I am also a WDW vet but have been lucky enough to have been to DR twice now (third time will be next month!). As a WDW vet of course you want to hit the rides not at WDW or the ones that are markedly different. So my list kinda reflects that.
DLR -
Paint the Night parade - it is the MSEP on steroids. I love the MSEP and was super excited to watch PtN, it did not disappoint.
Pirates - longer, more detailed than the one at WDW.
Mr Toad - was very upset when they took it out of WDW so this one is more of a personal preference.
Indiana Jones - so well themed! The queue, the ride, really liked this ride. It was down for most of our stay.
Haunted Mansion - granted I've only been during Halloween, I love the NBC overlay.
DCA -
Oswald - near the park entrance. I disbounded as him and he and his handler got so excited. I guess he gets little love in the park.
RsR - yes, it is as good as everyone says.
Grizzly River Run - so much better than Kali River Rapids. It feels like an actually a ride, not like they just dump water on you.
WoC - I am not much for shows, especially if you have to wait forever for a good spot, but this one was good. Different than any at WDW.
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - DD loved this ride, she could not stop laughing.
bonus - Soarin' - yeah it is the same but it is a different experience when you are actually in California
DCA is a beautiful park. Carthay Circle has great food (the apps alone make an awesome meal) and the dining room is classic Hollywood. The Cozy Cones in Carsland have mac n cheese served in a bread cone (yum).
At DLR I inhaled several beignets (and then went to DtD and got some more at the Jazz Kitchen). Lunch at Blue Bayou is a must do (even if just once since it is not cheap). Sat by the water while PotC boats go by.
At DtD - Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen had the second best (after Carthay) food we had all trip. Sat outside in beautiful weather and watched Halloween party goers go by in their costumes.
lmao
