Disneyland Dis- Enchanted

[Dchef]

Disneyland dis-enchanted…This isn't meant to sway anyone, as I know many of you have fond memories and post them here too--I have no fond memories of DL and that makes me sad. I am not here to drudge up the age-old debate again and again, but as I ponder another trip to WDW, I had time to reflect on my last Disney vacation.
The one where we drove down from San Jose because we thought we could throw 3 days in and get our Disney fix out of the way. I read here a lot about Disneyland before we went and gathered enough info that told me NOT to compare the 2 parks in anyway—as they are very different each with its own charm. I went in that first day doing just that! Here is my account of those following days and how I SWORE I never wanted to go back.

The kids didn’t ask a single question as we went into the Holiday Inn—Mickey was right there in the lobby and we didn’t want to tell them until downtown busy…that was fun. Holiday Inn was SUPER NICE to stay in; I would highly recommend it!

It was spring break and I knew it would be a bit crowded, but I had no idea it would be like that. Frontier land was a SEA of people as far as you could see and I was really afraid to let go of the kids. More times than I can tell you I felt as though I was in a “regular” amusement park in any town or city across the US.
One of our first things was the Jungle Cruise for fun, but the boat guide seemed as if she had one too many the night before and didn’t play off her jokes very well—almost making fun of herself for even having to say what she was saying. She was glad to see us go.
Not once did I hear an enchanting world from a CM, all I got was that they were overwhelmed when asked a question at all.
We LOVED Indian Jones —it was a highlight for sure. But we never got on Pirates because the line was enormous—we went over to the haunted mansion (better than WDW) and loved it but had to look at a not so nice T-shirt on a fully-grown man that read…. Sex is like Air, Really not important til your're not getting any (IN BOLD LETTERS)—So I had to explain that somehow as my 8 year old proceeded to read it out loud

Looking for characters anywhere....
I went with a fractured foot and was in a walking splint (no big deal for the most part). I opted to NOT use the chair because I was getting around well enough with frequent stops. But what I was absolutely shocked at was the amount of mis-use of Wheelchairs in the park. Kids (teens) wheeling them around taking turns in them just to get in from of the line. It was disgusting. I asked one time, because my kids wanted to ride Screamin' one more time before the day ended, and by that time my foot was throbbing in the splint)—I asked with splint on, to move ahead only to betold very firmly and rudely, that only those in Wheelchairs were permitted to use the elevator. Needless to say, I sat out while my husband waited in line with the kids.

Still looking for Characters....
I know so many of you enjoy Disneyland, and I am not here to bash it. There were some nicer moments like my son being chosen to pull the sword out of the stone and Monday when it seemed more like a “Family” day—All and all the weekend was horrendous. Filled with rowdy teens who used fowl language and chose to smoke every chance they got—we even smelled wacky weed during and outside ice cream break.

NO CHARACTERS
We saw Mary Poppins and Buzz Lightyear the whole 3-day weekend and that was it except the parade, which was so intensely crowded,there was breathing room only.

To sum it all up I have to say my daughter noticed right away what Disneyland was lacking by telling me---“Mommy, there is no magic here” and that was on the first day. I reassured her each day would be better and on the last day I say “You know what, there isn’t any magic here”.

I don’t think our next trip to DL will be better because there won’t be another. If we find ourselves in So. Cal we will plan a trip to Sea World, Lego Land and the Beach. Still though we are thinking about spending our Christmas at WDW this year and look forward to catching those magical moments again and look forward to everyone’s input in the months to come.

DL Pros- Indiana Jones. TOT, My sons short reign as king, Soarin (even though it was short) Brother Bear area (loved it and my kids are 8) Screamin was fun

DL Cons- The CM’s, The weekend local crowd (sorry), Space Mountain-we didn’t like the cars or the fact that it wasn’t pitch black, And much more-- NO MAGIC HERE SORRY.

 

[bouncy54]

I'm so sorry you had such a terrible experience at DL. We went during Spring Break one year and vowed never to do it again. There was a Cheerleader convention and you know wherever there are thousands of pretty teenaged girls, there are going to be thousands of teenaged boys who follow.

My husband and I could not believe the rude and crude behaviour of so many of them. I couldn't help but wonder where were the parents of these wild young animals during their formative years? Where they not taught any manners at all?

This particular trip to DL is one that I did not feel the magic either because there was no escaping the mass of teens until the convention was over. I think we had 1 day of normalcy that week, but we were so emotionally and physically drained by then, that I truly have no memory of it.

We returned to DL 2 years later during the first week of November. Now that was the DL that I remembered! Here was the magic of DL. It was crowded, but because school was still in session, not nearly so many teens running around without proper supervision. There were mostly just families. The entire park had a completely different feel.

We are returning to DL this November and because our vaction starts over Veteran's Day Weekend, we are not going to DL until Monday. True...the actual holiday is that Monday, but we figure with everyone having to go back to school the next day, the park will not be crammed with the locals who will most likely have visited the parks on Saturday and Sunday.

Because of DL's location, planning when to visit the parks is a much higher priority then when visiting WDW. We have been there in August, March, November and December. Of the 8 times we've visited DL, November and December are the vacations that have given us the best memories. Maybe it's the season.

 

[Dchef]

I know it isn't fair to blame Disney for its patrons and I certainly don't, but it really did lack that resort- getaway feel and perhaps Disneyland isn't the place for that at all. I just had a hard time getting into character if you know what I mean. It would seem many of the staff never got into character either. I could have gotten past the local scene if I had felt for one second there was some more Magic there to grab on to, but we just never felt that at all or at least Disney didn't realy make us feel that.

Since we are in the middle of the country (Colorado) making a choice to go anywhere usually requires much planning and this particular trip was about going to Monterey since we were given the use of a condo there. In the future Disneyland isn't a vacation we will seek out, as spending a few extra dollers gets us a real vacation in WDW. I did have an open mind going in after WDW--but I must say personally IMO there is no comparrison....$ for $ I will go to WDW everytime.

We are planning a possible trip at Christmas--crazy as it seems

 

[snoodledoo]

Sorry about your trip!

We will never go to DL during peak times (weekends, summer, holidays) and you've validated our reasoning!

 

[LukenDC]

Sorry that you and your family had an unpleasant visit to DL. I like DL, but it does not have the same resort feel as WDW. Most of the people are day trippers and yes, it does attract a rougher crowd. I have seen my share of wild teens at DL, including a boatload of meanacing teens on IASW who tried to knock the heads off of the dolls by throwing balls at them.

Still, I think that DL is a special place. I prefer to visit in the off season when the kids are in school and the crowds are manageable. If you are willing to give DL another chance and your schedule permits, I recommend that you try an off season visit too.

 

[jakoky]

i am sorry your trip was so awful...One thing i agree with is DL has way less characters around, WDW has way more and is better at controlling the lineups to meet them...We did DL and WDW both at very quiet times, and my kids in many ways prefer DL, we are leaving to go back in 87 days ...It is too bad you couldnt go back at a quieter time and see how amazing DL can be-we had short lineups and great weather...we only had one rude encounter while we were there and i would have liked to have been rude right back....we were walking and my son(13) stooped to say something to me and some rude lady made a comment about "not stopping to talk" or something stupid....well, if kids cant stop and be excited about something they saw-OH WELL!!! I guess it was too much work for her to walk around us ...anyways, maybe one day you guys will get to try it again and the "magic" will be there, but how sad to spend all that money and as a family have an awful trip-i really do feel for you...last year on the way home, i asked my kids what they thought of the trip and what they would rate it out of a 10 and my 15 year old said "a ten mom" -it was awesome...

sharon
me, dh, dd-16-, ds-almost 14-, dd-11 1/2-
WDW-Dec 04-first disney experience for my DH, DD, DS, DD and first time at WDW for us all
DL-MAY 06-first time at DL for DH and kids , and my 9th(but the first 8 were all by the time i was about 13) so it was all new to me
COUNTDOWN IS ON....WE ARE GOING BACK TO DL SEPT 15-25!!!!!

 

[brumley5]

I am sorry to hear of your bad trip to DL. It's sad to hear this because Disneyland has Walt's touch all over it and it will always be #1.
but events ruined it for you.

The world around Disneyland has gotten bigger and it's problems encroach upon the park. Walt saw that and vowed to make sure that didn't happen at WDW. In my book you can never compare the two parks.
Spring break or any other peak time is always crowded and I'd be surprised if people didn't have a terrible time. A big problem, as someone else mentioned, is that you have a lot more locals at Disneyland with discounted season passes, going to Dl for the day or a few hours which isn't a big deal (for them). (teenagers with nothing better to do; absent parents that have bought SP's for them, you get the picture)

Hopefully someday you can give Dl another chance; May or Sept/Oct have been good for us.

I've always said I'd never go at peak times but we are thinking of going to Dl for Christmas. My niece did from a car accident 7 months ago and her Mother has asked us to join her in Disneyland at that time because Christmas won't be the same for her anymore. I bring this up because I would love to keep in touch with you should you go to WDW for Christmas. I'd love to see how your trip was and you could see how ours was. (I actually suggested WDW instead as we have a Disney timeshare but it costs more for us Californians to fly to Orlando vs. Disneyland.)

Anyways, it would be great if we kept in touch; as I said you can't compare the parks but it would be great to see how each trip was.

Tammy in CA.

 

[Dchef]

So many people say you can't compare the parks and while that may be sorta true, one thing that should be consistant with at Disney parks. They should be clean, the CM's should all have the same Disney training and make you feel important as a guest, There should more than enough Disney characters from place to place floating around and you should leave each park wondering how soon you can get back!! JMO.
Yes, I guess I did have my hopes up a bit that it would be just half of what WDW...is that so much to ask? It wasn't even close in my mind--not even close.

Tammy, I am about to make a pre- trip report for Christmas for WDW and YES it would be nice to compare. I look forward to reading your entries as well. Thanks

 

[diznynut]

I don't mean to be discouaging,but if you didn't like the crowds and waits at DL during Spring Break you will not enjoy WDW at Christmas. I just wanted to give you a heads up. We were there this past Christmas and the crowds were horrible. POC had a 90 min wait which I have never seen. We are avid WDW goers and it was the worst trip I have ever had there. Now don't get me wrong we still had a great time because anytime at WDW is better than being at work. But if you are looking for magic I would reccomend a different time of year. All the parks were at capacity most of our trip. I did not feel the magic on this trip and CM's were probably the rudest I have seen them due to the stress of high capacity crowds and park closures.

 

[Dchef]

I don't mean to be discouaging,but if you didn't like the crowds and waits at DL during Spring Break you will not enjoy WDW at Christmas. I just wanted to give you a heads up. We were there this past Christmas and the crowds were horrible. POC had a 90 min wait which I have never seen. We are avid WDW goers and it was the worst trip I have ever had there. Now don't get me wrong we still had a great time because anytime at WDW is better than being at work. But if you are looking for magic I would reccomend a different time of year. All the parks were at capacity most of our trip. I did not feel the magic on this trip and CM's were probably the rudest I have seen them due to the stress of high capacity crowds and park closures.

I can appreciate what you are saying and the crowds were only made worse by the fact that nothing was right about DL for us. We know and are fully aware that it will be CRAZY crowded, but we have booked many days and plan on not rushing through anything. At least at WDW if its crowded, there are plenty of places to get away--if you can't find magic and warmth in one place--I have no doubt you'll be able to find it somewhere else in WDW.

Believe me, we have weighed the pros and cons and most people who go at Christmas time say its crowded but worth it--I find it hard to believe I won't have a great time! Sorry, but even if DL was empty of poeple that weekend and everything else was the same...it still wouldn't have felt right. JMO.

 

[we3disneygo]

hi! we just returned from our first trip a week ago, by the second day I was ready to leave, I was tired of having people shove and cut in line in front of us.....once 11 people and 7 people, we reported the second party and the CM could have cared less and the family was WAITING for us when we came off the ride, we had to stop another CM and tell them what happened and how do we get security .....this family was out to cause trouble......they finally walked passed us laughing....I didn't feel safe at all and it was a very special 3 generation of family trip. what a shame they can't have enough workers to insure your safety.

 

[Dchef]

Yep, that is exactly the kind of things we noticed to. Whats good (for us) about WDW is that it is huge and there are a lot of places to get away and a lot more things to enjoy. I didn't feel as though the Disney Resorts there in DL were in my price range "AT ALL" and we love a deluxe resort, and the only option was off site --Which by the way was AWESOME. But I am sure staying at the resort it might have felt more Disney to me...all and all we love WDW and we will just plan our vacations there from now on.

If you are used to DL and have been going for years/all your life then I can imagine that is different...but my memories are cemented in Florida both passed and present. Thanks for the post. Its nice not to have gotten flamed for my "keep in mind" one time observation.

 

[we3disneygo]

that's exactly how we feel......were going to start planning our next trip once we get home from Washigton, DC at the end of the summer.

 

[disney-super-mom]

My family LOVES DL, but I can completely understand your opinion of DL after having such a disappointing vacation there.

We made the same mistake one year (our 2004 Howard Johnson trip) and went in March during spring break madness. Let me tell you, NEVER AGAIN will we make that mistake! It was the worst trip ever. However, we had some great trips to DL before the spring break mistake, so we were more open to the idea of giving DL another shot and going back for a future vacation. Nowadays we only visit in the off season, and even then we never spend time in the parks on a Saturday or Sunday because of the huge local crowds. This strategy has worked well for us and all of our most recent DL vacations have been MAGICAL!

My husband and I visitied WDW for the first time this year. We stuck to our same philosophy of visiting in the off season and decided on late January. We had a wonderful time - very MAGICAL as well! Can't wait to take our kids for their first WDW trip. I think they'll really like it - if not LOVE IT.

Try not to completely rule out DL though. I hope when you get the opportunity to visit Southern California again that you give DL a second chance. It really can be a magical place.

 

[diznynut]

Hi. I really hope you did not think I was trying to flame you in my previous post. I was only trying to give you information about WDW during the holidays. We are WDW experts, but had always gone off season and were totally shocked by the crowds. I do respect your opinion about DL and hopefully we will have a great trip when we go in October. It is only our second trip there. We stayed onsite last time and will this time also. Then it's back to WDW for awhile since we are AP holders there. Enjoy your time during the holidays and just remember if you leave a park you might not get back in that day.

 

[tinkryansmom]

I guess I will be the devils advocate from CA. I am the flip side. I made my first trip to WDW at the beginning of December last year. I, too, tried to heed the advice to not compare the parks. While I was there I was unable to do it. After several months I can say more objectively I tried. They are in NO WAY the same.

I left WDW saying I would not return. Been there, done that don't have to go back. I found no magic there. Too big and too spread out to have the truly personal and intimate Disney touches. Just didn't seem to be in the middle of the magic there ?

Maybe it's because DLR is my "home" park. You might be right about that. Go with what you know - what you are most familiar with.

Will I go to WDW again? Someday maybe in conjunction with our next Disney Cruise. Planning a trip to DLR for the beginning of December this year. I love Disney magic at Christmas time!

I hope you give DLR another chance and like so many other people said - try to come out at less busy time. It might make all the difference.

 

[EDuke98080]

I too just got back from my first trip to DL after many to WDW and was disappointed. We loved CA adventure but found DL to be too crowded. We could barley move and the lines were long. (it was a Friday night, June 15th)We also found the CMs to be uncaring and almost rude, not happy to be there like the CMs at WDW. We have also been to WDW for New Years Eve for the last 3 years. MK was not fun but EPCOT was amazing and we think it's because the size of the parks. We also go with the holiday expectaions that lines will be long at the parks and we try to do off the beaten path stuff instead of parks as the crowds can get old fast. It is beautiful to see everything decorated I suggest a tour of the resorts just to see everything so wonderfully adorned. As for DL we were happy we went, did have fun but I think we are WDW folks at heart. Enjoy your holidays and just adjust you expectations and you'll have fun.

WDW 12/30/07
Disney Cruise 1/3/2008

 

[Dchef]

Hi. I really hope you did not think I was trying to flame you in my previous post. I was only trying to give you information about WDW during the holidays. We are WDW experts, but had always gone off season and were totally shocked by the crowds. I do respect your opinion about DL and hopefully we will have a great trip when we go in October. It is only our second trip there. We stayed onsite last time and will this time also. Then it's back to WDW for awhile since we are AP holders there. Enjoy your time during the holidays and just remember if you leave a park you might not get back in that day.

No- I didn't..I was speaking in general. Its amazing how we are all so personal about how our "memories" are percieved and I think that is a good thing. As one person just wrote--they like the smaller Disney Version and we like the large more resort Disney. If I had to narrow it down, it wouldn't be the crowd it would be that the CM's need to be more attentive. On such a busy week, there should have been characters everywhere and we saw hardly any. Spring Break last about 3-4 weeks across the country, guess it was hit and miss for us. Thanks everyone for your input. I don't feel so alone and I have turn a corner in trying not to be so critical after reading your responses.

 

[THREEBOYSONLYGIRL]

As I See It The More Disney Lovers Who Love Wdw More Than Our So. Cal Disneyland Means Only One Thing.......less People At Disneyland.
Sorry To Hear Of The Bad Experiences, But Its All In What You Make Of It.

 

[Grog]

I read a post a couple of years ago that shed some light on the CM issue. The poster wrote that the difference is probably due to the CMs that work at WDW working there because they want a career with Disney or are simply more into the idea of the Disney "Magic". Most CMs that work at DLR are there for a J-O-B, and it probably beats working at Wal Mart. Although I've seen a few at DLR that looked like they could care less, I've never had an unpleasant experience with one.

It can be funny the way our trips to either Disney resort can color our thinking about the other no matter how much we try not to compare them. I took my SO to WDW two years ago after three trips to DLR. Although she said she would go back to WDW, she really prefers DLR. Her main reasons are the distance between parks and the fact that (to her) WDW seems more "corporate" than DLR.

Also, time of year does play a big factor in the experience. My last trip to DLR was an April trip after Spring Break was over. The crowds were light and even some of the E-ticket rides were practically walk-ons.