Less Than Impressed

[Malcon10t]

It probably has to do with some stupid California regulation that some Sacramento nutter came up with, but either way, I don't like it.

Look on YouTube for the night the area at Alice caught on fire. This is why they shut the area down. We were there that night.

I don't think most people would like to stay to 11pm for fireworks, hence the reason they go off at 845 or 925.

 

[Chrisfilm]

They now print guest names on multiday tickets. Just before you get to the turnstile there is a CM with a hand scanner who will take your picture. Then the CM with the scanner will scan your ticket and compare your picture each time you enter a park. It takes a few seconds and really doesn't hold thing up. If the scanner doesn't work, they may ask for ID.

If crowd control is a pet peeve of yours, I think you will have a miserable trip. Especially on Main St around parade times, in Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and before or after shows. You might want to think of a plan to avoid those areas or some other coping mechanism.

I highly doubt that it took 20 minutes to get 10 people through the turnstile. I got to the parks weekly at all times of the day and have never seen this. When you're park hopping it can seem frustrating when someone's ticket won't scan and seem like it's taking a long time, but that's just perception. When you park hop at certain times, like before or after parades or fireworks, yes, it takes longer, but there'a way more than 10 people ahead of you. Checking IDs would take longer than the scanners. They can't even convince people to have their tickets out sometimes, they'd digging around for IDs for longer. Having the scanners actually gets people to have their ticket out before the turnstile, which used to be an issue that caused delays before. Plus there's been several posts over the years about people who don't want to take their IDs to the park at all, for fear of losing them. You can't please everyone, but I think the scanners are the lesser of all evils. Even on the Monsterous 24 hour event, DCA reopened after grad night. The line was over halfway across the esplanade. There were only 3-4 gates open, and I was shocked that they managed to scan and get all of those people in in 5 minutes. I was anxious and mildly annoyed that people didn't have their tickets out, but then once I was in the park I looked down and realized only 3 minutes had passed. It was really impressive.

So the picture only happens the first time you enter the park of your trip?

Nah, a trip to DLR is never miserable. Since I'll have a stroller for the first time ever, I'll just use it to ram people who decide they can't be considerate enough to step to the side before stopping for a conversation.

Also, during fireworks/parades, in the past there were CMs who were directing traffic for people walking through. Did they stop this?

 

[Malcon10t]

I highly doubt that it took 20 minutes to get 10 people through the turnstile. I got to the parks weekly at all times of the day and have never seen this. When you're park hopping it can seem frustrating when someone's ticket won't scan and seem like it's taking a long time, but that's just perception. When you park hop at certain times, like before or after parades or fireworks, yes, it takes longer, but there'a way more than 10 people ahead of you. Checking IDs would take longer than the scanners. They can't even convince people to have their tickets out sometimes, they'd digging around for IDs for longer. Having the scanners actually gets people to have their ticket out before the turnstile, which used to be an issue that caused delays before. Plus there's been several posts over the years about people who don't want to take their IDs to the park at all, for fear of losing them. You can't please everyone, but I think the scanners are the lesser of all evils. Even on the Monsterous 24 hour event, DCA reopened after grad night. The line was over halfway across the esplanade. There were only 3-4 gates open, and I was shocked that they managed to scan and get all of those people in in 5 minutes. I was anxious and mildly annoyed that people didn't have their tickets out, but then once I was in the park I looked down and realized only 3 minutes had passed. It was really impressive.

I have to agree with you. I usually go during peak times to begin with and last trip, I did get behind the family who really had problems trying to figure out how to walk into the park. I swore it was 30 mins (it was only 10) but standing OUTSIDE the gates always seems longer. Next trip, I will do some timing, just for this thread...

 

[figment_jii]

So the picture only happens the first time you enter the park of your trip?

They only take your photo once, but the photo CM will often scan tickets whenever you approach the gate to make sure you have a photo attached before you get to the gate CM.

Also, during fireworks/parades, in the past there were CMs who were directing traffic for people walking through. Did they stop this?

Not that I know. They were still doing it in late May when I was there.

Next trip, I will do some timing, just for this thread...

I checked my logs (GPS tracker) and it took 8 minutes to get into DL on the morning of the 24-hour event (at least the gates opened at 6:00 am and I was inside the gate by 6:08 am). I started out about parallel to the first ticket booth (a little more than half way to the compass in the Esplanade).

 

[Chrisfilm]

They only take your photo once, but the photo CM will often scan tickets whenever you approach the gate to make sure you have a photo attached before you get to the gate CM.


Not that I know. They were still doing it in late May when I was there.


I checked my logs (GPS tracker) and it took 8 minutes to get into DL on the morning of the 24-hour event (at least the gates opened at 6:00 am and I was inside the gate by 6:08 am). I started out about parallel to the first ticket booth (a little more than half way to the compass in the Esplanade).

Great! on both accounts.

 

[sookie]

I just wanted to post that you are not alone. I have been watching this board for a while because my family would really like to go to Disneyland. What hit home for me was the fact that Disney decided to limit the AP holders in the area. I knew that the crowding issue had to be bad because of this, and decided that it would not be the park for us until other issues appeared resolved (again, monitoring these boards is great for that).

We would love to see Carsland and other attractions, but it isn't for us and our style of touring right now.

 

[SMD]

As one who has been attending DL since 1984 and DCA since it opened, I can attest that there is definitely now a significant increase in crowd levels. We've been going during all months of the year, both on weekends and week days. While there used to be certain days and times of the year where there were low crowd levels and short ride waits, those days are almost impossible to come by presently. In my case as I've become older, I tend to be more tolerant of things that used to drive me up the wall, so I don't believe it's a case of perception when it comes to DLR. Not trying to be snarky here, just my 2 cents.

It is more crowded, but there are also more attractions than there were 30 years ago. There are some ride waits that haven't changed much since FP was added. I'd actually say that Space is shorter. If you weren't first, you used to get excited when the line was only 90 minutes, as opposed to 2-3 hours. How with FP you know you can wait, do something else first and still get an FP. The standby line is shorter. Other than when it first reopened, the wait for the Matternhorn is not significantly longer than it was 20 years ago. I'd also put subs and teacups in the category as having waits as long as I remember them being 15-20 years ago.

Nah, a trip to DLR is never miserable. Since I'll have a stroller for the first time ever, I'll just use it to ram people who decide they can't be considerate enough to step to the side before stopping for a conversation.

Also, during fireworks/parades, in the past there were CMs who were directing traffic for people walking through. Did they stop this?

I know you're kidding, but people using their stroller as a battering ram is so perplexing to me. It's your kid. I see that a lot. Also, having my heels nipped because someone is texting or filming while they walk. You have 3 feet and 80lbs of stroller extending in front of you, PUT. PHONE. DOWN.

People exiting the area after Fantasmic and fireworks is like water finding a crack. No amount of CM crowd control is going to make it orderly. Sometimes the best strategy is to find a spot to sit and wait.

I don't think most people would like to stay to 11pm for fireworks, hence the reason they go off at 845 or 925.

They also have to be considerate of the neighbors. Yes, many of those people bought their homes after Disneyland was built, but they have doubled or maybe even tripled the number of nights they show fireworks. It used to just be Memorial through Labor days, and I don't even think it was every night.

 

[Chrisfilm]

People exiting the area after Fantasmic and fireworks is like water finding a crack. No amount of CM crowd control is going to make it orderly. Sometimes the best strategy is to find a spot to sit and wait.

Well, yeah, I think it's well expected that there will be big crowds right after big shows finish. I'm talking about during, if you are just trying to walk through.

The only thing that really gets me is trying to get from one place to another during regular operation and getting stopped by people either a) coming to a halt in the middle of the walkway, b) people walking really slow all in a line so no one can get around. Obviously, the more people present, the more likely you are to get these types. I don't even know why I bothered posting in this thread. It will be whatever it will be and I'll have a great time 99% of the time I'm there anyway.

 

[rootbeer]

Yes, good points all. The fact is nothing stays the same. DL was built 59 years ago, now it's crowded all the time. Just wasn't built to handle it I guess. The irony of saying "build more major attractions is that when they do, it brings more people!!

I do think that DL should be given the highest priority by the Disney Co, as it is their showcase. It needs to be kept at the high standard it always has.

The photo thing never slowed us down much when we were ther in April, but when it happened we were hopping to DCA and there wasn't a line at the time.

 

[2tinkerbell]

The stroller as a batting ram thing bothers me greatly. I noticed the same tip in another thread. People with strollers need to have some consideration as well.

I have a neurologically compromised DD. I can cite two good examples of when she has been hit with a stroller. The first time, she was walking along, soaking up the excitement of Main Street. She cannot walk and point something exciting to her at the same time. Consequently, we walk down Main Street on the side of the street or on the sidewalk. We avoid times like parades or fireworks. This lady came at my DD from the side, trying to get into a store, and rammed into my DD. My DD can't see things coming at her from the side without moving her head to the side. She rammed into my DD with such force that my DD fell into the stroller. My DD is clumsy and has balance issues, which is common for people who have neurological difficulties. Then the lady proceeded to yell at my DD for falling into the stroller. Luckily a CM was standing there and saw the incident so I didn't have to say anything. The CM was more concerned for my DD than the kid in the stroller.

The next incident was with a mother with a double wide stroller. My DD and I were in a shop and we were looking at something on a lower shelf. I am over 6' tall and so I was stooped down on my heels and my DD was sitting on the floor. It was a very narrow, short aisle, but, not the only aisle this lady could have taken. Obviously we were there first. This lady proceeded to ram into my DD while she was saying "Move!" to my DD. I was able to stand up quicker than my DD, help my DD up and move out of the stoller's way so the lady could push her double stoller through. She didn't even want anything on the aisle. After she had passed, I noticed my DD was quietly crying. My DD's ankle was hurt and bleeding - the lady had literally rammed and ran over my DD's ankle. I went up to a CM and asked for a kleenex and a couple of bandaids. We ended up going to First Aid. When we got back to the store to purchase the item we had been looking at, the CM came up to us with the item already in a sack and we didn't have to pay for it. So there, double stroller pushing lady

We are trying to be aware of who is around us and not be a bother. My DD realizes that she in not the only person in the world. She goes out of her way to let others go first, or to stand out of other's way. Please be aware or those who are around you when you are pushing your stollers.

 

[whjensen]

Hey guys,

Slightly off topic, but related since we're talking about the feel of DL

I'm still too new to post all my charts and tables, etc, but I was looking at attendance data. Obviously, there's a big spike in 2012 for DCA attendance - it went up 23% YOY most likely due to Cars Land and went up another 9% the following year. For Disneyland, there were big growth years in 2005 (explainable to the 50th anniversary) but there was a big growth year in 2009 of 8% growth. Since, it's been plugging along at 1% growth (give or take).

So - here's the question - those extra million visitors per year that showed up in 2009 are what make the big difference in "feel". But what drew them that year? Was there a special event that I missed? New annual pass benefit? Was it the new fireworks show?

 

[Californiacicle]

The stroller as a batting ram thing bothers me greatly. I noticed the same tip in another thread. People with strollers need to have some consideration as well.

I have a neurologically compromised DD. I can cite two good examples of when she has been hit with a stroller. The first time, she was walking along, soaking up the excitement of Main Street. She cannot walk and point something exciting to her at the same time. Consequently, we walk down Main Street on the side of the street or on the sidewalk. We avoid times like parades or fireworks. This lady came at my DD from the side, trying to get into a store, and rammed into my DD. My DD can't see things coming at her from the side without moving her head to the side. She rammed into my DD with such force that my DD fell into the stroller. My DD is clumsy and has balance issues, which is common for people who have neurological difficulties. Then the lady proceeded to yell at my DD for falling into the stroller. Luckily a CM was standing there and saw the incident so I didn't have to say anything. The CM was more concerned for my DD than the kid in the stroller.

The next incident was with a mother with a double wide stroller. My DD and I were in a shop and we were looking at something on a lower shelf. I am over 6' tall and so I was stooped down on my heels and my DD was sitting on the floor. It was a very narrow, short aisle, but, not the only aisle this lady could have taken. Obviously we were there first. This lady proceeded to ram into my DD while she was saying "Move!" to my DD. I was able to stand up quicker than my DD, help my DD up and move out of the stoller's way so the lady could push her double stoller through. She didn't even want anything on the aisle. After she had passed, I noticed my DD was quietly crying. My DD's ankle was hurt and bleeding - the lady had literally rammed and ran over my DD's ankle. I went up to a CM and asked for a kleenex and a couple of bandaids. We ended up going to First Aid. When we got back to the store to purchase the item we had been looking at, the CM came up to us with the item already in a sack and we didn't have to pay for it. So there, double stroller pushing lady

We are trying to be aware of who is around us and not be a bother. My DD realizes that she in not the only person in the world. She goes out of her way to let others go first, or to stand out of other's way. Please be aware or those who are around you when you are pushing your stollers.

Oh my goodness, both of those instances make me so mad! Your poor daughter!

 

[707MickeyGirl]

Your story makes me mad too... but I LOVE this part:

When we got back to the store to purchase the item we had been looking at, the CM came up to us with the item already in a sack and we didn't have to pay for it. So there, double stroller pushing lady

I like to believe that things all even out somehow and that the double stroller pushing lady got back what she gave.

 

[Ryan120420]

Hey guys,

Slightly off topic, but related since we're talking about the feel of DL

I'm still too new to post all my charts and tables, etc, but I was looking at attendance data. Obviously, there's a big spike in 2012 for DCA attendance - it went up 23% YOY most likely due to Cars Land and went up another 9% the following year. For Disneyland, there were big growth years in 2005 (explainable to the 50th anniversary) but there was a big growth year in 2009 of 8% growth. Since, it's been plugging along at 1% growth (give or take).

So - here's the question - those extra million visitors per year that showed up in 2009 are what make the big difference in "feel". But what drew them that year? Was there a special event that I missed? New annual pass benefit? Was it the new fireworks show?

That's when Disney started really pushing the AP Monthly Payment Program. Also Disney did the get in for free on your birthday promotion. And with that promotion, you could apply your free ticket towards an AP.

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

The stroller as a batting ram thing bothers me greatly. I noticed the same tip in another thread. People with strollers need to have some consideration as well.

I mentioned this in my thread and really it was more tongue in cheek. I'd never really advise anyone to act immaturely and use the stroller in an aggressive manner.

Taking a stroller, yes we certainly must be responsible for ourselves and aware of those around us.

 

[jetskigrl]

One thing that I don't like because it adds to the crowds this time of year is the Grad Night change. I would much rather they close the park and give the kids their dedicated time to celebrate. I really don't like that they are now given park hopper passes and are mixed in with the regular guests all day (I don't dislike high school kids, I have one of my own. I'm speaking strictly in terms of the extra crowds).

It adds a lot more people to the regular crowds, just as the busy summer season is kicking off.

 

[DarthMole]

My wife, and now our two children, have been going to Disneyland one to two times a year for the past 17 years of our marriage. Our visit this week made me rethink future trips for awhile for a couple of reasons:

1) Crowds - the parks have been getting more and more crowded without any relief in sight. Although touring plans had Disneyland at a 6 on the day we went, it felt like a 9 to me.

I was about to suggest that you may be going too often if these things are really bothering you so much, but then I reread your statement and it sounds like you only went for one day. I can't imagine trying to do a trip to Disneyland for only one day. If by chance you are there on a really busy day, you're screwed. Maybe that's why I don't seem too bothered by crowds unless it's crazy wall-to-wall people.

Also... Touring Plans?!? That is problem number one. You set your expectations with a crowd predictor that is notorious for being inaccurate.

 

[Disneyland1084]

One thing that I don't like because it adds to the crowds this time of year is the Grad Night change. I would much rather they close the park and give the kids their dedicated time to celebrate. I really don't like that they are now given park hopper passes and are mixed in with the regular guests all day (I don't dislike high school kids, I have one of my own. I'm speaking strictly in terms of the extra crowds).

It adds a lot more people to the regular crowds, just as the busy summer season is kicking off.

I totally agree. I don't get why they changed it after giving grads the park to themselves for 40+ years.

 

[HydroGuy]

I totally agree. I don't get why they changed it after giving grads the park to themselves for 40+ years.

Maybe because of all the complaints about closing the parks early on grad nights and reduced evening entertainment and noise from grads until 6AM?

 

[sweethannah]

The bottle necking that takes place in DL is brutal, there just isn't enough room to walk without it feeling perpetually crowded. DH prefers DCA just because you feel like there is actually room to walk and appreciate the sights.