DLR vet planning WDW trip...scared

[dreeger]

I have been reading the WDW threads the last month or so in preparation of a first-ever family trip to WDW and I have to say that all the FP+ threads are scaring me.

For background: We are DL vets (and AP holders). We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys (will be 15 & 17 by next Nov.).

We've done 4 trips to DL this past year. I use TP and RideMax, and always use FP- at DLR and have NEVER waited more than 30 minutes for anything (and I think the 30 min wait was for Dole Whip).

We don't always make it for RD (see above...2 teen boys), but usually stay until close after taking brief midday swim/food break.

This next Thanksgiving (peak time), I am planning 3 day Disney Cruise (fri-mon) then 5 days at WDW (tue-sat). With the amount of money this trip will cost, I am wondering if 7 days onsite at DL might be a better option.

If we go to WDW, we would want to do all headliners in all parks without waiting more than 45 min max (30 min max at DL, but I am allowing time since we won't know our way around yet).


This is very possible at DL even during peak timed (we did this last year on a cheer weekend, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving). I am looking for experienced WDW vets to weigh in on whether this would even be possible with FP+?

The more I read, the more scared I am that we will spend a ton of money for little return.


Eta: I too am a compulsive planner. For the first DL trip we took 5 years ago, I created a cost benefit spreadsheet and amenities matrix to pick our hotel.

 

[dreeger]

so if I do book WDW, what are some of the must-do restaurants and foods for the parks and resorts?

 

[JaymeC]

From one DL lover to another, breathe and relax. At least a little. Yes, they are totally different parks, but you've got some of the basics on how to plan Disney which is a great start.

Right now, things are up in the air as to the lines/wait times/etc at WDW with the new FP+ system. The good news is, some of the kinks should be worked out by the time of your trip giving you an edge on knowing how to plan. I encourage you to keep following the disboards and learning.

The biggest thing is to remember that WDW is HUGE compared to DL. Park hopping is more of a chore than just crossing the esplanade. But it does have unique experiences you just can't get at DL.

There are a ton of restaurants at WDW. It'd help to narrow it down if we knew your interests But you'll definitely want to do a meal at Be Our Guest. Personally, I love 'Ohana and our trip isn't complete without a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. And be sure to take some time to see the various resorts at WDW, some of them are very, very cool. In fact, some of my favorite restaurants are the ones at the resorts instead of the in park ones.