Just back-my thoughts

[toocherie]

Just realized I said "thongs" of people at WDW not throngs. I wasn't referring to anyone's choice in underwear at WDW!

LOL

 

[canadianmommyof2]

so, not to start an argument--but being a "local" I'm just curious as to what it is about the locals that some posters are objecting to? One thing to remember--DLR is smack dab in the middle of one of the most congested places on Earth . . . . as opposed to the situation in Florida where I don't believe there is as much of a population in the 100-mile area around the parks. So there are going to be a lot of people from this area who will be going to the parks . . . . but I've heard about large crowds of tourists in WDW too so what difference does it make where the crowds come from?

keep in mind--I grew up here in SoCal, and can remember going to DL on days when you could roll a bowling ball down Main Street and not hit anyone . . . and walk on any ride you wanted with little or no wait. many of the locals I know try to go on anticipated "low crowd" times--my personal fave is Sunday mornings. but due to the population in this area there are going to be a lot of locals who will go to DLR, even if they are just paying for a one-day pass and even on busy days.

are there particular behaviors of the locals that you're objecting to? I really am wondering about this and not trying to be snarky.

For me it was the large groups of school kids, and with it being the end of the year, I could see DL as a end of year day trip. A lot of those kids were very rude, pushy and had very horrible language. My 4 & 2 year olds shouldn't have to be stuck in line with a bunch of kids tossing around ****. It is not right, does it happen, yes but not what you expect when you go to Disney.

I'm not talking about all locals, just the inappropriate ones.

 

[canadianmommyof2]

canadianmommyof2-There are rude people everywhere and I have noticed lately that it is getting worse. And not just at DL but everywhere. When other vacationers are rude, I let it roll off my back. If I let it bother me, it will ruin my fun time. I try not to be confrontational. When a CM is rude that is another story. But like I said, it is everywhere. I just try to focus on myself and know that those rude line cutters will get what they deserve eventually.

I totally agree, and it seems like it is starting at a younger age as well. Like I said before, I wasn't coming here to slam DL, it wasn't even my post but I thought that I would let the OP know that I agreed and noticed a lot of what they did. You are right, I should have just let it roll off my back because it did ruin the fun but when you are not expecting it, it is harder to let go.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I feel the same way about the language issue, and it's frustrating. As much as I wish Disney could control obnoxious behavior they can't. I've seen it in both parks. As a general rule, Disneyland in late May/early June will feature lots of schoolkids in the parks. The bad news is that some are quite obnoxious. The good news is that they leave around 4:00 or 5:00pm.

 

[8caliace]

Wow, this thread has gone above and beyond anything I imagined it would. I apologize to anyone who thinks I was taking shots at DL. Once again, I love DL and always will. I was just curious to see if I was alone or crazy in my thoughts after my recent trip...that is all, nothing more. I realize now that there are many people on both sides of this particular fence, and I completely respect all opinions on both of those sides.

p.s. Airpower!!!!!!!!!!!

To Disney Davo: Above All!

 

[toocherie]

What is positive about a bunch of highshcool students running around acting worse than my 2 & 4 year?? What is positive with them tossing around a **** this and **** that while waiting in line to ride the spinning tea cups? There is just no need for that, and there were PLENTY of them around for the 5 days that we were at Disneyland! As a parent taking young children to a place that is supposed to be welcoming to people of all ages I found that hard to swallow. I wouldn't take my kids to a place where that type of behavior is expected but at Disney, not what I expected. We spent a lot of money to visit Disneyland and to have a good time and to have those types of encounters, it was less than "magical"

Totally agree with you about this! I am not a prude, but there have also been a few sayings on t-shirts that I couldn't believe they were allowed into DLR. However, I'm not sure this is a Disneyland problem as much as it is a society problem--because I encounter this everywhere I go. And unless you had a CM who was present there's not much DLR (or WDW for that matter) can do about someone's bad manners and judgment. Personally, I think it's up to the rest of us to say or do something when this happens. If I had kids (and have had DBF's five-year old with us) I would probably say to those dropping **** --"do you mind keeping your voice down? there are kids here"

I was just having this discussion (somewhat) with a client this morning--the current generation of kids are taught to be self-indulgent and to do whatever they want to do with no repercusssions. She had gone to a fifth-grade graduation (why do fifth graders need a graduation anyway?) and every child in the class was given some type of award. Ok, when I was growing up there were awards--but they weren't given to everyone. Some kids were more athletic and got those awards . . . . some kids were smarter and got those awards . . . and some kids didn't excel at anything . .. and yes, they didn't get any award . . .. but had to learn to live with not winning. The teenagers you are complaining about? They just never learned "no." And it's only going to get worse, so be prepared.

I just don't think that we can expect Disney to teach these kids manners.

 

[cccdisney]

I have been following this thread and wanted to say that I also had an experience with rude and obnoxious school groups. However my experience was at WDW two weeks ago. We were at Epcot and had boarded the boat that takes you across the water to the countries. A group of pre-teens came on. They were arguing among themselves about whether they should have boarded the boat or not and their language was very inappropriate as well as very loud! And since we were out on the water there was no way to escape it. I was very thankful we did not have kids with us. In fact a mother sitting in front of us was covering her son's ears!
Anyway, the school groups were ALL OVER the parks that day (May 30th). Some annoying - some not. But the school groups certainly show up at WDW as well as DL. It is a matter of timing really.
Even before reading this thread I had made a mental note to not visit DL or WDW in late May or early June. I think this is when you are going to find most of the school's visiting.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

Wow, this thread has gone above and beyond anything I imagined it would. I apologize to anyone who thinks I was taking shots at DL. Once again, I love DL and always will. I was just curious to see if I was alone or crazy in my thoughts after my recent trip...that is all, nothing more.

I didn't perceive you as taking shots at Disneyland in general, but I think some reactions became heated because I think we've all dealt with some who have bashed Disneyland unceasingly.

I once remember hearing someone bash Disneyland to no end and complain that the MSEP did not belong in southern California because it should have been at it's "rightful" home in Florida, nevermind that the MSEP began in Disneyland. I've walked in the parks and heard people bash Sleeping Beauty Castle as pathetic. It's one thing to prefer one over the other for whatever reason, but when I hear something I love being trashed, you want to repond. It gets trickier on the internet where we sometimes forget we're talking to real people.

 

[DoomBugger]

There are no sides on this issue of bad behavior, we all agree it needs to go and society as a whole is getting worse. We agree.

The issues where there may or may not be "sides" are:

-Does Disneyland suck or is Disneyland a magical place?

-Do "locals" make DL suck or do all who behave badly make it worse?

You decide.

 

[canadianmommyof2]

There are no sides on this issue of bad behavior, we all agree it needs to go and society as a whole is getting worse. We agree.

The issues where there may or may not be "sides" are:

-Does Disneyland suck or is Disneyland a magical place?

-Do "locals" make DL suck or do all who behave badly make it worse?

You decide.

I think finally we will be on the same page, it isn't DL that isn't magical it was what we encountered during our FIRST visit to DL that made it feel less magical. As a first time visitor it left a bad taste in my mouth because I didn't experience the same situations at WDW. However, with that being said and what other have said, if I was to visit WDW at the same time I probably could have had the same bad experience. Would I have still shared my experience on the WDW board if that was the case, for sure!! Both parks have + & - but one thing that WDW will never have that DL does, is the fact that it is where it all began and that is very "MAGICAL"!

Not all experiences are going to be positive but it is what others take from it that matters. I don't want to be known as the one who thought DL wasn't "magical" but on this trip it just wasn't. Fair enough?!?!

And you are right, it is the ones that behave badly....tourist & locals.

 

[DoomBugger]

I think finally we will be on the same page, it isn't DL that isn't magical it was what we encountered during our FIRST visit to DL that made it feel less magical. As a first time visitor it left a bad taste in my mouth because I didn't experience the same situations at WDW. However, with that being said and what other have said, if I was to visit WDW at the same time I probably could have had the same bad experience. Would I have still shared my experience on the WDW board if that was the case, for sure!! Both parks have + & - but one thing that WDW will never have that DL does, is the fact that it is where it all began and that is very "MAGICAL"!

Not all experiences are going to be positive but it is what others take from it that matters. I don't want to be known as the one who thought DL wasn't "magical" but on this trip it just wasn't. Fair enough?!?!

And you are right, it is the ones that behave badly....tourist & locals.

I do feel bad you had a less than great time on your trip to DL (if I had seen kids acting that badly in front of you I would have commented on their bad behavior as it reflects badly on all of us) and I hope it does not ruin your impresssions of the parks in Anaheim for too long.

I hope you give it another try someday.

 

[toocherie]

and to quote the Snow White ride:

"and they all lived happily ever after . . . . "

the end.

 

[dizzi]

Just back from a 2 week trip out west, which included 4 nights at the Hojo and subsequent days at DL. Here are some of my random ramblings for anyone who is interested:

WE WERE ALSO IN DL FOR 4 DAYS!

DL vs. WDW-I was born and raised in So Cal, so DL was a huge part of my life as I child. I hold many fond memories and a special place for DL in my heart. I even got engaged to my wife at DL about 15 years ago. With all that said, it saddens me to think, let alone say, that WDW has now become the favorite of the two. Don't get me wrong, I love DL, but it does not seem to hold nearly as much magic as WDW does for us now. Why am I saying this? Just some observations on our parts:
1. I can no longer get over the lack of total immersion at DL when compared to WDW. I love escaping the outside world at WDW. I guess unless you stay at the DL Hotel or GC Hotel, you could...but even then I would venture to say you still cannot totally escape.
WE STAYED AT GCH and HAD NVER STAYED AT SUCH A NICE RESORT> WE HAD STAYED ON PROPERTY AT WDW BUT NOT AT A PLACE WHERE WE COULD JUST WALK RIGH TINTO THE PARK! WE LOVED THIS FEATURE! ALTHOUGH WE WERE NOT TOTALLY THRILLED WITH THE FOOD AT GCH, AND IWHSED THERE WAS A BIT MORE SHOPS
2. The Castle: It has never been a second thought to me, but on this trip my 5 year old DD was quick to comment on how tiny it looked.
THE CASTLE IS EXTRMELY TINY, IT TOOK ME A COUPLE DAYS TO UNDERSTAND IN MY OWN MIND AND TALKIGN WITH MY CHILDREN AS TO THE NOSTALGIC OF THE CASTLE, BUT WE DO LOVE OUR WDW CASTLE !!!!!!
3. CM's: Sadly, I can count on one hand how many CM's at DL were truly magical. In retrospect to our visit to WDW last Oct, I can count on one hand how many CM's were not in the spirit.
WE WERE HIGHLY DISAPOINTED IN THE CMS AT DL, THE LACK OF MAGIC THE LACK OF BEING CHARACTER AS SUCH ATTRCTIONS AS HTH AND HM and MY CHILDREN EVEN SAW A GUY DOING SOEM WEIRD DANCING the FIRST DAY WE WRE THERE AND MENTIONED THIS WAS OUT OF CHARCTER FOR CMS. ALSO THE LACK OF FRIENDLINESSFOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD< ALMOST LIKE WHO EVER IS IN CHARGE IS NOT DOING THERE JOB CONVEYING TO THE CMS HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH GUEST IN A "DISNEY" WAY.
MY DD MENTIONED this HERSELF WHEN SHE MISUNDERSTOOD A CM AND SHE SAID THE CM WAS RUDE TO HER.
4. Pin Trading: We have really gotten into this at WDW, however it seemed as though the majority of the CM's at DL did not wear any pin trading lanyards.
WE NOTICED THIS ALSO THAT THE CMS HAD THE LANYARDS NEAR BY BUT NOT ON< WE DID NOT LIEK THIS WAY OF DOING PIN TRADING, BUT AFTER READING A PREIOUS POST I DO "UNDERSTAND" the LAYIGN OUT OF PINS< BUT WE HAVE NOT BEEN TRAINED TO DO IT THIS WAY!
AND I FEEL IT IS A BIT AWKWARD TO HAVE TO ASK DO YOU HAVE PINS TO TRADE< RATHER THANJUST SEE IT AND KNOW!
5. Lack of Character escorts: Each individual character at WDW seems to always have a CM escort with them...managing the lines, character breaks, taking pictures when asked. While at CA Adv, we saw a stage show which included Mickey, Cinderella, and Woody. They announced after the show that the 3 characters would be available for pictures/autographs. The one CM with the characters was more concerned with picking up confetti and streamers than maintaining any semblance of control over the character interaction. She did not announce anything to any of the 3 seperate "lines" about how much time the characters would be available, let alone stop people from joining lines based on a time limit. After 20 minutes of my DD waiting to see Cinderella, we were third back from our turn. The CM out of nowhere went to each of the characters and pretty much grabbed them by the arms and took them away with not even a word to anyone waiting in line. Needless to say, those still waiting their turn were livid. I went to Guest Relations along with a couple others to let it be known what happened. The CM apologized profusely, and offered us meal vouchers (which I refused) and fast passes, but I was really only wanting to relay what happened.
THE CHARCTER INTERACTION WS A BIG LET DOWN FOR US< AND WE ENCOUNTERED ALL THAT YOU ARE SAYING EACH PROBLEM WE HAD TOO.

I guess my rambling has gone on long enough. At this point, I cannot see any plans for a return visit to DL anytime in near future. Maybe my feelings are isolated or maybe there are others out there with similar thoughts. Just needed to ramble somewhere. Thanks for reading and I welcome any comments...

THANK YOU!!!!!
FOR STATING YOUR OPINIONS!!!!!

As i had many of the same thoughts you posted and didnt know where to post this.
Maybe there should be a NEW Section of DL vs WDW!

So that noone is offended and everyone can share their opinions in a more appropriate way.
I will suggest this to soemone!!!!!!

I have injected soem things above in RED

Also wanted to add that Both of my Children made comments as to the Cms in DL not being as "NICE" in their words.

WE will not plan a tri to DL again, either..........BUT we did enjoy our time there and i am glad we did get to see the FIRST Happiest Place on earth!

another thought of our was , did DL prepare for all the extra people who will most likley be stopping by for a quick trip seeings as ow the DISNEY CRUISE LINE is on their cost this summer. And could any of these issue have anythign to do with this??????

 

[toocherie]

another thought of our was , did DL prepare for all the extra people who will most likley be stopping by for a quick trip seeings as ow the DISNEY CRUISE LINE is on their cost this summer. And could any of these issue have anythign to do with this??????

I think the ships hold what--about 2000 passengers? A drop in the bucket when you consider the daily attendance in the summer of both DL and DCA. So I don't think that would make a difference.

I'm sorry your trip wasn't magical either--and hope that you will change your mind and try again at some point in the future.

 

[Disney Davo]

20 years last August! Landed a job in San Diego one month before retirement. Good luck to you and yours.

 

[Mortimer Mouse]

This is better then Indiana Jones™ and the Secret of the Stone Tiger. Did someone say thong?

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I've had some CMs just "going through the motions" in Florida and some who made the experience so much better. Likewise, I've had some hysterical CMs at DCA who were perfect for the Tower of Terror. Sometimes it literally just comes down to who you get at the time you ride.

 

[dizzi]

I think the ships hold what--about 2000 passengers? A drop in the bucket when you consider the daily attendance in the summer of both DL and DCA. So I don't think that would make a difference.

I'm sorry your trip wasn't magical either--and hope that you will change your mind and try again at some point in the future.

TRUE i suppose

 

[kajcwman]

I was just having this discussion (somewhat) with a client this morning--the current generation of kids are taught to be self-indulgent and to do whatever they want to do with no repercusssions...The teenagers you are complaining about? They just never learned "no." And it's only going to get worse, so be prepared.

I just don't think that we can expect Disney to teach these kids manners.

For that you can blame the parents. Good manners start in the home. Parents have to be the example on manners, language and overall behavior. It's not so much that those teens never learned no, it's just that they were never taught no.

Sorry 'bout the soapbox. My kids are only 8 and 6 so they aren't part of the "problem"...yet. I'm sure I'm like alot you out there. Just trying to be the best parent I can be. I just hope you won't be posting about my kids 8 years from now.


Back to the original post. Don't we have this discussion pop up every several months? I can see where WDW vets might have an "immersion" issue with DLR. Still, when I'm in the parks at DLR, I'm never distracted by the outside world.
For my money, I still think that Disneyland is still the best theme park around. (I mean DL vs MK vs DCA vs Epcot etc. Not DLR vw WDW.) I'll admit bias since that's the park I've gone to all my life. Still, I'm amazed by the sheer size of WDW. We've been there twice in the past 5 years and I don't think I've even seen 1/10 of everything to do there.

 

[quest4dl]

For that you can blame the parents. Good manners start in the home. Parents have to be the example on manners, language and overall behavior. It's not so much that those teens never learned no, it's just that they were never taught no.

I agree that the parents are the root cause of the bad behaviour, however, that doesn't mean that DL can't implement rules to make the park more family friendly. If Southwest Airlines can deny a passenger boarding because her skirt was too short or force another passenger to turn their shirt inside out then so can Disney. Disney markets itself as a family-orienteded park so they need to make a greater effort on this front.

I think that the time of year had alot to do with the groups of school kids and I'm sure there are instances of this type of behaviour at WDW too. Disney should enforce a chaperone policy for groups over a certain size and under a certain age. They also need more park security. I desparately looked around for a CM or security to speak with the obnoxious teens we encountered but could spot no one and then I lost sight of the teens.

I think having 'locals' has positive and negative aspects. At the Billy Hill show there was alot more audience response because they knew and loved this talented group so much - it really added to the show. On the other hand, it was apparent that the constant chatterers on rides and the 'screamers' were people who had been on many times before.