So Anthony - how did you go in WDW?
Since we got back it has been absolutely hectic, with work, and other things going in life, so haven't been on the boards for a while.
We had a great time, as you would expect, but there were 2 things that was an absolute surprise. 1 was the cost of everything. The Genie+ costs didn't help but everything has gone up lots. To be expected for sure, but clearly the budget was underdone (didn't stop us though). 2 was the amount of people. We expected lowish crowds for both DL and WDW and OMG the crowd levels we experienced at both locations was holiday like levels. In hindsight we wasted some money on genie+ because on some days, like Hollywood Studios, we couldn't use it because the crowds were too great. Just on Hollywood Studios, it has fast become my least favoured park now. High crowds, too much concrete, bits and pieces locations of things and rides are just way too popular. Having said that, Galaxy's Edge is just truly so amazing, and my most favourite place (DL version though, less crowds).
The new attractions are on a new level. Avatar, Rise of the Resistance and Guardians Galaxy Rewind are incredible and so much fun. We missed the opening of Tron by a fortnight. They're so immersive, exciting - just blow your mind. Not enough superlatives for them. We stayed at French Quarter Riverside in WDW and remembered why it is our favourite. Just so peaceful and tranquil when you're there. We did some new things (for us) like Hoopty Doo Review, Chef Mickeys (disappointing) and personally think Harmonious was harshly criticised. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Anthony how was the weather when you were there?
Again sorry didn't respond earlier. Weather was warmer than expected. We only took a few summer items but needed more than we thought. Days were beautiful, great temps, but nights still had a chill in them. Problem was we started the trip in San Fran, and even Anaheim was freezing when we were there, and once we left the Wish, we headed to NYC, which was cold, so packing was a challenge. We did have 1 day of cool weather and rain, which unfortunately we were at EPCOT which doesn't handle rain well in World Showcase, but meh, we survived. We took wet weather gear which helped.
We had a wonderful trip. Glad we did both sides in the same trip. Universal Orlando is just amazing and is rivalling WDW as a destination. We love WDW, the whole complex, but gained a renewed love of the original, Disneyland - which was likely helped through our son-in-law who we took for his first trip, and we probably saw the place through different eyes. He is now hooked and can't get enough of it, a very familiar journey to one which we took. We also met up with our other daughter and her fiancee in WDW, and were worried about him because he's a very cynical and serious type of person, but we were pleasantly surprised by the way he reacted, and is also talking about return trips. So we converted 2 for 2 which was a huge win for us!
2023 Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines - Disney Wish. Going to be awesome to be back!
All that said, I'd totally go back as it was amazing to see!
