Pondering a visit to DCA in Aug. (and a few other ?'s)

[tofubeast]

Let me start off by saying I am originally from SoCal. Grew up with DL. My last visit was to DL in '98, and I could see some of the construction going on over at DCA. It was also when the "new" TL opened. (booo...)

Since then lived in MA, but moved to FL a few years ago. Naturally, this DL vet is becommming a WDW vet now. Though of course I still feel the love for my home park.

DH and I are going out to SoCal for a wedding in August. Of course, I have to fit a visit to DL in there. Looking to stay at a good neighbor hotel....perhaps the Candy Cane or HoJos. Just can't stomach the cost of the on-site resorts, when it was so much cheaper to stay at the Coronado Springs the other week at WDW. (off topic..) Any other hotel choice I should consider that is nice and close?

Anyway...

Should I visit DCA?

Going to DL is a no brainer and a must. DH has never been. However, we have never been to DCA. While I am interested in seeing this 2nd park, I have reservations about it.

1) Is it too similar to Disney Studios? To us, MGM is a 1/2 day park...not sure if worth the extra cost and time... but more importantly....

2) Will the park be experiencing too much construction at the time with all the refurbs and expansion going on? Keep in mind we are going in Aug. 08.

3) Do to #2 and my interest in seeing the park when it is in its full glory (fixed and done!), should I just wait for another future visit one day and go then?

Just curious about your thoughts.

Finally, what DL day should we go?

We are only going to DL one day the first week of August. I have read that going on Wednesday is a good day.... is that true? I know there usually isn't EE on that day. I know it will be crowded regardless, just trying to figure out which day is best though!

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Should I visit DCA?

Going to DL is a no brainer and a must. DH has never been. However, we have never been to DCA. While I am interested in seeing this 2nd park, I have reservations about it.

1) Is it too similar to Disney Studios? To us, MGM is a 1/2 day park...not sure if worth the extra cost and time

IMO, yes you should go if you can spend at least two days at DLR. There is more to do at DCA than Disney Studios. In fact it would be hard to do all of DCA in a single day. DCA has more headliner rides than DCA (four at DCA vs. two at MGM). And it has a 40+ minute stage show (Aladdin) that is extremely good.

We could never visit DLR without spending time in DCA. Like MGM, it has its imperfections - but also has many fun things going.

... but more importantly....

2) Will the park be experiencing too much construction at the time with all the refurbs and expansion going on? Keep in mind we are going in Aug. 08.

Unfortunately, DCA will be in full construction mode by then. But I would not let that stop you from going.

3) Do to #2 and my interest in seeing the park when it is in its full glory (fixed and done!), should I just wait for another future visit one day and go then?

If you decide to go I think you will be glad you did.

Finally, what DL day should we go?

We are only going to DL one day the first week of August. I have read that going on Wednesday is a good day.... is that true? I know there usually isn't EE on that day. I know it will be crowded regardless, just trying to figure out which day is best though!

Wednesday is the best day of the week to go, especially in August, and I did not realize you only planned one day for both DL and possibly DCA. Hmmmm. If you did go to DCA, I would make sure to see the Aladdin show, ride California Screamin and GRR. Based on your WDW experience you could skip the rest although there are many other fun things to do. Then spend the rest of the day at DL.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are you only there for one day total? If so, I'd just focus on DL. We've done two one-day trips to DL, with a toddler even, and had a grand time. Did not see everything, but we saw quite a bit, with the help of message boards and every most-current guidebook I could check out from the library.

You are right, Wednesday does not have EE, so everyone at the gate at opening is on equal footing.

We stayed at HoJos and liked it, especially b/c we have the Entertainment Book card, and were able to get their incredibly good deal (not offered all the time, you have to call the hotel directly, do NOT get their 800 number people) for our stay.

Many people here say that the Tropicana is quite good, and they are very close and offer continental b'fast (which HoJo does not).


About DCA, we loved it. We were there parts of two days and barely even scratched the surface. I wish construction could be delayed a year so that our family could really experience it "as is", before they change it on us.

 

[HydroGuy]

Are you only there for one day total? If so, I'd just focus on DL. We've done two one-day trips to DL, with a toddler even, and had a grand time. Did not see everything, but we saw quite a bit, with the help of message boards and every most-current guidebook I could check out from the library.

For a first timer I would agree, but with a DL vet (albeit in the pre-DCA days) it might be worth it to visit DCA for awhile on a day trip.

 

[DLR29]

Wednesday is the best day of the week to go, especially in August, and I did not realize you only planned one day for both DL and possibly DCA. Hmmmm. If you did go to DCA, I would make sure to see the Aladdin show, ride California Screamin and GRR. Based on your WDW experience you could skip the rest although there are many other fun things to do. Then spend the rest of the day at DL.

Also, Toy Story Midway Mania will be open (probably) by August.

For a first timer I would agree, but with a DL vet (albeit in the pre-DCA days) it might be worth it to visit DCA for awhile on a day trip.

However, I'm going to have to agree with Bumbershoot here. The OP hasn't gone to DL since 98. That means there's a lot of stuff that they have not experienced such as BLAB, Nemo, Pirate's Lair, new Space Mountain that may be of interest to them. DCA has many good attractions; however, for a day visit, I'd stick to DL only. The only unique attractions at DCA would be Screamin, GRR, and Monster's Inc. Hardly worth another 20 bucks.