DL or WDW

[Dis Ohana]

Thanks everyone for such good advice. I am back on track and will start planning our WDW vacation again. Most of you seem to totally understand where I'm coming from with this - I know rosiep hates crowds just as much as I do, and I loved HydroGuy's Guide to WDW. Andrea, I hope you make it to WDW soon, and I know you can understand how I will miss going to DL this year!
I knew I could count on my DIS Ohana! Mahalo!

 

[AskTheChief]

Where in Hawaii do you live? We lived at Pearl Harbor (the new Hale Moku housing) for three years and moved here four years ago.

I was a bit miserable (island fever) after the first year, but I miss it now. We also didn't have the money to leave the island except for one or two trips home to see family. Closest we came to DL was Sea Life Park.

 

[Dis Ohana]

We live in Honolulu, very close to Waikiki. DH first time off the island was when he was 21 (our 1st trip to DL). We've been fortunate enough to take the kids to DL the past few years, so going futher to Florida is a real adventure for us. As you can see, we're not exactly seasoned travelers, that's part of the reason why I was so nervous about going so far.

 

[cryssi]

I was born and raised here in CA, and had been to DL about twice a year since I was 2. I've been fortunate enough to have been to WDW 5x! I love it over there, especially epcot! We could hit epcot every day (and usually do!). I've now lived in so cal for almost 10 years...(ack) and had a DL AP for 2 of them...We don't go as often as we used to (that's what happens when you live so close, lol) but I do still love DL...

definitely go to WDW, though...you may not be able to see it all, but it will be a great experience!

 

[Skroops]

Another vote for WDW!! You've already subscribed to TGM (he really knows how to avoid the crowds!!) so you won't be where the crowds are. TGM rocks. He is right on with the advice.
DL and WDW are like a clementine and a florida orange. Both are super good, juicy and sweet, but they are different! I truly love them both. I can't wait for my third visit to Disneyland in less than 2 weeks, but I have to admit, I have a WDW trip planned for next month because I had to try out the new Pirates and Princess party. Unfortunately for our budget, I have a Disney sickness. My DH threatens intervention often.
You will love WDW too! What is another five hour flight (or so)? Go for it!!

 

[TwingleMum]

As a veteran of many trips to WDW I say go for it. I would urge a minimum of 7 days given the long flight (10 days would be ideal) There are 4 huge parks so I try to allot 2 days per park. We park hop going to one park in the am , back to resort for naps,lunch and a relaxing swim. Then back to a different park for the evening. Staying onsite at WDW is a must they have great accomidations in every price range. You can save $ at WDW you don't need a car because the buses, boats and monorail get you where you want to go. Magical Express is free and takes you from the airport to your resort. Have fun planning. Where are yuo going to stay at WDW??? WDW also goes all out for Christmas. The resorts try to out do each other. A fun thing to do is visit each resort to see their decorations ~ GF makes a huge gingerbread victorian mansion, BC makes a huge carousel with painted horses all made out of chocolate!! BWI makes a recreation of a boardwalk made out of chocolate. AKL recreates a different scene out of Africa out of marzipan and chocolate. I could just go on & on. There is also a fabulous party "Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party" That you should go to. They close the magic kingdom and have snow on Main St, cookies and hot chocolate for free,special Holiday entertainment and special Parade with the guest of honor ~ Santa Claus!. Christmas is magical at WDW you'll love it.

 

[2GuysSeattle]

WDW is AMAZING, while DLR is cute and quaint. A whole different experience altogether. I say go for it! Make sure to get the meal plan....it will save you a bundle if you like to do table service restaurants. And with Tour Guide Mike's help, the crowds won't be an issue for you.

 

[Motherofafae]

I say go to WDW! As a kid I lived 2 hours away (mom still does) but we only got one day each year. I took my first 7 day trip and Loved it! We actually only got to do six. We went during Christmas break, busy! however if you go early you can get on most rides and we had a great time! I can’t wait to compare DL to WDW. I love WDW and knowing Disney, both will be wonderful. You will not be disappointed at all! Just get good directions to each location you plan to stop at. We got lost once coming back from the airport and once finding our hotel. Could have just been us, we can get lost in a bag! But it was funny and we were very excited so it could have been that too. Have a fun trip!

 

[PattiPB]

My vote is to go for it, too!

We go to WDW 1 or 2 times a year, and DL between 4 and 8 times a year. They are both awesome destinations with plenty to offer a growing family. With your kids in the 11 & 14 age range, they'll have the stamina and the intellect to absorb all that WDW has to offer.

We go to WDW in early December, and the weather is very unpredictable. Living in Vegas, we RARELY felt it was warm enough to swim, and usually need sweatshirts in the evenings. It has been cool enough to warrant hats and gloves---just like January at DL this year!

I agree with the suggestions of staying onsite. I think it dramatically minimizes the planning stress. Free transport from the airport means no rental car and no hotel commuting hassles. I don't know your budget or habits, but if this is a "once in a lifetime", I'd suggest at least a moderate resort. Ideally, I'd try to rent points from a DVCer, but early December is a very busy DVC time, even though it's lowest crowd season in the parks.

The suggestion for the dining plan is interesting. However, IME the dining plan eats a lot of park touring hours, because you are having sit-down meals every day. The meals are great, and we enjoy the dining plan, but unless you are a foodie, you might want to skip the plan, spring for a few choice meals OOP, and work the shorter park hours as best you can.

Wow---enough of my rant! Read HydroGuy---he's got great information. I'll sit back down in my seat until I'm called on.