My first...and LAST trip to Disneyland-A trip report

[MainStMandy]

So for as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of going to Disneyland. The excitement of going to the place Walt dreamed of was just overwhelming. So when I found out I was training in Modesto, CA for a week I began to plan my first Disneyland trip. It was only going to be a day and I would be by myself, but it was Disneyland...who cares!?!?!

About a week ago my mom decided she would join me She would be flying out Thursday and Friday when I finished teaching we would drive down. Plus since we have the most awesome boss, she was paying for us to stay on property!!

So Friday, around 12:45 p.m. we began our drive to Disneyland. The trip went very well until we hit L.A. were we spent 2 hours in bumper to bumper traffic. We kind of expected that so no big deal. We still made it to the hotel before 8 p.m. so I was happy.

We checked in at the hotel and went to grab food...our first disappointment. We stopped at Taco Joes as everwhere else was mobbed. We forgot that it was Friday night. Taco Joes was AWFUL. We had decent drinks but the quesadillas we ordered were the equivalent to grilled cheese. They tasted microwaved and just gross. Our bill was FORTY DOLLARS!!

We headed back to the hotel. Now let me just say, the Disneyland hotel was nice, but nothing great. The hotel room seemed a little run down. The toilet leaked and we had to call someone, our hair dryer overheated and wouldn't come back on, and they never sent a new one. Nothing major, but everything was just ok. Our first clue this was NOT WDW.

I slept awful and was awoken at 5:30 a.m. but I didn't care. I was going to Disneyland!! We headed to the monorail around 7:30 a.m. but I didn't realize that since it drops you off INSIDE the park, you can't load earlier than 8. Here was our first encounter with a rude CM. She was yelling at everyone to get in line. She just came across rude and nasty. No one was giving her a hard time or refusing to line up, she just came out yelling.

We finally got going and I was suprised at how much the monorail winded around. Our first stop when we got there was the Nemo Subs since I heard the line could get long. This was nothing spectacular. Cute, but I could have skipped. My next disappointment was the Madderhorn. YAWN. Seriously I have been waiting FOREVER to ride this, but I just don't get it. It was boring and jerky.

Next up was Space Mountain. Alright Disneyland, I will give you this one. AWESOME!!!! We agreed to come back later and ride again. We also did Buzz Lightyear which was the same as WDW.

At this point we were hungry and needed breakfast. Main St here we come, but not after seeing the castle.

Are you kidding?? It was so tiny!! I felt like something was missing. We grabbed a few pics and went off to eat a mediocre breakfast. Iwas very excited to visit the Market House as this is where I worked in WDW. I took a ton of pics and we headed off to Adventureland.

Let me sum up the rest of MK for you: Pirates, Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain, Columbia River Boat. Everything was ok. We defnitely liked Pirates, Indiana Jones...eh (Dinosaur is better).

We were hungry and decided to go to California Adventure. We had lunch at the Wine Country Trattoria. It was amazing!!! I really would recommend this. After lunch we headed to the pier for Toy Storia Mania and California Screaming.

Now let me preface this with, I know it's NOT Disneylands fault, but the following series of events just added to our dissapointing day.

Toy Storia Mania and California Screaming went down at the SAME time. I couldn't get any good pics because that lake was drained and the Ferris Wheel was down for refurb. We were getting tired and cranky and headed to get ice cream. We finished up CA but doing Monsters and Soarin and headed back to find that California Screaming was back up. It was AMAZING. Seriously.

At this point, my mom was tired and her back was killing her. To be honest, I didn't even want to go back to Disneyland. We did some shipping at DTD and grabbed lunch.

I found Disneyland to be dirty, unappealing and boring. The CM's were rude and mean (a CM at Soarin got SO nasty with me, I just stood there shocked for a minute). It was clearly a day park and there were a lot of locals. I did kind of want to see the fireworks but mom wasn't about to head back. I'm just kind of let down. I run into nasty CM's at WDW too, but it just seems like so much more! I found things at DL to look run down and blah. It was a tad busy, but the waits weren't bad and the weather was beautiful.

I'm sure it's a great park but it was just a let down for me. Maybe I expected too much. We had a good time but I have no desire to come back anytime soon.

 

[Sherry E]

Wow. It's a shame you had such a disappointing time. I am so sorry about that! I guess it does all boil down to expectations, patience level, willingness to adapt to unexpected inconveniences that arise, energy level, and each person's preferences of what makes a good trip for them, etc. I always want to go immediately back to DLR as soon as I leave, so I cannot identify with that 'not wanting to go back' thing! I have never thought of DL as dirty. In fact, they go out of their way to meticulously clean every corner of the parks and keep them immaculate. Some of the restaurants are mediocre, but some are great (I agree on Wine Country Trattoria, but Tortilla Jo's in DTD is a place that has a sometimes bad reputation, so that was a risk. ESPN Zone and Naples are much better and so is Rainforest Cafe). Some folks love the DLH better than the other two hotels; lots of folks feel it is kind of run down and in need of work, so that part of your trip doesn't surprise me too much. Buzz Lightyear IS a bit different in the guns you shoot with - did you notice that? At WDW they are anchored; in DL, you can lift them and move them around to hit your targets. Toy Story Mania is awesome, and it is too bad it was down when you tried to ride it. It probably went back up later because it is so popular. The Castle is smaller because the park is smaller. DL is the original park and does not benefit from the sprawling acres that WDW/Magic Kingdom has. We don't have a lot of land on which to develop in Orange County so everything is scaled down.

Well, I guess it is better for you to stick with the tried and true at WDW. It sounds like the DLR experience for you was bad or mediocre from beginning to end. It happens. They do have 'off' days here and there.

Again, I am so sorry you had a disappointing time!

 

[PinkBudgie]

So sorry you didn't have fun. It sounds like your day was the exception. I have never seen DLR dirty even on the most crowded of days. However, I could have told you Matterhorn was bumpy. I don't care for it all either. It gives me a headache. I must prefer Space. And of course, having Screamin shut down is completely crummy. That is a great ride! Maybe you can come back and give it another try in a few years when all the new additions to DCA are there. It should be very nice. I like the castle, though. It is pretty and delicate and has great details. I think if it was bigger it wouldn't look right here.

As for hotels, never stayed at the DLH, we stay off site. It seems some of the nicer ones are a little further away (1-3 miles) but worth it to me and cheaper than the DLR ones. I can't wait to go back in June for an entire week!

Anyway, I'm sad you didn't have a very good trip.

 

[Teki]

Judgeing Disneyland on a one day bases in an off season isnt exactly reason for hateing it. It was walts dream in fact since he didn't live to see the completion of WDW i consider it more of His vision. So you met a few rude CM's you cant convience me that EVERYONE was mean to you or that ALL the CM's at WDW are pure angels. Im really sorta hurt by how you call everything boring and dirty. Ive never been to DL and considered it dirty and I think that all the attractions are wonderful. Although I will give you the nemo subs I wasn't that impressed. theres nothing wrong with the castle.

 

[Lynzer Torte]

Wow.

 

[DiSNEY[MOMMA]]

Judgeing Disneyland on a one day bases in an off season isnt exactly reason for hateing it. It was walts dream in fact since he didn't live to see the completion of WDW i consider it more of His vision. So you met a few rude CM's you cant convience me that EVERYONE was mean to you or that ALL the CM's at WDW are pure angels. Im really sorta hurt by how you call everything boring and dirty. Ive never been to DL and considered it dirty and I think that all the attractions are wonderful. Although I will give you the nemo subs I wasn't that impressed. theres nothing wrong with the castle.

I gotta agree with Teki. I've NEVER been to DL && considered it [dirty]. I can't even imagine it I can't comment on the Nemo Subs, I havn't been since they opened. But the castle..it's beautiful. Like someone in an earlier post said, it's smaller than WDW for the obvious. WDW is alot bigger than DL so therefor the castle would be alot bigger.
I'm sorry that your trip wasn't up to par for you tho.

 

[mommaU4]

Hi Amanda. Sorry your first visit to Disneyland was so disappointing. I've grown up going there and not once have I felt it to be dirty. I've run into some rude CMs but I have run into them at WDW too. That just happens.

Some restaurants are better then others, same as at WDW. I don't know. I guess it's all in what you are used to. I've been to both and there are things I like about WDW and some things I really dislike about it. But no place is perfect, not DL or WDW. Some places catch you off guard, especially when you don't know exactly what to expect.
For example, the first time I visited Las Vegas, I hated it. Never wanted to return. Well, I did and loved it so much I now live there!!! LOL
Maybe one day you'll give it another try and find some of the magic. In the meantime, enjoy your trips to WDW!

 

[QueenDoOver]

Hi Amanda. Sorry your first visit to Disneyland was so disappointing. I've grown up going there and not once have I felt it to be dirty. I've run into some rude CMs but I have run into them at WDW too. That just happens.

Some restaurants are better then others, same as at WDW. I don't know. I guess it's all in what you are used to. I've been to both and there are things I like about WDW and some things I really dislike about it. But no place is perfect, not DL or WDW. Some places catch you off guard, especially when you don't know exactly what to expect.
For example, the first time I visited Las Vegas, I hated it. Never wanted to return. Well, I did and loved it so much I now live there!!! LOL
Maybe one day you'll give it another try and find some of the magic. In the meantime, enjoy your trips to WDW!

You are so much nicer than me. I'm readin' and thinkin' WOOHOO, one less person at my park Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it was a pretty harsh judgement on a pretty narrow experience.

 

[iKristin]

I agree...I don't see how people can compare WDW and Disneyland since Disneyland is the original park. I've read in multiple biographies that Walt only visited Orlando twice in his life so I just consider WDW a wanna be park. Nothing compares to the original.

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

I am sorry that your trip didn't measure up to your expectations. I know that sometimes a few "off" moments can effect your entire experience, but I hope you still had enough good times to balance it out. It really is unfortunate that you met so many rude CMs, I have to say that in my experience that is really rare and the exception rather than the rule.

I had sort of a similar experience the first time I visited WDW. My first Disney experience had been at DL and it was magical, special, and I couldn't wait to go back. The following year I was able to visit to WDW and of course I was blown away by all the parks that DL doesn't have - EPCOT, etc. (This was 20 yrs ago BTW) But the MK just didn't measure up. It was too large and cold and impersonal. There was a lot of "flash" but I was truly missing the heart, if that makes sense? Anyway, I think that it depends on each individual person, and I truly hope to get back to WDW one day to show my kids all the wonders that it holds, but DL will always be the place that holds the magic for me.

 

[disneyL0VE]

Judgeing Disneyland on a one day bases in an off season isnt exactly reason for hateing it. It was walts dream in fact since he didn't live to see the completion of WDW i consider it more of His vision. So you met a few rude CM's you cant convience me that EVERYONE was mean to you or that ALL the CM's at WDW are pure angels. Im really sorta hurt by how you call everything boring and dirty. Ive never been to DL and considered it dirty and I think that all the attractions are wonderful. Although I will give you the nemo subs I wasn't that impressed. theres nothing wrong with the castle.

You are so much nicer than me. I'm readin' and thinkin' WOOHOO, one less person at my park Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it was a pretty harsh judgement on a pretty narrow experience.

I agree with these DISers. Walt's TRUE dream is in Disneyland. For those rides that you say are boring, that's why you MAKE it fun. Your trip report is ridiculous to base the entire park on, since you were only there for one day.

I find this hilarious that you posted this trip report on a thread where DL Vets &fans come to spread magic.

 

[fairycat]

I am so sorry you didn't have a good time. I sure wish we could have helped you a little more so you would have been able to find better places to eat and to have some different expectations.

The first time I went to WDW it was one day in MK, I hated it!!! I missed the Matterhorn, and thought what's with the big ugly castle, where is the mountain!!! The park was dirty, the CM's outfits seemed dumpy and worn out, and I had a CM threaten a group of us with violence while in line for HM. I thought I would NEVER go back!

But because my inlaws live near by a few years later we gave Epcot a chance and with fewer expectations we had a really good time. When I went last for several days, I admit we only spent approx 1.5 hours in the MK so we could see CBJ and the newly remodeled HM. Then we left. I think with a few more changes in expectations I might debate spending a day there again.

In the end WDW does not work for me and I don't see us spending more then a day or two there when visiting relatives. DLR might not be for you but I hope if you ever find yourself on this coast again you will give it another try and we can help you be more prepared so you can have a better time.

BTW- I sooooooo have to disagree with you on is Indy is way cool then Dinosaur!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahahah!

 

[Echie]

Awww that's too bad that you didn't like Disneyland

You really can't compare it to WDW though... I personally like WDW better, whereas DH likes DL better - they are two totally different theme parks really. Even though both DH and I have our favorites, we both still really enjoy going to both of them - we just don't compare them, and just take them as they come! This makes us happy

I agree though - as adults we did not like the Nemo ride (boring) and wouldn't go again unless we had children with us.

We also never take the monorail at DL unless we wanted to ride it for fun - walking is so much quicker and easier.

 

[Sherwin]

That's interesting. I'm sorry you had that experience but I've never encountered any of the problems you've had. I'm not sure what you were expecting out of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It being the first, Walt had no preconceived notions how tall a castle should be. You'll notice that all its successors are considerably taller. I'm afraid I have to disagree on the comparison between Indiana Jones and Dinosaur. I've ridden IJA many many times and Dinosaur I think two or three times. I find that Dinosaur is extremely jerky and that most of the ride is in the dark so you don't really know what's going on. I was so scared I was going to fly out of the vehicle because I was sitting on the side. Indiana Jones seems more thematic to me as it goes through a series of "****y traps".

Overall, it's unfortunate that your experience went that way. I know there are many other WDWers that have genuinely enjoyed their first trips at DLR. You'll have to forgive the drained lake at DCA as all the construction is sacrifice for a bigger better park in 2012.

 

[RallyMonkey]

How strange! I don't care about the negative comparisons of rides, castle size, etc. but I've been to Disneyland every week this month and haven't found it to be dirty then, or at any other time over the many years I have gone. It is always meticulously clean and kept in good condition. And I've always been fortunate enough to have had positive experiences with the CM's. They are always so helpful and kind to me. I was just at Disneyland Hotel today to visit my parents staying there in the Dreams tower and the room was nice and was not run down at all. There are a lot of refurbishments going on right now so maybe it isn't the greatest time for some first timers, especially those trying to see both parks in one busy day who are cranky and didn't sleep well!

 

[fairycat]

I'm afraid I have to disagree on the comparison between Indiana Jones and Dinosaur. I've ridden IJA many many times and Dinosaur I think two or three times. I find that Dinosaur is extremely jerky and that most of the ride is in the dark so you don't really know what's going on. I was so scared I was going to fly out of the vehicle because I was sitting on the side. Indiana Jones seems more thematic to me as it goes through a series of "****y traps".

See I totally agree it was so dark and shaky, it was hard to know what was going on and the Dinos were cheesy. But I think my biggest issue was the clear Jurassic Park rip off, and having done the JP ride at Universal first, I thought their Dinos were better. I wish Disney had been a little more unique with the ride. That is some of the reason I just like Indy better.

 

[Sherwin]

See I totally agree it was so dark and shaky, it was hard to know what was going on and the Dinos were cheesy. But I think my biggest issue was the clear Jurassic Park rip off, and having done the JP ride at Universal first, I thought their Dinos were better. I wish Disney had been a little more unique with the ride. That is some of the reason I just like Indy better.

Yeah, totally. I know that Imagineering put Dinosaur in modeled somewhat after IJA (with the transport vehicles and all), but I TOTALLY agree with the JP ripoff. It was a lot of jerkiness racing back to the present and then all of a sudden, a big dino looms out at you, and the picture snaps. JP was actually themed off a movie so I think Disney had trouble theming Dinosaur.

 

[iKristin]

I don't get where people say DL is dirty anyway. You can't complain about trash at a park unless you are stepping in piles of it. Do you really expect cleaning people to follow every single person around with a broom and dust pan to pick up every single piece of trash they might drop all day long?

 

[Diznygrl]

Personally I've found that the MK is dirtier than DL, ESPECIALLY the bathrooms. Even during the off season, I was always surprised at how filthy they were at MK. All around WDW, actually. Never would I describe DL as being dirty. I would dare to say they even refurb/clean/paint more often than WDW. You probably saw a lot of walls up last week. Such is a part of visiting during the off season.

And as far the castle....are you kidding? Not sure what you were expecting, it being built in 1955 for the first theme park in the entire world and all. Walt putting every cent (literally) he had into the place, while everyone was telling him he was crazy and it was doomed to fail. Sorry he couldn't build that imposing 180 foot tall structure for ya. I find Sleeping Beauty Castle to be prettier as a whole, despite its size. It has more detail, much like everything else in DL.

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE WDW. But DL vs. MK...there is no comparison. MK is nice, but it is no DL. I'm sorry you had a negative experience, though. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Yeah, totally. I know that Imagineering put Dinosaur in modeled somewhat after IJA (with the transport vehicles and all), but I TOTALLY agree with the JP ripoff. It was a lot of jerkiness racing back to the present and then all of a sudden, a big dino looms out at you, and the picture snaps. JP was actually themed off a movie so I think Disney had trouble theming Dinosaur.

Indy did come first - the ride track for Dinosaur is actually the exact same track pattern (curves, drops, etc) as Indy. You just don't stop for story details like you do in Indy. (Same with GRR and KRR in AK, but that is another story for another time!)

Ahhhh - you also forget that Dinosaur is actually based off a Disney movie of the same name - one that was realeased 1.5 years after the ride opened. It just wasn't a big box office blockbuster.... at all. The ride was known as Countdown to Extinction in the first years - it had to be ready to be the only thrill ride they had when AK opened - hence - the scientist theme. Then, to coincide with the Dinosaur movie release, they renamed it. Then, it was obvious why they went to get the Allosaurus - Allodar - the movie's main character! DOH!!!! (If you remember the old river boat rides in AK - they had an Audio Animatronic Allodar in the River - the one that was "brought back to the current day" in the ride and escapes the lab in the post show videos. Seeing him was one of the coolest parts of that river cruise. I don't know for sure, he may still be there - a quiet ghost of AK's past, but the normal visitor can't see his location from the walkways.

PS - Trivia bit - the red dino is really the South American cousin to the Ty. Rex.