WDW vs. Disneyland

[MM2Hero]

We live in Southern California and have been to DL/DCA several times since having our kids (9 y/o and 5 y/o). We are spending 4 days in Orlando before going on a Disney cruise next Feb. My thoughts are to spend 2 days at the Universal Parks since we are Harry Potter fans and have never been to Universal studios, then spend the other 2 days going to AK, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Does this sound like a reasonable plan to see parks that are different than DL? Should we make time to go to MK?

Thanks!

 

[BrianL]

We live in Southern California and have been to DL/DCA several times since having our kids (9 y/o and 5 y/o). We are spending 4 days in Orlando before going on a Disney cruise next Feb. My thoughts are to spend 2 days at the Universal Parks since we are Harry Potter fans and have never been to Universal studios, then spend the other 2 days going to AK, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Does this sound like a reasonable plan to see parks that are different than DL? Should we make time to go to MK?

Thanks!

MK does offer some different things than DL. Even rides that are "the same" aren't really. You may find some lackluster compared to DL (Pirates) and some much better (Haunted Mansion). There is also the new Seven Dwarves Mine Train, which is unique. I generally find the parades and level of entertainment much better at MK as well. MK is bigger, but actually has fewer attractions than DL overall.

Also note that some attractions at the other parks are the same as over at DLR. Hollywood studios for example has Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Muppet Vision and Toy Story Midway Mania; Epcot has Soarin' and Captain EO. These attractions really are identical to their West Coast counterparts (ToT is actually a little different, better in FL). AK is your totally unique park and I highly recommend seeing that.

I would really look at attraction lists and compare. I personally enjoy riding "variant" versions of rides I know well to see the little differences.

 

[sharonabe]

Since you're going to have the hopper anyway, I would at least go to MK for something (Wishes, maybe). You need to see the castle and the differences MK has to DL. I would probably skip Fantasmic! at the Studios and hop over to MK for Wishes. F! is so much better at DL. But you can't miss Illuminations at EP, so make sure you're there one of your two nights.

 

[dmband]

Keep in mind travel time at wdw is going to cost you a lot of time.
What can be done in 2 days at dl will not even come close at wdw
One of the best parts of dl is everything being right there and where you can walk in a few mins is going to take you like an hr to at wdw

 

[MM2Hero]

Thanks for your input! I'll go over the attraction list with the kids and make the comparisons.

 

[FreddyMercury]

Honestly, if you're going to skip one, I would bypass Hollywood studios. The park is basically all but closed down. And the attractions that ARE open are either twins of their DL counterparts or in DESPERATE need of refurbishment. The only thing their worth your time seeing would be Rockin Roller coaster.. But as far as roller coasters go, I'm not a fan. It's way too long a line for way way too short a ride. They do have some great attractions there... Star Tours, muppets, Toy Story, and ToT (which is one of my all time favs).. But these can all be done in California. And you can't NOT go to Magic Kingdom. If anything, a half day at Hollywood Studios is totally possible.

 

[hiroMYhero]

If you are park hopping, do go to Hollywood Studios for Tower of Terror. Our first ToT ride was at DHS and when DCA opened, we were surprised it was so different and better at DHS.

For MK, Philharmagic and walking around the Fantasyland expansion is worth it just to experience it. It may not have that immersive/inclusive feeling like Carsland in DCA, but, it's fun to "be there."

 

[scrappymel]

Sounds like your plan is a good one. AK generally closes earlier than the other parks, so that's a good opportunity to hop to another park in the evening. I think of all the parks, DHS is the most similar to the feel of DCA. However, ToT is MUCH better at DHS and Rockin' Roller Coaster is a must for my family. Maybe you could combine those two parks into one day?

EPCOT world showcase is totally different and you could devote days to it, but if you do have time to just go into MK (maybe eat at BOG?) for a bit, it is beautiful and the same and totally different.

Have a great time in FL!

 

[MillauFr]

Yes I would skip Magic Kingdom if you don't have the time. I found most the rides inferior or the same to those at DL. The only ride that was a wee bit better was Jungle Cruise.