Finally DL!

[savvy?71]

Re: Matterhorn -- yes, it is bumpy. We wear hoodies or jackets around the waist to cushion our tailbones. It makes a big difference for us (and gives us an excuse to buy a hoodie!).
DL is so much more relaxed about dining reservations, but I would recommend making reservations for Blue Bayou (maybe for the F! package?) and requesting to sit by the water. That really is a unique-to-DL experience. And F! at DL is so fun -- better dragon, the pirate ship Columbia, and the Mark Twain at the end.
As for things that are truly unique to DL, for the most part, you'll be walking where Walt walked! DL is the only park he got to see. That makes this park so special.

Good tip. I usually have a tied hoodie anyway because I'm the weirdo who gets cold when temps go below 72. (and of course we'll have to get DL hoodies now). Full disclosure: despite our many, many trips to WDW, we've never seen F! I know this sounds crazy but my son never enjoyed loud/dark stuff (he got that from me, lol; often he and I would head back to hotel while my husband stayed with my daughter for fireworks). But being another year older and going to DL (where I do keep hearing F! is even better), we may see if we can get BB F/package.

 

[Laz]

As a WDW vet, when I started going to DLR I continued using a WDW (FP-) touring strategy. What I discovered was how much more I could see/do/accomplish in the same amount of time. We usually spend 5+ days at DLR and actually felt less rushed and with more down time to relax by the pool.

In the Haunted Mansion, the stretching room works differently than the one at WDW. In one the roof rises, and the other the floor lowers. Which one does what?

 

[savvy?71]

And make sure to try to grab breakfast at Carnation Cafe. You may just get to meet Oscar, the gentleman who served breakfast to Walt and his wife each day. He gave DGD instructions on how to make Mickey Waffles with a shaped maker. It was really special to meet him

But yes, walking through the park, riding the same rides, seeing it all as Walt saw it, was so special. I really felt it in Fantasy Land

That is exactly the kind of info I'd hope to see, thank you! I hadn't heard of Carnation Café in my research or that particularly special possibility (Oscar). Everyone's posts are adding to the excitement of this trip! And just like having to get a hoodie, we have to get our Mickey Waffles, too I've been jotting down places to eat; we're gonna need a couple more days

 

[savvy?71]

As a WDW vet, when I started going to DLR I continued using a WDW (FP-) touring strategy. What I discovered was how much more I could see/do/accomplish in the same amount of time. We usually spend 5+ days at DLR and actually felt less rushed and with more down time to relax by the pool.

It's not that I even hate FP+; it has its benefits. In general WDW has felt chaotic and rushed lately because of all the changes. New park attractions are under way but that also creates a sense of chaos. The new Fantasyland underwhelmed. Epcot feels...stuck in a rut. And food, like I said, (for how we dine), has seemed stale. We always have a great time but having toyed with the idea of DL for the last couple of years (and canceling due to wrong time of year--refurbs/weather, or not having enough time for the trip--school, and just being scared of change lol), it was just time to do it. Plus I think I am at the point where my kids are old enough for the trek from east to west coast without me having to be medicated. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to that change of pace, no long treks to get to different parks, being able to dart back to hotel for swim/chill then dart back into parks, & not having to be tied to a schedule.

 

[HydroGuy]

You have had lots of good answers so far so I will try not to repeat too much...

We're still trying to get the MM/EMH scheduling branded in our brains. Do these ever change during the summer and/or busier times? Does Sunday have either MM or EMH in either of the parks (I read conflicting information on both of these questions). We are staying at GCH. Working out our park mornings (and to grab Fastpasses) will be main logistics. We are definitely rope droppers and a main goal is the new (to us) Carsland/RSR. Is there a particular 'spot' at opening that gets you to RSR FP more efficiently?

Rarely do MM/EMH change at DLR.

Matterhorn: I've read it's pretty rough. Compared to Space Mountain in WDW--is it rougher or about the same? I have no back or knee issues but after the 5th SM by noon I usually feel a little .

The Matterhorn ride was changed a couple years ago and since it feels much less comfortable to me. Before that we would ride it 3-4 times per trip. Now we usually do it once for nostalgia purposes and we grit our teeth about the seats.

I think Matterhorn is a lot more rough than Space Mtn at MK in the sense of just how smooth it feels when you are going more or less straight or through easier turns. However, Space Mtn/MK has a lot more turns and you feel jerked around more because - well - you are on a rollercoaster.

Is there one must-have snack (or 2!) at DL or DCA that we can't get at WDW (or is better than)?

We are partial to Tigger Tails...

A Tale of Two Tails…Tigger Tails, That Is

We do plan on all the rides, and I have read about the differences & preferences regarding rides between DL and WDW. But is there a definitive experience (ride or attraction) that is a must do/see (that is either better in DL or simply not at WDW)?

DL

POTC
Indy
Matterhorn
Alice in Wonderland

DCA

RSR
CA Screamin