Noise/construction at DLR?

[Mickey1967]

Hello,

Not new to Disney, but new to these boards -- I searched around for answers, but couldn't find exactly what we were looking for.

I'm thinking about another Disneyland trip for next June (2012), but want to know how much the construction, noise, scaffolding, etc. is disrupting the overall experience at DCA and the Grand Californian specifically, as well as at the DL park and resort generally (e.g., how much of the noise and disruption effects other areas of the resort?)

And how much of that should be over a year from now?

Part of what I like about the Disney experience is the total immersion in another world, and from some of the pics I've seen, it looks like a lot of that immersion may be lacking during this transitionary period. Will the kids be disappointed at the state of things?

I actually prefer the DLR experience to the WDW experience overall -- in part because of the charm and more intimate feel of the resort -- but if that is lacking right now, we could plan for WDW instead for 2012.

Your thoughts and experiences and info about where this whole process should stand by next Summer would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Dobie]

So I am thinkin' that most of the construction will be done by June, 2012, though Disney has not published a formal "done" date.

I completely agree with you about the increased charm at the "real" Disneyland, and I, personally, would take a bit of construction over the general summer miserableness of WDW anyday!

 

[MenchieMan87]

Part of what I like about the Disney experience is the total immersion in another world, and from some of the pics I've seen, it looks like a lot of that immersion may be lacking during this transitionary period. Will the kids be disappointed at the state of things?

I agree with you and I tend to feel that way at Disneyland, but not so much at DCA. As far as I know thats where most of the construction is, and apart from seeing cranes from Main Street when facing the exit I've never found the DCA construction interfering with my Disneyland experience. I'd be more concerned with that at WDW with the Fantasyland construction, right?

 

[skiingfast]

I'd be more concerned with that at WDW with the Fantasyland construction, right?

I'd be more concerned with WDW too, compared to DCA thier expansion is tiny and they are taking much longer to do it.

Your thoughts and experiences and info about where this whole process should stand by next Summer would be appreciated.

For next June I would hardly let it worry you.

DLH is undergoing an almost total renovation and will be done.

DCA has recently had about 50% of the current wall leave but will be getting some more as they focus on the entry area. Entry to DCA is getting a 100% redo but should get done in time because it's not that big of an area, and they are really ontop of it. Plus it's not a ride system that may need some changes and testing it just stores and a restauraunt.

The only other part of DCA getting work done now is Carsland. It may not be open but it's almost all on a new area and the high work is wrapping up already so the cranes will be leaving soon. It may have some walls were the new interfaces with the new.

IMO the construction there barely matters except for when they had changed the pathways, some rerouting and narrow sections. No noise issues and very little site issues, the wall are really a site, so much so I'll be sad to see them go, because DL take much more care in themeing the wall than WDW does. Also in my ranking of US parks I think my opinion next summer may be DL, Epcot and then DCA as the top three.

 

[Mickey1967]

I'd be more concerned with that at WDW with the Fantasyland construction, right?

That's a good point -- last year at WDW, the construction at Fantasyland really detracted from the feel of that part of the Magic Kingdom for us -- which was the heart of my point: the atmosphere being created at Disney depends on the fantasy being maintained consistently throughout -- when one part is missing (reminding you that you are in 'the real world' again), it doesn't just detract from that one part of the park, it detracts from the whole experience.

 

[Mickey1967]

I'd be more concerned with WDW too, compared to DCA thier expansion is tiny and they are taking much longer to do it.

For next June I would hardly let it worry you.

IMO the construction there barely matters except for when they had changed the pathways, some rerouting and narrow sections. No noise issues and very little site issues, the wall are really a site, so much so I'll be sad to see them go, because DL take much more care in themeing the wall than WDW does. Also in my ranking of US parks I think my opinion next summer may be DL, Epcot and then DCA as the top three.

Thank you very much for your helpful comments; they've made me comfortable going with DLR for 2012. And cool that DCA, once so criticized by Disney fans, would make your top 3 parks next year. Makes me feel extra good about our choice.

Besides, as I said at the top, I really do prefer DLR to WDW -- the DL Pirates ride and Blue Bayou are also a big part of that preference -- I really miss those every time we're at WDW.

 

[skiingfast]

Really the only concern you should be worried about is if Carsland isn't open or partially open. Just because June is a bit of transitional month when it comes to attraction openings and the official opening date is stil up in the air.

 

[Mickey1967]

Really the only concern you should be worried about is if Carsland isn't open or partially open. Just because June is a bit of transitional month when it comes to attraction openings and the official opening date is stil up in the air.

Totally understood, and I'm okay with that -- I hope the new DCA entrance is open, though -- I will try to book 3rd week of June (I would book 4th week, but I think the crowds really spike leading into the 4th of July holiday.)