Is magic missing?

[Seaann]

I'm a big Disneyland fan but haven't been there for 4 years. I'm planning to visit Disneyland next week. I've been reading negative reviews on travel sites, mostly about crowds and rude employees. Seems like the magic just isn't there right now. Please convince me that I should go to Disneyland rather than spend the day at the beach.

 

[Briarrose1306]

I think a lot of the magic is what you make it. Crowds have gotten a lot worse, especially since the opening of Cars Land and with this summer celebrating the 60th I doubt it'll be much better. People in general have gotten more rude in recent years due to what I've dubbed the "entitlement era." Ie "My time is more valuable than yours," and other such items. I have not had a problem with CMs at all and have had several great and magical interactions with them. There are still good people out there and as long as you go with a positive attitude and try to make the most of it, it's still a wonderful and magical place to be. And still my go to happy place!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

It's still magical. Yes, is crowded. Yes, it's frustrating when someone stops in front of you on a crowded walkway. And yes, some cms are not super friendly. But the majority are. I agree with what was said above. Go in with a positive attitude, accept that there will be people having a bad day, and enjoy. Or is always what you make of it.

 

[AngiTN]

While I haven't been to DL yet, the same things are said about WDW. I really think those reports are from people looking for things. I simply haven't been exposed to rude CMs. I'm positive they are the exception, not the rule.

Rude guests on the other hand, yes. As said above, it's the new trend to entitlement. So many people are so self centered no one else matters anymore. Politeness is ebbing away in society. And it shows most in theme parks.

But, I don't let them ruin my trip (so in that sense, I'm just as self centered as the next person)

 

[crystal1313]

I just got back from a quick one day visit full of magic, just like always! It's what you make of it Was it crowded? Yes. Was it hot? Yes. Did we have the time of our lives, yes! Did not encounter one rude CM. And actually, the majority of guests were pleasant too.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I don't think anyone can convince someone that there is "magic" at Disneyland. You either feel it or your don't. Some people are just set to have a bad day or find fault no matter what surrounds them. I would take a day at Disneyland over a day at the beach any day, but I find the magic just walking down Main Street and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells all around me.

I hope you have a magical day wherever you choose to spend it.

- Dreams

 

[BoomerThePirate]

Magic is what you make of it. From a nice CM to Ellias Disney's name on the window in main street to the rides themselves. where else can you fly above london in a ship? some of us just see things differently when it comes to Disney.

 

[corinne76]

I completely agree that magic is what you make of it. In general, people seem to be more rude. But I think it's all about attitude. If you go expecting to see bad attitides and rude people, then you will.

We went in June in 2013. It was pretty crowded. DH didnt like waiting in line. He didn't like the heat. Me, I was just ecstatic to be there for the first time since I was a teen. I don't think anything could have really ruined the magic for me.

 

[ludari]

I'm a big Disneyland fan but haven't been there for 4 years. I'm planning to visit Disneyland next week. I've been reading negative reviews on travel sites, mostly about crowds and rude employees. Seems like the magic just isn't there right now. Please convince me that I should go to Disneyland rather than spend the day at the beach.

As others mentioned... the magic is all what you make or feel when visiting the parks. As an annual passholder I visit at least two or three times a month and I always have a great time. That being said I would suggest that since you haven't been to Disneyland in 4 years I would suggest you wait until on or after May 22 when the 60th Anniversary (Diamond Celebration) festivities kick off. At the moment a lot of the rides and certain areas of the park are closed due to preparations for the upcoming 60th Anniversary so I would suggest waiting a bit longer.

 

[julesann]

I agree with so many here. Disneyland is truly an attitude--go with your heart open, your mind set to childhood wonder, kindness and respect for others, compassion for them when they (adults, kids and even CMs) are short tempered, and it is truly a magical experience. It also helps to get there at rope drop; use the fast pass system; and know that things will not always go according to plan. We were just there a few weeks ago--I hear it was a super crowded weekend and of course, there were lots refurbs and we had a most magical, and I mean most magical, 3 days, and I'd just been there in twice in the prior 5 months. Go and enjoy your day--if you can see the beauty in the details and you are kind and positive, you will have a magical day.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Hmmm.......must be some type of negative movement propaganda about Disneyland. A newcomer on another site just posted a huge negative article about a weekend visit to Disneyland.

So, if this is the stuff you have been reading, then you are in luck....the magic is still explorable

At the beach:

* that cigarette butt next to your towel, well you will have to move the towel or the cigarette. Garbage at Disneyland has a shorter life expectancy then a hallmark card. Oh wait, there are smoking areas that you can avoid.

* there is shade at Disneyland, so minimal sunscreen requirements

*ice water is available, ......and it is so free!!!

* ice cream treats that are better than that ice cream truck in the beach parking lot, and in my experience, cheaper.

* you can listen to music without damaging your ears with headphones.

*the seagulls......well I guess they are the same as the flock at the beach......it is all about mine.

* that rodent working the parking lot for scraps, well he is not going to be open to you walking up to him and giving him huge hug.

* when you return from Disneyland, you will not be shaking out Abraham's descendants, you will be reflecting on all the smiles of generations of magicians to come.

 

[AngiTN]

* that rodent working the parking lot for scraps, well he is not going to be open to you walking up to him and giving him huge hug.

You win best post of the month! Maybe the year, but it is just February

 

[starjazz]

I think one of the things that makes the magic more prevalent is when you can take it easy. My family likes to get crazy in the morning, run around, do as much as we can for about an hour or 90 minutes. Then we like to intentionally slow down. Sit on benches, grab a snack, watch a show, etc. When you're not feeling like you MUST accomplish as much as humanly possible, then its less likely that you'll feel slighted by the line-cutter, or bumping into people, etc. Its good for my kids, too, to just ease up and take it in.

 

[whitneyebz]

Well we were just there and let me tell you, it was magical. I have young children so that helped...they just loved it and were full of joy! The characters were awesome (especially anna and elsa, they made DD so happy!), the CMs were great, food was good, people were mostly not rude. It was clean and happy and I want to go back right now! Crowds were fine on the thursday and friday we went, but saturday got crowded around lunchtime. I think I'd skip weekends for that reason.

 

[grammakelly]

Great post Chickapin!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I've never encountered a truly rude CM at Disneyland (and only one that I can think of at WDW). As with any situation, you generally get what you put into it. On our last trip I heard a CM directing traffic during a parade being rather direct with a guest. She said, "Seriously sir, if you just wait patiently for a moment you will get where you want to go and everything will be OK, I promise." That might seem less than magical, but the guy was verbally abusing the poor girl for directing him to walk on one side of the walkway. She was only doing her job and trying to keep traffic moving. He clearly felt entitled to walk wherever he pleased. He was spewing profanities at her and another CM, who politely asked him if he would like to discuss his gripes with security. He said no and moved on. Both CMs were clearly shaken. One was almost in tears. When we passed by I said, "I think you guys are doing a great job. This can't be easy." One said, "Thank you! It's nice to feel appreciated!" If you are pleasant, wait patiently for your turn, ask the CM how their day is going when they ask you about yours, say please and thank you, you will both have a positive interaction. I believe the magic is there. We, as guests, have to be open to letting it come to us.

 

[Seaann]

I have to admit - you had me at hugging the rodent in the parking lot. Thanks for helping me get my perspective back.

 

[lindyv321]

I think one of the things that makes the magic more prevalent is when you can take it easy. My family likes to get crazy in the morning, run around, do as much as we can for about an hour or 90 minutes. Then we like to intentionally slow down. Sit on benches, grab a snack, watch a show, etc. When you're not feeling like you MUST accomplish as much as humanly possible, then its less likely that you'll feel slighted by the line-cutter, or bumping into people, etc. Its good for my kids, too, to just ease up and take it in.

This is what we are planning to try to do on our upcoming trip. The last time everything felt so rushed since we were trying to fit it all in. It was still a great trip but this time I want to slow down and just enjoy our three magical days.

I have to admit - you had me at hugging the rodent in the parking lot. Thanks for helping me get my perspective back.

I hope you have a great trip!!! I will be there next week too and I just know that it's going to be wonderful

 

[jkpmac]

There are two points about travel reviews, first some companies pay people to post good reviews, so it can be argued that someone out there could pay for bad. If everyone thinks that Disneyland is terrible, who would profit from that ? Also it can be motivational, those who love Disney, i.e. people who frequent boards like this post a lot, but on travel guides, the average Joe who had a good time may not, but those who felt that they did not get what they deserved, you can bet they will post a negative comment.

 

[Betty Breed]

The last time my family and I were at DL the Snow White ride broke down. We had to be escorted out of the ride. My DGS was crying as we were waiting for the ride to start again. The CM said it might not be up that day. She gave us a pass to come back & skip the line.