DLR Lost some of the magic and we aren't sure if we will go back anytime soon :(

[MG3G]

So we got back last week from our 8 day trip - 5 day hoppers. Now that we have had some time to decompress none of us are sure if we want to go back again. Even me the Disney nut is ready to move on. Not really sure what caused this post trip slump We didn't fight, although we did witness A LOT of families loosing it at each other. We didn't try to cram too much in, but found ourselves REALLY tired just from flying there. It shouldn't be burn out because this was only our second trip. It was CROWDED though, but we waited in few lines with our GAD fast passes. I guess we found that DLR is turning into more of a "locals" place not that, that is a bad thing but it is a lot better if it is crowded and you can just leave and try again another day then spending several thousand dollars and being stuck there. Some of the walk ways we so crowded you could litterly not move an inch. I also became one of those people who ram others with the stroller - once by total accident when a large group stopped suddenly right in front of me and once someone decided it LEAP over my stroller and two children at the exact same moment that I tried to move it to the side - not sure why she decided to leap over when it was not a crowded area but she landed smack in the front of the stroller and then got mad at me. We also had a really hard time with the food - silly I know but we found the food greasy and sugary and we are by NO MEANS a health nut family. Also we got REALLY, really sick with a nasty respiritory infection. DH didn't catch it but my three boys and I have been in and on out doctors offices and hospital since we got home. Add that to the expense and I hate to say it but I think we are going to try something more relaxing next time.

Sorry for my rant - I guess I just wonder if anyone else has had the magic go away? I mean I plug DLR into my gps for fun and day-dream about being there while listening to the soundtrack of the rides and now I feal so sad that the magic has gone....

 

[aussiegirls]

I am so sorry that you had such a bad experience. Although I can't say that my experience was as bad as yours I can totally see where you are coming from.

I think that Disneyland has made a decision to cater more to the local crowd, somewhat at the expense of the tourists. By locals I mean people that live within a reasonable driving distance or can easily make it at least half a dozen times a year.

For those of us that have to spend quite a significant amount of energy and money just to get there it can feel quite discouraging. We can not just wait until our next visit to get on that ride or go into that shop. Tourists come laden with money to spend and incredibly excited children that have never seen the shows etc. For those excited children to not be able to see Fantasmic or fireworks or whatever because the whole place is crowded with people that have seen it numerous times anyway can be very hard.

So anyway, what I am saying is I understand what you are feeling and I am so sorry that Disneyland was not the magical place it should have been for you

xxx

 

[bumbershoot]

I personally would just put aside your feelings until you're all feeling 100% again. That could be a really strong reason why you're feeling down.

I haven't noticed the locals thing at all, and I think I spent upwards of 18 days in the parks during 2009...possibly more, haven't recounted recently. I'm not local, we travel from WA state, spend money, etc etc, but people are people are people, and people do nutty things like leap over strollers. I witnessed it myself on one trip; I have NO idea what that young man was trying to accomplish, but he nearly took out the baby in the stroller, and there was no reason, b/c he had about one inch to pass on the right, and the entire path on the left...he chose to leap through from the right.

Just take it easy on yourselves, and heal up. This lung thing is going around and takes time. At least you got it while in a fun place; we got it while at the YMCA. I ate lots of garlic and it wasn't too bad for me. DS got it a bit worse and is afraid of steamy bathrooms (to get up the gunk) so it took a litle more time, plus he won't eat obvious garlic. I gave him a Hylands brand homeopathic remedy at last, their Bronchial Cough remedy, and that finally helped him out nicely. But it did take quite a bit out of us while we were in the midst of the illness, and I would have hated to make any serious decisions about *anything* during that time. I think everything would have been rejected.

 

[smiley_face2]

Well the park.... er resort certainly has changed a lot especially in the last 10 years. We too are finding it a lot more crowded, and a lot of the more personal hand made, home made type things, especially food, are going by the wayside in favor of mass produced.
That being said, there is still plenty of homey goodness there, and a lot more than you will find at any other amusement type park.
We have taken to choosing a nice hotel to stay at, one that has nice grounds and a really nice pool lounge area, we also choose a room with a balcony, so that we can spend time just relaxing while we are on vacation. I find Howard Johnsons and Disneyland Hotel especially good for these things, although now the DH is doing away with balconies...BOOOOOO!
Anyway, we start out our morning with a leisurely tea or coffee and muffins etc sitting on our balcony, watching the day get started. No running to get there at rope drop. The only time we go early, is if we have early entry on a ticket, and last time we didn't even use it! We do go earlyish, ride what we can easily, get a couple of fast passes for use later, then have a nice lunch and head back to the hotel to relax by the pool, nap, walk the grounds, or hop in the car and drive to some other local sites or the beach. Then head back in the evening. We will once per trip or so make the effort to get in place really early to get a good seat for the parade, fantasmic, the fireworks, Alladin....whatever...but only once per trip. We spend time just sitting on benches in the park, especially in the quiet areas like in the walkway area from frontierland to fantasyland, the walkway from tomorrowland around the matterhorn towards small world, Carnation gardens.... just sitting and people watching, soaking up some sun, having an icecream or whatever. There are plenty of places in California adventure to do this as well. It takes some of the stress off to hurry up and get there. We pick out maybe 4 rides we really want to do that day, and anything else is bonus, chosen directly by the length of the lines. We will not stand in any line for more than about 20 minutes. The resort has gotten so big now, it's impossible to ride everything in one day, or even 2 or 3 days. So the best is to try and slow down a bit, get out of the park about 11 ish, or get to a spot to have a lunch then get out, and go back later.
We enjoy going there now almost as much for the good food in most of the restaurants, relaxing by the pool, going to the beach, wandering the gardens at the DL Hotel, Grand CAlifornian etc. or as I just said, just sitting and people watching! lol...we must be getting old!!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I am so sorry that you had such a bad experience. Although I can't say that my experience was as bad as yours I can totally see where you are coming from.

I think that Disneyland has made a decision to cater more to the local crowd, somewhat at the expense of the tourists. By locals I mean people that live within a reasonable driving distance or can easily make it at least half a dozen times a year.

For those of us that have to spend quite a significant amount of energy and money just to get there it can feel quite discouraging. We can not just wait until our next visit to get on that ride or go into that shop. Tourists come laden with money to spend and incredibly excited children that have never seen the shows etc. For those excited children to not be able to see Fantasmic or fireworks or whatever because the whole place is crowded with people that have seen it numerous times anyway can be very hard.

So anyway, what I am saying is I understand what you are feeling and I am so sorry that Disneyland was not the magical place it should have been for you

xxx

Ditto. I can totally relate. When you're spending $600 or more for airfare (As we often do) and have to fly practically around the world to get there (as you probably do) it is disheartening when you have to compete with people who get to go there every week or month for space to see the shows that they've seen hundreds or thousands of times; and I hate to say it but I have also encountered many rude locals. They know where they're going, and where they want to be, and I've heard them saying rude things like, "Hurry up people, move it or lose it," while snapping their fingers and things when there is nowhere to move because it's wall to wall people. So rude... I also witnessed grown men jumping over strollers with infants in them when Adventureland was packed to the gills last summer. I knew many of the people around me last summer were locals because many were on their phones calling their friends/family and saying things like, "Disneyland is packed, don't bother coming; it's crazy!" And stuff like that...

OP I feel your pain. Give it a while. You will want to go back one day, and maybe what you could do is plan a redo trip. Go at a slower time of the year. It's hard because when everything is running, it's peak busy time. The trade off when everything is not running is that the parks are generally slower and you can do everything at a more leisurely pace.

 

[nunzia]

I agree with what many have said..give it time..That respiratory thing is everywhere..mine started with strep throat..ack.. I also got really sick once at the resort and it is sad when you've looked so forward to going. Yes..the crowds are more insane now, and I still say no one can doubt that it is due to locals and the AP payment plan, 2fer deals, etc. BUT..you also went at the start of Spring Break which is awful in the best of times. When the crowds slow to less than a shuffle it's time to go to the hotel for a breather. I have noticed more rudeness and pushyness also, but I don't so much blame that on locals as on a general decline in courtesy in this country..and elsewhere too I'm sure. I still think Disney needs to do a little evaluation about crowds and guest experience..lots of people for income is great..lots of guests unhappy and stressed is not.
Take a breath, feel better and start planning that re-do trip at a slower time.

 

[smiley_face2]

I agree with what many have said..give it time..That respiratory thing is everywhere..mine started with strep throat..ack.. I also got really sick once at the resort and it is sad when you've looked so forward to going. Yes..the crowds are more insane now, and I still say no one can doubt that it is due to locals and the AP payment plan, 2fer deals, etc. BUT..you also went at the start of Spring Break which is awful in the best of times. When the crowds slow to less than a shuffle it's time to go to the hotel for a breather. I have noticed more rudeness and pushyness also, but I don't so much blame that on locals as on a general decline in courtesy in this country..and elsewhere too I'm sure. I still think Disney needs to do a little evaluation about crowds and guest experience..lots of people for income is great..lots of guests unhappy and stressed is not.
Take a breath, feel better and start planning that re-do trip at a slower time.

I really agree with lot's you said! especially about lack of manners being everywhere now...not just in the US, it's everywhere! the running joke with our whole 2010 Olympics just ended in Vancouver BC was the politeness of Canadians...and generally that's true, but I've noticed more and more all sorts of behavior mentioned here by everyone.... even here.
I also agree with Disney needing to re-evaluate the situation.... perhaps it's time to start running the shows etc. during some of the "off season" times to give people from other places a chance to see things without getting these bad feelings. I know they have to have things down for repair etc. but that has turned into a nearly year round event anyway. I say open up the park more full on, starting in February right into October. having all the major stuff running during these "off season" times would give the "locals" a better chance to see that stuff without all the "tourists" like me...there....I"m sure even they would rather be somewhere else than getting trampled at DL!! I think they are thinking World of Color will relieve some of the overload over at DL, and the upcoming cars land and the new little mermaid attraction...I think it's just going to cause even more crowds on top of what there is now! Yes, I think the time has come for "off season" to go to Yesterland.... I know during "off season" in the early evening the park can be nearly empty...but why would the locals go then...they've gotten off work and school, have maybe a couple of hours at best to do Disneyland because California Adventure is closed at 6, and there are no parades, fireworks, special shows to go to! yup...open it up Disney!!

 

[d1gitman]

Don't underestimate the power of being ill. It can affect one's outlook on any and everything, even the magic of Disney. With that said, we are SoCal residents (for only 9 more days) and agree that it is mostly a local's park. We have been in SoCal for 10mo and gone many times on our AP's. It is without a doubt much more a local crowd than at WDW.

If after a few months you still feel like Disney has lost it's magic, consider WDW. For us, WDW is more magical. We love having DL at our disposal, but it's not the same experience or feel as getting immersed in WDW.

 

[LuLusApple]

This has been our approach the last few times as well. I just have a hard time dealing with the crowds. We used to be the marathon at rope drop till midnight kind of family. Not anymore. The last couple trips have sapped me for all the same reasons.
I don't try to ride everything I don't get crazy because I can't ride the latest ride or it takes me 15 minutes to go 30 feet.
We never have gone back to the hotel in the afternoon, now we make sure we do. We swim, snack, shower, whatever to decompress. And then hit the parks again.
DL has turned into somewhere we have had to lower our expectations of.
I mean that by way of getting less in our day than before. Otherwise most of our group is miserable.
One kind of fun thing we have developed is our "secret spot"
it's not really secret but a spot not too crowded that we retreat to inside DL. If it's too crowded our feet hurt; we go there have coffee, ice cream and people watch, or crowd watch lol OP I know what you mean too, it is frustrating

Well the park.... er resort certainly has changed a lot especially in the last 10 years. We too are finding it a lot more crowded, and a lot of the more personal hand made, home made type things, especially food, are going by the wayside in favor of mass produced.
That being said, there is still plenty of homey goodness there, and a lot more than you will find at any other amusement type park.
We have taken to choosing a nice hotel to stay at, one that has nice grounds and a really nice pool lounge area, we also choose a room with a balcony, so that we can spend time just relaxing while we are on vacation. I find Howard Johnsons and Disneyland Hotel especially good for these things, although now the DH is doing away with balconies...BOOOOOO!
Anyway, we start out our morning with a leisurely tea or coffee and muffins etc sitting on our balcony, watching the day get started. No running to get there at rope drop. The only time we go early, is if we have early entry on a ticket, and last time we didn't even use it! We do go earlyish, ride what we can easily, get a couple of fast passes for use later, then have a nice lunch and head back to the hotel to relax by the pool, nap, walk the grounds, or hop in the car and drive to some other local sites or the beach. Then head back in the evening. We will once per trip or so make the effort to get in place really early to get a good seat for the parade, fantasmic, the fireworks, Alladin....whatever...but only once per trip. We spend time just sitting on benches in the park, especially in the quiet areas like in the walkway area from frontierland to fantasyland, the walkway from tomorrowland around the matterhorn towards small world, Carnation gardens.... just sitting and people watching, soaking up some sun, having an icecream or whatever. There are plenty of places in California adventure to do this as well. It takes some of the stress off to hurry up and get there. We pick out maybe 4 rides we really want to do that day, and anything else is bonus, chosen directly by the length of the lines. We will not stand in any line for more than about 20 minutes. The resort has gotten so big now, it's impossible to ride everything in one day, or even 2 or 3 days. So the best is to try and slow down a bit, get out of the park about 11 ish, or get to a spot to have a lunch then get out, and go back later.
We enjoy going there now almost as much for the good food in most of the restaurants, relaxing by the pool, going to the beach, wandering the gardens at the DL Hotel, Grand CAlifornian etc. or as I just said, just sitting and people watching! lol...we must be getting old!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I was sorry to read the OP. I hope some further reflection will soften things for you. Some observations and opinions....

Is DLR more of a locals park? Yes, definitely. But that is not all a bad thing. In fact it can really help with touring when you realize most people are on day trips because you can work around them better if you choose a close-by hotel or, better IMO, a walking distance hotel.

Is DLR becoming more of a locals park? I think that depends a lot on when you go. The idea of DLR reaching out to locals and creating the AP program is not to make DLR more crowded when it is already crowded, but to make it more crowded when it is traditionally less crowded. That has goods and bads but one of the goods of a more stable operation base is more revenue at DLR and more interest in improving the parks. Hence all the work at DCA, the evolving plans for DL, and the ever present discussion of a third park at DLR. DLR is also reaching out to tourists too (with the Disney staffed hotels coming to Gardenwalk) because tourists in hotels spend more money on Disney. So I think DLR is reaching out to both.

If crowds have become a big issue for you like it is for others, then maybe after things have softened emotionally you can find a better time to go than Spring Break.

Personally I have settled on summer visits at DLR for many reasons including:

o Maximum park hours
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o Maximum rides in operation
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o Maximum entertainment
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o It does not rain and humidity is not an issue
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o It is warm
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o The walking distance hotels make it easier to work around the locals and mid-day crowds and mid-day heat
o The SoCal APs are blocked



Hope you all feel better soon. When we went to DLR in August 2005 we had not one, not two, not three, but four kids with ear infections. We had a doctor service come to our hotel room, inspect the kids, prescribe anti-biotics, and then dispense anti-biotics on the spot. That turned a bad situation into a manageable one. But we know what it is like to be sick at DLR and it is not fun.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I was sorry to read the OP. I hope some further reflection will soften things for you. Some observations and opinions....

Is DLR more of a locals park? Yes, definitely. But that is not all a bad thing. In fact it can really help with touring when you realize most people are on day trips because you can work around them better if you choose a close-by hotel or, better IMO, a walking distance hotel.

Is DLR becoming more of a locals park? I think that depends a lot on when you go. The idea of DLR reaching out to locals and creating the AP program is not to make DLR more crowded when it is already crowded, but to make it more crowded when it is traditionally less crowded. That has goods and bads but one of the goods of a more stable operation base is more revenue at DLR and more interest in improving the parks. Hence all the work at DCA, the evolving plans for DL, and the ever present discussion of a third park at DLR. DLR is also reaching out to tourists too (with the Disney staffed hotels coming to Gardenwalk) because tourists in hotels spend more money on Disney. So I think DLR is reaching out to both.

If crowds have become a big issue for you like it is for others, then maybe after things have softened emotionally you can find a better time to go than Spring Break.

Personally I have settled on summer visits at DLR for many reasons including:

o Maximum park hours
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o Maximum rides in operation
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o Maximum entertainment
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o It does not rain and humidity is not an issue
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o It is warm
o The SoCal APs are blocked
o The walking distance hotels make it easier to work around the locals and mid-day crowds and mid-day heat
o The SoCal APs are blocked



Hope you all feel better soon. When we went to DLR in August 2005 we had not one, not two, not three, but four kids with ear infections. We had a doctor service come to our hotel room, inspect the kids, prescribe anti-biotics, and then dispense anti-biotics on the spot. That turned a bad situation into a manageable one. But we know what it is like to be sick at DLR and it is not fun.

DITTO

Jack

 

[MG3G]

DL has turned into somewhere we have had to lower our expectations of.
I mean that by way of getting less in our day than before. Otherwise most of our group is miserable.
One kind of fun thing we have developed is our "secret spot"
it's not really secret but a spot not too crowded that we retreat to inside DL. If it's too crowded our feet hurt; we go there have coffee, ice cream and people watch, or crowd watch lol OP I know what you mean too, it is frustrating

Thank you all for your comments.

I do think Disney needed to reach out to the locals as a steady revenue base especially in this economy. I don't mean to sound ignorant or rude but we haven't had a huge economic slump in most industries here so I suspect it is easy to forget just how hard it has been in other places. It is a testament to those AP holders that Disney is alive and well - and expanding.

We went 2 years ago during presidents week which we were told was going to be insane and we found it manageable. The park vibe has really, really changed even in those two years. As was mentioned it is time to lower our expectations a bit - since childhood Disney has been on a huge pedestal for me. As for going during spring break we did most of our days during our first week starting March 9th. I knew to expect construction but it seems DLR was treating it like the off season - lots of closures, no EP etc, no fantastmic etc although there was what I am guessing to be summer like crowds. I can't imagine it being even worse in the summer?

I am sure we will go back one day. But I was all Disney - all the time
for me and that has really changed.

Yes being sick SUCKS - I got one back to school today but 2 of my boys and I are still seriously ill. Our doctor described DLR as a Petri-dish. I never, ever thought of it that way but I guess he was sort of right about there being people from all over the world all bringing their germs to share.

I do want to mention that on the whole we actually found people polite and friendly. We made friends in the lines, with the "we are all stuck in this together" attitude. That and our baby is WAY too friendly so he often breaks the ice He stares people down until they talk to him and tell him how cute he is.

I bet one day things will settle down there. I like many people suppose that I am of the attitude that I have no idea if or when I can afford to go again so I want to try and do everything BUT feel cheated when I have to spend 2 hours lined up to see a show, parade, fire works.

I am truly thankful that I was even able to take any vacation as I know many people aren't and sorry again for venting here.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Hopefully I will not get flamed for this, but... I am SO protective of DL for some reason.

You can not possibly blame DL for your getting ill can you? People get sick every single day who aren't going to DL. There is always something going around. If it was food poisoning or something, I would agree with your irritation but it's not.

Yes, people are rude. People are rude everywhere, not just DL. Not Disney's fault. How would like DL to regulate this?

Yes, the parks are crowded. Probably even heavier crowds right now, spring break is fast approaching and many kids are already out of school.

I am a firm believer that your trip is what you make it.

I'm sorry your family is sick, maybe when they are feeling better you will have a more positive outlook?

 

[Raindown]

One thing I always bring with me is a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer, she has yet to fail me.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Hence all the work at DCA, the evolving plans for DL, and the ever present discussion of a third park at DLR. DLR is also reaching out to tourists too (with the Disney staffed hotels coming to Gardenwalk) because tourists in hotels spend more money on Disney. So I think DLR is reaching out to both.

What?

 

[sonnyjane]

Hopefully I will not get flamed for this, but... I am SO protective of DL for some reason.

You can not possibly blame DL for your getting ill can you? People get sick every single day who aren't going to DL. There is always something going around. If it was food poisoning or something, I would agree with your irritation but it's not.

Yes, people are rude. People are rude everywhere, not just DL. Not Disney's fault. How would like DL to regulate this?

Yes, the parks are crowded. Probably even heavier crowds right now, spring break is fast approaching and many kids are already out of school.

I am a firm believer that your trip is what you make it.

I'm sorry your family is sick, maybe when they are feeling better you will have a more positive outlook?

I won't flame you, because I am equally as protective I am also one of those *darn* local AP holders, and even though I know the OP didn't mean it to be this way, I get really upset about having to basically justify my going to the parks as often as I'd like. I am always courteous and if anything, I am MORE patient than out-of-towners when I am at DL because I know if I don't get to see something today, there is always another day, so I don't feel a need to push or run. I was at the parks for the last two days and I also noticed many families bickering, but in every case it was because they were stressing about not getting to X ride by Y time, etc. etc., or they would get mad about waiting in line while we walked by with FastPasses. All it takes is a little research to understand the system and the visit can run smoothly even with the busiest crowds. Yes, the food can be pretty heavy, but there are also places with fresh fruit, salads, light sandwiches, etc. Also, of all the theme parks in the country, DL is pretty lenient about allowing guests to bring their own healthy snacks. I agree with previous posters that the country as a WHOLE is getting to be rude and inconsiderate, I don't think Disneyland makes them that way, nor can they regulate rudeness by turning away cranky people at the gates lol.

I sincerely hope that when you guys are all feeling better, you'll change your minds, because I really love that place

 

[tholczer]

Sorry you had such a miserable time. I feel your pain with the stroller, I remember those days. The busiest day I ever went was Christmas eve, and I was wheeling my father around in a wheelchair. He is paralyzed from the waist down, so he can't brace with his legs if we run into obstacles, and almost toppled out one time. Doesn't matter how careful you are. Some people just seem to look at wheelchairs and strollers as objects to hurdle. And getting sick is no fun. I also know what you mean about the food.

All I can say is try again. When the kids are bigger and you don't have a stroller - I can't tell you what a difference that makes. You are probably held hostage to your kid's vacation schedule like so many others, but everyone keeps saying that summer is a good time to go now with AP holders being blocked out. I'm an AP holder, but don't consider myself to be one of the hoards of rude locals. Although I haven't experienced rudeness myself, I must admit the vibe in the parks is very different than it used to be.

And best of all, you learned something about yourself! The go, go, go of Disneyland doesn't seem to work for your family. Doesn't for mine either. When we stay, we plan plenty of down time to lounge by the pool and shop and just hang out in the room together and read/color/daydream. We bring lots of our own food so we aren't sick by the time we leave. We did WDW this way, too. And although we didn't get very much "done" while there, we had a wonderful family vacation.

Don't give up!

Tracy

 

[wvnative]

Don't feel too bad OP. We just got back from our 4 days at DLR and I feel much the same as you, excluding the illness that is.

I truly believe that our issue was with the company we took along though as we were not able to tour as usual and the whole food thing was a nightmare. lol I'll plan the next trip, sans guests, and see if it goes an better. If not, we'll find somewhere else to spend Spring Break 2011.

 

[FlameGirl]

I definitely agree on the subject of the food at DLR.

The last time we went, we stayed on property (PPH) and we found ourselves really frustrated with the lack of decent options, and then having to pay a small fortune for mediocre at best food. We love staying on property and the proximity to the park entrance, but we've decided that for our family, we'd much rather take a longer vacation, stay off site next time at a place with a kitchen, and have the option to cook our own meals. We mentioned a few times how, if staying on site with no vehicle, you're really kind of a captive audience food-wise, and it was frustrating for us.

I also second the previous poster's comment re: hand sanitizer. We used it after pretty much any ride where we had to hold on to something. Bath and Bodyworks makes some really pretty smelling hand sani in tiny travel sized bottles.

 

[barefootmomma]

I'm sorry you had such a rough trip OP. I think that sometimes, things just don't work out and they're not enjoyable. We've definitely had those days in DL, as well as some of the other things we love to do around here. It sounds like the perfect time to take a good break and come back to it after a while refreshed. It definitely sounds like timing was probably a culprit too, with the parks just being too darn crowded. There are definitely times where it is far more manageable and enjoyable as far as crowds go. I hope that you're able to make another trip in the future and have that magical feeling again, that's what it's all about.