Quick Trip Thoughts

[silence]

We just came back from a quick 2 day trip. We were in the parks on Sunday and Monday. Just a few thoughts -

* Sunday was less crowded than Monday...by a LOT.
* We arrived AFTER the parks opened (only by 15-30 min) both days and still had Fantasyland done in no time. We didn't have to stand in line at all, not behind one single person to get into the gates on Sunday.
* We used FASTPASS and we continue to be amazed by how many people have no understanding of it and grumble the whole time you walk right past them on Space and Splash Mountain.
* For the first time like EVER, we left the parks and went back for naps each day, making it possible to stay until closing (thus having Fantasyland almost empty on Sunday)
* Left Indy to go to Mainstreet at 9:16PM on Monday and got a pretty decent view of the castle and fireworks without a problem.
* Toy Story is the coolest ride ever according to both my kids...oh and DH.
* We were surpised to see the trains running DURING fireworks on Sunday. We entered ToonTown Station right during the finale. (our last visit they did not run durning fireworks)
* This was our first trip we encountered RUDE guests on multiple occassions. I had to remind myself, OUTLOUD, that I was at the happiest place on earth to calm myself down. No one needs to get on the train so fast they push my 5 y/o daughter out of the way and then have their ENTIRE party push past our group of 5 as I am picking her up off the ground to take the seats we were heading too. So incredibly out of line.
* We were able to get whatever picture we wanted with our free Disney Visa picture coupon from the Meet and Greet this visit.
* I swear the backrow of the Indy Jeep is the worst possible place to be seated, I was tossed all over the place and so uncomfortable the entire ride.
* We walked from our hotel (DI&S)to the Garden Walk and found it to be quite an easy walk. Ate at Bubba Gumps (love that place) and had take out from PFChangs (another favorite). We also so Batman on the new IMAX screen at the new theater.
* Two days with summer hours definately feels more like one of our 4 day trips during offseason. Especially to our very tired feet.
* Already saw some Halloween stuff out in a store in Frontierland. I can not wait for our October trip!

 

[avalon451]

Welcome back, Silence! Thanks for the mini-trippie. Sounds like you had a great time!

 

[JaneJetson]

We just came back from a quick 2 day trip. We were in the parks on Sunday and Monday. Just a few thoughts -

* Sunday was less crowded than Monday...by a LOT.
* We arrived AFTER the parks opened (only by 15-30 min) both days and still had Fantasyland done in no time. We didn't have to stand in line at all, not behind one single person to get into the gates on Sunday.
* We used FASTPASS and we continue to be amazed by how many people have no understanding of it and grumble the whole time you walk right past them on Space and Splash Mountain.
* For the first time like EVER, we left the parks and went back for naps each day, making it possible to stay until closing (thus having Fantasyland almost empty on Sunday)
* Left Indy to go to Mainstreet at 9:16PM on Monday and got a pretty decent view of the castle and fireworks without a problem.
* Toy Story is the coolest ride ever according to both my kids...oh and DH.
* We were surpised to see the trains running DURING fireworks on Sunday. We entered ToonTown Station right during the finale. (our last visit they did not run durning fireworks)
* This was our first trip we encountered RUDE guests on multiple occassions. I had to remind myself, OUTLOUD, that I was at the happiest place on earth to calm myself down. No one needs to get on the train so fast they push my 5 y/o daughter out of the way and then have their ENTIRE party push past our group of 5 as I am picking her up off the ground to take the seats we were heading too. So incredibly out of line.
* We were able to get whatever picture we wanted with our free Disney Visa picture coupon from the Meet and Greet this visit.
* I swear the backrow of the Indy Jeep is the worst possible place to be seated, I was tossed all over the place and so uncomfortable the entire ride.* We walked from our hotel (DI&S)to the Garden Walk and found it to be quite an easy walk. Ate at Bubba Gumps (love that place) and had take out from PFChangs (another favorite). We also so Batman on the new IMAX screen at the new theater.
* Two days with summer hours definately feels more like one of our 4 day trips during offseason. Especially to our very tired feet.
* Already saw some Halloween stuff out in a store in Frontierland. I can not wait for our October trip!

I love the back row of Indy! It's the best.

 

[Gisele]

Welcome back!

It sounds like you had a blast! I am glad, for it is nice when one can get away, even if but for short while, at least we live not terribly far from DL.

Interesting, that Sunday, was not as busy as Monday, hmm, seems a bit odd, oh well.

That was not nice, some rude person, knocking your child down, on the ground, I hope that she was o.k. and can understand how that is not the way to behave at any age. For it was not only rude of that person to do that, but also especially if they are an adult, sets a bad example for all children that witnessed that rather boorish if not cretinous demeanor!

 

[silence]

Interesting, that Sunday, was not as busy as Monday, hmm, seems a bit odd, oh well.

You know, I wouldn't have believed it either, in fact I didn't before my trip. My friend from work kept telling me on her trip a couple of weeks ago, that they encountered less crowds on Sunday than they did on Tuesday and Weds. I just thought she had imagined it.

 

[mariezp]

* Sunday was less crowded than Monday...by a LOT.
* We arrived AFTER the parks opened (only by 15-30 min) both days and still had Fantasyland done in no time. We didn't have to stand in line at all, not behind one single person to get into the gates on Sunday.

I hope this sort of trend holds out until November! I would love to see less crowds everyday we are there but would settle for the park not being jam packed as soon as they open the park. I travel with a lazy bunch and we never get there at opening.

* For the first time like EVER, we left the parks and went back for naps each day, making it possible to stay until closing (thus having Fantasyland almost empty on Sunday)

The only way we can make it is if we have an afternoon break! I don't think we have ever stayed all the way from open through til closing.

* This was our first trip we encountered RUDE guests on multiple occassions. I had to remind myself, OUTLOUD, that I was at the happiest place on earth to calm myself down. No one needs to get on the train so fast they push my 5 y/o daughter out of the way and then have their ENTIRE party push past our group of 5 as I am picking her up off the ground to take the seats we were heading too. So incredibly out of line.

Shame on them! There really is no excuse for that sort of behavior! If my guys had been there, they would have volunteered to beat em up for you!

* I swear the backrow of the Indy Jeep is the worst possible place to be seated, I was tossed all over the place and so uncomfortable the entire ride.

I had heard the back seat was supposed to be really fun. I will keep your post in mind and send the guys to try it before I do!

* We walked from our hotel (DI&S)to the Garden Walk and found it to be quite an easy walk. Ate at Bubba Gumps (love that place) and had take out from PFChangs (another favorite).

Really, really glad to here this! We will be staying at DI in November. I have been wanting to go to Bubba Gump's but was worried that the walk might be long. I still think we will plan to go on one of our first days, before our feet are too worn out from all the walking in the park.

 

[Tasscrapper]

Thanks for those thoughts. It's nice to know that the Garden Walk is in walkable distance.

 

[lulubelle]

Thanks for the recap.
Glad you had such a nice trip in spite of the rude people.

 

[BradJM]

Nice trip report. I've never been to Bubba Gumps before. We might have to walk over there one evening.

Thanks for the info!

 

[the donut]

Hmm, I think I've only ridden in the back row of the Indy jeeps as I remember. Next time I'll have to ask for the front row. I didn't know there was a difference.

 

[silence]

Thanks for those thoughts. It's nice to know that the Garden Walk is in walkable distance.

I have to tell you, I was a little nervous at first. We saw it when we did our "u-turn" at the light though, to come back to the hotel, and realized it wasn't far at all. I think it is about the same distance from DI&S to Downtown Disney restaurants as it is to the Garden Walk restaurants.

The movie theater wasn't that crowded, though the manager came in to talk to the theater and said they were opening another 7 screens this Friday (tomorrow). I guess they are going to have a 21-over screens too, with VIP seating, fancy smancy stuff.

 

[mariezp]

I have to tell you, I was a little nervous at first. We saw it when we did our "u-turn" at the light though, to come back to the hotel, and realized it wasn't far at all. I think it is about the same distance from DI&S to Downtown Disney restaurants as it is to the Garden Walk restaurants.

The movie theater wasn't that crowded, though the manager came in to talk to the theater and said they were opening another 7 screens this Friday (tomorrow). I guess they are going to have a 21-over screens too, with VIP seating, fancy smancy stuff.

Ooh! Thanks! That gives me a good idea of just how far it is. I think we can manage that.

Also, thanks for mentioning the theater. If there is a good show playing that is a nice way to take a break during the afternoon.

 

[Sally_fan]

Thanks so much for posting this silence. It gave me some food for thought on something that has been bugging me! lol We are trying to decide wether to go to the parks on our arrival day in October (which is a Sunday & hours are posted as 10am-12am) or on the Wednesday (which we are also going to the MTOTP that evening). Might be worth taking the morning & afternoon off on the Wed knowing that we will be in DCA for the party later that evening anyways.
Alot of other great info in there as well! Thanks again!!

edited to add: Just occured to me that October weekends might be busier than weekdays with summer holidays being over & all. Decisions, decisions.........

 

[CAbryan]

Nice recap Silence

I second the rude people, they are out in force this year. A couple times I almost snapped and started using our stroller as a battering ram but I kept calm.

To many people don't seem to care about the park or other people at all. Also what is the deal with all these people just yelling all day at there kids. Bet the kids loved DL after that

 

[robinbutterfly]

Shocked about Sunday being LESS crowded then Monday. Everything I have read says Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days!!!

 

[Hound 109]

Shocked about Sunday being LESS crowded then Monday. Everything I have read says Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days!!!

My experience on 4 different Sunday's in the past year is that it's empty until 11:30am......kinda busy from 11:30 to 7:30pm & empty after 7:30 - 8pm.

I highly recommend Sundays for people visiting DLR for 2-4 days....(especially during "off season" because of the events that are dark during the week in off season).

 

[Tasscrapper]

I wanted to give my impressions since I enjoyed Silences quick trip thoughts so much. This is from my perspective of Disneyland as a first timer (effectively).

1. The details all over the place are amazing so take some time to notice them.
2. The afternoon rest you think you don't need? You do! If for no other reason to give your feet a rest. Which brings me to my next comment.
3. Mole Skin is wonderful! Hubby started a blister the first day and used the foam moleskin and it never finished developing. I on the other hand didn't notice mine in time and had three by the end but the moleskin made them almost unoticeable.
4. Both Indy and Space Mountain have extremely long lines that are inside the buildings. I was really surprized by how much walking there was after entering there buildings and was soooo thankful that they were'nt completely backed up.
5. If you really want to ride Indy and get there after Fast Pass time . . . wait for the next day and get a fast pass. lol. I was to impatient since it was one ride I really wanted to do. We waited 45 minutes and watched all the FPers pass us by. Hubby and I joked about it and said the next day we weren't going to be one of the poor saps in the stand by line and we weren't. It was fun to pass everyone else the next day and it gave us a huge appreciation of the fast pass system.
6. The whole walkway by Indy and the jungle cruise got very crowded everytime we were in it except early morning. If you can feel caustrophobic from to many people do that land in the morning.
7. If you aren't planning on seeing the parades because you think they might be lame you might want to rethink it a little. We got to the park and after wondering down Main St. a crowd had gathered for the parade. We ended up getting a spot in the shade of the vendors cart on the right hand corner of the castle street where the parade was beginning. The wait was maybe 10 minutes before it started and it was magical. I have no clue why but it almost made me cry. I guess I was just feeling the love.
8. Count Down Chicken Fusilli at Pizza Port was way yummy and very filling. You can get just a cup of ice water for free from the soda dispenser . . . but it tasted nasty.
9. You can get free cups of ice water at different places in the park. We did this a few times at Coke Plaza with no problems at all even though we weren't buying anything there. (I don't know who we got that tip from but it was super appreciated.
10. At night there are people selling light up swords and other things outside on Harbor. They aren't pushy but it was a bit strange. There is also people that want you to go to a vacation presentation and offer $100 Disney Dollars to do so.
11. Eating in the park isn't really that expensive compared to outside restruants. We ate both in the park and outside on Harbor and for two adults it's really about equal. I wouldn't go out of my way to leave the park to eat with just two people although when we go in December with 4 kids I imagine it will be a little different.
12. The fireworks are incredible. I see fireworks about 8 times during the summer and really wasn't interested in seeing them at Disneyland but we happened to be heading out on the first night and decided to stay and watch them from the Main St. train station since they were going off in 10 minutes. I have never seen a display like that or how very bright some of them were. Holy smokes it looked like daytime. Again if you don't like huge crowds hang in the back where it will be easier to make an escape. It amazed me how crowded Main St got for the fireworks.
13. People say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth and I really wondered (ok I was skeptical) how different can it really be? I had actively desired to go for about a year and a half before we did and really thought I might be disappointed a little because how can it be different just by walking in?? I'm not sure how but it is. Perhaps it's the old fashionedness of Main St., the politeness and niceness of the cast members and of the other vacationers who just want to escape life for a while or perhaps that all of a sudden it's ok to marvel at what is good in the world and in our fellow humans. Go with an open mind to have fun and you will. My husband smiled and and laughed more in the 4 days that we were there than he probably has in the past 6 months.


To everyone on these boards that shares your insights and wisdom on making a Disney trip wonderful thank you so much for being part of my planning and making our overall experience wonderful.

DCA
1. It seems to be very spread out compared to Disneyland and I had a hard time making myself even want to walk back to Screamin and Toy Story.
2. I walked straight onto Screamin with a single rider pass (just ask the cast member at the entrance of the line) even though the line was fairly long. It worked great since hubby wasn't interested in it.
3. Toy Story was cool but honestly I didn't think the wait was worth it. We only went on it once and actually had much more fun on Buzz in Disneyland which we rode probably 8 or 9 times. It probably had a lot to do with waiting in line though.
4. Soarin is an absolutely must do. Awsome.
5. Disney Visa meet and greet is in a circular rotunda to the right of Monsters Inc (which was cute). Even if it looks deserted they are there during the time appointed. Walk around it to the right side and you will see someone in charge that will ask to see your Visa to go see the charaters. This was fun and easy to do. If you plan on going more than one day ask when goofy will be there instead of Chip and Dale so you can get a picture with both.
4. The brownie fantasy funnel from Farmers Market was wonderful and way to big for one person. A good brunch though.
5. I can't remember when it is stopping but if you go before it does go see Aladin. It was awsome too.
6. Muppet 3d Vision was practically empty when we went but was a great little show. I loved the bubble effects.

Anyhow, I hope some of this can help someone else have a good time since I got so much help here too. We had a wonderful trip that truely was magical. I think there were only two things we actually thought were lame and I'm sure others probably like them and that's ok.

 

[avalon451]

This is a great little mini-trip report! Why don't you post it separately, so people will see it? Thanks for sharing your impressions!

 

[Hound 109]

This is a great little mini-trip report! Why don't you post it separately, so people will see it? Thanks for sharing your impressions!

I agree.....Tasscrapper, copy & paste your excellent mini report into a new post.

 

[Tasscrapper]

Thanks guys I'm glad you liked it. I almost didn't do it since Silence had done one a bit ago. I've posted it now. Hound . . . thanks for making me feel special today. It felt like just a little bit extra .