Second Guessing Itinerary - Input Needed

[AMLAD]

Hi -

We (DH, DS7, DD4 and myself) are headed to DLR from July 6-12 and are staying at the DLH. We have 5 day park hoppers and therefore are able to take advantage of MM/EMH.

Our first day in the parks will be a Monday. Because we are early risers and because we are traveling from Texas, I was hoping to take advantage of the time difference and hit DCA very early. HOWEVER, since it's the kiddoes first visit to Disneyland (and mine too) I've now started thinking we should do DL first. Any thoughts?

If we did DL on Monday, I guess we could also go again on Tuesday and then go to DCA on Wednesday.

I dunno. I keep going back and forth. Any observations, advice , etc will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[darph nader]

If this your first time,,,,Disneyland first. Let the rest just happen.

 

[Jairy]

Your kids should love Carsland!! We did DCA first, on a Monday like you. We hopped back and forth the whole 5 days though. Start with DCA to take advantage of your EMH, then hop over to DL.
I think your kids will be just as awed by DCA, and I wouldn't "waste" my EMH. We found we got so much done in that first hour (especially in DCA).

 

[msmama]

We did DCA first. The first hour there (before it opens to everyone else) is AWESOME!!

Didn't miss out on missing Disneyland first. It's still right there so you get to see it.

 

[LisaCM614]

If you won't feel like you are at Disneyland until you see the castle, then that is where you should start!

We have been to WDW many times and don't have to start at MK or DL but I know many folks feel the same way.

For our trip to DLR - the kids HAVE to see Carsland so even though we'll be getting there mid day DCA will be our first park - just so they can see it and get snacks at the Cozy Cones.

The right plan is the one that is right for your family!

 

[Girimama33]

I would take advantage of the EMH...you are paying for it after all. Hit TSMM and a few other rides, and you can grab an RSR FP about an hour after officially opening for a later return time. After that, head over to DL to soak that in. The parks are really close, so hopping is only a few minutes.

 

[Blue32]

You will get opinions on both sides of this question. For a first trip, I would start in DL. DCA is great, but it's not DL park. You have 5 days at the parks and will have other days to use your EMH at DCA. I would start in DL, but would not blame anyone for wanting to take advantage of EMH also.

 

[AMLAD]

Thanks everyone! I knew I'd get opinions both ways but still wanted to see what everyone had to say. Still not decided but I've got plenty of time to overthink this before we arrive ;-)

Even if we go to DL on Monday, we'll still have 2 days to do EMH at DCA and two days to do EMH at DL. So there is always that. We've not yet told the kids where we are headed on vacation but maybe when we do, I'll ask them what they'd like to see first... of course, I doubt they can imagine how amazing DLR is going to be.

 

[nikkislaght]

WE always start our trips at D/L. but that is us.. this year we started at C/A and it didnt feel right.. talk about OCD

If you have never been before and your kids are young enough.. they wont know the difference... so go where you want..

If they are old enough to know,, ask them.. where they want to start..

When doing 5 days,, we dont do the EM /MM because we are there so long.. you still get to do everything.. and are not tired or crazy trying to get there on time...

WE actully leave about 5 /6pm and dont go back to the parks.. or start later in the day for a longer night of fire works etc..

Have a fun trip...

 

[GatorChris]

A question: Have you been to WDW? If you have, then start with DCA. Cars Land will amaze you and everyone else. DL will seem so small if you've made visits to FL's Magic Kingdom. My two cents.

 

[whjensen]

I'd start off in DL the first day and, at least on the first day, I wouldn't try to do a ton of rides, I would just do whatever sounded fun and didn't have too long of a wait

 

[tstidm1]

I would definitely do EMH at DCA one day of the trip. I would say if the kids really want Carsland first I would do DCA first. I wouldn't make the kids wait for that experience if they've been wanting that since you revealed it to them.