First family visit - overwhelmed!!

[SweetAlex]

Hmmm, maybe we should rethink our plan to see WOC and Fantasmic...just when I thought I had things under control!

I did read about the Fantasmic Dessert package, but DD15 has multiple food allergies, which really limits what she can eat for dessert, and DS7 doesn't like any sweets, so it wouldn't really be worth the price for us.

I actually didn't mind the wait for Fantasmic. We went to the early show about 1.5-2.0 hours early (off season mind you, March), laid a blanket out front and centre as we were the first ones there then either DH or I took the kids on a ride, picked up dinner, or shopped while the other manned the blanket. It was kind of nice to just relax after a long day and people watch. Just make sure you all get back to the blanket at least 30 min before the show as people stop respecting your personal space around that time and will fill every empty spot. It's SUCH an amazing show. So worth the wait. Our kids loved it way more than WOC. I found WOC to be too much of a pain to enjoy but I know others love it.

You had asked about wide right at RSR. Basically if you wanted to ride RSR first thing in the morning at rope drop (which is just what it sounds... they let everyone in the gates but there is a rope blocking access to the park in the square. When it's time, they drop the rope and the crowd surges ahead to RSR). If you stay to the right hand side, you'll get further ahead more quickly as the left hand side is slowly "filtered" to the right by CM's and various blockades. Those on the left are then pushed back in the line as they try and "merge" with the crowd on the right. The more right you are, the fewer people come in front of you from the left. It might sound confusing but makes perfect sense once you see it.

 

[GatorChris]

WDW vet right here. 7 trips and 55 park days since 2002. Take a look at my photo to see where my favorite place is. Me and the family hit DL for 4 days back in November. First, I'll say that it's kinda crazy how many WDW regulars are planning DL trips these days. If it's for the same reason as me, then people hate the idea of FP+ as much as I do. I'm giving up MGM and Epcot just so I don't have to deal with it!

Reading some of the previous posts, yours included, here's my advice. I know that WOC seems like a grizzly bear to handle so that you can get a good viewing spot for your 7yo. It's tough, but once you get there, start asking the CMs in the evening where and when to start lining up. They'll give you good advice so that you can grab that precious front row seat.

As for Fantasmic!, it does have a better dragon, but the seating is horrible compared to WDW. I truly miss WDW's ability to get good viewing spots for all of its firework shows.

The rest is quite simple. Hit Radiator Springs Racers. Ride Indy. The POTC ride makes up for the lousy queue to get to it. Enjoy much shorter waits for Soarin' (it's old hat out here). Be amazed at how good Small World can actually be.

Overall, you'll love the closeness and density of rides, but you'll miss the extra space and extra parks. Have a great trip!

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Chris makes a good point. I prefer DLR over WDW, but I like WDW's better-themed queues. DLR doesn't have them because of limited space, and also because there isn't a summer of torrential rain that visitors need to be shielded from (so the outdoor queues are just fine.) But when you follow a WDW trip with a DLR trip, you do notice this big difference on some rides. (Especially PotC, Space Mountain, and the many rides with outdoor loading zones.)

 

[chabelita545]

... keep in mind that not all rides are open during EMH/MM

Fantasyland is mostly open (StorybookLand Canal Boats aren't open then) and Tomorrowland is open, though I'm not sure is autopia is open then. The rest of the park isn't open during magic mornings. We haven't stayed onsite since they started DCA EMH, so I don't know what is/isn't open then.

We've only been to WDW once, but IMO, a few other don't miss attractions at DLR are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Matterhorn. I also like the original Tiki Room 1,000 times better than the WDW show, under new management. And don't miss Toontown!

Have fun!

 

[2boysmom1998]

DL is not as big as undertaking as WDW is. It's only two parks and they are across from one another and getting around is a piece of cake in comparison to WDW. I've taken 3 trips to WDW and 4 trips to DL. Last year I was lucky enough to do both!!! I prefer DL! I don't think I'll ever go back to WDW!

ADR's are not booked up like WDW. It's easier to make reservations. I feel that you will easily be able to get everything in that you want to.

Go see WOC if you can! In my opinion it is the best night time show that Disney has in North America and I've seen them all!!!

Have fun and just relax. You won't feel the pressure that you feel at WDW. At least I don't.

 

[laughinplace199]

I want to thank you all for your great advice!

I'm feeling much more relaxed about everything thanks to your posts. I knew I came to the right place to ask my questions.

Plus, I stumbled upon the aRes travel website when I was searching for deals on park tickets, and I can get a 4 day PH for the same price that Disney sells the 3 day PH. That 4th day could come in handy if we don't get to everything we want to do or even if we have no plans in the evening and want to hit a few rides!

 

[sunflare]

Plus, I stumbled upon the aRes travel website when I was searching for deals on park tickets, and I can get a 4 day PH for the same price that Disney sells the 3 day PH.

Make sure you sign up for the MouseSavers emails if you're buying from aRes. They have discounts