Visit DL/DCA in 2011, or wait til 2013?

[Caitsmama]

Long story short -- We live on the East Coast -- went to DL in 2008, but rained both days we were there.

We go to WDW every year, but will start to travel there every OTHER year starting next year 2011 --- trying to decide if we should visit DL / DCA in 2011 or wait til 2013 (going to WDW in 2012), i don't want to be walking around in a mess of construction - that is my concern, being from the East Coast, we are not able to get out to CA too often --
I thought of going for Thanksgiving 2011, but then talked myself out of it thinking that construction will be all around -- but will it??

 

[MVBowers111]

My opinion is to wait until 2013 when all the construction at DCA will be finished. But, at the same time, that seems so far away! After the Mermaid ride opens next year, I'm not sure how much other construction will be going on besides Carsland which isn't scheduled to open til 2012. I would be aware though that Thanksgiving is very crowded...if you could swing the week before Thanksgiving or right after the crowds will be much more manageable. You will get to see the Christmas decor though, which is gorgeous!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Caitsmama]

Thanks! TG time is really when we want to go, as we (dd and i ) only will miss 3 days of work/school to have a 9 day trip.. and coming from the east coast, i don't want to do a trip unless i can spend about 9-10 days.. We also have LOTS of family in the area, so DL/DCA isn't the sole purpose of our trip.. My dd wants to also see Hollywood (or Hollyweird as my CA relatives call it)

 

[HydroGuy]

Two points of view:

1. By 2013 all of the DCA major re-construction including CarsLand will be complete - you should wait until then

2. DLR always has construction going on of some kind - you may very well wait until 2013 and DCA is complete while DL is adding a major new attraction (or two) and have its own construction walls. - see (E)Ticket to Ride. You should visit when it is next convenient and not postpose because of construction.

3. I guess there is a third point of view that many around here would vote for - go in 2011 and 2013.

The second point of view above is more persuasive for me personally. I would say go in 2011. And if you want to avoid rain this time go in the summer - not in November!

 

[skiingfast]

If it really bothers you that much you may want to wait until 2013. Carsland while being the biggest current spot of construction is out of the boundary of the park and all you will see is a crane.

The little mermaid ride will still be under construction as may be Goofy's flying school, as it changes from Mullholand Madness. Although when they start it that could take just a month to do as it's a change in themeing and barely theamed so far. They aren't going to enclose it as I so much wish they would.

The other big cluster in the west end of the park is slowly changing as they redo the dining and boat play area. I expect it will be done over the Winter and to be ready by summer of 2011.

I haven't seen so much talk about this, and I don't know if it has been cancelled. But I have heard the Maliboomer tower will come down in the fall. But i had heard a couple years ago that they would put a parachute drop in it's place. But nothing since they were annoucing there big plans for Paradise Pier which is mostly done now.

The worst part is the east side of the park. They were pretty quick laying the track and brick and reopening the first third of track. In the fall while they redo the Alladin show i think they will get that third of track going toward the TOT and trolley barn down in no time. There won't be much guest traffic down there with only the TOT to walk to so it's will be minor.

Compared to WDW so far none of this will seem anyworse than the wall behind Fantasyland.

But the largest and most noticeable part will be the gates to the plaza at the end of Beuna St. There is all sorts of speculation about where the gates are going to be as they redo the entrance. They are going to take down the golden gate bridge so the monorail, a big feature of DLR will be down a couple weeks. In my best guess since this requires overhead work they will do both at the same time, by closing the current entrance. After they will probably work one side of the street then the other and then lay the last third of rails down the middle toward the new gate.

But if you are waiting for 2013 to avoid this, the chances of them being done by thier time line is not great. It may still be going on. Maybe it will be best to get it done before and come back when you know everything is up and running.

 

[Caitsmama]

Thanks again everyone. As i said, we really have to go for TG in November -- so, the time of year is staying as that.. not really flexible with that.

But, i think i am going to chat with my mom and see her take - after all, DL/DCA is just a "part" of our trip, and not the sole purpose. The last time we went was in Feb. 2008, so i am just dying to get back -- i love CA.

Again, thanks so much for all your advice!