VGC OBB DLR VS WDW TR

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Love all the acronyms? hahaha!

We headed to DLR for our 2nd OBB trip in a row. We rented 1 studio for 3 nights and a 2nd studio for 2 nights. I wasn’t able to add a night to my daughter’s 2 night studio by stalking and waitlisting nor was I able to change our rooms over to a 2 bedroom by stalking and WL. (I did see a 2 bed for rent these nights though, but I digress and wont make this about my distain for renting out VGC)

I put in a specific room request 6504 but we didn’t get that room. We got 4509, room ready at 3pm. I was pleasantly surprised to see that we could see some of the fireworks from this room after we came back from the view terrace for WOC. We waited up there for 2 hours and gushed over how nice the room with a view would be during those 2 hours.

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We had dinner at Storytellers this night, it was my first time having a character dinner there. We loved the outfits and Character interaction. But we as a party where half of us are vegan prefer the food selection at Goofys Kitchen for dinner. Chef and server were phenomenal though.

My 1st experience with the viewing terrace was great until 10 min before show. It was empty but we still waited just to be sure we could watch WOC from the front, we knew the view would be obscured we didnt have expectations of a full view. We enjoyed the view of the show, what we didnt enjoy was how people can be so rude. The terrace is huge. Prior to show starting people crowded behind us, like so close I felt hot breath on my neck. I was holding my granddaughter and with the railing I had complete anxiety the entire show that someone would bump me and Id drop her over the railing. This probably took a year off of my life with stress. The lady was so close my 1 year old granddaughter put her hand up pointed at the lady and said “no” I was so proud! She knew someone was encroaching on her personal space and didnt like it. I wanted to say something and I am the type of person who typically does, but my daughter doesn’t like when mom loses her cool in public so I kept my rage internal. Just infuriating how people can be so disrespectful. Which I see a lot at Disney these days.

Our studio at VGC felt dark as always and I felt myself missing the light I get elsewhere when getting ready for the day. The bathroom felt dated. But it was clean so I was still happy. Room service is back baby and I am THRILLED! I loved having breakfast brought in while getting ready for the day. The only thing I was missing was a proper place to sit, we are now 1 bed or larger people and I cant deny it. I booked this room 11 months ago when I had less points so I booked 2 studios. Also missed the W/D a lot. We never ventured into the communal laundry since front loaders creep us out.

Saturday at the parks was great. The biggest let down for us was the 115 minute wait for Jack and Sally. We had LLMP and were able to every ride we wanted too, even over at DCA. We have never ever park hopped in CA and it was kind of amazing, never thought Id want to. But it was very cool especially since the food at DCA is far superior to DLR imo. We did rope drop, which I am not a fan of but my daughter is so I obliged. When we travel without my daughter we are park close people. Well we fell into our habit and stayed until closing, this is the first time I have ever been to the parks from open until close with no breaks. Walked 12 miles. Im not sure if going to the parks so much now that we are DVC will age me or keep me young. 😂 My one regret is not researching fireworks, as I usually dont like being on Main St during fireworks. I sorely regret this choice, learning that it had a strong Nightmare Before Christmas theme:charac2: Very sad to have missed it

All in all great day but I did have a feeling of missing WDW, I never thought I would ever miss WDW over DLR. Not specifically MK but rather WDW. WDW has a special feeling when you are DVC that DLR just doesn’t have. I rode Matterhorn and was like what is this junk give me the smooth spectacular Cosmic Rewind, thrills of Tron! I know blasphemy to the DLR OG ride lovers!

This is the night my daughter got her room. Room ready at 7pm. It was the room I had requested on my reservation 6504! Amazing. Oh how we would have loved to have this room the night before. Both nights she had this room we were at the parks so we could not watch WOC from the room. My granddaughter absolutely loved looking at the park from the balcony.

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Sunday we did Storytellers for breakfast. Food was great even for us vegans as always. Omelette bar takes awhile but we knew this. Our server was not great at all, rare at Disney. I thought it was just his overall personality but I saw him come out of his shell with the table next to us so I was a bit confused by the treatment we got from him, then my son in law informs me the table next to us is an internet celebrity, one of the Diesel Brothers. So I guess that is why. Still inexcusable.

We headed to the pool after breakfast. VGC pool chairs and service amazing as always.

OBB was that night. Corn Dog castle entrance was not open, huge bummer, it was reopened at 3pm last year for OBB. The line at Grizzly Peak went fast even though it was very long.


OBB was very similar to last year with a few swap out of characters. At the start of the party it felt more crowded than last year but by hour 3 it wasn’t so busy. All in all great time at OBB aside from once again rude loud dirty disrespectful people behind us for the parade. I don’t see us doing OBB again next year unless they add more changes, as of now it’s almost a copycat each year. I do like they change up character locations. Kingdom of Hearts Mickey was very easy to meet this year as opposed to last year due to his location. Jacks new face is long overdue and I was so happy to see it. Again our favorite of the night was Ernesto DeLaCruz. Simply amazing. The CM who plays him is perfection.

We had an early flight, caught an UBER to SNA. Easy peasy. The last few times I have flown into Long Beach instead and I now realize Santa Ana is so much bigger than Long Beach. Still not big by any means. Security was easy. Love both.


My last thoughts are on how some of the Magic has died for me at the parks. I don’t like having to be on my phone the whole day trying to optimize LLMP. I miss the sights and sounds because of it. LLPP is not in our budget so its be on the phone or stand in lines sadly.


We are headed back to DLR in just over a month for Christmas cant wait to do Haunted Mansion Holiday again! We will be staying at VDH this go round. Once again in 2 studios.
 
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I feel like I'm over OBB for a while, too. I love the Headless horseman and the short wait time for Monsters after dark. Other than that, it's all BTDT at this point. I'm not planning on going for at least a couple years if at all. As much as I would like to try MNSSHP, I don't think I'd enjoy the heat and humidity.

Glad to hear Storytellers breakfast was good. I've been hesitant to try it at the price point, but I'm sure I'll try it at some point.

That's interesting that you were missing WDW. I'm actually thinking I'll be doing more park stuff there in 2027. I'm thinking about staying at VGC or VDH, but doing all the non park stuff that I never do in the area and in Los Angeles for a few years after my MK expires.
 
I feel like I'm over OBB for a while, too. I love the Headless horseman and the short wait time for Monsters after dark. Other than that, it's all BTDT at this point. I'm not planning on going for at least a couple years if at all. As much as I would like to try MNSSHP, I don't think I'd enjoy the heat and humidity.

Glad to hear Storytellers breakfast was good. I've been hesitant to try it at the price point, but I'm sure I'll try it at some point.

That's interesting that you were missing WDW. I'm actually thinking I'll be doing more park stuff there in 2027. I'm thinking about staying at VGC or VDH, but doing all the non park stuff that I never do in the area and in Los Angeles for a few years after my MK expires.
I really want to do MNSSHP but I’m also afraid of that heat. I’m skipping OBB for at least 1 year maybe more. I had stopped going at Christmas but I want to get back to that. I just learned WDW has 2 different Christmas parties 🤯🤯🤯.

WDW has so much to do at the resorts and feels so cohesive if that makes sense. I love the VGC lobby but after 10 minutes I’ve seen it all.
 
Glad you had an overall good time.

It is amazing that nobody can respect people’s space anymore. That rooftop area has plenty of room up there for them to not be on top of you.

I spent lots of time in the laundry room in June but it was pretty convenient for me since our room was on the first floor.

I forgive you about the Matterhorn :)
 

Glad you had an overall good time.

It is amazing that nobody can respect people’s space anymore. That rooftop area has plenty of room up there for them to not be on top of you.

I spent lots of time in the laundry room in June but it was pretty convenient for me since our room was on the first floor.

I forgive you about the Matterhorn :)
Thanks, and thanks! 😂

Im very excited for Christmas time. DLR out does WDW with decor, at least for Halloween.
 
I really want to do MNSSHP but I’m also afraid of that heat. I’m skipping OBB for at least 1 year maybe more. I had stopped going at Christmas but I want to get back to that. I just learned WDW has 2 different Christmas parties 🤯🤯🤯.

WDW has so much to do at the resorts and feels so cohesive if that makes sense. I love the VGC lobby but after 10 minutes I’ve seen it all.
You definitely should get to WDW over the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, and do MVMCP and Jollywood Nights! I love them both!
 
I want to sooo bad. I am somewhat committed to DLR for Xmas 2026 so for sure in 2027.
I love the holiday season at WDW. Festival of the Holidays at Epcot (with Candlelight Processional), two amazing Christmas parties, snoap on Main Street,. Even just visiting various resorts to check out their Xmas decor. The most magical time at the most magical place.

I've never been to DL over the holidays, so I would like to do a VGC trip some year. I feel like DL needs a Christmas party though.
 
I love the holiday season at WDW. Festival of the Holidays at Epcot (with Candlelight Processional), two amazing Christmas parties, snoap on Main Street,. Even just visiting various resorts to check out their Xmas decor. The most magical time at the most magical place.

I've never been to DL over the holidays, so I would like to do a VGC trip some year. I feel like DL needs a Christmas party though.
I would for sure drop some cash to go to a DLR Christmas party. I won some tickets on the radio to DLR that expire Dec 2026 and I have all my other trips in 2026 planned next until Sept so I have to wait for WDW but I am so excited to go WDW at Christmas and so happy I own CCV for a trip at Christmas.
 
Love all the acronyms? hahaha!

We headed to DLR for our 2nd OBB trip in a row. We rented 1 studio for 3 nights and a 2nd studio for 2 nights. I wasn’t able to add a night to my daughter’s 2 night studio by stalking and waitlisting nor was I able to change our rooms over to a 2 bedroom by stalking and WL. (I did see a 2 bed for rent these nights though, but I digress and wont make this about my distain for renting out VGC)

I put in a specific room request 6504 but we didn’t get that room. We got 4509, room ready at 3pm. I was pleasantly surprised to see that we could see some of the fireworks from this room after we came back from the view terrace for WOC. We waited up there for 2 hours and gushed over how nice the room with a view would be during those 2 hours.

View attachment 1019947


We had dinner at Storytellers this night, it was my first time having a character dinner there. We loved the outfits and Character interaction. But we as a party where half of us are vegan prefer the food selection at Goofys Kitchen for dinner. Chef and server were phenomenal though.

My 1st experience with the viewing terrace was great until 10 min before show. It was empty but we still waited just to be sure we could watch WOC from the front, we knew the view would be obscured we didnt have expectations of a full view. We enjoyed the view of the show, what we didnt enjoy was how people can be so rude. The terrace is huge. Prior to show starting people crowded behind us, like so close I felt hot breath on my neck. I was holding my granddaughter and with the railing I had complete anxiety the entire show that someone would bump me and Id drop her over the railing. This probably took a year off of my life with stress. The lady was so close my 1 year old granddaughter put her hand up pointed at the lady and said “no” I was so proud! She knew someone was encroaching on her personal space and didnt like it. I wanted to say something and I am the type of person who typically does, but my daughter doesn’t like when mom loses her cool in public so I kept my rage internal. Just infuriating how people can be so disrespectful. Which I see a lot at Disney these days.

Our studio at VGC felt dark as always and I felt myself missing the light I get elsewhere when getting ready for the day. The bathroom felt dated. But it was clean so I was still happy. Room service is back baby and I am THRILLED! I loved having breakfast brought in while getting ready for the day. The only thing I was missing was a proper place to sit, we are now 1 bed or larger people and I cant deny it. I booked this room 11 months ago when I had less points so I booked 2 studios. Also missed the W/D a lot. We never ventured into the communal laundry since front loaders creep us out.

Saturday at the parks was great. The biggest let down for us was the 115 minute wait for Jack and Sally. We had LLMP and were able to every ride we wanted too, even over at DCA. We have never ever park hopped in CA and it was kind of amazing, never thought Id want to. But it was very cool especially since the food at DCA is far superior to DLR imo. We did rope drop, which I am not a fan of but my daughter is so I obliged. When we travel without my daughter we are park close people. Well we fell into our habit and stayed until closing, this is the first time I have ever been to the parks from open until close with no breaks. Walked 12 miles. Im not sure if going to the parks so much now that we are DVC will age me or keep me young. 😂 My one regret is not researching fireworks, as I usually dont like being on Main St during fireworks. I sorely regret this choice, learning that it had a strong Nightmare Before Christmas theme:charac2: Very sad to have missed it

All in all great day but I did have a feeling of missing WDW, I never thought I would ever miss WDW over DLR. Not specifically MK but rather WDW. WDW has a special feeling when you are DVC that DLR just doesn’t have. I rode Matterhorn and was like what is this junk give me the smooth spectacular Cosmic Rewind, thrills of Tron! I know blasphemy to the DLR OG ride lovers!

This is the night my daughter got her room. Room ready at 7pm. It was the room I had requested on my reservation 6504! Amazing. Oh how we would have loved to have this room the night before. Both nights she had this room we were at the parks so we could not watch WOC from the room. My granddaughter absolutely loved looking at the park from the balcony.

View attachment 1019948

View attachment 1019949


Sunday we did Storytellers for breakfast. Food was great even for us vegans as always. Omelette bar takes awhile but we knew this. Our server was not great at all, rare at Disney. I thought it was just his overall personality but I saw him come out of his shell with the table next to us so I was a bit confused by the treatment we got from him, then my son in law informs me the table next to us is an internet celebrity, one of the Diesel Brothers. So I guess that is why. Still inexcusable.

We headed to the pool after breakfast. VGC pool chairs and service amazing as always.

OBB was that night. Corn Dog castle entrance was not open, huge bummer, it was reopened at 3pm last year for OBB. The line at Grizzly Peak went fast even though it was very long.


OBB was very similar to last year with a few swap out of characters. At the start of the party it felt more crowded than last year but by hour 3 it wasn’t so busy. All in all great time at OBB aside from once again rude loud dirty disrespectful people behind us for the parade. I don’t see us doing OBB again next year unless they add more changes, as of now it’s almost a copycat each year. I do like they change up character locations. Kingdom of Hearts Mickey was very easy to meet this year as opposed to last year due to his location. Jacks new face is long overdue and I was so happy to see it. Again our favorite of the night was Ernesto DeLaCruz. Simply amazing. The CM who plays him is perfection.

We had an early flight, caught an UBER to SNA. Easy peasy. The last few times I have flown into Long Beach instead and I now realize Santa Ana is so much bigger than Long Beach. Still not big by any means. Security was easy. Love both.


My last thoughts are on how some of the Magic has died for me at the parks. I don’t like having to be on my phone the whole day trying to optimize LLMP. I miss the sights and sounds because of it. LLPP is not in our budget so its be on the phone or stand in lines sadly.


We are headed back to DLR in just over a month for Christmas cant wait to do Haunted Mansion Holiday again! We will be staying at VDH this go round. Once again in 2 studios.


How many people were in your group? We are just three so we crammed into the little table when we got dinner and brought it back to our studio last time. Probably would be fine for 2 people, at most. I’m excited to try out the VGC 1 bedroom next summer!

We haven’t made it up to the WOC balcony. People can be so inconsiderate though.

You had never park hopped at Disneyland/DCA before this trip?!? Park hopping here is just the best. We often go back and forth a couple times. Or even hop through DCA for some ice cream on the way back to our room. We park hop at WDW too but mainly because we always take an afternoon break anyway.

How was the Matterhorn? Still painful? I haven’t been on it in over a decade. I want to go on it because I used to love it. But I’m afraid it will wreck my body now.

Amazing view in that top floor room!

I really want to splurge on Storytellers someday. Out of curiosity, about how long does a meal here typically take? I mean, obviously it’s going to vary per group. But curious how long it took you guys.

When we’re at WDW, I miss aspects of Disneyland (my favorite park.) But at Disneyland, there are elements of WDW I miss too - like the People Mover. And all of Epcot.

What dates will you be at DLR in December? We arrive the evening of 7th! I’m excited for all the Christmas decorations.

You definitely should get to WDW over the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, and do MVMCP and Jollywood Nights! I love them both!

I am trying to convince my husband that some year we should go to WDW in early December instead of late January. We don't do the parties or anything but I would love to see park decorations.
 
I am trying to convince my husband that some year we should go to WDW in early December instead of late January. We don't do the parties or anything but I would love to see park decorations.
They keep the decorations up for a while after Christmas, I think maybe until marathon weekend. Of course, it's still bonkers from Christmas to New Years to the marathon, but still.
 
They keep the decorations up for a while after Christmas, I think maybe until marathon weekend. Of course, it's still bonkers from Christmas to New Years to the marathon, but still.

How crazy it it at the beginning of December? That's the time we like to do Disneyland at Christmastime. Crowds aren't great but I like to go well before the actual holidays.
 
We've gone a few days after Thanksgiving, so like the last couple days in November and into early December. It's a pretty popular time for DVC, I think. I don't remember it being particularly bonkers in the parks though, particularly during the weekdays.
 
I really want to splurge on Storytellers someday. Out of curiosity, about how long does a meal here typically take? I mean, obviously it’s going to vary per group. But curious how long it took you guys.
It took forever for us. It was like an hour and half because DS favorite, Pluto, never stopped by although the other characters came by multiple times. I finally had enough and spoke with a handler to get Pluto to visit.
 
How many people were in your group? We are just three so we crammed into the little table when we got dinner and brought it back to our studio last time. Probably would be fine for 2 people, at most. I’m excited to try out the VGC 1 bedroom next summer!
There were 3 of us, my husband 10 y/o son and myself. We are so bad at piling all our stuff on that little table. Im also excited to one day finally get to stay in a villa there, so far only studios.

We haven’t made it up to the WOC balcony. People can be so inconsiderate though.

You had never park hopped at Disneyland/DCA before this trip?!? Park hopping here is just the best. We often go back and forth a couple times. Or even hop through DCA for some ice cream on the way back to our room. We park hop at WDW too but mainly because we always take an afternoon break anyway.
No it was our 1st time and I for sure would have bet money it wasnt worth it. But we loved it! We will get to park hop in Dec too :)

How was the Matterhorn? Still painful? I haven’t been on it in over a decade. I want to go on it because I used to love it. But I’m afraid it will wreck my body now.
It was rough but not as rough as Space Mountain was this trip.

Amazing view in that top floor room!
The absolute best. Jealous it wasnt my room 😂

I really want to splurge on Storytellers someday. Out of curiosity, about how long does a meal here typically take? I mean, obviously it’s going to vary per group. But curious how long it took you guys.
We do it every trip. Usually it's about 1.5 hours. This time they warned us it would be about 90 min when we sat down and they have never done that before. Of course if you don't need every character you can eat and be done well before 90 min, thats just about how long it takes for each character to make their way around to everyone.


When we’re at WDW, I miss aspects of Disneyland (my favorite park.) But at Disneyland, there are elements of WDW I miss too - like the People Mover. And all of Epcot.
I have come to love Epcot so much

What dates will you be at DLR in December? We arrive the evening of 7th! I’m excited for all the Christmas decorations.
We arrive the 5th and we leave the crack of dawn on the 8th. We just may see each other in passing!

I am trying to convince my husband that some year we should go to WDW in early December instead of late January. We don't do the parties or anything but I would love to see park decorations.
For sure on our to-do list!
 
There were 3 of us, my husband 10 y/o son and myself. We are so bad at piling all our stuff on that little table. Im also excited to one day finally get to stay in a villa there, so far only studios.


No it was our 1st time and I for sure would have bet money it wasnt worth it. But we loved it! We will get to park hop in Dec too :)


It was rough but not as rough as Space Mountain was this trip.


The absolute best. Jealous it wasnt my room 😂


We do it every trip. Usually it's about 1.5 hours. This time they warned us it would be about 90 min when we sat down and they have never done that before. Of course if you don't need every character you can eat and be done well before 90 min, thats just about how long it takes for each character to make their way around to everyone.



I have come to love Epcot so much


We arrive the 5th and we leave the crack of dawn on the 8th. We just may see each other in passing!


For sure on our to-do list!

When you say not as rough as Space Mountain....do you mean the SM in WDW or the one at Disneyland??
 
When you say not as rough as Space Mountain....do you mean the SM in WDW or the one at Disneyland??

Disneyland. For some reason this trip it felt extra rough to me. I have lost some weight so maybe its because I dont have as much cushion anymore 😂 Or maybe Ive become used to WDW SM 🤔
 
I am trying to convince my husband that some year we should go to WDW in early December instead of late January. We don't do the parties or anything but I would love to see park decorations.
Why no parties?
 










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