saintrob
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2012
- Messages
- 733
We’ve just returned from our second ‘double header’ of Disneyland California and WDW so thought I’d do some high and lows to give an overview of the trip. On the whole it was superb and we had a fabulous time.
Highs
· Flying via Dublin was a breeze and saved us thousands which enabled us to travel in Virgin UC both ways. The service was fabulous and I’d use the Dublin route again.
· The Disneyland Hotel was excellent. We’ve stayed here before and again it didn’t disappoint. The CMs are fabulous; the hotel is spotless and is in a convenient location for DL. I used our DVC points – had I been paying cash I doubt whether we’d have stayed here again as there are so many more reasonably priced hotels well within the vicinity.
· The parks – I love both Disneyland Park and Disneyland California especially the Paradise Pier area. Many of the rides are unique to California and are original from when the park opened.
· The World of Colour Dessert Party – we’d seen the show last time we were here but had to stand so opted for this new addition. It was excellent. We were given our reserved table which had an amazing view and the dessert platter was plentiful. This is really good way to see the World of Colour without having to queue for ages.
· Being able to see some of LA – we really enjoyed Santa Monica and spent some time doing some touristy stuff in Hollywood.
· Disney Springs – it’s now looking very impressive although I’m in two minds about the town centre area which does look like any select shopping mall. We had a fabulous meal at Morimoto Asia which ranks as one of the best we’ve eaten at WDW. We’ll be back!
· Soarin’ – I really enjoyed the new ride. Disney has done well with this.
· Lower crowds than normal for the end of July/beginning of August. We come to WDW at this time every year but the parks didn’t appear to be very busy. EMH was mainly walk on especially at MK.
· Some fabulous CMs who were above and beyond to ensure that we had a good time.
Lows
· The lack of magic bands at Disneyland California. The parks still operate on the old paper fast pass system and although the lines were at a maximum of 30 minutes, the parks did seem to be more crowded than WDW. We did seem to spend more time waiting for rides than in Orlando.
· Massive disappointment with the Frozen ride – there doesn’t seem to have been a great deal of thought put into this and when compared to the technology and imagination of the Harry Potter attractions, it pales into insignificance.
· The Sugar Loaf building at the Grand Floridian – we love the GF but wouldn’t stay in this building again, far too noisy.
· The Jungle Book night time show at the AK – I know that this was put together quickly in the absence of Rivers of Light but it’s simply a case of watching dancing. The night time Kilimanjaro safari proved to be a disappointment too as we could barely see anything!
· The monorail service – the Epcot monorail was frequently stopped at 11pm which was really inconvenient on EMH nights. Buses were provided to the GF but the queues were horrendous.
All in all it was still a fabulous trip and we’ll be back for Christmas with a few days added on at Universal.
Highs
· Flying via Dublin was a breeze and saved us thousands which enabled us to travel in Virgin UC both ways. The service was fabulous and I’d use the Dublin route again.
· The Disneyland Hotel was excellent. We’ve stayed here before and again it didn’t disappoint. The CMs are fabulous; the hotel is spotless and is in a convenient location for DL. I used our DVC points – had I been paying cash I doubt whether we’d have stayed here again as there are so many more reasonably priced hotels well within the vicinity.
· The parks – I love both Disneyland Park and Disneyland California especially the Paradise Pier area. Many of the rides are unique to California and are original from when the park opened.
· The World of Colour Dessert Party – we’d seen the show last time we were here but had to stand so opted for this new addition. It was excellent. We were given our reserved table which had an amazing view and the dessert platter was plentiful. This is really good way to see the World of Colour without having to queue for ages.
· Being able to see some of LA – we really enjoyed Santa Monica and spent some time doing some touristy stuff in Hollywood.
· Disney Springs – it’s now looking very impressive although I’m in two minds about the town centre area which does look like any select shopping mall. We had a fabulous meal at Morimoto Asia which ranks as one of the best we’ve eaten at WDW. We’ll be back!
· Soarin’ – I really enjoyed the new ride. Disney has done well with this.
· Lower crowds than normal for the end of July/beginning of August. We come to WDW at this time every year but the parks didn’t appear to be very busy. EMH was mainly walk on especially at MK.
· Some fabulous CMs who were above and beyond to ensure that we had a good time.
Lows
· The lack of magic bands at Disneyland California. The parks still operate on the old paper fast pass system and although the lines were at a maximum of 30 minutes, the parks did seem to be more crowded than WDW. We did seem to spend more time waiting for rides than in Orlando.
· Massive disappointment with the Frozen ride – there doesn’t seem to have been a great deal of thought put into this and when compared to the technology and imagination of the Harry Potter attractions, it pales into insignificance.
· The Sugar Loaf building at the Grand Floridian – we love the GF but wouldn’t stay in this building again, far too noisy.
· The Jungle Book night time show at the AK – I know that this was put together quickly in the absence of Rivers of Light but it’s simply a case of watching dancing. The night time Kilimanjaro safari proved to be a disappointment too as we could barely see anything!
· The monorail service – the Epcot monorail was frequently stopped at 11pm which was really inconvenient on EMH nights. Buses were provided to the GF but the queues were horrendous.
All in all it was still a fabulous trip and we’ll be back for Christmas with a few days added on at Universal.
