Any WDW pros? (wanting DLR perspective) - update pg 3

[Disney Dreams]

Planning a trip and have some questions. Since I am so familiar with DL, thought it would be nice to see if anyone here is good with WDW that could help me in DL frame of mind.

If there are any willing to help, I will put out my questions.

Thanks,
Dreams

P.S. Sort of need HydroGuy's reverse guide. LOL

 

[camouseketeer]

We are DLR vets and went to WDW last January for the first time.

My brief comments are:

WDW is a vacation resort where you can stay much longer and do a wider variety of activities (water parks, etc.)

There is more variety of places to stay.

I like DLR better simply because of the compactness of the parks. My kids are young (6 and 4) and I like being able to do lots of rides without having to travel so far from park to park.

We will go back to WDW, but not for several years. We can get our Disney fix so close by (we're by Sacramento) and I want my kids to be older to enjoy more of the WDW attractions.

I'm happy to try and answer any Q's.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I can definitely help. Do you have anything specific in mind?

I started out as a WDW vet - going for the first time as an adult in 1989 and then going 3-5 times a year up until I moved to Los Angeles in 2000. I actually picked up my DL Premium AP in 1999, before I moved.

I've owned DVC at Old Key West resort since 1993 and have stayed at all the DVC resorts except Beach Club, the Poly, and Port Orleans Riverside (when it was Dixie Landings).

I'd be happy to help. I have a pretty analytical perspective on the parks down there, as I have taken a ton of backstage tours there through Disney University and the Disneyana Convention programs.

CA Mouseketeer has some good points. I would like to add to that, DL is a park where locals go. We rush there on the weekends, we celebrate our landmarks and return all the time. Not so in FL. In WDW, the locals love to hate it. They agree it stimulates their economy, but the prefer to loathe it as the demon company that is taking over their state. It is a city unto itself and is a mass employer. Sure people move there from all over the world to work, because they love Disney, but not the percentage you think.

Therefore, the vibe of the parks is different. In WDW, you get rushing tourists that are frantic to spend their dollars in the most optimum way possible, leading to extreme commando touring styles. I don't see near as many kids melting down here at DL as there.

On the other hand, becuase they have more space to build, and they came 2nd, they have more of a variety of attractions, restaurants, etc. Folks who go to WDW and never visit DL have a sense of "we're bigger and better", and are either pleasantly surprised, or extremely disappointed when they come to DL. You simply can't compare the two places on the same scales - they are just so different!!!

So what would you like to know?

 

[mad hatter fan]

I don't know if we are pros yet or not. We have been to DL 4 times and WDW 2 times. We fell in love with DL first and had 3 trips under our belt before our first WDW trip. I love them both!

The one thing that hit me the most about our first WDW trip was how I felt about the Magic Kingdom. I was surprised to find that I was actually disappointed in the Magic Kingdom by itself. It was lacking much of my favorite things I guess. Not just lacking certain rides, but I just didn't get the same love it love it feelings as I did while in Disneyland Park. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy our days in the Magic Kingdom. Just not as much as I thought I would. Now, my favorite park at WDW is Epcot by far!

On our second WDW trip, I did not feel so disappointed in the Magic Kingdom. I think I was prepared for the fact that it wasn't my favorte park there. Just being able to accept that before our second trip actually let me enjoy it more, if that makes any sense. I was able to concentrate on what was different at the Magic Kingdom that I liked. One of my favorites there is actually the Carousel of Progress.

I guess by all of this I am saying that what are your favorite things about DL may not be what you like best about WDW and that is ok. You will find new and different awsome things to be your favorite things about WDW! Like the fact that Expedition Everest is amazing!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I will try to help as well. I have been to DL at least 13 times and WDW 7 times. I can't promise I will have good info for you but I will try This April will be my first trip to DL with my kids and WDW in dec so we have been doing extra research as well.

 

[jencav5]

I am a DL Vet, and have also been to WDW many times, too. The first trip to WDW, as a previous poster also touched on, is almost a culture shock! Especially the Magic Kingdom. The first time I was there, it felt like being in an alternate universe or something - it's DL, but it's not! It really is like a humongous replica, but with many differences, as well. I felt like I was walking around in the twilight zone my first time there! lol Anyway, as another poster also said, I learned to love it and its differences. After returning there, I really did enjoy it. Don't let your friends tell you to skip the rides that are the same at DL. (I had a friend like that-luckily, I didn't listen!) Most of the rides that we also have here, are different there. For example, Snow White actually has an ending happily ever after scene (not painted on the wall, like here!), etc....

One tip I have-don't go overboard with priority dining! IMHO, it puts too much schedule on your day. One thing I like about WDW is that the counter service restaurants have these "bars" where they have all the fixings for things, like your burgers, etc... They will have mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.... that you can spice up your meal with.

Let us all know if you want to know anything specific. How long are you going for, and what time of year?

 

[HydroGuy]

Planning a trip and have some questions. Since I am so familiar with DL, thought it would be nice to see if anyone here is good with WDW that could help me in DL frame of mind.

If there are any willing to help, I will put out my questions.

Thanks,
Dreams

P.S. Sort of need HydroGuy's reverse guide. LOL

Well, I have a reverse guide of sorts. I am far from a WDW pro but I did try to put WDW into perspective for DLR Vets here:

"An Introduction To WDW For DLR Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

 

[Jenn1116]

Disney Dreams - I'm so happy to find your post. I'm a DL vet and have just started researching WDW. I have had a difficult time on the WDW side of the boards since they don't seem to have the stickys like we do. Which brings my to my next "thanks".

HydroGuy - WOW Thank you so much for posting the link and writing the guide. That is exactly what I need to get started.

I love the DIS!!!!!

 

[daveyc150]

My first ever Disney visit was to DL in 1990, however I have visited WDW the most and was also a cast member there for 14 months on the International program at Epcot. I think both places have their own charm and qualities and I would say that neither is better or worse than the other - just different. Being from the UK I have also been to DLP several times and that has a huge stigma around it - that it's not real "Disney". Again I found that it's just different, it has different people and attractions some of which are much better than their American counterparts. I love any holiday that has Disney incorporated into it but would always consider WDW as my "home" location, probably as I lived there for a such a long period of time.

I am happy to share any information with you and may have some great insider tips!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Thanks for the responses and offers for some help everyone! I appreciate it.

The trip is just me and DH to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We are 2 adult kids at heart, one (ME!) with a passion for all things Disney.

We haven't done any true travel in many, many years (even though we wanted to). Due to some great luck, we have the chance to take this trip and splurge a little - not excessively, but enough to make it a fun week with a little spoiling for our 10 years together (well, 17 together, but 10 married)!

That said....

Accommodations
We are going 10/4/08 - 10/11/08. I love water and we have not been to WDW for 12 years (pre-AK), so... we have reservations at:

* AKL - 3 nights, club level, savannah view
* Yacht Club - 4 nights, club level, lagoon view (note: This reservation was made because we were told the Boardwalk was a great place for 2 adults, no kids BUT we could not get a guaranteed lagoon view at the Boardwalk for our dates. At the YC, we can IF we upgrade to the Club Level. So.... that's where we are.)

Dining
We were told by people that dining reservations are necessary at WDW so...

S Arrive on red-eye. Nothing scheduled. Play it by feel
M Brunch at Ohana
T Brunch at Boma
T Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table (yes, we called and called and called!)
W Brunch at Crystal Palace
W Dinner at Brown Derby
Th Dinner at The Wave (Might cancel. Open to suggestions for another place)
Th Lunch at Living Seas
F Breakfast at Tusker House before the park opens
F Dinner at Narcossie's - anniversary night
S Wide open for filling in whatever we missed.

Phew! We do not have the Dining Plan for reasons that don't really matter, but we don't and we are ok with that.

Suggestions? Things we are missing? (We are trying to get into brunch at Chef Mickey's, but so far have not been successful with ADRs.)

Note regarding Friday: We have become aware that we going during the Food and Wine Festival. We got engaged 12 years ago at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and it has sort of become our logo. We are thinking about having no official dinner plans on Friday, going to France at EPCOT, having a moment at the Eiffel Tower, and snacking our way through the evening with the F & W festival.

Shows, Parades, etc.
I love them, DH can take them or leave them. I know of the following:
* Spectromagic
* Wishes
* Fantasmic (my favorite at DL!)
* Illuminations
Are we missing anything? How do we do all of this with dinner reservations?

Where is the time to just wander around and enjoy the parks if we are rushing from reservation to reservation? Is brunch in one park and dinner in another a huge mistake? AHHHH! This is where I get overwhelmed and would love some input!

Additional info that might be good to know about us and how we travel:
* We are 2 adults, no kids (unless you count me as a grown up kid!)
* We don't like to rush rush rush working from a checklist.
* Last trip to WDW we did a day at MK, a day at MGM, 2 days at EPCOT (1 day future side, 1 day world side), 1 day to go back and catch stuff we didn't have enough time to do ... and it was a perfect vacation.
* We aren't a "fancy" couple, but like to have a good time (we're just 2 big kids!)
* He LOVES all things sports. I LOVE all things show (i.e. parades, shows, etc...).
* Money is a little bit of an issue, but not much due to some amazing dumb luck that has shined on us for this trip. YAY!

So, are we doing ok and just stressing? Or are we missing something big? We don't need to see it all, but don't want to return home and realize we missed something HUGE.

I have read and read on the WDW sections of DIS, allears, and many other sites, as well as the input from some friends. I truly believe I have reached the point of too much information! Thanks everyone! We appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dreams (and my DH, not so much the DPup who doesn't know he's going to a kennel for mom and dad's 10 year anniversary! )

 

[cseca]

WOW!
You've done your homework! Great job!

Ok, I can help you a little bit with the dining and shows... have you checked out the calendar on WDW site?
Illumination is 99% at 9pm at night. So whenever night you're planning to watch that show make sure your dining is completed before then OR just do it on your EPCOT night.
The other 3 shows timing sorta changes depending on park hours. Make sure for Fantasmic that you get there an hour before the show starts. I think people starts lining up an hour a half before the show. But I'm never that patient to wait that long. Or you can do the fantasmic dinner package but I don't think it's worth it IMO.

If you decide not to do the Wave, try Cali Grill. Whenever night you decide to dine there you can go back to their balcony area to watch wishes from there. They pipe in the music too. So for example you can only get ressie for 6pm at night and wishes is at 10pm. You can return at 9:45 and hang out at the balcony until wishes starts. Plus their food is awesome.

I think you picked almost all my favorite dining places (Crystal Palace, Boma, Ohana bfast, and Tusker House) so you'll have a wonderful time .

Where is the time to just wander around and enjoy the parks if we are rushing from reservation to reservation? Give yourself enough time for transportation. As you know WDW is huge, so it's better to be early than to panic about missing a reservation. And I don't see you having 2 dining ressie in 1 day, so you'll be fine. Also plan some time during the day to return to the hotel to rest. You never know when you'll need it.

Is brunch in one park and dinner in another a huge mistake? AHHHH! This is where I get overwhelmed and would love some input!
I don't think so. We've done that many times. It gives us time to return back to the hotel and freshen up before we go to dinner.
I don't know if you remember, there's no direct bus between resorts so you'll need to transfer from a park bus to a resort bus. That's especially important for your Boma ressie.
Just don't do a brunch and an early dinner... because if you're like us, you'll eat A LOT during brunch and then by dinner time you won't be hungry enough to eat.
If we're to do 2 TS in 1 day I'll do a late bfast and then a reasonably late dinner (7pm). I would never do any buffet with an early dinner... that's from our experience.

Oh and I'm not sure what time your CP bfast is, but if you get one before the park opens you'll be able to see the park almost completely empty... take pics with the castle without anybody in front of it. That's pretty cool!

Have fun!!!

oh and don't forget to make a note in your ressie that it's a celebration
Especially since you're staying in a club level, you never know what kind of special goodies might show up!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Since you describe yourselves as folks who don't rush, I have included a couple of tips mixed in with my dining comments below.

1) Make sure to allot yourself at least a meal's worth of snacking the F&W Festival - maybe two! Kevin and John (on the podcast) say that Narcoosee's is really a great place for a casual special meal, so you might not want to miss that. (We're trying them in January - one of the few places I haven't eaten!) Maybe schedule that for another day, since it sounds like your are leaning toward doing the F&W as the most romantic thing to do for your anniversay. My tip is to load a Disney gift card with exactly how much you want to spend on the special food items and wine. Use only that gift card - it will keep you on budget and help you limit your intake. Also, it is much quicker to go through the lines with that rather than cash or credit card. There is nothing to sign (credit card) and no fumbling for bills or change. Plus, each receipt totals up how much you have left!

2) Be careful in planning a luch and a dinner too close together. You get an absolute ton of food at WDW restaurants and you can easily eat yourself silly and sick. (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!) A good rule is to allow 1.5-2 hours for each table service meal. More for the signature restaurants!

3) Make sure your Crystal Palace brunch is early and have a late seating for BD, if you want to pull off a two parker. You should give yourself an hour to switch parks (and then celebrate if it's less).

4) I would hang on to the Wave - it's gotten great reviews, serves sustainable foods and uses "green" cooking methods. We're excited about going there on our next trip!

5) Don't miss the Brown Derby. The food there is wonderful and it is such a pleasant adult meal!

6) Boma's dinner is superb!!!!! I know you have them down for breakfast, but wow - their dinner.

7) Remember to do the night-vision goggles down by the pool. There is an animal guide that has the infra-red binoculars and it is really cool.

8) Get in a game or two of mini-golf at Winter Summerland. My hubby and I did that (pre-kids) one night and it was some of the most fun we've had! They cut you a $ break on doing both courses in one night.

9) Make sure you take a romantic walk around the World Showcase after Illuminations is over. Watch it in the back, follow the crowd - VERY SLOWLY - out past Canada, then don't leave - keep walking toward Mexico and back clockwise around. No one stops you, because you are technically heading toward the International Gateway. It is the most quiet and romantic walk - especially in the rain!!!! If you go slow enough, you will sop and hang out as they raise the drawbridge (between China and African Outpost) to take the Video Ball and the other fireworks barges back to their storage place.

I have more, but I'll let others speak.

 

[JaneJetson]

I've only been to WDW four times. Only once (this past January) as an adult. It was my husbands first trip to WDW (he grew up in socal so is a Disneyland vet.)

We really loved WDW. We were in the parks for 6 days.

Another perspective on dinging - We didn't have any dining reservations at all. We decided to just eat counter service the entire time. We aren't foodies (I'm actually quite picky) so it was a cheaper/easier thing to do. Also, I just can't imagine having all of my meals planned out. I never know what time I'll be hungry or what I'll be in the mood for. We essentially didn't have to look at our watches at all the entire day. We looked into the dining plan before we went. I ran the numbers and decided that if we did the plan, we'd actually have to force ourselves to eat more than we usually would. Afterwards I added up all of our food purchases and we spent less than we would have on the dining plan.

One thing I couldn't have lived without was the refillable mug at our hotel (Port Orleans Riverside.) We used our mugs in the morning for breakfast at the hotel and then at night we'd get hot choclate after the parks. It was lovely.

Some things we noticed about WDW compared to Disneyland...(These are just opinions, of course.) And just some random thoughts on WDW.....

~ WDW is more of a tourist atmosphere whereas Disneyland has a lot of locals. Even though I used to be a Disneyland local, I still prefer the tourist atmosphere.
~ Overall, Disneyland is cleaner. I rarely encounter a gross bathroom at Disneyland. At WDW, just about every one I went in was nasty. At Disneyland there wasn't nearly as much trash and stuff on the ground as there was at WDW.
~ The resorts/hotels at WDW are a million times better than the ones I've Disneyland. (Although I've only stayed at a couple WDW resorts, we walked around some of them. And we've walked around the Disneyland hotels.)
~ Disneyland Park is better than The Magic Kingdom. The attention to details is amazing.
~ We LOVED Animal Kingdom. It is my second favorite Disney park (Disneyland is first.)
~ Expedition Everest is amazing!!!!
~ At WDW you will spend a lot of time between parks. But you probably know that already.

That's all I can think about right now but I'm sure there's a lot more.

 

[JaneJetson]

Since you describe yourselves as folks who don't rush, I have included a couple of tips mixed in with my dining comments below.

1) Make sure to allot yourself at least a meal's worth of snacking the F&W Festival - maybe two! Kevin and John (on the podcast) say that Narcoosee's is really a great place for a casual special meal, so you might not want to miss that. (We're trying them in January - one of the few places I haven't eaten!) Maybe schedule that for another day, since it sounds like your are leaning toward doing the F&W as the most romantic thing to do for your anniversay. My tip is to load a Disney gift card with exactly how much you want to spend on the special food items and wine. Use only that gift card - it will keep you on budget and help you limit your intake. Also, it is much quicker to go through the lines with that rather than cash or credit card. There is nothing to sign (credit card) and no fumbling for bills or change. Plus, each receipt totals up how much you have left!

2) Be careful in planning a luch and a dinner too close together. You get an absolute ton of food at WDW restaurants and you can easily eat yourself silly and sick. (Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!) A good rule is to allow 1.5-2 hours for each table service meal. More for the signature restaurants!

3) Make sure your Crystal Palace brunch is early and have a late seating for BD, if you want to pull off a two parker. You should give yourself an hour to switch parks (and then celebrate if it's less).

4) I would hang on to the Wave - it's gotten great reviews, serves sustainable foods and uses "green" cooking methods. We're excited about going there on our next trip!

5) Don't miss the Brown Derby. The food there is wonderful and it is such a pleasant adult meal!

6) Boma's dinner is superb!!!!! I know you have them down for breakfast, but wow - their dinner.

7) Remember to do the night-vision goggles down by the pool. There is an animal guide that has the infra-red binoculars and it is really cool.

8) Get in a game or two of mini-golf at Winter Summerland. My hubby and I did that (pre-kids) one night and it was some of the most fun we've had! They cut you a $ break on doing both courses in one night.

9) Make sure you take a romantic walk around the World Showcase after Illuminations is over. Watch it in the back, follow the crowd - VERY SLOWLY - out past Canada, then don't leave - keep walking toward Mexico and back clockwise around. No one stops you, because you are technically heading toward the International Gateway. It is the most quiet and romantic walk - especially in the rain!!!! If you go slow enough, you will sop and hang out as they raise the drawbridge (between China and African Outpost) to take the Video Ball and the other fireworks barges back to their storage place.

I have more, but I'll let others speak.

2 hours for a meal?! Yikes. Now I'm really glad we just did counter service. I can eat good food anytime.

 

[bennyb98]

You sure do have a good plan going. I'll give you a couple of ideas:

*Like a PP said, maybe moving your Brunch at CP back at little bit, the food there is VERY filling and because it is a buffet you may not be hungary again for dinner right away.
*Other than that since you LOVE shows be sure to check out:
-Mickey's Philharmagic at MK
-Beauty and the Beast LIVE on Stage at DHS (get there about 20 minutes early)
-Voyage of the Little Mermaid at DHS
-Festival of the Lion King at DAK
-Be sure to take time out to enjoy the World Showcase players in all the countries as well

*I would try and match the nights you want to see all the shows in one park to the time you want to see the nighttime shows. You should have no trouble from your schedule. Also, it is possible to see both Spectro and Wishes in the same night in MK.

*Some SPORTS ideas for your Husband:
-Maybe have dinner at the ESPN Zone at the Boardwalk one night?
-Try the Indy Speedway at MK
-Tom Sawyer Island and the Treehouse at MK are both good for climbing arouond and exploring, kinda sportish
I'm drawing a bit of a blank on more sports stuff to do, sorry

hope this helps out a bit

 

[Judy from Boise]

just a few questions.......why is there a need for brunch if you are staying club ? I would eat a big breakfast at the club, a late lunch and a late dinner. That puts you out of the crowds, and gets your $$ worth for that very expensive accomadation.
Also Tusker House on Friday......If you are staying first at AKL, I would get that park completely done, and not head back after you switch to YC.Once you switch to YC....Epcot is King ! Plan on seeing Illuminations more than once!

Got to get to work, but i will check in later.

 

[daannzzz]

If Disneyland were the Earth...
WDW is the Solar System...
Plan Accordingly!

Listen to everything everyone says and then don't listen to anything.
Go with a hugely open mind. It is way different.
I grew up going to Disneyland and had been about 25 times before going to WDW at 40 years old. IT is awesome. Yes the MK is different but if you love Disney parks going to WDW is incredible. I absolutely loved looking at how the Imagineers changed things on some of the rides. There are parts of the MK that are better than Disneyland and Parts of Disneyland that are better than the MK. It is all a personal thing to each person in your party.
Go with the attitude that you want to explore, comfotably, what you can in the time you have. It will not all live up to what you imagine or the hype that you hear but it will be an adventure.

 

[OnePrincess]

Wow! It looks like everyone else pretty much covered a lot of stuff for you. Right now I can't seem to think of anything to add, except have fun and enjoy yourself.

 

[OnePrincess]

I've only been to WDW four times. Only once (this past January) as an adult. It was my husbands first trip to WDW (he grew up in socal so is a Disneyland vet.)

We really loved WDW. We were in the parks for 6 days.

Another perspective on dinging - We didn't have any dining reservations at all. We decided to just eat counter service the entire time. We aren't foodies (I'm actually quite picky) so it was a cheaper/easier thing to do. Also, I just can't imagine having all of my meals planned out. I never know what time I'll be hungry or what I'll be in the mood for. We essentially didn't have to look at our watches at all the entire day. We looked into the dining plan before we went. I ran the numbers and decided that if we did the plan, we'd actually have to force ourselves to eat more than we usually would. Afterwards I added up all of our food purchases and we spent less than we would have on the dining plan.

One thing I couldn't have lived without was the refillable mug at our hotel (Port Orleans Riverside.) We used our mugs in the morning for breakfast at the hotel and then at night we'd get hot choclate after the parks. It was lovely.

Some things we noticed about WDW compared to Disneyland...(These are just opinions, of course.) And just some random thoughts on WDW.....

~ WDW is more of a tourist atmosphere whereas Disneyland has a lot of locals. Even though I used to be a Disneyland local, I still prefer the tourist atmosphere.
~ Overall, Disneyland is cleaner. I rarely encounter a gross bathroom at Disneyland. At WDW, just about every one I went in was nasty. At Disneyland there wasn't nearly as much trash and stuff on the ground as there was at WDW.
~ The resorts/hotels at WDW are a million times better than the ones I've Disneyland. (Although I've only stayed at a couple WDW resorts, we walked around some of them. And we've walked around the Disneyland hotels.)
~ Disneyland Park is better than The Magic Kingdom. The attention to details is amazing.
~ We LOVED Animal Kingdom. It is my second favorite Disney park (Disneyland is first.)
~ Expedition Everest is amazing!!!!
~ At WDW you will spend a lot of time between parks. But you probably know that already.

That's all I can think about right now but I'm sure there's a lot more.

I have to agree with you on the Dining Plan. It's not for us either. The first year we went to WDW, we didn't use the Dining Plan. We did do one priority seating for lunch one day but that was it. Last year we did use the Dining Plan because it was a special and you got it free. It was defianlty too much food for us. With the fact that it's too much food, I would never purchase it but I would use it if it was offered for free again.

The mugs are the best. We saved a lot of money on drinks with purchasing those mugs. We filled up in the morning and again when we got back to the hotel. Some days it was even more than twice a day it just depended on what we were doing.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Rent the Watermice at the Poly (or any other resort on the MK area lakes). You get an hour of zipping around together and it really gives you some unique vantage points of all those resorts. Plus you get to get close to the old Discovery Island Park - which has become an overgrown wildlife haven.

Take the Offroading Segway Tour or go horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. That campground is amazing and "Disney historical" - original to the Parks when they opened.

Rent the canopy bicycles from the Boardwalk after you check into the Yacht Club. I have always wanted to do this, as the road there is a circle with several hills. WAY lots of FUN!!! You will need close toed shoes.