Am I crazy?

[EricaatthePark]

I just end up missing them the entire time?

You'll still probably miss them. But that's still okay! You can miss them AND have fun! Embrace the power of AND.

Also, the burgers at Disney are often just as expensive as places around here too (and it's California so I guess everything here is expensive ).

Eh... not just a CA thing.
We went to Norway a couple years back and everyone said, "OMG, the prices in Norway are crazy!" And we actually didn't think that was true. The prices were pretty comparable to what we normally spend at home. And honestly, the costs for food at Disney aren't that much different than our prices here in CO, either. Maybe it is more about being in a city? I'm not sure. But I guess I go into it expecting much worse and am always pleasantly surprised .


We actually have been having a fabulous time in the parks and made the decision to get Magic Keys this year. We are going to go a bunch before our kid goes to "real" school next year. Just making the most of it. We were just there for Disneyland's Birthday and we leave again in a couple weeks and I'm already SO excited! We had an amazing time in July, other than it being quite hotter than we are used to. So yeah. In the words of Tow Mater, "This is gonna be FU-u-un!"

 

[abracabubble]

There are plenty of what if scenarios in your post, but "what ifs" are hypothetical and mostly negative in general. What helps is to ask if you have any what ifs that are positive? Disneyland has bad reviews because of several reasons. Basically People are highly unrealistic. Trying to obtain a perfect vacation is not likely. Life happens and things go wrong.
There are also more negative reviews in general. People tend to write more negative reviews than positive ones because our brain remembers negative events more clearly because they are emotionally charged.
Some people do no research at all, have no idea things are closed, or that they have to put a little planning into their vacation.
Some people are just miserable. No explanation needed for this one!
Lastly and maybe most importantly, some people cannot adapt to change in a positive way, and at Disney, you need to be able to be flexible and open to the possibility that you may have to make some changes in your plans throughout the day.
Just go with a positive attitude, be realistic, be flexible, and have fun!

 

[Dr. G]

You will have an amazing time, especially with your love of Disney and Disneyland. Yes there are some rides down but that always seems to be the case with refurbs etc. But, there will be tons more rides open than are closed. My wife and I love trips just as a couple! I'm excited for you to experience the parks on a just-adults trip! The nice thing about adults only is you can enjoy more of the atmosphere, explore details, try new snacks, AND go on a bunch of rides. If you don't have the Lightning Lane add-on already and if it feels like you aren't getting on the big rides you want to, try adding it that day. I'd recommend rope dropping the big rides that are important to you then in the heat of the day enjoy a meal/snacks, smaller rides, less busy rides, shows, street entertainment, etc. Have a wonderful time!

 

[wallawallakids]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it. I do think I am just overthinking it. Maybe just pre-trip nerves. I am trying to focus on the positives. Like just how much I love seeing that castle, and how this is my chance to go and enjoy a few days actually hearing my husband at dinner. Thanks @Bad Pink Tink 2.0 for your trip report! I loved reading it and it reminded me so much of why I love going.

 

[maleficent55]

I’ve gone 4 times post Covid, one of the trips was a kid free trip: all amazing!!!

I love Disneyland and each time was just as magical as ever.

Have fun!!!

 

[Tinkaboo]

I go 4-5 times a year (not local) and have never had a BAD TRIP. I don’t find the food prices out of line,although I don’t eat a lot in the park, simply because of diet restrictions. But a hamburger and fries is CHEAPER than at the hockey games at Ball Arena here in Denver.

Go with a light heart, let it be filled with joy and create some wonderful new memories!

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

We just went today and had such a great time. Very low crowds and low ride wait times (it was very hot though!). We did not experience any ride breakdowns today and did 10 rides between 10am and 5pm. Everything was clean, CMs were great. We had a fantastic time!

OP, have a great trip and don’t let your worries get in the way of your excitement for your trip!

 

[DontSpamMe]

Don't over plan. I mean make the necessary reservations (restaurants, tours, etc...) of course. Have an idea of what you want to accomplish but be flexible because the negative comments do have some merit. There's a lot that could be better with Disneyland. We now go in with the mantra of taking what the park gives us.

There are some things about Disney that infuriate me, but I'm always able to walk away with a positive experience.

As others have said. With a good attitude and some well calibrated expectations you'll be fine.

 

[lalasmama]

Is it different? Some. Is it as terrible as some people make it sound? No. The magic is still there if you choose to see it.

Remember, people are more likely to complain than compliment.

I've found I need to go with the flow more than before. "Hard" planning and my old "military" style mind-set doesn't work as well, but good planning still effective.... meaning things scuh going to rope drop, doing meals off the expected times (like breakfast at your hotel before you leave, or late morning, lunch after 1:00 pm, etc).

Fast Pass/Lightening Lane lines are much shorter now that it's no longer $10 like pre-pandemic and pricing out families.

If you are still aware/concerned about getting sick, there's lots of people still in masks, so you won't stand out at all.

 

[disny_luvr]

We just visited Disneyland for the first time last month and had a wonderful trip! We thought it was very clean, the food was great, and we only experienced one ride that went down while we were in line and as we were walking out of the line, it was back up and running. Don’t listen to all the naysayers, go and have a great time!

 

[ClaraOswald]

We went in June (trip report on the DVC section of the board) and had a great time!

We went 2 other times post-Covid (June 2022 and February 2023) and enjoyed those trips too. Things are a bit different than before Covid but all of our trips have been fun.

 

[J&J]

My husband and I have a trip in 5 days for our anniversary and I am starting to panic. I have always loved Disney, esp Disneyland, and normally I am super excited to go and counting down the days to the minute. But lately all I read about is that it is crowded, dirty, rides keep going down, nothing is open, food is worse, it's expensive, the experience isn't the same...etc. I have not been on a vacation in 5 years, and I have planned this for months but I am starting to worry that I made a huge mistake. What if I am leaving the kids and the dog with a sitter, spending all this money, and I hate it now? What if this is not the same experience I used to love? I have never been without the kids, what if it is not great without them and I just end up missing them the entire time? I know this all sounds insane but I guess I am hoping for some reassurance that it isn't as bad as I keep reading on here. I am second guessing myself so much that I have even considered canceling the whole trip. Is the experience after Covid as different as everyone makes it seem? Or is it really that bad and I need to really prepare for a very different Disney?

We have been to Disney over 100 times none were the same. Been good been bad but we always find something different to enjoy. Just go.and enjoy the more you think that way the more you’ll never enjoy anything. Have a wonderful time also plan a very dinner some special on Disney property

 

[wallawallakids]

We just got home and we had an amazing time! Thank you to everyone who responded and calmed my fears. It was so much fun. We can’t wait to go back. And our kids did well without us and loved their surprises that we brought back with us. The Disney magic is still alive and well! Thank you again.

 

[Dr. G]

So glad it went well! Thanks for reporting back!

 

[Dr. G]

Deleted. Duplicate post.