Question for those who've been to WDW and DLR

[revdon64]

DW and I will be celebrating 25yrs of wedded bliss this summer. As we've both become major Disnerds since adopting our three young ones, and our oldest DD31 has offered to keep the littles for a few days after our vow renewal, which Disney would you choose for a quick second honeymoon?

A few important facts in the decision: We live in New Jersey. We would be traveling at the end of June this year. We've never been to California. We have been to WDW 4 times, three with the kids.

 

[soniam]

Do WDW. It will probably be a cheaper, shorter flight. Plus, there are a lot of things closed right now at DLR for the Star Wars Land Construction. Don't get me wrong. I love both of them. Also, if you stay onsite at WDW, it feels like you are more cocooned in the Disney envelope than at DLR. I am not taking weather into consideration, because summer in Orlando doesn't bother me. I live in Texas. One positive for DLR is that you don't have to plan it as far in advance. You are already under the 180 day ADR window for WDW, so restaurants, and maybe even hotels, have been booking up for a while. So you might check to see if there is availability for where you want to stay and eat at WDW before making your decision. Congratulations on the vow renewal!

 

[MissKIA]

If you're going for a quick trip, Disneyland is perfect. It's much smaller than WDW with only 2 parks, and they are directly across from each other so, so easy to park hop. You just walk across the court yard. We went for 4 days in May and it was plenty of time, whereas 4 days in WDW would barely scratch the surface. Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty to do in DL, in fact I believe there are as many attractions as there are in WDW, but it is much more condensed so less time spent traveling and such. With the new 60th anniversary stuff going on at DL I would say it would be a perfect time to visit!

 

[BrianL]

If you've never been to DLR then I would go for it. It offers a more "classic" Disney feel while also having some of the newer things like the amazing Cars Land and Indiana Jones ride. I bet you'd enjoy it.

One note, while DLR is smaller than WDW they pack almost as many attractions into 2 parks as WDW has in 4. Crowd density gets quite a bit higher, so don't necessarily think that you only need like 1 day per park if you want to see it all.

 

[Mouseketeers4]

Definitely DLR if you haven't been there yet. I actually prefer the "feel" of DLR and it will be fun for you to experience Disney while also experiencing something new! Just a few highlights: they have several rides that are better than their WDW counterparts, some classic dark rides no longer found at WDW, plus Carsland, World of Color, and the new Paint the Night parade.

 

[Pkltm]

I too would pick DLR for a shorter trip, Cars Land is worth the effort

 

[illinidp]

For a quick trip DLR would be perfect, esp since you haven't been before. The 60th anniversary celebration will still be going on this summer.

 

[starjazz]

While I totally hear the PP that said WDW and the reasoning, I'm with the rest - I'd check out DLR. I love it too. We love both, but if you haven't been, it'd be perfect for a couples trip to enjoy. Plus you can scope out whether you want to bring the whole fam next time!

 

[ktlm]

DLR is great for a quick trip. Everything is close together so you won't lose time traveling around the property. We have walked from the back of DLR to the back of CA in 10 minutes. DTD is right next to the parks, so that is just a few minute walk too. We have gone to DLR in June or July several times, and the weather is great-- so much better than the heat and humidity at WDW that time of year. We love both WDW and DLR! If you have never been to DLR or even California, it sounds like a great time to try it!

We were there the first half of the actual 60th anniversary week in July last year and I was worried the crowds would be horrible, but we found it totally manageable. We've been to WDW between Christmas and New Years, and it was not even close to that. For us, it even felt a little less crowded than WDW can sometime feel in the summer. Carsland is amazing. Radiator Springs Racers is probably our favorite ride of all the Disney parks. The Indiana Jones ride is great too. I love the Alice in Wonderland dark ride. The Paint the Night parade is amazing. Even DH, who typically doesn't care about parades, loves it!We usually spend 5 days in the parks at DLR, and still hate to leave. The first time I was there as an adult it was just DH and I. I was on a business trip and we only had 1 park day. Even with just 1 park day, with it just being the adults and moving quickly, DH and I felt like we were able to get a lot done in that day.

 

[wendow]

I'd go to DLR also. Dh & I went to WDW this past September for our 20th anniv and while we had a great time, I had a very, very hard time not thinking of all the many times we have been there with our kids. I think it would have been more fun to go to a new Disney park under the guise of a 'scouting mission'...like a pp said, to decide if you want to go back with your littles.

We have been to both WDW and DLR. I prefer the 'cocoon' of WDW but DLR is better for a short trip, imo.

Either way, congrats on 25 years!

 

[jeanico2000]

DLR gets my vote too! The 60th celebration is wonderful, and maybe you could treat yourselves to one of the three onsite hotels, as well as a lunch or dinner at the Blue Bayou. Plus, California weather in summer is pretty much sunny every day! As far as crowds go, both DLR and WDW will be super busy, so no advantage of one over the other on that point. Congrats on your important anniversary, by the way! Many more!

 

[revdon64]

Thanks all for your input. The deciding factor for us was the cost of airfare/length of flight. While we really do want to experience DLR, we're going to WDW again. June 27-30 staying at POFQ. We're probably going to take the opportunity to do one of the behind the scenes tours that we couldn't do with our little ones. DLR next time!

 

[PoohsFan1]

I know you have already made your decision (a great one BTW), however, if I was to go on a second honeymoon with my DH, I think we would choose to go to DLR only because it is so much smaller and there is nothing quite like it (except of course WDW). Don't get me wrong, WDW will always be our home away from home and one we will keep returning to year after year, but there is just something about DLR that really gets me in the Disney loving spirit. On the flip side, I can totally understand the cost and flight to sway your decision, however, if you ever get a chance to go to DLR definitely do it, not sure if you are into the whole Disney history or nostalgia, but if you are, then you will want to go and take everything in.

P.S. Love POFQ, you made an awesome choice with that resort

 

[luvgoing2disney]

I also see that you have already selected WDW, but if you ever do have the opportunity to visit DLR, by all means do it! WDW is our home park, but there is without a doubt something truly special and magical at DLR. Not to mention SOOOOOO much easier to plan and navigate!

 

[mickeymom629]

I would have said WDW. I love DLR for all the reasons that everyone mentioned, but I would have said to go to DLR with the little ones there because it is so compact! I think WDW is a romantic and great place to be for two. DH and I just returned from 9 nights there - first time ALONE! It was supposed to be 6, but we escaped MD before the blizzard. We only did the parks 3 days. We spent two days in Disney Springs (formerly DTD) and, since we stayed 3 nights ASMu, 3 nights AKL, 3 nights BLT, and had to move so often, we explored resorts, took lots of walks, and sat by the pool (in our clothes since it was chilly!).

Eta, and we tried some new restaurants.

Enjoy! I think you made a good choice! I love POFQ!

 

[jeanico2000]

Thanks all for your input. The deciding factor for us was the cost of airfare/length of flight.

Sooo... why ask for opinions if this was the deciding factor? I understand your choice, don't get me wrong, but why ask in the first place? I hope you have a wonderful time and, again, happy anniversary!

 

[soniam]

Thanks all for your input. The deciding factor for us was the cost of airfare/length of flight. While we really do want to experience DLR, we're going to WDW again. June 27-30 staying at POFQ. We're probably going to take the opportunity to do one of the behind the scenes tours that we couldn't do with our little ones. DLR next time!

Definitely do a tour if you can. I have been wanting to do some, but DS is too young for most of them. Take your kids to DLR after the construction ends. They will love it. We love POR, and POFQ looks amazing. Be sure to take the boat to Disney Springs and enjoy some adult time at a lounge or restaurant. I think WDW has a lot more for adults only to enjoy. Not that DLR doesn't have it, but like everything, it has a little bit less, since it's smaller. DLR'S small size is another good reason to take the kiddos. Have a great trip.

 

[msmama]

Just FYI - If you want to watch flights, I was able to fly from NY to CA (ended up flying to San Diego instead of LA since I had family there, but price difference was minimal) for the same price as I usually fly to FL.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

IMHO, you made the right choice. While I love them both, for a quick trip from the East Coast, WDW wins for me. We did DLR (flying from NYC) a few years ago and it took me 2 to 3 days just to get over the jet lag. That, plus the 6 hour flight means, if we ever go back, it will be for an extended trip. At least 7 days if not more.

 

[BayouQueen]

On, I think that for this year you will be glad you have chosen WDW. With the Rivers of America closed, along with many other attractions, DL isn't looking its best for a first-time visitor. Have a great time!