WDW regulars doing DL for the first time Oct 2023

[MissDisney21]

We went for the first time to DL (only been to WDW before) October 10-14, 2022 and had the BEST time. It was crowded but we got everything done we wanted to, plus some. I also didn't think the crowds were as terrible as I had read/been expecting. The longest we waited in line for a ride was maybe 30 minutes (had Genie+). We also did Oogie Boogie and it was great!

What really helped was using rope drop/EE if you're staying on property, we had one dining reservation a day and that gave us some structure, and also planning out what you want to eat (or an idea at least) and mobile ordering. We took midday breaks every day since everything is so close. It's so cozy and laid back at DL compared to WDW!

Make sure you try to ride and experience everything that is unique or different in DL. The different Fantasyland rides, HMH, the canoes, Pirates, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, RSR, Guardians, etc. Tower of Terror is my favorite WDW ride, but I loved Guardians even more, and RSR more than that!

As another October newbie to another, have the best time! I just booked another trip to DL for June

Just booked our first trip to DL for this June!

 

[Disney_David]

My wife and I did DL for the first time over the holidays and found it much quieter and more navigable than almost anytime at WDW. We LOVED it! We left Christmas Eve around midday, which was a Saturday, so I’d have expected that day to be a busy day(?). I have no frame of reference compared to October. Trust the locals on that one. We also noticed that it seemed more choke points/lines snaking versus wait times.

Our passes cover both coasts and have the hopper at DL. That was super useful. I would get that for sure. I bought genie + and also did ILL for RSR. We skipped the rides that are identical to WDW.

We’re WDW regulars (3-4 times a week) so I know WDW crowds like the back of my hands. We did NY Eve in Epcot and thought DL on Christmas Eve was a breeze compared. It was better than I expected it to be using a combination of rope drop, Genie + and ILL.

Hope that helps for comparison. Trust the local knowledge on the time of year!

 

[irlandaise]

Our passes cover both coasts and have the hopper at DL. That was super useful. I would get that for sure. I bought genie + and also did ILL for RSR. We skipped the rides that are identical to WDW.

Are those Premier Passports? I didn't think they still existed.

 

[Disney_David]

Are those Premier Passports? I didn't think they still existed.

Hey, Yes, Premier Passport

 

[firsttimer4]

October is crowded but I wouldn't worry about it. As others have noted, it won't be as bad as WDW in terms of standby wait times. It will feel crowded in places like Fantasyland, Adventureland, and New Orleans Square because there just isn't enough room for everyone, but the wait times themselves, particularly with G+, won't be that bad.

If you need areas to get away from the crowds, Cars land, particularly the areas between cars land and Pacific Wharf, and between Cars land and Avengers Campus are generally pretty sparse, have nice scenery, good place to hang out. DCA in general feels way less crowded except for Avengers Campus. You'll be fine crowd wise.

I think World of Color dining package would be better than Fantasmic, although DL's Fantasmic is better than WDW. World of Color will be even more unique for you.

DLR's Table Service options aren't as good as WDW, but Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle are nice in DCA (Carthay can be a bit pricey). Craftsman Bar and Storytellers Cafe (buffet) are good in the Grand Californian.

In terms of rides, the must-dos for a WDW-vet but first time DLR would be:
Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, Radiator Springs Racers (same ride system as Test Track but way better), Space Mountain (way superior to MK), Guardians of the Galaxy (same ride system as tower of terror but lots of fun), Buzz Lightyear (better than WDW), Pirates (better than WDW), and the unique fantasyland rides: Alice, storybook boats, Snow White, Mr Toad. Splash Mountain is the main ride that I think is "worse" at DLR but I think it'll be closed for the Princess and Frog refurb anyways.

Thank you for all of the suggestions. The more I read the more I am looking forward to it.

 

[alleighboo]

I forgot to mention something cool we enjoyed was watching Carsland light up for the evening. It's right around sunset each day so just look up the time and head over there about 5-10 minutes before. At Halloween time they play "I Put a Spell on You". Super fun to watch!

 

[firsttimer4]

My wife and I did DL for the first time over the holidays and found it much quieter and more navigable than almost anytime at WDW. We LOVED it! We left Christmas Eve around midday, which was a Saturday, so I’d have expected that day to be a busy day(?). I have no frame of reference compared to October. Trust the locals on that one. We also noticed that it seemed more choke points/lines snaking versus wait times.

Our passes cover both coasts and have the hopper at DL. That was super useful. I would get that for sure. I bought genie + and also did ILL for RSR. We skipped the rides that are identical to WDW.

We’re WDW regulars (3-4 times a week) so I know WDW crowds like the back of my hands. We did NY Eve in Epcot and thought DL on Christmas Eve was a breeze compared. It was better than I expected it to be using a combination of rope drop, Genie + and ILL.

Hope that helps for comparison. Trust the local knowledge on the time of year!

I am so glad to hear a positive. I am going to have to do some research on these passes

 

[Disney_David]

Hey, Yes, Premier Passport

I am so glad to hear a positive. I am going to have to do some research on these passes

I should have clarified about the passes as it sounds like I have caused some confusion on whether they are generally available. Irlandiase is correct, these passes are no longer sold. They do exist, but within a certain membership only.

Sorry that wasn’t clear. Maybe still a bit cryptic and I hope they go back on general sale!

 

[Kender]

Are those Premier Passports? I didn't think they still existed.

Hey, Yes, Premier Passport

I should have clarified about the passes as it sounds like I have caused some confusion on whether they are generally available. Irlandiase is correct, these passes are no longer sold. They do exist, but within a certain membership only.

Sorry that wasn’t clear. Maybe still a bit cryptic and I hope they go back on general sale!

I was getting ready to respond with something similar since I know those passes still exist (I know due to reasons I won't say and the fact Disney actually let it slip in the fine print for Magic Key Terrace when it was still the Legacy Passholder Terrace in 2021; they've long fixed it, though), just not for the general public. I'm glad you clarified for the previous poster and others that might come across this!

I would be cautious ever mentioning you have that pass honestly and you know why I say that . Better to just say you have a Key for DLR since your pass has the same benefits anyways.