I just got back from DL. Some things I noticed....

[Disneyland1084]

@Disneyland1084 Having been there this past January I got the same feel from Downtown Dis, different vibe than previous visits.

What were some positive things you experienced that maybe you didn't before or some things that were as good as you remembered them?

I still had a wonderful time. It seemed like I was able to obtain more fast passes this time. That's always a plus. Seeing DS4 so happy made my heart happy. ...This was the first trip that I waited 45 minutes to ride Little Mermaid. The longest before was 15 minutes, mostly 5. How DARE so many people ride MY favorite ride.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Interesting, is the general consensus that DLR is cleaner than WDW?

I’ve been to WDW dozens of times of the last few years and at least 5-6 in the last year and a half and I’ve never noticed it dirty or messy. Including during/post parties or fireworks, which I’d expect some leftover messiness. But my first and only time in DLR this past spring, my sister and I both were really surprised about how messy it was. Like multiple trash cans completely overflowing and trash just left everywhere. It was the first time I ever noticed something like that at a Disney park. DLP has also been pretty pristine the few times I’ve visited so it surprised me to see the OG park in that state. I don’t think it’s fair to judge based on a single visit, just surprising is all, but maybe we had an off few days. We’re back for a day in mid-September for Oogie Boogie, so that will be the actual test for us.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I noticed this as well in April. Although I really noticed that California Adventure for sure doesn't get as much attention as DL. Tables were all covered in spider webs and other yuck. Ive never ever seen mosquitos/flying bugs at DL. At CA it was so bad.. tons and tons of bugs

 

[VandVsmama]

If anyone is worried about cleanliness for their upcoming trip, I was there in late July and there was nothing as far as cleanliness went that impacted my visit. Not saying anyone is incorrect, only that I didn't notice anything was any different than usual. It may be that I am just less observant than others

I was there in early June and thought DL was pretty clean.

 

[VandVsmama]

Interesting, is the general consensus that DLR is cleaner than WDW?

I’ve been to WDW dozens of times of the last few years and at least 5-6 in the last year and a half and I’ve never noticed it dirty or messy. Including during/post parties or fireworks, which I’d expect some leftover messiness. But my first and only time in DLR this past spring, my sister and I both were really surprised about how messy it was. Like multiple trash cans completely overflowing and trash just left everywhere. It was the first time I ever noticed something like that at a Disney park. DLP has also been pretty pristine the few times I’ve visited so it surprised me to see the OG park in that state. I don’t think it’s fair to judge based on a single visit, just surprising is all, but maybe we had an off few days. We’re back for a day in mid-September for Oogie Boogie, so that will be the actual test for us.

I think that at various times, one could make the argument that either DLR or WDW is dirtier or messier than the other. For example, the last time we went to WDW (Oct 2022), it was pretty darn clean overall, but man...the Tomorrowland bathrooms were pretty bad. Multiple toilets in the ladies restroom had tape holding toilet seats together and I saw some chipped tiles (even 1 tile totally missing). Left thinking, "Huh, that bathroom definitely needs some maintenance work," but it didn't totally spoil our trip. We still had an amazing time and can't wait to go back again.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Well folks, with this thread fresh in my mind, I visited the DLR with my kids today for the first time in a long time (for us that is) due to my shoulder surgery and the kids Magic Keys being blocked out for summer.

DTD was pristine. Aside from the construction walls, I saw no dirt, dust, etc. The new restaurants look beautiful and I can’t wait to try them.

Inside the parks, I did not notice trash or dirty tables. No overflowing trash cans. The parks looked clean and lovely (again, outside of the construction going on in and around Tiana’s).

We got on 10 rides today with low wait times (crowds were so low and lovely!) and did not personally experience any breakdowns.

Not to discount what other posters saw in the past, but as of today, everything is looking fresh and clean!

P.S. Haunted Mansion Holiday was outstanding. We loved the new details and the virtual queue worked perfectly!

 

[irlandaise]

I just wish they would fix the cute main street windows.

Are they still not working? I was disappointed last trip to see them down. They add a touch of magic.

All I know about the Main Street windows is that they have "business" names that honor people who've made Disneyland special over the years. What else do they do that would involve them "working" properly?

 

[Tinkaboo]

All I know about the Main Street windows is that they have "business" names that honor people who've made Disneyland special over the years. What else do they do that would involve them "working" properly?

The windows I believe they are referring to are those in the Emporium….they have scenes from various movies and the figures are animated to move, sort of mini animatronics. Like many things, they don’t receive the care and attention they should.
They remind me of the department stores of my youth at Christmastime, they were wonderful to behold. Think Christmas Story….

 

[keishashadow]

P.S. Haunted Mansion Holiday was outstanding. We loved the new details and the virtual queue worked perfectly!

Good to hear!

 

[DisneylandFan22]

The windows I believe they are referring to are those in the Emporium….they have scenes from various movies and the figures are animated to move, sort of mini animatronics. Like many things, they don’t receive the care and attention they should.
They remind me of the department stores of my youth at Christmastime, they were wonderful to behold. Think Christmas Story….

Exactly! They are so magical to watch. Especially at night on the way out of the park.

 

[DizMe]

What else do they do that would involve them "working" properly?

Here's a video (not mine) that shows you what they do. Be sure to keep watching because it changes!

 

[Tinkaboo]

Here's a video (not mine) that shows you what they do. Be sure to keep watching because it changes!

Good job, Diz! Perfect. Just love the Cinderella one!

 

[DizMe]

Good job, Diz! Perfect. Just love the Cinderella one!

I think these are so amazing. I'm sorry to hear they're not working . Are they all on the fritz?

 

[akadada]

Good to hear!

We did the mansion as well. It was interesting but we did not like it It's a pretty radical dressing up of the old haunted mansion ride to Night before Christmas and the decorations for Night don't collaborate well with the original haunted mansion style technology, so it just looks like they put yard-decorations into the ride.

To be fair, it's not cheap looking; rather it just doesn't work together and if you're a legacy Disney lover, like we are, it's just not that good.

 

[OlliePop27]

We did the mansion as well. It was interesting but we did not like it It's a pretty radical dressing up of the old haunted mansion ride to Night before Christmas and the decorations for Night don't collaborate well with the original haunted mansion style technology, so it just looks like they put yard-decorations into the ride.

To be fair, it's not cheap looking; rather it just doesn't work together and if you're a legacy Disney lover, like we are, it's just not that good.

It was definitely shocking when they first did the haunted mansion holiday overlay years ago. Traditionalists like me were ready with our pitchforks. It is now one of the most popular rides at the resort during the holiday overlay period. I personally love the ride and actually prefer the holiday version to the regular! I never would have thought I'd say that when it first came out, but it's grown on me so much over the years.

It is definitely a valid opinion to not like the holiday overlay and there are many who agree with you!

 

[disny_luvr]

As far as cleanliness, we thought Disneyland was very clean when we were there the beginning of July. In fact, we commented several times that we think Disneyland is much cleaner and just better taken care of than Disney World.

 

[DizMe]

It was definitely shocking when they first did the haunted mansion holiday overlay years ago. Traditionalists like me were ready with our pitchforks. It is now one of the most popular rides at the resort during the holiday overlay period. I personally love the ride and actually prefer the holiday version to the regular! I never would have thought I'd say that when it first came out, but it's grown on me so much over the years.

It is definitely a valid opinion to not like the holiday overlay and there are many who agree with you!

This was me as well!! I remember ranting on this board a long time ago about how cheesy and tacky I thought it was. But...now, here I am, happily waiting for the overlay, LOL. I love it! My favorite is the gingerbread house. I heard it takes them 4 months to build it!

 

[keishashadow]

To be fair, it's not cheap looking; rather it just doesn't work together and if you're a legacy Disney lover, like we are, it's just not that goo

It is definitely a valid opinion to not like the holiday overlay and there are many who agree with you!

It's such a novelty to us, we are fascinated by it. Have taken to preferring to see it with the overlay.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Yeah, I think I wasn't a huge fan at first but now I really like it. However, I like the original a bit more.

Anyone know what year they first started doing the overlay? I can't recall. But I know it's been there since at least 2010.

 

[irlandaise]

Yeah, I think I wasn't a huge fan at first but now I really like it. However, I like the original a bit more.

Anyone know what year they first started doing the overlay? I can't recall. But I know it's been there since at least 2010.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_Mansion_Holiday