Disneyland sold out for the rest of December - OCR/SCNG

[TP2000]

I went to two Christmas parties this weekend; one swanky yet a tad dull, and one less formal but quite boozy and a helluva lotta fun. I can still do The Twist if you play the right music!

At both events the topic of a Disneyland Christmas visit with grandkids or family came up in conversation and both times the concept of needing a park reservation to get in was shocking news to almost everyone involved.

Which makes me think, this must be a real problem for TDA every single day when they are already “booked”.

In both cases this weekend, the people talking about it were smart, savvy people. They all own a business and worked their tails off for 40+ years to build a comfortable life for themselves. They are not stupid. But they, and quite a few others at both parties, had no idea you have to make a reservation to get in. At the second and boozier party, a couple there were former Club 33 members and railed about why they left the Club post-Covid. But in both conversations there were people who were just going to drive the grandkids and family over to Disneyland in the upcoming days like they always have, and had no idea about reservations.

This can’t be just a coincidence. And I hadn’t really thought about it before now. But there must be a ton of people who show up every day on Disneyland Drive to park their car and have no idea they can’t get in because they have no reservation.

And that problem will get even worse during the extremely popular Christmas weeks ahead. Yikes!

 

[CaptinEO]

I went to two Christmas parties this weekend; one swanky yet a tad dull, and one less formal but quite boozy and a helluva lotta fun. I can still do The Twist if you play the right music!

At both events the topic of a Disneyland Christmas visit with grandkids or family came up in conversation and both times the concept of needing a park reservation to get in was shocking news to almost everyone involved.

Which makes me think, this must be a real problem for TDA every single day when they are already “booked”.

In both cases this weekend, the people talking about it were smart, savvy people. They all own a business and worked their tails off for 40+ years to build a comfortable life for themselves. They are not stupid. But they, and quite a few others at both parties, had no idea you have to make a reservation to get in. At the second and boozier party, a couple there were former Club 33 members and railed about why they left the Club post-Covid. But in both conversations there were people who were just going to drive the grandkids and family over to Disneyland in the upcoming days like they always have, and had no idea about reservations.

This can’t be just a coincidence. And I hadn’t really thought about it before now. But there must be a ton of people who show up every day on Disneyland Drive to park their car and have no idea they can’t get in because they have no reservation.

And that problem will get even worse during the extremely popular Christmas weeks ahead. Yikes!

You're absolutely right, I think hundreds of people show up each day not knowing about the reservations. They probably walk the 2 mile tram route too after paying 30 dollars to park their car.

Then they wait in the ticket booth line and are told they can't enter the park. To top it all off they have to walk 2 miles back to their car.

It's possible Disney has some reservations set aside for people who just show up, but who knows.

None of Disney's advertising or marketing emphasizes the reservation requirement. Since the park has been open and allowed walk ups for 65 years it's only natural most people will continue to do the same.

I will say it was nice going for Chrisrmastime this weekend and for it to not be mobbed. But I do feel for all the families that will be turned away at the gates.

 

[CaptinEO]

Remember that Disney has 6 and a half decades experience of running and adequately staffing a themepark.

They don't need reservations to figure out how many employees need to work there each day.

Just like every themepark they have all the metrics, know every school break nation wide, and know each holiday.

 

[erstwo]

So, I see that I can purchase a Park Hopper pass and enter California Adventure as my 'starting' park for the date I'd like to go - can I then park hop over to Disneyland at 1:00?

 

[chadwpalm]

You're absolutely right, I think hundreds of people show up each day not knowing about the reservations.

I don't doubt that a handful of people make it to Anaheim without knowing there is a reservation system, but I doubt it is hundreds a day.

They probably walk the 2 mile tram route too after paying 30 dollars to park their car. Then they wait in the ticket booth line and are told they can't enter the park. To top it all off they have to walk 2 miles back to their car.

I've been to Disneyland twice since it's opened. The first visit was with parking at M&F making that 2/3 mile (not 2 mile) long tram route and the second was coming in on the east side Harbor entrance. You can't even drive your car into M&F without seeing at least 1 or 2 signs telling you about needing a reservation. And even if you did miss those, there are at least a few more between leaving your car and making it to the start of the tram route.

There are also at least 2 or 3 signs on the walkway between Harbor and the bag check.

None of Disney's advertising or marketing emphasizes the reservation requirement. Since the park has been open and allowed walk ups for 65 years it's only natural most people will continue to do the same.

When Disneyland first re-opened:

Before the holidays:

Billboard:

I've even heard radio commercials that state you need a reservation.

I know you are trying to prove a point through hyperbole and I'm not saying nobody makes it at least to Anaheim without knowing about reservations, but I don't think it's hundreds or even dozens.

Between TV, radio, billboards, newspapers, television news, or even word of mouth, you'd have to be really living in seclusion to not at least have an idea you need reservations, or just plain not be interested in going. Especially being in Covid times, most people are at least going to visit the website to look at what the current restrictions or vax requirements are. It would be hard for me to believe that anyone serious about going to the parks isn't going to at least visit the website once to find the Covid info, or park hours, or entertainment schedules, or see what's new there, etc. It's 2021....people don't just randomly go somewhere without at least some minor investigations....again, especially in Covid times.

I just looked up three random hotels on or near Harbor and all of them so far have stated that Disneyland needs reservations.

Relating back to what @TP2000 said....sure....you can probably talk to a lot of people and find that most of them don't know about the reservation system, probably because they haven't given any thought to going or at least just started making plans. I mean, if you were planning to take a trip to Disneyland, whether it's a vacation from far away or just going for the day 30 minutes out, wouldn't you at least jump on the website to get the pricing, park hours, or Covid information before blindly jumping into a car and driving there when you haven't been there in at least 2 years or more? I'm just rambling now.

 

[chadwpalm]

So, I see that I can purchase a Park Hopper pass and enter California Adventure as my 'starting' park for the date I'd like to go - can I then park hop over to Disneyland at 1:00?

You sure can! And even stay there the rest of the day.

 

[CaptinEO]

I don't doubt that a handful of people make it to Anaheim without knowing there is a reservation system, but I doubt it is hundreds a day.

I've been to Disneyland twice since it's opened. The first visit was with parking at M&F making that 2/3 mile (not 2 mile) long tram route and the second was coming in on the east side Harbor entrance. You can't even drive your car into M&F without seeing at least 1 or 2 signs telling you about needing a reservation. And even if you did miss those, there are at least a few more between leaving your car and making it to the start of the tram route.

There are also at least 2 or 3 signs on the walkway between Harbor and the bag check.


When Disneyland first re-opened:
View attachment 607115

Before the holidays:
View attachment 607116

Billboard:
View attachment 607117

I've even heard radio commercials that state you need a reservation.

I know you are trying to prove a point through hyperbole and I'm not saying nobody makes it at least to Anaheim without knowing about reservations, but I don't think it's hundreds or even dozens.

Between TV, radio, billboards, newspapers, television news, or even word of mouth, you'd have to be really living in seclusion to not at least have an idea you need reservations, or just plain not be interested in going. Especially being in Covid times, most people are at least going to visit the website to look at what the current restrictions or vax requirements are. It would be hard for me to believe that anyone serious about going to the parks isn't going to at least visit the website once to find the Covid info, or park hours, or entertainment schedules, or see what's new there, etc. It's 2021....people don't just randomly go somewhere without at least some minor investigations....again, especially in Covid times.

I just looked up three random hotels on or near Harbor and all of them so far have stated that Disneyland needs reservations.

Relating back to what @TP2000 said....sure....you can probably talk to a lot of people and find that most of them don't know about the reservation system, probably because they haven't given any thought to going or at least just started making plans. I mean, if you were planning to take a trip to Disneyland, whether it's a vacation from far away or just going for the day 30 minutes out, wouldn't you at least jump on the website to get the pricing, park hours, or Covid information before blindly jumping into a car and driving there when you haven't been there in at least 2 years or more? I'm just rambling now.

I can see your points but I personally had 3 relatives in town staying from out of state near Disneyland with no reservations and had to guide them 2 days before they were scheduled to visit.

They are in their early 30s too, so are tech savy in all ways. They bought their ticket at the grocery store and had no idea about reservations being required.

People I told at work who mentioned going during Christmas time also didn't know about reservations.

I'm not saying Disney doesn't mention it, just that it isn't emphasized.

 

[TP2000]

I don't doubt that a handful of people make it to Anaheim without knowing there is a reservation system, but I doubt it is hundreds a day.

I've been to Disneyland twice since it's opened. The first visit was with parking at M&F making that 2/3 mile (not 2 mile) long tram route and the second was coming in on the east side Harbor entrance. You can't even drive your car into M&F without seeing at least 1 or 2 signs telling you about needing a reservation. And even if you did miss those, there are at least a few more between leaving your car and making it to the start of the tram route.

There are also at least 2 or 3 signs on the walkway between Harbor and the bag check.


When Disneyland first re-opened:
View attachment 607115

Before the holidays:
View attachment 607116

Billboard:
View attachment 607117

I've even heard radio commercials that state you need a reservation.

I know you are trying to prove a point through hyperbole and I'm not saying nobody makes it at least to Anaheim without knowing about reservations, but I don't think it's hundreds or even dozens.

Between TV, radio, billboards, newspapers, television news, or even word of mouth, you'd have to be really living in seclusion to not at least have an idea you need reservations, or just plain not be interested in going. Especially being in Covid times, most people are at least going to visit the website to look at what the current restrictions or vax requirements are. It would be hard for me to believe that anyone serious about going to the parks isn't going to at least visit the website once to find the Covid info, or park hours, or entertainment schedules, or see what's new there, etc. It's 2021....people don't just randomly go somewhere without at least some minor investigations....again, especially in Covid times.

I just looked up three random hotels on or near Harbor and all of them so far have stated that Disneyland needs reservations.

Relating back to what @TP2000 said....sure....you can probably talk to a lot of people and find that most of them don't know about the reservation system, probably because they haven't given any thought to going or at least just started making plans. I mean, if you were planning to take a trip to Disneyland, whether it's a vacation from far away or just going for the day 30 minutes out, wouldn't you at least jump on the website to get the pricing, park hours, or Covid information before blindly jumping into a car and driving there when you haven't been there in at least 2 years or more

While I love your insight and don’t disagree as a big online hobbyist, I look at those photos of highway billboards as seen by countless SoCal drivers at 70 mph, and think “Who would register that a reservation is required?”.

I think the little blurbs at the bottom of the billboard serve only to absolve TDA of any guilt when people show up at Mickey & Friends with an SUV full of excited kids without a reservation.

I can see your points but I personally had 3 relatives in town staying from out of state near Disneyland with no reservations and had to guide them 2 days before they were scheduled to visit.

I imagine your relatives are like the party guests…

The people at the two parties who were clueless about park reservations are not stupid. They were all successful people who own their own business or are accomplished retired professionals. They are plugged in to society, are tech-savvy (while also able to keep up with me on the dance floor with a Twistable playlist), and they smartly enjoy all the benefits of a comfy OC lifestyle at their disposal.

We aren’t talking about dumb and poor people living under a rock.

Yet they had absolutely no idea that Disneyland was by reservation only.

They know where Disneyland is, how to drive to its parking garage, and that on Christmas weekends it is open until Midnight. No further online research is required by them, since Disneyland hasn’t moved since 1955.

I'm not saying Disney doesn't mention it, just that it isn't emphasized.

Exactly. It’s technically mentioned, but it’s obviously not well known by people who don’t hangout on Internet fan websites.

 

[CaptinEO]

While I love your insight and don’t disagree as a big online hobbyist, I look at those photos of highway billboards as seen by countless SoCal drivers at 70 mph, and think “Who would register that a reservation is required?”.

I think the little blurbs at the bottom of the billboard serve only to absolve TDA of any guilt when people show up at Mickey & Friends with an SUV full of excited kids without a reservation.



I imagine your relatives are like the party guests…

The people at the two parties who were clueless about park reservations are not stupid. They were all successful people who own their own business or are accomplished retired professionals. They are plugged in to society, are tech-savvy (while also able to keep up with me on the dance floor with a Twistable playlist), and they smartly enjoy all the benefits of a comfy OC lifestyle at their disposal.

We aren’t talking about dumb and poor people living under a rock.

Yet they had absolutely no idea that Disneyland was by reservation only.

They know where Disneyland is, how to drive to its parking garage, and that on Christmas weekends it is open until Midnight. No further online research is required by them, since Disneyland hasn’t moved since 1955.




Exactly. It’s technically mentioned, but it’s obviously not well known by people who don’t hangout on Internet fan websites.

Absolutely good points. Why would someone assume Disneyland needs reservations? And why would someone need to go to Disneyland's website when they already know how to get there?

My relatives have been flying in to visit Disneyland every 2 years since as long as I can remember.

Small text on a billboard that probably doesn't even exist in their state isn't going to inform anyone.

That's Disney's current MO, assuming guests do advanced research on Disney's website. I never saw anything about showing up at 6am to park your car and play in a cell phone lottery during the Rise of the Resistance ads.

Someone's level of comfort with technology won't change the fact that Disney went to being a place where you can just show up and go on the new ride, to now requiring reservations and cell phone apps to participate in a lottery.

 

[CaptinEO]

The app stuff just lets the mega planners like myself succeed in terms of going on attractions, but fail cause I have to keep pulling out my phone.

Gaming the system on Genie+'s first weekend was great, I did the same when Maxpass first came out. It turns into instant fastpass for any ride you want.

We nearly went home after 1pm since we had been on everything (including waiting for Rise of the Resistance without paying the 20 dollars per person to skip one line).

The new systems are so easy to exploit since not enough people buy it and no one understands how to use it.

 

[SoCalDisneyLover]

I understand the idea that people are used to how it was, and might just act like they have in the past. But there was just a 1 year closure of the park, and a pandemic which unfortunately continues. So as with anything else in the current COVID reality, it pays to check things out, and not take it for granted that they’re like before. And if you’re spending a bunch of dough on a big visit, then you probably should invest an hour looking at the DL website, where you would soon read about Reservations.

 

[TP2000]

That's Disney's current MO, assuming guests do advanced research on Disney's website. I never saw anything about showing up at 6am to park your car and play in a cell phone lottery during the Rise of the Resistance ads.

Because I spend time here, I knew to create a specific strategy in January, 2020 to get on Rise Before Dawn. I rose before dawn, Ubered at sunrise to the IHOP on Harbor for Silver Dollar pancakes and lots of coffee and tipped my sassy waitress well, then staged myself and.got up on the Main Street train station platform above the crowds and pointed my fully charged and freshly updated iPhone directly at Telstar the very second Boarding Groups opened on the App. I also prayed a little.

It worked. But I had to learn all those tricks by spending too much time here.

Most people aren’t like that. And putting fine print on a freeway billboard doesn’t absolve TDA.

 

[CaptinEO]

Because I spend time here, I knew to create a specific strategy in January, 2020 to get on Rise Before Dawn. I rose before dawn, Ubered at sunrise to the IHOP on Harbor for Silver Dollar pancakes and lots of coffee and tipped my sassy waitress well, then staged myself and.got up on the Main Street train station platform above the crowds and pointed my fully charged and freshly updated iPhone directly at Telstar the very second Boarding Groups opened on the App. I also prayed a little.

It worked. But I had to learn all those tricks by spending too much time here.

Most people aren’t like that. And putting fine print on a freeway billboard doesn’t absolve TDA.

All good points! We wandered over to the rivers of america when the ride opened for our cell phone lottery. The elevated Train Station is genius though.

We were at the park Saturday and It was so refreshing to go on the ride without any crazy gambling system requirement.

Now I want IHop...

 

[Parteecia]

I suppose people with reservations for today who don't want to play in the cold rain are SOL? Mandatory fun!

What's the process for ticket holders who can't make it on their reserved day? Any repercussions?

 

[TP2000]

I suppose people with reservations for today who don't want to play in the cold rain are SOL? Mandatory fun!

What's the process for ticket holders who can't make it on their reserved day? Any repercussions?

Great question regarding Mandatory Fun!

Knott‘s Berry Farm and Magic Mountain are both closed today due to the Rain Emergency.

It will be cold and showery all day long. Multiple rides will now be closed for the day (Teacups, Alice in Wonderland, Luigi’s, Canoes, Tom Sawyer Island, Redwood Challenge Trail, etc.) and the Christmas Parade will be cancelled. Etc., etc.

Low temp tonite and next few nights for Anaheim is forecast to be 38 degrees. More rain is forecast for next week.

Does Disneyland offer rebookings for people who chose today several weeks ago?

 

[Bullseye1967]

I suppose people with reservations for today who don't want to play in the cold rain are SOL? Mandatory fun!

What's the process for ticket holders who can't make it on their reserved day? Any repercussions?

I believe that if you miss 3 you can't make any new ones for thirty days.

 

[truecoat]

Great question regarding Mandatory Fun!

Knott‘s Berry Farm and Magic Mountain are both closed today due to the Rain Emergency.

It will be cold and showery all day long. Multiple rides will now be closed for the day (Teacups, Alice in Wonderland, Luigi’s, Canoes, Tom Sawyer Island, Redwood Challenge Trail, etc.) and the Christmas Parade will be cancelled. Etc., etc.

Low temp tonite and next few nights for Anaheim is forecast to be 38 degrees. More rain is forecast for next week.

Does Disneyland offer rebookings for people who chose today several weeks ago?

38 degrees? I'd have to put on a sweatshirt.

 

[Parteecia]

I believe that if you miss 3 you can't make any new ones for thirty days.

That's for passes, right? Do you know for people who have tickets? Who in the old days would look outside and say, nope, maybe tomorrow. I'm sure rain checks are a thing of the past. I remember getting those!

 

[SuddenStorm]

I wonder how this guy has been holding up with the new pass system, reservations, and Disneyland being sold out basically daily.

 

[Phroobar]

I'm going to Disneyland tomorrow.