A WDW Vet's Impressions From A First Trip to DLR

[sharonabe]

Fabulous. Now I have to.

(Let's see if she follows me over here.)

I, too, will be looking for this one as we are headed that way for the first time in Sept and trust your insights.

I grew up in SoCal and went to DL every year, but that was a looonnngggg time ago. Can't wait to see it again and take in all the changes.

 

[Kristina4109]

I'm not really a trip report kind-of-guy, but I guess if you want one....

Sounds like a promise to me!

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

I enjoyed your analysis. My husband and I are Premier Pass holders, so this year we will travel to Disneyland two times and Disney World two times, for a total of 29 days in the parks (13 at Disneyland and 16 at Disney World). I obviously love both.

After reading other posts in this thread, I do wonder why Disneyland doesn't sell more than 5 day passes. When we went in April, we went for 6 days; we had planned to do 8, but then Disney wouldn't sell my brother a longer pass. Seems so strange - I can't imagine many people paying the extra for a two-three day pass, and they are discouraging people to stay on property...

I also wish Disneyland had a water park - love those at Disney World!!

Finally, wish Disneyland had a dining plan...

Thanks again for your great review!

 

[HydroGuy]

I enjoyed your analysis. My husband and I are Premier Pass holders, so this year we will travel to Disneyland two times and Disney World two times, for a total of 29 days in the parks (13 at Disneyland and 16 at Disney World). I obviously love both.

After reading other posts in this thread, I do wonder why Disneyland doesn't sell more than 5 day passes. When we went in April, we went for 6 days; we had planned to do 8, but then Disney wouldn't sell my brother a longer pass. Seems so strange - I can't imagine many people paying the extra for a two-three day pass, and they are discouraging people to stay on property...

I also wish Disneyland had a water park - love those at Disney World!!

Finally, wish Disneyland had a dining plan...

Thanks again for your great review!

It is because of abuse from folks who share the passes with others or try to sell days to different people and make money. It is rampant at DLR. The photos they take of you cuts down on it.

 

[mom2rtk]

It is because of abuse from folks who share the passes with others or try to sell days to different people and make money. It is rampant at DLR. The photos they take of you cuts down on it.

The photos should have nipped that in the bud allowing them to start selling longer tickets again. But they have opted not to.

 

[mummabear]

The photos should have nipped that in the bud allowing them to start selling longer tickets again. But they have opted not to.

I'm guessing they decided the money they were getting out of people on the extra days wasn't worth it for the cost associated with them being in the park.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm guessing they decided the money they were getting out of people on the extra days wasn't worth it for the cost associated with them being in the park.

Just as they decided the down side of continuing to sell the class of APs they just froze wasn't worth it.

 

[mummabear]

Love your review! I am a WDW vet and worked there as well, so that is my instinct for any vacation time. But we are doing a Disney trip next year and considering DLR instead of WDW, mainly because of Cars land. But then WDW has new Fantasyland that we haven't seen yet, and they will have the new WWoHP expansion open as well over at Universal. Very interested in the better version of PotC though - it is my favorite ride. My DH was raised on DLR but has come to love WDW more due to the HUGE variety of activities.

(Which PS to the person wondering about what else to do in Orlando or surrounding area - Universal and IoA, Sea World/Discovery Cove, WonderWorks, Bush Gardens in Tampa (only a couple hour drive), if you are willing to drive further there is Gator Land as well. Lots to do and see.)

Having done both IMO Carsland is a significantly better area than new Fantasyland. RCA also has the same Ariel ride as NF.
I believe US Hollywood has a WoHP area opening.

 

[Kristina4109]

Although the Mermaid rides at CA and MK are identical inside, the exterior of the CA version is pretty boring compared with the gorgeous theming at MK.

Yes, USHollywood is planning a Wizarding World but they haven't confirmed an opening date yet.

 

[Kristina4109]

P.S. Kia ora, MummaBear!

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I hope HP doesn't get to USH before I do next fall...

 

[mummabear]

P.S. Kia ora, MummaBear!

 

[petals]

was 5 day park hopper enough to see everything in both parks on your first visit without rushing around?

 

[jemmi]

was 5 day park hopper enough to see everything in both parks on your first visit without rushing around?

We just experienced our first trip to Disneyland earlier this month. The 5 day ticket allowed us to take our time and experience everything plus do the things we liked again. We did it at a relaxing pace, I never felt rushed.

 

[jrtoastyman]

was 5 day park hopper enough to see everything in both parks on your first visit without rushing around?

Definitely. Had a very nice, laid back trip.

 

[petals]

We just experienced our first trip to Disneyland earlier this month. The 5 day ticket allowed us to take our time and experience everything plus do the things we liked again. We did it at a relaxing pace, I never felt rushed.

Definitely. Had a very nice, laid back trip.

Good to hear because one of our party isn't able to rush while the other gets frustrated when they're missing something by not rushing

 

[GatorChris]

Good to hear because one of our party isn't able to rush while the other gets frustrated when they're missing something by not rushing

Are you taking me and my wife along?

 

[petals]

Are you taking me and my wife along?

Nope just me and my Momma but like I'm through the gate and on the Peter Pan ride while she's still getting in the gate!

 

[pinksand]

I hope HP doesn't get to USH before I do next fall...

Universal Studios Hollywood tweeted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter West was opening in 2016:
https://twitter.com/UniStudios/status/453608247451451393

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Universal Studios Hollywood tweeted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter West was opening in 2016:
https://twitter.com/UniStudios/status/453608247451451393

Thanks, that's what I heard. So far, so good!