I'm never taking WDW for granted ever again
After 9 trips to WDW plus a college program, I finally took the plunge and went to
Disneyland, because everyone says California has the better park. I can only speak to my experience, but it wasn't true in my case. Allow me to count the things I missed:
1) It decided to rain my first day and CA Adventure is basically shut down during rain. Only Soarin', Toy Story Midway Mania, and Little Mermaid were open. Lines shot up to 2.5 hrs, 1.5 hrs, and 50 min respectively. Also, people freak out at the sight of puddles. Wouldn't have been too bad, but after being up for 22 hours flying across the country I was miffed that people could walk through a tiny puddle.
2) I need a
DAS. This has never been an issue in FL, but in CA they questioned whether a theme park is the right place for me. On its own, that might just be a person thinking someone with an invisible disability is faking, but it brings me to my next issue.
3) Rude Cast Members. Yes, they've gotten worse in Florida, but I've never seen levels close to what I saw in Cali. Never in a million years would I expect to hear a CM cuss a guest out because he was waiting in the wrong spot (a bunch of people used that spot as stroller parking, CM was trying to move the strollers to the proper area, and when the man asked where he was supposed to wait for his family to be done with the Golden Zephyr since the CM wanted him to move, he was told to "figure it the **** out.") While that was the worst of what I saw, there was plenty of rudeness all around. Not to say there weren't fantastic CMs (special shout out to the woman at the Disneyland hotel who let me know i could still get my Chase discount if i used my redemption card), but they were much more the exception.
4) Photopass not taking photos with our phone. I know that covid took that ability away for Photopass to take photos in all parks for a bit, but I also know they were brought back after covid restrictions eased up. At least on the east coast. But apparently, in DL they decided to keep that restriction, and refuse to let you use your own camera in certain locations, because those were reserved for Photopass.
5) The food. WDW has plenty of good food if you know where to go. DL, not so much.
6) Ride reliability. Again, not necessarily unique, but 70% of the rides I went on either broke down in line or while on the ride.
7) The lack of decent queues. You really do love your bare chain queues for the most part, don't you?
I'm going to skip over the only 2 parks, limited hotels, and the fact that DTD is way smaller than DS, because those are obvious to anyone with eyes.
And to end it on a positive note, let me talk about what I actually did like about the park compared to FL:
1) Halloween Haunted Mansion. Loved it.
2) Trader Sam's has reservations, meaning I actually got to get a seat after 5 years of trying.
3) the weather.
TL;DR Disneyland isn't the better park. WDW is massively better.
I've been thinking long and hard how to reply to this post because as someone who grew up in Florida and with WDW from 1978 to 1990 and then moved to California and been visiting DLR from 2010 to 2022 , I have some perspectives.
1. Rain - Yes Californians seriously are paranoid about rain and weather where in Florida I run INTO the storms lol.
It does affect things from rides to how people gather.
This is one thing that I feel is unfair to put on Disneyland itself.
No one can control the weather or others , but we can control how we handle such situations and choose to make of it.
There are so many things you CAN DO when weather isn't ideal for rides. Turtle Talk with Crush , Animation Academy/Animation Building/ Sorcerer's Workshop , Philarmagic are my top to do's in DCA even when it is nice out.
2. I also use DAS and find the best way to handle this is to do the pre registration via video chat which can be done between 2 and 30 days prior. I find this is much more private and the cast members are well trained on it versus at the parks.
I will say that is something that needs attention in parks for specific training on that and those that have experience dealing with members of the public that require assistance.
I am sorry to hear about the difficulty and response you received.
3. While I
*personally* have never heard any cast member speak to a guest like that , I have seen many guests treat CM's in that manner. NEITHER is acceptable to be clear, and if that indeed did occur absolutely warrants an email or stop to guest services to explain your experience.
4. I am not the expert on this as I am not always using photopass even though it's included with my magic key pass , but I do recall seeing conflicting things.
If there is an actual photopass photographer I don't remember in recent ( last 6 to 8 months) then using anyone's cell phone. However if it is just character handler , then they have been taking photos with guest phones.
Now I get both sides of the argument.
On one hand you have the photopass photographers there as a tool for a product you sell and want to use those individuals and product as is and some guests still aren't comfortable with others handling their personal items , or never were.
On the other hand , by limiting that guests may feel that because they aren't using the "Disney" product they aren't being valued as much as another who is choosing to pay for photopass. This is all just observation and opinions of course but I will say it is puzzling and agree with the fact is confusing.
5. I will agree WDW wins on food because of pure amount of choices at resorts and Disney Springs and has the absolute upper hand on Table Service.
As a 10 year annual passholder I have over the last few years switched to counter service almost exclusively at DLR.
Unfortunately this hasn't been embraced by many or even considered especially in comparison.
My only
table service I personally recommend are :
Disneyland :
None. Hear me out..
Blue Bayou - Overpriced for mediocre quality. It used to be a must do every trip but now I save it for those that have never been exclusively. Now it's an easy pass.
Cafe Orleans - I have personally tried them MULTIPLE times over the years to only be disappointed in service before I can even think about reviewing the food. Now last year around Halloween season they had some really great options that were unique and was my single positive experience. Sadly I've had more than two occasions where I walked out due to no service being provided or greeted after 10 to 15 minutes,
Carnation Cafe - This is
ALMOST the only one I recommend. Because their breakfast has changed, and the dinner entrees aren't the most appealing it still comes in short. I much prefer the fried chicken at Plaza Inn, though will recommend the baked potato soup still.
DCA :
Carthay Circle Lounge - The dining room is
not worth it. Some appetizers are very refreshing with drinks here though.
Grand Californian :
Hearthstone Lounge - Underrated spot , wonderful bartender staff are always welcoming , and great entrée or snack options.
I love the corn dog nachos and their nachos and quesadilla are wonderful ! They also offer salads and burgers as well.
Similar to GCH Craftsman Grill and Bar but prefer the vibe here.
Storyteller's Cafe - I've done multiple character meals ( breakfast and brunch) as well as many dinner buffets as well. While selection can be somewhat limited especially if you have dietary restrictions , however you can always ask for the chef and they will come and show what is safe for your party. I personally love their corn chowder ( ask your server) and their bread pudding as well.
Napa Rose - This is by far my HIGHEST recommendation.
I have done both the dining room and chef counter multiple times. I have never had anything but exceptional service and multiple servers have welcomed me back even post covid.
It is fine dining so it's not for everyone but I have never been disappointed in over 20 visits.
Counter Service must do's:
Disneyland :
Little Red Wagon - BEST corn dogs , fight me lol.
Plaza Inn - Fried chicken is amazing but also had their pot roast last trip , was wonderful even late at night !
Candy Palace : Churro toffee , get it now.
Docking bay 7 - Underrated food spot , I've had all their entrees and loved everyhting. Don't miss the Black Caf Cold brew , I hate coffee and love this.
Ronto Rosters - Basic Sausage in a pita but also has a breakfast and plant based , always yummy.
Fronierland Food Cart ( By Big Thunder/Mark Twain) - Breakfast chimichangas - You have to get here early as they only sell them until 1030am or they sell out! Also have a vegetarian version.
Bengal BBQ - Love all their skewers
Rancho Del Zocalo - Wonderful and rarely super busy Mexican food spot. Salads and burritos, tacos are all delicious. Their pozole in cooler months is also a huge winner and portions are generous here.
Harbor Galley - Bread bowls with soups, chowder and lobster mac and cheese, but the big star for me is their Lobster Roll with their kettle chips.
DCA :
Corn Dog Castle - They often have specials and sometimes hot links which are different.
Carsland Cones - Offering multiple types from spicy mac and cheese in a bread cone , to chili in a bread cone , churros and even ice cream , it's a great spot for snacks.
Pacific Wharf Cafe - Their seasonal bread pudding is always to die for. Known for their soup and clam chowder bread bowls, they also offer salad bowls and sandwiches as well.
Cocina Cucuamonga - Long established as one of the best quick service in California adventure and features mexican food. Their birria tacos have been a huge hit , admittedly not for me since I can throw a rock and hit 10 taco trucks down the street lol. However all their options are generous and tasty.
Clarabelle's ( Buena Vista Street) - Offers hand dipped ice cream bars and hard floats, both are awesome options and Starbucks cafe is adjacent as well.
6. I will echo that 70% seems a bit high , I would agree that 35 tp 40% sounds more in line, however I'm sure it can
FEEL that way when it happens.
7. Newer rides have changed their queues but classic ones especially were built as room allowed. I absolutely agree the WDW queues are so much more immersive overall that it's something I go out of my way to enjoy when at WDW.
To compare these two isn't on fair footing given how and when DLR was built vs MK/ WDW.
As a frequent observer of both DLR and WDW news , resorts , guests and these boards , I feel you may have fallen into the classic trap of comparing the two coasts which really don't compare at all.
I will agree with the following WDW is "superior" at :
Hotels of all levels - They had land and space to grow , we don't.
Resort "bubble" - Again this comes back to how and when DLR was built and how Anaheim built around it. This I feel is the biggest "shock" WDW vets have coming here and part of does fall on the individual traveling. It takes moments to use google maps to look at the surrounding area. I recommend this to anyone going to ANY new destination. On the same note many going to WDW for the first time have the opposite issue , that is is so massive they were not prepared and often find themselves confused why every restaurant is booked out, or why they can't walk between parks, confused by resort transportation options , etc.
Table Service restaurants : This is a no brainer as given the sheer volume of restaurants that fill parks , Disney Springs and resort hotels , options are plentiful. While there are that are in high demand , I have never not been able to get what I want with some due diligence. Space 220 comes to mind and is an entire experience not just a meal.
TLDR : I'm glad you came to visit DLR ! I think everyone should decide on their own what makes the vacation or trip best for them. I highly encourage research to any destination but also if it wasn't enjoyable , it wasn't and that's okay too.
Thank you for sharing your feedback as it is important to those of us who are regulars as well as those who may be planning.
Hope someday we can invite you back