sequoia 14
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 17, 2014
- Messages
- 75
My DH and I just got back from a wonderful trip to Disneyland (May 6-9). We did a split stay (DLH and GCH) and had a 3-day park hopper ticket. We are WDW veterans, but it was only our second visit out west. Ive been a lurker for a few months now, and only recently registered, and I just wanted to say thanks on my first main thread for all the helpful hints that everyone posted here! 
It really helped us plan and I am going to try to return the favor in the future.
The good:
-We loved the renovated DLH! The headboards were magical and we loved the Disney touches throughout the room. I wish we could have brought our nieces to see everything.
-We had requested a king bed at the GCH, but the request had not made it down to the front desk. However, the cast member checking us in found us one right above Napa Rose. The location couldnt have been more perfect and we were most appreciative!
-I met so many nice people in the lines. Ive never had so many great conversations while waiting!
-We seemed to have so much good luck this trip. The dapper dans jumped on the trolley when we were riding, we got a seat right next to the walkway outside without asking at Carnation Café, I found a Sven plush at the world of Disney (my fav character from Frozen), we got seats up front on the Mark Twain Riverboat, we were able to ride up front on the monorail (completely by accidentthey asked if we were a party of 2 and took us up front to fit in with another person who was up there), and we got a choice FP (more details further below).
-We had a blast trying out all the rides that WDW doesnt offer or is slightly different- Mr. Toads, Storybook Canal, Casey Jr Train (we rode at night and thought the lights were pretty), Bobsleds, Mickeys Toontown, Fantasmic, Indy, most of Paradise Pier, exc.
-Highly recommend the Get up and Go Powerwalk offered to resort guests. It was a little early for this non-morning person, but getting to see DCA empty and hearing additional fun facts was a blast.
-Trader Sams is a hidden gem. The bartenders were hilarious and we couldnt believe we were trying to extinguish our Uh Oh as people cheered us on. Very excited this is coming to the Poly at WDW.
-Single rider lines are the bomb. We rode Racers three times with minimal waiting and cut our wait substantially at the Bobsleds.
-We saw so many new characters that you dont normally see at WDW. Roger Rabbit, Rabbit (from Pooh), Brier Bear, Mad Hatter, Flynn Rider, Captain America and Thor!
-Food is way superior to WDW, without a doubt. Steakhouse 55 was one of the best breakfasts we had ever had at a theme park (thanks for the rec!) and all the restaurants we ate at (Café Orleans, Carnation Café, Pacific Wharf Café, Storytellers Café, River Belle Terrace) had some great choices. And can we say Churro Bites! Heaven in your mouth.
-CarsLand! Wow, great theming and great rides. My DH couldnt stop raving.
-Rehabbed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is spectacular! Much smoother than I remember and the new dynamite cabin area was fantastic.
-Animation Academy. Way larger than at WDW and I liked the ease of seeing which characters were scheduled to be drawn on the chalk board outside. We ended up drawing Olaf and Donald. If we had more time I would have been happy to sit there for a few hours.
-I really enjoyed using paper fastpasses as I understand the system. I also really enjoyed giving them away when we couldn't use them. No chance for that anymore at WDW sadly.
-Early Magic Hours at DCA- A huge success. We avoided Carsland from the tips here on the board and it worked out great. We ended up riding Toy Story three times, California Screamin, and King Tritons Carousel before opening time. We were then in great position to ride all of the Paradise Pier fair rides as walk-ons.
The bad:
-The elevators at the DLH were very slow and at least one elevator was always out of service. During the morning rush I felt really bad for families with strollers and those with mobility issues because they were up for a long wait. We were lucky in that we could take the stairs.
-We didnt feel the magic at the GCH. The cast members were great, we loved being close to the parks, the lobby always provided a respite and we really enjoyed our balcony. However, the room felt very worn, the wallpaper was peeling on one part of the way, our tissues were not stocked upon our arrival, the pool felt small and uninspired, and we missed the Disney touches. All small things, but when you are paying $$$ you expect to have a superior experience. I think our views were also a bit biased because we have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge at WDW (very similar) and everything was grander there.
-One cast member put a downer in our experience. We were in the loading area for Soarin when the FP line screen broke down the night of May 8th. The cast member stated that the other screen was still working and handed us a FP for that evening. The only issue was it was 7:45, the park closed at 8pm, and by now the line was hugely congested. We asked if we could use the pass tomorrow so that we could try out the Fun Wheel Challenge before WOC. The cast member said no problem. As I was walking out the back entrance to the ride though I read the green ticket I was given and it said that it was only valid for same day use. I asked another cast member up front and they seemed quite taken aback that was the advice I was given as the cast member said, there is a different crew tomorrow and there is no guarantee it will be honored. The second cast member was kind enough to write us a pass for the next day though and we were on our way. On the way out of the park, I mentioned the interaction to Guest Services and they too were very concerned. They indicated that they would pass along the information to the ride attendants the next day so that they would honor any FPs dated for May 8th. Im hoping that ended up happening for those that come back the next day!
-Disneyland park was packed! Especially Fantasyland. I came in knowing the Anna/Elsa line was just too long of a wait for us, but I didnt expect that the usually less popular rides (Snow White, Pinocchio, Carousel) would have such long waits. We ended up not being able to ride many and the ones we did we waited about 20 minutes, even though it was either early morning or later in the evening. EMH was a zoo. We ducked for cover in the nearest restaurant after riding one ride and watched the masses stream in.
-Super disappointed that Mickey and the Magical Map was not running when were there. From the size of the theater, its a good one. Hopefully, next time there will be no more pesky earthquakes and/or cast strikes.
-I dont think Disney anticipated the large amount of people that were in the parks for the days we were there. Most rides were only running one side or one track. Some rides only had one cast member working. Friday night was insane crowd wise.
-Rides seemed to have a habit of breaking down. Besides Soarin, Splash Mountain also broke down while we were on the ride. This ended up being a highlight for us though. The ride had stopped when we were on the incline up to the drop. The soundtrack kept having the rabbit ask not to be thrown into the briar patch. After a few minutes our boat was chanting, throw us in brier patch, pleeeease which they then kindly did
The ride then broke down again as we were in the zip-e-dee-doo-dah part which resulted in a fun evacuation, tour of the backstage and a choice FP (which I was not expecting since we finished the ride). We ended up using the choice FP for Peter Pan, which my DH raved about on the way home.
-Wait times seemed way off. Some rides would say 5 minutes (when the wait was really 45 as was the case with Roger Rabbit) and others would have 30 minute signs but the wait was only 5 minutes (as happened to us on the Jungle Cruise). Psychologically, you just feel better when you wait less time than posted so the latter was great.
-Having so many rides down, to include Pirates, Its a Small World and GRR, was tough as we missed some of our favs and it pushed more people to a smaller number of rides.
-Fantasmic Desert Package. This was my DHs bday present for me as we hardly ever watch evening shows from good vantage points as it is tough for me to rationalize not spending time on rides to get a good seat to wait before the show. The deserts were really good, the seating location was great, no one was pushing and shoving us to get a better view, we had chairs throughout the show and it included unlimited drinks. I had two hot chocolates and a Sprite, while my DH was ecstatic to get a hot tea. The show itself was spectacular and we liked being able to see the fireworks from the same spot. We were even able to see Tinker Bell and Dumbo fly. The package is pricey but I highly recommend if it fits within your budget.
Overall, the parks were a bit more crowded than we expected, but we had a great trip. Disney went above and beyond in many instances. Weather was outstanding and we had so many fun experiences. Will definitely be back out west someday!
It really helped us plan and I am going to try to return the favor in the future. The good:
-We loved the renovated DLH! The headboards were magical and we loved the Disney touches throughout the room. I wish we could have brought our nieces to see everything.
-We had requested a king bed at the GCH, but the request had not made it down to the front desk. However, the cast member checking us in found us one right above Napa Rose. The location couldnt have been more perfect and we were most appreciative!
-I met so many nice people in the lines. Ive never had so many great conversations while waiting!
-We seemed to have so much good luck this trip. The dapper dans jumped on the trolley when we were riding, we got a seat right next to the walkway outside without asking at Carnation Café, I found a Sven plush at the world of Disney (my fav character from Frozen), we got seats up front on the Mark Twain Riverboat, we were able to ride up front on the monorail (completely by accidentthey asked if we were a party of 2 and took us up front to fit in with another person who was up there), and we got a choice FP (more details further below).
-We had a blast trying out all the rides that WDW doesnt offer or is slightly different- Mr. Toads, Storybook Canal, Casey Jr Train (we rode at night and thought the lights were pretty), Bobsleds, Mickeys Toontown, Fantasmic, Indy, most of Paradise Pier, exc.
-Highly recommend the Get up and Go Powerwalk offered to resort guests. It was a little early for this non-morning person, but getting to see DCA empty and hearing additional fun facts was a blast.
-Trader Sams is a hidden gem. The bartenders were hilarious and we couldnt believe we were trying to extinguish our Uh Oh as people cheered us on. Very excited this is coming to the Poly at WDW.
-Single rider lines are the bomb. We rode Racers three times with minimal waiting and cut our wait substantially at the Bobsleds.
-We saw so many new characters that you dont normally see at WDW. Roger Rabbit, Rabbit (from Pooh), Brier Bear, Mad Hatter, Flynn Rider, Captain America and Thor!
-Food is way superior to WDW, without a doubt. Steakhouse 55 was one of the best breakfasts we had ever had at a theme park (thanks for the rec!) and all the restaurants we ate at (Café Orleans, Carnation Café, Pacific Wharf Café, Storytellers Café, River Belle Terrace) had some great choices. And can we say Churro Bites! Heaven in your mouth.
-CarsLand! Wow, great theming and great rides. My DH couldnt stop raving.
-Rehabbed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is spectacular! Much smoother than I remember and the new dynamite cabin area was fantastic.
-Animation Academy. Way larger than at WDW and I liked the ease of seeing which characters were scheduled to be drawn on the chalk board outside. We ended up drawing Olaf and Donald. If we had more time I would have been happy to sit there for a few hours.
-I really enjoyed using paper fastpasses as I understand the system. I also really enjoyed giving them away when we couldn't use them. No chance for that anymore at WDW sadly.
-Early Magic Hours at DCA- A huge success. We avoided Carsland from the tips here on the board and it worked out great. We ended up riding Toy Story three times, California Screamin, and King Tritons Carousel before opening time. We were then in great position to ride all of the Paradise Pier fair rides as walk-ons.
The bad:
-The elevators at the DLH were very slow and at least one elevator was always out of service. During the morning rush I felt really bad for families with strollers and those with mobility issues because they were up for a long wait. We were lucky in that we could take the stairs.
-We didnt feel the magic at the GCH. The cast members were great, we loved being close to the parks, the lobby always provided a respite and we really enjoyed our balcony. However, the room felt very worn, the wallpaper was peeling on one part of the way, our tissues were not stocked upon our arrival, the pool felt small and uninspired, and we missed the Disney touches. All small things, but when you are paying $$$ you expect to have a superior experience. I think our views were also a bit biased because we have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge at WDW (very similar) and everything was grander there.
-One cast member put a downer in our experience. We were in the loading area for Soarin when the FP line screen broke down the night of May 8th. The cast member stated that the other screen was still working and handed us a FP for that evening. The only issue was it was 7:45, the park closed at 8pm, and by now the line was hugely congested. We asked if we could use the pass tomorrow so that we could try out the Fun Wheel Challenge before WOC. The cast member said no problem. As I was walking out the back entrance to the ride though I read the green ticket I was given and it said that it was only valid for same day use. I asked another cast member up front and they seemed quite taken aback that was the advice I was given as the cast member said, there is a different crew tomorrow and there is no guarantee it will be honored. The second cast member was kind enough to write us a pass for the next day though and we were on our way. On the way out of the park, I mentioned the interaction to Guest Services and they too were very concerned. They indicated that they would pass along the information to the ride attendants the next day so that they would honor any FPs dated for May 8th. Im hoping that ended up happening for those that come back the next day!
-Disneyland park was packed! Especially Fantasyland. I came in knowing the Anna/Elsa line was just too long of a wait for us, but I didnt expect that the usually less popular rides (Snow White, Pinocchio, Carousel) would have such long waits. We ended up not being able to ride many and the ones we did we waited about 20 minutes, even though it was either early morning or later in the evening. EMH was a zoo. We ducked for cover in the nearest restaurant after riding one ride and watched the masses stream in.
-Super disappointed that Mickey and the Magical Map was not running when were there. From the size of the theater, its a good one. Hopefully, next time there will be no more pesky earthquakes and/or cast strikes.
-I dont think Disney anticipated the large amount of people that were in the parks for the days we were there. Most rides were only running one side or one track. Some rides only had one cast member working. Friday night was insane crowd wise.
-Rides seemed to have a habit of breaking down. Besides Soarin, Splash Mountain also broke down while we were on the ride. This ended up being a highlight for us though. The ride had stopped when we were on the incline up to the drop. The soundtrack kept having the rabbit ask not to be thrown into the briar patch. After a few minutes our boat was chanting, throw us in brier patch, pleeeease which they then kindly did
The ride then broke down again as we were in the zip-e-dee-doo-dah part which resulted in a fun evacuation, tour of the backstage and a choice FP (which I was not expecting since we finished the ride). We ended up using the choice FP for Peter Pan, which my DH raved about on the way home. -Wait times seemed way off. Some rides would say 5 minutes (when the wait was really 45 as was the case with Roger Rabbit) and others would have 30 minute signs but the wait was only 5 minutes (as happened to us on the Jungle Cruise). Psychologically, you just feel better when you wait less time than posted so the latter was great.
-Having so many rides down, to include Pirates, Its a Small World and GRR, was tough as we missed some of our favs and it pushed more people to a smaller number of rides.
-Fantasmic Desert Package. This was my DHs bday present for me as we hardly ever watch evening shows from good vantage points as it is tough for me to rationalize not spending time on rides to get a good seat to wait before the show. The deserts were really good, the seating location was great, no one was pushing and shoving us to get a better view, we had chairs throughout the show and it included unlimited drinks. I had two hot chocolates and a Sprite, while my DH was ecstatic to get a hot tea. The show itself was spectacular and we liked being able to see the fireworks from the same spot. We were even able to see Tinker Bell and Dumbo fly. The package is pricey but I highly recommend if it fits within your budget.
Overall, the parks were a bit more crowded than we expected, but we had a great trip. Disney went above and beyond in many instances. Weather was outstanding and we had so many fun experiences. Will definitely be back out west someday!
