1st timers, take them to DL or WDW?

[yeheyprincex2]

We currently have plans for a December 2016 Disney World trip. This will be my sister and her families first time to any Disney park. We watched the ABC Disney 60th anniversary special and now my dh wants me to ask my sister if she would rather go to DL. I have mixed feeling, I love both parks and I want to give my sister a great first Disney experience. I have not asked her yet but I think she will say she will do what I want to do. WWYD?

 

[mom2rtk]

How long will the trip be?

 

[yeheyprincex2]

right now WDW Decembers 3-10. A DL trip may be 3- 4 parks day, then maybe a few day sight seeing in southern California.

 

[mom2rtk]

With a full week, I'd go with WDW. We actually prefer DLR. But for a first trip (with enough time) I'd go with the full WDW immersion.

 

[barbaraann]

I would say that a first timer should see Disneyland first. However, with all of the construction walls that are up at Disneyland now, I have to switch that opinion to Disney World. Save that trip to Disneyland for a time when the Disneyland Railroad is back up and running, Star Wars Land is complete, and Fantasmic is back. Otherwise you may be walking around Disneyland apologizing a lot, for what is not operational.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I would say that a first timer should see Disneyland first. However, with all of the construction walls that are up at Disneyland now, I have to switch that opinion to Disney World. Save that trip to Disneyland for a time when the Disneyland Railroad is back up and running, Star Wars Land is complete, and Fantasmic is back. Otherwise you may be walking around Disneyland apologizing a lot, for what is not operational.

I thought about all the construction and I think I will also be apologizing for all the walls at WDW too. Shes really out spoken so I'm already anxious about what her reaction will be if she does not like the experience. Her main reason for going is her son who will be four years old during our trip, he loves Disney and Mickey mouse. Our children are very close in ago so she wants him to experience Disney with his cousins.

 

[barbaraann]

I just returned from a WDW trip with a first timer. We had a marvelous time, especially at the Magic Kingdom. The construction walls are not like they were a few years ago. I found the Magic Kingdom's new Hub a wonderful addition to the parks. I don't remember seeing any walls in the Magic Kingdom. They are definitely distracting in Animal Kingdom, however.

My very first trip ever, to any Disney Park, was back in 1997, and my grandson was 4 at the time. I think a trip with a four year old to Magic Kingdom now will definitely be a success. Plan your fast passes around the kids, and you should do just fine. There's lots for the kids to do and see.

 

[minnie mum]

I thought about all the construction and I think I will also be apologizing for all the walls at WDW too.

There shouldn't be anything to apologize for at MK or Epcot. AK will only have Pandora behind walls, but it has no impact on the rest of the park. Only DHS will have a lot of walls up, but those will be in only a few areas. The main areas ( Echo Lake, Hollywood Blvd, Sunset Blvd, and Pixar Place shouldn't be affected.

 

[mom2rtk]

And after laying off all those pesky painters, there could be fewer scrims up in all the parks than ever before!

 

[barbaraann]

Let's talk about the walkways, and I bring that up because you mentioned a December trip. Now all Disney parks are always crowded these days. However, the holidays bring out the people in droves. If you can do a week at Disney World, compared to just a few days in the parks at Disneyland, I say do Disney World, where there's more room to begin with to walk around. You also have more dining opportunities at WDW for the kids, if you are considering doing character dining.

If this was an adults only trip, I might spin things a bit differently.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you do DLR, make sure 3 of your days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It will make a huge difference.

 

[BrianL]

I'd say WDW since you already have it planned. By December the most noticeable construction will only be at DHS. Pandora is really off the the side and the other new AK experiences will be open. Epcot will have Frozen and the new Soarin' up and running as well.

 

[mkla2015]

I would stick with WDW for first timers. I've been to both... I love DLR but I think WDW just offers so much more. My DH was very skeptical of WDW a few years ago but all it took was 1 trip for him to fall in love and understand the magic. Now we are annual visitors and are planning our trip with kids to DLR at the end of this year.

 

[Carathryn]

I would choose WDW. I love both resorts but for a first time visitor looking to get the full Disney experience, WDW is all inclusive. Also with it being so big and impossible to do everything, I don't feel as big of a rush to get all the rides and experiences done as I do at DLR. Plus during December you can enjoy all of the hotel christmas decorations and be fully emerged with Disney and Christmas!
We normally take our WDW vacations on a slower pace than DLR and go back to the hotel each afternoon. If people are overwhelmed by the busy parks you can relax at the hotel or explore the other hotels and find something for everyone to enjoy.

 

[Baptist]

I agree with the majority, go for WDW. In December, the special stuff for the diamond anniversary will be done.

WDW in December is an awesome time. The weather is perfect for the parks (not necessarily for the pools though).