Okay Disneyland vet friends, why am I not excited about going to WDW?

[ACDSNY]

I guess I just look at DL and WDW as two different type of vacations. We pop down to DL more often since it's closer and it doesn't take too much planning. WDW is usually a week or more and I try to schedule in some non-park days so I don't go on "noise/people/crowd overload". Yes it takes more planning for WDW because there are so many extra things you can do besides the parks.

You'll be a WDW pro after the Dec trip!

We may go to WDW at the same time too if we don't get an exchange to Kauai in the fall. I haven't seen WDW X-mas yet.

 

[mousiemom]

well, i am going to your favorite park dl in june and i'm excited but i am a wdw nut!! i've been every yr and last yr we took 6 trips all consisting of 5 nights each. i'm going to DL with an open mind because i am so used to having all of my adrs in line, (best food ever), animal kingdom lodge is so cool with all of the animals and the decor is out of this world. be sure and go to boma's for dinner. i love all of the animals just roaming around out in the field. you will be so impressed with all of the disney hotels. i always get so excited when i'm riding the monorail around the seven seas lake and seeing all of the deluxe resorts and the castle. it's so cool to ride the monorail from mk to epcot. i love everything about wdw. i can't compare the two but we will be in DL in june of this year and wdw in jan. you will not believe all of the decorations during christmas at all of the parks!!! osborne lights is my fav at hollywood studios. very magical!!!! be sure and get your photopass made here because they make beautiful christmas cards the following year. you will be magically surprised!!! i'm so excited for you and your family. any questions feel free to ask, i have planned about 20 disney trips not counting my own!!!
mousiemom

 

[Keli]

WDW is a lot of fun and I am certain you will enjoy it. It is different that DL but not in a bad way. If you are like me you will come home with an appreciation for both parks.
I do think you would enjoy it all a little better though if you were able to go a week earlier. The crowds during the first week of Dec are really low. By the second week it is substantially more crowded, and therefore a bit more of a hassle.

 

[prncssmel]

WDW is a lot more planning. Of course, I love planning, and I have never have to plan for DL since we go so much, so I loved planning for WDW. I understand that it can seem overwhelming, though.

But it really will be an awesome experience. It's different, but you still get the great Disney feeling. AKL is amazing - seriously the best hotel ever. If you are worried about time, I would skip some of the stuff that is the same as DL or that DL's is better cause you can see that all the time. Go with stuff unique to WDW. Also, if your boys have beento DL a lot, be sure to explain that some rides are different ( and IMO, inferior) than at DL, like POTC and Space Mountain, so they know what to expect. Heck, my DH is 27, but he still complained for 20 minutes after riding WDW POTC about how "sucky" it was compared to DL.

 

[disney-super-mom]

WDW is a lot of fun and I am certain you will enjoy it. It is different that DL but not in a bad way. If you are like me you will come home with an appreciation for both parks.
I do think you would enjoy it all a little better though if you were able to go a week earlier. The crowds during the first week of Dec are really low. By the second week it is substantially more crowded, and therefore a bit more of a hassle.

DH and I went to WDW in January 2007, so we know a little about the parks/resorts/transportation/restaurants, and we certainly enjoyed ourselves and loved our time there! For our upcoming trip however, crowds are a big concern of mine, considering WDW is more of a world renown vacation destination.

I would love to go a week earlier, but we received a 40% off code, and it's only good for the nights of December 7-17, so I had to book for December 7-14. (Well, the code is good for other months too, but we wanted to go in December to see the Christmas decor and festivities.)

 

[sallyjane]

Hi this is your neighbor in Idaho who is going to AK the exact same time you are we talked on a code thread a few weeks ago.

I know what you mean about the planning aspect by the time it is time for the WDW trip I am always so burned out because of the energy used up planning. But by the time I get there I am pumped up again and ready to go. At DL planning does seem less stressful and requires less research. We have done the DDP the last few trips but we are going to just pay out of pocket this trip and eat breakfast in the room and more counter service and just a few table service. Trying to make it to all those sit down ressies cut into my park time too much. I also felt like the food controlled my vacation- oh I am sorry DS but you can not order off the adult menu because you have to use a child credit. Oh sorry you can't have that because it is not a snack credit and we have to use those up because we paid for them so pick something else. We used it for three years and each year it became more of a hassle to use and more restrictive. Now that DDP is not the deal it used to be helped with our decision not to use it next December.

The airfare from Spokane is a killer. Right now the best I have been able to find is $311 per person with Frontier- we flew with them last year and loved them. The Connection is through Denver so we would take a chance there with the weather that time of the year. I wont lie to you the flight is very long with children and the whole time I am afraid that they are going to have a meltdown- Frontier have tvs at each persons seat so the kids could order a movie or watch cartoons (for a fee of course but it helps). Last spring we flew to DL with a connection in Seattle and those flights actually seemed longer than the ones to WDW. Both coming and going Alaska airlines had mechanical problems and we had to either switch planes or wait for a different plane. I guess I expected the WDW flight to be long but I was not prepared for a long flight to and from DL.

We went this same time to WDW two years ago and most rides were walk on and yes the decorations were wonderful.

I am excited to try out AKL because I know my kids will love seeing the animals. I started to look at the AK threads and there is a lot to do just at the lodge. On the night we fly in and our Christmas party day we are planning on not going to the park and spending time at the hotel. There is a bush camp for the kids it is $70 per child and three hours long where they get to do all kinds of fun things and even get to go on a special little safari. We are thinking of enrolling them in that if we have the time and money. Plus there is a long list of crafts and fun things for the kids to do. I am sure that you have already found these threads but if not look in the stickys on the Resort board and there are three links in there. I just went to the one that was started more recent and read through that- maybe that will get you excited for the trip.

Don't stress too much about the planning- I know you will have a great trip.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Well, I have two rooms booked at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (AKL) for December 7-14. It will be our two boys first visit to WDW (DS8 and DS5), as well as my MIL's and BIL's first visit too.

We'll be there during all the Christmas holiday decor and festivities, so it should be very pretty.

But for some reason I am NOT excited about going, and I don't know why. Is it the worry about crowds? Is it the long flights? Is it the uncertainty of not knowing how WDW will be that time of year? Is it all the gosh-darn planning I have to do around ADRs (uhg)? Is it because planning a trip to WDW is just so much more complicated? Is it because airfares to Orlando from Spokane are outrageous? Is it because I just love DLR too much and will miss all my favorite attractions?

I know that we (my family) need a new Disney experience since we've been to DLR so many times, and WDW would provide that for us, but why am I not excited? Anyone else go through this?

I felt very much like you did about our first trip to WDW last December. We had been to DL many times, and really had no desire to go to WDW. I was very nervous about making the trip, it's a 12 hour flight for us and I was very concerned about crowds and weather. I kept thinking we'd spend all this money, travel all that way and hate it. I worried for nothing. We had a fabulous trip and now we can't wait to go back. We stayed for 12 days and never got bored, there is just so much to see and do there. And the food is great!
We went on the exact same dates you're going; I can tell you that the weather was perfect, cool but warm enough in the afternoons to swim. The crowds were very light; we never felt as cramped as we do at DL. It just seemed like there was more room to spread out. We made a bunch of ADR's but since the crowds were so light it was very easy to be flexible with changes to our schedule.
We stayed at the AKL too and had a wonderful time. The hotel is beautiful at any time of the year, but it's especially lovely with the holiday decorations up. If you are staying concierge level, I highly reccomend the Sunrise Safari. It was the highlight of our trip!
Have a wonderful trip, I just know you're going to love WDW!

 

[tofubeast]

Honestly, you have picked the best time...you are going to experience all the holiday activities BEFORE all the big crowds. Just start planning now and do a little here and there so it is not overwhelming. I def. recommend reading the Unofficial Guide to WDW. Just remember you don't have to do it all, and plan some breaks in the day as well.

I grew up in Cali with DL (before it was DLR). Now I live in S. FL, so I am becomming more and more used to WDW. I just love the feeling when I am there of being totally surrounded by the whole disney experience. The places you are staying are gorgeous too. I am actually planning my first trip to DLR since '98...so I feel that dash of anxiety the other way. Though I am embracing it and having fun planning.

And if looking for a good steak rec....my DH loved the steak at Le Cellier in Canada/EPCOT. That place is a MUST.

Have fun planning!! I am sure you will get more excited as the trip gets closer! If not, I also volunteer to take your place if you wish.

 

[disney-super-mom]

I did happen to pay a few $ and register for the Unofficial Guide (UG).

We are doing the DDP and I've already picked out our restaurants. It's just so crazy to me to have a touring plan so early in the planning process. I haven't had to come up with a touring plan in a long time because we've been to DL so many times, I don't even need a touring plan.....it's all ingrained in my brain.

I don't think we'll hit a park on the day we fly in since we won't get to our resort until about 6:00pm. I have a feeling we'll be pretty tuckered out, so I think we'll just explore the resort a bit and take our boys swimming. If, on the other hand, everyone is biting at the bit and ready to hit a park, we'll go to the one with evening EMH, which according to UG is probably going to be the MK - HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!

I think this is one thing that's making me nervous: I see on the boards a ton of people that's going to be there the same week as us. Then I think about all those other people who aren't DisBoards members who are also going to be there, and I think WHOA, it's going to be crazy there. But, as a DL vet who is used to seeing much less traffic on the DL side of the DisBoards, it's easy to forget how huge WDW is with four parks, 2 water parks, DTD, and all those resorts and restaurants, all of which easily absorb and disperse all those visitors. So in all actuality, even though there's a ton of people going, it still won't seem that busy in the parks. Does what I said make sense? It might just be a bunch of typed out mumbo-jumbo.

 

[nunzia]

Yes, yes! That's it! I think its really staying at the HoJo that is throwing me off. I told my DH that I kind of feel like I am planning a trip to the Wisconsin Dells (for those who don't know... "The Waterpark Capital of the World"). Now I know once I get there I'll probably work myself into my usual Disney frenzy... but right now I am really feeling very, well... hesitant about the whole thing. We are considering a switch over to one of the Disney owned hotels now (or at least a split stay).... I don't know... maybe that will make a difference. But... its really hard to pass up that ent. rate at HoJo (and I know my kids would TOTALLY dig the pool). I keep calling it the "poor man's Polynesian" with its lush landscaping and monorail/park view.

I bet that's it. Once we check in we never leave the resort until the end of our vacation. I know we're missing out on good deals and good restaurants and such, but I like the feeling of total escape. We have no idea what Harbor Blvd even looks like anymore.

 

[grumpyvet]

Maybe we should have a mini Disneyland Divas meet in WDW. We got the 7 thru the 15th!! I booked at BW since we have stayed twice at BC, and wanted a change...but still wanted to be able to walk to EPCOT!


I love both DL and WDW. I find my trips to WDW are the more relaxing once there since we stay longer!! The most I 've ever stayed at DL is overnight...so the morning we go..it is rush rush rush..take care of dogs/cats...get on the road so we can miss traffic and hit rope drop. At WDW all I need to do in the morning is...well...shower. Now that says vacation to me!!!!

We did free dining September 2007, but aren't doing it this time since it isn't free!! I, too, was stressed about making ADR's since how do you know what you want to do 4 months away? But, once I picked which park per day..using the Unofficial guide and schedules, the ADR's were not as obtrusive in our day. And where ever you pick, you worry so that it won't make someone happy. The only one of ours that disappointed was Coral Reef, (go figure!!) so you can really never predict.

So, plan and then just accept your choices...don't fret anymore!!! If it isn't perfect...it's just one meal...just one morning...you have more!!!

I am trying to contain my excitement..and not obssessively plan NOW!!!

See you in EPCOT, want a Beverly? Amy

 

[rabyoga]

I concur with the previous posters... I'm the flip side- I'm taking my first DL trip in 25 years. The last 5 years we've gone to WDW. I'm nervous about the crowds: We're going the last week in March. (The only time we can make it this year.) Plus, there isn't the wealth of books to help us OverPlanners (like myself) for DL. I'll miss Epcot and Animal Kingdom; but I'm looking forward to the various attractions that DL offer that I can't get at WDW>

 

[oscarkitty1]

As a frequent DLR visitor, I have to say, I'm soo excited about going back to WDW in 2009!

DH and I went back in 2005, staying at the AKL for nine days. It was nine days of heaven, as I am a huge animal lover!!

I go to LA on business often, and we have family in San Diego, so DL is our home base. However, I will also go to WDW whenever I can, I just don't get to Orlando as much.

I personally think it's easy to love both equally!!

Have a wonderful time at AKL!! Tell everyone Jambo for me, and we'll see them in 2009!!!

Vicki

 

[Lauri]

WDW vet going to DLR the first time over Spring Break .

I have to say that you are going my very favorite time of the year to WDW. That is traditionally a low attendance season, and everything is decorated for the holidays. If you have the time, make sure you visit all of the different resorts. They are all decked out, and are all different.

You have to see the Osborne lights at the Disney Studios--like nothing you've ever seen, and with "snowfall" to boot.

The restaurants in WDW are superior to DLR, and you can get almost any type of cuisine. Staying at the AKL, make sure to make PS's at Boma, and African restaurant. The food is different, but it is a buffet, and there will be something to please everyone.

Have a wonderful time, and as you are arriving on my birthday, do somthing special for me .

Lauri

 

[drag n' fly]

I know everyone will probably think I grew a third eye but I have found it easier to plan a trip to WDW than DLR. We like the DDP and we like our days a bit more structured. I find it easier for some reason. DL is great for the park experience but WDW is fantastic for the resort experience. Could it be you are not happy with your resort choice. I am biased as we own DVC at AKV and love it there but maybe it is not for you. You have picked a nice time to go. We are staying at AKV concierge December 22-24 before we cruise and we are not even going to leave the resort due to the increased volume in the parks. As you well know realistic expectations and good planning make for a happy holiday! Don't get stressed over things you have no control over

 

[Hound 109]

I did happen to pay a few $ and register for the Unofficial Guide (UG).

We are doing the DDP and I've already picked out our restaurants. It's just so crazy to me to have a touring plan so early in the planning process. I haven't had to come up with a touring plan in a long time because we've been to DL so many times, I don't even need a touring plan.....it's all ingrained in my brain.

I don't think we'll hit a park on the day we fly in since we won't get to our resort until about 6:00pm. I have a feeling we'll be pretty tuckered out, so I think we'll just explore the resort a bit and take our boys swimming. If, on the other hand, everyone is biting at the bit and ready to hit a park, we'll go to the one with evening EMH, which according to UG is probably going to be the MK - HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!

I think this is one thing that's making me nervous: I see on the boards a ton of people that's going to be there the same week as us. Then I think about all those other people who aren't DisBoards members who are also going to be there, and I think WHOA, it's going to be crazy there. But, as a DL vet who is used to seeing much less traffic on the DL side of the DisBoards, it's easy to forget how huge WDW is with four parks, 2 water parks, DTD, and all those resorts and restaurants, all of which easily absorb and disperse all those visitors. So in all actuality, even though there's a ton of people going, it still won't seem that busy in the parks. Does what I said make sense? It might just be a bunch of typed out mumbo-jumbo.

I know..that you know...that I know...what all your mumbo-jumbo was all about.

We (rhetorically) sometimes think that the (WD) world revolves around the Dis....when the reality is 98% of the folks who visit (DLR or WDW) either don't read us or don't follow the many "rules" posted here. DSM...you know this... & i know this... because when we get there at rope drop, we always enjoy 2 blissful hours of touring our parks....even though EVERYONE knows the best time to tour is.....the first two hours. (So where the heck is EVERYONE those first two hours? Don't they read us? Don't they follow "the rules" )

Oh...&:

- Love the DDP.
- You'll be at MK the first night....after the swim. (psst...time change).

Have a great trip & let us know how the AKL is.

 

[LauraAnn630]

I think being on the dining plan and having to make so many ADRS just RUINS it.
Unless your there for the food.

We spent way to much time getting ready and traveling to ADRS.

Theres so many places to eat CS. Id make some but not one everyday.

I heard so many snacks equal a CS on the plan. Not sure if it is true.

We had 8 snacks left over on our last day. We got stuff at the hotel to take home with us.

Very early breakfast ADRS are good. Make one at 8am for Donalds Restarauntosaurus at AK. This may get you in the park early.
Then we run right to Expedition.

 

[MamaKate]

I think it's cool that there is a handful of Disneyland DIS Divas going at the same time. Maybe I should plan another trip .

Capri~ I wouldn't fret so much. I actually think half the fun of a WDW trip is the planning . But maybe I'm just nuts .

I actually think the second week of December is better than the first. During the first week of December you usually get the Jersey week crowds, Pop Warner teams and sometimes cheerleaders.

The Osborne Dancing Lights are great and not to be missed. And you're staying at one of my favorite hotels . Just request a room close to the elevators and you'll get a great savannah view plus you won't have such a long walk to your room.

I know the flights from the west coast aren't fun, but once you get there you should have a blast. Just try to relax and try not to squeeze too much in.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Wow, there is going to be quite a few of us there at the same time. I think Kate, Hound, and a few others need to plan an early December trip.

Since we're on the DDP, I'm planning our ADRs to correspond with the park we'll be visiting that day. That way, we won't have a bunch of running around to do on busses to get to a certain restaurant by a certain time. Well, we will have to take a bus to get to one ADR, Hoop-De-Doo, but what can I say.....I think "Oh My Darlin' Clementine" will be worth it!

We'll also be eating at Coral Reef, Sci-Fi, 'Ohana, and Boma (twice). I'm not even a big eater, at all, but the rest of our group should be fully satisfied I think, considering Hoop-De-Doo, 'Ohana, and Boma (twice) are "all you can eat". They'll love it! My stomach hurts just thinking about it.

 

[DangerMouse]

Wow, there is going to be quite a few of us there at the same time. I think Kate, Hound, and a few others need to plan an early December trip.

Since we're on the DDP, I'm planning our ADRs to correspond with the park we'll be visiting that day. That way, we won't have a bunch of running around to do on busses to get to a certain restaurant by a certain time. Well, we will have to take a bus to get to one ADR, Hoop-De-Doo, but what can I say.....I think "Oh My Darlin' Clementine" will be worth it!

We'll also be eating at Coral Reef, Sci-Fi, 'Ohana, and Boma (twice). I'm not even a big eater, at all, but the rest of our group should be fully satisfied I think, considering Hoop-De-Doo, 'Ohana, and Boma (twice) are "all you can eat". They'll love it! My stomach hurts just thinking about it.

Wow Capri, I'm impressed that you already have all that planned out. Wanna plan my ADR's for me? I'm soooo super intimidated by it all, I'm just kind of avoiding it and thinking I'll pack pb&j's and eat counter service.