First Time

[topjars]

Hi Mouseketteers!
Gee I havent said that since about 1965 when I use to enjoy watching the Mickey Mouse Club on TV.

My name is Gary and Ive just been informed that my son is getting married in Houston in August 2006.


Im from Australia and have never been to the United States of America before and suddenly Im exited, apprehensive and chipper

Ill be 50 by then and my wife 48. We will be travelling with our two other "young adults" 15 and 20 years of age respectively.

Now the first thing I thought of to visit was Disneyland..hence stumbling across this forum.

Where do you recommend I go? Orlando or Los Angeles or is there another in USA?

Are they the same?

Do they offer the same in "experiences gained?"

Can I just rock up and get a ticket to go in?

So many questions are rattlin around in my head.....

Thanks for listening.

Regards...Gary

 

[chyam]

Hi Gary...........and welcome! You happen to live in the one place that I long to visit!!!
As for Disneyland (California) or Disney World (Florida) IMO you would have a much better experience at Disney World it is more of a resort type destination and it also has 4 different parks to visit.....Magic Kingdom, MGM, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. Read these boards and you will go so much infomation, visit the different forums, like the resorts board and also the strategy boards you will also learn alot! And you have plenty of time to make some decisions! Ask any questions and there are plenty of very well informed people here to help you! The one downside to Disney World in August is it will be very hot and humid as well as Houston will be! Again Welcome!

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS.

 

[topjars]

Hi Gary...........and welcome! You happen to live in the one place that I long to visit!!!
As for Disneyland (California) or Disney World (Florida) IMO you would have a much better experience at Disney World it is more of a resort type destination and it also has 4 different parks to visit.....Magic Kingdom, MGM, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. Read these boards and you will go so much infomation, visit the different forums, like the resorts board and also the strategy boards you will also learn alot! And you have plenty of time to make some decisions! Ask any questions and there are plenty of very well informed people here to help you! The one downside to Disney World in August is it will be very hot and humid as well as Houston will be! Again Welcome!

Thanks
Yeah Im beginning to hear that walking in Houston is like swimming through pea soup. I guess Florida is the same huh?

Are there a flood of people in Florida in August? School Holidays etc?

Gary

 

[Taja]

Welcome to The Dis, Gary!

Disneyland/California Adventure is the original "happiest place on earth" and much smaller than WDW. Each has it's own feel, although many attractions are similar at both locations. Your choice depends on the length of your trip and what you enjoy doing.

Los Angeles/Orange County (CA) will be more comfortable in August, as it is a dryer climate. It can be very hot--100 degrees plus occasionally, but it's more comfortable--at least for me! There is a lot to do in the southern California area (possibly a trip to northern California, the Grand Canyon and/or Las Vegas?), but you pretty much need to drive to get around easily. Although I do know some folks from the UK who booked transfers and were quite pleased with the results!

Temperatures in the Orlando area will be a bit cooler, but feel as if it's a sauna! Minimum time for a quick tour of the four main WDW parks is 3 days--and that's just hitting a few of the highlights! As another poster noted, it is more of a resort destination, as everything grew up around WDW. Even if you elect not to drive, it's possible to go to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, Sea World and Kennedy Space Center (full day for that one!) using transfers/taxis/towncar service. Busch Gardens in Tampa is about 1.5 hours away and it's usually possible to purchase combo Sea World/Busch Gardens tickets.

School holidays will be in full swing. They vary across the country, but many schools resume after Labor Day (first Monday in September), although some begin the new term from early August on. Just assume every place you go will be busy and plan to relax and take it easy!

Whether you choose east coast or west coast, your Disney experience will be magical!

 

[Disneyrsh]

After August 15th crowds thin out big time in Disneyworld, we like to go for our younger daughter's birthday on August 18th. We don't mind the heat, it's not much different from where we live (georgia, one state up).

Haven't been to disneyland, so I can't compare, but think everyone should see Disneyworld at least once in their life...

 

[SeaChristine]

Welcome! I hope you all enjoy your trip to my favorite place!
If you're thinking about August, look at when Florida schools start back. (I don't have the link but if you google orange county FL schools, you'll get their page.) Sooner or later you'll hit a crowd regardless of the time of year. Just enjoy the magic!

 

[chyam]

I have found that the last 2 weeks in August the crowds at WDW are quite manageable, yes some kids are still out of school but many are getting ready to go back so they are usually at home preparing for that that. But yes it is hot and humid but it can be managed by taking breaks and using the resort pools. You usually can get some pretty good deals on hotels down here after about August 15. Both destinations have alot to offer, CA is closer to more natural attractions (Grand Canyon etc) although they really are quite far apart. Orlando has more of the man made stuff.......Disney, Universal, Sea World etc. If you are into science etc. The Space Center (although as a woman I found that quite boring but that is just my opinion) You are also very close to some nice beaches in Florida within an hour from the Disney area. You will have lots of decisions to make in the next couple of months I guess it all boils down to the amount of time you have and also what you really want to see and do.

 

[jordancej]

Hi Gary!!

Well, from living in the Houston area most of my life... on the weather in August usually will run about 94-104 degrees with a 100% humidity.... just be ready to sweat!!! hehe

 

[topjars]

Thankyou all very much for the tips. I can see this site will keep me in good stead for the next 6 months as I sharpen up my American accent

I found out one important thing this morning and thats the wedding date; Im attending (August 5th) so how that fits in to the scheme of things I have NFI

You're right chyam, there are many decisions too be made.

footnote: I turn 50 on the 15th August and a trip to Disneyland aint a bad present

Gary

 

[salmoneous]

Just to be clear...

DisneyWORLD (the one in Florida) is large resort area with many hotels, 4 "major" theme parks and several "minor" attractions - water parks, minigolf, etc. The most popular of the theme parks is the Magic Kingdom, which is a slightly larger clone of the original DisneyLAND in California. Note that while they have added a second them park in California, the overall experience is not the same. Also note there are non-Disney themeparks located near each.

Most visitors going to DisneyWorld for a day will spend it at the Magic Kingdom. If that's all you are going to do, you might as well go to Disneyland. If you allocate more time for Disney, Florida starts to be the better place as there is more to do with all the other theme parks.

 

[topjars]

Hi All,
Finally....Ive got my arrival dates to Disneyland and not WDW

Arrive L.A at 2.40p.m. on the 30th of JULY.

Arrival transfer from airport to accommodation at Anaheim,
Howard Johnson hotel, anaheim for 5 nights,
includes 2-day Disney Pass, 1 day universal studios tour and 1 day LA Legendary tour.

Friday - 4th August'06:-
Depart Santa Aneda/Orange County Airport at 12.15p.m. on American Airlines flight.
Arrive Dallas FW, Texas at 5.17p.m. - texas time.

WOOWHO.....Im getting exited now.

What are Crowds, hotel and weather like at this time?

I probably wont do too much upon arrival but any suggestions before I flake with JETLAG

Gary