Opinions/Tips ... Pre or Post D23 Disneyland visit

[jeffbear]

OK ... I'm all in on going with my wife to our first D23 (tickets and acomodations already obtained) in 2017 and we both want to visit Disneyland/DCA while we're out in Anaheim. I've not been to DL since I was a kid ... a long, long time ago for the record ... and my wife has never been. We are WDW vets with dozens of trips under our belts. We are also Comic Book and Anime Convention vets although we've never done D23 and are VERY much looking forward to it.

So ... do y'all think it's better to visit DL and DCA before four long slogging days at D23 or after? I'm leaning before because my general inclination is that I'm normally in need of a 2 day nap after a big convention and would rather have some actual energy for touring the parks. But I'm open to ideas/input.

Let 'er rip.

 

[smartlabelprint]

You'll probably be exhausted at the convention after slogging days in the parks. I'd be more interested in when crowds will be lighter.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

How many days are you considering in the parks? If it's only 1 day, you would be okay before the convention probably. But, if you're thinking multiple days, I'd do it afterwards.

 

[choirboy501]

I'm staying to do 3 days in the parks after the Expo. I'm figuring that Expo days will be long and tiring, and the park days a chance to relax.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Another thought, split the days. The ticket is good for 14 days after 1st entry.

 

[jeffbear]

Thanks for the thoughts.

After talking it out this weekend we decided to do the Parks first. Bottom line ... neither of us have ever been to a national level convention without getting some sort of bug/virus a couple of days after. Better to have Con Crud at home, methinks.

So I'm booked for Disneyland Hotel for four nights ahead of D23. We'll see how it goes. I stayed at DL Hotel the last time I visited the park ... in 1974. I've got a feeling things have changed :0)

 

[Nonsuch]

We have been debating the same issue: parks before or after D23.
This will be our first D23 Expo, or "fan" convention of any type. We are able to visit DL several times a year, so D23 is the priority. July 17 is the 62nd anniversary of Disneyland, so there might be a few minor events in the park.

It is difficult to decide a year in advance (now 11 months), so we have booked 2 days before and after D23 at both Marriott (next to convention center) and VGC. We missed our chance to book the Hilton at a reasonable rate, so now we are overbooked.

...After talking it out this weekend we decided to do the Parks first. Bottom line ... neither of us have ever been to a national level convention without getting some sort of bug/virus a couple of days after. Better to have Con Crud at home, methinks.

You could easily catch something in the parks, we have been sick a few days after returning...

...So I'm booked for Disneyland Hotel for four nights ahead of D23. We'll see how it goes. I stayed at DL Hotel the last time I visited the park ... in 1974. I've got a feeling things have changed :0)

A few things have changed... you might not recognize anything until you enter Disneyland
Are you staying at DLH during D23? It is quite a long walk, although we are considering VGC (with a similar walk).

 

[The Lucky Bug]

Because of work scheduling we always go to the parks before the expo.

Every year we always wish we could have waited to go after.

Our reasoning is that you learn so much about what's coming at the expo it's gets you hyped and we always wish we could go back to the park and see whatever is going to change etc.

It's kind of like going to Disney to see the Christmas decorations after Christmas and it makes you excited for Christmas again, but now you have to wait another year!

 

[lurkergirl]

Even knowing what to expect (lines, people, waiting), I am always super-exhausted after the Expo. The early mornings get harder and harder. I'd vote for before, but it's really a personal decision.

 

[jeffbear]

You could easily catch something in the parks, we have been sick a few days after returning...

A few things have changed... you might not recognize anything until you enter Disneyland
Are you staying at DLH during D23? It is quite a long walk, although we are considering VGC (with a similar walk).

"Could catch something" in the Parks provides better odds than "nearly always catch something" at a major Con. It's not my first rodeo at big conventions, both attending and working. I'd say 8 times out of 10 I end up with the crud.

And we're at the Hilton for D23 itself. I've managed to swing a room at convention pricing before they booked up. I was prepared to go Hyatt if I had to but I had more points on Hilton Honors to burn.

 

[JKalai]

D23 is very exhausting (get ready for lines, lines and more lines).

I would do it before as it would be hard to enjoy your time in the park if you're tired from the expo.

 

[Walt's10thOldManZach]

Is there any way to beat the lines? I've heard getting food at D23 and any convention for that matter is a hassle for sure. Pack lunches?

 

[ashley0139]

Is there any way to beat the lines? I've heard getting food at D23 and any convention for that matter is a hassle for sure. Pack lunches?

I packed a ton of easy to eat food last time. Protein bars, crackers and peanut butter, etc. I was usually waiting in a line so I couldn't go wait in another line for food, even alternating with a friend.