Expectations

[bhyer]

Planned our trip for September 8 to 17. Booked flights many months ago that we are locked in on. Needed to plan in detail what days we would be at Disney and what days we would do other activities.

Then we trust Disney will release schedules so we can plan. We wait, wait and wait some more. I'm quite sure Disney knows what they are planning six months out but they CHOOSE to not tell us.

First I see there will be no afternoon parades during our trip which is disappointing as the parades are our favorite part.
Finally I phoned a couple days back to ask about fireworks. Was told they were undecided.
Then I emailed Disney. Received email back this morning to confirm there are NO fireworks for the entire length of our trip.
When we planned our Disney trip we had expectations - expectations of fireworks and parades. That's what excites us and leads us to use our vacation time and money on trips to Disney. Yes, we are disappointed. And yes, I know, get over it. We are still blessed to be able to take a vacation. I guess I need to vent but also to ask why is it okay for the Disney corporation to show such a lack of regard for the people who adore it so much? I can't help but feel a little like I've been tricked into going at a time when the things we like most won't be happening. If Disney posted these details earlier we wouldn't have chosen these dates. Sigh. Grumpy Disney fan this morning.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I’m sorry that you’re disappointed. It is frustrating to come from far away and not have the entertainment options you’d hoped for, on little notice.

I’m quite surprised that there would be no fireworks over the weekend while you’re there, though - they’ve announced the return of Halloween Screams for Halloweentime (Sept. 6), and while weekdays are usually not included during off-peak times, fireworks are always scheduled for weekends. I’m wondering if you got some incorrect information there...

 

[Skjhjb]

When I look at the Calendar I do see Fantasmic on the 8th and then 13th & 14th - is that not what you are looking for?

 

[bhyer]

I’m sorry that you’re disappointed. It is frustrating to come from far away and not have the entertainment options you’d hoped for, on little notice.

I’m quite surprised that there would be no fireworks over the weekend while you’re there, though - they’ve announced the return of Halloween Screams for Halloweentime (Sept. 6), and while weekdays are usually not included during off-peak times, fireworks are always scheduled for weekends. I’m wondering if you got some incorrect information there...

Awww. Just having someone say "I'm sorry that you're disappointed" made me feel a bit better. Thank you!! I was hoping for weekend fireworks and perhaps by some chance I was given bad info.

 

[bhyer]

When I look at the Calendar I do see Fantasmic on the 8th and then 13th & 14th - is that not what you are looking for?

No, I was looking for actual fireworks. The ones that usually happen on weekends in September. Or at least I thought they normally did.

 

[Howry]

Unfortunately Disneyland is a locals park and thats who they cater to. Its super frusterating.

 

[Delilah1310]

Won't you get the Main Street Electrical Parade?
It's my all time favorite parade and I'm bummed it will end before we arrive in October.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There will be the MSEP -- so not an afternoon parade, but a nighttime parade because the lights don't show well in the daytime. MSEP runs twice a day during your visit.
F! and WOC will be running during your visit -- both those shows are worth seeing. I agree that they're not the same as fireworks, but they are really good shows.
DL has already announced that "Halloween Screams" will be the fireworks show during Halloween Time, which starts Sept. 6th -- so I think everyone is just waiting for the schedule to be filled out. HS will run with projections only on weeknights and with fireworks on select nights (which probably means Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays).
Hang in there -- even the veterans on this board agree that the schedule is taking rather a long time to fill in right now -- here's hoping for pixie dust for you for a great trip no matter what and that everything works out for you (hopefully) soon!

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

I agree that it's frustrating that they don't post their full schedules sooner. It makes advance planning more difficult.

While I agree that parades are to be expected, I don't have the same expectation of fireworks at Disneyland. This is for a couple of reasons: 1) Unlike WDW, DLR is surrounded by homes and therefore fireworks typically only happen on weekends when school is in session, as the noise would disrupt neighbors; and 2) It's not entirely uncommon for fireworks to be canceled due to high winds. So I've become accustomed to seeing DLR fireworks as more of a bonus rather than a definite thing.

 

[DLgal]

Aww... sorry you are disappointed. There will likely be fireworks. The Halloween ones are actually better than what they "normally" show in the off season. The Disnyeland Forever show that is currently running is a limited summer engagement. The other show that runs (can't remember the name right now) typically is like a 5 minute lame version of Wishes. So, if you get to see Halloween Screams, you are in for a treat!

BUT, with that said, as mentioned, fireworks will only be Fri, Sat, and Sun. They also very well may be cancelled due to winds. September and October are the worst months for this, as the Santa Ana winds often arrive at this time.

They discontinued the daytime parade some weeks ago. Not sure if you knew that, but in any event, a daytime parade would not have been something you were going to be able to see. You will get to see MSEP, though, which is, IMO, WAY better than Mickey's Soundsational (sorry, didn't ever like that obnoxious parade).

It is frustrating that DL takes forever to release a schedule, but on the other hand, it is kind of nice that things aren't so regimented and planned out months and months in advance here. It allows for more spontaneous trips.

 

[kikismom]

I get it. I am in the middle of my two year hiatus right now with a trip planned for next June.

I had to take some time off after going multiple times a year for a long time. The scheduling is so hard when you come from far away, I'm only up in Washington so it's not super far but still far enough I need to plan for the trips. My thing is not necessarily fireworks but I always seem to hit the parks when there are refurbs on my favorite rides. Again, not a huge deal but still a bummer.

I think your trip is going to be fabulous no matter what. Any day at Disneyland beats a day at work or home cleaning.

 

[Elle23]

I am a total weirdo, but I am honestly a little relieved about no fireworks (if that’s the case). I have been stressing over how to fit in Fanstasmic and the fireworks while also enjoying the later park hours at DCA on the weekend. Now there isn’t the pressure to have to do it all.

And I am not a fan of the afternoon parade, especially after getting trapped in a corner of the park last year for the longest time after it started!

I am REALLY looking forward to the MSEP though! Can’t wait!

 

[mouschievous]

And I am not a fan of the afternoon parade, especially after getting trapped in a corner of the park last year for the longest time after it started!

I am REALLY looking forward to the MSEP though! Can’t wait!

That happened to us too with the parade in DCA! I had no idea there were daytime parades because I hadn't been in so long and I was so confused.

I am jealous of all of you who get to see MSEP. It's my favorite DL parade (probably because it's the one I always saw as a kid) and I wish I could get down there to see it. I'm hoping maybe I get lucky and they bring it back again next summer.

 

[MrsD.Duck]

I am a total weirdo, but I am honestly a little relieved about no fireworks (if that’s the case). I have been stressing over how to fit in Fanstasmic and the fireworks while also enjoying the later park hours at DCA on the weekend. Now there isn’t the pressure to have to do it all.

And I am not a fan of the afternoon parade, especially after getting trapped in a corner of the park last year for the longest time after it started!

I am REALLY looking forward to the MSEP though! Can’t wait!

This is why I miss the skyway, we used to take that to get from one area to the other over the daytime parade.

 

[bhyer]

I so appreciate all the replies. And the positive attitudes!! Although I'm feeling a little guilty for being a negative Nelly and advertising it...

 

[Elle23]

I so appreciate all the replies. And the positive attitudes!! Although I'm feeling a little guilty for being a negative Nelly and advertising it...

Your feelings are totally justified! There is nothing wrong with being disappointed. You could probably read many of my other posts and find plenty of whining and temper tantrums.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I agree, your feelings are totally justified. Best not to let a positive attitude dismiss DIsney's shortcomings. If they aren't ever called out, they will continue to decline.

 

[kikismom]

I so appreciate all the replies. And the positive attitudes!! Although I'm feeling a little guilty for being a negative Nelly and advertising it...

Don't feel bad. I was super upset once when POTC was closed. I kind of threw a grown up fit. Only to my DH but still I said some choice words.

 

[Delilah1310]

we've all been there.
Big Thunder Mountain was closed one time and you would have thought the world was coming to an end the way I was carrying on!
This is a safe space to vent those frustrations!

 

[bhyer]

You guys make me laugh! Thank you. Makes me feel like I'm part of a big loving family