Crowd comparisons between WDW and DL (on a busy day like around T-giving)?

[CinderellaDreamer]

So I have been to WDW on a crowded day (Thanksgiving, twice), and I was wondering how that compares to DL on a busy weekend (11/17-11/18). Will it be about the same trying to get through the crowds and wait times in lines, or is it worse due to DL being physically smaller.

I don't like really bad crowds with a stroller and three small kids. I haven't bought my tickets yet, and will only get a three day if its going to be awful on the 18th (we get there on the 15th, and we would only go on Saturday and not include Sunday). I would prefer to go to the parks another day though, of course, and had planned on getting the 4 day pass. We are also planning to hit San Diego parks later that week and could just add another day there if need be.

Just pondering before I make that ticket purchase.

Thanks!

 

[DLR29]

Generally speaking, WDW is always more crowded than DL any time of the year. Other than the Snow White 70th anniversary (which won't contribute many people like other events), there aren't any special events on that weekend, so I don't know why it would be unusually crowded. I'd probably estimate major rides having lines around 45-60 minutes in the peak of the day.

Since this is your first DL trip, I guarantee you that you won't be able to do most things in 1 or 2 days. I say buy the extra day, get Early Entry and maximize your time on your first trip.

 

[Tink-n-Pink]

We plan on being there on the 19th....thanks for posting your question! Have fun and I hope you get to see Cinderella.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I don't think that will be a huge weekend, its before the Thanksgiving crowds arrive. However, any weekend at DL is going to be crowded. DL has a huge local base that WDW does not have. It doesn't handle crowds as well since its smaller than MK. DCA however, is generally not crowded and a great place to escape to. Since its newer, the walkways are much wider for example. I think its always good to start your day at DL early, then head to DCA around lunch time into the afternoon. Its a great park and your little ones will love the Bugs Land area, Monster's Inc and the Animations Building (its different than the one in MGM and thats also where Turtle Talk with Crush is located) as well as the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. There's lots of places in DCA that are great for littler kids to run around in and burn off some energy. And the Aladdin show is over there and simply wonderful, the best live Disney show at DL or WDW right now.

DL being a local park gets crowded by lunch and stays that way on the weekend. Since many if not most of WDW visitors are staying in the area (many in onsite hotels) they leave the park to go swim, relax or dine at one of the many restaurants nearby. I often find the WDW parks to sometimes get a bit of a lull in the late afternoon and early evening. I don't ever find that at DL. However, early mornings at DL are much better than WDW in my opinion. Since its a local park, the locals don't get there as early as the tourists.

It works both ways I guess, but I think if you get there at opening each of your days you will be surpised at how much you can get done. And I agree, buy as many days as you can attend, there is a lot packed into DL and its all worth doing! Don't skip rides that have WDW counterparts, they are different in most cases and in many cases, DL rides are better.

Have a great trip!