Tips for DL visitors coming to WDW for the first time?

[OregontoDisney]

Hi! We leave in two weeks to fly across country and visit WDW. We always visit DL for obvious reasons, and like the compactness. We have 3 kids under 10 yrs. Those who have visited both parks, what should I know?
I've scheduled the FP+, we have consulted the crowd calendars and are visiting the most recommended park each day, and have made the ADRs we think we might like. We have the Deluxe Dining package, but care more about getting to eat what we like than to get the most expensive stuff with it.

We may not make it back to WDW again, since DL is so much closer, so I'd like some ideas on what not to miss, or if there's something important to know.


Note (We are not big parade people, and don't care much about Frozen )

 

[cattywampus]

Here is what I wrote on another thread:

We just did our first WDW trip in Nov as DLR vets. Overall, we thought the totality of all parks combined on each coast were roughly equal, but we gave the edge in the parks themselves to DLR, because there are more attractions per park and the detail seems better. This was particularly true of how DCA stacked up against the non-MK parks at WDW.

Where WDW shines, is sheer size, number of uniquely themed resorts, outstanding table service restaurants, and lack of the outside world. Though oddly enough I was surprised everything was so flat and you can see into the MK from outside -- I missed how carefully DL uses the berm. MK doesn't feel as secluded in Florida, even though it is completely segregated from the non-Disney world.

Our entire party felt WDW was less about the parks and more about the overall vacation experience on-site than DLR.

We stayed at and loved the Grand Floridian!!! Narcoossees was awesome and we timed it our first night to see Electric Water Pageant while waiting for our table and then fireworks between dinner and dessert. Magical with great food and dessert. We hopped on boat to MK at the adjacent boat dock and did Extra Magic Hour. Between 11-1 am we got a ton done. In fact, we stayed on CA time the entire and skipped RD in favor of closing down the parks.

MK was our favorite park by a landslide. Make sure to spend enough time here. Here is our comparison of rides to DLR:

Completely different or different enough to warrant priority: 7DMT, Pooh, Peter Pan, Splash, BRMRR, Haunted, Philharmagic and Festival of Fantasy Parade. Both CRT and dinner at BOG were worth it!

For nostalgia: Country Bears,people Mover, Tom Sawyer Island (DS loved the fort), and Main St Electrical Parade.

Exactly the same or lesser: Space Mountain (awful compared to ours but we still rode a bunch), Buzz, Small World, Little Mermaid (ride exactly the same but que is better!), Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Raceway, Teacups, riverboat, Stitch (uniquely awful).

AK was surprisingly our second favorite park. We all grew up with the San Diego Zoo, so while the animal exhibits and safari are very well done, we are a tough audience. However, Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder, overall theming (especially in Asia!), and Everest were spectacular. We rode EE five times and wish it and 7DMT would come to CA!). Flame Tree BBQ was a great CS restaurant. I swear I would visit one at home, if we had it.

Epcot was a fairly distant 3rd place, in our opinion. It just feels outdated, especially FutureWorld (very similar to the way that TL feels at DLR). In all fairness, we got rained on all day, but I don't think our opinion would change that much.

We knew to ride Test Track right away, and sure enough, soon afterwards it closed for the day. It was really fun but is the same ride vehicle as RS Racers and I prefer RSR. We did both Green and then Orange Mission Space which was fun but not spectacular. We also did Crush (same as DCA), Nemo (cute not spectacular), and Spaceship Earth (ok).

We went to WS and loved dinner at LeCellier. When we came out it was pouring and we gave up but returned later in the week. I can see why regulars love WS with its heavily themed restaurants and shops but we found attractions seriously lacking.

HS: Other than the best Red Velvet cupcake I ever had in my life from Starring Roles, we were all very underwhelmed at this park and after only a few hours.

Tower of Terror does have a cool difference from CA attraction, where elevator car actually moves along a track before drop sequence, but other than that it felt the same to me. RnR Roller Coaster was fun, but we all agreed Cal Screaming is better. Star Tours is exactly the same and the Great Movie Ride was horrible. The park really reminded me of DCA before the makeover with not nearly enough attractions or things to do. Not enough life to it. Unless you really want to see shows, I might consider skipping it and concentrating on other three. We used the other half of this day to to WS at Epcot.

These were just our opinions. YMMV. Hope that helps in some way. We did really enjoy ourselves, particularly the GF, MK and restaurants. We all agree we want to go back but don't know how soon (or if ever) that will be. We do have a two trips planned to DLR.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Be sure to let your family know it is a completely different experience than Disneyland/DCA.

You may want to let them know which rides they won't see at WDW. I'll never forget the look on my two kids' faces when they insisted we ride Indy and I had to let them know it wasn't there. This was before Dinosaur; Animal Kingdom had yet to open. We had discussed all the new things we would experience and I hadn't focused on what wasn't there.

After a day or two, your family will realize that what they can do in two parks (DLR), takes trips to all four parks. DTD is huge compared to DTD Anaheim. Go to Goofy's Candy Company where you can have a custom-made snack. Whenever I stop in Marceline's in Anaheim, the CMs always think it is so cool that you can get a custom Mickey Rice Krispie, caramel apple, marshmallow wand, or pretzel rods at Goofy's.

If you miss seeing the Main Street Electrical Parade in DL, be sure to fit it in your plans.

 

[cigar95]

Big thing to remember which will be obvious to some - it takes a lot longer to go from place to place at WDW. It's a very big place. I think Animal Kingdom is about 6 miles from the MK.

 

[JimmyV]

Those who have visited both parks, what should I know?

DLR is called the "Happiest Place on Earth".
WDW is called "The Vacation Kingdom of the World".
There is your difference.

WDW gains its superiority once you get out of the parks. So make sure that you do. If you have been to DLR plenty of times and will go plenty more, the need to experience WDW's inferior Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World or Space Mountain just shouldn't be important to you. But what will make you understand and appreciate WDW is the time you spend outside of the parks, but inside the boundaries of the property. Rent Water Mice and zip around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Play a round of golf. Go horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. Enjoy a glass of wine at the bar at the California Grill and take in the view and hopefully the fireworks. Grab a beer at Big River Grille and then walk over to the ESPN Club to catch a sporting event on TV. Go to Blizzard Beach. Walk around the paths outside the Animal Kingdom Lodge out toward the savanna. These are the things that make WDW so much different from DLR. If you are just doing an "even up" comparison of the parks, you lose the separation. Going to DLR feels like a day at an amusement park. Spending a week at WDW feels like a vacation. But only if you take advantage of everything else that the property has to offer. If you just go to theme parks from 8:00am-10:00pm every day and do little else, it can feel like a week at DLR. But once you take in Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, the golf courses, the walking trails, the water parks and everything else there is to do, you will appreciate the true difference between DLR and 47 square miles of vacation opportunities.

 

[OregontoDisney]

Here is what I wrote on another thread:

We just did our first WDW trip in Nov as DLR vets. Overall, we thought the totality of all parks combined on each coast were roughly equal, but we gave the edge in the parks themselves to DLR, because there are more attractions per park and the detail seems better. This was particularly true of how DCA stacked up against the non-MK parks at WDW.

Where WDW shines, is sheer size, number of uniquely themed resorts, outstanding table service restaurants, and lack of the outside world. Though oddly enough I was surprised everything was so flat and you can see into the MK from outside -- I missed how carefully DL uses the berm. MK doesn't feel as secluded in Florida, even though it is completely segregated from the non-Disney world.

Our entire party felt WDW was less about the parks and more about the overall vacation experience on-site than DLR.

We stayed at and the Grand Floridian!!! Narcoossees was awesome and we timed it our first night to see Electric Water Pageant while waiting for our table and then fireworks between dinner and dessert. Magical with great food and dessert. We hopped on boat to MK at the adjacent boat dock and did Extra Magic Hour. Between 11-1 am we got a ton done. In fact, we stayed on CA time the entire and skipped RD in favor of closing down the parks. We also did MVMCP 3 nights which was awesome and let us walk on just about everything.

MK was our favorite park by a landslide. Make sure to spend enough time here. Here is our comparison of rides to DLR:

Completely different or different enough to warrant priority: 7DMT, Pooh, Peter Pan, Splash, BRMRR, Haunted, Philharmagic and Festival of Fantasy Parade. Both CRT and dinner at BOG were worth it!

For nostalgia: Country Bears,people Mover, Tom Sawyer Island (DS loved the fort), and Main St Electrical Parade.

Exactly the same or lesser: Space Mountain (awful compared to ours but we still rode a bunch), Buzz, Small World, Little Mermaid (ride exactly the same but que is better!), Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Raceway, Teacups, riverboat, Stitch (uniquely awful).

AK was surprisingly our second favorite park. We all grew up with the San Diego Zoo, so while the animal exhibits and safari are very well done, we are a tough audience. However, Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder, overall theming (especially in Asia!), and Everest were spectacular. We rode EE five times and wish it and 7DMT would come to CA!). Flame Tree BBQ was a great CS restaurant. I swear I would visit one at home, if we had it.

Epcot was a fairly distant 3rd place, in our opinion. It just feels outdated, especially FutureWorld (very similar to the way that TL feels at DLR). In all fairness, we got rained on all day, but I don't think our opinion would change that much.

We knew to ride Test Track right away, and sure enough, soon afterwards it closed for the day. It was really fun but is the same ride vehicle as RS Racers and I prefer RSR. We did both Green and then Orange Mission Space which was fun but not spectacular. We also did Crush (same as DCA), Nemo (cute not spectacular), and Spaceship Earth (ok).

We went to WS and loved dinner at LeCellier. When we came out it was pouring and we gave up but returned later in the week. I can see why regulars love WS with its heavily themed restaurants and shops but we found attractions seriously lacking.

HS: Other than the best Red Velvet cupcake I ever had in my life from Starring Roles, we were all very underwhelmed at this park and after only a few hours.

Tower of Terror does have a cool difference from CA attraction, where elevator car actually moves along a track before drop sequence, but other than that it felt the same to me. RnR Roller Coaster was fun, but we all agreed Cal Screaming is better. Star Tours is exactly the same and the Great Movie Ride was horrible. The park really reminded me of DCA before the makeover with not nearly enough attractions or things to do. Not enough life to it. Unless you really want to see shows, I might consider skipping it and concentrating on other three. We used the other half of this day to to WS at Epcot.

These were just our opinions. YMMV. Hope that helps in some way. We did really enjoy ourselves, particularly the GF, MK and restaurants. We all agree we want to go back but don't know how soon (or if ever) that will be. We do have a two trips planned to DLR.

Thanks for this detailed report on the attractions! I may print it out and use it for a reference on what to skip

 

[OregontoDisney]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I've been trying to explain the difference in size and experience to my family and friends in our party of 8. We will keep these things in mind.

 

[Virtucomp]

Since you have young ones you really need to look at the rides that they will be ok on. We just finished our first trip to DLR. Many of the rides at WDW are faster and bigger than they are at DLR.

We found Space Mountain to be a big change. Besides riding two across there were no big drops. Expedition Everest is also a much faster ride than the ones at DLR. California Screamin is the only one that seemed fast.

If your pressed for time since there are four parks in WDW then you should skip rides that are the same as DLR such as Splash Mountain.

 

[larryz]

DLR is called the "Happiest Place on Earth".
WDW is called "The Vacation Kingdom of the World".

Which implies you'll be happy at DLR, whether or not you're vacationing.

And at WDW, you're vacationing whether you're happy or not...

 

[MermaidMommy]

Thanks for this detailed report on the attractions! I may print it out and use it for a reference on what to skip

Just one addition to the post that you're referencing. Besides the difference between ToT that PP mentioned, the other big difference is that the WDW version has randomized drops, so the ride is different every time you go on it. It make multiple rides much more fun compared to the DL version, since you never know when the drop will occur.

 

[OregontoDisney]

Just one addition to the post that you're referencing. Besides the difference between ToT that PP mentioned, the other big difference is that the WDW version has randomized drops, so the ride is different every time you go on it. It make multiple rides much more fun compared to the DL version, since you never know when the drop will occur.

You know we have never actually worked up the courage to visit this one, even in DCA. But who knows, we have a member of our party that may drag us on this time

 

[figment_jii]

It sounds like you have already done a fair amount of research. HydroGuy, a veteran poster down on the Disneyland board has a great guide for WDW vets visiting DLR and another guide for DLR vet visiting WDW. I've found that both are useful to read because it'll help give you a sense of the similarities and differences between the two resorts.
WDW Guide for DLR Vets:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636
DLR Guide for WDW Vets: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Where are you staying? This makes a big difference in terms of transportation and planning. Very little is actually within walking distance of each other, so you need to plan on using WDW transportation (boats, buses, monorail, etc.). The general rule of thumb is to allow about 45 minutes per leg of the trip. Some of the Deluxe resorts are within walking distance of a park, but most will require some kind of transportation.

I would check out all four parks if you have the time. In general, I find MK reminds me of DL and DHS reminds me of DCA. Epcot and AK are fairly unique (in feel, although all of the WDW parks have some rides that are identical or nearly identical at DLR). My favorite WDW park is Epcot. I love looking around the WS pavillions and going on the attractions. MK would be my next favorite park, followed by AK. DHS is the lowest park for me, but that's because it's mostly shows or thrill rides. I'd still visit it, but it's a one-day park for me.

I know you mention you're not into parades, but I did really enjoy the Festival of Fantasy parade at MK. Mostly the steampunk dragon, which is impressive. You might also look into IllumiNations because there really isn't anything comparable at DLR. If you're pressed for time, I'd skip F! at DHS. The lack of the Columbia, Mark Twain, and current DL version dragon really reduces the impressiveness of the show to me. The seating is better at DHS, but that's about the only thing I like better.

In terms of dining, WDW has a wide variety of TS and CS options. I'd hesitantly say that DLR has better CS options, but WDW has more TS options. If you're on the Deluxe Dining Plan, I'd look into the resort Signatures. Some of those are excellent. Though with young children a 90-120 minute dinner might not be what you were looking for. In that case, there are also a lot of character meal options in the resort. I've found that non-Signature TS meals take about 60-75 minutes (in general), so having lots of sit down meals can eat into park time. Just something to keep in mind.

Finally, I really think the most important thing for a DLR vet visiting WDW for the first time (or a WDW Vet visiting DLR for the first time) to remember is that they are not the same resort. Do not go to WDW expecting DLR. Remember that they are both amazing in their own ways!

 

[ktlm]

Where are you staying? I think you could get some tips based on that. The main thing to know coming from DLR is it's big! Traveling anywhere can take up quite a bit of time. The parks are also significantly bigger than what you are used to. DL packs a maximum amount of attractions in a small amount of space. Everything is more spread out at WDW. To give you an idea to walk from one end of World Showcase to the other end in EPCOT is approximately one mile ---- and that's only 1/2 the park!!!!

My DD is 8. When we go to DLR, she says the only thing she misses about WDW is EPCOT. It is her absolute favorite park other than MK and DL. She would rank it above CA, DHS or AK. We feel the same way.

The headliner rides there probably won't impress you that much. Test Track seems cheap and inferior when you compare it to Radiator Springs Racers. Soarin is identical to what you have at CA. DLR doesn't have anything like Living with the Land (which kids seem to love seeing those greenhouses), Mission Space (the easy side isn't bad and to me has kind of a Star Tours feel- I'm not brave enough to try the intense side); Spaceship Earth, or Journey Into Imagination. There are aquariums to tour when you get off the Nemo ride. There is a place called Club Cool where you can try samples of sodas from different parts of the world for free. If you don't mind your kids getting sugared up, it is a lot of fun (and it can save you drink money as your samples aren't limited and they are serve yourself ) That is all just in Future World.

If your kids are in the 5 to 10 age range and like Phineas and Ferb at all, the Agent P missions in World Showcase are not to be missed. DD could spend an entire day doing them. You get a mission communicator (i.e. cell phone) at a kiosk and then pick a country to start - when you get there you watch video that sends you on hunts for different locations around the country - when you find the spot you use the communicator and it triggers special effects to happen where you are standing in the country. The special effects are really neat- passerby who aren't playing the game will stop and watch. We have had people come ask us if we could trigger it again.

World Showcase is a fun area to explore. The people that work in each of the countries are actually from those countries and they will talk to the kids about their country if the kids are interested. There are also Kidcot stations in each country. For little kids they can get a Duffy or Perry on a stick for free and color it- then at each country they can stop at the Kidcot station and get a stamp on the back from that country. For older kids, you can buy them a passport for I think $8 or $10, and they can go to each country and get a stamp in it from the Kidcot station. DD loves to explore the countries and the shops have merchandise from the country, so she likes to look through them. Don't count out the movies a few of the countries have either. I didn't think DD would be that interested in them when she was in pre-school, but at age 3 she was totally amazed at the China one which is a 360 degree one all around you. She likes the France one too.

If you have daughters and are looking for a nice souvenir, the pick a pearl in Japan is a fun experience. They do a whole little ceremony for the person picking a pearl. I think it costs around $15 for the pearl. They also sell settings which range from around $10 to hundreds of dollars.

You said your ADRs are set, but if you are looking for another one in EPCOT, Biergarten is lots of fun. It is a German buffet and they have a show with a German band and a dance floor where the kids can get out and dance during the show. DD has always ranked it right up there with Princess meals. It usually is not too hard to get an ADR for either. You often can get those even near the day you are going.
Oh, and Biergarten is pretty much all tables for 8 (they sit smaller parties together at one table), so that might work well for your party of 8.

I know you said you weren't parade people. DH and DD aren't either, but they tolerate them for me. The new Festival of Fantasy parade really is something to see, if for nothing else than to see that steam punk fire breathing dragon at the end. It is really impressive. We all knew it breathed fire and were expecting it, but to be sitting there really appreciating the size of the thing and to have it breathe fire right in front of us made me gasp with awe. We are usually a one and done parade family as DH and DD whine if I make them spend time waiting for a parade they have seen before (even if it has been a few years), but even both of them said they would go to see FOF again for the dragon!

Have a wonderful trip!!!!!

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Here is what I wrote on another thread:

We just did our first WDW trip in Nov as DLR vets. Overall, we thought the totality of all parks combined on each coast were roughly equal, but we gave the edge in the parks themselves to DLR, because there are more attractions per park and the detail seems better. This was particularly true of how DCA stacked up against the non-MK parks at WDW.

Where WDW shines, is sheer size, number of uniquely themed resorts, outstanding table service restaurants, and lack of the outside world. Though oddly enough I was surprised everything was so flat and you can see into the MK from outside -- I missed how carefully DL uses the berm. MK doesn't feel as secluded in Florida, even though it is completely segregated from the non-Disney world.

Our entire party felt WDW was less about the parks and more about the overall vacation experience on-site than DLR.

We stayed at and loved the Grand Floridian!!! Narcoossees was awesome and we timed it our first night to see Electric Water Pageant while waiting for our table and then fireworks between dinner and dessert. Magical with great food and dessert. We hopped on boat to MK at the adjacent boat dock and did Extra Magic Hour. Between 11-1 am we got a ton done. In fact, we stayed on CA time the entire and skipped RD in favor of closing down the parks.

MK was our favorite park by a landslide. Make sure to spend enough time here. Here is our comparison of rides to DLR:

Completely different or different enough to warrant priority: 7DMT, Pooh, Peter Pan, Splash, BRMRR, Haunted, Philharmagic and Festival of Fantasy Parade. Both CRT and dinner at BOG were worth it!

For nostalgia: Country Bears,people Mover, Tom Sawyer Island (DS loved the fort), and Main St Electrical Parade.

Exactly the same or lesser: Space Mountain (awful compared to ours but we still rode a bunch), Buzz, Small World, Little Mermaid (ride exactly the same but que is better!), Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Raceway, Teacups, riverboat, Stitch (uniquely awful).

AK was surprisingly our second favorite park. We all grew up with the San Diego Zoo, so while the animal exhibits and safari are very well done, we are a tough audience. However, Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder, overall theming (especially in Asia!), and Everest were spectacular. We rode EE five times and wish it and 7DMT would come to CA!). Flame Tree BBQ was a great CS restaurant. I swear I would visit one at home, if we had it.

Epcot was a fairly distant 3rd place, in our opinion. It just feels outdated, especially FutureWorld (very similar to the way that TL feels at DLR). In all fairness, we got rained on all day, but I don't think our opinion would change that much.

We knew to ride Test Track right away, and sure enough, soon afterwards it closed for the day. It was really fun but is the same ride vehicle as RS Racers and I prefer RSR. We did both Green and then Orange Mission Space which was fun but not spectacular. We also did Crush (same as DCA), Nemo (cute not spectacular), and Spaceship Earth (ok).

We went to WS and loved dinner at LeCellier. When we came out it was pouring and we gave up but returned later in the week. I can see why regulars love WS with its heavily themed restaurants and shops but we found attractions seriously lacking.

HS: Other than the best Red Velvet cupcake I ever had in my life from Starring Roles, we were all very underwhelmed at this park and after only a few hours.

Tower of Terror does have a cool difference from CA attraction, where elevator car actually moves along a track before drop sequence, but other than that it felt the same to me. RnR Roller Coaster was fun, but we all agreed Cal Screaming is better. Star Tours is exactly the same and the Great Movie Ride was horrible. The park really reminded me of DCA before the makeover with not nearly enough attractions or things to do. Not enough life to it. Unless you really want to see shows, I might consider skipping it and concentrating on other three. We used the other half of this day to to WS at Epcot.

These were just our opinions. YMMV. Hope that helps in some way. We did really enjoy ourselves, particularly the GF, MK and restaurants. We all agree we want to go back but don't know how soon (or if ever) that will be. We do have a two trips planned to DLR.

Wanted to reply to this post a bit and to the original post. For perspective, we lived in CA in the mid-to-late 90s and visited DL I believe 3 times and really enjoyed it. Moved back to the east coast in 2001 and have been to WDW 5 times since the move. We are going to DL next month for a very short 1 1/2 day trip (there for business, taking advantage of the park opportunity) and are really excited about the visit but wish we had more time.

So, with regard to the differences (and keep in mind we haven't been to DL in about 14 years) WDW is much more self-contained, which we love. Once you pass through the gates you are immersed in Disney and don't have to worry about the outside world (and can't even see it). That said, it is a BIG place. If you are traveling from resort to a park or park to park it can take a lot of time, especially if using Disney buses. We've had to wait up to 20 minutes for a bus, then you've got anywhere from a 10-20 minute ride, then you've got to walk to the gate, get through security, etc. So make sure to allow plenty of time to get somewhere. We've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, Polynesian and Yacht Club and the latter is our favorite resort because of the proximity to Epcot and (to a lesser extent) DHS. We love being able to walk to Epcot in 5 minutes. I prefer to take a cab if I have to be somewhere at a particular time and that has worked well for us getting to parks prior to opening (especially AK and MK).

We also really enjoy the table service options at WDW. QS is reputed to be better at DL (and may be) but there are tons of table service restaurants at WDW, some of which are very good. Since you have the deluxe dining plan you certainly should take advantage of signature restaurants -- Yachtsman, Narcoosee's, Flying Fish, and California Grill are all good. For 1 credit table service, Boma is a can't miss and Teppan Edo, Chefs de France and 'Ohana are all good while Be Our Guest has decent food and great theming.

With regard to the parks, DHS is our least favorite park, even though it has two of our favorite rides. Tower of Terror is AWESOME and Rock n Rolla Coaster is good too, though awfully short. We find the rest of the park to be fairly meh, except Toy Story ride, but you can only ride that with a FP+ unless you want to wait an unreasonable amount of time in line. The rest of the park doesn't appeal to us, and the food there isn't particularly good.

I would say that AK is a must-do. The park itself has great theming and as the previous poster mentioned there are some real gems there, including Flights of Wonder, Expedition Everest and the Safari ride. I would definitely hit both of the trails as well. Dinosaur doesn't come close to Indiana Jones.

Epcot is interesting. Very few rides, although we enjoy Test Track and Living with the Land. Tons of pretty decent places to eat though, and it is neat to visit the different countries. We really like Germany, Italy and Mexico. Some of the stores are pretty cheesy, but some are really neat. If you have folks who like adult drinks then Epcot is a must do.

Others have covered the differences between MK and Disneyland better than I can so I won't go into details, other than to say make sure to arrive before park opening if possible (this is true for all parks) because it gets really busy at midday, regardless of time of year. And Magic Kingdom is really magical late at night when the crowds have thinned a bit. Of the rides/shows there, our favorites are Splash Mountain and Big Thunder and the shows for Monsters, Inc. and Philharmagic. Haven't had the chance to ride 7DMT.

 

[Laketravis]

Rent Water Mice and zip around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Play a round of golf.

LOL! That's the first time I've ever heard them referred to like that. Very apt description!

 

[Malela9]

Do not expect a Disneyland experience.
I just got back from WDW and the parks have only attractions in common. WDW is much bigger and more exhausting to visit. Fast Pass Plus will change the way you will be able to tour the parks. You will have to schedule all of your days so that you can use all your Fast Passes. This is what I found most frustrating at WDW.
Disneyland can be done in a few days. It will take a few trips for you to see all of WDW. If time is of the essence, look into the rides that DL does not have and ride those. Then, go on the rides that WDW has a better version of. Last, skip all the rides , like Soarin', that you can ride at home.
Remember that WDW is a vacation destination. DL is a local's park full of interesting little attractions. With the right planning, you will have a good time.
Good luck!

 

[cigar95]

LOL! That's the first time I've ever heard them referred to like that. Very apt description!

That was the actual name starting back in the mid-90s. Before that they were called "Water Sprites", but I'm not certain if they actually got new boats, or just started calling them something different.

 

[Laketravis]

That was the actual name starting back in the mid-90s. Before that they were called "Water Sprites", but I'm not certain if they actually got new boats, or just started calling them something different.

They look just like the ones I remember from the early 70's when I was a kid. Of course back then they seemed much faster than they do now.

 

[OregontoDisney]

It sounds like you have already done a fair amount of research. HydroGuy, a veteran poster down on the Disneyland board has a great guide for WDW vets visiting DLR and another guide for DLR vet visiting WDW. I've found that both are useful to read because it'll help give you a sense of the similarities and differences between the two resorts.
WDW Guide for DLR Vets:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636
DLR Guide for WDW Vets: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Where are you staying? This makes a big difference in terms of transportation and planning. Very little is actually within walking distance of each other, so you need to plan on using WDW transportation (boats, buses, monorail, etc.). The general rule of thumb is to allow about 45 minutes per leg of the trip. Some of the Deluxe resorts are within walking distance of a park, but most will require some kind of transportation.

I would check out all four parks if you have the time. In general, I find MK reminds me of DL and DHS reminds me of DCA. Epcot and AK are fairly unique (in feel, although all of the WDW parks have some rides that are identical or nearly identical at DLR). My favorite WDW park is Epcot. I love looking around the WS pavillions and going on the attractions. MK would be my next favorite park, followed by AK. DHS is the lowest park for me, but that's because it's mostly shows or thrill rides. I'd still visit it, but it's a one-day park for me.

I know you mention you're not into parades, but I did really enjoy the Festival of Fantasy parade at MK. Mostly the steampunk dragon, which is impressive. You might also look into IllumiNations because there really isn't anything comparable at DLR. If you're pressed for time, I'd skip F! at DHS. The lack of the Columbia, Mark Twain, and current DL version dragon really reduces the impressiveness of the show to me. The seating is better at DHS, but that's about the only thing I like better.

In terms of dining, WDW has a wide variety of TS and CS options. I'd hesitantly say that DLR has better CS options, but WDW has more TS options. If you're on the Deluxe Dining Plan, I'd look into the resort Signatures. Some of those are excellent. Though with young children a 90-120 minute dinner might not be what you were looking for. In that case, there are also a lot of character meal options in the resort. I've found that non-Signature TS meals take about 60-75 minutes (in general), so having lots of sit down meals can eat into park time. Just something to keep in mind.

Finally, I really think the most important thing for a DLR vet visiting WDW for the first time (or a WDW Vet visiting DLR for the first time) to remember is that they are not the same resort. Do not go to WDW expecting DLR. Remember that they are both amazing in their own ways!

Thanks for the link to Hydroguy's guides. I've seen his posts on the DL Disboards, so I'll have to look into the one for WDW. We are staying at the Treehouse Villas with our own vehicle. A long ways away I know, but at least we shouldn't have to wait for buses. We've booked a late ADR at the Hacienda San Angel in hopes of having desert and watching the IllumiNations. Thanks for your help!

 

[OregontoDisney]

Where are you staying? I think you could get some tips based on that. The main thing to know coming from DLR is it's big! Traveling anywhere can take up quite a bit of time. The parks are also significantly bigger than what you are used to. DL packs a maximum amount of attractions in a small amount of space. Everything is more spread out at WDW. To give you an idea to walk from one end of World Showcase to the other end in EPCOT is approximately one mile ---- and that's only 1/2 the park!!!!

My DD is 8. When we go to DLR, she says the only thing she misses about WDW is EPCOT. It is her absolute favorite park other than MK and DL. She would rank it above CA, DHS or AK. We feel the same way.

The headliner rides there probably won't impress you that much. Test Track seems cheap and inferior when you compare it to Radiator Springs Racers. Soarin is identical to what you have at CA. DLR doesn't have anything like Living with the Land (which kids seem to love seeing those greenhouses), Mission Space (the easy side isn't bad and to me has kind of a Star Tours feel- I'm not brave enough to try the intense side); Spaceship Earth, or Journey Into Imagination. There are aquariums to tour when you get off the Nemo ride. There is a place called Club Cool where you can try samples of sodas from different parts of the world for free. If you don't mind your kids getting sugared up, it is a lot of fun (and it can save you drink money as your samples aren't limited and they are serve yourself ) That is all just in Future World.

If your kids are in the 5 to 10 age range and like Phineas and Ferb at all, the Agent P missions in World Showcase are not to be missed. DD could spend an entire day doing them. You get a mission communicator (i.e. cell phone) at a kiosk and then pick a country to start - when you get there you watch video that sends you on hunts for different locations around the country - when you find the spot you use the communicator and it triggers special effects to happen where you are standing in the country. The special effects are really neat- passerby who aren't playing the game will stop and watch. We have had people come ask us if we could trigger it again.

World Showcase is a fun area to explore. The people that work in each of the countries are actually from those countries and they will talk to the kids about their country if the kids are interested. There are also Kidcot stations in each country. For little kids they can get a Duffy or Perry on a stick for free and color it- then at each country they can stop at the Kidcot station and get a stamp on the back from that country. For older kids, you can buy them a passport for I think $8 or $10, and they can go to each country and get a stamp in it from the Kidcot station. DD loves to explore the countries and the shops have merchandise from the country, so she likes to look through them. Don't count out the movies a few of the countries have either. I didn't think DD would be that interested in them when she was in pre-school, but at age 3 she was totally amazed at the China one which is a 360 degree one all around you. She likes the France one too.

If you have daughters and are looking for a nice souvenir, the pick a pearl in Japan is a fun experience. They do a whole little ceremony for the person picking a pearl. I think it costs around $15 for the pearl. They also sell settings which range from around $10 to hundreds of dollars.

You said your ADRs are set, but if you are looking for another one in EPCOT, Biergarten is lots of fun. It is a German buffet and they have a show with a German band and a dance floor where the kids can get out and dance during the show. DD has always ranked it right up there with Princess meals. It usually is not too hard to get an ADR for either. You often can get those even near the day you are going.
Oh, and Biergarten is pretty much all tables for 8 (they sit smaller parties together at one table), so that might work well for your party of 8.

I know you said you weren't parade people. DH and DD aren't either, but they tolerate them for me. The new Festival of Fantasy parade really is something to see, if for nothing else than to see that steam punk fire breathing dragon at the end. It is really impressive. We all knew it breathed fire and were expecting it, but to be sitting there really appreciating the size of the thing and to have it breathe fire right in front of us made me gasp with awe. We are usually a one and done parade family as DH and DD whine if I make them spend time waiting for a parade they have seen before (even if it has been a few years), but even both of them said they would go to see FOF again for the dragon!

Have a wonderful trip!!!!!

Great Info on Epcot! Thank you. Can you tell me a little about the Festival of Fantasy Parade as compared to Disneyland's parade? Is everyone dancing like at DL? Do they do that in all the parades?