Disneyland First Time! - 2016 or postpone???

[I459WDW]

I am a long time WDW visitor. I've been dying to make it to DL my whole life. I am totally going to be the type that sobs when I walk through the gate. I've set my expectations for the differences and I know I won't be disappointed. Though it is still a lifelong dream I'm a bit disappointed by Aladdin going away. And now Starwarsland has taken what I've understood to be a must see in Fantasmic! Though maybe it's better since I would be forever ruined for the WDW version from what I hear! My big question is -Are the closures due to the remodeling enough to postpone a trip?

Additionally - I was thinking of going the last week in August but it sounds like I run the risk of Haunted Mansion being down for the overlay? Looks like last year it started early, the last week in August? The goal for that week was in the hopes of at least a smidge smaller crowd with some kids already back at school or gearing up for back to school.

I JUST started researching and boy is this WDW girl overwhelmed and nervous. This is probably a once in a lifetimer and I don't want to mess it up!!!

 

[WillowRain]

If it really is once in a lifetime for you, I would wait.

 

[mikelan6]

Disneyland is always being plussed. I am sure that if you come once, you will find a way to return.

 

[I459WDW]

With the costs in coming from the East Coast Michael, I'm really not sure there will be another. Unless my kids become millionaires like I'm hoping and they take their Mama. Counting on them to take me to Tokyo and Shanghai too, LOL!

 

[sherilaine]

Waiting means you won't know what the situation is when you decide - sometimes I think it's like having kids, is there ever the right time? If you go now, during the 60th, you will have a great time. The closures have been way overblown in my opinion but that is just my opinion.

 

[I459WDW]

Thanks, I appreciate the input. That is a very good thought. It won't be during the 60th (i think) - it is late August we are looking at. But with my resort being booked maybe we should just go now and get in before the celebration is over!!!

 

[Niltiac]

I also think that if you wait, you won't know what you're getting. Other than F! the SW closures don't really affect much - I think most guests never really go on the river anyway. If I were in charge of refurb schedules, I would probably hold off on some non-essential refurbs until the river/RR reopen, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a number of rides go down for over-due touch-ups at that point. You're likely to miss something whenever you go, so if you can make peace with the current closures I would go now before prices get much higher.

 

[monorailrabbit]

We are also going for our first ever trip the last week of Aug. We are going specifically because I want see the 60th anniversary. (It goes through 9/5) I am kind of heart broken that we will miss Fantasmic but there are so many other things that I'm insanely excited for! I feel like at any point you risk something being down or refurbed so if you can go - go! We can't wait! I'm sure you will still have a great time!

 

[I459WDW]

Oh yay! 60th till 9/5??? Then that almost seals the deal! Now just to figure out where to stay.

 

[gottalovepluto]

It sounds like you really want to go, so if you have the time and finances for a trip now why not? Do it!

But, if you really think this is going to be a one time only deal I would wait a couple years. Fantasmic is coming back according to Disney (although what changes will have been made by then who knows?) and the concept art for the train trellis is jaw dropping over Rivers of America. Star Wars land is also going to be put in WDW so I don't really factor that in for you. DLR has been pulling lots of rides down for repair work and slashing entertainment offerings. There is no way to know if this will still be the case come August. Personally, I'd rather wait and go to DLR when the property is trying to put it's best foot forward. It made a huge difference on our last couple trips, and I've taken many a trip to DLR. But these last 2 trips we went right after the 60th kicked off and it was like pixie dust was everywhere. I mean we weren't getting special upgrades or anything but the CMs were nicer than they'd ever been, they were really excited about the 60th, and they were still like that when we went back at Christmas. Everything was running at near full capacity, there weren't walls up and we really got to experience the parks in full. With ROA walled off, the train down, and your guess is as good as mine what's next to go down, you won't be seeing the parks at their best right now. And there is just something special about taking the train all the way around the park and arriving back at Main St. station for me. I only spent a MVMCP at MK and the train was down so it's hard to compare but from what I saw they seemed very different. The train seemed kinda far away from everything. But in Disneyland the train is a great way to see all over the park, it's extremely close to everything. It even goes through It's A Small World's façade and topiary area.

 

[realrellim]

I would wait, especially with the expense of flying across the country. The last time we went there were a few things down (BTMRR was a big one) and then there were some unexpected closures (Space, Matterhorn, Soarin', Screamin' and Goofy's Sky School) on our last day. That wasn't ideal but we knew we'd be back one more time. Also, my little one was too short for any of those and my then-8-year-old was only willing to try the Matterhorn. She was said because she'd psyched herself up for it, but oh well.

This time, we are frustrated because so much more is closed, including things that were supposed to be open when we originally booked the trip. We were looking forward to taking a trip on the Mark Twain (in refurb last time; at least we'll get to walk around and see it). We were looking forward to Tom Sawyer's island, which we didn't get to last time. We were thinking about doing the canoe ride. We were soooooo excited to see Fantasmic again, and although we're also excited about PTN that was disappointing. We were planning to ride the railroad. Autopia was supposed to reopen just before our trip, but now they've extended the closure, which is disappointing for my younger one who didn't get to ride last time. And Jungle Cruise is also closed. Grrr. And for fun, BTMRR and the monorail and some other stuff will also be shut on the last day of our trip. That's 9 rides down. Sure, it's only 5% of the available rides, but we were planning to do all 9 of those (plus Fantasmic).

If the ones that are closed are ones that are low on your priority list, sure, go for it. But if you really want to do all of it, I'd wait and then you'll hopefully also be able to enjoy the new Star Wars land too.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Disneyland is always being plussed. I am sure that if you come once, you will find a way to return.

I completely agree with this. We went to Disneyland for the first time in 2013 and we too said that that will be our first and only time going (we are also WDW vets who go twice a year there). Well, we are getting ready to take our second trip to Walt's Original park in June and we are all so ecstatic that we are returning. Even though Fantasmic won't be running and neither will the Disneyland train, I know we will have a magical time especially since the park is celebrating it's 60th Anniversary.

 

[Princess4]

the only thing that really gets me for star wars is that they closed down the train and that was a nice break from walking and got you around pretty quick especially to my favorite part the mint julep bar which is literally right off the train station. if you do decide to go make sure you stop to get one I highly recommend it and I wish WDW had it but its exclusive to Disneyland

 

[I459WDW]

Thanks Princess4! I will look for them! (I am going to miss my favorite Citrus Swirl)

 

[Princess4]

Thanks Princess4! I will look for them! (I am going to miss my favorite Citrus Swirl)

The Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square its right by the train station if they closed it the restaurant its attached to sells it as well enjoy

 

[sheetz]

As others have said there's always something being worked on so there's never a perfect time. Aladdin is gone but from what I've read the new Frozen musical sounds like it might actually be pretty good. Fantasmic is down but the new parade and fireworks are amazing. Hyperspace Mtn has been extremely popular and nobody knows if that'll stick around beyond this year.

 

[I459WDW]

Soooo true sheetz!!! THANK YOU!

And thanks as well to Princess4 - I am on a mission for the Mint Julep now!

 

[RN2003AZ]

We are also looking the same week and I'm trying to weigh the same decision. I think now would be great with the ages of my boys before the oldest is too old for CarsLand. But flights from Boston are quite pricey and I don't know if it's worth 4 days. I look forward to seeing what you choose!

 

[I459WDW]

After reading everything....it seems like things will always be closed and refurbed and whatnot. So no time like the present!!! (well. August. )