Two of my girls want to take me

[DizMe]

to WDW. I don't know much about it at all, but I'd love to see it. I am not able to deal with huge crowds at the moment and they're talking about going at the end of March, which to me sounds like it might be spring break crowds? I was hoping someone here could let me know what it might be like then as compared to how crowds are at DLR at busy times. I've recently begun an infusion regimen that leaves me tired and I'm very grateful they want to do this but I don't know that I can handle a long flight, getting around there, and large crowds.

Thanks for any input!!

(mods, I put this here rather than in the WDW forum because I'd like to hear from my DL board friends first who are familiar with both places)

 

[Sarahelizabeth]

We just did WDW over Thanksgiving so large crowds and had a great time. Since we are Disneyland regulars we prioritized seeing the different things there. We did seven days and did two days at each park and one day at MK. It is definitely much larger and takes much more time to get from place to place but there is great transportation everywhere. We did their version of Lightning Lane and Individual LL so that really helped with the lines. It is definitely a different feel but I say do it! Even if you have to take long breaks, there isn't as much to see in each park so you can take your time. I absolutely loved Animal Kingdom and would definitely spend a day there. It was the most relaxed park in my opinion.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Diz, I was a WDW lover throughout my son's childhood, from his first trip at age 3 to his last at 15. We would only go TO DL when we couldnt afford WDW. I hadn't been since the early 2000's. Last year, my iDH said he wouldn't go to DL but he would go to WDW. So off we went in early-mid November. Everything was already decorated for Christmas so that was nice. But, honestly...I don't care if I ever go back. Crowds were not bad but the size of the place just overwhelms me now at age 70.

I'm in generally good health (besides my menieres) and we walked several miles each day. And I am a bit of an adventuress, too but just the enormity and well, its like there were TOO MANY OPTIONS! Its like when you goto your regular diner and know what you're going to have (DL) and then you go to this super fancy restaurant where the menu is 20pages long (WDW) and you're kinda dumbstruck. Now i've probably been there ten times but there was a lot of new stuff to see...and stuff that we used to do that was no longer.

You know how we lollygag through DL, not really feeling pressured to do this or that? WRONG! I just felt like we were kinda on the go the whole time. I mean,we did take time for some special meals like Jiko, but our pace in the parks was pretty go-go-go.
You know how you know all the secret places atDL to get away fora few minutes to get your bearings? Never found those at WDW. There were always people everywhere. Now, because there are more parks, the people disperse, but you will not find that quiet moment, at least I didnt.

All that said, its a remarkable place with many wonderful attractions that DL doesnt have, likeSlinky Dog and Mine Train, Remy, just walking through the lands at EPCOT.
Many fabulous places to eat. Beautiful resorts and grounds. Disney Springs is like a mini mall, way bigger than DD.

I dont know how long of a trip you are planning, our last was six days in park, two travel days on each end because its a long flight from CO, but even longer for you. Thats another reason...I cant do a flight much longer than 3 hours, it just messes with me(again, the menieres).

Bottom line, only you know what's best for you. It would be an awesome trip with those wonderful daughters, creating great memories for all of you. Start list with your pros and cons, talk it through with your daughters on what their expectations are, and then you can make the decision best for you.

Hope this helps...

 

[DizMe]

Thanks a million, Sarahelizabeth and Tinkaboo! It gives me a place to start. I've sort of been to Magic Kingdom & Epcot, but we only had 1 day, and that was back in 1993 LOL. It was also July and it POURED and then FRIED us, back and forth as the sun came and went. I swear I've never seen thunderstorms like that before or since!!

But it didn't give us a chance to see or do very much. It felt very Looking-glass-ish, as it looked a lot like DL but not ha ha. We went over to Epcot but it was raining so hard we didn't really get to enjoy it much.

I've always wanted to go back (but not in July!) and it sounds like it would be a fun trip Any advice on where to stay? DD gets a great discount but we're lost when it comes to figuring out which place would be best for us and what to visit. Everyone I've talked to has also recommended AK as a favorite. We only have about 4 park days.

 

[julesann]

My db and I did WDW back in April of 2021 as DL was closed. It was a great trip for us--I think we spent five days there and then another four at Universal. On the way there, we flew from SMF to Denver and stayed at the Westin right at the airport and then continued on to Orlando in the morning. it broke the flight up nicely for us and helped us shift to the time change. Something to possibly consider. How sweet your girls want to take you there <3

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I suppose it may depend on the time of year. WDW has always felt busier to me than DLR except perhaps when the heat and humidity are stifling mid-summer. Late March looks like higher than average crowds on all the usual crowd calendars.

More importantly than the crowds, though, WDW feels much more complicated than DL to me. More parks, much more spread out, LL works differently, there are extra evening hours for certain parks on certain days if you stay in deluxe hotels, so many options for dining, etc. We walk way more steps at WDW than DLR. At DLR we stay for free on points at a chain hotel and walk to the park. At WDW we stay on site and have to bus/monorail/boat/gondola to parks and we often take a mid-day break to get some rest and avoid the highest crowds. We love both options, but they are different.

With four park days you could visit each park one day, which would be fine. However, a lot of people might recommend having a resort/rest day or perhaps a half day. I would take a look at the attractions list and see what appeals most to you.

Also, if you’re talking about this March, you should be aware that restaurant reservations are already available to book.

 

[BayouQueen]

I've been to WDW twice. You do have to cover a lot of ground, so need to pace yourself some. It's huge.

You mentioned AK. One of our trips was to celebrate DD's engagement. Her now-husband is a busy lawyer, so we stayed in a concierge room at AKL -- which is usually less expensive than the same at other resorts. He used the lounge to work and then met up with us in the parks.
That trip was a great success. We all really loved the AK park, and it just seemed more relaxing than our one other trip. That one we stayed at GF, which DD and I enjoyed, but DH liked AKL much better.

I hope you decide to go. We went in the spring and the parks were beautiful. Just to enjoy that aspect and lots of good food is enough for me.

 

[SFMommy]

We have been to WDW twice, each for 1 week trips in early May and over Thanksgiving. I don't know about crowds in late March, but I would expect the weather to be pleasant. Even May was a bit humid for me...I can't imagine the summer.

My favorite area to stay in is the Epcot Resort area. You can easily access both Hollywood Studios and Epcot without having to take a bus. You can walk or take a boat. There are a few Disney Resorts in that area and the Marriott-owned Swan/Dolphin (which have many of the same perks as the Disney resorts). Our first trip was a week in the Boardwalk Villas and it was awesome. Our second trip was a split stay at the Poly and the Swan. Taking the monorail from the Poly to MK was so great. And then being in the Epcot area for Epcot and HS was very convenient too.

My favorite parks are Epcot and AK, mostly because they are so different from what we have here in CA. I'm not a huge fan of HS. It is definitely my least favorite park.

Although I would love to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (we had am amazing dinner there at Sanaa), for me, proximity and transportation to a park is very important. We are so spoiled being able to walk to both parks here in CA! That is why I would always stay at an MK or and Epcot area resort, rather than the AK Lodge. At least you have easy transportation to 1-2 parks. Hope that makes sense!

Enjoy!

 

[LAS2AMS]

Crowds really depend on when you go. When we went mid-August, most attractions outside the MK were walk ons, with E-Ticket type having modest waits. Only a couple (Remy at Epcot, Toy Story coaster at Hollywood Studios) had a wait that was significant. Crowds were larger at MK, but less than DL would be at the same time.

Crowd trends at DL and MK are similar during peak periods. But off-peak, crowds at DL surge after school and business hours, due to the large amount of locals coming after school and work. Meanwhile, at MK, crowds tend to decrease during this period as tired parents bring their crabby kids back to their hotels.

 

[Sarahelizabeth]

We did a split stay and did a few nights at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Swan Reserve, which like someone mentioned above, is a Marriott owned hotel but has the same perks as the Disney Deluxe Resorts. While we liked both of them, we loved the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We booked a room that overlooked the Savannah and sitting on our balcony seeing all the animals was amazing. It is farther away from the other parks but the busses were extremely efficient so it didn't bother us. This was the view from our balcony.

 

[Pluto468]

I bet you'd have a great time! And if it feels overwhelming you can always take breaks or go hang out in MK, which seems to be the most like Disneyland

Maybe if you aren't up to it right now you could go next year? It's so sweet of your daughters to want to take you

ps..It looks like the end of March IS busy with spring break

 

[LKing]

I haven't been to WDW in 15 years but am planning a trip in April. @OlliePop27 is planning a trip in March.

We have so many WDW vets that come over here to ask about planning a trip to DLR. I think everyone is pretty welcoming and gracious with their advice. Over the past year, I've read those threads, and all of the comments comparing the resorts, and it made me pretty stressed to plan a WDW trip. I asked some questions on the WDW side of this website, but got my hand slapped a few times. Now I am very careful what I post and make sure that I don't mention Disneyland in my posts.

I would love to have a thread where we can share pointers and tips for DLR vets who are planning trips to WDW. I'm not sure if that would be allowed.

 

[LAS2AMS]

We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for eight nights in a Savannah view room. We never saw any animals, it was disappointing. It was also a very long walk to our room from the lobby, and it seemed even longer than it really was.

AKL is on the edge of the Disney property, less than a mile from many hotels off 192. They built apartments and shopping centers up to the property line, and Orange Lake ;one of the largest timeshare complexes in the country) is very visible from higher floors, along with Margerittaville. If you’re looking for the bubble, it may burst here.

 

[OlliePop27]

I haven't been to WDW in 15 years but am planning a trip in April. @OlliePop27 is planning a trip in March.

We have so many WDW vets that come over here to ask about planning a trip to DLR. I think everyone is pretty welcoming and gracious with their advice. Over the past year, I've read those threads, and all of the comments comparing the resorts, and it made me pretty stressed to plan a WDW trip. I asked some questions on the WDW side of this website, but got my hand slapped a few times. Now I am very careful what I post and make sure that I don't mention Disneyland in my posts.

I would love to have a thread where we can share pointers and tips for DLR vets who are planning trips to WDW. I'm not sure if that would be allowed.

@LKing I agree, some kind of sticky thread(s) comparing WDW to DLR would be nice, as many of the same recurring questions come up over and over. Maybe the thread(s) could provide both the most common recurring tips for WDW vets coming to DL (i.e. park hopper benefits, links to hotel forums, ride comparisons, crowd patterns, questions about shows, etc.) and we can also provide tips for DLR vets heading to WDW?

There used to be the Hydroguy threads, but it's been many years now. I'm not sure of the process to facilitate a communal effort to create a new sticky thread here for DLR vs. WDW, but I do feel something pinned to the top of the DL forum makes more sense than on one of the many WDW forums. It just seems the boards are more WDW focused, and the DL folks will probably start here anyway like OP did.

 

[DizMe]

Thanks so much!! We decided to make the trip in early March. There were just too many conflicts and problems with trying to match everyone's schedules, so it's going to be just the DD who booked the trip and me. The one I'm going to WDW with is moving to NYC right afterward so this is just easier in many ways. I'll go somewhere with the twins after they're out of school (they both graduate college this year).

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I haven't been to WDW in 15 years but am planning a trip in April. @OlliePop27 is planning a trip in March.

We have so many WDW vets that come over here to ask about planning a trip to DLR. I think everyone is pretty welcoming and gracious with their advice. Over the past year, I've read those threads, and all of the comments comparing the resorts, and it made me pretty stressed to plan a WDW trip. I asked some questions on the WDW side of this website, but got my hand slapped a few times. Now I am very careful what I post and make sure that I don't mention Disneyland in my posts.

I would love to have a thread where we can share pointers and tips for DLR vets who are planning trips to WDW. I'm not sure if that would be allowed.

I wouldn’t be stressed to plan a WDW trip. It’s just a lot more information to absorb. Lots of people go to WDW or DL without a lot of planning and have a fine time. But if someone really wants to churn through rides or see as much as possible, there are a lot of strategies that you can follow to make your trip more efficient.

Also there are a lot of influencers/bloggers, etc., that focus on WDW and in a lot of ways I think that can add to people’s anxiety about WDW trips. As long as you set a budget, do some research, and put together a little bit of a park strategy or trip plan, I think you’ll have a great time at WDW.

Some of us probably like the planning aspect of WDW too much and get wrapped up in details.

If it’s in your budget, I would recommend staying on site. Decide where to stay based on the theme you like the best and the location you like best. Lots of people spend a day just enjoying their hotel and/or touring some of the other resorts. Disney Springs could also easily be a partial day destination. Book early and then change if a better sale comes out.

If it’s in your budget, I would recommend doing some table service restaurants. They are a good break in the day. I generally only eat QS at DL but usually do a TS most days at WDW.

Which parks to go to is really a matter of preference. I don’t think there is a consensus for which are best. (DL is the best single park in America anyway.) So look through the attractions and make notes of what you’d like to do. For example, a lot of people dislike AL because there aren’t many rides. I think it’s the most beautiful park and well worth visiting, especially if you take the time to see the shows. It also has the best food, I think.

It’s hard to give tips because everyone’s interests and needs are so different. For instance I like park hoppers so I can do one park in the morning, take a mid-afternoon break, and then finish the day at a different resort. However, lots of people think that’s a waste of money and time.

 

[LKing]

Thanks so much!! We decided to make the trip in early March. There were just too many conflicts and problems with trying to match everyone's schedules, so it's going to be just the DD who booked the trip and me. The one I'm going to WDW with is moving to NYC right afterward so this is just easier in many ways. I'll go somewhere with the twins after they're out of school (they both graduate college this year).

is one of your twins, right?

Differences that I've noticed in planning my trip.

1. Park hours - Apparently they may change park hours as the dates get closer. AK closes around sunset and the other parks close at 9 pm. That surprised me as I was planning on going to the parks after dinner but it seems like they close pretty early. If you are staying in a deluxe hotel (Grand Floridian, Contemporary or Polynesian), you might be able to take advantage of extended evening hours where some parks, on some days, stay open until 11 pm.
2. LLMP & LLSP - Each park has one or two LLSP rides. LLMP and LLSP can be reserved/booked 7 days before the first day of your tickets for resort guests. Guests staying off site can book starting 3 days in advance. I found the Mammoth Club videos to be helpful.
3. Park Hoppers - I read WDW vets hesitating about getting park hoppers at DLR because they don't really use them at WDW. Because we haven't been to WDW in so long, we are not doing park hoppers. It isn't the cost, but we want to be able to relax and take in more than just the rides.
4. Food - WDW has a 60 day ADR similar to Disneyland. You're within that window already so can go on the WDW (aka My Disney Experience) app and start booking reservations. You don't need your tickets to start booking reservations and you can cancel most reservations if you change your mind.
5. Rides - @BrianL was gracious enough to list rides at WDW that are similar or the same to DLR. I've been using this list as my foundation. We're prioritizing rides that we don't have in CA. We will pass on Rise, Soarin, and Tianas because they have long lines at WDW and we can ride them at home.

My next piece of homework is to map out where everything is in the parks. I'm sure I will be turned around when I get there. I've heard that it is a lot of walking so I'm going to try to minimize the zig zagging across the parks. It sounds like that probably won't be possible.

 

[hardcorestitch]

I did WDW on day and date 4th of July in 2024. The bottom line: spotlight which attractions you want to go well before you leave so that you don't feel pressured into standing by attractions that all of a sudden had long standby times. I did this amidst high crowds on the 4th and I was able to get on most of the attractions I wanted to go on.

 

[Sarahelizabeth]

We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for eight nights in a Savannah view room. We never saw any animals, it was disappointing. It was also a very long walk to our room from the lobby, and it seemed even longer than it really was.

AKL is on the edge of the Disney property, less than a mile from many hotels off 192. They built apartments and shopping centers up to the property line, and Orange Lake ;one of the largest timeshare complexes in the country) is very visible from higher floors, along with Margerittaville. If you’re looking for the bubble, it may burst here.

Wow, this wasn’t our experience at all. I’m sorry you were disappointed. We felt completely in the bubble and was sad to move over to the Boardwalk area.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Wow, this wasn’t our experience at all. I’m sorry you were disappointed. We felt completely in the bubble and was sad to move over to the Boardwalk area.

When did you stay? They built a huge apartment complex that sticks out as you cross the property to Kidani Village. The fence literally touches the picnic / sports area. They also built a strip mall, in which the back is very noticeable when you’re walking to your room. The lights from Margaittavile shine very brightly and you notice that V thing they have. All this has been built recently.