Wanting to go to WDW, but keep going back to DL

[disney-super-mom]

Does anyone else living in the western half of the U.S. do this?

We're looking for a change. We've been to DL a lot, and think WDW would be a great change for us. We look up the costs to go to WDW and discover it doesn't cost anymore money for us to go to WDW vs. DL, and actually the flights to Orlando actually cost a little less.

We research resorts and parks and rides and tickets, and then we think we're ready to make reservations for our FIRST TRIP TO WDW......But we also look to see what's going on at DL, and just out of curiosity we check on flight schedules and airfares to Orange County, etc...

We're now reminded that it's only about a 4 hour trip (including layovers) for us to fly down to Orange County California (compared to 7-10 hours to fly to or from Orlando), and of course 4 hours sounds a lot better if you're traveling with young children like us. Also, after checking out the DL website, we're reminded about how much we love Pirates, and that our kids favorite rides (Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear) are right across from one another, which they think is awesome, and how we haven't riden the new Monster's Inc. ride yet and would really like to try it out, etc, etc, etc.....

The next thing we know, we're talking ourselves out of a first trip to WDW and into another trip to DL! WHY, WHY, WHY DO WE KEEP DOING THIS TO OURSELVES! I'm now torn (AGAIN!) between which trip to book, WDW or DL? It must be fear of the unknown (the unknown being WDW) or something like that.

Is it just us or have any of you experience this?

 

[samkj]

You described us exactly (except the flight, we are a 6-7 hour drive to DL cross country flight to Orlando) We just can't bring ourselves to book WDW because that would mean another year or more before we could see our beloved DL again!

Besides our DL brick was just placed in May and although we have a picture, thanks to the wonderful Dis members, I want to see it for myself!!

Like you said, its always something drawing us back to DL...

 

[Dukland]

I would love to go to WDW, and intend to someday. But our kids are so young, and the parks there are so spread out and huge, that I think it would better to visit when our kids are older. I'm thinking the youngest should be at least 10. Hopefully they will all be used to walking a ton by then, and so excited about everything, that they won't care how far it is to this, that, and the other.
I would love to see the Animal Kingdom at WDW.

 

[Barbday62]

When we lived in Seattle we always flew ALaska non stop to Orlando. we got it for about $335 give or take round trip. It cost more but so worth no lay overs to us. We once did a lay over and the connecting flight was cancelled and we ended up getting changed to two moere flights to get us home instead on one more.

I Like to go to WDW every two years and Disneyland more often. Now we live a 5 hour drive from Disneyland so of course we go there way more. But we do play to go to WDW in December time this year.

By the way I cant say I prefer either place over the over. I have my favorite parks and yes Disneyland is better than Magic Kingdom but as a whole Florida parks are better than California so to me its all the same. Its Disney and that is what counts for me.

 

[ACDSNY]

We used to be the same way before our first trip to WDW. Now we just have to go to both. It's a terrible addiction.

I love DLR for the short trips to get a quick fix and it's still my favorite, but then WDW starts calling for a long trip.

I find WDW to be alot more expensive for us. We stay longer, see Cirque du Soliel, Kennedy Space Center, Univeral and we eat at more full service restaurants. Our flight costs are double to Orlando vs LAX.

I agree DLR is much easier with very young children.

WDW is a must see for all Disney fans. Take the plunge and go for it when the children are a little bit older.

 

[kristenhh]

That said, I love DL. However, we took the family to WDW in December 2005 and we had a blast. The Magic Kingdom part cannot compare to DL, but there is so much else there. We stayed on-site and just enjoyed every minute. The transportation worked out great, so we could go back to the hotel for an afternoon rest. I would go for it -- I can't wait to go back!

 

[deekaypee]

I visited WDW first because I lived on the eastern half of the US, and it wasn't until I moved west that I experienced DLR, and I didn't visit DLR until after DCA was built!

So for me, WDW remains the "definitive" Disney--and I get quite a jones to go there more than I can. It's more affordable to go to DLR now, even though where I live requires buying expensive airfaire for either destination. DLR is a shorter flight, and we can spend less time there and cover the parks, and so we go there. (We average one trip every 12-18 months.) Plus, when we had to make a decision this summer--our trip is a week away!--we decided to go to the original theme park before the end of the 50th anniversary.

No worries or buyer's remorse, because we love DLR and will have a great time there. DLR is cozy and I love the mix of a local population with tourists--you don't get so much of that at WDW. Still, our next trip will be to WDW because so much has changed since we last went. And once you go to WDW I really think you'll want to go back again and again. And you'll have tons of fun making comparisons between the parks and various attractions. Your kids will love it!

(Interestingly, I've only been to Disney as an adult, because my parents never took us to Disney or any amusement parks. Maybe that's why I have a need for my regular Disney fix. )

 

[brando5111]

First,

I completely understand what you've been doing. But you must bite the proverbial bullet and take the long flight. WDW is AMAZING! I don't know how else to put it. But for this trip to be truly AMAZING you must adhere to the following "must do" rules to guarantee a great time:

1. Stay on-site - (preferably Deluxe or Moderate) - but MUST BE ON-SITE!
2. If available take advantage of the dining plan.
3. Make sure your tickets are "park-hoppers" - so you can go to whatever park you want, when you want and include the water-parks!
4. Pre-arrange your dining plans, but be open to changing at your whim. We've never (even on the busiest days), had that much of a problem getting to eat where we wanted. Make sure to try all the different "theme" restaurants offered compared to DL - they are so much fun! (50's Prime-time, O’Hana’s, etc...)

Honestly, just by doing these few things, you will have the most amazing vacation. We have been to WDW many times and are always blown away by how much more there is to do and see and how wonderful it all is....Also, staying at a resort on-site is just so nice! Again, try a moderate (actually our favorites - even over some deluxes!). Our favorite moderate is POR Bayou section. The rooms have all been recently refurbished and are really nice for the money! (Especially when compared to DL!).

Best,
Brando

 

[HydroGuy]

We just did it. My DW and my parent's live close to DLR, and we usually spend a week at the beach in SoCal each summer. It is just so much easier - and less expensive since we drive to SoCal - to go to DLR. I had a business trip to Orlando last month and we broke down and went to WDW. Since we went for 10 days instead of our typical 3-4 at DLR, it was hugely expensive. It was our first trip there and it left me wanting to go back - in a different month than June though. The crowds were not too bad, but, as we expected, the weather was.

 

[disney-super-mom]

We're wanting to go to WDW for 6 nights (November 12th - 18th), and we were planning on staying at one of the DVC resorts in a studio. We're not sure which DVC resort yet, but I'm kinda leaning towards the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge. If we do the dining plan, for our party of 2 adults and 2 children, it would cost $588 which sounds pretty reasonable for food for a week.

If we go to DL, we would probably go for 5 nights instead of 6 (Nov 12 - 17th), and we would stay at Paradise Pier since we haven't stayed there yet. We also would probably visit Legoland too, since we haven't done that yet and our 2 boys, ages 3 and 7, would LOVE it being that they're plenty young enough to really enjoy it there.

Of course, they would also LOVE Animal Kingdom... See! Here I go again!!!

I'm about ready to just flip a coin.

 

[Sthronds]

I try to go to WDW every other year. I just make a point to save up and do it. I never regret going. As for Disneyland, it's a 4 hour drive and I get there when I can, at least once a year if not more. I would try WDW because it is wonderful, and know that you can always go "home" to DL too. That probably didn't help but enjoy whatever you choose!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I love them both too ! I agree it is a good idea for the kids to be older....but I would say 7-8 is adaquate, if they are DL veterans

 

[ACDSNY]

We're wanting to go to WDW for 6 nights (November 12th - 18th), and we were planning on staying at one of the DVC resorts in a studio. We're not sure which DVC resort yet, but I'm kinda leaning towards the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge. If we do the dining plan, for our party of 2 adults and 2 children, it would cost $588 which sounds pretty reasonable for food for a week.

You might find it a little more relaxing if you do 7 or 8 nights. With two young children having a half or whole day to relax at the resort is a nice break from the parks and people. The airfare sometimes works out better too. November is a great time to go.

 

[autumnbaby9]

I have been to both DLR and WDW and while DLR has many conveniences the WDW doesn't in way of transportation i feel WDW is definitly worth going to. I took my 5 yr old (4 at the time) in Nov 2005 and had no problems getting around with her. The buses come farily often and i never had to wait more than 15 mins for one even when the park was closing. i would definitly suggest staying a least a week. We went for eight days (six days in the parks) and where able to see everything we wanted to see, some things more than once. If you haven't already made your plans i strongly suggest you give WDW a try even while your kids are younger. It is definilty worth the long plan ride. I live in Boise so it took us all day to get there.

 

[disneycutie84]

I completely understand what you are saying!
Living in San Diego, I go to Disneyland every couple months and it is as magical as it was the first time I went...but I can not WAIT to go to WDW!
I realized that if I cut back on my spending a bit, and spent less on food and stuff each time I went to Disneyland...I could save up for a trip to Disneyworld.
My bf and I are finally going this May for our college graduation. I am sooooo excited and can't wait to have a whole new disney experience.
I think it will be worth it, and although disneyland will always be my "home", I am sure WDW will live up to expectations!
Good luck and hopefully you can make it to WDW soon!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Thanks everyone for your words of wisdom...

...but, I found a Southwest $99 each way deal to Ontario California from Spokane, and my DH and I think it's too good to pass up.

So, now the plan is to do DL and DCA for 3 or 4 days, Legoland or Knotts Berry Farm on 1 day, and also 1 day to spend at the beach. As I've said before, we've never been to Legoland with our two little guys, or the beach for that matter, so that should be some new and fun experiences for all of us. Oh dear, it looks like WDW will have to wait yet another year for us. I'm not sure if I should be sad that we're not going to WDW or if I should be happy that we're going to DL (so here's two faces - ).

However, if in the next day or two you see me post that we've changed our plans and are now going to WDW, would you please have me committed!

 

[disneycutie84]

Well, I'm sure you'll have a great time!!

 

[LuvOrlando]

I'm in the same dilemma but backwards. WDW is our 'Home Port" and DL is our 'wanna get there again' spot.

Why, oh why, doesn't money really grow on trees so I can spend 10 days in WDW and 10 days at DL/CA all in a 1 year preiod

 

[Yookeroo]

Go to WDW. You won't regret it.

 

[brando5111]

Sorry - you just can't compare. But if your determined to go to DL - you'll have an "OK" time - just not the fantastic time you'd have @ WDW.

As long as the kids are happy - fantastic! But for your next vacation - PLEASE try WDW - You'll just be amazed.

Best,
Brando