Hot takes! Get ‘em while they’re hot! Mmm!

[truecoat]

But grabbing a dolewhip in Tiki Room at DL is peak.

I wasn't aware of when the Tiki Juice Bar went to mobile order only. I was waiting for the Tiki Room and decided to get a Dole Whip since there was no line. Sorry, it's mobile order only.

Ok, I'll mobile order one. Nope, 2 hours out. So I sit there and watch the CMs at the TJB hand out a couple of Dole Whips every few minutes and stand around the rest of the time. It was frustrating to see that even though I know why it was changed.

 

[mickEblu]

I wasn't aware of when the Tiki Juice Bar went to mobile order only. I was waiting for the Tiki Room and decided to get a Dole Whip since there was no line. Sorry, it's mobile order only.

Ok, I'll mobile order one. Nope, 2 hours out. So I sit there and watch the CMs at the TJB hand out a couple of Dole Whips every few minutes and stand around the rest of the time. It was frustrating to see that even though I know why it was changed.

That’s annoying. It’s almost as if it’s flipped in that the Dole Whip is the event you plan around and then you see the show whenever you pick it up. Probably not how they envisioned it going decades ago. Lol

 

[Professortango1]

I wasn't aware of when the Tiki Juice Bar went to mobile order only. I was waiting for the Tiki Room and decided to get a Dole Whip since there was no line. Sorry, it's mobile order only.

Ok, I'll mobile order one. Nope, 2 hours out. So I sit there and watch the CMs at the TJB hand out a couple of Dole Whips every few minutes and stand around the rest of the time. It was frustrating to see that even though I know why it was changed.

Yeah, its really annoying. Empty line and CMs standing, waiting to help. But they can't unless I get my phone out and order through the app. It just results in me spending less money at Disney.

I have the same issue when I try and get a late dinner. I book it to Rise to get on before they shut the ride down 2 hours early, then when I exit, I try and grab a bite to find most food locations shuttered after 10. So, instead of grabbing a Monte Christo and a drink, Disney wants me to wait until I leave the park and give my money to someone else. Last visit, the only food option in NOLA/Frontierland was a 25-minute line for beignets.

 

[Disney Irish]

I wasn't aware of when the Tiki Juice Bar went to mobile order only. I was waiting for the Tiki Room and decided to get a Dole Whip since there was no line. Sorry, it's mobile order only.

Ok, I'll mobile order one. Nope, 2 hours out. So I sit there and watch the CMs at the TJB hand out a couple of Dole Whips every few minutes and stand around the rest of the time. It was frustrating to see that even though I know why it was changed.

If I recall correctly the whole reason it went mobile order only is to stop the snaking line through Adventureland that was clogging up much of the walk way and entrance. Which is why they also started to offer it over in Tropical Hideaway.

Next time if you go around the corner into Tropical Hideaway you can get one without having to mobile order.

 

[Disney Irish]

Yeah, its really annoying. Empty line and CMs standing, waiting to help. But they can't unless I get my phone out and order through the app. It just results in me spending less money at Disney.

I have the same issue when I try and get a late dinner. I book it to Rise to get on before they shut the ride down 2 hours early, then when I exit, I try and grab a bite to find most food locations shuttered after 10. So, instead of grabbing a Monte Christo and a drink, Disney wants me to wait until I leave the park and give my money to someone else. Last visit, the only food option in NOLA/Frontierland was a 25-minute line for beignets.

Honest question and correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't most of the DLR QS/TS food places close a couple hours before park close for decades now, did they ever stay open later? I honestly can't recall the last time a food place outside of the ODV carts stayed open past 10.

 

[Nirya]

Honest question and correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't most of the DLR QS/TS food places close a couple hours before park close for decades now, did they ever stay open later? I honestly can't recall the last time a food place outside of the ODV carts stayed open past 10.

There are a couple food places that stay open later. Bengal BBQ is a good example, as it goes till park closing, as do Galactic Grill, Stage Door and (I believe) Jolly Holliday. Cafe Daisy back in ToonTown also reopens with the land after fireworks, which is a nice touch, but they only sell the donuts late.

Disney tended to keep open the places that didn't require heavy-duty cooking, which is why the BBQ (skewers) and GG (hamburgers) always stayed later. Refreshment Corner also used to stay open late, but they started shutting that one down at 10, I'm assuming because it shares a kitchen with Carnation Cafe. Same with River Belle Terrace back before they transitioned it into a sit-down restaurant; I don't think it's a coincidence that both BBQ and Stage Door stay open late since they can just shift cooks over from River Bell for those last few hours in the same block.

 

[Disney Irish]

There are a couple food places that stay open later. Bengal BBQ is a good example, as it goes till park closing, as do Galactic Grill, Stage Door and (I believe) Jolly Holliday. Cafe Daisy back in ToonTown also reopens with the land after fireworks, which is a nice touch, but they only sell the donuts late.

Disney tended to keep open the places that didn't require heavy-duty cooking, which is why the BBQ (skewers) and GG (hamburgers) always stayed later. Refreshment Corner also used to stay open late, but they started shutting that one down at 10, I'm assuming because it shares a kitchen with Carnation Cafe. Same with River Belle Terrace back before they transitioned it into a sit-down restaurant; I don't think it's a coincidence that both BBQ and Stage Door stay open late since they can just shift cooks over from River Bell for those last few hours in the same block.

Good to know, since I'm not usually looking to eat a full meal during that time I don't go looking for anything beyond snacks. But good info for those, such as the Professor, that want a late night meal.

 

[D.Silentu]

There are a couple food places that stay open later. Bengal BBQ is a good example, as it goes till park closing, as do Galactic Grill, Stage Door and (I believe) Jolly Holliday. Cafe Daisy back in ToonTown also reopens with the land after fireworks, which is a nice touch, but they only sell the donuts late.

Disney tended to keep open the places that didn't require heavy-duty cooking, which is why the BBQ (skewers) and GG (hamburgers) always stayed later. Refreshment Corner also used to stay open late, but they started shutting that one down at 10, I'm assuming because it shares a kitchen with Carnation Cafe. Same with River Belle Terrace back before they transitioned it into a sit-down restaurant; I don't think it's a coincidence that both BBQ and Stage Door stay open late since they can just shift cooks over from River Bell for those last few hours in the same block.

I really appreciate this because the last few visits it has been an issue. I suspect that has something to do with how regimented trips are becoming thanks to Lightning Lane. Couple that with seeing evening shows like Fantasmic or the fireworks and suddenly its 10 o’clock and we haven’t had a bite since lunch.

 

[Misted Compass]

That’s annoying. It’s almost as if it’s flipped in that the Dole Whip is the event you plan around and then you see the show whenever you pick it up. Probably not how they envisioned it going decades ago. Lol

Well, it  was originally envisioned as a dinner show...

 

[Animaniac93-98]

I mostly prefer the versions of Disneyland's E-tickets in the other castle parks


Haunted Mansion: Tokyo for sure, WDW and Phantom Manor too honestly

Pirates: Tokyo and Paris, but this is the one where Disneyland offers the strongest competition

Big Thunder Mountain: Paris easily, Tokyo likely...we'll see what happens with WDW

Space Mountain: Don't care for Disneyland's track layout. WDW and Paris are better coasters to me

Jungle Cruise: Disneyland's is the shortest version, with no indoor scene

Indiana Jones: Would lean towards Tokyo. Disneyland has the better queue

Splash Mountain: Always liked WDW and Tokyo better

Small World: Prefer it without Disney characters. Looks nicest from the outside at Disneyland

Star Tours: Fundamentally the same everywhere, but lines are longest at Disneyland due to fewer simulator cabins

Submarine Voyage: Props for having the actual submarines, but 20,000 Leagues in Tokyo is better. Time to swap Finding Nemo for Captain Nemo

Rise of the Resistance: At least the effects work at Disneyland

Runaway Railway: Queue is much better at Disneyland. Too bad the rest of the ride isn't like it

 

[Nirya]

I really appreciate this because the last few visits it has been an issue. I suspect that has something to do with how regimented trips are becoming thanks to Lightning Lane. Couple that with seeing evening shows like Fantasmic or the fireworks and suddenly its 10 o’clock and we haven’t had a bite since lunch.

As someone who does a lot of "Saw there were still reservations available at 6:00 PM, decided to go, and then decided it was food time super-late", I have some experience in this area.

 

[SuddenStorm]

I've always personally enjoyed Hyperspace Mountain more. On our last trip in 2024, we got to do regular SM on Thursday then RP'd HSM Friday morning. The music kicking in on the lift gives me chills everytime! The music, sounds of Tie Fighters, blasters, X-Wings flying by makes this the best Star Wars ride in the park IMO. We didn't even ride ROTR last trip, as we had gotten our fill on the trip 2 years previous. But we rode Pirates everyday... With kids ages 13, 11 and 9. Maybe that's my hot take. Pirates>ROTR.

That's not a hot take, it's a fact.

Pirates is the far stronger attraction. It was better in the '90s, but even now it's better than anything WDI has done in the last decade.

 

[truecoat]

If I recall correctly the whole reason it went mobile order only is to stop the snaking line through Adventureland that was clogging up much of the walk way and entrance. Which is why they also started to offer it over in Tropical Hideaway.

Next time if you go around the corner into Tropical Hideaway you can get one without having to mobile order.

I would have done that if I'd known beforehand, but this was back in 2021, maybe? What bothered me most was that you had to plan 2 hours ahead for a Dole Whip. Who does that?

 

[Agent H]

I would have done that if I'd known beforehand, but this was back in 2021, maybe? What bothered me most was that you had to plan 2 hours ahead for a Dole Whip. Who does that?

Not Me sitting at home wondering if I should go to magic kingdom for the exclusive purpose of getting a dole whip.

 

[britain]

That's not a hot take, it's a fact.

Pirates is the far stronger attraction. It was better in the '90s, but even now it's better than anything WDI has done in the last decade.

Ahem... MEH.

 

[Professortango1]

As someone who does a lot of "Saw there were still reservations available at 6:00 PM, decided to go, and then decided it was food time super-late", I have some experience in this area.

Exactly, I'm often rolling into the parks around 6, so priorities are hitting the rides which tend to close down early, then grabbing a bite to eat, then enjoying the last hour or two in the park. But Disney would prefer I skip that whole bite to eat and spend nothing. Like who doesn't want warm chocolate chip cookies from Fowler's as they wait 20-30 minutes for HM at night? But ne'er a warm cookie to be found after Rise closes.

 

[PiratesMansion]

I mostly prefer the versions of Disneyland's E-tickets in the other castle parks


Haunted Mansion: Tokyo for sure, WDW and Phantom Manor too honestly

Pirates: Tokyo and Paris, but this is the one where Disneyland offers the strongest competition

Big Thunder Mountain: Paris easily, Tokyo likely...we'll see what happens with WDW

Space Mountain: Don't care for Disneyland's track layout. WDW and Paris are better coasters to me

Jungle Cruise: Disneyland's is the shortest version, with no indoor scene

Indiana Jones: Would lean towards Tokyo. Disneyland has the better queue

Splash Mountain: Always liked WDW and Tokyo better

Small World: Prefer it without Disney characters. Looks nicest from the outside at Disneyland

Star Tours: Fundamentally the same everywhere, but lines are longest at Disneyland due to fewer simulator cabins

Submarine Voyage: Props for having the actual submarines, but 20,000 Leagues in Tokyo is better. Time to swap Finding Nemo for Captain Nemo

Rise of the Resistance: At least the effects work at Disneyland

Runaway Railway: Queue is much better at Disneyland. Too bad the rest of the ride isn't like it

I agree with a lot of this, but for me Disneyland still wins as an overall collection of attractions, even if few of them are the absolute best versions.

I don't have the stats in front of me, but HKDL's Jungle Cruise feels shorter than Disneyland's. Not sure if that's reality or just a result of me knowing roughly where I am in the ride's progression because of its ROA-shaped (more or less) layout. I do agree the DL version lacks a bit of a punch compared to the others because it doesn't really have a climax.

The subs don't get as much heat as they should over here.

Less capacity at Star Tours isn't the big impact that it once was post-GE, but you can really feel the spatial limitations in the load area, one of the plainest and least appealing I've ever encountered, with all the charm and appeal of an old, awkwardly shaped office hallway. Definitely the least appealing version for that reason.

The only thing I like better about DL's Indy over Tokyo's is the soundtrack, especially at the boulder scene.

 

[mickEblu]

Exactly, I'm often rolling into the parks around 6, so priorities are hitting the rides which tend to close down early, then grabbing a bite to eat, then enjoying the last hour or two in the park. But Disney would prefer I skip that whole bite to eat and spend nothing. Like who doesn't want warm chocolate chip cookies from Fowler's as they wait 20-30 minutes for HM at night? But ne'er a warm cookie to be found after Rise closes.

I’m assuming there is just not enough demand to justify staying open that late for some of those locations? But it’s hard to believe that there isn’t enough demand to justify a couple CMs hourly wages. Maybe they shift those employees to other stores/ restaurants that do have the demand? Obvious they’ve crunched the numbers and they’ve determined that it’s not beneficial to keep those spots open.

Do you ever go to the park during the day? I just find the energy to be off for me the few times I have arrived in the evening. It’s different if you’re there all day. Granted I’m getting older and I have kids but for me there is nothing like walking up Main Street and through the park on a nice sunny morning.

 

[Agent H]

Exactly, I'm often rolling into the parks around 6, so priorities are hitting the rides which tend to close down early, then grabbing a bite to eat, then enjoying the last hour or two in the park. But Disney would prefer I skip that whole bite to eat and spend nothing. Like who doesn't want warm chocolate chip cookies from Fowler's as they wait 20-30 minutes for HM at night? But ne'er a warm cookie to be found after Rise closes.

I like the parks better at night. Everything is all lit up and pretty the rides all have a fairly low wait and it’s less crowded.

 

[Disney Irish]

I’m assuming there is just not enough demand to justify staying open that late for some of those locations? But it’s hard to believe that there isn’t enough demand to justify a couple CMs hourly wages. Maybe they shift those employees to other stores/ restaurants that do have the demand? Obvious they’ve crunched the numbers and they’ve determined that it’s not beneficial to keep those spots open.

Do you ever go to the park during the day? I just find the energy to be off for me the few times I have arrived in the evening. It’s different if you’re there all day. Granted I’m getting older and I have kids but for me there is nothing like walking up Main Street and through the park on a nice sunny morning.

I'm sure its not zero demand, but likely not enough demand to warrant the labor and food costs of staying open late on the oft chance someone gets a hankering for a bread bowl of clam chowder at 10:30PM.