The thought of DisneyWorld scares me...

[HollyL]

Anyone else? I now live in Texas, so am pretty much equidistant to both parks. My parents and sister live in Arizona, so we tend to do a side trip to Disney when we go out to visit them.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, so I am used to the original Disneyland, as we went there 1-2 times each year growing up.

Even though I visited Disneyworld twice, for very short stays (went to the Magic Kingdom once, and the Animal Kingdom once), the idea of going there with the family on vacation just scares me. It just seems so daunting. I much prefer the convenience of having the 2 parks and DTD there in one place rather than spread all over the place like it is in Florida.

I also looked up the different attractions at Disneyworld, and it just seems like the ones in California are so much better. I remember feeling let down the POC at Disneyworld- the original is so much better.

Oh, and the weather in Florida is so swampy. I much prefer the Southern California weather, especially in Fall and Winter.

Anyone else feel this way?

 

[DSNY4ever]

There are pros and cons to both parks. I love them both and visit both. When I'm at one I miss aspects about the other.

Sounds like you should give it another try especially since you are equidistant. Epcot is amazing and it sounds like you haven't been there...you are missing out.

 

[mrswh]

Anyone else? I now live in Texas, so am pretty much equidistant to both parks. My parents and sister live in Arizona, so we tend to do a side trip to Disney when we go out to visit them.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, so I am used to the original Disneyland, as we went there 1-2 times each year growing up.

Even though I visited Disneyworld twice, for very short stays (went to the Magic Kingdom once, and the Animal Kingdom once), the idea of going there with the family on vacation just scares me. It just seems so daunting. I much prefer the convenience of having the 2 parks and DTD there in one place rather than spread all over the place like it is in Florida.

I also looked up the different attractions at Disneyworld, and it just seems like the ones in California are so much better. I remember feeling let down the POC at Disneyworld- the original is so much better.

Oh, and the weather in Florida is so swampy. I much prefer the Southern California weather, especially in Fall and Winter.

Anyone else feel this way?

While I don''t think WDW is daunting, I do think it's more of a pain in the rear to get around, and that (along with Carsland, now) is what tips the scales for me . . . you really can't beat the convenience of DLR. I love that DCA and DL are right next to each other, and am equally happy about having DTD right there as well - really increases the food options.

I don't think anyone should shy away from one park or the other because they are afraid of the unfamiliar; however, it sounds like you just won't like it as much. If the weather and attractions aren't appealing to you, and you know you like DLR, then go to DLR!

 

[ValpoCory]

Oh, and the weather in Florida is so swampy. I much prefer the Southern California weather, especially in Fall and Winter.

The weather advantage of Southern California is the greatest between May and October. After October and until mid Spring, both are relatively the same.

 

[HollyL]

Very true, I would like to go to Epcot, although a co-worker of mine just got back and said it was very outdated (of course, that is his opinion). I love International travel, so I would love to visit all of those little lands, especially Norway, as those are my people.

Generally, I don't find many things really daunting (I did backpack in Europe by myself), but with 2 small kids in tow, and a husband who gets cranky very easily, anything unfamiliar is a scary thought. At least at DLR, I can lead the way and know exactly where I am going.

When the kids are older (right now, they are only 19 months and 4), DisneyWorld may be a fun option, but at least for the next few years, we will stick with California.

I've been to Disneyland Paris too, and that was great, but I would not fly overseas with my kids right now even if it was free! the 2 hour flight from Houston to Arizona was enough stress for me, and then the 6 hour drive from Phoenix to Anaheim - nothing I want to do again anytime soon!

 

[OKW Lover]

I understand your concern and its well placed. There is a huge difference between visiting Disneyland and WDW. We are WDW veterans (way too many visits to count) and found going to DL was so much easier because everything is right there.

There is so much more to do/see at WDW so careful planning is needed for the new visitor. Somebody familiar with DL/DCA probably doesn't even think about how long it takes to park hop at WDW. Or just to get to a park from your Resort. Add to that the need to make dining reservations really far ahead and its a very different trip.

 

[DharmaLou]

WDW doesn't scare me, and I've been 3 times, however I've found that I really just love DLR so much more.

Initially we said we'd take DD to WDW in a couple years (after this year's DLR trip), but now we've decided we're just going to come back to DLR again in a year or two - because it's so close and easy to navigate.

 

[interstate70s]

Interesting thread. Our family are also DL enthusiasts, dh is a former wdw fan whos heart now belongs to dl, but to vary things up We ' ve decided to go to wdw on our next Disney vacation. We think the kids are old enough now (7 and 10). I 'm excited about the resorts and I love epcot. I'm really looking forward to the electrical parade, country bears, and peoplemover in MK. I also like the openess of mainstreet there. For Animal kingdom, and Hollywood Studios Im trying to embrace soming different. What I really worry will be not so fun is the transportation system. Ugh..or driving to make it to rope drop..ugh again. I'm also concerned about the fastpass plus thing, it seems restrictive to me, but who knows maybe it will be great.

 

[elaw]

Anyone else? I now live in Texas, so am pretty much equidistant to both parks. My parents and sister live in Arizona, so we tend to do a side trip to Disney when we go out to visit them.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, so I am used to the original Disneyland, as we went there 1-2 times each year growing up.

Even though I visited Disneyworld twice, for very short stays (went to the Magic Kingdom once, and the Animal Kingdom once), the idea of going there with the family on vacation just scares me. It just seems so daunting. I much prefer the convenience of having the 2 parks and DTD there in one place rather than spread all over the place like it is in Florida.

I also looked up the different attractions at Disneyworld, and it just seems like the ones in California are so much better. I remember feeling let down the POC at Disneyworld- the original is so much better.

Oh, and the weather in Florida is so swampy. I much prefer the Southern California weather, especially in Fall and Winter.

Anyone else feel this way?

IMO, POC at WDW is inferior to the DL version but there are some WDW rides that are better than their DLR counterparts. I kinda love the fact that WDW is so spread out ... to me, it feels more like a vacation destination than DLR does. (I do realize i'm a DL "local" but I haven't always been ... lol) Perhaps a longer stay would change your opinion?

There are pros and cons to both parks. I love them both and visit both. When I'm at one I miss aspects about the other ...

I agree

 

[flightdave82]

IMO, POC at WDW is inferior to the DL version but there are some WDW rides that are better than their DLR counterparts. I kinda love the fact that WDW is so spread out ... to me, it feels more like a vacation destination than DLR does. (I do realize i'm a DL "local" but I haven't always been ... lol)


I agree

It will be a few more months until I get to experience DLR for the 1st time but I can't wait to experience POTC since everyone says it is way better than WDW as it's my 2nd fav ride.

My 1st being Splash Mountain and sadly from all the reveiws, splash is way better at WDW

 

[elaw]

... from all the reveiws, splash is way better at WDW

I wouldn't say "Way" better ... perhaps slightly better but not way better. BTW congratulations on your 1st DLR trip .... I think you will love it and I think every Disney park fan should experience both

 

[rmom]

Daunting - no but it is definately a different vacation then DL. We love both DL & WDW. While I am a California girl, we did not go to DL often (I think I was there 3 times before turning 18).

For us, DL is like going to the beach - toss the right stuff in a suitcase and off you go. WDW is like going to Europe, we probable did the same amount of walking also. If you don't plan you will be sorry! All our trips have also been "off season" so we miss the heat, rain and crowds. Our trips are also much longer when we go to WDW. The first was 15 nights, the second and third were shorter. For DL, we usually only do 3 days unless we are going to San Diego, etc.

 

[jetskigrl]

We are local to DLR but really wanted to see WDW also so we did a once-in-a-lifetime, 10-night stay in the summer of 2010. It was a lot more planning that I was used to but the DIS was a huge help!!! My DH could not believe how prepared I was for everything.

I will say that I was glad that we waited until our kids were older. Now I'm not one of those people that will say not to bring babies or toddlers to Disney. Both my kids are been going to DLR their whole lives. But waiting to do WDW until my youngest was 7 worked great for us. We had no strollers to deal with, no height restriction issues, etc. The 4 of us just pulled out our touring plan for the day and got on which ever bus or monorail we needed to be on

I'm really glad that we took that trip. I don't know when we will have a chance to go back and it is hard to spend that much to fly across country when we have DLR right here (plus my flights to FL lately are to get on Disney cruise ships, LOL). But it absolutely was worth seeing at least once.

 

[Sillyminny40]

Hi Holly! We LOVE WDW! but we are in the reverse of you: going this month to DL for first time. BTW I loved having a stroller for all our stuff and I miss that. But otoh, our youngest being able to do ALL the rides now is awesome.

Weather in Florida: we always went Jan or Feb so it was cool and no rain. Being from Canada, that is no problem, other than water rides. Yes, planning is a big factor but if you love Disney you will be fine.

If you have any advice for me as a first timer to DL, I'd love that too.

 

[msdaisy]

I live in Texas too, and WDW has been our "home park." My husband went to DL for a day as a small child so he doesn't remember much. We, like everyone else who wants to see Carsland, are skipping WDW this year and going to DL. I think I am the only one that is sad about that! I am looking forward to the weather in California since we always go in June. But, I am bummed that we had planned to rent DVC points to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge - just push that to 2014!

We have never had any issues with the bus system at WDW! Yes, it does take planning and a little while to get from point A to point B. We were at Old Key West last year, and the bus stop was right outside of our building. I think we were furthest away from Magic Kingdom. But still only about a 10 minute ride. And they drop you off right there at each park. You can also use the buses, ferry, and monorail to get to the different resorts to eat or shop. There is so much to do and see there. We absolutely love it, and I will mourn seeing the Epcot ball and Mount Everest and so many more things. Go and have fun. I know that my trip to DL will be familiar yet different!

 

[tinkermommyof3]

Anyone else? I now live in Texas, so am pretty much equidistant to both parks. My parents and sister live in Arizona, so we tend to do a side trip to Disney when we go out to visit them.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, so I am used to the original Disneyland, as we went there 1-2 times each year growing up.

Even though I visited Disneyworld twice, for very short stays (went to the Magic Kingdom once, and the Animal Kingdom once), the idea of going there with the family on vacation just scares me. It just seems so daunting. I much prefer the convenience of having the 2 parks and DTD there in one place rather than spread all over the place like it is in Florida.

I also looked up the different attractions at Disneyworld, and it just seems like the ones in California are so much better. I remember feeling let down the POC at Disneyworld- the original is so much better.

Oh, and the weather in Florida is so swampy. I much prefer the Southern California weather, especially in Fall and Winter.

Anyone else feel this way?

Having the opposite problem. Go to WDW every year. Love it but want to see DL. Booked airfare on 11/19 when SW released for my dates. Realized have enough points to fly to Orange County. Still booked MCO. Why?? Afraid to try something new? I get what you are saying. WDW is awesome. So much to see. You will not be disappointment--at least I can't imagine you will.

 

[runmommyrun]

The thought of DL scares me! We are making our first trip there early summer and I feel so ill-prepared, despite reading a book and all the many posts on here. (Plus we've been to WDW many times, so it isn't like we've never tackled a Disney park!).

We love WDW. But from what I understand, it is dramatically different than DL in scope and size. The best WDW trips we've had focus on a particular park for a day and not trying to rush from one end of WDW to the other. I personally am not a fan of the buses. WAY too long on certain routes. And park hopping is something that we've yet to do and not sure we ever will. Don't see how it is overly useful in WDW. Seems more stressful and daunting to me than anything. We have the luxury of not feeling we have to squeeze in everything on any one trip, so it is different if you are doing a one and done trip to WDW.

But the anxiousness you feel re WDW is kind of how I feel re DL. It's the unknown! But I'm still excited to give it a try very soon!

 

[HydroGuy]

Anyone else? I now live in Texas, so am pretty much equidistant to both parks. My parents and sister live in Arizona, so we tend to do a side trip to Disney when we go out to visit them.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, so I am used to the original Disneyland, as we went there 1-2 times each year growing up.

Even though I visited Disneyworld twice, for very short stays (went to the Magic Kingdom once, and the Animal Kingdom once), the idea of going there with the family on vacation just scares me. It just seems so daunting. I much prefer the convenience of having the 2 parks and DTD there in one place rather than spread all over the place like it is in Florida.

I also looked up the different attractions at Disneyworld, and it just seems like the ones in California are so much better. I remember feeling let down the POC at Disneyworld- the original is so much better.

Oh, and the weather in Florida is so swampy. I much prefer the Southern California weather, especially in Fall and Winter.

Anyone else feel this way?

Avoid summer months at WDW and the weather can be quite nice.

The idea of comparing attractions between WDW and DLR betrays a DLR mindset - which is understandable - but counter-productive.

DLR vets have a park focus - with a high focus on rides. WDW vets have a resort focus - with a high focus on hotels and dining. It is common for DLR vets going to WDW to think of it is as a much bigger DLR with some different rides. Alternatively, it is common for WDW vets to think of DLR as a smaller resort with less resort oriented amenities.

The facts are that DLR has more rides at its two parks than WDW four parks put together. So regarding rides, DLR comes out ahead numerically and, I would argue, in terms of quality. DLR also comes out ahead in shows.

But WDW has tons of themed dining, water parks, and lots of activities outside the parks. It is hard for a DLR vet to get their head around this because they are so park centric in their thinking. They just can't see value in all the hotels and dining and activities.

Examples are the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Polynesion Review, Disney movie nights under the stars at Fort Wilderness or the Beach Club, fireworks cruises, DisneyQuest, the water parks, water sports (boats and wave riders and water skiing), golf, horseback riding, etc. Plus the ESPN complex. Cirque de Soleil.

Bottom line is if you are a DLR vet do not try to treat WDW like you do DLR. Same goes for WDW vets in reverse. Be ready to embrace a different Disney experience and take advantage of the unique things offered at the opposite resort. In the end it is all Disney and it is all magical. But it is not the same.

My two cents.

 

[PHXscuba]

I agree that Disney World is definitely worth doing if you love Disney. It's amazing to see what can be done with more space and time in Florida. But yes, it's a much bigger trip, especially with kids. To me, Disneyland is a few days in a California vacation where we usually also do other things or see family. WDW is a whole vacation on its own.

I agree with a PP who said to wait until your kids are older if you see it as a "once in a lifetime trip." We waited until our youngest was 6 and had a great time. Stamina and understanding help a lot with that big of an undertaking.

PHXscuba

 

[HollyL]

I live in Texas too, and WDW has been our "home park." My husband went to DL for a day as a small child so he doesn't remember much. We, like everyone else who wants to see Carsland, are skipping WDW this year and going to DL. I think I am the only one that is sad about that! I am looking forward to the weather in California since we always go in June. But, I am bummed that we had planned to rent DVC points to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge - just push that to 2014!

We have never had any issues with the bus system at WDW! Yes, it does take planning and a little while to get from point A to point B. We were at Old Key West last year, and the bus stop was right outside of our building. I think we were furthest away from Magic Kingdom. But still only about a 10 minute ride. And they drop you off right there at each park. You can also use the buses, ferry, and monorail to get to the different resorts to eat or shop. There is so much to do and see there. We absolutely love it, and I will mourn seeing the Epcot ball and Mount Everest and so many more things. Go and have fun. I know that my trip to DL will be familiar yet different!

You will have so much fun at the Disneyland resort. Instead of seeing Mount Everest, you will see the Matterhorn! Carsland is also really neat. We were just there last week. Just do your research and do what you need to do to get a fastpass because that standby line looked painful! DLR also has the Indiana Jones ride which is amazing.

I think I will be much more excited and ready to try WDW again in maybe 5 years when our youngest will be 7.

Have a great trip!