Disneyland is a fabulous local theme park!

[mouseymommy]

I haven't been to WDW, but I have had great service from the CM at DL. They have taken my info so the chef could send me recipes. They have never been anything but kind when we need help. They call my little girl princess all the time. When we go for birthdays they call the kids by their first names and wish them a Happy Birthday.
This last trip our DD2 had an accident all over the floor of a shop. My DH and I were so embarrassed and offered to clean it up. The CM's called somebody in to clean it, and also GAVE her a pair of pants so we wouldn't have to leave the park. They were so kind and understanding, they really made us feel less worried her accident. I have never even had slightly questionable service from a CM.

I have to say though, I found the title of this thread condescending.

[Mugglemama]

I've not been to WDW, so I can't compare service levels between the two resorts. However, I *can* say, that I've been both a local (lived 30 minutes away and was in the parks about twice per week), and a non-local. I've received good and bad service as both a local and non-local.

Ten years ago, DLR was a pretty different place. Back then, I always felt CM attitudes were very pleasant and easy to deal with. I also never saw other guests (many of whom were also AP holding locals who were likely in the parks quite often, because sometimes we would recognize people in line for the tram or in the parks, etc., from other days we had been there) treat the parks badly back then. We didn't experience rudeness in the parks back then, either. I think all of those things combined are why we fell so in love with being there!

It is different now, no way around it. There is a lot of rudeness and inconsideration in the parks, IMHO, mainly on the part of guests. CM's are a mixed bag (we've actually had a CM yell at our 5 year old once because as we walked through the park in the hour or so before a parade, he held up his arm and ran his hand lightly along one of the ropes they use to cordone off parade areas for like, a tenth of a second). I am unhappy when CM's are grouchy, rude, or (as in that one instance with my son) completely out of line. We pay a LOT of money to be there...I don't want some crab screaming at my kid for doing something totally harmless (would it have been any harder to just say in a normal voice, "Please don't touch the rope" ???). But we've received acceptable service from CM's much of the time, too. And again, we've received both kinds of treatment as locals AND non-locals.

Personally, I feel like the "poor service" issues are more an issue of now vs. then...as opposed to locals vs. non-locals. CM's were different 10 years ago. They used to smile and take time to be friendly. They didn't used to ram our kids' heads into measuring sticks or act like they hated their jobs. CM's used to really act as though they were playing a role (especially when it came to certain attractions)...I don't see that anymore, except for HM and JC...and those CM's pale in comparison to the ones from a decade ago in terms of enthusiasm). Our last trip in May...it felt like so many of the CM's were indifferent, or grouchy, or miserable with their job. It's a bummer to see it...and it definitely affects the tone of the visit.

Perhaps DLR used to be a better place to work, and that explains the change? I don't know...but that's my best guess. CM's used to seem happy to be there.

[melancholywings]

Originally Posted by theluckyrabbit

Agree with the above poster. The card you are being asked for is an annual pass, not because it puts you in some "local club," but because it will give you a discount on your purchase. And good for Disney for training the CMs to ask for the card, intead of making passholders work for the discount (and often not receive it because they forgot to ask). Being gracious to all guests is hardly "catering to locals." If you read the fan boards, you'll see that there are passholders all over the world (hello, australia??). Most of the passholders probably are local and domestic visitors, but certainly not all.

They didn't call it an AP card, or a passholder card (I'm aware of what those both are), does it have a different name? I only knew it gave a 'local discount card' because a cast member explained it that way.

[Mary Jo]

Originally Posted by melancholywings

They didn't call it an AP card, or a passholder card (I'm aware of what those both are), does it have a different name? I only knew it gave a 'local discount card' because a cast member explained it that way.

There is no local discount card. Discounts are either AP (maybe it was the So Cal AP?), Disney Visa, DVC membership, CM, or AAA. If the CM called it a local discount, then he/she was misinformed, or didn't know the correct terminology.

[bumbershoot]

Originally Posted by melancholywings

They didn't call it an AP card, or a passholder card (I'm aware of what those both are), does it have a different name? I only knew it gave a 'local discount card' because a cast member explained it that way.

Just "pass", which is how I remember hearing it most often. There's just no local discount card, so it really had to be an AP.

I think the CM did a rotten job of explaining it, OR he thought that APs are only for locals? I had a Team Member at Universal Orlando think that APs were only for locals, I mean he TRULY thought that. We had just been talking about how I was from WA, then I pulled out my AP for a discount on a wizard's robe and he almost wouldn't give me the discount because he thought it wasn't my AP. Craziness. Anyway, the CM might have had a similar understanding.

[blackjackdelta]

I have been going since 1955 and not once have I run in too a narly CM or even close. Not listing the said problems does not allow for much response.
Glad some of the trip was acceptable. I also have never been to the world or on a cruise, do not plan at going, family refuses.

Jack

[mom2tinkandmickey]

Originally Posted by peyjax

Yes I know this rile up some feathers and I welcome the counter responses.

Returned a few days ago from a first time trip. (sort of as 3 family member spent one partial day there in 09) Things we learned.

Disneyland rides rock! and typically trump the world every time.

Disneyland service sucks! They treat people like crap and cater to locals. Hence why I say it is a great local theme park. I will not go into all the details as they are way to many and I know how these boards are and people love to disect and argue how you were in the wrong and Disney is all candy and lollipops.

Staying on site makes a big difference and for those use to DW it is very noticeable. We stayed off site one night and a split stay at DLH and GCH. Love GCH as it is a very well done. Loved DLH rooms as well and tangora terrace but there was just something about GCH that made it awesome.

Things I learned on here did not have me prepared for the crowds we experienced. Cars and was fine but it was DL that was so packed it made it less enjoyable.

The counter service food is really good and also trumps DW! Plaza fried chicken. WOW! Gumbo.. Yummy. Tiger tail sounds gross but is so good!

Cars land is beyond what I imagined and could not believe how amazing it was! The attention to detail was wonderful. The rest of DCA is well, interesting. Liked paradise pier but that was about it.

Overall we really liked a lot about the Land and think it was great start for Walt. For us DW has the edge with the themes and service, but DCL wins hands down for vacay experience. Then again we have not tried DL Tokyo, Paris, etc. LOL it is on the wish list!

For our family what sets Disney apart from the rest is the service and attention to details. It is why we always choose them for our vacations from Dw to DCL and now DL. What I do not understand is how people say this is Walt's park yet it seems to be the furthest from what the standards I always thought Walt stood for. Cheesy I know but I really could not get over how bad the service was.

Sorry your experience was less than 100% magical.

As far as the "local treatment" , how would a Cast Member know if you are local or not, by asking for a pass or a discount card (if such a thing existed)? Passes are asked for at the time of payment..after you have already been waited on. So, how could it impact service? Perhaps you were asked if you had an annual pass, but your mind went to the Entertainment book hotel discounts, that are only available to CA residents? What type of Cast Member did you ask for an explanation? I have spent 200+ days in the Parks since May 2005 (I'm not local), and have never been asked for anything other than an AP or Disney Visa for discounts. I have also had maybe 1 negative experience with a Cast Member, for every 100 great ones. As you stated, it is an extremely busy time right now (not to mention the opressive summer heat this year). You dealt with those crowds for a couple of days. Imagine being in it 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Cast Members are human. They get beat down by guests...EVERYDAY. You don't find a lot of sales people, or cashiers whistling Zip-a-dee-do-da by Christmas Eve, during the holidays. I'm not trying to excuse poor treatment of guests. Unfortunately, Disney is giving 50% to their employees, and expects 110% from them.

I agree 100% about the "new" DCA being much ado about nothing. Yes, Carsland is amazing! The rest is just paint. What used to be fun and vibrant, is now very vanilla. I know most people disagree.

I hope someday you get the chance to come back and really experience Walt's original Park. When you do, take a moment to pause in front of the light above the Firehouse window, and feel your heart smile.

[mom2tinkandmickey]

Sorry, my previous post was addressing both peyjax and melancholywings, and it didn't quote correctly.

[melancholywings]

Originally Posted by bumbershoot

Just "pass", which is how I remember hearing it most often. There's just no local discount card, so it really had to be an AP.

I think the CM did a rotten job of explaining it, OR he thought that APs are only for locals? I had a Team Member at Universal Orlando think that APs were only for locals, I mean he TRULY thought that. We had just been talking about how I was from WA, then I pulled out my AP for a discount on a wizard's robe and he almost wouldn't give me the discount because he thought it wasn't my AP. Craziness. Anyway, the CM might have had a similar understanding.

Ah ok. I bet it was misinformation then. Thanks all!

[melancholywings]

Originally Posted by mom2tinkandmickey

Sorry, my previous post was addressing both peyjax and melancholywings, and it didn't quote correctly.

I'm not sure how to respond, or what you're asking me? And I'm not sure how your 200+ days in any of the parks invalidates the experiences of others? If you've crossed the street 200 times safely, and I cross it once and get hit by a bus - am I making that experience up because you didn't get hit by it?

My post was to say that I can relate to some of the OP's experiences. Compared to DW - DL can feel like a local park. That's not a bad thing, it's just a different experience.

And I think because on our last trip AP's came unblocked on a minor holiday (no school/no work) it created a larger ratio of AP holders to visit - and statistically speaking a high number of those people have to be local. It's reasonable for cast members to recognize this as a pattern and to relate to other visitors as though they are part of the current majority in the parks. Which is what my family experienced. It's not a horrible thing, it didn't ruin our vacation. But it does create a different experience.

[jetskigrl]

I read a lot on the boards about WDW vets coming to DLR and thinking the CMs aren't as nice. I could say that I had the opposite experience. I'm a DLR vet who went to WDW and didnt' think the CMs were as nice. But I have a theory as to why that is. I don't think there is a difference between the CMs at all. I think is has to do with the touring style.

When I went to WDW, we were on the go, trying to see as much as we could. Our focus was on just totally enjoying the parks. So we didn't take the time to stop and talk to the CMs as much there. There were a couple of grumpy ones and a couple of really nice ones. But none stood out like the CMs we have encountered at DLR.

But the reason we have such great experiences with CMs at DLR is because we take the time to interact with them. We go at a slower pace because we know the park so well and we aren't trying to take it all in. So that leaves us with the time to really talk with the CMs. That is when you get the "pixie dust" or "magical" experiences. Not in the 1 second you pass them in line or 2 minutes you spending checking out in the stores. It is in the 5 minute conversations you have standing around chatting with them. It is the time we spend talking to the conductors because instead of running for the train at the station, we wait for the next one, etc.

We didn't expect a lot of CM pixie dust at WDW, because we were focused on the parks themselves. We didnt' take the time to talk with the CMs like we usually do. And I think the same thing might happen to people coming to DLR for the first time. Not that this is a bad thing. It is just a different priority. Seeing the parks vs. visiting with the CMs.

I'm not saying we never encountered a bad CM at DLR. We have even reported 2 to City Hall because they went beyond "having a bad day" to actually upsetting our children. But overall I have found that the more time we spend talking with CMs, the more magical they make the experience for us.

I also find this applies to Disney Cruise Line. Some of our best experinces on the cruises have come from interaction with the CMs. But it is easier to get to know them when you are on the same ship with them for a week or more

And as for them treating locals better, I have to agree with everyone else. How would they know who is local? I know tons of AP holders that aren't local so just having the AP alone doesn't provide that information. So I'm not sure how they would cater to locals when they have no idea who is local and who isn't

[bakerudall]

Originally Posted by pixiewings71

I can't compare as I've never been to WDW but I've rarely been treated poorly at DLR and I'm not a local. Yes, I currently have an AP but I've done the get park hoppers and upgrade at the last possible moment and I can say with certainty that I have been treated the same whether I have an AP in my lanyard or park hoppers. I've been treated great, I've been treated poorly, it's up to me to decide how to react to both and in many cases it's up to me to determine how the CM treats me. For instance, if you treat a CM with a negative attitude they will likely respond in kind, but if you treat them as a person with kindness they generally appreciate that. In general the CM's at DL/DCA treat me with kindness and respect and again, even though I live in CA I am not a local.

You nailed it there. Just as the OP was looking forward to ruffling some feathers from the beginning of his/her post, he/she probably enjoyed trying to ruffle the feathers of the CM's he/she encountered throughout his/her stay. That will definitely suck the magic out of personal interactions.

[brerrabbit]

I have been to Disneyland four times in my life. 5 years old in 1964, Senior in HS 1977, with wife and kids in 1998 and last weekend for two days. I have been to WDW 16 times since 1989.

Here is my view, I love Disneyland and will seriously consider a week long stay there sometime in the future. It was Walt's park but so much has changed over the years it seems a little less his than it once was. We love WDW, don't get me wrong but the rides at DL are just so much better when compared head to head. Space Mountain, POC, Haunted House at DL all rock compared to WDW. DL everything is so compact and right there that the walks are minimal. DL however at least for the weekend we were there was packed. That is to be expected because the Southern California population far exceeds the Central Florida population. At WDW you can find down times, and I am sure with more research you can find down times at DL but I would think there are fewer.

THe local vs non local thing at DL I cannot understand because no examples were given. I can speculate. I think a lot of it has to do with the CM's and their name tags. At WDW we are always looking to see where the CM's are from. Since there are so many on the College program and so many that move to Orlando to specifically work at Disney you wind up finding CM's from all over the country and in Epcot from all over the world. It opens a conversation and brings out conversation from the CM's about their home. It automatically makes them seem friendlier. Over the weekend at DL DW and I noticed that 90% of the name tags had the CM's from California. Very little conversation starter there. That being said we did have numerous CM's ask where we were from because as much as I don't think so my wife and I are definitly Texans and most people figure that out as soon as we say something.

The only other thing I would mention is that at DL this weekend I did notice more than a few overflowing garbage cans and dirty restrooms. Not to say that does not happen at WDW but we seem to see far less of that at WDW than we did at DL.

[bumbershoot]

Originally Posted by mom2tinkandmickey

Perhaps you were asked if you had an annual pass, but your mind went to the Entertainment book hotel discounts, that are only available to CA residents?

FYI, you can buy an Entertainment book for ANY city, or even country, that you want. I can buy the SoCal book today if I wished to, and you can buy the Puget Sound one for my region. I can buy the one for British Columbia, Canada. So even that isn't a local thing (and I don't think there's anything in those books that can be used anywhere in the Resort, apart from Rainforest Cafe, but I didn't use mine b/c I have the Landry's card which can't be combined with a discount).

Originally Posted by brerrabbit

THe local vs non local thing at DL I cannot understand because no examples were given. I can speculate. I think a lot of it has to do with the CM's and their name tags. At WDW we are always looking to see where the CM's are from. Since there are so many on the College program and so many that move to Orlando to specifically work at Disney you wind up finding CM's from all over the country and in Epcot from all over the world. It opens a conversation and brings out conversation from the CM's about their home. It automatically makes them seem friendlier. Over the weekend at DL DW and I noticed that 90% of the name tags had the CM's from California. Very little conversation starter there.

I've talked about the CA city nametags with CMs before, and most of them that I've talked to aren't actually from that city, it's just where they live NOW. They can do where they are from or where they live now, and many choose the latter. Not sure why!

And with garbage...that's all a matter of when you are walking by. I've read trip reports from the exact same time I've been there, and one person can walk by an overflowing garbage can, but when I walk by 3 minutes later it is being cleared out or has already been cleared out. Back in '07 I was taking pictures of chipping paint and being really sad about that...half an hour later, it was being painted, so someone following me would see work done, or wet paint signs, or just notice nothing at all.

We saw it at WDW and Universal, too. It's all a matter of when, exactly, you are walking by something.

[BeckWhy]

Everyone has their own experiences which leads to their own interpretations of that experience.

My experience with CMs at Disneyland was, for the most part, far more enjoyable than WDW. I paid for almost everything with credit card and was IDed every time (which I greatly appreciate). I actually got a lot of comments from CMs about being all the way in California when I'm from the BIG APPLE. New York must be so much better than LA. So we had a lot of conversations because I'm not from NYC, I don't even live close to it. It's about an 8 hour drive if I want to go. And I hate NYC. It's so loud, and dirty, and it smells, and people are rude (that's my experience). I loved it when I was at Hungry Bear and one of the girls working commented on her cousin or something going to D'Youville College in Buffalo (which I live much closer to). I kind of got the impression that more CMs appreciate their job in Disneyland than those in WDW. But I also felt the CMs were disorganized. During parades and fireworks they attempted to do crowd control and it just didn't seem like they had any control at all, even though CMs were everywhere. Or maybe it was just that the guests didn't listen or pay attention? Either way it always seemed chaotic.

I felt my character interactions (and what I saw with others) was far superior than WDW. Everyone seemed to try to make "conversation" with you and try to spend some time with you. This really sucks when you're waiting in line and it makes the line move really slow, but I think the end result is far more rewarding. All my character interactions in WDW (besides my Disney Visa Meet & Greet) all seemed to be "TAKE A PICTURE AND GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

My favorite interaction was with Merida. I haven't even seen Brave, but I figured I'd wait to see her anyways so I can say I met her. I was traveling solo (and I'm about 30 years old) and she really just made a lot of chit chat with me. We were talking about how hot it was and how I missed my New York rainy weather. So she invited me to come back to Scotland with her to stay in her castle, along with the cute boy who was working with her. HAHA She was so cute.

I stayed at Stovall's Inn on Katella. My walk was about 20 to 25 minutes through the Grand Californian, to DTD and then to the esplanade. This was walking at a leisurely pace. I don't think it was a far walk at all -- not at the end of the night, and not after 5 days in the park with 100 degree temperatures. I even went back to my room almost every day for a nap. Yes the Grand Californian is a lot closer, but in WDW I don't think you have any hotels as close to the parks at that hotel. Some are walking distance, but most you have to use the buses.

The people who worked at my hotel were amazing too. I actually only dealt with one person all the way from pricing out the hotel to checking out. He knew my name by the end of my first day.

I won't say the counter service food serviced in Disneyland is better than WDW but I felt I had a bit more options (and I felt they were super huge servings, I never finished one meal). Food is prepared differently there than here in New York. Most of the meals I got came with different types of slaw. Here we only have coleslaw and it was great to try all these other kinds. The one at Taste Pilot or whatever had apples in it. Great touch, I thought (it wasn't coleslaw though...).

POTC and Space Mountain (Ghost Galaxy or whatever it is for Halloween) rocked. So much better than WDW. The Aladdin show... AMAZING! I think that was worth the billion dollars I spent to go. LOL I think that Sleeping Beauty's Castle is more pretty than Cinderella.