WDW or Disneyland in February?

[erin1715]

I'm currently having an internal debate over whether to visit WDW for (roughly) the 12th time or visit Disneyland for the first time in February. We would be visiting during Presidents week, which will be busy at either park so that kind of cancels each other out as far as which would be better crowd wise.

Here are my reasons FOR visiting WDW: Warmer, in that Disney bubble, familiar, shorter flight, can be relaxing since we've been there so many times. We know we love it there.

Here are my reasons against WDW: Construction, construction, construction, FP+ stinks, prices are more expensive this week, crazy crowded.

Reasons FOR Disneyland: Something new and different, legacy FP, visit other parts of Cali for a couple days.

Reasons against Disneyland: Colder time of year, lots of closures, longer flight, not sure if we will enjoy it as much as WDW. We won't be in the Disney bubble we love so much.

It's my husband and I visiting. I'm wondering if we would be better off visiting WDW in February and then going to Cali during the summer months.

I'd be open to hearing other's thoughts as well.

Thanks for hearing me out!!

 

[MalkaR]

I went to Disneyland on February 10th, 2014 and was absolutely shocked at how crowded it was and how long the lines were. I didn't mind it that much, I was willing to put up with it because I LOVE disneyland, but my husband was frustrated and stressed (he blamed it on the kids but it was him) and we ended up leaving early. Not to say it's a bad time to visit, I'm guessing it's this crowded at all times, now, but just be forewarned. Weather was cool but nice. I love how close everything is over there, and if you've never been there, make sure to do some of the cool things that are different than WDW. I can't speak to the Disney bubble, as I've only ever done Disneyland single day trips, staying at my parents' house in Orange County. I'm planning a WDW trip the first week of February in 2017, so we'll see!

Have fun, with whichever you choose!

 

[MillauFr]

You left off the biggest advantage that Disneyland has over Disneyworld. Logistics. You can stay offsite at Disneyland and walk to the front gate in 10 minutes. No buses, no driving, no stress. It is easy to walk between parks, to offsite hotels, and to downtown Disney.

 

[bumbershoot]

Reasons against Disneyland: Colder time of year, lots of closures, longer flight, not sure if we will enjoy it as much as WDW. We won't be in the Disney bubble we love so much.

Especially if you visit other areas of California.

I find the bubble to be incredibly overrated. At WDW it might all be on property, but you're in a car or on a bus going near highway speeds. Doesn't feel safe and protected to me! At DLR you can stay in easy walking distance even if (especially if) staying offsite. Go to sleep hearing fireworks (well, I do, sometimes). Wake up and walk outside and you might be close enough to see the signs, or if you wake up a little later you'll hear people enjoying themselves in the parks depending on where you're staying. Sounds good to me!

February in Anaheim is still Southern California. Not that bad, weather-wise.

 

[figment_jii]

I'll preface all of this by saying that it would be great to go to either resort. Both have a lot of benefits and some drawbacks, but if you go with the right frame of mind, a visit to DLR or WDW can be amazing at any time of the year.

We would be visiting during Presidents week, which will be busy at either park so that kind of cancels each other out as far as which would be better crowd wise.

I think you're right that both parks will be crowded(ish) during Presidents Day week. There are a lot things happening that week (e.g., Mardi Gras, Lunar New Years, a cheer competition) and a fair number of Northern California schools have their winter recess that week.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3358090

There are a lot of rumored refurbishments scheduled for the first quarter of 2015, as DLR gets ready for DL's 60th anniversary. So, I would expect that a larger than normal number of attractions may be down. I do also think that WoC will be down for most of the first quarter of year. The upside is that Fantasmic may be presented nightly (still just a rumor). It's also worth noting that fireworks tend to only be presented on Fri-Sun (and maybe Presidents Day Monday) during this period.

In terms of the weather, I don't know that they're actually all that different (on average). HydroGuy, a major contributor on the Disneyland board, has a thread comparing weather in DLR and WDW. Based on that, there isn't a huge difference in temperature or rainfall in February.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

I love DLR and I'm not trying to say that you shouldn't go because I think it would be an amazing trip. I'm just hesitant to recommend anyone go for the first time during this upcoming winter/spring when there are so many unknown about what will be closed for refurbishment or upgrades ahead of the 60th anniversary. If at all possible, I would wait to go to DLR later in the year, when the 60th anniversary events are in full swing.

 

[letsgoreds]

Love this. We are in the same boat. I love the DW bubble, and flights from Seattle to MCO are sub-$300 if we go early in Feb...but have never been to DL! Ugh, can't decide either.

 

[SeilerBird]

Here are my reasons against WDW: Construction, construction, construction, FP+ stinks, prices are more expensive this week, crazy crowded.

I am a local with an AP and I go frequently to WDW. I don't understand the remarks about construction. The only construction I ever see is in the moat near Tomorrowland which has no effect on anything, and the small amount of construction in AK. It is no big deal and certainly doesn't affect my enjoyment of the parks. And personally I love FP+. I can't imagine why anyone would dislike it. It is a lot better than standing in long lines.

 

[Frozen2014]

If it was me and both are an option financially and distance wise, then I'd try Disneyland. You've been to WDW 11 times (lucky you!) so would be fun to compare the rides that are the same and experience the rides that are only at Disneyland. We've only been to WDW once and never DL and I'd love to go to DL next just to see (but not likely since flight would cost that much more). There was a great article the other week about how bigger is not necessarily better. And it does seem an advantage having everything in walking distance. You don't say how long you're going so if a 10 day trip, then perhaps DL won't keep you busy enough (not sure though as never been).
PS - Just reread your post and you do mention that if you go to DL, then you'd see other things in California so no concern with DL keeping you busy enough for a longer trip

 

[erin1715]

I appreciate all the responses and opinions. My heart has won out and we've decided IF we go anywhere, it will be to our first love, WDW

I was able to find cheaper direct flights to Orlando. So, we may visit Disneyland during the summer but we will see what the future holds. For now, I'm excited to plan for WDW again!!

 

[Frozen2014]

I appreciate all the responses and opinions. My heart has won out and we've decided IF we go anywhere, it will be to our first love, WDW

I was able to find cheaper direct flights to Orlando. So, we may visit Disneyland during the summer but we will see what the future holds. For now, I'm excited to plan for WDW again!!

Either way, you can't go wrong. And this will be your 12th trip for a reason (i.e. you wouldn't go again and again if it wasn't fantastic!). Have an amazing trip...the holidays will come quick and then the new year and then soon enough, you'll be on your way.

 

[inerror]

I would say take a visit to Disneyland since you've never been. I'm doing the opposite. DL is my home park and I got a few times a year and instead of renewing my AP, I'm taking my first trip to WDW at the end of Jan/first week of Feb.

 

[JediMasterMatt]

Normally, I would say go to DLR. It's the superior Disney Parks experience these days.

Unfortunately, this coming Jan - April is going to be the worst time imaginable to experience the resort as significant chunks of the normal ample DLR ride/attraction base will be offline to prepare for the 60th anniversary.

The good news is that when the 60th celebration starts up, it will be the best time in a decade to visit.

I would postpone your WDW trip and plan on making an extra special DLR trip after the 60th fires up.

You only get one chance to make a first impression and if you visit DLR this summer, you will never look at WDW the same again.

 

[Kristina4109]

I think visiting DL this summer instead might be a good idea. I've never found the weather to be terrible in February, but your chances of rain goes up. SoCal is not like Central Florida - the rainy period doesn't mean that it will thunderstorm once a day in the afternoon. It means it might rain.

Conversely, the weather in SoCal in the summer can be oven cleaning cycle hot, but the earlier you go in the summer, the better. And it feels much more comfortable than the soul killing humidity in Central Florida.

So I say do WDW in February and then DL this summer, as early in the season as you can.