Disneyland since '95

[dshimel]

Last time I was in DL was '95. Since then there have been many changes, moslty in closed attractions. I'm looking at going back later this month, and have been comparing what is in DL now compared to what was there 6 year's ago.

What won't be in DL in Oct 2001 that was there in '95:
20,000 Leagues
People Mover
Circle Vision
Mission to Mars
Fantasmic!
Country Bears
Roof Top Astro Orbiter
Captain EO
Show in Fantasyland Theatre (closing later this month)
Night parade in DL (though it has moved across the way)

What has been added to DL:
New Astro Orbiter (mounted on the ground and smaller than original)
Innoventions (that I wouldn't go near)
Honey, IStA (saw at WDW and preferred Capt. EO)

Also closed for rehab will be Mr. Toad, Matterhorn, and Peter Pan.

I was planning on spending Fri-Sat-Sun at DLR, but now I'm thinking I can do the resort in a day and a half, and could probably plan on doing Knott's or SFMM on one day. It is just 2 30-something adults.

There are 5 things in DCA I'm looking forward to (GRR, Soarin', Screamin', Animation, MSEP) now that I hear Eurika won't run these days. There are less than a dozen things in Disneyland (Space, Splash, Big Thunder, StarTours, mansion, pirates, Splash, Indianna, Tiki Room, Believe fireworks) that I really want to do. It is too bad I already bought my multi-day hoppers.

The recently made entertainment cuts are just the first shoe. I'm still waiting for the other shoe, reduced operating hours, to drop. If hours are cut too much, I'll be cancelling my reservations for Grand CA. The reason for staying on site was to be close to the parks for the long hours (9:00 to midnight on Saturday). If the hours are substantially shorter, we won't be staying up late, getting up early, or returning to the room for an afternoon break. No reason not to be off sight if the parks are only open 10:00 - 8:00 or something like that.

 

[raidermatt]

I think Fantasmic should be on your "closed for rehab" list, though that may not be the technical term.

As of August, there was a night parade at DL, Parade of the Stars. Is it closed for the "off season"?

Your point is well taken though. While my family/friends are interested in many more of the attractions than you are, there is still a pretty significant net loss at DL. The impact of current events on attendance is not helping the case for longer hours either.

I really believe Disney will make things right at DCA, though its clearly going to take some time. I am somewhat concerned about DL though. Pooh will replace the Bears (Personally, I like the Bears…), but Tomorrowland needs more attractions. And you're right, stay away from Innoventions.

As for DCA, you may also want to check out Mulholland Madness. I didn't make it on, so I can't offer an opinion, but it looked to be decent.

Before going to DLR in August, my most recent trip had been in '92, and while there maybe a few less attractions, the changes in the resort itself are incredible. In the past, staying more than a couple of days without going somewhere off-site was unthinkable. Now, there truly is an enclosed atmosphere. Downtown Disney is great, and has been extremely successful. The resort still can't match the scope of WDW, but its made enough progress that at least the comparison can be brought up.

Hope you can still enjoy your trip, and the Disney magic that is definitely still there.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Dshmiel - The Circlevision theater closed in 1984, Mission to Mars closed in 1992, and PeopleMover closed in 1995. I think going on a Friday-Sunday it will be crowded enough that you'll need three full days to see both parks.