Just Back - Obsevations from this Trip

[BrianL]

Hey, everyone. I jsut got back from my trip from the last few days. I've been to DLR several times, but I brought a friend who went for the first time (though he ahs been to WDW many times). We had a great time, despite some less-than-spectacular weather. Alos, it was great to see a few DIS frineds, @AMusicLifeForMe and @Mackenzie Click-Mickelson, who I just randomly ran into. Hope you had fun guys!

On to the thoughts:

• The rain on Saturday was a bit worse than expected, but not really that bad. A poncho was helpful and it did keep the crowds down. Apparently there are drainage issues in places, and also some roof-leaking. Buzz Lightyear's Astro-Blasters had more water than seems possible. It just pooled in the queue! I know the rain isn't that common out there, but I was surprised at the buckets sitting around.
• Which brings me to a point that I've made bfore about DLR, and my friend noticed as well, that they are a bit laid back about "the show" and allow guests to see things that they shouldnt. Some CM's were even just "talking shop" in earshot of us. I dunno, I'm a little sensitive to that I guess.
• It was great to see World of Color again! I am so happy they got it fixed in time for our trip and my fiend was impressed too.
• In other Nighttime Spectacular news, I will go on record about Mickey's Mix Magic. I like it! It's fun and energetic, if a little short. I was surprised that they actually ran it with pyro on Saturday, but the clouds obscured them a little. The music was great though. I went back for seconds last night (projection only). It's not my favorite fireworks show, but I did enjoy it. "It's a good-good-good good time!"
• Food & Wine had awesome food! Everything we had was very good, probably a little better in quality than Epcot, though of course with less variety. It does cost a bit more too. The stand-out was the Fresh Berry Pie. I didn't like how disorganized the lines were with nobody knowing how to walk up to a register. Epcot would have tensa-barriers to guide people. This has led to the observation that DLR excels at being "efficiently inefficient."
• Speaking of that, that seemed to be the case a lot. I had warned my friend that DLR had it's quirks. They deal with a lot of locals and "experts" and kind of expect you to just know. Signage for things can be unclear, but when you do it wrong they love to jump in and correct you.
• I've said that before about crowd-control CMs at DLR and unfortunately I again experienced it. When trying to walk by the News Boys show at DCA, A woman with a stroller had her kids run up into the walkway that should be clear, just as a stroller came from the other way. We had to stop as it was bottle-necked. I was immediately told "Gotta keep it moving fellas." Really? I'm the one you chide? There was nowhere to go without stepping on a child. I wasn't even trying to stop and watch. This is irritating in the extreme.
• Also, it is still a wonder to me why DL still has turnstiles. They are not needed. This is one area where they could take a queue from WDW and scrap them all. Some are so tight, even for me! Modernization is not always bad, though some of my "Disneyland friends" may disagree.
• Anyway, enough complaining. Despite F&W going on I did learn that Award Wieners is actually just plain fantastic! My goodness, how have I not eaten here before? I guess I always thought it was "just hot dogs" but I was wrong. The snappy BBQ Crunch Dog was delicious, on this large, toasted top-sliced bun. and Filmstrip Fries? Wow! It was impressive and a good value for the money.
• The eating was indeed good, which is great as my friend is pretty into food. We wanted to do a sit-down so I took him to Cafe Orleans, which I knew would be a good call. A few "Get your Ears On" items really pleased, including the Charcuterie Board and the Buffalo Fried Chicken on Beignets. It was oh-so-good!
• My friend really loved Indiana Jones, as I knew he would. It was definitely his favorite, though he also liked Radiator Springs, which I rode at night for the first time and it is better that way, and also Guardians, which I wish we could've ridden more. It seems like only two shafts are running right now, but another went down as we were waiting on rope-drop on Sunday. It didn't come back up, which escalated wait-times. It happens though.
• I love the new shopping bags. They are reasonably priced, and really cool. I
• Controversial opinion time: What is wrong with Splash Mountain at DLR? I've always considered it the wetter version compared to the one at WDW, but the amount of water that came into the boat was insane! It wasn't a splash, but more of the boat's front plunging and a wave of water over-topping it. It made an already wet day miserable! I am just mad by now, but I am leaning toward tearing it down and stripping it for parts. Bring back America Sings!
• I like what they did with Incredicoaster. It had more scenes than I thought (the Edna scenes at the beginning and end). I know some don't like the "light" re-theme, but I really do! I rode it twice, which was probably bad for my back. Oh well - I love it!
• My friend was doing some comparing to WDW. He was really impressed with Pirates of course. He didn't think HM was as good. Splash was definitely worse! Too bad he didn't get to do Space Mountain.
• I saw the Disneyland Band riding the carousel and playing the music while in line for Mr. Toad. I didn't know they did that. How delightful!
• And lastly, Speaking of Mr. Toad, one source of unending amusement to my friend, was the mural in the loading area. He pointed out to me that the Judge appears to be whispering something directly into the horse's rear end. What is up with that? It's really kind of bizarre and I never noticed it. My friend's an idiot, but it sure made us giggle! I'd post a picture if I could. I mentioned to him that those old dark rides can kind of challenge your sanity, as they are so amazingly strange at times, and also wonderfully artistic and amazing!

Wow, okay. Sorry for the novel. I hope it didn't sound like a lot of complaining. I really had a great, great time! I love Disneyland, warts and all. I know some feel that those warts add to the charm, so to each their own. I'd maybe prefer it tightened up a little, but it is what it is. I'll still go back, and go to WDW too, though the next stop needs to be Paris. I'm coming for it!

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks! I really enjoyed that. Never in my whole life have I done DLR in the rain. Except for one light rainy day in December a few years ago which was hardly an issue.

As for Splash, maybe you had bad luck. I just road Splash at MK on Saturday and the amount of wetness you get seems similar to DL's version. Always has to me. No matter how you slice it the MK version is better.

Never saw the DL band on the carousel. Wow that would be fun!

And I need to check Toad next time. That is an interesting catch.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There have been complaints/comments about the amount of water on Splash since the last refurb. People are getting wetter consistently, so it's not just one or two people having a weird day. We've even noticed the increase in soaking when there have been only two of us in the log. So now we ride when we're wearing rain gear anyway and getting soaked doesn't matter.
Send in a comment to Disney about your observations on CM behavior. I don't think you're being "sensitive" when they're acting unprofessionally. And management needs to know.
Glad you had a good trip!

 

[BrianL]

There have been complaints/comments about the amount of water on Splash since the last refurb. People are getting wetter consistently, so it's not just one or two people having a weird day. We've even noticed the increase in soaking when there have been only two of us in the log. So now we ride when we're wearing rain gear anyway and getting soaked doesn't matter.
Send in a comment to Disney about your observations on CM behavior. I don't think you're being "sensitive" when they're acting unprofessionally. And management needs to know.
Glad you had a good trip!

That's interesting to know. It was definitely worse than I have ever seen it. It was wetter than Grizzly River Run usually is! It's not just the last hill either, but Slippin' Falls, and the trip to the Laughing Place both had water coming in over the top.

As far as the shop talk, It wasn't anything too bad, and I wouldn't want to really complain about it (in fact one CM was really trying to do something nice for another). I just feel like that wouldn't have happened within earshot of guests at WDW.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

There have been complaints/comments about the amount of water on Splash since the last refurb. People are getting wetter consistently, so it's not just one or two people having a weird day. We've even noticed the increase in soaking when there have been only two of us in the log. So now we ride when we're wearing rain gear anyway and getting soaked doesn't matter.

This. Splash pre-refurb and post-refurb are a totally different experience.

OP, I enjoyed your report and am glad you had a good time overall!

 

[BrianL]

And I need to check Toad next time. That is an interesting catch.

Ha, my friend snapped a picture and texted it to me:


What the heck is the judge doing?

 

[midnight star]

Controversial opinion time: What is wrong with Splash Mountain at DLR? I've always considered it the wetter version compared to the one at WDW, but the amount of water that came into the boat was insane! It wasn't a splash, but more of the boat's front plunging and a wave of water over-topping it. It made an already wet day miserable! I am just mad by now, but I am leaning toward tearing it down and stripping it for parts. Bring back America Sings!

My friends and I call it "Drench Mountain". That middle drop is basically a tidal wave coming into the log. I understand you're supposed to get wet...but I've gotten more soaked on Splash than Grizzly. It used to be the opposite.

 

[BrianL]

This. Splash pre-refurb and post-refurb are a totally different experience.

OP, I enjoyed your report and am glad you had a good time overall!

I had not realized the refurb affected it. Now that I think about it, I knew it didn't used to be that bad, but maybe last year I also got it pretty bad (though not like this time). It was just a ridiculous amount of water!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I had not realized the refurb affected it. Now that I think about it, I knew it didn't used to be that bad, but maybe last year I also got it pretty bad (though not like this time). It was just a ridiculous amount of water!

It’s really out of control. It’s not a “splash” now; it’s a giant wave of water - and often it hits at several points along the ride. I don’t mind getting a bit wet, but I won’t ride Splash anymore unless I’m prepared to be soaked through (and unless I brought flip-flops to swap into for the ride because I hate wet shoes).

 

[GatorChris]

I was agreeing with some points....until you (and Skyegirl) dogged on Splash Mt. Now I have to throw out your entire piece!!!! Stripping it for parts? You, sir, have crossed the line! Honestly, I've never gotten really wet on that ride. I usually have my kids up front and they get moderately wet while I get a little wet. But I did have a friend (who weighs about 275) who rode up front and got the "wave" experience you speak of. It may be about the ballast of the log and how it hits the water based on passenger position. That said, I prefer the WDW version as it is slower and tells the story better, all with the same fun drop.

And I definitely agree on the CMs not worrying much about the "show". I hate it when I hear them talking about life after work, when their shift ends, or how they're going to file a work comp claim. I can remember once or twice it happened at WDW vs. a few times every trip I take to DL. That's always disappointing.

Glad to hear that rain still keeps the parks empty.

 

[BrianL]

I was agreeing with some points....until you (and Skyegirl) dogged on Splash Mt. Now I have to throw out your entire piece!!!! Stripping it for parts? You, sir, have crossed the line! Honestly, I've never gotten really wet on that ride. I usually have my kids up front and they get moderately wet while I get a little wet. But I did have a friend (who weighs about 275) who rode up front and got the "wave" experience you speak of. It may be about the ballast of the log and how it hits the water based on passenger position. That said, I prefer the WDW version as it is slower and tells the story better, all with the same fun drop.

And I definitely agree on the CMs not worrying much about the "show". I hate it when I hear them talking about life after work, when their shift ends, or how they're going to file a work comp claim. I can remember once or twice it happened at WDW vs. a few times every trip I take to DL. That's always disappointing.

Glad to hear that rain still keeps the parks empty.

oh, I wouldn't really want them to strip it, but it does sound like they need to fix whatever changed after the last refurb. It wasn't that bad before. I will admit that my friend who was right behind me (we were in row 1 & 2) is a big guy, so that may not have helped matters. Still, at MK you get splashed. On the DL one you can get dunked, which is really not that fun. I hear America Sings was lovely!

 

[alvernon90]

I will admit that my friend who was right behind me (we were in row 1 & 2) is a big guy, so that may not have helped matters.

This was absolutely your big mistake. If the nose of the log is heavy, it will plow into the water at the bottom of the drops instead of skimming along the top. I'm a big guy and I always request the very last row, and we basically never get more than a light splashing. The last time a drenching wave came in was when four other large men sat in rows 1-4, so the entire log basically turned into a submarine. But generally speaking my complaint with Splash Mountain is the poor maintenance of the show elements, not the water.

 

[wareagle57]

Thanks! I really enjoyed that. Never in my whole life have I done DLR in the rain. Except for one light rainy day in December a few years ago which was hardly an issue.

As for Splash, maybe you had bad luck. I just road Splash at MK on Saturday and the amount of wetness you get seems similar to DL's version. Always has to me. No matter how you slice it the MK version is better.

Never saw the DL band on the carousel. Wow that would be fun!

And I need to check Toad next time. That is an interesting catch.

Last time I was there in 2016, my experience was just like OPs. I've never considered Splash a ride you get wet on at WDW, and I didn't get wet at DL's version in 2013 (but it was winter). But this time, the entire boat was submerged and we literally looked like we had all just jumped into a pool. When I wasn't on the front row it wasn't quite as bad, but that first time with my whole family was insane, but a fun memory.

 

[LizzyS]

Ha, my friend snapped a picture and texted it to me:
View attachment 386767

What the heck is the judge doing?

Haha!

The horse's name is Cyril, btw. I've always loved The Wind in the Willows (I even read the book a few years ago).

 

[LizzyS]

This was absolutely your big mistake. If the nose of the log is heavy, it will plow into the water at the bottom of the drops instead of skimming along the top. I'm a big guy and I always request the very last row, and we basically never get more than a light splashing. The last time a drenching wave came in was when four other large men sat in rows 1-4, so the entire log basically turned into a submarine. But generally speaking my complaint with Splash Mountain is the poor maintenance of the show elements, not the water.

Yes to this!

The first time we rode Splash years ago, I was in row 1 and my husband was in row 2 and we were by ourselves in the log and I got hit in the face with what seemed like a bucket of water!

 

[JohnneeO]

Same experience for us on Splash back in November 2018. We rode it on our first day (out of 5), got soaked, and never went back! Just looked at my notes from that day, which is usually just a list of rides, shows, meals etc., and for that one I wrote "We got really wet!".

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I see this thread has derailed Splash-tastically.

For reference, we ride Splash about once a week... or we did, before the most recent refurb, and now it’s more like once a month. It’s a significant difference post-refurb, and it’s consistent.

I’m usually at the front riding behind my 5-year-old, and I weight about 150, so we’re not exactly a front-heavy log when we go... but now my adrenaline junkie child just has to deal with GOTG for her “drop” thrills most days.

 

[tarheelalum]

unless I brought flip-flops to swap into for the ride because I hate wet shoes).

Nothing is worse than walking around with soaked socks and shoes. It is pure misery and will ruin your day.

 

[rowan1813]

My family and I cannot ride Splash altogether - we learned after the last time. For the record, I am 5'11" (and not skinny), my mom is 5'10" (and also not a skinny Minnie), my dad is 6'4" and my brother is 6'8". The last time we all got in and the boat sank to where the top was maybe about an inch above the water. My mom sat in the front and I felt so bad for her - she had to buy new clothes because she was so wet - it looked like she went swimming in her clothes. The more weight you have in the boat, the higher the chance you will be soaked. I felt really bad because the big seat in the back was this father and his little son - I'm sure they were absolutely traumatized!

 

[BrianL]

I see this thread has derailed Splash-tastically.

For reference, we ride Splash about once a week... or we did, before the most recent refurb, and now it’s more like once a month. It’s a significant difference post-refurb, and it’s consistent.

I’m usually at the front riding behind my 5-year-old, and I weight about 150, so we’re not exactly a front-heavy log when we go... but now my adrenaline junkie child just has to deal with GOTG for her “drop” thrills most days.

Oh, it's all good. The conversation is what the thread's all about.

My family and I cannot ride Splash altogether - we learned after the last time. For the record, I am 5'11" (and not skinny), my mom is 5'10" (and also not a skinny Minnie), my dad is 6'4" and my brother is 6'8". The last time we all got in and the boat sank to where the top was maybe about an inch above the water. My mom sat in the front and I felt so bad for her - she had to buy new clothes because she was so wet - it looked like she went swimming in her clothes. The more weight you have in the boat, the higher the chance you will be soaked. I felt really bad because the big seat in the back was this father and his little son - I'm sure they were absolutely traumatized!

I did feel bad in that log because what happened to me was the water pooled in my poncho and I had like a giant bowl of water resting on my lap. It was unreal! I was trying not to just dump it out onto everyone's shoes, but eventually I had to pour it into the boat. It really is just too much of a soaking on Splash now. I'll still ride Splash at WDW, which is the better version anyway.