I am heading to WDW for the first time ever in January 29 - Feb 8. I had my first trip to DL when I was ten and try to get back every year or so and think of DL as my favorite place... A thread has been steaming away for the past couple of days about the difference between ToT at DL vs WDW and it's got me wondering what other things I should be sure to try out for their differences. I know that a lot of the rides in the Magic Kingdom are the same as at DL and if time or crowds made me decide to give them a miss and then I found out that there was some big difference, I'd be annoyed with myself. so, are there any big differences that I should be aware of, or things I really should not miss? any advice greatly appreciated as always!

Congratulations on your upcoming first visit to WDW!! I'm sure the posters who'll follow me will give you lots of advice, tips & help. But for your first visit I hope you'll be reading one of the many official or unofficial guidebooks to WDW. The differences between the 2 resorts are just too numerous to discuss on these boards. I know for a fact the unofficial guide gives you an attraction by attraction comparison of the attractions that are found in both resorts (although it's safe to say many of us Disney fans would disagree ,as you've seen in the Tower of Terror comparison thread). So again, both resorts are very similar yet very different. I love them both and I'm sure you will to. But a good guide book is essential especially for a first timer and you'll certainly have time to study it on your flight from Melbourne to Orlando!!!

We are going to WDW next summer (and I have only been to WDW one other time - 10 years ago) but the BIG differences that I want to see is the Mickey's Philharmagic (sp?) and Liberty Square. I am making a list of MUST see's; would like to see and can wait for another time. I want to see the differences in Splash Mountain, Pirates and Big Thunder. IF I get to see those things, then it will be icing on top of my beautifuly decorated cake! (I think I know what I mean, but then again, I might not!)

But for your first visit I hope you'll be reading one of the many official or unofficial guidebooks to WDW. The differences between the 2 resorts are just too numerous to discuss on these boards. I know for a fact the unofficial guide gives you an attraction by attraction comparison of the attractions that are found in both resorts

This is the best advice. The differences ARE enormous - it's still the same Disney magic, just in a completely different way.

A few examples: the lines are much shorter (for most rides), the way in which the Magic Kingdom was constructed is very open in regards to walking space yet most of the lines for the rides are enclosed within the ride's buildings. The longest line we waited in was for Space Mountain and that said "30 min" wait and we only waited maybe 10 mins.

WDW is truly a unique, magical experience. Congratulations! I am so excited for you. I love that place and can't wait to take my daughter there some day.

Two that I prefer the WDW version of are TOT and Splash Mtn. One that has gone horribly wrong at WDW is Tiki Room!

You also might want to catch the attractions that are still at WDW, but no longer at DL. There might be more, but ones I can think of are: Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree, Swiss Family Treehouse, and People Mover (or TTA).

As others have said the differences between the two are huge, and I echo carolinakid's recommendations about a good guidebook.

Happy planning!

First, be aware that the parks are much more spread out than in California. You can't walk from one park to another (well, you can walk from Epcot's back door to the Studios, but it's a hike!). There's terrific bus service between all the resorts and your hotel (assuming you're staying on property?).

The Magic Kingdom, while laid out like Disneyland, is much larger. Tomorrowland will remind you of the good ol' days, with the Peoplemover still operating and the Astrojets still up on top of the central pylon like God intended them to be! ;) The carny type rides like Dumbo and the teacups are basically the same. Other than that, there are more than enough differences in like rides such as the Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and the Jungle Cruise to warrant a visit. And don't miss the Hall of Presidents - DL doesn't have anything quite like it.

Emmah,

The one big difference I noticed between WDW and DLR was the “feel” of the vacation. To us, at DLR, it was all about the parks, with a focus on the DL Park. At WDW, it was all about the total vacation experience, with a focus on all the parks plus a focus on dining, hotels, recreational opportunities, water parks, nightlife, special festivals, etc.

WDW and DLR are two totally different experiences. I truly can’t even compare them. They are both great Resorts in their own ways, but you will probably like the Resort with which you grew up with the best, because that is what your idea of a Disney holiday should be. Just please don’t concentrate all your efforts on the Magic Kingdom. There is just sooooooo much more to WDW than the Magic Kingdom.

Since you are going in January/February, be sure to bring warm clothing. It gets cold in January/February, so maybe the wonderful water parks will be a bit too cold during your stay. Also, there are no festivals going on during your stay either. The festivals make the parks even more wonderful and are a whole lot of fun!!! But, you will be at Disney. Hopefully you will be able to have some time to explore the beautiful theming and atmosphere of World Showcase and Animal Kingdom, dine at some of WDW’s wonderful restaurants, and partake in some of the recreational activities while you are visiting….and hopefully you are staying on site. That makes a LOT of difference, since you will be enveloped in everything Disney. As others have mentioned, a good guide book will help you plan your holiday. And, of course, you always have us!!!

Both DLR and WDW offer very unique, but different, experiences....and you will love them both in their own special ways.

Something in NYC's post triggered a little flag in my brain...
Have you made your ADRs yet? Yes, you're going at a less-busy time of the year, and yes, I think the dining plan may be less popular due to the 2008 changes, but if you're planning on any Character meals, or hoping to do any dinner shows or more popular restaurants in the parks, I HIGHLY recommend making your dining reservations very soon! You may still be able to get walk-in or same-day reservations, but anything that would 'make or break' your vacation should be made now.

We go to Disneyland often and we just got back form our first trip to Disneyworld. The rides can be simular but are different.

Pirates at DL is about 15 minutes long where as MK is about 7.and we noticed 2 major sences missing from the MK.

They changed the Tiki room at MK to include Zazu form the lion king and Iago from Aladdin and is not the same at all. i felt like i was in a very bad dream.

I thought that Splash followed the story line better at MK but the colors were better at DL

The Jungle cruise is similar but I think the MK guides have more fun with the material, we went on it 3 times and about 50% of the material was different each time.

We loved Snow white at MK. there is more of a story to it and the ending is a lot better. =)

Winnie the pooh is similar but the beehive that you are in seat 4 and bounces differently depending on what scene you are in. Be sure took look at Owl's pictures in his house. on the right you will see a picture of Mr. Toad -- the ride that Pooh Replaced.

space mountain is set up like the bobsleds at DL. one side seemed faster, but I can recall which side it was.

We thought of DL to be for inviting. MK feels like a never ending line pushing you from one to another and attractions are spaced out more. the line queue seems to be twice as long too.

The only "same" ride experience you might have is star tours and soarin

my best advice would be to try everything -- even if it's not "age appropriate" we passed out dumbo for years and on a recent trip to DL when down the list and rode everything. now dumbo is a must anytime we go.

I hope that helps -- oh and bring at least 2 pairs of shoes!

like Wendy Bird, we too just got back from 1st ever trip to WDW.

All of us loved MK, not really sure which park would come in 2nd, not AK though. My 9 yr old was just telling me he really liked the World Showcase at EPCOT, in that case I just saved a bundle in a Euro vacation!::D

Really enjoyed the walkup food services setups in both MK & MGM, especially Harbor House in MK.

Bus service was handy, just make sure you get on the right one, and get off at the right stop (damn DTD).

We did end up using our rental car for most park visits, that way we could make our own dinner plan at the end of the day.

Had a great morning of Mini Golf (or Mini Putt if you prefer)at Winter Summerland. We did without a trip to the water parks.

thanks everyone, these have been so helpful. also bad, because you are making me even more excited! we are staying at the wilderness lodge and we have not yet made any dining reservations. having a bit of trouble accepting that we really have to be *that* organised! in January at DL, you can walk in anywhere - I believe from everything I have read here that this is not the case at WDW but actually putting that into practice is a bit of a hurdle. I bought the unofficial guide 2008 a couple of weeks back and it all looks great, but a lot of it *sounds* similar to DL/DCA attractions, hence the question. thanks again!