Consistently good experiences currently?

[Jgc014]

Hi,

First of all really enjoying reading these forums - definitely been a wealth of information for someone who hasn’t been to DL in 10+ years.

With all the talk of recent bad experiences or inconsistent experiences, I was wondering if there were certain rides, attractions, dining options that you consistently enjoy visit to visits - even currently?

Thought it may be helpful if a rough day in the parks to have a list of things that may be a good reset and high likelihood of a positive experience.

Appreciate it!

 

[gelatoni fan]

There are basically no rides now that are immune to failure. Dining could also get randomly long lines when they decide to only have like 2 CMs working the front.

I guess the stuff in Art of Animation is probably the most consistent but sometimes in the afternoon, Animation Academy can get long enough lines for some characters that you won't be able to get a session.

 

[Pluto468]

I think so much depends on the day you're there, and it's impossible to predict. One our 2 DCA days Ariel was always a walk on, but I know someone else here had super long waits every time they tried to get on Ariel. It took me 5 days to finally get on Peter Pan between breakdowns and long waits, but others were able to ride it every day of their trip.

All of our dining experiences were good, we didn't have long waits anywhere. Jolly Holiday was longest, but I mobile ordered so even though the order took 20 minutes it was ok because I was doing other things until I picked up my order.

Tiki room was super quick with mobile ordering, and so was Red Rose tavern.

We were always able to ride Small World with almost no wait. Same for Snow White and Pinocchio. We had no problems with breakdowns or waits on our DCA days. RSR was 25 minutes even with our ILL, but that didn't seem to bad.

 

[evilmommie]

There is so much great information on here to help with having a great day. I think DLR visits are about perspective, timing and the willingness to jump and make your own experience.

 

[DLgal]

On days where things are going south, I have found refuge in the following experiences:

The Train. Board at Tomorrowland Station or Main street only, the other 2 stations always have LONG waits to board. Riding the train is consistently enjoyable for us.

Ride the Mark Twain. Gets you out of the crowds and is peaceful.

Ride Jungle Cruise. It rarely breaks down and no LL so the line moves quickly. Plus, dad jokes.

It's a Small World never disappoints. It's seated, cool inside, and how can you get mad at those dolls?

Tale of the Lion -- just a phenomenal show. Make time for this, specifically.

As far as food goes, Bengal BBQ has never disappointed me. But sometimes the wait for food to be ready is long.

Plaza Inn is a nice respite as well, with consistently good food.

Ronto Wraps in Galaxy's Edge are also consistently good.

The Golden Horseshoe is a hidden gem. Try the ice cream cookie sundae. There is also live entertainment in there.

At DCA:

Paradise Garden live entertainment is enjoyable. Grab some drinks or food and just enjoy the music and shaded tables.

Avengers Campus is a solid option for basically non stop entertainment, even if you don't ride anything. Pym's Kitchen and Tasting Lab are consistently good.

Drinks from Hollywood Lounge are often overlooked, but the best drinks in the park most of the time. It's a nice little corner to chill out in.

Flo's V8 Cafe is consistently good as well. Mobile order here, though. Lines are always long.

Cocina Cucaminga is consistently good.

Ghirardelli is always a great option as well.

The Animatiom academy, as mentioned, is a good place to go when rides are being unreliable.

The Redwood Creek Challenge trail is also a great spot, especially if you have energetic kids who need to burn off energy.

We love riding the Pixar Pal A Round. It never breaks down and is a fun way to get some great views. Line moves well here too in the swinging side. The stationary cars have a longer wait due to there being less of those.

If you have a Magic Key, the Magic Key terrace is AMAZING and really feels like you are no longer in the park, even though you can see it. It's so QUIET up there.

 

[Jgc014]

There is so much great information on here to help with having a great day. I think DLR visits are about perspective, timing and the willingness to jump and make your own experience.

Agree - immensely grateful for all the information here! Generally I feel like I am a pretty easy going (although somewhat impatient) traveler, but feeling slightly apprehensive with the added unpredictability of three year old twins, so trying to enhance my overall DL knowledge. And that being said, also equally excited to show them DL - they were mainly in awe when we went to MK (somehow very unamused by the Speedway) in Nov 2021, and I think they are at an even better age to appreciate it now.

 

[Jgc014]

On days where things are going south, I have found refuge in the following experiences:

The Train. Board at Tomorrowland Station or Main street only, the other 2 stations always have LONG waits to board. Riding the train is consistently enjoyable for us.

Ride the Mark Twain. Gets you out of the crowds and is peaceful.

Ride Jungle Cruise. It rarely breaks down and no LL so the line moves quickly. Plus, dad jokes.

It's a Small World never disappoints. It's seated, cool inside, and how can you get mad at those dolls?

Tale of the Lion -- just a phenomenal show. Make time for this, specifically.

As far as food goes, Bengal BBQ has never disappointed me. But sometimes the wait for food to be ready is long.

Plaza Inn is a nice respite as well, with consistently good food.

Ronto Wraps in Galaxy's Edge are also consistently good.

The Golden Horseshoe is a hidden gem. Try the ice cream cookie sundae. There is also live entertainment in there.

At DCA:

Paradise Garden live entertainment is enjoyable. Grab some drinks or food and just enjoy the music and shaded tables.

Avengers Campus is a solid option for basically non stop entertainment, even if you don't ride anything. Pym's Kitchen and Tasting Lab are consistently good.

Drinks from Hollywood Lounge are often overlooked, but the best drinks in the park most of the time. It's a nice little corner to chill out in.

Flo's V8 Cafe is consistently good as well. Mobile order here, though. Lines are always long.

Cocina Cucaminga is consistently good.

Ghirardelli is always a great option as well.

The Animatiom academy, as mentioned, is a good place to go when rides are being unreliable.

The Redwood Creek Challenge trail is also a great spot, especially if you have energetic kids who need to burn off energy.

We love riding the Pixar Pal A Round. It never breaks down and is a fun way to get some great views. Line moves well here too in the swinging side. The stationary cars have a longer wait due to there being less of those.

If you have a Magic Key, the Magic Key terrace is AMAZING and really feels like you are no longer in the park, even though you can see it. It's so QUIET up there.

Really - thank you SO much. This is a wonderful list!

I’ve always thought the railway was an under-appreciated attraction and really appreciate the tip on the stations.

Jungle Cruise is an interesting one as I feel like I have an opposite opinion of the ride from my WDW experience as I always think the line is greater than I would expect, but guess the lack of Genie+ is helpful in today’s environment.

Have two energetic kids who ALWAYS have energy to burn, so looking forward to the redwood creek challenge trail.

And Pixar Pal-A-Round was probably my most memorable experience from my last visit. My sister who will ride anything and me who will ride almost anything were literally in tears on the swinging version, but willing to give the non swinging version a try this time around even if it does mean a slightly longer wait.

 

[DLgal]

Really - thank you SO much. This is a wonderful list!

I’ve always thought the railway was an under-appreciated attraction and really appreciate the tip on the stations.

Jungle Cruise is an interesting one as I feel like I have an opposite opinion of the ride from my WDW experience as I always think the line is greater than I would expect, but guess the lack of Genie+ is helpful in today’s environment.

Have two energetic kids who ALWAYS have energy to burn, so looking forward to the redwood creek challenge trail.

And Pixar Pal-A-Round was probably my most memorable experience from my last visit. My sister who will ride anything and me who will ride almost anything were literally in tears on the swinging version, but willing to give the non swinging version a try this time around even if it does mean a slightly longer wait.

I can't stand WDWs Jungle Cruise. The one here is totally a better experience. You even hear bad jokes in the line. The audio track that plays over the speakers is quite funny. I don't think WDW has that. Plus, the skippers here are WAY better. Lots of wannabe improv comedians around LA.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

There are basically no rides now that are immune to failure. Dining could also get randomly long lines when they decide to only have like 2 CMs working the front.

I guess the stuff in Art of Animation is probably the most consistent but sometimes in the afternoon, Animation Academy can get long enough lines for some characters that you won't be able to get a session.

This happened to us at 4pm last Sunday, we couldn’t get into an Animation Academy session. We could have waited 30 minutes for the next session but chose something else.

I really enjoyed the World of Color Dessert Party and the Fantasmic River Belle Terrace dining package, those are standout moments for us in the last few months.

 

[gelatoni fan]

I really enjoyed the World of Color Dessert Party and the Fantasmic River Belle Terrace dining package, those are standout moments for us in the last few months.

I definitely don't think of Fantasmic as "consistently good". Over half the time I've seen it post-reopening, effects weren't working. Usually it's the fire that's not working but sometimes it's the sparks from Mickey's hands. People I know have also seen a princess missing, possibly due to the raft not working. I guess it's still a good show even when effects aren't working but I kinda thought of "consistently good" as implying things don't break down often.

With that definition, I'd also slightly disagree with the previous poster about Small World and Jungle Cruise because Small World effects do break and Jungle Cruise can be hit or miss depending on the skipper. I also wouldn't describe Avengers Campus as consistent. The rides break down quite often and the experience for Avengers Assemble, Warriors of Wakanda and Dr. Strange can vary quite a bit. I've found the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spiderman shows more consistent. Sometimes, they don't open all the floors of the Mark Twain and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail can also be understaffed so kids may not be able to participate in all of the experiences. I often see the duck races missing. But I do agree that Pixar Pal Around is usually pretty consistent.

I haven't seen World of Color enough post reopening but I did notice a few missing effects when I last saw it but I'm not sure if they were permanently removed or if it was a maintenance issue for that specific showing.

But perhaps this is all a bit nitpicky and the average tourist wouldn't notice broken effects or missing performers. As long as the ride isn't breaking down, it'll usually still be a good enough experience even if things aren't working at 100%.

 

[DLgal]

I definitely don't think of Fantasmic as "consistently good". Over half the time I've seen it post-reopening, effects weren't working. Usually it's the fire that's not working but sometimes it's the sparks from Mickey's hands. People I know have also seen a princess missing, possibly due to the raft not working. I guess it's still a good show even when effects aren't working but I kinda thought of "consistently good" as implying things don't break down often.

With that definition, I'd also slightly disagree with the previous poster about Small World and Jungle Cruise because Small World effects do break and Jungle Cruise can be hit or miss depending on the skipper. I also wouldn't describe Avengers Campus as consistent. The rides break down quite often and the experience for Avengers Assemble, Warriors of Wakanda and Dr. Strange can vary quite a bit. I've found the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spiderman shows more consistent. Sometimes, they don't open all the floors of the Mark Twain and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail can also be understaffed so kids may not be able to participate in all of the experiences. I often see the duck races missing. But I do agree that Pixar Pal Around is usually pretty consistent.

I haven't seen World of Color enough post reopening but I did notice a few missing effects when I last saw it but I'm not sure if they were permanently removed or if it was a maintenance issue for that specific showing.

But perhaps this is all a bit nitpicky and the average tourist wouldn't notice broken effects or missing performers. As long as the ride isn't breaking down, it'll usually still be a good enough experience even if things aren't working at 100%.

Yeah, you're being nitpicky. I would never notice any of that stuff and I am a frequent visitor. Just don't catch and retain that level of details.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I definitely don't think of Fantasmic as "consistently good". Over half the time I've seen it post-reopening, effects weren't working. Usually it's the fire that's not working but sometimes it's the sparks from Mickey's hands. People I know have also seen a princess missing, possibly due to the raft not working. I guess it's still a good show even when effects aren't working but I kinda thought of "consistently good" as implying things don't break down often.

With that definition, I'd also slightly disagree with the previous poster about Small World and Jungle Cruise because Small World effects do break and Jungle Cruise can be hit or miss depending on the skipper. I also wouldn't describe Avengers Campus as consistent. The rides break down quite often and the experience for Avengers Assemble, Warriors of Wakanda and Dr. Strange can vary quite a bit. I've found the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spiderman shows more consistent. Sometimes, they don't open all the floors of the Mark Twain and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail can also be understaffed so kids may not be able to participate in all of the experiences. I often see the duck races missing. But I do agree that Pixar Pal Around is usually pretty consistent.

I haven't seen World of Color enough post reopening but I did notice a few missing effects when I last saw it but I'm not sure if they were permanently removed or if it was a maintenance issue for that specific showing.

But perhaps this is all a bit nitpicky and the average tourist wouldn't notice broken effects or missing performers. As long as the ride isn't breaking down, it'll usually still be a good enough experience even if things aren't working at 100%.

I guess I got lucky on Fantasmic! I took “consistently good” as low chance of disappointment, lol.

 

[Lisa24jks]

Yeah, you're being nitpicky. I would never notice any of that stuff and I am a frequent visitor. Just don't catch and retain that level of details.

There is definitely a level of nitpickiness that some (but not all) frequent visitors have and I'm just like... okay. My trip next week will be my 6th in a year, so semi-frequent, but not a local or MK holder level of frequent. So I'll come on here and see someone complain that the third lightbulb from the left is out on such-and-such ride and I'm like... I honestly didn't even notice. So what's consistently good for ME, would probably be consistently good for an even less frequent visitor. And all those little details that people who visit weekly or biweekly notice are going to sail right over my head (or be fixed by the time I make it back).

Unless it's Indiana Jones. I feel like I can always tell when things are broken on Indiana Jones. That's the exception, not the rule.

 

[DLgal]

I notice sometimes when effects are broken, but it really doesn't bother me that much, I guess.

My list was shared as things that you can "count on" on a day when it feels like rides just keep going down. I've not encountered issues trying to do any of those things. They are consistently good experiences FOR US. They are our "old reliables."

 

[Aurora0427]

I notice sometimes when effects are broken, but it really doesn't bother me that much, I guess.

My list was shared as things that you can "count on" on a day when it feels like rides just keep going down. I've not encountered issues trying to do any of those things. They are consistently good experiences FOR US. They are our "old reliables."

Yeah, when we were there last week the lady chasing her husband with a broom in pirates was broken. It didn’t ruin the experience for me.

 

[longboard55]

If it is a special trip, get there at the rope drop and get genie+. You will get all the rides you want. Getting there after noon will not cut it. Rides also open up after 8pm when the shows start.

 

[DLgal]

Yeah, when we were there last week the lady chasing her husband with a broom in pirates was broken. It didn’t ruin the experience for me.

She's been broken since the ride came back from refurbishment. She must be tired from all that running in circles.