July 2019: Disney World or Disneyland?

[squeezle]

I am thinking about planning a take a trip in mid July (the timing is not flexible), but I am having a hard time deciding between Disney World and Disneyland. We typically visit Disney World, but have been to Disneyland a couple of times. Each seems to have its pros and cons this time of year.

Disney World -
Pro: lower crowds, more parks/more to do, can get extra CL fastpasses, owner’s locker
Con: hot and rainy weather, spread out/more difficult getting around

Disneyland -
Pro: better weather, easier to get around/can walk everywhere, Star Wars might be open
Con: much more crowded, can't pre-book fastpasses, only two parks

I would love to hear your thoughts in case I am missing something.

Thanks guys!!

 

[twixieshores]

You're leaving out a major factor. Where do you live? If you live on the east coast of the US or Canada like me, WDW hands down. If you live on the west coast of the US or Canada, then go with DLR. If you're not from either country, then Orlando offers more to do. If you live in flyover country... do you like Star Wars enough that the extra lines are worth it.

That's my two cents.

 

[squeezle]

You're leaving out a major factor. Where do you live? If you live on the east coast of the US or Canada like me, WDW hands down. If you live on the west coast of the US or Canada, then go with DLR. If you're not from either country, then Orlando offers more to do. If you live in flyover country... do you like Star Wars enough that the extra lines are worth it.

That's my two cents.

We live in the Southwest. It's slightly easier to get to the West Coast, but going east is not bad either so travel isn't a major decision factor for us. We are HUGE Star Wars fans, but will be back in Florida after it opens there. AARGH! It's still an even split.... maybe I should just flip a coin and stick with it.

 

[jtntx34]

In July, I might pick Disneyland. I personally prefer Disney World, but July in Florida is hot and steamy which is my least favorite kind of summer weather.

But here are some thoughts to consider:

If you were taking a 4 day trip (for example) you could either have two days each in two parks or 1 day each in four parks. That means you get better coverage of each park at Disneyland and would only be glancing some things in each park at Disney World. Basically, which is more important—more in depth or more diverse?

The lines in CA are not generally air conditioned, but the ones in FL are.

Would you be tied to Disney or doing other things? Both areas have other activities to do. Does one interest you more than the other?

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Consider the time change if heading East. Most of the parks open at 9 am I think. That’s 7am west coast time. If you are a night owl, getting up at what is essentially 7 might be hard—especially on vacation. However, if you are an early bird, you might love getting a start when it still feels early in the day. Would it be easier to stay on your schedule and not have to switch time zones? Night owls do love those extra magic hours though.

Would you pick Disneyland if you knew for certain Star Wars wouldn’t be up and running? If it wouldn’t be in consideration without that one ride, you might need to head to the World.

Would you be able to drive to Disneyland? Have to fly to Disney World? Would this be the difference budget wise in spending more time at the parks or having more cash for souvenirs or experiences?

Any way you split it, there will be a trade off. The only advice I can give from personal experience is if doing Disneyland AVOID AVOID AVOID the Sunday before Memorial Day (I know that won’t really affect you, but it is the day I went, and I was super sorry because the crowds were just awful).

Either choice, enjoy your trip!

 

[squeezle]

Thanks @jtntx34 for your thoughtful reply! These are all great points.

I think right now I have it narrowed down to two main considerations that keep cancelling each other out: unpleasant weather in Florida vs. unpleasant lines in California. Although the time zone thing is a really good factor to consider seeing as I tend to be more of a morning person when I do to Disney.

 

[jtntx34]

Ok, so weather vs lines? There are some things you can do to help with heat if that’s the weather concern. A good hat with mesh sides and brim really really helps. I also use a neck cooling thing that has silicone beads in it. You soak it for about 30 minutes and the beads swell. You wear it around your neck. You can refresh it by running in a water fountain or even sticking it in some ice water for a few minutes, but it’s really better to just drink that ice water. Another useful tool is a small battery operated fan. Also, no rules against afternoon naps or dips in the pool during the hottest part of the day. You can duck into theaters or indoor venues to cool off too.

There is nothing to do about the lines. They just do what they do. I got so sick and probably was close to overheating at Disneyland in the line for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. It looked like the first short line we’d seen all day. Wrong! It was short on the outside then wound round and round inside. And the outside line just stood there not moving for what seemed forever. Because of the type of ride it is, the line would move a bit, stop completely for what felt forever, then move again, etc. I did not have my neck cooler and had no water with me. It was horrible.

Disneyland paid off at the end of the day when I got to sit on the curb as the Main Street Electrical Parade rode by and watch my mom be transformed to a little kid giggling and clapping as each float stopped directly in front of us. You can plan for many things, but the magic just happens, and there is no way to plan for it (that’s why it’s magical).

 

[GoingSince1990]

July? Disneyland in a heartbeat. 85 degrees or so every day, low humidity, zero rain, compared to horrible heat and humidity in FL with a probable downpour every day. And get Maxpass; it’s wonderful, no preplanning and it works great.

 

[jtntx34]

Also, there are some rides at Disneyland that Disney World does not have. Plus, I like the old paper fast pass system (Disneyland has those).

 

[indoshakespeare]

Learn the Maxpass system to avoid lines. There may only be 2 parks but plenty of rides within those 2 parks. DCA is like Epcot and DHS condensed into one park.

 

[squeezle]

It seems like Disneyland is winning in several point. I am just nervous about the FastPass availability... I am used to the familiarity of Disney World and the ability pre-booking with FastPass+. But the the better weather might just win me over.

Thanks to everyone for their input!!!!

 

[Magnoliafan]

If you were talking about any year except this one, then I would say Disneyland in July, 100%. But mid-July 2019 is mere weeks after the expected opening date of SWGE. It’s going to be packed. Like, crazy crowded. So I’d vote for WDW with a smart plan to tackle the humidity and save Disneyland for another time.

 

[Sandeep1]

If you were talking about any year except this one, then I would say Disneyland in July, 100%. But mid-July 2019 is mere weeks after the expected opening date of SWGE. It’s going to be packed. Like, crazy crowded. So I’d vote for WDW with a smart plan to tackle the humidity and save Disneyland for another time.

It will be crowded but if OP avoids weekends, should be okay. Crowded but it's not as if DW is a ghost town in July.

 

[BrianL]

It seems like Disneyland is winning in several point. I am just nervous about the FastPass availability... I am used to the familiarity of Disney World and the ability pre-booking with FastPass+. But the the better weather might just win me over.

Thanks to everyone for their input!!!!

I've got one thing to say: MAXPASS. Yeah, it costs extra, but it makes booking FastPasses at DLR so easy! You'll be able to get plenty of top attractions using it, and you don't have to use it for every day.

That said, I wouldn't want to deal with Star Wars that early, so I'd still go to WDW. Still, you can't go wrong with either. Go to the one you haven't been to most recently.

 

[kylieh]

DL is my home park (we’re a “quick” 13 hour flight from Sydney ). The number of attractions in the two parks v four parks is almost identical. Far less time spent traveling in DL going to and from parks and park hopping is perhaps 100 meter walk. The reason we’re going to DW next trip is for our daughter to meet up with a friend, otherwise we’d stay with DL. Weather is a lot better too in DL.

 

[GoingSince1990]

DL is my home park (we’re a “quick” 13 hour flight from Sydney ). The number of attractions in the two parks v four parks is almost identical. Far less time spent traveling in DL going to and from parks and park hopping is perhaps 100 meter walk. The reason we’re going to DW next trip is for our daughter to meet up with a friend, otherwise we’d stay with DL. Weather is a lot better too in DL.

Based on flight time, wouldn't Tokyo be your "home park"?

 

[kylieh]

Based on flight time, wouldn't Tokyo be your "home park"?

True - both Tokyo and Hong Kong are both about 9.5 hours from here. But DL was my first park when I was 4, both Tokyo and Hong Kong parks didn’t exist then, so I still say DL is home

 

[theluckyrabbit]

One huge advantage to DL's FP system: since FPs can't be booked in advance, all FPs are available to all guests day of as soon as you activate your ticket at the gates. There is no way FPs can run out in advance, ahead of the day. If you go at RD, as soon as you go through the turnstile, you can purchase MaxPass (FPs using the DLR app on your phone), then grab your first FP. Return times will be short that early in the morning, so while you are riding other rides, you'll be able to grab another FP after your first return time trips. Now you'll have two FPs. Wash, rinse, repeat. We have posters who've managed 15+ rides in one day using MP -- on a summer day! That takes good planning and organization, but it can totally be done. When SWGE opens (June, according to Iger), the parks will be busy and FPs may not be as plentiful as they are right now, but MP will still work just as well. And no one will be able to book all the FPs ahead of time. Each day starts fresh at DLR.
The fear of long lines in unbearable heat is avoidable, too. Using MP, golden morning hours (RD until noon-ish, when the crowds start to roll in), and good planning, we hardly ever wait in a line longer than 20 minutes. If we do, it's by choice, not by torture. Learn the DLR ropes on the DLR board! Knowledge is power, especially at DLR!

 

[squeezle]

Thanks to everyone who weighed in!
In the end the pros and cons were just too close and I just couldn't decide... so we are going to the beach instead.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Have a wonderful, relaxing vacation!