels and DtD in Anaheim. Still, they could definitely add dining options to what is there. Why can't they add 1 or 2 more sit down restaurants in both DL and California Adventure?

If you want a comparison of DL and MK, it comes out a tie for me. SM and POTC are better at DL, but I don't like Splash Mountain and Tomorrowland (besides SM) in DL as much as I do in WDW. My CM experience has been better in the MK (and WDW as a whole).

Don't get me wrong; I liked DL well enough. It just isn't enough of a reason to go to California for me. I go there as part of a larger trip to California.

MNNHFLTX
06-18-2009, 10:41 PM
DL may be the original but Walt was not satisfied with it, he wanted the vacation experience to go beyond what DL has to offer. Really it's like comparing a 7-11 to Wal-Mart. 7-11 is nice and convenient but has nowhere near the options that Wal-Mart has.

:twocents:Although I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, I find these statements a little hard to digest--especially as I am not a fan of either 7-11 or Walmart. ;)

Better to look at each of the these very special Disney destinations for what they have to offer on their own, not in comparison to each other. Disneyland provides an intimate, detail-oriented atmosphere, one where you can walk from your hotel to the park. Cozy is a good word to describe it. You go there once and you feel like a part of the family. Disney World offers a larger, vast array of experiences. Exciting, exotic, exhausting at times. You can spend two weeks there and not see it all and it requires a more of a committment in travel planning.

Both have a place. Sometimes you want the huge Mall of America--sometimes you want the the little place where "everybody knows your name".

tjstrike
06-19-2009, 01:07 AM
I have been to both and have to say that even though DL is a great place to visit, it doesn't engulf you in the whole "surronded by everything Disney" experience that alot of us are looking for. You walk out of DL and you're back in the real world. No, awesome boat ride from MK to FTW watching wishes, no riding the monorail through the Contemporary. It's not there !! Definetaly apples and oranges but the FL oranges are better.

johnO
06-19-2009, 09:03 AM
I don't think anyone dislikes DL, it's just not a total immersive vacation experience like WDW.

CaptainSad
06-19-2009, 09:13 AM
OK.. Who is comparing WDW with Wal-Mart.. I would pick something a lot better then that...

Ryan Towle
06-19-2009, 09:49 AM
OK.. Who is comparing WDW with Wal-Mart.. I would pick something a lot better then that...

Captain Sad is right, Target is way better than Walmart. I'd use that instead.

NewDVCowner
06-19-2009, 11:36 AM
Of course WDW would have more dining options as there are 4 parks and over 20 hotels vs. 2 parks, 3 hotels and DtD in Anaheim. Still, they could definitely add dining options to what is there. Why can't they add 1 or 2 more sit down restaurants in both DL and California Adventure?



Actually when DCA opened there were A LOT more restaurants, but they weren't getting the attendance they were expecting and the restaurants weren't being used, so they've closed several of them - at least four or five, but some of them were CS.

Ian
06-19-2009, 05:55 PM
Wow....I didn't realize this was a strong sentiment and just assumed it was vice-versa, but I've only spent about five hours at DL so I can't really compare. I'd be curious to know your feelings behind it, Ian. Can you do it in five bullet points?Yep ...

It's the park that Walt built. Actually walking in Walt's footsteps, seeing that light burning brightly in the firehouse window, knowing that the entire layout of the park was designed by Walt himself ... can't get any of that in WDW.
It's a much cozier park. One of my biggest pet peeves at WDW is how darn hard it is to get around. In DL, it's like a 5 minute walk from your hotel room to the front gate of the parks. In WDW it takes you five minutes to get from your room to the lobby of the hotel where you have to catch a bus, stand on there like you're commuting to work, and maybe an hour and a half later you'll have some fun.
Disneyland's attractions are better than WDW's. There isn't a single ride in WDW that is markedly better than it's DL counterpart. By contrast, DL's Space Mountain is way better, Pirates is way better, and their Fantasyland is far superior to WDW's.
Disneyland has some great attractions that Disney World doesn't even have ... Matterhorn, the Indy ride, the Monsters Inc. dark ride, etc.
And lastly ... DL still has Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. :D


The lack of table service dining options drives me crazy. I still have sit down restaurants to try after numerous trips to WDW; I have done almost every restaurant at both parks and the hotels in two trips to DL (except for the Goofy restaurant and club 33).Agree totally on this one. The dining options at Disneyland are lacking. I'm hoping that once the refurb of DCA is complete, they'll boost their offerings a little bit.


I could go into other things I do not like such as the setup for Fantasmic ... I can't possibly fathom how you could prefer WDW's disaster of a Fantasmic show over DL's??? :confused:
A sea of humanity?? What do you think you get at the Studios?? Along with a mandatory 2 hour wait time for a far inferior show ... Sorry, but I think you're crackers on this one. You couldn't pay me to sit through WDW's Fantasmic ever again. :ack:

mrsgaribaldi
06-20-2009, 02:59 AM
I look forward to someday walking where Walt actually walked:thumbsup:
I believed the initial response from Mendelson too :blush:
Ian, thanks for elaborating, I was going to ask you to do that.

Skippy
06-20-2009, 08:06 AM
OK.. Who is comparing WDW with Wal-Mart.. I would pick something a lot better then that...

I think someone needs some :coffee:

Mendelson
06-20-2009, 09:51 AM
I believe DL is about 20 acres smaller than MK....so how do they fit everything in (and more) without making it feel cramped or claustrophobic? i've tried looking at google maps satellite view to compare, but it's just too hard without being on the ground.

Hammer
06-20-2009, 10:04 AM
Yep ...

It's the park that Walt built. Actually walking in Walt's footsteps, seeing that light burning brightly in the firehouse window, knowing that the entire layout of the park was designed by Walt himself ... can't get any of that in WDW.
Okay, I'll give you that one, but still not enough of a reason to fly across the country for me.



It's a much cozier park. One of my biggest pet peeves at WDW is how darn hard it is to get around. In DL, it's like a 5 minute walk from your hotel room to the front gate of the parks. In WDW it takes you five minutes to get from your room to the lobby of the hotel where you have to catch a bus, stand on there like you're commuting to work, and maybe an hour and a half later you'll have some fun.

You say cozy, I think small. I am through doing everything I want to do in DL in a day and a half. Use the other half day for DtD and another day for DCA and I am done with all of it. I solve the transportation issue by renting a car. Even when I've used buses, it has not taken me 90 minutes to get anywhere.



Disneyland's attractions are better than WDW's. There isn't a single ride in WDW that is markedly better than it's DL counterpart. By contrast, DL's Space Mountain is way better, Pirates is way better, and their Fantasyland is far superior to WDW's,

As I stated, I do agree about SM and POTC. However, I do not agree that every single ride is better at DL. As I stated, I do not enjoy Splash Mountain at DL as I am so uncomfortable with the seating configuration. I do not have that issue at WDW, so that to me makes it markedly better. I don't see the reason for the great love for DL's Fantasyland. Other than Small World, I don't think anything else is that fabulous. Maybe I am forgetting something, but the canal boats and Casey Jr were hardly that awe inspiring to me.



Disneyland has some great attractions that Disney World doesn't even have ... Matterhorn, the Indy ride, the Monsters Inc. dark ride, etc.

I did forget about the Matterhorn, which I really liked (after SM and POTC, it was my favorite). Indy? Very similar to Dinosaur and I can take or leave that ride. Have not tried Monster's Inc. ride so I do not have an opinion on that



And lastly ... DL still has Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. :D

I have never understood the love for this ride. After I had ridden it in DL (it was already gone from WDW), I turned to my friend and said "People are up in arms for this ride? Why?"



I can't possibly fathom how you could prefer WDW's disaster of a Fantasmic show over DL's??? :confused:
A sea of humanity?? What do you think you get at the Studios?? Along with a mandatory 2 hour wait time for a far inferior show ... Sorry, but I think you're crackers on this one. You couldn't pay me to sit through WDW's Fantasmic ever again. :ack:

I never said I preferred the DHS show itself, I said I like that I could see the show without having to stake out like a parade spot (which I do not do at either place as I am not a parade person). You made the assumption I liked the show better. I am going to eat dinner anyway, so why not get the Fantasmic Dinner Package at Brown Derby, have a nice meal and go to the show 30 minutes beforehand? That is what we did and had decent seats and time to chat and have an adult beverage before the show. The show itself is not all that great, but I wasn't bowled over by DL's version either. At DL, I saw it from the ground and I bought a seat in the DL Gallery (which I hear is no longer offered). In the Gallery, I was given an obstructed view and when I asked the CM about it, the response was "you're a single and this is where we put singles". Real nice attitude (just one of the many subpar DL CM experience I had that trip). Nice to know my money doesn't allow me to have a nice view because I did not bring others :rolleyes:.

Hey, I will not bother with WDW Fantasmic now that it is only offered a few times a week. It is not worth it to me to deal with the increased crowds.

As I said, I am going to give Disneyland another shot when Intercot has a big meet out there and I usually do not give something a 3rd chance. Maybe 3rd time will be the charm. I'll combine it with a trip to Vegas or San Francisco (I don't really like LA).

badkitty
06-20-2009, 11:41 AM
Bigger, yes. Better ... uh ... no.

I can't believe how many people actually think WDW is better than DL. IMO, it's not even a contest. If I lived closer to DL, I might visit WDW once every couple of years (just to get a dose of Epcot), but outside of that it'd be DL all the way.

DL blows the doors off of WDW.

This has been quite a debate. I am with Ian on this. DL will always have my heart. Although I enjoy my time at WDW, the intimate setting of DL is truly an unique experience.

As others have said, it is comparing apples to oranges.

badkitty
06-20-2009, 11:57 AM
Indy? Very similar to Dinosaur and I can take or leave that ride.

Although the track and ride vehicles are exactly the same, what makes Indy more appealing to me over Dinosaur is the music. To me, the Indy soundtrack is so thrilling!

Mousemates
06-20-2009, 01:35 PM
Disneyland's attractions are better than WDW's. There isn't a single ride in WDW that is markedly better than it's DL counterpart. By contrast, DL's Space Mountain is way better, Pirates is way better, and their Fantasyland is far superior to WDW's.

while I largely agree with your sentiments on DL...the consensus of my family was that WDW did have a few rides superior to DL...namely the WDW versions of Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan (thou the star room in the DL version is cool)

thejens
06-22-2009, 09:51 PM
very interesting discussion. I have only been to WDW and now I am dying to go to DL for, um, research purposes. In fact, I think that this whole topic must be explored more thoroughly. Are there any volunteers to explore all Disney parks with me? Let's start with DL, since it is the first, then WDW, now refresh my memory, Paris? Tokyo? where next? ;)

Ian
06-23-2009, 09:00 AM
Obviously, the whole DL vs. WDW argument is a matter of taste. For me, I actually find the sprawling, spread out feel of WDW sort of un-Disney like and sort of annoying. I much prefer the cozy, intimate feel of DL when it comes to a true "Disney" vacation.

WDW, to me, is more of a "resort" destination. I go there as much for the dining, swimming, water parks, etc. as I do for the Disney aspect.


while I largely agree with your sentiments on DL...the consensus of my family was that WDW did have a few rides superior to DL...namely the WDW versions of Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan (thou the star room in the DL version is cool)And see, this just goes to reinforce how much perceptions can vary ...

Honestly, I'm not a big Splash Mountain fan so I have to admit I've never ridden DL's. But putting that aside, DL's Peter Pan is one of the Fantasyland attractions that I found far superior to the WDW counterpart.

Also, DL has the Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland rides that WDW doesn't have. They also have the Casey Jr. Circus Train and the Storybookland Canal Boats which, while Christine may not like them, my kids really enjoyed.

When you really break it down, WDW's Fantasyland has eight real attractions (IASW, Peter Pan, Mickey's Philharmagic, Dumbo, the Carousel, Snow White, Teacups, and Winnie the Pooh). DL's Fantasyland has eleven real attractions (IASW, Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, Dumbo, Carousel, Snow White, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Teacups, the Canal Boats, and the Circus Train) of which two are (IMO) markedly better than their WDW counterparts (IASW & Peter Pan) and another three are top quality Disney dark rides that don't even exist in WDW (Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, and Alice).

To me it's no contest.

BriarRose
06-23-2009, 07:25 PM
while I largely agree with your sentiments on DL...the consensus of my family was that WDW did have a few rides superior to DL...namely the WDW versions of Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan (thou the star room in the DL version is cool)

I agree with all this being a matter of opinion, but how could anyone think that the Winnie the Pooh attraction at WDW is better than the one at DL? After I got over my initial disappointment in having my beloved Country Bear Jamboree taken away (which was so much better than WDW's it's not even funny) I found the woodsy setting of the Winnie the Pooh attraction at DL is absolutely lovely.

I would also like to point out that DL's HM is better than WDW's. I have never understood why you don't enter through the front door in WDW as you do in DL.

There is just more attention to detail at DL than there is at WDW. That's why those that love it consider it charming.

I think I would compare DL to WDW in this aspect to a nice sit down dinner vs an all you can eat buffet. Sure you feel like you get more for your money at the buffet, but sometimes you just want a nice quiet meal that you can take your time and enjoy.

DisneyWFan
06-23-2009, 07:46 PM
I believe DL is about 20 acres smaller than MK....so how do they fit everything in (and more) without making it feel cramped or claustrophobic? i've tried looking at google maps satellite view to compare, but it's just too hard without being on the ground.

To put the size of DL into perspective Dl would fit into Mk's parking lot and there would still be 500 parking spaces left over

Melanie
06-23-2009, 07:50 PM
Apples to oranges....apples to oranges....apples to oranges! Can you tell I hate when this 'debate' comes up.

Each has it's advantages and disadvantages, and it does come down to preference. Someone mentioned Disneyland not being a total immersive vacation. Not true for me! I'm not sure how that statement can be made on behalf of others. :confused: I love my vacations to both parks. For me, WDW is definitely a more fast-paced adventure, while Disneyland is laid back and relaxed. Sometimes I want one experience and sometimes I want the other. And I never have a problem with 'fine dining' at Disneyland. :shrug:

Ryan Towle
06-24-2009, 05:39 PM
When you really break it down, WDW's Fantasyland has eight real attractions (IASW, Peter Pan, Mickey's Philharmagic, Dumbo, the Carousel, Snow White, Teacups, and Winnie the Pooh). DL's Fantasyland has eleven real attractions.

Yes, that's always true, the number of attractions automatically means which park is better....................................

Ian
06-25-2009, 10:06 AM
Yes, that's always true, the number of attractions automatically means which park is better....................................Interest ing how you singled out part of my post and ignored the rest.

If you'd quoted what I actually said, you'd clearly see I went on to specify that not only did DL's Fantasyland have more attractions than WDW's, that they were all equal to or better than their WDW counterparts.

I can't possibly imagine what critera you'd use to compare two parks rather than number of attractions, number of unique quality attractions, and a direct comparison of the quality of common attractions.

Which is exactly what I did.

And by the way, I was strictly speaking about the Fantasyland sections in response to someone else's post. That one tiny segment of what I said was not my full explanation as to why DL is better than WDW.

Babe the Blue Ox
06-25-2009, 01:05 PM
Wow. All I wanted to know is why Disney World employees would make questionable remarks about a Disneyland t-shirt. Didn't mean to start a debate about the merits of the two parks.

jszczur5
06-29-2009, 03:12 PM
I got about half way through that before I realised it was a windup..... in my defence it is past midnight here! :blush:

Well, it is not midnight here, and it took me almost until the end to catch on. So embarrassed!

LarryBoy
06-29-2009, 03:47 PM
Wow, this makes the presidential debates seem dull. ;) For me it's simply a matter of convenience. We live in Atlanta and can get to WDW. Someday I really hope to get to DLR and see the park Walt built. (Actually went when I was 5, but I won't say how long ago that was.) Can't we just love both for what they are? ;)

DVC2004
06-29-2009, 09:37 PM
Wow. All I wanted to know is why Disney World employees would make questionable remarks about a Disneyland t-shirt. Didn't mean to start a debate about the merits of the two parks.

Controversy follows you. I think it started with the "Jorts" thread. LOL.;)

Babe the Blue Ox
06-29-2009, 10:25 PM
Controversy follows you. I think it started with the "Jorts" thread. LOL.;)

No kidding. Good thing I wasn't wearing jorts with the Disneyland shirt. They probably would have asked me to leave. Do you think they smart off to someone wearing Universal gear?

snifflesmcg
06-29-2009, 10:32 PM
It's funny that somebody mentioned this. I've been to DisneyWorld 7 times but took my first trip to Disneyland in May. Cast members saw my "My first visit" pin and would say "What took you so long" with my reply being "I was at the other park in Florida". Often I got a roll of the eyes with "Oh" or "You went to the dark side" all kidding of course but it was often. So much that my sister and I noticed it went on the whole two days we were there.

I'm glad somebody else saw this as well.

CaptainSad
06-30-2009, 09:15 AM
Since I have only been to WDW at least 25 times, that is all I know. I am planning to someday visit DL. Yes I am sure DL has better versions of attractions at both parks. But DL is small. You could do it in a couple of days and then say what else is there to do. At WDW you could spend 2 weeks and still not see everything. I consider DL a stop over and WDW a vacation destination.

MNNHFLTX
06-30-2009, 09:27 AM
Since I have only been to WDW at least 25 times, that is all I know. I am planning to someday visit DL. Yes I am sure DL has better versions of attractions at both parks. But DL is small. You could do it in a couple of days and then say what else is there to do. At WDW you could spend 2 weeks and still not see everything. I consider DL a stop over and WDW a vacation destination.IMO, it would take at least 3-4 days to truly do Disneyland and California Adventure justice. And if you have some extra days to fill there is plenty of activities/destinations in Southern California that would more than fit the bill. The beaches alone are worth a day trip.

Once again, it's hard for me to compare the two because they both offer a unique experience.

Phantod
06-30-2009, 10:55 AM
Babe,

I think it's just a friendly rivalry, and is probably only directed at persons with DL clothing.

I'll give you an example of the real way it works. My DD worked at DL (Jungle Cruise and others) while going to college. We went with her to WDW back in '99 while she was still an employee (sidebar...it was great getting into all of the parks for free). When she introduced herself to various CMs, it was always fine with never an issue. Just fellow Disney employees sharing experiences. We even got a number of rumors about the parks from the "locals". So no, I don't believe there is any real issue....just CMs giving tourists a bad time.
:thumbsup:

Phantod
06-30-2009, 11:08 AM
And since this thread has morphed into a comparison between WDW and DL, I'll give my 2 cents.

As most have said, it's comparing apples to oranges. We just came back from 3 days at DL (first of May), but are spending 8 days at WDW in September. There's much more at WDW to do, hands down, no comparison.

I'm not all that impressed with CA Adventure. I live in CA, been to the old amusement parks...Santa Cruz, POP, and the like, so while it brings back some memories, it's a pale comparison to my actual memories. For us, we can easily cover it in less than a day (yes, and even with doing Toy Story Mania 3 times in a row in a little over an hour-and no fast pass because it doesn't have that). The Tower of Terror at DHS is much superior in my opinion, but we did it first at the Studios.

But let's compare DL to MK. Again, in my mind, there is no comparison. DL wins my vote. I know the park like the back of my hand. I can get anywhere, know all of the shortcuts, know most of the bathroom locations without having to look them up. Yes, it's smaller, more intimate. Some have complained that it means it's more crowded. Well maybe, but we NEVER go during the crowded times. When we took the kids, they were in year round school so we went off season. Now that they're out of the house, we always go off season. I personally have just too many memories growing up at DL to ever have the same feeling about MK. In fact, the wife and I talked about limiting our time at MK in September since we've been to DL 3 times in the last year. There are still some must sees, but the impetus to see everything just ain't there.

So in conclusion, here's my vote. DL and WDW (everything but MK) are the best. MK and CA Adventure come in second. But hey, a great second at that.

KAJUNKING
06-30-2009, 12:23 PM
Well, it is not midnight here, and it took me almost until the end to catch on. So embarrassed!
got me to, right up to the end

Wow, this makes the presidential debates seem dull. ;) For me it's simply a matter of convenience. We live in Atlanta and can get to WDW. Someday I really hope to get to DLR and see the park Walt built. (Actually went when I was 5, but I won't say how long ago that was.) Can't we just love both for what they are? ;)
its proximity for us as well, id love to go to dl, i have a good friend who went last year and his only complaint was the beignets in the rest. in new orleans square were just powdered doughnuts and the rest of the food there was a terrible rendition of south Louisiana cooking. other than that ive heard nothing but good things about dl