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Two coasts: One very different world
- Thread starter WDW1974
- Start date
I started this thread a day or two ago on the DLR Board and basically ... well, it died because most WDW-centric folks here aren't gonna read about a place they either will never visit or don't really care about it. (Sorta why any/everything important regarding WDP&R really should be filtered through this forum because no one can look away!)
But anyway, the post I had is below this paragraph and I think it speaks volumes about what the quality additions and huge CAPEX spending in Anaheim means vs. what another boring, hot, humid and stagnant summer at WDW means. FWIW, if you are looking for free entry to WDW this summer and have a friend(s) who are CMs understand that there are NO restrictions at all on Maingate usage at EPCOT, TPFKaTD-MGMS and DAK and that MK is blocked out only on two days -- July 3rd and 4th. Otherwise, CMs can take advantage of the Disney Difference to get friends and family (and themselves) in for free as many times as their level of MG allows. Here's what I originally wrote ...
This isn't news for many people. But I was talking to a CM friend a few hours ago and we were talking about it.
For those who don't know, CMs can't use their Maingates for admission for DCA for the entire summer (June, July and August) and at DL until the final two weeks in August. When/if they will be allowed to use them for admission for themselves and family/friends in September and the rest of the fall remains to be seen.
But it does speak to TDA's feelings on how busy they expected the parks to be this summer and so far they've been right.
But anyway, the post I had is below this paragraph and I think it speaks volumes about what the quality additions and huge CAPEX spending in Anaheim means vs. what another boring, hot, humid and stagnant summer at WDW means. FWIW, if you are looking for free entry to WDW this summer and have a friend(s) who are CMs understand that there are NO restrictions at all on Maingate usage at EPCOT, TPFKaTD-MGMS and DAK and that MK is blocked out only on two days -- July 3rd and 4th. Otherwise, CMs can take advantage of the Disney Difference to get friends and family (and themselves) in for free as many times as their level of MG allows. Here's what I originally wrote ...
This isn't news for many people. But I was talking to a CM friend a few hours ago and we were talking about it.
For those who don't know, CMs can't use their Maingates for admission for DCA for the entire summer (June, July and August) and at DL until the final two weeks in August. When/if they will be allowed to use them for admission for themselves and family/friends in September and the rest of the fall remains to be seen.
But it does speak to TDA's feelings on how busy they expected the parks to be this summer and so far they've been right.
HenryMystic
Well-Known Member
^now now dear Spirit, dontchaknow that DisneyQuest hit a phased closing?! Things have never been better!
Are you trying to steal Tom Bricker's second career?
Too cheap? I actually want that ... friends who were there the opening week said it wasn't around/available. I am sure I'll get my hands on it, though. I always get what I want! ...BTW, was that a passive aggressive Disney fanboi knock on Potter. I don't have issues with the claustrophobic feel of PARTS of WWoHP because I feel like that IS what those shops and locales feel like in the films. I think that's a bit nitpicky, although to be fair the two times I've visited IOA since Potter opened were very lightly crowded.
And glad you liked RSRs. I won't be comparing it to Indy, though. I'll use JTTCoTE for my comparison. I think it'll hold up nicely.
I wonder if Luigi's will be open in 2-3 years, but I've heard very good things about Mater's JJ. And I think RSRs has enough dark ride elements to cover that part of things. But I'll let you know what I think when I get there ... which might be when I can get in for free!
Yep. It's amazing what an area that actually makes you feel like you're part of the movie (all of TDS does this, btw) does ... even the kiddies notice.
Oh, and got your note. Will respond tomorrow when I am awake!
Tom
Beta Return
It is tomorrow.....and you are awake!
Well, to be fair, I guess things have never been better ... for DQ.
Amazing what typical awful O-Town summer weather 4-5-6 days in a row can do to chase desperate vacationers somewhere they would have never been before.
See, all they need at DAK is a roof!
Oh, and Happy B-Days to two friends (one who might see this and one who most defintely will not!)
Check your damn email ... now, I really am going to bed ... soon I'll be discussing napkins and why they are important (see, I remember the chocolates they gave with your checks at full serve restaurants ... and when they turned down your beds at the deluxe resorts ... and who could forget that Mickey butter? and WDW specific bags for merchandise and ... UGH!!! see what happens)
Please, if you value my sanity at all, keep me out of that inane thread ... folks just don't get the Disney Details at all anymore.
RSoxNo1
Well-Known Member
No, Tom knows what he's doing with a Camera. I like playing around with my camera and seeing what happens.Are you trying to steal Tom Bricker's second career?
I really have no excuse for not buying it. I didn't look at the price, but I definitely should have bought it. Perhaps I'll ask someone out there to pick it up for me.
... Hey Big Bulldozer! Hey Big Bulldozer! (That's going to be stuck in my head for weeks)
Harry Potter works in part because of it's intimacy, but it's also the land's biggest fault. It simply can't meet the demand that's been put upon it right now. It's a good problem to have, and one that will likely be addressed in Phase 2 as we all know.
JTTCotE is probably a more apt comparison, but I haven't experienced that first hand. By comparing it to Indy I simply meant that it's a high quality, E-ticket thrill ride. The newness of RSR probably puts it ahead of Indy in my book right now but both attractions are very high quality.
I will say that the dark ride portion of RSR is a little muddled, but I think the same can be said about parts of Indy. Like many rides, I wish RSR was longer but that's merely a testament to the quality that's there already. The mouths on the Tow Mater animatronics are very cool.
I was somewhat unimpressed with Luigi's but it does seem like it has a bit of a learning curve. It may be better on subsequent visits. Having said that, the wait times when we were there were 105 minutes+ from 7:30 on, so I only did it once. We got in on an early entry day (Thursday), RSR was down and Luigi's was listed at a 75 minute wait. We waited 36 minutes and I still felt that was too long. It's a viable kiddy ride if you only have to wait 15-20 minutes. Tow Mater's will get to that point a lot quicker though because it loads much quicker.I wonder if Luigi's will be open in 2-3 years, but I've heard very good things about Mater's JJ. And I think RSRs has enough dark ride elements to cover that part of things. But I'll let you know what I think when I get there ... which might be when I can get in for free!
Mike K
Active Member
Sorry to interject in any current discussions but I just wanted to update everyone on my second and third days experiences of Disneyland and California Adventure. My second day had me already completing everything in Disneyland which was a ton of fun! I started the day off early by riding Indiana Jones Adventure for a second time. This ride had such an immersive queue and atmosphere going for it, with another week left I'm sure to ride it again. Pirates of the Caribbean was wonderful, a longer runtime and different scenes lent this to be a really memorable experience for me. After running into long wait times in Fantasyland on my first day, I headed back there to complete everything I missed. I found Alice in Wonderland and Pinocchio's Daring Journey to be extremely charming and makes me wish more dark rides of there ilk are in the parks' future plans. I enjoyed an awesome Big Thunder Ranch Barbeque lunch after exiting the ride and loved the atmosphere of the area as well as the great food. Next, The Matterhorn Bobsleds had one of the longer waits I experience for the day but it certainly was expected so I just sucked it up and patiently waited it out which paid off. The ride was a blast and the yeti is pretty killer especially with the usage of the loud audio which just enhanced the experience. Since this was my first experience on the Bobsleds, I have no reference to compare to the old bobsleds but the new ones look great and shiny which really made me feel like this attraction was just built a week ago. Swung back to Toontown to check out Gaget's Go Coaster which although short I enjoyed simply because seeing a Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers charcter still in a park setting was just neat and nostalgic. Tomorrowland was by far the land the soaked up the most of my time due to long waits but it was worth it. Unfortunately, Autopia is just as dated here as it is in Disney World but by the looks of it, it seems to be on its way out. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was actually really fun and I'm really happy that I got the opportunity to witness it since it might be on its last legs as well. Space Mountain was simply classic! Loved every minute of it. As night fell, I shifted gears and headed to California Adventure for some fun in Carsland. I was lucky enough to get on Mater's Junkyard Jamboree in 20 minutes and found that the ride is a lot more fun than it probably should be. By the looks of it, many may pass it off as a mere kiddie ride but I think Larry the Cable Guy's narration and singing of the various songs during the ride makes it pretty humorous and worthwhile. Then, after only a 40 minute wait I managed to experience Radiator Springs Racers... All I can say is... perfect! This is a clear example of how to do everything right in an attraction. Immersive, creative and above all fun! This is a ride that can't be missed if you visit DCA. Luigi's Flying Tires was down yet again so that was a no go unfortunately. The night was completed by two attractions I really fell in love with, The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure and Monsters Inc., Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! Both of these rides were just a pleasure to experience. If the rumors and hopes of Hollywood Studios getting the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster seized to exist, I'd be wondering why Orlando didnt have this ride yesterday.
Today found myself spending the majority of the day in California Adventure. I first hit up A Bug's Land beginning with It's Tough to be A Bug which I always love doing in Orlando. The rest of the land is clearly aimed at younger children but I enjoyed the rides and found the whole area to be really immersive and well crafted. Next up, I headed to Paradise Pier which is an area I really appreciate especially after spending many summer vacations on the Jersey Shore as a kid (pre Snooki haha). California Screamin was a terrific coaster that I hope to ride again at some point. I managed to get on every other attraction at the Pier within 5 minutes a piece with the exception of Toy Story Midway Mania which took 40 minutes to get on which wasn't horrible. I really enjoyed the Silly Symphony Swings which gives you a great view from up top. Muppet Vision 3D is a classic in my book while Aladdin was a brand new experience for me and I thought it was a blast. Such a well constructed and energetic show. Luigi's Flying Tires finally was back up to speed tonight which resulted in 75 minute wait times but by the time I got on I spent probably 50 minutes waiting. This ride is a blast as well and if the wait times are a little more manageable I hope to ride it again. All that's remaing tomorrow is just Grizzly River Run and that'll wrap up DCA in its entirety for me. I apologize in advance for not being as detailed as I could be but typing on a tablet gets agitating after a while and as you can imagine I'm pretty beat haha. When I return from the trip hopefully I can provide more detailed overviews of my experiences here because everything written so far is pretty brief. Overall, my first Disneyland experience has exceeded my expectations and I'm enjoying every minute of it. If there are others on this forum who have never been and have always wanted to visit, trust me it's beyond worth it!
Today found myself spending the majority of the day in California Adventure. I first hit up A Bug's Land beginning with It's Tough to be A Bug which I always love doing in Orlando. The rest of the land is clearly aimed at younger children but I enjoyed the rides and found the whole area to be really immersive and well crafted. Next up, I headed to Paradise Pier which is an area I really appreciate especially after spending many summer vacations on the Jersey Shore as a kid (pre Snooki haha). California Screamin was a terrific coaster that I hope to ride again at some point. I managed to get on every other attraction at the Pier within 5 minutes a piece with the exception of Toy Story Midway Mania which took 40 minutes to get on which wasn't horrible. I really enjoyed the Silly Symphony Swings which gives you a great view from up top. Muppet Vision 3D is a classic in my book while Aladdin was a brand new experience for me and I thought it was a blast. Such a well constructed and energetic show. Luigi's Flying Tires finally was back up to speed tonight which resulted in 75 minute wait times but by the time I got on I spent probably 50 minutes waiting. This ride is a blast as well and if the wait times are a little more manageable I hope to ride it again. All that's remaing tomorrow is just Grizzly River Run and that'll wrap up DCA in its entirety for me. I apologize in advance for not being as detailed as I could be but typing on a tablet gets agitating after a while and as you can imagine I'm pretty beat haha. When I return from the trip hopefully I can provide more detailed overviews of my experiences here because everything written so far is pretty brief. Overall, my first Disneyland experience has exceeded my expectations and I'm enjoying every minute of it. If there are others on this forum who have never been and have always wanted to visit, trust me it's beyond worth it!
TP2000
Well-Known Member
That was a great video! I especially liked the fast-motion clips of Cars Land crowds, and Luigi's Flying Tires and Mater's running in fast-motion. Very cool.
As for the the Two Coasts weather topic, I lived in the South for quite awhile and remember well the climate and weather challenges of summer. Just to throw this out there, the weather forecast in Anaheim for the next few days...
Sunday, July 1st
Sunny, Dry, Sea Breeze, High 79, Low 61
Monday, July 2nd
Sunny, Dry, Sea Breeze, High 77, Low 60
Tuesday, July 3rd
Sunny, Dry, Sea Breeze, High 76, Low 60
Glad you are enjoying yourself. I get the hunch there are so many folks tied in to WDW emotionally and/or financially with DVC that they really won't or can't consider the Disneyland option. Disneyland only has fifty (50) DVC villas and they are booked way in advance, and Disney doesn't make it easy to bundle a Disney Cruise out of LA with a 3 or 4 day stay at Disneyland, so it's not easy for those tied in to the WDW way of booking and reserving and planning.
There's also no Dining Plan at Disneyland (yay!) and a very different way and vibe of "vacationing" around SoCal instead of just being bussed onto the Disney World compound directly from baggage claim and never seeing the outside world.
Even though there may be two sparkling parks in Anaheim with nearly as many attractions and entertainment spectaculars as four WDW parks combined, there's some major cultural barriers that don't make it easy for a lot of folks to make the jump to Disneyland.
It's a concept that is forever fascinating to me, but there it is, and thus this entire thread!
I guess that we are tied to Orlando emotionally (we don't just do WDW - we do MK, Epcot, DHS, DAK, Universal, IOA, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Discovery Cove, Malls/Outlets, MiniGolf, etc. over the course of two to three weeks every 3 years or so), but one main problem is that we don't get adverts for California here in the UK - we're targeted for WDW and DLP.
I have to say, one of the things we really enjoyed about our last WDW holiday was the free Dining Plan (QSDP), so that would be one of the things that we would miss if we went to California.
Our next Orlando holiday is currently planned for Christmas 2014 (looking forward to Harry Potter 2.0 hopefully being finished, as well as Antartica, and I guess FLE).
I have been trying to get the family into looking at a California holiday (was showing them maps of DL and DCA last night) but I guess that we don't really know what's out there (probably because we don't get any advertising over here) - in Orlando we do 8 theme parks, 3 water parks, Discovery Cove, Shopping and Mini Golf over three weeks - what is there to do in California (DL, DCA, UH, SWSD, Knotts Berry Farm (?)) Are there any water parks, etc? And of course, some of the attractions that we like in Orlando aren't available in California (one of the reasons why we probably wouldn't be going to California till after 2015 is because Harry Potter wouldn't be open at Universal).
Also, another issue is that one week in California (£1,000+) looked to be costing just less than two weeks in Orlando (£1,800). Same problem that we have that 4 days at DLP is expensive compared to 2-3 weeks in Orlando.
We're still looking into it, and hopefully we will eventually get to California!
^ djlaosc, trust me... Go to Disneyland. You can spend 2 weeks just in the resort and not see it all, from a UK first timers but used to Orlando point of view. We did in 2010, having been to Orlando umpteen times. Add Universal Hollywood, Six Flags, Knotts, sightseeing and you're already out of time with 3 weeks.
And believe me, having seen DL will mean you never think the same about WDWs MK.
And believe me, having seen DL will mean you never think the same about WDWs MK.
Figment82
Well-Known Member
You don't even have to stick with the theme parks. Add in a trip to San Diego, Hollywood, etc. On our last trip to CA, we spent 2 weeks split between DLR and San Francisco/Monterey. And if you still need a Disney fix in Northern California, The Walt Disney Family Museum is not to be missed.
I don't think a trip out west is financially in the cards for us this year, and this thread sure isn't making it easy!
I don't think a trip out west is financially in the cards for us this year, and this thread sure isn't making it easy!
I am trying to make it happen!
It's nice to read from someone with a similar point of view, especially it being from you, as a respected poster on here with access to inside information whos posts I've been following even as a lurker.
I didn't realise that there was a Six Flags in California - see, this is the problem, in the UK we're not really told these things - there's no "California" brochures - I guess it will get a small section in the "USA" brochures? I'll have to check next time we go out! Are there any water parks?
We already don't feel the same about WDW in general - we absolutely love it there and have an amazing time every time we go, and we can't wait to go back, but we realise that it's not as good as when we first went, which was only in 2002 (which other people would say that it had already dropped by then - another example not mentioned in here so far, I don't think, in 2002, we checked into All-Star Movies (value) - at check-in, we were given vouchers for freebies, we ended up with 4 pins, a "100 years of magic" photo frame, a clock, and two Rainforest Cafe T-Shirts, in 2005 at Caribbean Beach (moderate), that went down to two lanyards, two pins, and then in 2007, nothing and 2011, free dining plan).
As for MK, I've been trying to get the point across that there's more attractions in DL/DCA than in MK/E/DHS/DAK put together!
You don't even have to stick with the theme parks. Add in a trip to San Diego, Hollywood, etc. On our last trip to CA, we spent 2 weeks split between DLR and San Francisco/Monterey. And if you still need a Disney fix in Northern California, The Walt Disney Family Museum is not to be missed.
I don't think a trip out west is financially in the cards for us this year, and this thread sure isn't making it easy!
True - I'm sure there's a lot outside the theme parks - if we get the chance to go to California, it would be something that we would have to look at!
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Are we talking for just Disneyland? Or are you planning on going other places too in California?
That's good to know! If we decide we're going to go, we'll have to do some research into all these different places (for the things that we do in Orlando you can get everything in 2 tickets here in the UK (WDW & Uni/WnW/SW/BG/Aquatica) - it seems that California may be multiple cheaper tickets instead of two expensive ones!
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
There are TONS of things to do in California besides theme parks. There's Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Grove, the Queen Mary, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Jose, San Francisco (one of my favorites), Sacramento... California is a huge state and it would take weeks for someone to experience the entire state, if they wanted to. California is one of the few places where you could go snowboarding/skiing, surfing, and hiking on the same day.