Unexpected Tears - and other moments from my trip.

I just spent four days at the Disneyland resort. I don't normally do trip reports here, but I thought I'd make a few comments. I am from Chicago, and I was traveling alone. I stayed at Dolphin's Cove, and used the ART buses, and they were very prompt, and despite standing room crowds, they were all pleasant trips.

For the first time, I did the parks without a park hopper. Friday, October 2, was my DCA day. I had a really great time. Due to the crowds, I did not ride many rides, but I did manage to see Anna and Elsa, get a free Disney Visa picture with Minnie Mouse, and have lunch at Carthay Circle. I loved the new WOC. I know that some people like the old show better, but I preferred this one. I made sure that I saw Aladdin, and that show is great no matter how many times I see it. It was fun sitting high up in the balcony, now that they have the carpet flying. I used Photopass a lot, so I came home with a lot of pictures of me in DCA.

On Saturday and Sunday, I was at Disneyland. I have never seen the park that crowded before. I never got on either Peter Pan, or Star Tours. Even the dark rides in Fantasyland had long lines right after park opening. I ate breakfast at Riverbelle Terrace on Saturday, and waited about a 1/2 hour to get waited on. That has never happened before. I rode rides in Fantasyland that day, and did manage to meet Tinker Bell, since I went early. Again, I got some great shots of me in Disneyland, using the Photopass system. During my 2 days at Disneyland, I did see the Soundsational Parade, the Paint the Night Parade, Fantasmic, and the new Forever Fireworks. I loved them all. I always watch parades in Town Square, and squeeze in where I can for fireworks. The projections are amazing, and the Paint the Night music needs to be distributed on a CD, so I can play it at home. In fact, why does it take Disney so long to market their new park music?

I bought myself a 60th Anniversary autograph book, and I did manage to fill it up with signatures from the characters. I got a good sampling of characters. Princesses, Mickey and Minnie, the Pooh characters, Cruella, Goofy and Pluto, and Daisy.

On Monday, I had a reservation for the character breakfast at the Paradise Pier Hotel at 10 am. I stopped by DCA, to use the last day of my 4 day park hopper ticket. I had another ticket for the Halloween Party, which I could enter at 3 p.m. I managed to ride the Ferris Wheel and the Zephyr before my breakfast, although it got really crowded after I returned.

The Paradise Pier Hotel is a long walk from DCA, so I was looking forward to a nice long relaxing breakfast with some characters. They took my pic with Mickey when I arrived, but they do not put that on the normal photopass. Instead, they want you to buy a photopass package, priced at about $35. I declined. I ate my buffet food, which was fine, nothing spectacular, and then I waited for the characters to stop by my table. I ordered more delicious orange juice, and I waited. The characters entered the room. First Stitch, and then Daisy, and then Minnie. However, they kept rushing by me, and not stopping. I even got up, and stood by my table, with my camera ready, and my autograph book opened. They still did not stop. Then Daisy came by again, and if I did not know better, she was snubbing me. She saw me, but she did not stop, she simply ran to another table. Now, I am a grown woman of 68. Why did I cry? My mom always said that I was a big cry baby. So here I am with a lump in my throat. One of the employees came by, and I told her my dilemma. The characters are not stopping for me. I even hugged the lady. She then promised to bring some characters to my table. Well it ended up that I did see Daisy, and Stitch, and Pluto at my table, but Minnie never came back. I got some photos, and some autographs. I had some more wonderful orange juice. A smile returned to my face. I stopped for more pics with Mickey on the way out. It ended up fine, but I still feel like crying, as I type this.

I went back to DCA after the breakfast, and I had a nice afternoon. I saw Oswald, and Olaf, and the Frozen show for the 2nd time. I bought myself some Mouse ears to wear to the Halloween Party. I got to see the Five and Dime show, which I love. I stayed in DCA until about 4 o'clock. Then I was headed to Disneyland for the night.

The Halloween Party was a lot of fun, and I was a first timer. I did manage to ride Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion, and Buzz Lightyear. The crowds were lighter for the parade, but the streets were still packed for the fireworks. What I loved was the Halloween music and projections on Main Street. I also got pics with all the Pooh characters during the party. I did not trick or treat. The last thing I needed was Candy. I was pumped enough.

Successful trip? Yes. Fun? Yes. Although the crowds made me wish that Disney would put a cap on their attendance. One doesn't know when to go anymore where you can wait less for rides, and not feel like a sardine on the walkways. Especially on the Rivers Of America.

Sweet recap. Disney has universal appeal, plus with events planned now, crowds are a reality. Characters at the Dining usually have a lot of ground to cover, wouldn't let something like that ruin a trip, enjoy the characters that did spend time. Flying solo has its benefits, allows someone flexibility to switch their DL plan on a dime. But also DL can be shared too. Sounded like a good time.

I'm so sad the breakfast went that way for you , as our Minnie and friends at Plaza Inn was a completely different experience with an over abundance of photos and interaction. I'm glad you enjoyed most everything else though. Hugs.

Thanks for sharing! I have always enjoyed your reports/photos and countdowns (on the other forum). I'm sorry that the characters at Surf's Up didn't stop by your table. I am glad that you told an employee and the characters did come by afterwards.

Thanks for sharing! As someone contemplating a solo trip, I love hearing others' experiences. Sorry about the breakfast, but the rest of trip sounded wonderful!

I did have a wonderful trip. If I could change one thing, I'd find a way for it to be less crowded, so all the lines could be walk ons. I was really delighted with all the new night time entertainment. I treated myself to a WOC lunch, so that I could get a closer view of the show. The food, and the service in Carthay Circle's restaurant was perfect. I must have been there almost two hours. Other folks might complain about the time it took for the entire meal, but I found it relaxing, and my tired feet certainly appreciated the break. I especially loved the Creme Brulle, did I even spell that right. I never had it before, and it was so yummy. They kept my glass full of cold refreshing ice tea, and the server even obliged, when I asked her to snap my picture. One of my favorite photos from my trip.

I also had the take out meal for Fantasmic Fastpass. I did that at 5 p.m., and the food was quite good. The chicken was a bit dry, but the dressing that came with the salad, fixed that problems. The green beans were nice and tender, and the mini desert cheesecake, was also very tasty. I love the cute little Mickey with the chocolate on top. I really enjoyed Fantasmic, from the stairs in front of French Market. I could see the dragon Murphy perfectly when she showed up, and my view of the characters on the Mark Twain was clear enough that I could distinguish who all of them were. I love the way they wave at everyone at the end.

I was happy to see Aurora with the princesses in Fantasy Faire. She was beautiful with her golden blond curly hair. I wish they featured her more, since she is Sleeping Beauty after all, and it is her castle. Although I do love Anna and Elsa. They are charming, and I visited then twice. Once on my first day, and once on my last. One day they were not using fastpass and one day they were.

Lovely trip report, was sad to read how your breakfast started, I would have given you a hug too

barbaraann said:

I just spent four days at the Disneyland resort. I don't normally do trip reports here, but I thought I'd make a few comments. I am from Chicago, and I was traveling alone. I stayed at Dolphin's Cove, and used the ART buses, and they were very prompt, and despite standing room crowds, they were all pleasant trips.

For the first time, I did the parks without a park hopper. Friday, October 2, was my DCA day. I had a really great time. Due to the crowds, I did not ride many rides, but I did manage to see Anna and Elsa, get a free Disney Visa picture with Minnie Mouse, and have lunch at Carthay Circle. I loved the new WOC. I know that some people like the old show better, but I preferred this one. I made sure that I saw Aladdin, and that show is great no matter how many times I see it. It was fun sitting high up in the balcony, now that they have the carpet flying. I used Photopass a lot, so I came home with a lot of pictures of me in DCA.

On Saturday and Sunday, I was at Disneyland. I have never seen the park that crowded before. I never got on either Peter Pan, or Star Tours. Even the dark rides in Fantasyland had long lines right after park opening. I ate breakfast at Riverbelle Terrace on Saturday, and waited about a 1/2 hour to get waited on. That has never happened before. I rode rides in Fantasyland that day, and did manage to meet Tinker Bell, since I went early. Again, I got some great shots of me in Disneyland, using the Photopass system. During my 2 days at Disneyland, I did see the Soundsational Parade, the Paint the Night Parade, Fantasmic, and the new Forever Fireworks. I loved them all. I always watch parades in Town Square, and squeeze in where I can for fireworks. The projections are amazing, and the Paint the Night music needs to be distributed on a CD, so I can play it at home. In fact, why does it take Disney so long to market their new park music?

I bought myself a 60th Anniversary autograph book, and I did manage to fill it up with signatures from the characters. I got a good sampling of characters. Princesses, Mickey and Minnie, the Pooh characters, Cruella, Goofy and Pluto, and Daisy.

On Monday, I had a reservation for the character breakfast at the Paradise Pier Hotel at 10 am. I stopped by DCA, to use the last day of my 4 day park hopper ticket. I had another ticket for the Halloween Party, which I could enter at 3 p.m. I managed to ride the Ferris Wheel and the Zephyr before my breakfast, although it got really crowded after I returned.

The Paradise Pier Hotel is a long walk from DCA, so I was looking forward to a nice long relaxing breakfast with some characters. They took my pic with Mickey when I arrived, but they do not put that on the normal photopass. Instead, they want you to buy a photopass package, priced at about $35. I declined. I ate my buffet food, which was fine, nothing spectacular, and then I waited for the characters to stop by my table. I ordered more delicious orange juice, and I waited. The characters entered the room. First Stitch, and then Daisy, and then Minnie. However, they kept rushing by me, and not stopping. I even got up, and stood by my table, with my camera ready, and my autograph book opened. They still did not stop. Then Daisy came by again, and if I did not know better, she was snubbing me. She saw me, but she did not stop, she simply ran to another table. Now, I am a grown woman of 68. Why did I cry? My mom always said that I was a big cry baby. So here I am with a lump in my throat. One of the employees came by, and I told her my dilemma. The characters are not stopping for me. I even hugged the lady. She then promised to bring some characters to my table. Well it ended up that I did see Daisy, and Stitch, and Pluto at my table, but Minnie never came back. I got some photos, and some autographs. I had some more wonderful orange juice. A smile returned to my face. I stopped for more pics with Mickey on the way out. It ended up fine, but I still feel like crying, as I type this.

I went back to DCA after the breakfast, and I had a nice afternoon. I saw Oswald, and Olaf, and the Frozen show for the 2nd time. I bought myself some Mouse ears to wear to the Halloween Party. I got to see the Five and Dime show, which I love. I stayed in DCA until about 4 o'clock. Then I was headed to Disneyland for the night.

The Halloween Party was a lot of fun, and I was a first timer. I did manage to ride Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion, and Buzz Lightyear. The crowds were lighter for the parade, but the streets were still packed for the fireworks. What I loved was the Halloween music and projections on Main Street. I also got pics with all the Pooh characters during the party. I did not trick or treat. The last thing I needed was Candy. I was pumped enough.

Successful trip? Yes. Fun? Yes. Although the crowds made me wish that Disney would put a cap on their attendance. One doesn't know when to go anymore where you can wait less for rides, and not feel like a sardine on the walkways. Especially on the Rivers Of America.

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What a lovely post! Maybe my favorite-given my new place here on the boards. Certainly helpful, given that my wife and I will be there during the Thanksgiving Holiday, and I find it very helpful to read that you can still enjoy DLR despite the heavy crowds (there is hope, and I will adjust my expectations-thank you). But what I love the most about your post, is that I have something wonderful to shoot for-I pray that someday I will be 68 and can go to DLR and have a similar experience! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing!

Sounds like you had a great time, minus the character breakfast! Glad you didn't let it ruin your breakfast! We had a similar thing happen at the Minnie & Friends but it was my 12 year old son getting the snub! We had a couple of characters come visit our table but my son was waiting and waiting for Tigger to come. He walked by our table FOUR times and completely ignored him. My son did the same thing you did, actually stood by our table waiting after the first three times. Then he went over and tapped him on the back but he continued to ignore him. The WORST part about it.......it was my son's BIRTHDAY!!!! We sat there, in the corner against the wall, basically being ignored for most of the time, other than the couple of characters. We ended up leaving but on the way out, I mentioned to the cast member that seats everyone that they should really remind the characters to visit the people shoved in the corner occasionally. He asked what happened, so I told him. I also said, I don't want anything but I want you to pass along that we brought my son here for his birthday and even though he's 12, he's still enough of a kid (thank goodness!!! lol) to want to meet some characters. He said okay, I will make sure I let the manager know and then I left (husband, son and daughter were already outside).

We got to the entrance outside and the cast member came running up to me and asked if I'd mind waiting for a few minutes because the manager wanted to speak to me. When he came, I explained again what happened and he said that was very unfortunate and that we weren't paying that much for some bacon and eggs lol He ended up refunding our entire meal and apologized over and over again. I said to him that I didn't complain to get my money back, I did it so they were aware that kids do get upset when they are skipped over, even at 12 years old.

I have gone to many character meals before, and this is the first time that I encountered any kind of problem for myself. I have read about other people having issues, and it always broke my heart, especially when a child was disappointed. In May, I went to Ariel's Grotto with friends, and I was so impressed with the system that they used with the princesses. They are so well organized, and they give you a huge amount of time to eat, before the characters come to visit, so that you are not distracted by your meal. I had a 10+ experience there, with 10 being perfect. The food was delicious, and the staff was amazing, and the characters took time with each and every table in a very well organized matter.

The room at the Paradise Pier Hotel is very small, and there are four characters that are visiting. I watched the way they were working the room, and they had no system. I was not in a corner. I was more in the middle of the room, near an entrance, and also a wall. I was alone, and concerned about perhaps not having someone nearby to take my picture. I would have been fine if they had just stopped by my table, and autographed my book, and I would have taken their photo. However, I watched table after table getting character interaction, and time after time, they ignored me. The way the room is arranged, I should have been first. It made sense, because that way, no one would be missed. The cast member says that each character has their own pattern. Seems to me, that the tables are set up in a certain order, and all the characters should follow the same order. Over the course of your meal, you would eventually see the four characters, depending on when you arrived and when you left, because the characters rotate.

What surprised me was that I became emotional. I could have just asked for the check and left. However, I had servers, and cast members constantly walking past my table, as I stood there waiting. When I first entered, I got my meal, of course, and began to eat. I was ready with my camera, and book, and concerned about a character coming as I had food in my mouth. Well that never happened, as they went to table after table all around me, but not me. So finally, when I was totally finished eating, I stood up.

Character meals are a lot of fun, and over the years, I have seen a lot of characters when dining. I have a lot of fond memories. I remember dining alone at the Plaza Inn, and they included me each and every time they made their way around my section of the restaurant.

My dad always told me to speak up. My mom always said I would cry if someone looked at me funny when I was a kid. I felt like a kid the other day when I was dining, and I just wanted to be included the way all the others around me were. Not left out.

I love the character Meet and Greets in the park, and they are done in a very well organized fashion. Everyone gets their turn, when they step in the line, and the cast members tell you when the characters are leaving, and coming back. That is fair.

I'm so sorry your Surf's Up breakfast was less than ideal. We were there for breakfast Sat 10/3 around 7:30AM and had a completely different experience from you. It was our checkout day from our hotel & we didn't want to deal with park crowds for a character meal. We went early since we didn't have an ADR. It wasn't busy at that hour, which I think helped in regards to our character interaction since the restaurant wasn't full.

My kids love Stitch, and I think our best interactions were definitely with him (though my kids refused to do the dancing). Of course, we weren't a solo adult table--having two 6 yr olds may've helped. We did see adult only tables, though I didn't see any solo diners. It looked like all 4 roaming characters made more than one stop at ALL the tables. (Since we had an extended visit to DLR, we had purchased the PhotoPass Plus in advance, since we like getting our ride photos and character meals included in this all. The photo packages with the prints at Surfs Up and Goofy's Kitchen are included in the price of the PP+). By the time we left the restaurant (right before 9am), it was getting busy.

In regards to why it was so crazy crowded this past weekend...I'm assuming it was due to the Gay Days weekend. It doesn't surprise that the parks were packed that weekend. Earlier in the week, the wait times were reasonable in the morning. Afternoons were always busier (& way hotter!)

I totally understand crying at odd times! We just returned yesterday from our DL trip and I got weepy at random moments. Like when I was in the bathroom before leaving the park on our last night. Or getting weepy during the parade. Or when I was on the Mark Twain.

Cats2 said:

...In regards to why it was so crazy crowded this past weekend...I'm assuming it was due to the Gay Days weekend...

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This was my fourth consecutive Gay Days, and this certainly was the most crowded.
The 60th anniversary shows are also increasing the crowds, and the weather was very nice (much cooler than what was predicted a week prior).

These high crowd levels will exist most weekends, and Xmas to NYE this year will be the busiest week ever.

barbaraann said:

My mom always said I would cry if someone looked at me funny when I was a kid. I felt like a kid the other day when I was dining, and I just wanted to be included the way all the others around me were. Not left out.

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I don't blame you for feeling that way, no-one wants to feel invisible and left out. I think it would be especially hard in a character dining experience at DL where you were probably surrounded by families and groups of people.

I get teary also - and also cried easily as a kid. I remember being on a camping trip several years ago, I am a solo mum and was still getting over my relationship breakdown - we went with friends (a couple) and their children. I remember one afternoon, the other family went off for a walk together and I was with my children sitting by the river and I was having an afternoon glass of wine while they played, I was happily watching them but then got all teary because I suddenly felt all alone drinking my wine without that other someone to share the family experience with.

So don't worry us cry-babies can stick together

Thanks for sharing Barbaraann, always enjoy your collages at the other site. I was there Thursday PM and Friday AM until noon. It was packed! Headed to San Diego for the weekend to avoid the huge crowds but glad you enjoyed yourself despite some mishaps.

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone.

Didn't you say you had Photo Pass +? You should have gotten your pictures with Mickey for free both on your card and the actual picture package. It's part of the PP+ deal.

I also get emotional when I feel ignored or put-out. I think it is normal. I'm glad the CM got the characters over to your table.

I did not have Photopass Plus. I simply had the card that they gave me when I had my first Photo taken in the park. I ended up taking about 220 total photos during my 4 days in the park. Sure the photos of Mickey were nice all printed out. However, I got plenty of photos with my own camera. The cast members at the restaurant, were very good about doing that, both when I entered, and also when I left the restaurant.

On the last day of my vacation, while I was waiting for the Paint the Night Parade during the Halloween Party, the Camera/Photo store on Main Street was basically empty. So I had my CD burned, and I came home with it. I never add the borders, and such. I am happy to have the photos that were taken during my 4 days in the parks. It does take a bit of time for all the "Magic Shots" to show up, but I did not have too many of those, and they were earlier in my trip, so they all showed up.

So sad you didn't have the best experience at breakfast. If it helps at all, I can relate. I was there at Surf's up in August with my 2 teens. My DH stayed home. So, it was a fun Mommy, 2 teen trip!! We had never been to Surf's Up. Goofy's kitchen was always my choice. But, I thought, "we'll give it a try". I won't be back sadly. All the younger children got ALL the attention from the characters. We never saw Daisy. And I had to make it a point to make sure we got pictures with Mickey. When we arrived, the CM said, "sorry, Mickey is getting sand out of his shoes right now, check with us before you leave to see if you can see him." WHAT??

Some things aren't perfect at Disney, although we'd like them to be.......
"

I have this motto about vacations. It goes like this. "If I don't have fun on vacation than it's my own fault". I truly believe that. My vacations have all been successful. Sure there have been many less than perfect moments. In this instance, I heard my dad's voice in my head saying that "I should speak up for myself". I could have walked out angry, and upset, but instead, I made someone know how I was feeling. So, I ended up having an absolutely marvelous day. I left the restaurant smiling, instead of scowling. It was my Halloween Party Day, and that was a whole lot of fun. I especially love the music, and the atmosphere, and the energy of the guests dressed up for Halloween.