Dilema WDW or DL??

[X and G's mom]

I'm looking for comparisons of WDW and DLR?
I'm currently booked 7/28 - 8/6 at WDW. But, I'm thinking of going to DLR 8/1 - 8/6.
My DS12 wants to go to WDW, but my DD11 is open to new things and thinks DLR would be awesome too. I'm stuck with wanting to do something new and doing something we know our way around.

I'm wondering, if anyone has been to both the beginning of Aug. how are the crowds in comparison, also what is the weather comparison?

Also, what restaurants are close to DLR? If we go to WDW we would probably be on the DDP.

I'm going to post this on the WDW board too!
TIA!

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm looking for comparisons of WDW and DLR?
I'm currently booked 7/28 - 8/6 at WDW. But, I'm thinking of going to DLR 8/1 - 8/6.
My DS12 wants to go to WDW, but my DD11 is open to new things and thinks DLR would be awesome too. I'm stuck with wanting to do something new and doing something we know our way around.

There are a lot of comparisons around here. Here is a link that may help and gets lots of mileage on this forum:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

I'm wondering, if anyone has been to both the beginning of Aug. how are the crowds in comparison, also what is the weather comparison?

Not quite, but have done DLR in all summer months and WDW in June. To my eye summer crowds were comparable. However, the summer weather in DLR is way more tolerable.

See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

Also, what restaurants are close to DLR? If we go to WDW we would probably be on the DDP.

Check this link to the sticky at the top of the forum for dining info:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

I'm going to post this on the WDW board too!

My prediction on the WDW forum... a lot of "don't go to DLR it is too small" from people who have never been or have not been for decades.

DLR is smaller but is not lesser. In a number of ways it exceeds WDW. Weather is one of them.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Weather will be much better at DLR ~ we visited S. CA last July and it was tolerable, we visited WDW early Oct. and it was miserably hot and humid! Give DLR a try ~ I actually prefer it, + you can do other things in S. CA in addition to DLR.

 

[buddydecat]

This is a never ending debate in my family. Personally, I love both parks!

At DLR, everything is within walking distance and easily accessible. They truly know how to utilize limited space. I like some of the classic attractions at DLR better as well, ie Peter Pan, Small World & Pirates of Carribbean. DLR and WDW have similiar attractions, they may deviate some such as DLR has Indiana Jones and WDW has the Dinosaur ride. The type of ride is similiar, animation and theme are different. Both fun!

The hotel choices at WDW are amazing. As well as the transportation options. Unfortunately, we were less likely to park hop there due to distance between parks and transport wait time. I loved Animal Kingdom and the roller coaster there. The Grand Floridian was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in, it was beautiful.

As for dining, WDW definately has better dining plan and more choices. I wouldn't waste my time with DLR dining plan, it's dollar for dollar and no added value. DLR could take a lesson or two from WDW dining plan options.

Good luck with your decision. If you're open minded, you're likely to have a great time at either park.

 

[Disney Fool]

I've been to WDW many times in August--mainly because it's value season!!If you go there, please be prepared for the extreme heat and humidity. You can almost take your hand and part the air, it's that heavy. It rains just about every afternoon around the same time; although 10 minutes later, you'd never know it--the ground is dry again. A good comparison is to stick your wet head into a 375 degree oven! WDW vets who go at that time know to start out very early and leave the park and hit the pool in the afternoon (until the rain). Usually the serious heat begins around 10:30/11 a.m. Many WDW vets, go back to their hotels during the afternoon, and come back to the parks after the sun goes down--it's still hot--just not opressive. Take advantage of air-conditioned bldgs as much as possible, and to bring a washcloth with ice in a zip-lock bag to refresh with. Drink a lot of water during the day--I cannot over-emphasize this point. When you start feeling cranky or irritated, it's a sign you need to drink more water--not soft drinks or juice, WATER. It will have an immediate cooling effect on your body. You will need sunhats and lots of sunscreen. Comfy shoes are a must, particularly in the heat, as feet can swell. Never, ever wear brand new shoes to WDW. The average person walks around 6-12 miles a day. (you won't realize this, though) You will need a very good Plan to see and do all you want. Eating at WDW is serious business!!! WDW vets plan meals 6 months out--especially for specialty restaurants and dinner shows. Around mid-July begins value season for the deluxe resorts (runs until Oct 7), so that's a plus. There are rumors flying over on the WDW resorts and codes board about possible free-dining promos coming soon so watch for that --could be a serious savings for you. The parks are operating at full capacity; most parks are open very, very late. It will be very busy as it's peak time--but as I said, have a plan. know what you want to do. The advantage is that no attractions will be closed. I read that you are on the Dining Plan, so making advanced reservations is a must. It would be very frustrating to walk up to a table service restaurant and find out that there's a very long wait for a table. Watch the WDW boards for discounted packages for some $avings. I've been to DLR in August, hot but not humid--so it makes a big difference in the way you feel. Happy Planning!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Based upon what I have seen posted, I would do WDW.

Jack

 

[ebtbmom]

I cannot comment on the time of year because I'm a chicken when it comes to heat so I go in the winter. But, I just returned (there last week) from my first 5night trip to DLR and I have to admit that I think I like it better. We stayed at DLH, and it was so easy to get from hotel to parks. We NEVER take a break at WDW b/c it's too spread out and takes too long. We took a break nearly everyday at DL. One day we left our hotel room and were standing in Tomorrowland in 15 minutes!

Plus, Peter Pan (my all time fav) and POTC are way better! Give DLR a try, I think you'll like it.

One more thing, are your girls into Disney 365? I had never heard of it, but they have a studio with makeoves there, and my 13 yr niece was really excited about that and not so much into BBB. She got a makeover and thought she was a rock star all day. There is not one of these at WDW yet.