First timer qustion..

[surgefest]

For those of you who have been recently for the first time or the first time in a long time... What were your thoughts of the trip overal...your first impressions walking around...pulling into your hotel...etc.... Thanks!

 

[Mike_M]

This isn't too recent but maybe it will give some insight.

2006 was my first trip to DL as an adult and the first trip back in 13 years. My first impressions were how clean and bright the surrounding area was. The hotels were nice, big and friendly (As a kid we always stayed at the little motels that were on Katella. No frills, but not needed). I was very impressed with how Aneheim had grown in a respectable way around DL.

When I first entered the park and walked through the tunnel under the tracks, it literally felt like I was home again. Main Street (Thankfully) has hardly changed at all over the decades and so you're greeted with an old familiar sight as you walk out of the tunnel. I then went straight to my favorite ride, POTC. This was the last day that it was open before being shutdown for the addition of Jack Sparrow so it was important that I made it on since I wouldn't be able to the rest of the trip. It didn't dissapoint. Indy was next since it wasn't even there the last time I had been to DL. I was all over that park that day getting reaquanted with it like it was an old friend. There were changes, but not as many as you might think. Most of the park was still what I remembered from my youth and I was pretty happy with how the park had evolved. At the end of my trip, I felt like I was starting a new chapter with DL and that it was going to be a good one. I've been back twice since with my family then and it's been great every time.

The advice I would give a first timer is to take it slow. Do everthing in one land before moving on to the next one. That helps preserve the ambiance of the park and the 'Magic'. Look for the details while in line Tombstones in the Haunted Mansion line, old west mining equipment in Big Thunder, etc...). Things are so detailed that you will miss 90% of them your first time. Watch a parade. Catch Fantasmic. Listen to a street performer.

Remember, DL is about more than just the rides.

 

[MickeyNikiNaka]

My first trip ever was in February, I have to say that it was one of the most magical times I have ever had! I absolutely loved every single minute of it! I went at night time because it was much faster collecting our parkhoppers then, we did everything that needed to be done that night (lanyards etc.) and it honestly made the rest of the time at DL feel even more magical. I pulled into the HOJO and I was so impressed with the grounds. I have a full TR on my siggy if you're interested but overall, it's DL how can you not be excited and feel the magic?

 

[avalon451]

Our very first trip ever was a year ago, in March. We stayed at the Grand Californian. For a special surprise, I rented a limo to bring my family from SNA to the hotel (and back again at the end). That was very special, and a great way to start our trip! I remember being just amazed as we pulled into the hotel and went in, and the first CM who talked to us was directing the line waiting for check in. He was SO cool with the kids, very nice and funny! Great first impression.

Overall, we were very impressed with the parks, the cleanliness, the helpfulness and cheerfulness of the CMs. The atmosphere was infectiously cheerful. As a family that enjoys a weird, ironic and sometimes darker sense of humor, we tended to make fun of the incessant cheerfulness sometimes... but we enjoyed it thoroughly, too. I remember my DH, who pretends to have no emotions, holding back tears at the sight of DD5's wide-eyed wonder at the fireworks, the first night.

I do recall by the last day, as we were walking out of GCH and the piano in the lobby was tinkling away, I murmured to DH, "If I never hear a tinkly piano rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star" again, it will be too soon."

However, I was back for another dose of it in October, and loved it even more.

 

[dopeydoc&sleepy]

Our family of 5 loved every minute of our first DL trip in October. I had read on other threads some thought Snow White's castle was small and insignificant compared with Cinderella's and DL is the little brother version. DL is like being inside an enchanted snow globe. Perfect in every detail, and Walt didn't miss any details. We stayed at the DL Hotel. On our first morning, it was still dark, as we headed for our first step inside DL. Walking under the magic hat, the stars on the hat lit up, it was like being dusted with ferry dust. We figured out later that is was not just for us but is a wonderful memory just the same.

 

[surgefest]

awesome info! Anyone else care to share?

 

[Kayla's Mom]

DL is like being inside an enchanted snow globe.

I love that description!!