It's Been A Long Time!!!!

[SunnieRN]

Hi y'all, I am a native Californian, transplanted to Texas. I haven't been to Disneyland since I stayed up all night, waiting in line in DCA, waiting for DL to open, during the 50th birthday. I think in total I've visited DL about 45 times, loving it more each time I visited.

We've been to WDW several times since we've been in Texas. Despite having a free dining trip planned in December, to WDW, my daughter really wants to go to Disneyland in February instead.

Since it has been so long, I feel like a Disneyland newbie!!! Cars Land for one!!! I really want my grandmunchkins to see where the magic began!!

Can you give me an idea of what else I haven't seen since my last visit? Is Oscar still there?

Thank you so much.

 

[figment_jii]

I think the biggest change is going to be the general crowd levels in the parks. At this point, there really isn't any "low" season or uncrowded periods anymore. There are less crowded periods, but weekends and holidays always seem busy, and with promotions and other special activities, even the weekdays during historically quiet times now feel pretty busy. So, I would say the first thing to prepare yourself is for crowds.

In terms of other changes, there have been a fair number in the last ten years. BriannaRuth has been compiling a list of "new" things since summer 2014, so that's a good spot to get a sense of what is new to the parks. Some of these things may change again before you get there, but it's a good starting point on the most recent additions/changes to the parks.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/list-of-changes-since-summer-2014.3516777/

I didn't see Oscar on my list trip (Memorial Day weekend), but I have seen him within the last six months (I think). I've most commonly seen him at Carnation Cafe in the mornings. It's such a treat when he stops by the table to say "hi".

 

[SunnieRN]

I think the biggest change is going to be the general crowd levels in the parks. At this point, there really isn't any "low" season or uncrowded periods anymore. There are less crowded periods, but weekends and holidays always seem busy, and with promotions and other special activities, even the weekdays during historically quiet times now feel pretty busy. So, I would say the first thing to prepare yourself is for crowds.

In terms of other changes, there have been a fair number in the last ten years. BriannaRuth has been compiling a list of "new" things since summer 2014, so that's a good spot to get a sense of what is new to the parks. Some of these things may change again before you get there, but it's a good starting point on the most recent additions/changes to the parks.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/list-of-changes-since-summer-2014.3516777/

I didn't see Oscar on my list trip (Memorial Day weekend), but I have seen him within the last six months (I think). I've most commonly seen him at Carnation Cafe in the mornings. It's such a treat when he stops by the table to say "hi".

Thank you so much!! The thread will be fun to read! As far as crowds, I don't think it could be any worse than the 50th birthday, when the parks were at capacity by 10, lol. We are planning Wed, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Thank you again! I hope I will be lucky enough to see Oscar!!

 

[smartlabelprint]

We saw Oscar in April at Carnation Cafe. He came to our table repeatedly to play with the baby. I knew who he was though my fam didn't. I just don't like to make a fuss of things. He's a person-a Disney celebrity-but no need to make his whole life an 'in your face' experience! But the table next to us was all huffy he didn't stop at their table for pix & a big to-do! Made me laugh.

 

[figment_jii]

Thank you so much!! The thread will be fun to read! As far as crowds, I don't think it could be any worse than the 50th birthday, when the parks were at capacity by 10, lol. We are planning Wed, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Thank you again!

We don't yet know what the schedule will be like for February, but if DLR goes back to their historic scheduling, most of the nighttime entertainment may only happen on weekends (Fri, Sat, and Sun). WoC has historically been presented nightly (when not undergoing refurbishment), but fireworks (and F!, although that probably won't be back up by Feb) are usually only on weekends (and holidays) during the non-peak season. We don't know if PtN will be daily or not once the 60th Anniversary Celebration ends. All that being said, I do highly recommend seeing Disneyland Forever (fireworks) and PtN. Both are outstanding. I'm less fond of WoC: Celebrate, mostly because the viewing area is very tough for shorter guests (you really need to be able to see the water surface to really see the show fully).

In terms of crowds, it mostly just so that if you were going to the parks in February thinking you'd see crowd levels like they were 10-years ago in a February, that is pretty unlikely given recent trends. As long as you go expecting high crowds, you should be fine (either you'll be prepared or pleasantly surprised if the crowds are lower than expected).

 

[SunnieRN]

We saw Oscar in April at Carnation Cafe. He came to our table repeatedly to play with the baby. I knew who he was though my fam didn't. I just don't like to make a fuss of things. He's a person-a Disney celebrity-but no need to make his whole life an 'in your face' experience! But the table next to us was all huffy he didn't stop at their table for pix & a big to-do! Made me laugh.

That's awesome lol. I got to meet him several years ago and I'm pleasantly surprised that he is still there!!! I will admit that I would ask for a picture most likely, but not be huffy if I didn't get one.

We don't yet know what the schedule will be like for February, but if DLR goes back to their historic scheduling, most of the nighttime entertainment may only happen on weekends (Fri, Sat, and Sun). WoC has historically been presented nightly (when not undergoing refurbishment), but fireworks (and F!, although that probably won't be back up by Feb) are usually only on weekends (and holidays) during the non-peak season. We don't know if PtN will be daily or not once the 60th Anniversary Celebration ends. All that being said, I do highly recommend seeing Disneyland Forever (fireworks) and PtN. Both are outstanding. I'm less fond of WoC: Celebrate, mostly because the viewing area is very tough for shorter guests (you really need to be able to see the water surface to really see the show fully).

In terms of crowds, it mostly just so that if you were going to the parks in February thinking you'd see crowd levels like they were 10-years ago in a February, that is pretty unlikely given recent trends. As long as you go expecting high crowds, you should be fine (either you'll be prepared or pleasantly surprised if the crowds are lower than expected).

Thank you again for your great information! I think that DL actually has better parades than WDW. It has always seemed to have more better choreography and pizzazz!!

Crowds don't case us too much. We've done Easter, Fourth of July and Presidents day at WDW and most of our DL trips were summer trips. We just don't try to go commando when it's crowded.

When I told the grandmunchkins we may go to DL, instead of WDW, one of the first questions they asked was if DL has a Figment ride.

 

[figment_jii]

When I told the grandmunchkins we may go to DL, instead of WDW, one of the first questions they asked was if DL has a Figment ride.

I wish that it did! Alas, no Figment at DLR (although, I have seen an increased number of guests wearing Figment clothes!). They used to have a model of the Dream Machine in City Hall, but that disappeared long ago.

 

[SunnieRN]

They were disappointed, but liked the idea of Indiana Jones, Mr Toads Wild Ride and cars land.

Personally I will miss Iiiimmmmaaaagggginnnationnn, lol!