DL vs. WDW Help!

[Tinkerbell21]

My BF and I are going to WDW for the first time and I am so NERVOUS! I have been to DL 5 times and BF has been there once. Any advice on some of the major differences? What should I expect. We have done WAY more planning for this trip that any of the others! I feel prepared in that sense but I am just not sure what to expect and don't want to be too overwhelmed when I get there. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Atchley]

After you decide when you are going, decide what parks you will be attending which days. (Remember to look at EMH if you want to take advantage of them.) Next make sure to make your ADRs early. It is very difficult to get a table during the summer and holiday time if you don't have ADRs. I think that you can make your ADRs 180 days +10 out. Other DISers may have to correct me if I'm wrong on that one.

WDW is so great! I'm sure that if you love DL, that you will love WDW.

Have a great time planning! That's almost as fun as the trip!

 

[bradk]

it's 180+10 if staying on site, otherwise it's just 180

 

[SGMCO]

You will appreciate the larger size of the streets in MK.
Whenever we visited DL after going to WDW several times
DL seems so cramped and a bit dated.
Both WDW and DL are unique in there own way so
you have to go into the experiance with an openmind.

Depending on how many park days you are spending
it will could take you:

2 full days at MK
3-4 full days at Epcot
2 days at AK
(sometime 3 days depending on how you tour-this is my favorite park-
this is a beautiful park with lots of treasure waiting to be discovered by you
so don't rush thru it or you may miss a lot).
1 full day at Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM)
To see most to all of the Park.

So what we did whenever we 1st started going is
pick the rides, attractions, shows that you want to see the
most and get these done 1st and then go with the flow.
Try to do some of the things that DL does not have for a different
experiance.

You will really enjoy "Fantasmic" Better at WDW Disney Hollywood Studios
because there is a special ampitheater which was created just for this show
with seating (DL you have to stand up all crowded together).
It is really enjoyable to be able to sit and watch the show. You also can
easily get up to use the restroom without fighting the Crowds.

At AK don't miss "The Festival of the Lion King" Show. I think it is the
best show at all the parks. Love the music and audiance participation.
The New "Nemo" show is very good also (try to get seats farther up and
center to be able to get it all in) it is a facinating show.
The Parade at AK is so unique that everytime I see it I am fasinated by the
giant puppet figures that the people either wear or ride (they look like they
are made of twigs and nature items--I don't think they are because these won't
last but it is so unique).


At Ecpot try to enjoy the different Street performers in each Country.
There are the Kudo Drummers in Japan (loved it) and each country has unique entertainment and displays of their culture, so don't rush through.
Everywhere you look will be something beautiful so take it all in.
A good viewing area for Illuminations fireworks show is in front of Italy,
but you have to get a good spot early so plan on it.


If you don't get to see everything this trip you can always visit
again in the future.

Have a Magical Trip!!

 

[Tinkerbell21]

Wow thank you so much! Great info!

 

[Taja]

When viewing IllumiNations at EPCOT, try to position yourself upwind of the WS Lagoon (where IllumiNations takes place). The smoke from the pyrotechnics can be very uncomfortable if it blows in your face! As you wander through the World Showcase, check out various vantage points, make a mental note, then determine which way the wind is blowing an hour or so before the show begins, then decide where you want to stand!

 

[daannzzz]

Don't "over research the trip" be prpaired to not see everything. There is so much to see and if you love Disneyland you will want to try to see too many things. Don't look at to many picture. When I went on my first trip to WDW I looked at every book, online webpage and photo and sent away for videos so that by the time I arrived nothing was a surprise and there is tons of things that would have been awesome if I hadn't known about them. It was still awesome but it could have been better.
Relish the differences. It is so fun to look at how things were done differently at WDW. It does not mean they are better or worse, just different.
If you have time, make sure to visit some of the Disney hotels.

 

[jlmarr]

This thread is a great intro to WDW for people familiar with DL:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636

 

[HydroGuy]

My BF and I are going to WDW for the first time and I am so NERVOUS! I have been to DL 5 times and BF has been there once. Any advice on some of the major differences? What should I expect. We have done WAY more planning for this trip that any of the others! I feel prepared in that sense but I am just not sure what to expect and don't want to be too overwhelmed when I get there. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I compiled my thoughts on this here:

"An Introduction To WDW For DLR Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636