- In the Parks
- No
Is there anything better than visiting Disneyland during Christmas time?
That's a rhetorical question! The last time I visited Disneyland was in November of last year. Just a few months later I was blessed enough to make a trip to Walt Disney World for a full week in Jan - Feb of 2019. Saying I love Disney parks is akin to saying a dog loves a pit of tennis balls. I grew up around Disneyland and it wasn't all that unusual to make a trip twice a year, even though I lived in Dublin, CA, now in the Phoenix AZ area. While this may sound like a blessing to love the parks as much as I do, it is also a curse given the increase in prices, IP-ification of once loved rides, and personal over-attachment to every little thing.
That being said, i'd like to share with you all of my opinions, concerns, comments, and reviews regarding the state of the parks. Below I've compiled a list of experiences and color coded them as follows:
Great!
Meh.
Terrible!
Bear with me as I do my best to provide a status report and general review. If you don't agree, please feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts!
Disneyland Park
New Tomorrowland Entrance (Still a WIP)
Hallelujah, those french fry rocks are gone and the area's charm is really starting to show. Right now there's just a couple of patches of grass, but the concept art is plastered on the construction walls so you can get a real idea of what they're trying to do. I think it's a step in the right direction. Too bad I can't say the same for the rest of Tomorrowland.
Hyperspace Mountain / Tomorrowland Theater
What in gods name has happened to this area? I went in with an open mind - actually, I was sort of excited to see what they did this time around, and I ended up being put in such a bad mood afterward. Hyperspace Mountain was awful. The on-ride projections (the ones that worked, that is) were dim, the queue music was just sorta "meh", the few CM's I talked to were both just as unenthusiastic about Hyperspace as I was.. I mean at what point do we say enough? I'm including Tomorrowland Theater because they were showing "High School Musical" previews (that no one waited for, it was dead) which again just completely takes you out of the mood as the lead female vocalist sung loudly to where you could hear it just before you actually enter the Space Mountain dome. It was like a surreal, bizarre experience to be here and I hated every second of it.
Oh and on my last day, the Tomorrowland theater was closed. I wonder if that was due to a lack of visitors? STEP UP YOUR GAME DISNEY, this was bottom of the barrel low.
Matterhorn
Both sides were working as promised. Although this is a teeth-jarring experience, I still love Matterhorn and the new, scarier Harold.
It's a Small World Holiday
The funny thing is I used to hate IASW growing up. Now as an adult who's looking into starting a family, i'm gonna love taking my kids on it haha. IASWH has so much to offer and the visual appeal is undeniable. This is a very welcome overlay and a great ride to experience. I still find it hilarious that you can clearly see the path your boat is on, compared to say, Pirates (where you can't).
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Let me start by saying i'm looking forward to Mickey Minnies Runaway Railway. Both Roger Rabbit and that will give us the Toontown we deserve. I wish they'd bring back the Trolley though. Roger Rabbit's ride is fun, not much to say.
Fantasyland
Rode Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, Alice in Wonderland - nothing really to report, they're still as charming as they were before. The one experience I did miss was Snow White. I suppose i'll just have to wait and experience it after the upcoming refurb!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Something was up here. The steam effects and explosions didn't work on the final lift hill. Not sure if this was done on purpose, or if TDA is showing a lack of maintenance? Otherwise everything else was working and it's still an incredible attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean
It's amazing how Pirates still stands the test of time regardless of what IP/PC driven factors are implemented. I mean not all changes are bad, I love the new scene before you enter the ship battle (though I must say, I do miss the fog effect). All of the animatronics worked, though some were missing as I assume TDA is doing maintenance by taking out a couple at a time. The guy with his foot hanging over the bridge, and the piano in the skeleton bedroom scene are just a couple of examples.. I noticed they were gone. The new auction scene is hands down the worst thing they've done. No pirate woman sounds like Redd, and the cringy-est line of the ride is "they just wants the rum, dontcha boiiiis".
Weirdly something I remembered this time around was the two men hauling a chest up the final lift hill. I miss that scene
Indiana Jones Adventure
Not one of my favorites, but hands-down one of (if not THE) best rides in Disneyland. The projections were quite dim but I withhold comment seeing IJA is about to go down for an extensive refurbishment. I can't wait to see what they do.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
The best thing about visiting Disneyland during the holidays. There's something very special about this attraction. The music box complimenting the candlelight outside, the eerily appropriate foyer music just before the elevator descend.. the Jack animatronic, the decked out ballroom scene.. there is so much heart here. The only complaint I have is I still don't like the outro past Oogie Boogie. I mean Oogie Boogie itself is fine but the kids in the mirrors should be changed, as should the very last tune you hear after the escalator.
I'm going to outright say it - I don't understand the hate for this ride. I don't understand how the same people who praise Mission Breakout and Hyperspace Mountain and / or Incredicoaster can say they despise HMH..? I get that it's a 4 - 5 month overlay when it shouldn't be.. but this "temp" overlay trumps the newer overlays any day of the week, IMHO.
That being said, I love HM and can't wait to see it in a few months. I wish they would add that creepy piano tune that WDW's version has.
Splash Mountain
Although it's winter, I got my family to ride this at least once. I love Splash with a passion - it's such a positive, laugh when you get wet experience. Oh and yes I got drenched. I noticed something different this time around: The water current was much slower. I wonder if that's a capacity thing, but you enjoy the ride so much more when they're not trying to rush you through it. First time in recent memory I recall the boats going this slow.
Star Wars: Galaxies Edge
Ladies and gentlemen I present to you this "meh" rating. I hate to say it but I only spent maybe 15 - 30 minutes in this land on my entire trip. The only costumed CM I recall seeing was Rey, but other than that the area clearly felt too big, too empty.. it's lacking in real entertainment. The architectural design here is nothing short of brilliant, they really captured the feel of being in a Star Wars universe. But I also feel like that's all it was. There are endless opportunities to spend 100's of dollars on sub-par experiences and merchandise, but there isn't really anything else to do or see.. MF:SR okay fine but I didn't do it because no one in my party had a desire. So what does that leave the average family with? A bunch of random aircraft with occasional puttering engines?
I'm sure when RotR opens things will be different. For now, it's not a great addition. Just meh. Would it have killed them to put in a 3rd, smaller, relaxing ride for the kids and tired adults? A stunt show maybe? More storm-troopers and resistance fighters? I'm also quite disappointed there isn't one AT-ST to be found.
Attractions that looked great AKA rides I enjoyed but don't have a need to express a comment:
Disneyland Railroad
Mark Twain River Boat at sunset
Jungle Cruise
Monorail
Grand Canyon Dinorama (lol.. see what I did?)
Disney's California Adventure
Mickey's Philharmagic
Sorry I mean Donald Duck goes through a couple of Disney movie songs and that's it. This is what they finally replace MV3D with? That's the real joke.
Guardian's of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!
Did you expect anything different from me? There's no reason for Mission Breakout to exist. Rocket hitting his head and saying "that's not part of the plan!" is only funny to that other couple's 5 year old. That freak collector feels shoehorned into what should be his own ride. The on-ride tv screens are looking meh, the outdoor macaroni is starting to fade in the sun. I want to hear something like "September" by Earth Wind Fire or some Michael Jackson (not little Michael) cause at least then i'd enjoy the music. Hit me with your best shot was 3-year-old me's favorite.
Soarin' Around the World
Originally I wasn't a huge fan of this change but I gave it a second chance and came out happy. It's not on the same level as SoC but it's a nice, relaxing, enjoyable experience still. I hope they bring back SoC again this year.
Incredicoaster
Edna, watch the baby.
Babies gone.
Jack-Jack!
JaCk-JaCk!
JACK-JAAACCCKCK!!!
Babies back.
The best ride I had on this, was when the on-board soundtrack didn't work (happened this trip). The only sounds you hear are from the tunnels. I thoroughly enjoyed that, which is bizarre because I felt the exact opposite when this was California Screamin'. The more you do this, the more annoyed you get. It's amazing.
Pixar Pier
Such a laughable, embarrassing watermark representing Chapek's tenure.
Radiator Springs (all of it.. RSR, Mater's Jamboree, Luigi's Ride)
The last high-quality IP land. It's non-intrusive, small(er), brilliant, enjoyable for everyone. There's a lesson to be learned here, especially at how fast TDA was to fix Luigi's tire ride. I have zero complaints here.
Things that looked great AKA stuff I enjoyed but don't have a need to express a comment:
Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Toy Story Midway Mania
Boudin Bread Factory
Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory
Miscellaneous and other experiences
Crowds
Crowds were interesting this time around. It wasn't dead like I was hoping, but it wasn't stupid, shoulder to shoulder everywhere busy either. One thing to note was the rides - some were noticeably running at lower capacity than usual. The water current on Splash was slowed way down, there were times IJA didn't immediately have a jeep ready to board at a station. Things like this were interesting because BTMRR was running many trains BAU (there was no waiting at the station), and Pirates was the same. Pirates never went over a 25 minute wait though from what I saw. Just something to note.
The usual suspects like New Orleans Square & Frontier Land had a good amount of crowds. What really surprised me however was SW:GE. There was wide open space here, way below my crowd expectations. The bazaar part was fairly busy, no surprise, but I think SW:GE is just too big for what it offers. Imagineering dropped the ball because NO newly-developed space in Disneyland should be empty like this.
Food - Specifically, Festival of Holidays
I bit the bullet and got the Festival of Holidays 8 meal-pass thing. This was a mistake IMO and I do not recommend you do it. Festival of Holidays is when Disney sets up various food stalls at DCA and you can try several small things for the prices of a real lunch. I tried the Gingerbread cookie (tasty), beef wellington, reuben potato tots, and a few other things. They were just OK, but i'm not a foodie by any means so take my advice with a grain of salt. I had a turkey sandwich from (I think Pacific Wharf Cafe?) and split it with my SO. This was the best and probably healthiest item I had in the parks.
Annual Pass
Oh yeah, I got a Deluxe AP. I feel like I owe you all an explanation seeing how I was so cocky confident I wasn't going to get one. Well, all things considered I really wanted to take another trip to WDW this year. It was my family who convinced me to get this AP. They recommended going every couple of months and said if we go just 1 more time, we get our money's worth. They are technically correct. I figure the hotels aren't as expensive as the Disney ones in Florida, the trip to CA is easier than Florida, and I can still enjoy a majority of the things Disneyland has to offer. It would be nice to take a weekend getaway every once in awhile and throw in a beach day. There isn't anything of that caliber here in Phoenix sooooo here we are.
My original gripes had to do with the cost (it was 799 plus 100 for maxpass. 900 for an entry-level AP, not considering Flex, which just isn't promising for more than 2 day vacations. Let that sink in.) and also a lot of the recent changes. I say this a lot but I truly believe it: Chapek is a disaster and a joke. Iger is a good CEO but i'm not confident in his handling of the parks either.
Cast Members
Indiana Jones Incident
That's a rhetorical question! The last time I visited Disneyland was in November of last year. Just a few months later I was blessed enough to make a trip to Walt Disney World for a full week in Jan - Feb of 2019. Saying I love Disney parks is akin to saying a dog loves a pit of tennis balls. I grew up around Disneyland and it wasn't all that unusual to make a trip twice a year, even though I lived in Dublin, CA, now in the Phoenix AZ area. While this may sound like a blessing to love the parks as much as I do, it is also a curse given the increase in prices, IP-ification of once loved rides, and personal over-attachment to every little thing.
That being said, i'd like to share with you all of my opinions, concerns, comments, and reviews regarding the state of the parks. Below I've compiled a list of experiences and color coded them as follows:
Great!
Meh.
Terrible!
Bear with me as I do my best to provide a status report and general review. If you don't agree, please feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts!
Disneyland Park
New Tomorrowland Entrance (Still a WIP)
Hallelujah, those french fry rocks are gone and the area's charm is really starting to show. Right now there's just a couple of patches of grass, but the concept art is plastered on the construction walls so you can get a real idea of what they're trying to do. I think it's a step in the right direction. Too bad I can't say the same for the rest of Tomorrowland.
Hyperspace Mountain / Tomorrowland Theater
What in gods name has happened to this area? I went in with an open mind - actually, I was sort of excited to see what they did this time around, and I ended up being put in such a bad mood afterward. Hyperspace Mountain was awful. The on-ride projections (the ones that worked, that is) were dim, the queue music was just sorta "meh", the few CM's I talked to were both just as unenthusiastic about Hyperspace as I was.. I mean at what point do we say enough? I'm including Tomorrowland Theater because they were showing "High School Musical" previews (that no one waited for, it was dead) which again just completely takes you out of the mood as the lead female vocalist sung loudly to where you could hear it just before you actually enter the Space Mountain dome. It was like a surreal, bizarre experience to be here and I hated every second of it.
Oh and on my last day, the Tomorrowland theater was closed. I wonder if that was due to a lack of visitors? STEP UP YOUR GAME DISNEY, this was bottom of the barrel low.
Matterhorn
Both sides were working as promised. Although this is a teeth-jarring experience, I still love Matterhorn and the new, scarier Harold.
It's a Small World Holiday
The funny thing is I used to hate IASW growing up. Now as an adult who's looking into starting a family, i'm gonna love taking my kids on it haha. IASWH has so much to offer and the visual appeal is undeniable. This is a very welcome overlay and a great ride to experience. I still find it hilarious that you can clearly see the path your boat is on, compared to say, Pirates (where you can't).
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Let me start by saying i'm looking forward to Mickey Minnies Runaway Railway. Both Roger Rabbit and that will give us the Toontown we deserve. I wish they'd bring back the Trolley though. Roger Rabbit's ride is fun, not much to say.
Fantasyland
Rode Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Mr. Toad, Alice in Wonderland - nothing really to report, they're still as charming as they were before. The one experience I did miss was Snow White. I suppose i'll just have to wait and experience it after the upcoming refurb!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Something was up here. The steam effects and explosions didn't work on the final lift hill. Not sure if this was done on purpose, or if TDA is showing a lack of maintenance? Otherwise everything else was working and it's still an incredible attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean
It's amazing how Pirates still stands the test of time regardless of what IP/PC driven factors are implemented. I mean not all changes are bad, I love the new scene before you enter the ship battle (though I must say, I do miss the fog effect). All of the animatronics worked, though some were missing as I assume TDA is doing maintenance by taking out a couple at a time. The guy with his foot hanging over the bridge, and the piano in the skeleton bedroom scene are just a couple of examples.. I noticed they were gone. The new auction scene is hands down the worst thing they've done. No pirate woman sounds like Redd, and the cringy-est line of the ride is "they just wants the rum, dontcha boiiiis".
Weirdly something I remembered this time around was the two men hauling a chest up the final lift hill. I miss that scene
Indiana Jones Adventure
Not one of my favorites, but hands-down one of (if not THE) best rides in Disneyland. The projections were quite dim but I withhold comment seeing IJA is about to go down for an extensive refurbishment. I can't wait to see what they do.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
The best thing about visiting Disneyland during the holidays. There's something very special about this attraction. The music box complimenting the candlelight outside, the eerily appropriate foyer music just before the elevator descend.. the Jack animatronic, the decked out ballroom scene.. there is so much heart here. The only complaint I have is I still don't like the outro past Oogie Boogie. I mean Oogie Boogie itself is fine but the kids in the mirrors should be changed, as should the very last tune you hear after the escalator.
I'm going to outright say it - I don't understand the hate for this ride. I don't understand how the same people who praise Mission Breakout and Hyperspace Mountain and / or Incredicoaster can say they despise HMH..? I get that it's a 4 - 5 month overlay when it shouldn't be.. but this "temp" overlay trumps the newer overlays any day of the week, IMHO.
That being said, I love HM and can't wait to see it in a few months. I wish they would add that creepy piano tune that WDW's version has.
Splash Mountain
Although it's winter, I got my family to ride this at least once. I love Splash with a passion - it's such a positive, laugh when you get wet experience. Oh and yes I got drenched. I noticed something different this time around: The water current was much slower. I wonder if that's a capacity thing, but you enjoy the ride so much more when they're not trying to rush you through it. First time in recent memory I recall the boats going this slow.
Star Wars: Galaxies Edge
Ladies and gentlemen I present to you this "meh" rating. I hate to say it but I only spent maybe 15 - 30 minutes in this land on my entire trip. The only costumed CM I recall seeing was Rey, but other than that the area clearly felt too big, too empty.. it's lacking in real entertainment. The architectural design here is nothing short of brilliant, they really captured the feel of being in a Star Wars universe. But I also feel like that's all it was. There are endless opportunities to spend 100's of dollars on sub-par experiences and merchandise, but there isn't really anything else to do or see.. MF:SR okay fine but I didn't do it because no one in my party had a desire. So what does that leave the average family with? A bunch of random aircraft with occasional puttering engines?
I'm sure when RotR opens things will be different. For now, it's not a great addition. Just meh. Would it have killed them to put in a 3rd, smaller, relaxing ride for the kids and tired adults? A stunt show maybe? More storm-troopers and resistance fighters? I'm also quite disappointed there isn't one AT-ST to be found.
Attractions that looked great AKA rides I enjoyed but don't have a need to express a comment:
Disneyland Railroad
Mark Twain River Boat at sunset
Jungle Cruise
Monorail
Grand Canyon Dinorama (lol.. see what I did?)
Disney's California Adventure
Mickey's Philharmagic
Sorry I mean Donald Duck goes through a couple of Disney movie songs and that's it. This is what they finally replace MV3D with? That's the real joke.
Guardian's of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!
Did you expect anything different from me? There's no reason for Mission Breakout to exist. Rocket hitting his head and saying "that's not part of the plan!" is only funny to that other couple's 5 year old. That freak collector feels shoehorned into what should be his own ride. The on-ride tv screens are looking meh, the outdoor macaroni is starting to fade in the sun. I want to hear something like "September" by Earth Wind Fire or some Michael Jackson (not little Michael) cause at least then i'd enjoy the music. Hit me with your best shot was 3-year-old me's favorite.
Soarin' Around the World
Originally I wasn't a huge fan of this change but I gave it a second chance and came out happy. It's not on the same level as SoC but it's a nice, relaxing, enjoyable experience still. I hope they bring back SoC again this year.
Incredicoaster
Edna, watch the baby.
Babies gone.
Jack-Jack!
JaCk-JaCk!
JACK-JAAACCCKCK!!!
Babies back.
The best ride I had on this, was when the on-board soundtrack didn't work (happened this trip). The only sounds you hear are from the tunnels. I thoroughly enjoyed that, which is bizarre because I felt the exact opposite when this was California Screamin'. The more you do this, the more annoyed you get. It's amazing.
Pixar Pier
Such a laughable, embarrassing watermark representing Chapek's tenure.
Radiator Springs (all of it.. RSR, Mater's Jamboree, Luigi's Ride)
The last high-quality IP land. It's non-intrusive, small(er), brilliant, enjoyable for everyone. There's a lesson to be learned here, especially at how fast TDA was to fix Luigi's tire ride. I have zero complaints here.
Things that looked great AKA stuff I enjoyed but don't have a need to express a comment:
Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Toy Story Midway Mania
Boudin Bread Factory
Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory
Miscellaneous and other experiences
Crowds
Crowds were interesting this time around. It wasn't dead like I was hoping, but it wasn't stupid, shoulder to shoulder everywhere busy either. One thing to note was the rides - some were noticeably running at lower capacity than usual. The water current on Splash was slowed way down, there were times IJA didn't immediately have a jeep ready to board at a station. Things like this were interesting because BTMRR was running many trains BAU (there was no waiting at the station), and Pirates was the same. Pirates never went over a 25 minute wait though from what I saw. Just something to note.
The usual suspects like New Orleans Square & Frontier Land had a good amount of crowds. What really surprised me however was SW:GE. There was wide open space here, way below my crowd expectations. The bazaar part was fairly busy, no surprise, but I think SW:GE is just too big for what it offers. Imagineering dropped the ball because NO newly-developed space in Disneyland should be empty like this.
Food - Specifically, Festival of Holidays
I bit the bullet and got the Festival of Holidays 8 meal-pass thing. This was a mistake IMO and I do not recommend you do it. Festival of Holidays is when Disney sets up various food stalls at DCA and you can try several small things for the prices of a real lunch. I tried the Gingerbread cookie (tasty), beef wellington, reuben potato tots, and a few other things. They were just OK, but i'm not a foodie by any means so take my advice with a grain of salt. I had a turkey sandwich from (I think Pacific Wharf Cafe?) and split it with my SO. This was the best and probably healthiest item I had in the parks.
Annual Pass
Oh yeah, I got a Deluxe AP. I feel like I owe you all an explanation seeing how I was so cocky confident I wasn't going to get one. Well, all things considered I really wanted to take another trip to WDW this year. It was my family who convinced me to get this AP. They recommended going every couple of months and said if we go just 1 more time, we get our money's worth. They are technically correct. I figure the hotels aren't as expensive as the Disney ones in Florida, the trip to CA is easier than Florida, and I can still enjoy a majority of the things Disneyland has to offer. It would be nice to take a weekend getaway every once in awhile and throw in a beach day. There isn't anything of that caliber here in Phoenix sooooo here we are.
My original gripes had to do with the cost (it was 799 plus 100 for maxpass. 900 for an entry-level AP, not considering Flex, which just isn't promising for more than 2 day vacations. Let that sink in.) and also a lot of the recent changes. I say this a lot but I truly believe it: Chapek is a disaster and a joke. Iger is a good CEO but i'm not confident in his handling of the parks either.
Cast Members
Indiana Jones Incident
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