Veteran WDWers want to be first-time DLers

[Reedi]

We would love to visit Disneyland sometime within the next year. However, in recent years we have been limited to school vacation times. This year, Thanksgiving or Christmas seem to be our only choices.

We usually hit WDW during the off-season, but we have been during Thanksgiving week.

Before I get overwhelmed by all of the DL tips and tricks, I am looking for a few bits of advice from other veteran WDWers who have visited DL during holiday weeks.

1) How do the crowds translate?
2) What length of stay would you suggest?
3) Would you mix-in other sights?
4) Would you endure the holiday crowds now or try again next year for a non-holiday week opportunity?
5) For a choice between holidays or summers, which would you choose?

TIA!

 

[Pesky]

First, not a WDW vet by any stretch given the date of my last trip but on the DLR board, there is a thread by HydroGuy called WDW Vet's Guide to DLR. It's a great place to start. But I did frequent DLR a lot given where I lived for a long time. Re your specific questions,

1. I can't tell you crowd-count but i will say this -- in DL itself, you will feel the crowds more. It is more compact and there is less room to put people. We didn't feel the crowds in DCA nearly as much which is a bit more spread out -- except Carsland which tends to get more folks.

2. Personal preference. DH quickly realized that the 3.5 days I had booked because he wouldn't agree to longer was not going to be enough. He figured you would need a week to see it all. But a lot depends on your touring style, young kids in tow, energy levels, etc.. It is possible to go commando touring and see about everything in 3-4 days. More leisurely, I'd say 4-5 minimum. One thing to realize is I think the max you can get now is a 5 day pass so that might decide it for you.

3. Again, personal preference and future plans. Do you plan to go sightseeing in SoCal again in the future or is this a one and done trip? Are there areas you want to see? I think that guides your answer more than anything. There are some great things to see around there but whether those sights are worth it to you is a personal preference.

4. Hmmmm, this is a tough call. I will say we went the week before Christmas last year and it was surprisingly crowded. Even the CMs were commenting on it. I can't imagine Christmastime itself got any better.

5. I'd choose holidays simply because I like seeing the decorations and you would get a chance to experience some unique DLR overlays at HMH and IASWH but again, personal preference.

 

[Gilrond]

Do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps your if they still have it. It highlights the differences between WDW and DL. It gives a great feel for the special history there.

 

[Gilrond]

They do still have that your. I loved it. Also recommend dining at Blue Bayou for ambiance. Too hot in summer for me - I would go with holidays. DL Fantasyland is awesome - numerous attractions not in Fl like Mr Toads Wild Ride. Peter Pan is a must do - better effects - fiber optics not in Fl either.

 

[Asnell]

You can see everything in DL and DCA in three days i *if* you go at non-holiday times and are touring the parks efficiently (on days when the parks close early, you'd need to be there open to close). During holiday times, definitely add at least a day to that, if not two.

The week before Thanksgiving or the week after would be a lot easier on you; if you must do Thanksgiving week, plan to see and ride a lot on Monday and Tuesday, when the local kids are still in school, then take it easier touring in the later part of the week, riding the popular rides at RD, then focusing on shows and parades to avoid lines as much as possible.

Both parks have great play areas to take kids during busy afternoons when you don't want to stand in lines: Tom Sawyer island at DL and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area at DCA. Kids can run around, climb, or just rest in the shade at either place. We always found it a good place for our afternoon "break" in all but the hottest weather -- "break" meaning sit down with a snack for Mom & Dad and running around expending pent-up energy for the kids who wouldn't have been able to stand in one more line.

Adding in other local attractions depends on how long you have to be in Southern CA. There are lots of great things to see and do. Do you have a week? You can add a day at La Brea Tar Pits, one at Universal, and one touring Hollywood/LA. Do you have two weeks? You could enjoy the beaches in Orange County and/or San Diego, visit Legoland and the San Diego Zoo and SD Wild Animal Park.