DL regular/first time at WDW

[moondoggle]

Hi everybody, first post Pretty excited to find this forum! Quick intro:
My wife and I (early 30s) have gone to Disneyland once a year for the past four years; while I was perfectly happy burning back and forth between California and DL, my wife wants to branch out this year and try Disney World.

I’ve got a whole pile of questions for seasoned Disney World goers. I’ve started digging in to travel books, but hopefully you guys can chime in with some advice. We’re targeting a week long trip in early October.

1) At DL we always stayed in a non Disney hotel within walking distance, and we always said our next trip we’d say in the DLH (I have the common abbreviations open in a separate window, I hope I’m doing this right!), because of the magic in general (you guys know what I mean I hope), and the great Disney history in the décor. Obviously due to proximity we’d like to stay in a Magic Kingdom area Disney hotel on this trip, but were disappointed to see there isn’t really a comparable one to the style of the DLH. What do you guys recommend?
2) Is one day each sufficient for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot?
3) Not really into Universal Studios in general, but we’d like to check out the two Harry Potter parks. Can they be done in one day together or should we budget two days? (Maybe it’s too early to say, is the second one open yet?)

Any other advice for a first time Magic Kingdom visitor/seasoned DL visitor is welcome Thanks in advance!

 

[Robo]

We much prefer WDW to DL because there is so much more to do for so
many days at the Florida parks,

BUT...

Many of the attractions shared with WDW are a bit
"better" at DL.

Pirates, Fantasmic!, Space Mtn., just to name a few.

Indiana Jones ride is one of the best Disney creations
in the US parks (with, by far, the best queue.)

And, the fireworks show at DL may be the BEST, most elaborate and creative
fireworks show ever designed.

There's a brand new "World of Color" evening spectacular that just debuted at DCA in Summer of 2010.

And yes, DL can be crowded most any day of the year.

One more thing. WALT spent a lot of time there.
He loved that park.
DL is special for that reason alone!

Lots more, but that's a thumbnail from me.

See this, too-
WDW for DLR Veterans by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

 

[mesaboy2]

Hi everybody, first post Pretty excited to find this forum! Quick intro:
My wife and I (early 30s) have gone to Disneyland once a year for the past four years; while I was perfectly happy burning back and forth between California and DL, my wife wants to branch out this year and try Disney World.

I’ve got a whole pile of questions for seasoned Disney World goers. I’ve started digging in to travel books, but hopefully you guys can chime in with some advice. We’re targeting a week long trip in early October.

1) At DL we always stayed in a non Disney hotel within walking distance, and we always said our next trip we’d say in the DLH (I have the common abbreviations open in a separate window, I hope I’m doing this right!), because of the magic in general (you guys know what I mean I hope), and the great Disney history in the décor. Obviously due to proximity we’d like to stay in a Magic Kingdom area Disney hotel on this trip, but were disappointed to see there isn’t really a comparable one to the style of the DLH. What do you guys recommend?
2) Is one day each sufficient for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot?
3) Not really into Universal Studios in general, but we’d like to check out the two Harry Potter parks. Can they be done in one day together or should we budget two days? (Maybe it’s too early to say, is the second one open yet?)

Any other advice for a first time Magic Kingdom visitor/seasoned DL visitor is welcome Thanks in advance!

1) I'm not sure what the exact "style" is of DLH honestly, other than its a hotel with Disney touches throughout. I loved staying there recently, but I didn't get a theme like GCH or most WDW hotels have. The MK resorts are only 4 (or 5 if you count Fort Wilderness), and all fall into the Deluxe category due to their location. I've stayed at the Polynesian and the Wilderness Lodge. At the moment I'd recommend WL due to Poly's ongoing construction.

2) One day at each is enough for some, not enough for others. Opinions vary wildly. In my opinion Epcot needs two, HS needs maybe 1.5, and AK one.

3) The second HP area, Diagon Alley, officially opens tomorrow. If it's somewhat like the first (Hogsmeade), then just those sections might be able to be fully enjoyed in a day--but I think you'd be giving Universal Orlando at large the short shrift. UO is really worth two days at minimum.

The link Robo provided above is a helpful thread for your situation.

 

[twinz]

Be prepared to do a LOT more walking. I have been to WDW plenty of times and DL once.
I think you will enjoy all the different parks at WDW. Don't forget to see Downtown Disney, from what I remember about DL, the one at WDW is much bigger.
As for the hotels (others may be able to help you better with this) but the Contemporary, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and The Grand Floridian hotels are all Magic Kingdom hotels. All but Wilderness Lodge are on the monorail line.
I have never stayed at any of these (except Wilderness Lodge area a long time ago), so I can't give any insight.

I have been to US to see The Wizarding World of harry Potter and it was AMAZING! It's like you stepped into the movie. I would highly recommend it (but get there early).

 

[figment_jii]

As Robo and mesaboy2 pointed out, I would start with HydroGuy's Guide. While it's written for a WDW vet going to DLR, it works well for DLR vets going to WDW. At a minimum, it'll highlight the similarities and differences between the two resorts.

We’re targeting a week long trip in early October.

Unless something drastic happens, they'll be doing MNSSHP in October. MNSSHP is similar to DLR's MHP, but with some notable differences. If you go to the MHP FAQ on the HalloweenTime SuperThread you'll find a comparison between the two parties.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49493997&postcount=2159

1) At DL we always stayed in a non Disney hotel within walking distance, and we always said our next trip we’d say in the DLH (I have the common abbreviations open in a separate window, I hope I’m doing this right!), because of the magic in general (you guys know what I mean I hope), and the great Disney history in the décor. Obviously due to proximity we’d like to stay in a Magic Kingdom area Disney hotel on this trip, but were disappointed to see there isn’t really a comparable one to the style of the DLH. What do you guys recommend?

If you're looking for something like the DLH, I would probably opt for the Contemporary. WDW has a lot of hotel options and each one is unique. I would look at all of them and see which appeals to you the most. Just note that WDW has three levels of hotels (value, moderate, and Deluxes) and the prices can vary considerably. DLH would probably be considered a high-end moderate in terms of pricing at WDW, but it's more like a Deluxe in terms of look.

2) Is one day each sufficient for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot?

Not really, unless you plan on skipping a lot of things. I can do DHS in one day, but that's because I forgo most of the shows and only do a few rides. AK usually takes 1.5 days for me. I could spend a week in Epcot easily (especially World Showcase), but I would recommend a minimum of two days.

Any other advice for a first time Magic Kingdom visitor/seasoned DL visitor is welcome

When you say October, I'm hoping you mean October 2015, but if not, then be aware that dining reservation are much harder to get at WDW than they are at DLR. Reservations can be made starting at 180-days. Some of the most popular restaurants will often be fully booked and not take walk-ups, so if you have any specific places you want to eat (or at specific times) I would try to make ADRs.

In October, there is also the Epcot F&W Festival which is a lot of fun. It's much bigger than the one that used to be at DCA (I think it ended in 2010, so I don't know if you'd been to it).

In terms of the MK specifically, the biggest thing happening in October is MNSSHP (hard ticket event).

 

[mesaboy2]

As Robo and mesaboy2 pointed out, I would start with HydroGuy's Guide. While it's written for a WDW vet going to DLR, it works well for DLR vets going to WDW. At a minimum, it'll highlight the similarities and differences between the two resorts.


Unless something drastic happens, they'll be doing MNSSHP in October. MNSSHP is similar to DLR's MHP, but with some notable differences. If you go to the MHP FAQ on the HalloweenTime SuperThread you'll find a comparison between the two parties.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49493997&postcount=2159


If you're looking for something like the DLH, I would probably opt for the Contemporary. WDW has a lot of hotel options and each one is unique. I would look at all of them and see which appeals to you the most. Just note that WDW has three levels of hotels (value, moderate, and Deluxes) and the prices can vary considerably. DLH would probably be considered a high-end moderate in terms of pricing at WDW, but it's more like a Deluxe in terms of look.


Not really, unless you plan on skipping a lot of things. I can do DHS in one day, but that's because I forgo most of the shows and only do a few rides. AK usually takes 1.5 days for me. I could spend a week in Epcot easily (especially World Showcase), but I would recommend a minimum of two days.


When you say October, I'm hoping you mean October 2015, but if not, then be aware that dining reservation are much harder to get at WDW than they are at DLR. Reservations can be made starting at 180-days. Some of the most popular restaurants will often be fully booked and not take walk-ups, so if you have any specific places you want to eat (or at specific times) I would try to make ADRs.

In October, there is also the Epcot F&W Festival which is a lot of fun. It's much bigger than the one that used to be at DCA (I think it ended in 2010, so I don't know if you'd been to it).

Actually, that's a different thread. (I made the same mistake before editing my post.)

 

[Robo]

As Robo and mesaboy2 pointed out, I would start with HydroGuy's Guide. While it's written for a WDW vet going to DLR, it works well for DLR vets going to WDW.

No, that's not correct.

It's written for a DLR vet going to WDW.

WDW for DLR Veterans by HydroGuy
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

 

[figment_jii]

No, that's not correct.

It's written for a DLR vet going to WDW.

I've always thought from the title and how it's written that it was for the WDW vet going to DLR. It's titled "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets".

Edit: Oh, I see. Yes, we are talking about two different things. HydroGuy also has a DLR Guide for WDW vets and that's the one I'm more familiar with. I've found that one to also be helpful for DLR vets heading to WDW. It has a bit more detail about the specific ride differences and things like that. So I would recommend that folks take a look at both of the guides.

 

[Robo]

Are we thinking of two different threads?

Yes.

 

[Steve BWV'99]

We live in California and was just at WDW in June. Our family found EPCOT the most fun as outside of Soarin, there is not repeat rides at DL/DCA and a different Disney experience. We spent 2 days at the park and probably could have spent more time there. We were only at MK for a half day to do Mine Train/Monsters Inc/Carousal of Progress/Hall of Presidents, etc. Honestly, we were not too impressed with MK but that is my DL Homerism taking over . We did dedicate a day each for HS and AK. Be sure to ride TOT in HS, it is much better version than in DCA. We liked AK too, and next time would like to spend more time doing the trails, etc.

Have a great trip!

 

[andeesings]

I've been to DLR about four times, and WDW more times than I can count. I'd say the hotel that most resembles the DLH is the Contemporary (I always stay at the grand Calif in DL- it's maybe my FAVORITE Disney hotel). The GC is a combo of the Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Flo. I stay at the WL in WDW. You REALLY can't go wrong with a Disney hotel. Look at the theming and choose one that you like!!!

Everyone says Space is better in DL- I think they're crazy. Pirates, Small-- they're much better at DL. But Space it's WDW for me, every time.

I'd say for the parks, it depends. Do you like shows, or just rides? I'm not so much a shows girl, so AK is a half day park for me. HS I go to some of the shows because they have nostalgic value for me, but if I didn't that park is half to 3/4 of a day for me. In Epcot I like to spend a LOT of time poking about, exploring, eating-- that bores some people. There are limited rides in that park- for those people who don't like to walk around the countries, they can finish THAT in half a day. I say plan at minimum a day in each if you've never been. A good seven days and I feel like you will DEFINITELY see everything you want to see.

The person who mentioned dining reservations-- take that seriously!!! Dining in WDW is serious business- and now the FP+ is as well. Plan ahead!! I'm going to sub this thread because I'd love to keep chatting about it with you!!!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Hi everybody, first post Pretty excited to find this forum! Quick intro:
My wife and I (early 30s) have gone to Disneyland once a year for the past four years; while I was perfectly happy burning back and forth between California and DL, my wife wants to branch out this year and try Disney World.

I’ve got a whole pile of questions for seasoned Disney World goers. I’ve started digging in to travel books, but hopefully you guys can chime in with some advice. We’re targeting a week long trip in early October.

1) At DL we always stayed in a non Disney hotel within walking distance, and we always said our next trip we’d say in the DLH (I have the common abbreviations open in a separate window, I hope I’m doing this right!), because of the magic in general (you guys know what I mean I hope), and the great Disney history in the décor. Obviously due to proximity we’d like to stay in a Magic Kingdom area Disney hotel on this trip, but were disappointed to see there isn’t really a comparable one to the style of the DLH. What do you guys recommend?
2) Is one day each sufficient for Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot?
3) Not really into Universal Studios in general, but we’d like to check out the two Harry Potter parks. Can they be done in one day together or should we budget two days? (Maybe it’s too early to say, is the second one open yet?)

Any other advice for a first time Magic Kingdom visitor/seasoned DL visitor is welcome Thanks in advance!

I've never been to Florida. But I've been to Walt Disney World 7 times. I say that because I have no interest in seeing anything outside of WDW when I travel across the country to that sunny, humid state in the southeast.

I am also a Disneyland vet, with plenty of first-hand Disney theme park experience. One week is a good primer for WDW. I (obviously) would not recommend going anywhere else. Why would you? How many times have you been to Universal in Hollywoood, and how many times had you been to Disneyland BEFORE you went to Universal for the first time?

Hotels: Nothing on WDW property really compares to DLH. That being said, all WDW deluxe resorts are better (and cheaper) than DLH. If you want a WDW hotel with great water features AND within walking distance of a park, you should stay at the Yacht Club, which is within walking distance, or a boat right of Epcot and DHS. I personally love Wilderness Lodge, which others have also echoed. I can do without the Contemporary, and their pool is boring.

As far as parks go, you should have a park hopper, and plan 2 days each for MK and Epcot, and 1 day for DHS and AK. Remember that there are 2 water parks, and tons of recreational things available at WDW. I've parasailed, ridden jet skis, and rented personal speed boats (all are amazing) And of course Downtown Disney, with Cirque Du Soliel's "La Nouba" (seen it three times). If you're into Halloween, MNSSP is not to be missed. I tried it last year for the first time and had a blast.

You will read lots and lots of advice here. Most of it is very good. However, one I always disagree with is the ADR thing. WDW visitors are hardcore planners. They get up at the crack of dawn, six months and ten days before their arrival to make dining reservations. This is not totally necessary. It looks like you are a party of two. My last two WDW vacations ('12 and '13) were planned 4 and 6 weeks before my arrival. During those windows, I was able to secure dining reservations for every restaurant at Walt Disney World. These were solo trips, and I often had to make my ADR's for 2 people, and just show up as one.

My point here is if you are a party of two, you shouldn't have much trouble securing dining reservations for your entire trip. Now before others argue with me, I will concede that larger parties (families, etc.) probably have a more difficult time getting larger tables. But for the small parties it's not a problem.

I recommend buying an official AND an unofficial guide to WDW to assist in your planning.

Oh, and one more thing. WDW has some amazing guided tours. I've done most of them and they are all really good. I highly recommend getting one or two in if you have the time.

 

[moondoggle]

Wow thanks so much for the responses everyone! Tons of info here. That link to Hydroguy's guide is going to occupy a good chunk of my day I actually just assumed we'd be eating at counter service restaurants the whole time we're there, as reservations sound impossible, but thanks Fantaluminishes for the heads up that they're still worth looking into.

I'm sure I'll be bumping this thread in the future with more questions

 

[Grumpy92]

You are going to find the scale of WDW much larger then you expect.
* Definitely do make a few ADRs for full service restaurants. You can find menus under Dining in the toolbar above for all the WDW restaurants. You will be grateful for the break from the heat & humidity. They are doable. You can even go online and make them or call.
* FP+ is all the talk at WDW right now you will want to look into that info too. If you stay at a Disney hotel you recieve a magic band at c/i or with your ticket. If you are going during a school holiday you are definitely going to have to make some FP+ and ADRs.
* The CR is the most similar to DLH. Great views, but why not try a theme you have never experienced before. There are almost 25 Disney resorts at WDW, in every price range, theme and location. I would recommend one of the EC resorts or AKL. The transporation system here is vast and not just limited to the monorail. You will need to ride buses and boats to get to other locations no matter where you stay.
* Order the free WDW vacation planning dvd online, it will give you a nice overview. Listen to the Dis unplugged podcast. They are very informational and archived on YouTube. I also like the Unofficial Guide and the Passporter.
* One day at MK, 1day at EC, 1/2 at DHS and a 1/2 at AK. You definitely want a day to resort visit/relax and do DTD. If you want to do US add two more days. HP is causing a big stir in Otown for the foreseeable future.

With the new FP+ system in affect there is a lot more planning needed for a WDW vacation. You will have a great view as to what may be coming to DL in the future.

 

[mirage0306]

Okay, like others said, WDW is just BIGGER than DLR. There is more walking, the parks themselves are bigger, more spread out. It takes longer to get places, as you almost always need to rely on transportation to get somewhere, unlike at DLR. Park hopping is totally doable, but it generally takes a lot longer than hopping at DLR.

You will need to make ADRs as soon as possible, unlike at DLR, where you can't even make them until 60 days out.

As for the resort, if you want to be in the MK area, the Contemporary is definitely most like the DLH. I love the Poly but as others said, would avoid it this time due to the construction. The Wilderness Lodge is a great choice, but the pool is down while you're planning on going. If you aren't set on the MK area, you might consider the Epcot area resorts, as they are all lovely and within walking distance to Epcot and even DHS (especially from the Boardwalk).

Have fun!! It's wonderful to get to experience both parks.