WDW DVCers...

[Pixieflip]

I know there's a place for Disneyland discussion, but I'm particularly interested in the opinion of those who are more familiar with WDW. I have several questions for you.

As per the discussion on taking kids out of school and with our DS taking a heavy courseload of AP classes the next two years, we are looking at travelling over school vacations. I think he would flip over a trip to DL for graduation. But I love my WDW resorts and am not sure we want to use our points at DL. There seems to be a lot of reasonably priced hotels nearby, even ones for larger families like us. I'm also wondering about how long you need or want at DL? We are used to at least a week at WDW, this last trip was two weeks. Another thing to hammer out is timing. He's a baseball player. So that will probably rule out travel from March to end of July. I'd rather do a grad trip in June, not sure that's realistic. Soooo, we've done WDW at Christmas twice, I wonder what WDW Christmas vets think about DL at Christmas?

So my questions are:

- do you stay at the Grand Californian or off property?
-how long do you go?
-what else do you think is worthwhile doing while in southern California?
-do you think it's weird to do a grad trip the Christmas before graduation? (please tell me he'd still work hard that last semester!)
-what do you think about DL vs. WDW for Christmas to NY?

 

[jlwhitney]

I think doing the grad trip early is no big deal since its a trip not a thing. In terms of length I would say no more than 4 days at DL. We did 2 in june and got on most everything that was different and some that were the same. Since christmas is busier the extra days may be good but DL was pretty busy in june too. We stayed off property at the ramada maingate and was two blocks from the park. I would recommend off since its a lot cheaper and they are so close anyways. DL is alot different in feel than wdw. Since DL you would only need 4 days at I recommend taking a few days and going down to San Diego (about 2 hour drive) the zoo is fantastic and san diego is so much more beautiful than LA. Seaworld is there too a great outlet mall and shopping and dining. there are a bunch of hotels that are inexpenive also.

 

[TigerLaw]

I have gone twice to DL, the most recent this past fall. The first trip was w. my wife during the beginning of december - I booked the HoJo across the street and when she saw it, she was like "heck no" so we went over the the grand cali.

In terms of where to stay, if you want the WDW onsite feel, its GC or nothing. This past trip I was by myself for work and stayed at Paradise Pier and it wasn't even remotely like an onsite feel.

As far as how long, I would say at most 4 days depending when you go. DCA is EASILY a one day park. I recommend getting park hoppers and just bounce back and forth (the parks are so close to each other its easy!)

having said all of this, there is NO WAY I would do DL for the holidays - the actual park is just too small to handle the crowds, but that's just my two cents. (It also doesn't have all the cool xmas stuff like WDW does (osborne, candlelight, etc)

 

[bwvBound]

Soooo, we've done WDW at Christmas twice, I wonder what WDW Christmas vets think about DL at Christmas?

So my questions are:

- do you stay at the Grand Californian or off property?
-how long do you go?
-what else do you think is worthwhile doing while in southern California?
-do you think it's weird to do a grad trip the Christmas before graduation? (please tell me he'd still work hard that last semester!)
-what do you think about DL vs. WDW for Christmas to NY?

DL for Christmas to/through NY? Not my cup of tea (too crowded). WDW offers so much more to do: Candlelight Processional; Christmas traditions from around the world (EPCOT); hard-ticket MVMCP; gingerbread displays in BC, BW and GF lobbies; more dining options; etc, etc, etc.

Agreeing with PP, if you want the "WDW on-site" feel while visiting DL, you must book the Grand Californian. (Having said that, we've only stayed in the GC once. While we loved it ... it is too expensive for us to justify; we stay off-site at properties within walking distance to the parks.)

Other things to do in SoCal? Plenty -- but what are you looking for: activities uniquely different from things you'd find at home or ... ? Any targets in mind? Things we enjoy as locals:

• Off-roading in the mountains or desert regions. (I'm sure there are tour groups for this?)
• Hiking in mountains or desert regions. Look for "Open Space Parks", pack a picnic lunch ... enjoy.
• Short 2-3n cruises along Pacific Coast usually hitting Catalina Island, Ensenada (MX) and either San Diego or San Pedro (LA).
• San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
• Museums and exhibits in Balboa Park. Look for special events, special screenings, presentations, limited-time displays, etc.
• Weekend hop to Las Vegas. The local will leave after work on Friday and return to LA/SD Sunday afternoon. (Driving, of course.)
• California Missions. From Anaheim, take the train to San Juan Capistrano??
• Beaches and related activities including roller skating/blading or jogging on the paved trails, kite flying, & people watching.
• Rent a convertible ... see where it takes you.
• Visit the Getty Museum.
• Visit the streets you've always heard of ... Sunset Blvd, Rodeo Drive, etc.
• Take a "Homes of the Stars" tour.
• Catch a movie at Disney's El Capitan Theatre ... spend time in the immediate area for shopping and people watching.

Just a few ideas ...

 

[Pixieflip]

DL for Christmas to/through NY? Not my cup of tea (too crowded). WDW offers so much more to do: Candlelight Processional; Christmas traditions from around the world (EPCOT); hard-ticket MVMCP; gingerbread displays in BC, BW and GF lobbies; more dining options; etc, etc, etc.

Agreeing with PP, if you want the "WDW on-site" feel while visiting DL, you must book the Grand Californian. (Having said that, we've only stayed in the GC once. While we loved it ... it is too expensive for us to justify; we stay off-site at properties within walking distance to the parks.)

Other things to do in SoCal? Plenty -- but what are you looking for: activities uniquely different from things you'd find at home or ... ? Any targets in mind? Things we enjoy as locals:

• Off-roading in the mountains or desert regions. (I'm sure there are tour groups for this?)
• Hiking in mountains or desert regions. Look for "Open Space Parks", pack a picnic lunch ... enjoy.
• Short 2-3n cruises along Pacific Coast usually hitting Catalina Island, Ensenada (MX) and either San Diego or San Pedro (LA).
• San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
• Museums and exhibits in Balboa Park. Look for special events, special screenings, presentations, limited-time displays, etc.
• Weekend hop to Las Vegas. The local will leave after work on Friday and return to LA/SD Sunday afternoon. (Driving, of course.)
• California Missions. From Anaheim, take the train to San Juan Capistrano??
• Beaches and related activities including roller skating/blading or jogging on the paved trails, kite flying, & people watching.
• Rent a convertible ... see where it takes you.
• Visit the Getty Museum.
• Visit the streets you've always heard of ... Sunset Blvd, Rodeo Drive, etc.
• Take a "Homes of the Stars" tour.
• Catch a movie at Disney's El Capitan Theatre ... spend time in the immediate area for shopping and people watching.

Just a few ideas ...

THanks for all the feedback. I get it that there isn't the onsite feel like at WDW and given the very close and probably very nice options available, I would completely be up for offsite. Like I said earlier, I'd like to use my points at WDW! As far as other local activities...not really interested in other theme parks at all (kids might argue!), but your list is helpful. Catalina Island, a beach to say we swam in the Pacific, some Hollywood sights, too.

I'm not afraid of crowds at Christmas. We've done WDW twice. That's our lot in life right now. Is it worse than WDW? About the same?

 

[Pixieflip]

Having said all that, I understand that CA schools get out in mid June, is that right? So how are the crowds the first 10 days of June? We get out last week in May and graduation is the last weekend in May. How would that work for me? What do you think of June?

 

[robertdangelo]

We went to DL last June... the 2nd week of the month. It was very busy... California schools get out earlier than those here in NY. I agree, DL doesn't handle crowds as well as WDW.

Bob

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Not answering your questions, just addressing the AP courses. Baseball is probably the bigger issue end of May; early June. The AP exams are mid May so his course should be winding down. (My AP kids are still working after the exam, which is around May 15, but we are in low stress mode.)

Enjoy whatever trip you decide on.

 

[Pixieflip]

Baseball is a huge issue. I'm starting to lean toward doing it in early June anyway. State will be over and they'll be on to just the summer legion ball league (state, regionals and nationals aren't till late July). I think a graduation trip wins over that.

 

[DisneyMama27]

First of all, let me clear this up...DL DOES have Candlelight Processional, with celebrity narrators, choirs, etc. My Dsis went this year and heard John Voight narrate. She lives in SoCal and visited DL many times during the holidays. Her pics of IASW lit up with Christmas lights was gorgeous! I have been to WDW at Christmas, and it is amazing, but DL has a lot to offer as well.

We spent several weeks in Cali this summer with sis, and visited DL several times. Yes, you can do it in less time. It is a totally different feel than DW, simply because it is surrounded by so much urban development. We stayed with sis, of course, but I would much prefer to stay at VGC if I was just going for DL. It is a beautiful resort! That said, DH would prefer to stay off-site to save $$/pts since we would not be spending the whole time at the parks/resorts. I love both parks - I grew up visiting DL every year, and there are still things that I dare to like better at DL than DW (Space Mt, IASW) and things I prefer at DW. Yes, it got very crowded there in the summer and they are not built to handle it as well - but in my experience, the CMs handled the crowds in a friendlier way. AND they have the Electric Light Parade, complete with the Baroque Hoedown music!

Plus, how has NO ONE mentioned the fabulous California weather? I LOVE Florida, but SoCal has them beat for gorgeous weather. Ponchos? You don't need no stinking ponchos! You DO need a sweater for the evening, since it cools off nicely at night.

Given the choice, I love DW more, but there is always room in my heart for DL. It's definitely worth the trip! And there is SO much to do in the area! We have family there, and we still can never get it all in. The beaches, Griffith Observatory, the aquariums (Long Beach is my favorite), the restaurants, hiking in the mts. DTD is great too - very different from "our" DTD, but I like it.

Whether you go in December or June, it will probably be crowded. The weather will be wonderful, you will find plenty to do, and you just can't help feeling Walt's presence there!

 

[Pixieflip]

Thanks, Disneymama27! Very good to know!

 

[bumbershoot]

DCA is EASILY a one day park. I recommend getting park hoppers and just bounce back and forth (the parks are so close to each other its easy!)

Fainting at the thought of one day at my fave park. For us, DCA is awesome, with much more family friendly things (no scary witches! no weird psychadelic Alice/Queen of Hearts rides, etc etc etc), with a great coaster, fabulous Monsters Inc, great TSMM, etc.



I've been researching WDW the whole time I've been on the Dis, even while traveling to DLR.

And it seems that DL has more xmas stuff *included in admission* than DLR does. Decorations everywhere, not just at parties you pay extra for. Santa at DL and at the parks, not just at a party. Special parade and snow for everyone at DL, not just, you guessed it, at a party you pay extra for.

DLR at xmastime, well, we've gone twice in the first or so week of December (wouldn't go right at xmas), is absolutely incredible. And please know, I have NO religious feelings whatsoever except for occasionally typing "omg". But I love love love going at that time.

Candlelight Processional (which we avoid) is right there in the open. If you're willing to put in the standing time, it's free to see. You *can* buy a package with seating, but you don't have to. And if you want to avoid it, just keep yourself in DCA or at the back of the park.



re: hopping. Anything over a one-day one-park ticket is a hopper.


Over on the DL forum, where there are many DVCers AND many WDW vets, in the tips sticky there's a thread by HydroGuy called DL for WDW vets. Excellent reading, and covers the offsite/onsite thing, too! I'm currently reading his WDW for DL vets.

I personally much much prefer PPH over the Grand. I haven't stayed at the villas, though. I prefer PPH over DLH as well. But for those budget trips, HoJo (especially if you can get the Entertainment Card rate special to HoJoAnaheim) is great. Easily walkable (I would say it's arguably closer than walking from DLH through DTD to the gates), you can walk on the DL side and hear the music, and they have a nice pool and a crazy pirate-themed waterplay area with jacuzzi.

 

[bwvBound]

First of all, let me clear this up...DL DOES have Candlelight Processional, with celebrity narrators, choirs, etc. My Dsis went this year and heard John Voight narrate.

But only offered one weekend in the holiday season (generally the 1st weekend of Dec) and certainly not during the dates mentioned in OP's first post.

 

[kikiq]

I have to disagree with the PP that says DCA is easily a one day park. There's lots of new things "a coming" to DCA that will make it harder to do it in one day. OP, if you are going during June or Christmas time, there will be crowds and it's not easy to do DCA in one day now with crowds. Add the new World of Color and the new Car Land in the next year, DCA is no longer the one day park.

AND just to let you know Disneyland CAN handle crowds and I would even venture that Disneyland CMs do a better crowd control during parades and fireworks than the MK CMs. Last summer, my DH and I watched Wishes in the MK and remembered why we usually watched Wishes on the Poly beach.

I live 20 minutes from DLR and we stayed in the VGC 2 weeks ago for my birthday (first time). I have to say that yes it is a lot of points, BUT you can't get any closer to the parks. What a fun grad trip to wake up and be in the park without getting on transportation. AND if you request an upper floor and get the special pixie dust, you could wake up and look into DCA, maybe even get a villa with a view of World of Color. Sounds like a fun grad trip to me. I know you don't want to use up your points but it's only one trip for your son.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I haven't been to WDW at Christmas per se- not past late November. But outside of Osborne Lights, IMO Disneyland's Christmas decorations are far more plentiful, and beautiful. No doubt. (This is not including the resort decorations, though.) I also love that the Christmas parade, snow, etc is all free. No special party to book. Plus Disneyland has the holiday overlays in IASW and HM as well. In fact this year we were rather disappointed in the WDW holiday decorations, as compared to DLR.

If I were going in December, I'd go for 4 days. You'll need 4 days even in early June, because if last June was any indicator, it will be packed. If late June is at all an option it might be better, due to when the Southern California Annual Pass starts being blocked out for the summer. Try to pick days when either only Premium passholders can go, or Premium and Deluxe, if you go during a busy season (You can check the AP blockout dates on Disneyland.com). Lots of Southern California schools now get out around June 1, which has changed the crowd situation.

Good luck!

 

[stopher1]

Keep in mind of course the obvious size differences between WDW and the DLR and know that in that light, of course the DLR will not have as many Christmas offerings as WDW in total. Just think about this - the entire DLR (including both parks, DTD and the 3 hotels & parking facilities) could pretty much fit inside Animal Kingdom and it's parking lot. There's just no way to fairly compare the two resorts as one is better than the other as they are both wonderful experiences. By quick comparison - WDW has 4 parks, 2 water parks, multiple golf courses, DTD, 22 hotels & the campgrounds and tons of water and green space; DL has 2 parks, DTD & 3 hotels - you just can't think of them the same way at all. WDW is around twice the size of Manhattan, or about the size of the city of San Francisco... DL can never compare on size, but it CAN compare in quality of offerings and things to do. Having been to resorts both multiple times during the decorated season - as a park - Disneyland is much more beautifully dressed and decked out than the Magic Kingdom ever is. The decorations permeate throughout every land - where they are themed appropriately to the individual needs/themes of those lands.

Remember too that the MK was opened 16 yrs after DL was, and many of the size constraints at DL were modified for the MK. Walkways & sidewalks were made larger, and the whole park was spaced out a bit more. On the most crowded day at the MK, the same attendance at DL would feel a whole heck of a lot worse, simply because the park is not as expansive as the MK is. There are more things to do & see in the single park of DL than at any one park at WDW. But DL does an incredible job of keeping people going and moving with so many rides, shows and other attractions despite the size limitation.

The Candlelight Processional does exist at DL - especially since that's where it started in 1956. It is right in Town Square at DL, with the mass choir standing in front of the train station - but the primary difference between DL's CP and WDW's - is that at DL it only takes place on a single weekend (both Saturday and Sunday evening) vs. Epcot's month-long schedule. SO - as the PP stated that DL does not have it...that could definitely have been true while they were visiting, depending on when they visited in December. It's usually in the 1st or 2nd weekend of the month.

The It's A Small World Holiday version is incredibly themed, and IMO, actually better than the traditional version. This past year was their 13th season for doing this overlay, and it just sparkles! Definitely a must-see.

If you are a fan of Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas" then you will LOVE the Haunted Mansion Holiday - which runs from Sep. til after New Year's, and is a massive overlay to the classic HM. Only DL and Tokyo DL do this - and it's definitely worth seeing at least once.

Additionally - while WDW does offer the hard-ticketed after-regular hours parties, and you only get to see the Christmas parade if you cough up the extra money to attend one of those parties - at DL, everyone and anyone in the park is able to see the parade if they so choose, as it is included in the regular operating day's admission for everyone. Plus it usually runs twice, afternoon and evening.

The snowfall on Main Street is magical (although it was more magical when we didn't live in an area that gets real snow). The holiday fireworks are wonderful. Wishes is great, but getting tired and needs to be updated. DL refreshes theirs often - having 3 different shows this past year...regular season, and special ones for halloween and Christmas.

The Grand Californian and Downtown Disney are right there nextdoor - and both are incredibly decked out as well. The DL Hotel & Paradise Pier Hotel are both just across the way, and are also well dressed for the season.

DCA this past Christmas did not get as many decorations simply due to the massive construction projects going on through 2012 - but they do have wonderful decorations too. And once construction is complete on World of Color (spring), Little Mermaid (spring 11) and the all new CARSLAND (2012) - the stigma of being a half day park will be long gone. It took the Studios a long time too to be more than just a half day park, and AK barely is that still.

At DLR too - the parks stay open longer than at WDW throughout most of the year. Especially during peak times. DL is open until midnight many, many, many nights of the year, and during the summer they've been known to stay open til 1 or 2 - without any kind of EMH - just open for any guest with a ticket. MK pretty much shuts you out by 8 or 9 if you're lucky. Earlier when they are pushing the various hard-ticketed "after hours" parties.


As far as "other things to do" in Southern California... oh my, a book could be written on that alone. DL / DCA / DTD could easily be enjoyed in 2-3 days, perhaps 4 if you want a more leisurely pace. But Southern California alone could easily add another week and you'd always have something to do. There are miles and miles of beautiful beaches just 15-20 mins. from DL. Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles are are just about 45 mins. northwest. Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios Tour, Legoland, Sea World, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Raging Waters are just a few of the theme park offerings within relatively short driving distance away. There are of course all kinds of sporting events, concerts, museums, aquariums, etc. all nearby. In short - there are so many things to see and do in So. Cal.


If you'd like to see a sample of some of the various Christmas decorations and such - check out my Solo DL TR Nov/Dec '09 below in my signature. I bookended a work trip (my company is based in Irvine, CA - just moments from DL) and stayed at both the Paradise Pier Hotel and the VGC... it was tremendous. And you just can't beat the exclusive access into DCA directly from the Grand Cal!

 

[Pixieflip]

I'm glad to hear the different ideas on how many days for DLR. It's hard to picture what would be acceptable when we are used to 7 or 10 days at WDW. We are Disney freaks. My DS15 knows more about DL than any teen whose never been ought to know! He reads all the boards and knows everything before we do-which is no small feat.

Anyway, 4 days seems like what we'd enjoy, plus some time to visit other area sights. That's an whole category alone, isn't it? I'm guessing my family would want the beach, a peek at Hollywood and Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive. I know, very touristy, what can I say.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Yes,yes, yes to the PPs who said that DCA is more than a one-day park! We LOVE DCA!! My kids had never ridden a ferris wheel, and loved the one at Paradise Pier...I know they are changing the name. And California Screamin' absolutely rivals RnR for the fun factor (plus, the line is shorter!) We can't wait to go back when World of Color and Cars Land are completed!!

LOVED Aladdin in the Hyperion Theater...I've heard they are ending that run soon, so check...they may have a new show in there soon. And the Bug's Life section with kiddie rides was fun, and SO well-themed! We probably spent at least 30-45 minutes in the Blue Sky Cellar, the kids could have spent all day in the Sequoia/Grizzly section (I'm terrible with names today), and we love the counter-service food here too. The california wrap is my fave!

 

[stopher1]

Yes,yes, yes to the PPs who said that DCA is more than a one-day park! We LOVE DCA!! My kids had never ridden a ferris wheel, and loved the one at Paradise Pier...I know they are changing the name. And California Screamin' absolutely rivals RnR for the fun factor (plus, the line is shorter!) We can't wait to go back when World of Color and Cars Land are completed!!

LOVED Aladdin in the Hyperion Theater...I've heard they are ending that run soon, so check...they may have a new show in there soon. And the Bug's Life section with kiddie rides was fun, and SO well-themed! We probably spent at least 30-45 minutes in the Blue Sky Cellar, the kids could have spent all day in the Sequoia/Grizzly section (I'm terrible with names today), and we love the counter-service food here too. The california wrap is my fave!

The Aladdin show is scheduled to end in August - but sometime later, I can't remember if it's later in the fall this year or early next - the show will be replaced by a big new Toy Story show. Aladdin was/is a fun show - a little long for a theme park show, coming in at 45 min, but it was very worth it the times we saw it.