Hi,
I just came over to this board after living on the WDW boards for the past few months. But I grew up in So. Cal, have been to DL countless times, and have been to WDW four times. I don't think I can say which I like better. To me, they are just different. I like WDW better for a week-long, nothing but Disney vacation, but for a day in a theme park (or two), I like DL better.
I'm always amused at some of the things people say they don't like about DL, because those are usually the things I don't like about WDW, in the reverse. (Not flaming, just saying it's funny -- I think it's the "home park" thing.)
For example, you said you didn't like that some attractions are visible from the street, and that by not being this way "WDW lets the anticipation build as you get closer". I love catching that first glimpse of the Matterhorn as we drive up to DL. The excitement rushes through me as we pull into the parking lot, and there is plenty of time for anticipation to build as we park, make our way to the entrance, etc. AT WDW, I always feel like it takes so long to get there. I think, "OK, we've entered Disney property, but where is everything?" For me, it's anticlimactic, and it's one of the things I like less in WDW. It goes along with the whole size thing, though. Lots of "WDW people" (for lack of a better term, lol) say how they don't like that DL is so much smaller, but again, that's one of the things I prefer about DL. At either location, one park may not be as appealing to some families. At WDW, it's much harder to say, head to MGM just to ride ToT and RnRC, then head back to another park. At DL, it's easy to skip over to CA, ride ToT, Screamin', Soarin' and Grizzly River, then head back to DL.
I never noticed a lack of shade at DL, but since the heat and humidity aren't as intense in California, I've never felt a need for shade the way I do in WDW. Also, I've never had a CM tell me to have a magical day at WDW, either, so CM friendliness is not something I've noticed any difference in.
I agree that the Pier area of CA isn't so great, but it's just like Dinoland in WDW's AK. Not Disney's best, but not a reason to discredit an entire park, especially when that park has some other great attractions. As a family of thrill ride junkies, we actually enjoy day at CA much more than we enjoy at day at AK, Epcot or MGM.
The Matterhorn, yes, is probably disappointing by today's roller coaster standards. But as someone pointed out, it's pretty old, and was quite exciting back when it was built. As much as I think it needs a revamp, I'll be very sad if they change it much, I have such great memories of it -- my first "coaster" type ride and how exciting (and scary!) it seemed for a little girl back in the late 60's/early 70's.
Anyway, just wanted to add my comments as someone who spent a lot of time at DL before ever going to WDW, and let you know that you were right about some of us, at least, feeling the opposite as you do.
My advice is if you get motion sick then don't go in the swing car go in one that stays still. Anyway I definately would encourage everyone to go to DL because like everyone said it is so neat to know that that is where Walts dream started.
