Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Help me decide!

[bexareaglecheryl]

Help me decide:

I have been very ill for the past year or so and I am finally feeling some better. My DH was laid off from his job in October and finally starts a new postion Monday morning (4-8-02). We have really had a rough time.

My DH really wants to take me to visit Mickey for my 41st birthday and as a reward for all of us making it through this rough time. We have about $800 dollars to spend total. (Well we don't really have it as extra money, but it's what we can squeeze!) So here' my dilema.

Travelers: Me and DH and our two kids aged 14 and 11
Dates available: April 25-28 (3 days!)
Money available: $800

First question: Which Priceline obtained airfare would be least expensive LA or Orlando?

Now, within this budget (which includes airfare) what would be the smartest trip to make?

Location:Should we visit Disneyland and Disney's California adventure? I can get 2 day park hopper passes with the 3rd day free and 3 hotel days for about $580-$600. We would not rent a car and would use the shuttle or walk to Disneyland. We would just take a cab or some more inexpensive transportation to and from the hotel.

If we went to Walt Disney World we would have only 1 real full day at one of the WDW parks and then we'd visit Islands of Adventure for one day, so we'd have to buy 2 sets of one park one day tickets. The DisneyLand tickets would be less expensive.I'm not sure how we would decide which WDW park to see. However, would we save more money on a deeply discounted Orlando hotel room. However, would we end up spending more on transportation?

We have been to WDW 2 times and never to DisneyLand.

I welcome any help in this decision making process. Thanks to all my DIS friends.


Cheryl
you can also email me at bexareagle20@netscape.net

 

[MarkRG]

Being we have been to both, I would say that Disneyland and DCA are a concentrated version of WDW. Mind you, there's a lot of attractions that are exclusive to WDW, but there's a lot that share. 3 days at Disneyland would just about do it. We've been out there twice now and you'll really be able to see everything that DL/DCA has to offer in that 3 days. That saves the hard choice of what to skip in Florida. Never mind all the running around if you wanted to visit IOA as well. You can actually walk to everything in the Disneyland Resort easily. If you want the easier to accomplish and more inclusive trip DL/DCA is it for sure.

I think airfare is going to decide it for you. I don't have any experience with Priceline, so I couldn't really tell you details, but you have 2 airports to choose, LAX or Orange County. Orange County is good deal closer and away from the worst of LA traffic, but more expensive of the 2.

If you have any questions of the differences between DL and WDW, feel free to ask!

 

[DonnaRy]

I agree with Mark, DL is the way to go. You can see it all at DL and DCA in 3 days and I would imagine that from San Antonio, airfare would be more reasonable to California than to Florida.

There are plenty of low cost hotels around DL that offer a shuttle to the park, so the only transportation you need is to and from the airport.

Sounds like you've had a rough year. A trip to DL is just the thing to forget about reality for awhile and have fun!

 

[scanmom]

www.getawaytoday.org we used them last Oct. and they were great! I would call the 1-800 # on the website...sometimes the agent will find a better price than is listed on the web. They have super prices and great service. I would choose DLR...not WDW. It will be new for you, less expensive, and less running around. We have been to both, and while I love Epcot and MGM, I think DL beats the MK by far! Just wait until you see Its a Small World! and Indiana Jones! They are great at DL! As far as airfare, I can't advise, we always drive from OK. You may want to consider driving, you can save ALOT of $$. and you will have your car if you should decide to, say, go to the beach or something! Have a great trip! I am glad things are going better for you now!

 

[goofyfordisney]

I would reccommend DL/DCA. I would also suggest driving--unless you can get great airfare rates! I don't know if I could do it all on a $800 budget--considering your passes, food, lodging, etc.

DL/DCA is much more compact than WDW--not as overwhelming--and since you have never been--it will be fun to "compare" the differences between WDW & DL!

Hope you have a great time!

 

[princessKT]

You can't really get 4 plane tickets for 200 bucks, can you? On Southwest, maybe, but really it will be hard to find :/

 

[funnygarcia]

Can you afford a bit more $ for the trip - or at least a different set of dates? (mid week would be cheaper). Airfare for that time peirod is about $220 on hotwire . If you have a longer time peirod to search for airfare you would find better deals, especially if mid week. Driving might be more in your budget - maybe even camping instead of hotel?
The cheapest I have been able to spend w various deals out there is $1800, but that doesnt include food/souveniers - this is family of 5 for one week at hotel and airfare from MN- free kid's passes and purchasing APs to get Disney Hotel deal. I am actually spending less $ with 5 people and a longer stay then I did last yr w a 4 day stay - 4 people -
The more you research a Disney trip the better cost savings!
Good Luck!

 

[Grog]

I would pick DLR over WDW. I spent three days at DLR this past August and had a great time. I love the fact that the entrances to both parks and Downtown Disney are all connected by one central plaza. No waiting for buses to get you somewhere. No mad dash to see a show in another park. We watched the Main Street Electrical Parade at DCA and still had more than enough time to get to DL to see the Fireworks after. Three days is plenty of time to see and do everything more than once.

As for rides, the ones that are not available at WDW that you shouldn't miss are Indiana Jones and the Tempe of the Forbidden Eye at DL. Fastpass was made with this ride in mind Over at DCA you have to ride Soarin' Over California and California Screamin'. Also, DL is the only place you can ride Mr. Toad now.

If you've never been, DLR is where you want to go. The cost is more reasonable, it's easier on you physically (less running around), and you can see everything in a shorter amount of time. Also, there are plenty of "offsite" hotels right across the street from the entrance to the parks, or within a few minutes walk. Whatever you decide to do, have a great time

 

[JenniferW]

I guess the place to start is find out how much ballpark hotel costs would be and then try Priceline for air if you are really flexible! This should be your best value but you have to be willing to meet all their conditions. Look at the priceline/expedia board for help on that. (can't emphasize that enough) There is a 25 bonus on airline tickets I think right now.

After that, I would definitely book an affordable hotel. Sounds like fun and my vote is for DCA/DL since you have limited time. I would feel frustrated going to Orlando for only 3 days, but DL would be fabulous espeically since you've never been!


Jenn

 

[caverill]

I couldn't agree more...

Based on your expense and time limitations, DL would be a better choice at this time.

I am not sure you will get airfare low enough to fit in your budget, but driving would also be an option.

WDW, which I perfer, is just too big to be done in 3 days. We find a week isn't enough most of the time. DL also has a different feel with the size of the park and the detail.

 

[KJMAX1]

Go to DL. We have been to DL so many times I cannot count, and have been ot WDW once. I feel unless you have multiple days to spend and more money there is no way I would waste it on WDW no matter how much I love it. DL is offering some AWESOME deals right now, and Southwest is offering a companion or friend fly free. DL is also old time Walt Disney with the original Tiki Room, Tom Sawyers Island, and of course the wonderful Its a Small World. It has just enough to let you know its Disney, but different from WDW. You also feel a sense of completion making it through the park. It makes you feel as you have seen it all and yet there are little things along the way to make it different. There are always the shows, and street performances at DL that are different from WDW. We have fond memories of DL and I am sure you will too. My favorite is when I had gotten heat stroke there once, and my husband, then just a good friend, took my to the Tiki room for shade and air conditioning, and wrapped his arm around mine and did a finger dance to the music to make me smile.....=) Our daughter thinks its hilarious now to see mom and dad still doing this.

Kelly

 

[TheLionKing]

Not unexpected answers from folks here on the Disneyland Board.

I would vote for Disneyland as well.

#1 You have never been here before.
#2 You can feel like you have experienced it fully and be less likely to go away feeling like you missed something.
#3 An efficient use of time with no waits on buses.


You might get a different perspective on the WDW trip planning boards.