returning visit 2019

[disneyworldsk]

I haven't been to disneyland since the 60th. Can you guys update me on what I have missed that I need to prepare for? I am visiting november , 2019. Yes, star wars edge. I don't know anything about maxpass. Anything else? Staying on property...

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Start with this thread on MP: Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy.
Security changed in 2017. Now you go through bag check/security at the Harbor entrance to the esplanade, at the M&F parking structure before boarding the trams, at the DTD parking lot before entering DTD (between what used to be Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone -- both now empty), and by the DLH before entering DTD (between EOS and what used to be ESPN Zone). There is another bag check/security entrance for guests entering DTD from the GCH (by the Sephora store) and a small bag check/security for guests entering DCA from the GCH. Once you enter the secure zone, you no longer have to go through bag check again as long as you stay within the secure zone. So you can park hop and visit DTD all day long without going through bag check a second time as long as you don't exit the secure zone. Once you exit that zone, though, you'll have to go through bag check again to re-enter. So, for example, if you go through security in the morning, spend a few hours in the parks, then leave to go back to your hotel for a break, then want to return to the parks, you'll have to go through bag check again. Make sense?
Crowd patterns have changed since the 60th. The parks are consistently more crowded now, with (many) fewer predictably low crowd times. Mondays have become busy days. Weekends can be pretty good. Morning hours are still your best bet for getting a lot done.
Download the free Disneyland app before your trip to start getting used to using it. MP and Mobile Ordering use the app, your TS reservations will show up on the app, etc. The app is not the same as MDE nor are the two connected, so it helps to get used to DLR's app before you start your trip. Free wifi in the parks isn't great, so have your data needs organized before your trip, especially if you will be getting MP. Battery back up for your phone is important, too.
I'm sure other DISers can get you up to date on other changes. Ask if you have any questions!

 

[figment_jii]

A few others things that come to mind:

• Pixar Pier: Paradise Pier has been given a new overlay and much of it is now Pixar themed. Screamin' is now the Incredicoaster, Mickey's Fun Wheel is now Pixar-Pal-Around, and King Triton's carousel is going to be Jessie's Critter carousel (it hasn't opened yet). The Cove Bar and Ariel's Grotto have been replaced by the Lamplight Lounge and Restaurant. The food and shops on the Pier are also Pixar themed.
• Entertainment: Most likely the fireworks will be different when you go. The retired the 60th show at the end of the 60th celebration and will be debuting a new show later this month (Mickey's Mix Magic). No word on how long it will run, but depending on when you go in November, you might see the holiday show anyway. PtN moved over to DCA, but it's not known if it will return (and again, depending on whether they're offering the Festival of the Holidays when you're there, there might not be a parade in DCA).
• a bug's land: It closed and is being converted to a Marvel area. It means no cut through from Guardians/ToT to Carsland anymore.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission: Breakout! has replaced Tower of Terror (same basic ride, but with a new theme/story and look).
• Soarin' Around the World: Depending on when you went during the 60th, this one might not be new. They changed the Soarin' movie, so now you visit iconic locations all around the world.
• Shops & Dining: The shops and dining change on a fairly regular basis, so you'll probably find some places to eat (e.g., Tropical Hideway) and some changes to what the shops might carry.

 

[disneyworldsk]

Thank you this is excellent. A lot has changed and I can see some things like fw and evening shows are still maybes like world of color (?) and the paint the night. so I guess i will wait on that. We are staying at the gch because of the new renovations and easy access. and obviously swe. If the crowds are larger nowadays can you update me on booking dining reservations? Last time we just walked up to places. or perhaps day before. Is that still the case? And I am interested in evening show packages do they still offer that and do you recommend any tours or is the walt's apt. one only? Thank you very much. Very helpful, I am a wdw east coaster. I did read the helpful posts/forums on comparisons but I really wanted to know the changes since I was there for the 60th. Best time ever btw.

 

[disneyworldsk]

oh, sorry I do have another question! I don't understand where to find things online specifically my account? Like mde app and the website you can find your hotel reservations, etc. But idk where my gch reservation is to visually see it.

 

[figment_jii]

A lot of advice depends on when in November you are going...is it before or after the start of the Holiday season (I would assume the holidays will start around Veterans Day weekend based on the past; while we don't know for sure, that seems as good a bet as any)? Also is the trip on weekdays or weekends or a both?

It's really hard to say what the entertainment schedule will be like in November; it probably depends a lot on how SW:GE is impacting crowd distribution and flow. WoC has been down for quite a while due to an accident that damaged the show infrastructure; they haven't given a firm re-opening date, but I'm sure they'd like to have it back before SW:GE opens. Assuming it's back up, I would expect them to be presenting it nightly (especially after SW:GE opens to help encourage guests to visit DCA). In terms of PtN, assuming it comes back (which they have not said it would), they have not (typically) presented a parade in DCA while one of the food festivals is occurring. So, it might return this summer or not, but again, I think it depends on what they want/need to do to balance the crowds between the parks.

In terms of dining...it's still not as bad as WDW, but I would strongly recommend making reservations if you know where you want to eat and/or want to eat at a specific time. Walk-ups are still possible (except at Blue Bayou and dessert and dining packages), but the waits can be pretty long (>45 minutes). After SW:GE opens, it's hard to say whether this will still be the case or not. Dining reservations can be made 60-days in advance (normally), but things can be slow to load at the start of a new month or "season" (e.g., Holiday season). You can make reservations online, on the phone, or via the app (I strongly recommend downloading the official Disneyland app, but note that it is not the same as MDE).