Some quick thoughts from my trip yesterday

[steve2wdw]

Nothing makes my blood boil quicker than when Disney (or anyone) takes down big, healthy shade trees without a really, really good reason. The best projects design around mature trees. The resort just lost a ton of their biggest trees when Star Wars Land began, they should be treasuring & stewarding all their trees.

Is it connected to some project or just some landscape "manager" trying to justify his job?

Lets hope that the deforestation crew from WDW's MK hasn't been relocated to DL. Most of the old growth at DL is awesome, although sometimes when the landscapers wait too long, a tree can't be pruned without looking odd. I fear most of the huge growth around NOS is past the point of meaningful pruning. The beautiful architecture of many of the buildings is hidden behind trees that just can be trimmed back enough.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

We recently lost at least one massive tree that once loomed over the HM waiting line.

At WDW, the trees are too thick around HM, so it looks even smaller and the plaza in front of the castle is bare and ugly.

 

[Californian Elitist]

When you worked at Disneyland, did you start dreading going to the parks like most people dread going to their work place? I've always been curious about that.

I did, actually. And it didn’t take too long for me to get to that place. It was incredibly stressful and I really disliked my management team and leads. My co-workers were great though.

Disneyland is easily one of the worst jobs I’ve ever had.

 

[Curious Constance]

I did, actually. And it didn’t take too long for me to get to that place. It was incredibly stressful and I really disliked my management team and leads. My co-workers were great though.

Disneyland is easily one of the worst jobs I’ve ever had.

I figured it would be like anything else. I know I'd end up dreading it too if I ever worked there not even considering the management and leads. In college I worked at a local grocery store, and I still avoid that place like the plague 19 years later.

After you stopped working there, did it take you awhile before you felt like going back for fun?

 

[mickEblu]

I figured it would be like anything else. I know I'd end up dreading it too if I ever worked there not even considering the management and leads. In college I worked at a local grocery store, and I still avoid that place like the plague 19 years later.

After you stopped working there, did it take you awhile before you felt like going back for fun?

This is really sweet when you guys are talking and not putting each other on ignore.

 

[Curious Constance]

This is really sweet when you guys are talking and not putting each other on ignore.

Lol gives you hope doesn't it?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I figured it would be like anything else. I know I'd end up dreading it too if I ever worked there not even considering the management and leads. In college I worked at a local grocery store, and I still avoid that place like the plague 19 years later.

After you stopped working there, did it take you awhile before you felt like going back for fun?

Oh no, a grocery store? Grocery and retail stores are two areas of employment I’ve always avoided, especially grocery stores. There’s something about working at a Piggly Wiggly that just doesn’t interest me at all. If I did work at a grocery store, I would want to work at a small, mom-and-pop one. God bless you for that, and I probably wouldn’t return either. Were you there during your entire college experience? I hope not.

Yep, it sure did. It took me over a year to return, a year and some change. I was tired of the parks and didn’t want to see anyone I had worked with. My experience changed the way I look at the parks, especially Disneyland. I don’t think I would have the views I have now if I hadn’t worked there.

 

[Curious Constance]

Oh no, a grocery store? Grocery and retail stores are two areas of employment I’ve always avoided, especially grocery stores. There’s something about working at a Piggly Wiggly that just doesn’t interest me at all. If I did work at a grocery store, I would want to work at a small, mom-and-pop one. God bless you for that, and I probably wouldn’t return either. Were you there during your entire college experience? I hope not.

Yep, it sure did. It took me over a year to return, a year and some change. I was tired of the parks and didn’t want to see anyone I had worked with. My experience changed the way I look at the parks, especially Disneyland. I don’t think I would have the views I have now if I hadn’t worked there.

It was pretty much my whole college experience and has turned me sour towards retail for life.

I'm sure working at Disneyland sheds light on things that would better be left in the dark. Good thing you got out when you did.

 

[ght]

Same here. When it comes to FL - particularly the Alice area.

I agree, the Alice area at night is probably my favorite spot in any theme park.

 

[dweezil78]

2. Max Pass is the double edged sword of double edged swords. It’s super convenient and allowed us to do everything we wanted to but it comes At the expense of having your head buried in your phone all day. I don’t think the parks were meant to be experienced that way. Of course only my head was buried in my phone because I bought everyone’s MaxPass and linked their tickets on my phone.

Ha, well if you think that about MaxPass, wait until you get to WDW and are using FP+ and the MyMagic+ app!! Unlike DL where you're just looking out for the next one and your options are limited with both attractions and times, at WDW you literally have nearly every attraction + an entire day of times available and are starting out with 3 FPs! There really is no such thing as a standby line. Unless it's a totally empty day (unheard of), don't don't attempt to stand in one unless its first thing in the AM!!! (And even then be sure it's not bad).

 

[ght]

11. What the heck is going on with TSMM? Why are the screens so dark? I read something here or on Micechat which said Disney is being cheap about replacing the bulbs? I have no desire to ride again until the are replaced. For a ride that’s focused on screens, they should be bright and vibrant. The images were really really dull and dark.

I didn't notice that when I was there a few weeks ago, but that may be because it broke down every time we tried to ride it.

On the subject of lights, I noticed on Pirates that the light illuminating the painting of the redhead above the skeleton bar in the caverns was turned off every time we rode it a couple of weeks ago. Did you ride Pirates and was it still off? I have been wondering ever since if this was done on purpose in anticipation of the change over of the auction scene of if it was just a maintenance issue while we were there.

 

[Hatbox Ghostbuster]

I didn't want to make my own thread, so I'm going to add some of my quick thoughts from our Friday night trip.

1. The M&F security/bag check situation is hilariously bad.
2. Loved the brick work down MS, but it took my gf a while to actually notice. When I asked if she saw anything different, she initially said, "no, it looks the same".
3. Even if you're not a fan of the food, the back upper deck of the Hungry Bear is HANDS DOWN the BEST place to eat dinner at night. The river sounds, the occasional train passing, calm and serene...its seriously like not being in the parks at all.
4. The snake on Indy is broken. I honestly can't recall the last time I've ridden it where everything is 100% functioning.
5. Jungle Cruise is actually enjoyable at night.
6. First time in a long time when I rode Pirates and the boats didn't jam up right before the final ascent hill.

 

[Hatbox Ghostbuster]

I didn't notice that when I was there a few weeks ago, but that may be because it broke down every time we tried to ride it.

On the subject of lights, I noticed on Pirates that the light illuminating the painting of the redhead above the skeleton bar in the caverns was turned off every time we rode it a couple of weeks ago. Did you ride Pirates and was it still off? I have been wondering ever since if this was done on purpose in anticipation of the change over of the auction scene of if it was just a maintenance issue while we were there.

It's been off for my last several visits. The cynic in me just assumes they're catching shade for having a "topless" woman depicted.

 

[ght]

4. The snake on Indy is broken. I honestly can't recall the last time I've ridden it where everything is 100% functioning.
.

The snake was broken a couple of weeks ago as well

 

[ght]

It's been off for my last several visits. The cynic in me just assumes they're catching shade for having a "topless" woman depicted.

That was something I was wondering about. Since the new redhead will be an actual pirate and empowered (I guess to loot and plunder, but I digress) I wonder if they thought having a naked picture of her (or any woman) sends a mixed message.

 

[westie]

I didn't want to make my own thread, so I'm going to add some of my quick thoughts from our Friday night trip.

1. The M&F security/bag check situation is hilariously bad..

This. The Mrs. and I had such a bad run-in with security 2 weeks ago that we swore to give the parks a break for a while. The first time I've ever complained and got the,"We're sorry. Mickey hands wave, Buh-bye!"

 

[Ismael Flores]

1. Bugs Land is Charming AF (explanation in bye bye Bugs Land thread)
way. Of course only my head was buried in my phone because I bought everyone’s MaxPass and linked their tickets on my phone.

3. Ummm. Remember that thing where people were saying Spring Break blackouts were blissful last year? Yeah, what happened this year? It was pretty busy yesterday. Not insane but a typical busy Saturday or Sunday. I didn’t feel any difference.

4. I’m pretty PO’d about all the trees being razed at the Mickey and Friends Tram stop. Especially the Weeping Willow the trams wrapped around on their way to the parks.

I think the crowds were because of Wondercon, i went on Saturday saw that hoards of people were crossing from the convention center and going into Disney property via the old southern timon lot and decided i would head over to Knotts instead and have some more boysenberry treats.

I also hate that so many trees and full grown landscaping is just being shredded. Those gorgeous large trees should have been dug out and boxed and saved for later use. Such a waste of perfectly nice full grown trees that could and should be saved. I know some trees don't like being moved but most of those can.

 

[mickEblu]

Ha, well if you think that about MaxPass, wait until you get to WDW and are using FP+ and the MyMagic+ app!! Unlike DL where you're just looking out for the next one and your options are limited with both attractions and times, at WDW you literally have nearly every attraction + an entire day of times available and are starting out with 3 FPs! There really is no such thing as a standby line. Unless it's a totally empty day (unheard of), don't don't attempt to stand in one unless its first thing in the AM!!! (And even then be sure it's not bad).

Hahah oh lord! I think maybe Ill try to stick to the first 3 and maybe 1 other E for the day. I want actually SEE the parks.

 

[mickEblu]

I didn't notice that when I was there a few weeks ago, but that may be because it broke down every time we tried to ride it.

On the subject of lights, I noticed on Pirates that the light illuminating the painting of the redhead above the skeleton bar in the caverns was turned off every time we rode it a couple of weeks ago. Did you ride Pirates and was it still off? I have been wondering ever since if this was done on purpose in anticipation of the change over of the auction scene of if it was just a maintenance issue while we were there.

I didn’t notice but I’m probably going back one more time during these block outs and I’ll check.

 

[mickEblu]

I didn't want to make my own thread, so I'm going to add some of my quick thoughts from our Friday night trip.

1. The M&F security/bag check situation is hilariously bad.
2. Loved the brick work down MS, and took my gf a while to actually notice. When I asked if she saw anything different, she initially said, "no, it looks the same".
3. Even if you're not a fan of the food, the back upper deck of the Hungry Bear is HANDS DOWN the BEST place to eat dinner at night. The river sounds, the occasional train passing, calm and serene...its seriously like not being in the parks at all.
4. The snake on Indy is broken. I honestly can't recall the last time I've ridden it where everything is 100% functioning.
5. Jungle Cruise is actually enjoyable at night.
6. First time in a long time when I rode Pirates and the boats didn't jam up right before the final ascent hill.

This reminds me I haven’t been in the top deck of Hungry Bear in a few years. It’s weird being an AP and making a statement like that. That sounds like a nice idea. I think I’ll do that next time.