Waiting til 2015 for DL?

rufio

rufio

Well-Known Member
As I'm starting to type this, I'm realizing that this is the smart thing to do. We were planning to take a trip to DL (our first) in September of 2013. We are DVC members, and from what I hear it can be tricky to get a room at the Grand Californian, so that's strike number one. Because of our Disney Wedding, we have APs that will be good through December 2013.

Because of this, we wanted to go to WDW again, but we've never been to DL and we've already promised our families a trip to WDW in 2014. Basically, if we wait on DL it'll be three more years before we get there. I really hope this is making sense...

So anyway, what would you do? Wait it out and use APs to get a semi-free trip to WDW next year, or suck it up and pay the price to visit DL since we've never been there?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Cosmic Commando

Cosmic Commando

Well-Known Member
Since you've never been to Disneyland, you don't know what you're missing and that makes it easier to wait. Plus, Disneyland is almost definitely going to start another big round of expansion soon that will likely wrap up in 2015... the perfect time for your next trip. I wouldn't let those AP's go to waste, although you could probably pay to upgrade to the Premier pass for about the same price as regular tickets to Disneyland. Having AP's at Disneyland opens up a slew of discounts, even at many off-site hotels.
 
Upvote 0
real mad hatter

real mad hatter

Well-Known Member
Strange but true.In 2001 we visited DW sister in Los Angeles for three weeks,we had one weekend staying in Vegas,and one weekend in San Deigo,visiting Mexico,and of course took in DL. The magic didn't take hold of me till we went to WDW in 2004. Why? I've no idea.Does Disneyworld have more magic than Disneyland?
 
Upvote 0
Skooterkid

Skooterkid

Well-Known Member
Save your DVC points and stay off-site. Disneyland has nowhere near the same level of immersion as the Disney World resorts, so you won't be missing out on much by staying at the cheaper hotels on Harbour Boulevard, and many of the hotels there are 5/10 minute walk from the parks. You could wait until 2015, but then you'll have to wait another 3 years!? I've been going to Disney World every year for the past 14 years, and I visited Disneyland for the first time last year, and I can honestly say that it is the best Disney park of them all, for reasons I think you'll understand right away! You'll probably only need a few days there, as there are only 2 parks, so it might work out cheaper in that respect too... but I really can't recommend Disneyland enough!
 
Upvote 0
Californian Elitist

Californian Elitist

Well-Known Member
real mad hatter said:
Strange but true.In 2001 we visited DW sister in Los Angeles for three weeks,we had one weekend staying in Vegas,and one weekend in San Deigo,visiting Mexico,and of course took in DL. The magic didn't take hold of me till we went to WDW in 2004. Why? I've no idea.Does Disneyworld have more magic than Disneyland?
Click to expand...

2001 was not the year to be at Disneyland. Things have changed now, it's completely different than it was eleven years ago. Just ask everyone who's been making trips West to the original Magic Kingdom and they'll tell you.
 
Upvote 0
sgtmgd

sgtmgd

Well-Known Member
I would see if the resort is open...for your APs..if not Is then price.the stay for both on and off site...air fare park hoppers..and everything else you would normally so...just a good cost analysis..and see what the damage would be in relation to your normal wdw vacations..with only two parks I'm guessing two days in each park is enough time plus a day on each side to fly in and out.
 
Upvote 0
rufio

rufio

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
All great advice :)

I think we'll go to WDW next year and just hold out for our big DL trip. My fiance is a merchant marine and often gets off the ship in Long Beach. We talked last night about me meeting him there and taking a 1 or 2 day trip to DL sometime in the next year or so. It will definitely be a lot easier without needing to buy tickets for our WDW vacation!

Cosmic Commando said:
I wouldn't let those AP's go to waste, although you could probably pay to upgrade to the Premier pass for about the same price as regular tickets to Disneyland.
Click to expand...

What is a premier pass? I've never had APs! I only have them because of the wedding.
 
Upvote 0
real mad hatter

real mad hatter

Well-Known Member
raven24 said:
2001 was not the year to be at Disneyland. Things have changed now, it's completely different than it was eleven years ago. Just ask everyone who's been making trips West to the original Magic Kingdom and they'll tell you.
Click to expand...
2001 indeed was not a good year.We were there on our anniversary which is September 11th.
 
Upvote 0
paul436

paul436

Active Member
real mad hatter said:
The magic didn't take hold of me till we went to WDW in 2004. Why? I've no idea.Does Disneyworld have more magic than Disneyland?
Click to expand...
This happened with my DW as well. In 1992, we took a day trip to DL before embarking on a cruise out of LA. She wasn't particularly impressed but completely fell under the Disney spell on her first visit to WDW in 2000.

To the OP, if you can afford both trips...take both trips! I love DL! I would suggest when you do go that you don't compare the two worlds (although inevitably we all do I think). Take in the Disney magic that is most certaninly there.

But waiting until 2015 to visit DL because you're visiting WDW in '13 and '14 won't be so disappointing. You're still going to Disney every year.
 
Upvote 0
M

Mks95

Member
We went to disneylands carsland opening weekend and it was amazing as well as the Grand Californian. While the other hotels are cheaper there is nothing like detouring from the attraction path directly into the hotel and loved the private entrance. Have a 10 day WDW trip planned in sept. and I hate to say but I'd really rather go back to DL instead. 4 days not enough any longer. Also found DL cast members to be much nicer than WDW's . And try to do the DL plaza breakfast (we met 12 characters that day including clarabella and pip penguin).
 
Upvote 0
Cmdr_Crimson

Cmdr_Crimson

Well-Known Member
Too bad your not going in Aug 2013..Not only will you have DL & DCA but also The Disney D23 Expo...And it's ALL Things Disney..I went last year and it was AMAZING! I loved it! And I'm going back for next years in August.
 
Upvote 0

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom