disappointed--cant' go to WDW

[diselderm]

We just went to WDW this June and I wasn't expecting to go back so soon, but my sister's family is going in February. I decided that since my sister watches my daughter (2.5 y/o) while I work, that we would have to vacation the same time and might as well go back to WDW. I had already started planning a little and had made one reservation.

My husband said that we didn't need to go back so soon unless they really wanted us there with them so we could all do things together, watch each other's children, etc. My sister told me today that they felt it would be better if they just went by themselves (which I understand), but my husband said no way are we going then to repeat the same vacation we just had.

So now that I'm already set on going on vacation in February, what should we do? The only other thing that seems good for our family would be a beach vacation, but it will be too cold in most places in the U.S. (I'd rather not go out of country) I feel really let down. I love the nice, themed on-site hotels and my dd had such a great time.

 

[kimwim8]

What about Disney Land?

 

[diselderm]

I'd thought about that and was just looking at the official disneyland site--why is it so different from the official WDW site I wonder? It seems so unfamiliar. I'm not sure that would be a different enough vacation for my husband, but I'll have to see. How is the weather there in February?

 

[roserae]

I was thinking Disneyland would be a great option too. You could spend about 3 days there to get your fix and then check out the surrounding areas to make it a different kind of vacation. I think the whether is beautiful year-round, though I admit to having never visited. I plan to, though! You could drive from east Texas and stop at the Grand Canyon, or if you fly you could rent a car and check out the California beachs or go to San Diego. I hear it is a beautiful city. This is something we plan to do in the next couple of years.

 

[all4fun]

The weather in SoCal in February is nice - highs are usually in the low-70s and lows around mid-high 40s. Avg precipitation last year was less than 3". (Checked weather.com ).

I have a hard time relating to your OP though. We went in May, we're going back in 8 days for 2 weeks, and have another trip planned for January. On top of that, DH is trying to figure out how to get us there for Thankgsiving weekend for a few days but I told him no way! He's a maniac when it comes to WDW. Of course we have AP's this time so dh feels like it's practically free since we won't have to pay for new passes.

Even if you went at the same time as your Sis and family, you could stay at different resorts and probably never see each other if you didn't want to. I know that would be weird, but it would it be possible. Sorry I know I'm no help.

DL is quite a bit different than WDW. It's the original, smaller (more quaint) You could get your fill in just a few days there, DCA is there, which is totally different than WDW. You could even plan some time outside the parks - Maybe go to Catalina Island, or visit a thrill park if you like - Six Flags Magic Mtn is within driving distance, as well as Knotts Berry Farm. The original Universal Studios is nearby as well and it's better than the Florida version, IMO. If you can afford it, stay at the Grand Californian Hotel. It's beautiful!

HTH,
Cheryl

 

[diselderm]

Thanks for the suggestions. I already tried the "we'll stay at a different resort" angle but that didn't work. Is Disneyland more or less crowded than WDW? I would think there may be more day trippers. I think we would like the Grand Californian. Do you feel as immersed in Disney at DL?

I just explored the Disney Cruise line site and maybe that would be an option. I get so fixated on vacation planning--it's getting to be a problem!

 

[all4fun]

I think February is probably OK crowd-wise, but you might want to check the DL board out and someone who's been there during that time might have a good answer for you. School is still in session and as long as you avoid holiday weekends (Is Pres. day in FEB?) you probably will be ok. You don't feel as immersed in Disney at DL because the outlying neighborhood incroaches right on the property. That's why Walt bought so much land in Florida. Once you're in the park, you really don't notice, but outside the park gates you definitely do.

We have been on DCL-Magic 7 day Eastern Carribean cruise. It was wonderful. I recommend it.

 

[Rapunsel]

As a So. Cal resident for 20 years, before I moved to NY, I have to say February is a great month to go to DL. To me it is home as it was what I grew up with. I did not go to WDW untill last year for the first time. YOu can do each park in a day. They also have a downtown Disney that is quite similar. Just not all the resorts. It is a fun place to go and there are many other things to do there. Especially that time of yar. it is in the mid 70's and a little rain, but usually at night if at all.

I'd say check into it as it is the 'low' season there and lines will be next to nothing.... Usually after the 1st of the year untill Easter break it is kind of empty.

So what ever your choice have a great time.. You can also fly into John Wayne intl. airport instead of LAX.

 

[diselderm]

Thanks so much for your help. I'm definitely interested in trying DL out at least at some point now (I never thought I'd want to go before). I've talked to DH about the cruise idea and I think he may be a little more open to that since we've never been on one before. He doesn't see why it would have to be the Disney cruise line, but I feel they would be so much more family oriented than another line. Plus it seems that they always pay so much attention to detail--everything's usually clean and nice.

I think I'll work on a land/sea plan and see how he goes for it. That way we could still get a couple of days in at a park.