Disneyland let me down-matterhorn news

[kdisimone]

Beaches are about an hour away (including parking and surface street time). You could go to Santa Monica Pier with the kids, if you wanted. It has a big boardwalk games area and a couple rides. Kids would probably enjoy that a bit...but just playing in the sand is always a cheaper great time.

Legoland is awesome for boys at your kids' ages. My friends in San Diego go there all the time and love it. Might be worth a one day trip to check it out. With 7 days at disneyland, you'd probably be fine taking one day off as a side trip. It takes about an hour to drive to legoland from Anaheim, maybe just a tad longer.

Don't forget to take advantage of rider switches as disneyland for the bigger rides that the little one can't make yet...that way both the parents can ride with the older kid at least once each. If you don't know about rider switches, ask the CMs at the ride entrance of Thunder, Space Mountain, etc. The big rides all have rider switch passes.

Also, as far as growing...thick socks, big thick sneakers (and possibly a little wad of napkins stuffed in the bottom of the shoes ) helped my daughter grow just enough to ride Indiana Jones when she was smaller.

 

[momstable]

should I bother with legoland if we are already doing Disneyland its just more rides in my opinion. My kids are 6 and 3 we are staying for 7 nights.

Legoland is also really geared towards younger kids. They even have a roller coaster, The Coastersaurus, in Dino Island, whose minimum height is 36 inches. I'd suggest checking out their website. My boys LOVED Legoland when they were younger. The older one, DS17, would probably still go if he weren't so tall and he doesn't like Disneyland.

In addition to rides, Legoland has a lot of hands on activities.

I think there is a Legoland area on The DIS boards, you might want to look at that as well.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the moments with your kids at this age. There are sooooo many things they will enjoy now at Disneyland that they will be too old for all too soon.

 

[rlduvall]

I am very disappointed that Matterhorn will be down for our trip, but let me explain why:

When I was a young child, in the late 60s, I refused to ride anything that resembled a roller coaster whether at Six Flags, Disneyland or our local amusement park in Oklahoma. Finally, my mother was fed up with it and said, while we were at Disneyland, that if I didn't ride the Matterhorn I wouldn't be riding anything else the rest of the day. [that probably would be considered child abuse today] So, up the mountain we go, me tearful and petrified, freaking out, thinking my life was about to be over . . . we went up over the hump to go down and around and around and weeeeee - it was the most fun I ever had and I was hooked on roller coasters from them on.

Fast forward to 2011. I'm a middle aged woman with an 11 year old son who has NEVER been to Disneyland. My mother, father and only sibling who experienced that exhilarating and life-changing [as it relates to thrill rides] day with me are all now, too soon, deceased. I pick middle of the summer to visit, going against my instinct to avoid heavy crowds, just to ensure that the Matterhorn would most likely be open. My son and I talk about my childhood experience on the Matterhorn and he thinks it's hilarious [first, that I was ever that young; and second that I wasn't always a thrill ride junkie] and he can't wait to ride it. And just now they decide to rehab it during one of the busiest times of the year.

Yes, I'll live. No, I won't let it ruin my trip - I know there is so much more to do. BUT, I was looking forward to that little bit of bonding time with my son as he took his first ride on the Matterhorn.

 

[oumagic]

I feel your pain. Last year was my kids' first trip to DL. I thought I had researched enough and was savvy enough to ask my kids what 3 rides they wanted to ride on our 5 day trip in September. I knew not to ask which one ride they wanted because I would be setting them up for disappointment. My son picked Star Tours, Toy Story and Roger Rabbit. All 3 were closed our visit. He left the vacation with 3 things that were his favorites: Jedi Training, Pirates, and Haunted Mansion (holiday version). When we go back this Oct, he has already said his 3 choices are TS, ST, and little mermaid. He also said that he hopes at least 1 is open and if it isn't he will pick out 3 new favorites. He is wise for a 7 year old.

I was so mad that all 3 were going to be closed that I told my wife we should cancel. That would have been a terrible decision and our family had such a great time that we will probably be buying AP's this year.

 

[Tino]

Wow that sucks, how does Disneyland close 3 rides during September. That's so wrong. We should flood Disneyland with calls to keep Matterhorn open. I am nervous they will announce more closures. Does any one think that might happen. I am going from July 20 th through the 27th. It's busy dont they need as many rides open as possible

 

[sonnyjane]

Wow that sucks, how does Disneyland close 3 rides during September. That's so wrong. We should flood Disneyland with calls to keep Matterhorn open. I am nervous they will announce more closures. Does any one think that might happen. I am going from July 20 th through the 27th. It's busy dont they need as many rides open as possible

I know you are new to the boards, but I have to say that some of the words you choose to use (particularly in your original post) are not very fitting with the overall tone of this board, which is, for the most part, a very friendly, helpful board that tries to spread positive planning tips. While I'm no prude, please remember that this is a family-friendly place.

From reading your posts, I can't tell whether or not you have ever been to Disneyland, but if you haven't, I think one thing you aren't grasping is just how many rides and attractions Disneyland has! Compared to Walt Disney World, there are far more attractions tucked into a much smaller space at Disneyland. One ride does not a vacation make, and if it does, reschedule your vacation. Even if nothing else is scheduled to be closed during your visit, there is absolutely no guarantee that nothing will break down during your trip. Will you have the same level of resentment and hostility if a ride breaks down unexpectedly while you're there? You know how you can decrease unexpected closures? By closing rides to perform routine maintenance! Ride maintenance and upgrades are a necessary part of theme parks and while you may be disappointed, in the long term they are important to the overall success of the ride.

Again, I'm sorry this ride will be closed during your trip, but I have to agree that if you already go into the trip with this attitude about a single ride closure, you're going to have a hard time enjoying your vacation. For the most part, the summer is peak season and they try to minimize closures, so while they shouldn't announce any more long-term closures, I don't think any of us here can tell you for certain that they will or will not announce any other closures during your trip. Sorry

 

[ArchOwl]

Honestly, it is disappointing when rides are down, but I don't think Disney wants them down anymore than we do. It is a headache for them as well. So if they schedule a refurb, I am going to believe that it needs to happen. I know on this board we feel like we have a lot of information, but we really don't know what goes into these decisions. There could be something that really needs to be done, be it the new cars or something else that is urgent.

There have been many times that I have gone and rides I wanted to go on were down (does anyone remember Space Mountain's refurb? It took forever!!). But it didn't ruin my vacation.

With something as complicated as Disneyland, things change all the time. There are no guarantees. Even if Matterhorn was scheduled to be open, when you got there it could be closed or down. Disney is pretty clear about this, the calendar and the ticket information both say things can change at any time and nothing is for certain.

I am sorry you are upset, but I promise you that if you give it a chance, you will love Disneyland with or without the Matterhorn.

 

[oumagic]

Wow, how does Disneyland close 3 rides during September. That's so wrong. We should flood Disneyland with calls to keep Matterhorn open. I am nervous they will announce more closures. Does any one think that might happen. I am going from July 20 th through the 27th. It's busy dont they need as many rides open as possible

Well, they were updating TS to add the TS3 characters and they were also updating Star Tours. I knew that fall was a time with reduced hours and more frequent ride closures but I was not ready for my son's top 3 to be closed. However, as I mentioned, he had the time of his life even when his top 3 pre-trip rides were closed. We all did. I was upset when I found out but I am glad I didn't over-react and cancel. There is a very good chance that another ride or more will either be scheduled for maintenance and closed a day or two while you are there or break down unexpectedly and be closed. However, with you being there 7 days, there is also a good chance that most every ride (except the one you REALLY want) will be open during your visit.

 

[carebee21]

Wow that sucks, how does Disneyland close 3 rides during September. That's so wrong. We should flood Disneyland with calls to keep Matterhorn open. I am nervous they will announce more closures. Does any one think that might happen. I am going from July 20 th through the 27th. It's busy dont they need as many rides open as possible

That's what happens when you run an amusement park 365 days a year. Eventually, the rides are going to have to go down sometimes for maintenance and updates, and there's always going to be someone that complains about it. It's life.

And really, it's becoming that there's less and less slow time at DL. We went last summer and it had nothing on the crowds we experienced in Late Oct or spring break of this year. So while they probably try to get as much done as they can in say Jan & Feb, there's still only so much they can do...

And lastly, there's many reasons outside websites may know about constuctions/refurbs before cast members confirm the ride is going down. Depending on what they're doing, they may have to order parts, get permits, hire outside construction crews, etc. Once someone gets wind about all of this, they start posting it as a rumor. From there, the plans start to fall into place and dates are solidified and third parties start to report it. The cast members will not officially confirm it until Disney allows them too and Disney won't confirm it until it appears all of their permits, funding, worker's, etc are in place.

 

[Disco]

Wow that sucks, how does Disneyland close 3 rides during September. That's so wrong. We should flood Disneyland with calls to keep Matterhorn open. I am nervous they will announce more closures. Does any one think that might happen. I am going from July 20 th through the 27th. It's busy dont they need as many rides open as possible

Speculation is that the majority Disney's resources have been pulled to build TLM, the new Star Tours and not to mention the rest of the DCA updates.
They've probably been putting off certain rehab projects to get the two new rides done in time for the summer rush.
Now that they're done (pretty much) certain attractions are probably in desperate need. The added capacity will definately help offset the summer closures.
Basically, look at the construction update pictures to get an idea of the scope of the project. DCA is ripped apart and they're building an entire freakin mountain range! It's immense, so keep that in mind before getting too irritated with Disney.

 

[iheartdisney]

I would rather Disney be conservative with ride maintenance and close a ride than to let it slide in the interest of keeping all the guests happy. Not too many years ago repairs and proper preventative maintenace procedures were not followed, and guests paid with their lives. Who wants to take the gamble with thier family?
As for the height issues for other attractions...
I have never gone the "napkin in the shoe route", but if your son is 38.5 barefoot, it is not impossible to reach 40 inches with a pair of cowboy or hiking boots, or even some tennis shoes. Most shoes other than crocs and flip flops will add some kind of height.
I prefer the hiking boots- they can give 2 inches, easy.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

It is dissapointing, I agree. But as one who has kids many different ages, the parks are fun even with this ride closer. And like others have said, you don't know that your little one will enjoy this. My 5 year old LOVES this, my 7 year old HATES it.

And honestly, I'd rather know about the closure ahead of time, instead of going, waiting in line with our 5 year old for 30 minutes, only to have to break down (which has happened at least once on our last 3 trips!).

 

[HydroGuy]

Just curious, I am new to this what does Op mean. Also the people who are saying its not a big deal are you guys locals because I am not, Own coming all the way from New York.

Next time you can find most of them here: "DLR Abbreviations List" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520784

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Wow that sucks, how does Disneyland close 3 rides during September. That's so wrong. We should flood Disneyland with calls to keep Matterhorn open. I am nervous they will announce more closures. Does any one think that might happen. I am going from July 20 th through the 27th. It's busy dont they need as many rides open as possible

There are a LOT of rides!!! WDW closed ALL of Toontown and you are complaining that Disneyland is closing one ride? We've been in Disneyland when a few rides have been closed at the same time, some planned and some unplanned (unplanned is usually Matterhorn BTW). It effects crowds very little. There are so many other rides to do that the people not in the closed ride lines are spread throughout 2 parks with nearly the amount of rides as WDW has in 4 parks. And since the parks are so close hopping over to another park is a lot easier than WDW, so crowds are constantly coming and going between the parks, DTD and hotels.

 

[HydroGuy]

Doesn't anyone find it suspicious that the rumored Matterhorn closure info on the Disney website is a moving target? After seeing this post I checked again - for the fifth time since I have seen this rumor - and it is not there - again.

Do not misunderstand me. I believe that those of you that claim to have seen it have indeed seen it. I just am suspicious because the closure info keeps going away.

When I see it with my own eyes - and the info stays there for a day or two - I will be more convinced.

 

[smile4stamps]

Doesn't anyone find it suspicious that the rumored Matterhorn closure info on the Disney website is a moving target? After seeing this post I checked again - for the fifth time since I have seen this rumor - and it is not there - again.

Do not misunderstand me. I believe that those of you that claim to have seen it have indeed seen it. I just am suspicious because the closure info keeps going away.

When I see it with my own eyes - and the info stays there for a day or two - I will be more convinced.

Did you see my previous post where I mentioned different browsers display different things? I just tried this. Firefox does not show it but IE does.

 

[brenda1966]

I can't see detail beyond July 7th either in EI. So, I tried Firefox. I can get to July 9th, and then I can click the "next day" button to get to the other days. Can't get to them via the "month" calendar. When I use the next day button, I can see that July 11 does show the Matterhorn refurb. (In IE I cannot use the "next day" button to get past July 9th -- fascinating)

Interesting that in both browsers When I first bring up July it appears there's data through the 13th, but when I click on that day, it brings me to todays page. If I look via "day", it's only showing days through July 7.

 

[carebee21]

Doesn't anyone find it suspicious that the rumored Matterhorn closure info on the Disney website is a moving target? After seeing this post I checked again - for the fifth time since I have seen this rumor - and it is not there - again.

Do not misunderstand me. I believe that those of you that claim to have seen it have indeed seen it. I just am suspicious because the closure info keeps going away.

When I see it with my own eyes - and the info stays there for a day or two - I will be more convinced.

You're clearly going to believe what you want to believe, but I don't know how you're saying until you've seen it with your own eyes. It's been screen shot for you; I provided you with one a couple days ago, so it's been there for 2 days now. Do you think people are making fake screen shots? And as pointed out, it may be your browser. I can get to July 13 using a safari web browser but only July 11 using internet explorer. Have you tried clearing your cookies and history and reentering the site?

 

[sonnyjane]

You're clearly going to believe what you want to believe, but I don't know how you're saying until you've seen it with your own eyes. It's been screen shot for you; I provided you with one a couple days ago, so it's been there for 2 days now. Do you think people are making fake screen shots? And as pointed out, it may be your browser. I can get to July 13 using a safari web browser but only July 11 using internet explorer. Have you tried clearing your cookies and history and reentering the site?

I use Firefox and checked five minutes ago and could only see through July 9th. I just checked again right now and can see through July 13th (and yes, Matterhorn is listed as closed).

I'm sure Hydroguy wasn't implying that you made a fake screen shot, just that when Disney keeps putting things up and then taking them down, it means they haven't yet solidified their plans, that's all.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I used Google Chrome and I could see all the way to December! :lol: JK.

I have to say I'm with the OP on this one. I know that you can have a great time regardless, but I'm not above moving my dates for a refurbishment. Matterhorn is just one of those attractions I can't give up if I'm flying all the way to DL. I would be heartbroken.

So I feel your pain but now it's a matter of just moving your trip if that's important to you or just sucking it up. I don't think e-mails to Disney will work in this case. And as another poster mentioned, I'll be damned if you can find another DLR attraction that's down more than Mattie.

But I'm sure Disney only shuts down the ride because they have to and that they always have guests and their safety in their best interests.